Apple IPad

[Ballenxj]

Anyone use them, like them? I'm going to get an Apple refurbished IPad II with its own 3G internet instead of the newer more costly current generation with 4G. I figure it wont burn through too much data that way. <br />I would like to hear what you guys thoughts on this are though. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Wacamp1022]

I use an IPad with 3G. On road trips I watch programs on Netflix all the time. Very good battery life.

 

[Ballenxj]

Sound encouraging Wacamp1022. Thanks for your input. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /> Anybody else? <br />-Bruce

 

[peacetara]

My kids have one.&nbsp; They LOVE it.&nbsp; I definitely can see the benefits of having one on the road, a nice giant map when you want it, and a great way to lay in bed and read a book, plus all the other things it can do!<br /><br />About the 3G vs wifi, if you already have a MIFI, or some other internet device, you probably can get away with just the wifi model, and use your other Internet.<br /><br /> Otherwise, your iPad can become a WiFI hotspot and share it's 3G connection using 'Personal Hotspot'.&nbsp; With Verizon it's free, other providers you may have to pay extra to enable that feature.

 

[Ballenxj]

<span id="post_message_1275288736">About the 3G vs wifi, if you already have a MIFI, or some other internet device, you probably can get away with just the wifi model, and use your other Internet.

<br />Thanks Tara. I ordered the second gen with a VeriZon connection and wifi. I will probably mostly use the wifi for the net at the moment, but I also wanted the option of connecting direct when needed. I know an Apple techy that steered me into this. He pointed out that with this set up I can connect any time I want through the ipad, and cancel any time I want as well. And the best part is all this with no contract. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />Another plus that I can think of is the ipad has no moving parts. This means no hard drive to fail. <br />I'm hoping it will be all this guy says it is. <br />Oh, I'll be happy to not have Microsoft insisting on doing updates when I only have a few minutes to get online. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />I'll see when I get it.<br />-Bruce<br /></span>

 

[offroad]

I have an IPAD II with Verizon 3G as bought from Apple, and activated for $20 per month.<br /><br />1)&nbsp; Only use NETFLIX when you have WIFI else you will burn up your monthly data allocation in two movies.&nbsp; Video burns up data fast.<br /><br />2)&nbsp; Can highly recommend JAILBREAKING it to get access to more software sources, and more interesting tools.&nbsp; But only if you like to do geek activities with it.&nbsp; Mine is modified to use a MOUSE and KEYBOARD with it, which makes it a nice computer.<br /><br />3)&nbsp; Focus on all the FREE apps as there are plenty to use that are free versions.&nbsp; <br /><br />4)&nbsp; Get a good cover to shield the IPAD from drops.&nbsp; Have one that makes the IPAD look like a notebook portfolio for stealth and safety.<br /><br />5)&nbsp; There are several WIFI phone services available. I use FRING and it works great for cheap phone calls over WIFI (your end)&nbsp;to regular phone and cellphones (normal cell tower connections for them, and wired land lines).<br /><br />6) If you get the AT&amp;T version, it can later be unlocked on a GSM network (other competing carrier companies).&nbsp; Good for getting your 3G cheaper.&nbsp; <br /><br />

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks off road, I am now posting from my new iPad.
-Bruce

 

[cedric]

I have an IPAD II with Verizon 3G as bought from Apple, and activated for $20 per month.<br />5)&nbsp; There are several WIFI phone services available. I use FRING and it works great for cheap phone calls over WIFI (your end)&nbsp;to regular phone and cellphones (normal cell tower connections for them, and wired land lines).<br />

<br /><br />Hi offroad, can you elaborate on the wifi phone calls? is that the same as something like skype?<br /><br />thanks

 

[Ballenxj]

<br />Hi offroad, can you illaborate on the wifi phone calls? is that the same as something like skype?<br />

<br />Same question, if you will. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[psytechguy]

Whether you're connected to the Internet through a wired modem or wireless (wifi),
you can use a VOIP application (Voice Over IP) such as Skype to make phone calls.
There are other VOIP apps available. Typically they will all charge a fee.

