Update - - My Next Mod - An I Pad - - No!

[usranger74]

I am thinking of buying an Apple I Pad (my next mod)

I have several long trips planned this year. I try to camp as much as I can.

The I Pad would allow me to ck weather, get messages, ck my route for gas stations etc - as long as I can get Internet access - which is not all that hard any more.

Have any of you folks used a I Pad?

[cactusjack]

I can do all that with my DroidX phone. Of course I haul my laptop with me on the road, too.

[Netnorske]

I've been debating getting one of those tiny netbook laptops. Any pros or cons? Sorry...don't mean to hijack here....

[cactusjack]

I've been debating getting one of those tiny netbook laptops. Any pros or cons? Sorry...don't mean to hijack here....

I almost bought one myself. They have a couple of nice ones at Costco. I thought it over and since I already have a nice Toshiba laptop, the only reason for the netbook would be to carry on the bike for the 1-2 times a year I take an overnight trip. I couldn't justify spending $300 for something I might use twice a year. Your situation may be different.

[simdog]

I am thinking of buying an Apple I Pad (my next mod)

I have several long trips planned this year. I try to camp as much as I can.

The I Pad would allow me to ck weather, get messages, ck my route for gas stations etc - as long as I can get Internet access - which is not all that hard any more.

Have any of you folks used a I Pad?

For the most part, it's a bigger screen version of the iPhone ... without the phone. If you have an iPhone, then you pretty much already know how to use an iPad. Keep in mind that there are two versions (wifi-only for wifi hotspots and 3G for on-the road internet and wifi). The 3G version will cost you monthly for a data plan while the wifi-only doesn't, but only works in wifi hotspots.

[Bull Durham]

If you get one, I'd buy the IPad #1, as the #2 just came out and there is almost no difference in hardware, but the price. You can probably get a good price on the #1 with the people staying up with the latest toy out there.

That said, and they are pretty nice, I'd rather have a netbook over the IPad. The IPad is nice, but is basically a big ITouch. I just like typing on a real keyboard over typing on the glass screen. Because of work, I'm right now using a HP Elitebook 6930P, and I'm pretty impressed with it. Pretty small, has all the bells and whistles and I can type on it.

I do have to say, the IPad would be pretty nice with a RAM mount and use as your GPS. If you are worried about not having access to any network, you could always use a Air Card. I don't know what they charge, as we get them at work in case we don't have any wireless connectivity. The air card works over the cellular network, kind of like a cell phone.

[blowndodge]

I bought an 10" Acer at Costco on sale for $199. thats my traveling puter. My nice one stays home.

I'm thinking of upgrading my cell phone to a droid and teathering to my lap tops so I can discontinue my home internet service. T-mobile is offering $79 for unlimited everything...

[usranger74]

I've been debating getting one of those tiny netbook laptops. Any pros or cons? Sorry...don't mean to hijack here....

Not hijacking - I forgot to say that I was also looking at a Netbook.

The Netbook weights 2.9 lbs. The I Pad less than 1 lb.

The Netbook I am looking at cost 280.00. The I Pad 500.00

The big appeal to me about the I Pad are all the fee or low cost Apps I can add. True - you can also find most of the info the standard way on the Notebook. I also like the idea that I can down load USA Today free and read it on my lunch stop. Screen size is about the same. Keyboard on the I Pad is funky but I don't plan on using it all that much. The crystal clear screen on the I Pad can not be duplicated in the Notebook.

I think I just talked my self into the I Pad!!

[blowndodge]

They have drugs for that Ranger! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[audiogooroo]

I have an iPad 2 and I use it all the time (work related). However, as some have said, it's pretty much a large iPod touch. While I rely heavily on mine for industry specific applications, be aware that it will NOT replace a laptop. My advice concerning iPads is that they are very useful for certain people in certain applications. The apps are pretty cool, but only you can determine if that's what you really need. If you determine that you do need an iPad, I suggest purchasing the second generation simply because it is thinner than the first, has better battery life and has a camera built in, but if you already have a first generation iPad, it's not worth upgrading to the iPad 2.
Many people buy one simply because they are an Apple-head who worship at the altar of the i-god, but that takes some considerable disposable income.
To summarize, I love mine, but they are not for everyone, and there are other methods of accomplishing most of the same functions that cost a lot less.

