Ten Ipad Notes & Niggles

I picked up an iPad when they first shipped in the UK at the end of May. Here's some random observations after three months of use.

1. It's no match for a desktop or laptop for continuous desk use. I hardly never use it when I'm at my desk.
2. Since I got it, my previous out-and-about device; my 15" MacBook Pro, has turned into a desktop. It never leaves the house and having an iPad will probably considerably extend the time before I replace the MacBook. The iPad is small enough to go pretty much anywhere and last for hours which is a big plus.
3. Every time I visit the App Store I'm disappointed by the same old apps always being in the featured section. Like for months. Doesn't feel like there's a massive amount of iPad app coding going on.
4. Screen smudges and smearing is a real niggle. I have invested in several strategically placed microfibre cloths around the house, in my case and in the car. I hate using it in smear mode, particularly in bright surroundings.
5. The Apple case is shit. Functional, but too 1990's in design. Get a Dodocase.
6. I'm being ground down by Update fatigue. This doesn't only apply to the iPad, obviously, but literally every day (sometimes multiple times a day) my App Store icon shows a little red badge number indicating one or more of my apps has an update waiting. This is a bigger topic which deserves its own post. And it's my fault for having so many apps, but it's growing tiresome. They should have a weekly update day, or something.
7. Apple's spreadsheet app, Numbers, is pretty shit. Just an elaborate viewer all told.
8. It's a pain that you can't sync AND charge it with USB (on my 2006 Mac Pro anyway). I now have an extra white cable on my desk.
9. It's cool that iPhone apps scale up to run on it, but it really is a compromise. Before long you get narked at the pixelation.
10. It isn't the second coming of Christ, but for a first go it's closer than any other device to earning that description.

Comments

[Gregor Petri]

Gary, great review. Recognize the microfiber need, but .... Managed to tug one away in the original apple iPad case (the black leathery cardboard thing they charge 35 usd for) . Just fold in twice over the lomg side and tug it in. Gives a small bulge at the back but that is barely noticable and works like a charm.

When outside i carry around a mifi for wifi access, that also works perfect. Agree that on desk I hardly use it for browsing (with 3 22 inch screens side to side would not fit anywhere, but do use it to play webcasts on the side while working. Just put is horizontally behind my keyboard(s).

[gary]

To be honest I have he same desk real estate problem with 2 x 23" displays and my 15" MacBook side by side; there's no practical room left for the iPad. I bought the stand but never use it. Can't imagine a scenario when you'd ever really get use from the stand with keyboard attached.

[Rod Drury]

I hope iOS4.2 has arrow keys on the keyboard. Also folders needed just to find stuff and multitasking will be great so I can check email while playing Angry Birds.

[Hugh]

Looking forward to iOS4.2. It *is* BRILLIANT but it is far from perfect. On my list:<p>

* Safari buttons should be at the bottom of the screen.
The whole time your hands are in the main at the bottom of the device. why do you need to move so far to navigate (ditto for mail).</I><p>

* Travelling - blows laptop out of the window - battery, media consumption, auto 3G connectivity = fab
End of.<p>

* Auto orientation very useful for comfort
Miss this on the iPhone already!<p>

* Lack of data storage and rich email and note client annoying
Both mean that when working away for a meaningful amount of time, the laptop goes instead. Simple things like proper font management and support for rich signatures to keep in line with Mac Mail client would be nice and help enormously.<p>

* Multiple mail account navigation clumsy
Again navigation at the top (wrong) and not even as good as original iPhone OS. A single inbox would be good which will hopefully come in November?<p>

[gary]

Yep, totally agree on the Safari icon positioning, that's mind bending.

Unified mail is awesome, too. Plus, I don't know what Home is on your inbox view, where do you tap to get it to scroll up to the most recent message. Am I the only person who doesn't know this?