I pay $9.95 a month for VOIP service through Line2 and have their app on my iPod Touch.
Whenever I'm in range of a WiFi network and can connect to the Internet, I can make phone calls. If I can't get a network, no phone.

Not perfect, but handy!

ETA:

just wanted to clarify, this is a device with NO cell phone capability. No 3G or 4G.
Only WiFi. You can do the same thing with a WiFi only iPad.

Again, the downside is that you have to be able to connect to a WiFi network to make calls.

 

[offroad]

I have an IPAD II with Verizon 3G as bought from Apple, and activated for $20 per month.<br />5)&nbsp; There are several WIFI phone services available. I use FRING and it works great for cheap phone calls over WIFI (your end)&nbsp;to regular phone and cellphones (normal cell tower connections for them, and wired land lines).<br />

<br /><br />Hi offroad, can you elaborate on the wifi phone calls? is that the same as something like skype?<br /><br />thanks

<br /><br />Yes same as Skype. Only better. FRING minutes do not expire. I put $10 on my FRING account a year ago and still have it for when I need to make WIFI calls. Happens a lot when visiting friends who have poor cellphone service but great WIFI service. The IPAD will of &nbsp;course use the ear bud - microphone for best conversation quality

 

[Ballenxj]

I have an IPAD II with Verizon 3G as bought from Apple, and activated for $20 per month.&lt;br /&gt;5)&nbsp; There are several WIFI phone services available. I use FRING and it works great for cheap phone calls over WIFI (your end)&nbsp;to regular phone and cellphones (normal cell tower connections for them, and wired land lines).&lt;br /&gt;

&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Hi offroad, can you elaborate on the wifi phone calls? is that the same as something like skype?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;thanks

&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Yes same as Skype. Only better. FRING minutes do not expire. I put $10 on my FRING account a year ago and still have it for when I need to make WIFI calls. Happens a lot when visiting friends who have poor cellphone service but great WIFI service. The IPAD will of &nbsp;course use the ear bud - microphone for best conversation quality

OK, Now I'm a bit confused. Do you mean wifi from somewhere other than a cell tower? Like McDonalds or Denny's?
-Bruce

 

[offroad]

Balllenxj - let me explain further as many many are very confused about this.<br /><br />Your Ipad 2 uses 3G data network from verizon, when you do not have wifi coverage available (you will see the 3G symbol pop up in the corner).&nbsp; When you do have WIFI you will see the antenna bars pop up (3G disappears), that you have connection available (you still have to log into every WIFI network, unless your device remembers the password).<br /><br />So you are either on 3G data through verizon; or you are on WIFI data from a WIFI access point (mcdonalds, or starbucks, or home).&nbsp; Never both.<br /><br />The application FRING does not care which one you are on.&nbsp; It will allow you to call out regardless of which data connection you are using.&nbsp; You can call any phone number anywhere, as long as you have money in your FRING account.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks again offroad. I'm still trying to get used to using my ipad. (I'm back on my lap top now, but my previous post was with the ipad.) <br />When I first fired up my lap top, it told me not to shut it down because windows was being configured WHAT? I don't want someone telling me what to do with "my" machine. Sometimes they are so busy configuring my machine that I don't have time to use it. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" /> <br />This is one of the main reasons that I'm giving Apple a shot. I haven't had my ipad do that to me once yet. I just have to learn more about using it. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Lostinspace]

And your iPad, iPhone or iPod won't ever interrupt you to do a system update. My iPhone for instance has been sitting with a notice to update to the latest iOS version for a week. I'll do it when it's convient for me. Apple takes care of you.

Have fun

Wade
iPad first gen
iPhone 3GS
All old but works for me

 

[Seraphim]

I have a wireless only iPad and love it. Haven't used a laptop or desktop since the iPad came out. Windows is a memory hogging dinosaur. Runs too much background programming not necessary for the operation of the machine. My Internet connection is the Sprint mobile hotspot. Been a computer nerd since the days of the TRS1.