[Top Cat]

As long as we are on the subject.
I am looking for something like Brad has but I want to be able to download my MapSource and Streets and Trips programs on it.
So I need something with a CD or DVD draw on it.
Any suggestions?
Yeah, can you tell I know nothing about computers? :-[

[Cajunrider]

What a coincidence.....I was called today by a corporate vendor thanking me for filling out a long survey on explosimeters that we use at the plant. We use these meters to test the air for hydrocarbon LEL and O2 before entering vessels, boilers, or columns confined spaces. I filled out the survey about 3 weeks ago. It took nearly an hour to complete it. I asked myself a couple of times why I had agreed to do it. At the end of the survey, as a thank you gesture, I was promised a $50 Amazon gift card. When they called today for my mailing address verification, she told me that there was an additional prize drawing for all of those who took the time to complete the process. My name was selected and I won an I Pad. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif No details on the model. It will be mailed to me at home along with the Amazon gift card. I should have bought a Powerball ticket on the way home. ;)

[cactusjack]

As long as we are on the subject.
I am looking for something like Brad has but I want to be able to download my MapSource and Streets and Trips programs on it.
So I need something with a CD or DVD draw on it.
Any suggestions?
Yeah, can you tell I know nothing about computers? :-[

At least you didn't refer to the CD/DVD drive as a coffee cup holder.

[Dave]

So I need something with a CD or DVD draw on it.
Any suggestions?


External USB DVD player?

[wiz]

I have a Dell Mini netbook that is very easy to take along on the bike and its WiFi works at hotels and restaurants or with my Droid 2's wifi hotspot. Since I sometimes have to actually do work while on vacation, I really need to have a PC. For just fun stuff, an iPad would probably be fine. Packing space is at a premium on the bike when the wife comes along. :-)

[Bull Durham]

If I was just going to surf the internet and have very limited use for a keyboard or regular computer, then I think the IPad would be great. Ranger, for what you are saying you want to use it for, it sounds like it will be a great purchase for you and work out great.

Audio, how is the eye coming along?

[stretch]

I have the iPad 1 and love it. I have a laptop for work but for surfing and email I use the iPad. It's more mobile and works well for traveling. Glad I bought it.

[Netnorske]

I'd be using it for travel as well... just web browsing.....like here of course....and for checking my email. Really not much else I don't think. I have an HP Pavilion P6000 series PC at home with a big 21" monitor. I just need something small and useful for on the road.

[usranger74]

I stopped by an Apple store this PM and played with the I Pad 2. When the store cleared out of good looking young girls I finally got some help with a Apple guy. Then, more good looking gals came in and off he went http://s2.images.proboards.com/angry.gif:(" title=">:(" border="0"/>

I was not able to get around the Internet like I can on my lap top. But, with a little practice I think that would change.

Still looking and thinking. ???

[Cajunrider]

Bill, I'll let you know what I think of mine when I receive it.

[reaper]

I'm thinking about the blackberry playbook. I like size, somewhere between an iPhone and an iPad.

[audiogooroo]

What a coincidence.....I was called today by a corporate vendor thanking me for filling out a long survey on explosimeters that we use at the plant. We use these meters to test the air for hydrocarbon LEL and O2 before entering vessels, boilers, or columns confined spaces. I filled out the survey about 3 weeks ago. It took nearly an hour to complete it. I asked myself a couple of times why I had agreed to do it. At the end of the survey, as a thank you gesture, I was promised a $50 Amazon gift card. When they called today for my mailing address verification, she told me that there was an additional prize drawing for all of those who took the time to complete the process. My name was selected and I won an I Pad. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif No details on the model. It will be mailed to me at home along with the Amazon gift card. I should have bought a Powerball ticket on the way home. ;)
Way cool Mitch! Congratulations! I'm willing to bet that what that iPad cost you is exactly to the penny what you had budgeted for one! ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[audiogooroo]

Audio, how is the eye coming along?
No change. I'm still a one-eyed SOB, but I'm adjusting. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif Thanks!

[nomadbehappy]

I have a laptop, netbook iPhone and an iPad, thankfully all courtesy of my work. Each serves their purpose and serves it well. I have only had the iPad for a few months now, I definitely like it but like others have said you have to decide if it is right for you. About the only cons I have found for the iPad is the keyboard and the lack of being able to view flash. There are a couple of apps that will convert flash to something viewable by the iPad, but that is a pain. I'm not a fan of the on screen keyboard, so what I did is bought a case for the iPad that also contains a rubberized keyboard. Although not as good as a normal keyboard it does the trick. I think the iPad will be great to throw in a saddlebag or the beerbox, it is compact and I get a full day's use out of the battery, much better than my laptop or netbook.

Brian

[ballast]

As long as we are on the subject.
I am looking for something like Brad has but I want to be able to download my MapSource and Streets and Trips programs on it.
So I need something with a CD or DVD draw on it.
Any suggestions?
Yeah, can you tell I know nothing about computers? :-[

I have a Dell 10 inch Mini. I have an external CD/DVD drive that plugs into a USB when I want to load stuff. It is great for travel.

[jestephens]

I am thinking of buying an Apple I Pad (my next mod)

I have several long trips planned this year. I try to camp as much as I can.

The I Pad would allow me to ck weather, get messages, ck my route for gas stations etc - as long as I can get Internet access - which is not all that hard any more.

Have any of you folks used a I Pad?

For the most part, it's a bigger screen version of the iPhone ... without the phone. If you have an iPhone, then you pretty much already know how to use an iPad. Keep in mind that there are two versions (wifi-only for wifi hotspots and 3G for on-the road internet and wifi). The 3G version will cost you monthly for a data plan while the wifi-only doesn't, but only works in wifi hotspots.


Can you tether an iPad, like you can a computer? I bought an Asus PC slate, and since it's a true Win7 PC instead of an oversized phone, I tether via Bluetooth it to my phone and don't have to buy any additional data plan for internet.

Of course it's about 4 times thicker than an iPad, but it doesn't need any apps to make it act like a computer, and has much more capability. HOWEVER, It just depends on your needs and how you plan to use it.
Price is similar at $1000. (could be cheaper now?? I preordered and received it in February)

If you had one of these, you could access the internet, and use one of its USB ports to transfer planned routes to your GPS. Or use its SD card reader and bluetooth keyboard [included] to update KawaNOW with your adventures and pictures while you're on the road.
Use it like I do, as a notepad too. With Microsoft OneNote and the stylus, you can write and erase just like a real pencil without pushing any extra buttons to differentiate. - The screen knows the difference between the stylus and your hand too. Ever try to write with the iPad app? You have to use it like a crayon so your hand doesn't touch the screen too.

I could brag about the Asus slate all day. It has completely replaced my entire brief case !!! Catalogs, calculators, Padfolio, EVERYTHING http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif PLUS gives me PowerPoint presentations and animations at my fingertips ready to visually demonstrate a technology or technique I'm trying to sell.

[bogatyrs]

I have an iMac and a PC laptop and looked long and hard at the iPad. My feeling is that it would serve a purpose but lacks some functionality for my uses and is limited in memory for me when on the road. I want to upload my HD video and it is not easy to do nor does it have adequate memory.

I seriously looked at the new AirMac but it is a bit pricey. It is small, extremely fast but dose have some limitations. So I am sticking with my oversized laptop for now.

The trouble with Apple products is that once "...you taste the lemonade you get hooked." I love the iMac and wish I made the move years ago.

I recently added an iPhone IV and love it. Most of the aps available on the iPad are avaialble here and I love reading books on it. The resoulution on the screen is fantastic.

[drno]

I think my wife uses those ...... :)

[ponch]

If you get one, I'd buy the IPad #1, as the #2 just came out and there is almost no difference in hardware, but the price. You can probably get a good price on the #1 with the people staying up with the latest toy out there.

That said, and they are pretty nice, I'd rather have a netbook over the IPad. The IPad is nice, but is basically a big ITouch. I just like typing on a real keyboard over typing on the glass screen. Because of work, I'm right now using a HP Elitebook 6930P, and I'm pretty impressed with it. Pretty small, has all the bells and whistles and I can type on it.

I do have to say, the IPad would be pretty nice with a RAM mount and use as your GPS. If you are worried about not having access to any network, you could always use a Air Card. I don't know what they charge, as we get them at work in case we don't have any wireless connectivity. The air card works over the cellular network, kind of like a cell phone.

Actually there is a big difference in the hardware.

[ponch]

I bought an 10" Acer at Costco on sale for $199. thats my traveling puter. My nice one stays home.

I'm thinking of upgrading my cell phone to a droid and teathering to my lap tops so I can discontinue my home internet service. T-mobile is offering $79 for unlimited everything...

if you can get Verizon, they have LTE, which is pretty damn fast, over 10mb. I think a LTE miFi is $50 a month and if you can purchase through a government discount program, it's 18% off usually.

[ponch]

I've been debating getting one of those tiny netbook laptops. Any pros or cons? Sorry...don't mean to hijack here....

Not hijacking - I forgot to say that I was also looking at a Netbook.

The Netbook weights 2.9 lbs. The I Pad less than 1 lb.

The Netbook I am looking at cost 280.00. The I Pad 500.00

The big appeal to me about the I Pad are all the fee or low cost Apps I can add. True - you can also find most of the info the standard way on the Notebook. I also like the idea that I can down load USA Today free and read it on my lunch stop. Screen size is about the same. Keyboard on the I Pad is funky but I don't plan on using it all that much. The crystal clear screen on the I Pad can not be duplicated in the Notebook.

I think I just talked my self into the I Pad!!

Get an iPad...

[duneseven]

I use the itouch for travel it requies me to wear my readers more but travels well and takes up virtually no space. The itouch is about all i need I just check email and plan routes etc. consider the ipad 2 it has an advantage over the 1st generation it has the ability to facetime, over the internet video communications is alot better than a phone call imho

[ponch]

I have an iPad 2 and I use it all the time (work related). However, as some have said, it's pretty much a large iPod touch. While I rely heavily on mine for industry specific applications, be aware that it will NOT replace a laptop. My advice concerning iPads is that they are very useful for certain people in certain applications. The apps are pretty cool, but only you can determine if that's what you really need. If you determine that you do need an iPad, I suggest purchasing the second generation simply because it is thinner than the first, has better battery life and has a camera built in, but if you already have a first generation iPad, it's not worth upgrading to the iPad 2.
Many people buy one simply because they are an Apple-head who worship at the altar of the i-god, but that takes some considerable disposable income.
To summarize, I love mine, but they are not for everyone, and there are other methods of accomplishing most of the same functions that cost a lot less.

I used to be a Mac head, but now I like to use what works best, whatever that is. I just take my 13" white Mac Book. It's not prohibitive in size and does everything. That said, I wouldn't feel bad about using an iPad either. With cloud computing coming into it's own, thin devices like the iPad will the norm.

As far as smart phones go, I find the screens too small and they are relatively fragile (our DR phones at work are Droid 2s. I'd kill it if I had more than the week at a time I get it). I use a Casio G'zone Brigade. It's milspec and water resistant too. I am very hard on my phones. If I need a laptop, I bring it.

[schoeney]

I have a 3 ring notebook with lined paper, #2 lead pencil, a bic pen, an abacus. and a rotary dial telephone.

How does that compare with this stuff?

[usranger74]

I ended up buying a HP netbook. Why? I think it is more robust in construction and I don't think I would ever get use to the I Pad keyboard. The HP has 4 gig of ran, a 11" screen, 250 hard disk and its wt come in at 3.5 lbs with a duel core processor.

Thank you for your comments and advise.

[drno]

Does RAM make a bar bracket for that......

[audiogooroo]

Does RAM make a bar bracket for that......
Oh dear God I hope not!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[ponch]

Does RAM make a bar bracket for that......
Oh dear God I hope not!!! http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

I am pretty sure someone does. I have seen it online...

[petenomad]

http://www.ram-mount.com/NewProducts/AppleiPadMounts/tabid/2614/Default.aspx
The one that straps around your leg would probably work good on the nomad. :)

[drno]

LOL, we could use that for wind breaks for our hands, one on each side of the bars...

[Loafer]

Whatever happened to just having fun without the world up our asses?

[ponch]

Whatever happened to just having fun without the world up our asses?

Some people prefer inanimate objects or even animate objects. The world is a little to large for most. They need to work it in... http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[Loafer]

Well, that's a mouth full...

[ponch]

Well, that's a mouth full...

There are always dental dams. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

[Loafer]

Well, that's a mouth full...

There are always dental dams. http://s2.images.proboards.com/shocked.gif

???

[markw]

I went to a conference in Florida back in February and also won an Ipad 1. I already had a nice company purchased Dell Laptop. And while having the free Ipad is a nice thing I would never have shelled out the money they wanted for them as I could do so much more with the laptop. My impression was if you just want to just do email, internet, maps (similar to gps) and have access to Wifi the cost was too great. After having it a while I am finding more and more apps (many free) that are available for them too. I recently purchased one of the droid phones and I can't find anything that I can't do with the phone that I can with the Ipad. The Ipad does have a bigger screen than the phone. I use the hotspot feature on the phone and access the internet with the Ipad. So after having it a while I could easily get by on a road trip with the phone and the Ipad and easier to pack than the laptop. And if you had the Ipad2 it has the aircard and you would not need the smart phone. For my daily home or work use I would still want a desktop or laptop.

[Cajunrider]

I received an email this morning from Apple stating that the ipad 2 16gb that I won shipped today and will arrive on the 7th. I am looking for a case for it this morning. Zagg makes a very nice alluminum case with the built in Bluetooth keyboard for $100 with free shipping. Don't know if the case would come in before leaving for the National next Sunday. I'll just pick up a cheap protective case at Bestbuy so I can bring it with me to MV.

[audiogooroo]

I received an email this morning from Apple stating that the ipad 2 16gb that I won shipped today and will arrive on the 7th. I am looking for a case for it this morning. Zagg makes a very nice alluminum case with the built in Bluetooth keyboard for $100 with free shipping. Don't know if the case would come in before leaving for the National next Sunday. I'll just pick up a cheap protective case at Bestbuy so I can bring it with me to MV.
Mitch, I bought the magnetic screen cover for mine. I really like it because it protects the screen and also folds to create an angled support for desktop use. Most full cases will cover the camera lens, so that can be problematic (if you use the camera). I definitely wouldn't spend too much on a case until after you've had it a week or two and see how you actually use it. I really like how thin the iPad 2 is, and it sort of defeats that feature when people put in a thick case. But it really does depend on the environment it will be used and transported in.

[Cajunrider]

I purchased a neoprene padded sleeve for it. This will be fine to make the trip. I saw many folding leather cases that can angle the ipad like you mentioned Daryl. I'm not going to invest in anything fancy until I see how much I'll use it. Thanks.

[Netnorske]

Okay...I finally broke down and bought myself a little Fathers Day gift. Ran over to Best Buy with my son (23 yrs old....way more tech savvy than me) and bought a small HP Netbook for traveling. Most hotels have free Wi-Fi, so it should work great for checking my email, weather, the forum here...stuff like that. It is not the greatest thing out there, but a modest middle of the road unit that should serve my purposes well enough and I couldn't argue the price. If it lasts for a couple years it becomes almost disposable at that point.

Even in the case it is pretty compact, but I'll need to get more creative for the power cord and mouse. I need the mouse as I hate doing that finger thing on laptops. Should be a nice little tool. I'll get to use it here in a couple short weeks as I'll be off on a 2500 miler July 1st!

I know this is not earth shattering stuff to most of you, but for me, a guy who still uses a plain cell phone....this is a big accomplishment... ;) http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif.

HP Mini Model: 110-3131dx (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Mini+Netbook+/+Intel%26%23174%3B+Atom%26%23153%3B+Processor+/+10.1%22+Display+/+1GB+Memory+/+160GB+Hard+Drive+-+Black/2388059.p?id=1218324438601&skuId=2388059)

[markclark57]

My plain cell phone is a 3 year old Casio Exilim. My 1st & only computer is a black 4 year old MacBook. Both bought before the $$$ started to get tight. At the time 240 gb was a big deal, now, not so much. Patricia got her HP for a $25.00 raffle drawing. Thats about 1/100th of the MacBook at the time. It works just as good. Both of them are going to have to be good enough until we close on the house in Lynnwood. I'm not even up on what this box can do. Find myself wishing I had the $$$ back that I dumped into it.

[ponch]

My plain cell phone is a 3 year old Casio Exilim. My 1st & only computer is a black 4 year old MacBook. Both bought before the $$$ started to get tight. At the time 240 gb was a big deal, now, not so much. Patricia got her HP for a $25.00 raffle drawing. Thats about 1/100th of the MacBook at the time. It works just as good. Both of them are going to have to be good enough until we close on the house in Lynnwood. I'm not even up on what this box can do. Find myself wishing I had the $$$ back that I dumped into it.

The real difference is the operating system, although Apple integrates their hardware and software better as they control both. I have a Casio G'zone Brigade. I used to have a Boulder.

[ken]

I think you went in the right direction with the netbook/notebook. I've had mine for a couple of years and it goes with me when I travel - business or vacations. Right now on vacation and using it. My problem is like Netnorske, I hate the built in mouse so I have a small USB mini mouse along and disable the mouse pad. Other problem is a I find the keyboard too small for comfortable typing so I drag a full sized keyboard along as well, at least when traveling with the car (gotta buy one of those flexible keyboards for travel). I also at times carry an external hard drive an/or a thumb drive. Might be too much junk for a road trip but the netbook/notebook provides the flexibility that I like, although in fairness I know nothing about iPads or other such items....just not interested now that I am 100% retired.

[usranger74]

My HP Netbook worked great on my way to and from MV.

Using free Wi-Fi (most of the time a McDs) I was able to dodge some very nasty thunderstorm cells and/or cool my jets while the cell passed.

Lot's for fee Wi-Fi in the east and south, but going west on rule roads not so sure.