As I had mentioned the other day I had traded my 1st generation iPad in for one of the new one – and it was shipped to my door yesterday because there was no way I was going to stand in line for that!
The last few days have been a fantastic test of it’s viability in a number of different settings, especially in terms of blogging both as a professional use-case as well as a novice and from a hobbyist perspective.
I quickly opened up the case to dive inside, restored from backup from iCloud and then began using some of my typical applications as well as some of the new suggested ones that I’ve been hearing about in the past few days.
Here are some of my initial gut-level thoughts after a few minutes of usage:
[tentblogger-vimeo 38959617]
So the initial thought was that it’s probably not worth the purchase price if you’re just looking to use it for blogging as your main justification.
But, after a few more days and use I have a more educated perspective. Here are some new thoughts after having it for a week:
- The camera is amazing. Great pictures (see below).
- The videos (and uploading directly to Vimeo) in HD is also just as amazing. I’d want to use this more often for my blog posts.
- The applications are super-zippy and very responsive. This matters to me, even if I’m just writing text in my favorite iA Writer, which is available on the iPad.
- It’s still not the best for publishing directly but it’s a strong contender for drafting.
Finally, I must admit that it is a bit awkward taking images and video with it (Yes, I’m “that” guy with the bulky device) but I don’t mind that one bit!
Hey, it is what it is.
And here is a video I took with my team:
[tentblogger-vimeo 39343449]
Pretty good, right?
I still stand by my initial thoughts that you probably shouldn’t jump for the new iPad unless you have other specific uses in mind, beyond just blogging, but if you’re interested in using as a device to help supplement your content creation it could be a neat addition to your own creative workflow.
I still won’t publish posts via my iPad (or really any other device for that matter) so I sticking strong to my trusty Macbook Air.
Did you end up getting the new iPad (3rd Generation)? What were your reasons? Are you loving it?
I registered for one for my wedding in 2 months. I’m excited to use it. I’m considering a white one, even though it’s typecast as a girl’s color. Thoughts?
… go for it! i know a lot of guys that rock the white.
I’ve got the iPad 2 and I don’t think the upgraded features of the new iPad warrant the extra cost. At least for me.
That being said the retina display and processor speed are very enticing. I feel like I need to use the iPad more before justifying the new iPad.
However, I do wish I had more space. Only have 16GB.
Do you run into the heat issue with the new iPad at all?
it gets hot but not too bad so far…
I don’t have an iPad at all. I’m in the process of convincing the wife to get the new one. I may have to use this post as part of my appeal!
what would you use it for?
For people who need to type or do any kind of creative work an ipad is only a toy.
I’ll stick to my Macbook Pro/Macbook Air combo.
i think you’re limiting it’s potential… i know so seriously-creative work being done on it… this is just one instance of millions:
http://gizmodo.com/5520913/the-ipad-dj
I have the first iteration of the iPad. I know it doesn’t have the cool bells and whistles of the newest ones. I got it when I was in youth ministry to use in a variety of settings. It was only on the market for a few weeks before I bought it.
After using it for a couple of years (or however long it’s been now), I won’t buy another one. If you are into neat gadgets, and really get a kick out of having the newest and coolest, go for it. If you want a truly functional device, save your money for two generations of iPads and get a Macbook Air and a simple kindle. It isn’t very appealing to read the backlit screen, and I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve only had my iPad, and have wished I would have brought my Macbook instead.
The limitations of the iPad offset the mobility of it. Cool gadget, but when you get down to it, not worth the money.
limitations in your own use though, right? in wonder if there aren’t a few apps that would bring it “alive” for you…?
No need for me to upgrade. I spent a quarter of the cash on a new SSD for my Macbook Pro and installed it last night. Damn it is super zippy.
Love my iPad 2 but its at home all day with my girls. iAWriter is a great pp btw.
iawriter. winning!
I was all set and ready to pre-order an iPad 3. The engine in my suburban went out that same week and all my iPad money went into it.
I really wanted the iPad to replace my laptop at least 85% of the time. Over the last two weeks every time I sit down to my laptop to do something I ask myself: “Will I be able to do this as easily on an iPad?” So far my answer has been no half the time.
I will always be a content creator; audio, video and written.
The only Apple product I have ever owned is the iPhone (several generations).
I think my next purchase should be the Macbook Air.
ah man….. doh!!!!!!
I purchased the new iPad because I didn’t have one yet. I’m supprised I waited this long. ha ha. I have been enjoying it for reading and writing initial thoughts for blogs and sermons. I use iA Writer which is great!
I also use it for preaching and love it. I use GoodReader and love the ability to make quick notes on sermons or documents on the go. The annotate function is excellent in GoodReader.
It’s worked out really well for me, but it won’t replace my MB Air. There’s no way I could design and code on the iPad. To this point, that is strickly MB related. But for meetings, sermons, reading and lesiure browsing of the internet/twitter/facebook, the iPad does that very well. But for major editing and writing, I always go back to my MB.
awesome! that’s so neat that you’re using for preaching.
You can buy a nice wireless keyboard for it for the typing needs or if you need it all to stay together you can get the keyboard and case combo.
Most of us are typing bloggers, but it would be interesting to see what a video blogger would say about it. To have your video and computer in a slim compact design could be enticing. A nature video blogger could take this out in the field and video that rare beautiful butterfly just before it goes splat on a windshield. Then they could instantly type a post with it and send it to the net all while crying over the loss of a winged friend.
Which reminds me of the joke:
What is the last thing that goes through a bug’s mind when he hits the windshield?
……..his butt.
doh!
i have a blue tooth wireless keyboard for mine… but don’t use it very often.
Whew! I thought you were going to say that we should get an iPad for blogging. I just got an iPad2 for Christmas and I loved it until I got a dagger in the heart with the iPad3. Not sure if I will trade in my 2 for the 3. I will wait for the next release. I do use iMovie on my iPad2 for some of my blog posts and it seems to do good for me.
trading would be possible with amazon.
I’ve had an iPad 2 for a little over a year now.
I use it a lot!
However, it is not my primary creation device. I have written quite a few rough drafts for my blog(s). I’ve written more than one sermon on it. But, there have been a few quality of life issues that keep it from being a creation device for me. For instance, I blog on wordpress. The wordpress app has a lot to be desired! But, I can’t upload pictures to my blog without it. The upload function from the wordpress web app doesn’t work for my iPad 2. So, to upload a photo, I need to use the less than quality wordpress app. Also, I can’t use the basic photo editing features on wordpress(.com).
I’ve created small podcasts on it; but I won’t pretend that they are of any real quality. I’ve recorded videos, songs, talks, etc. and posted them to the web. But, they won’t come close to what you can do with other equipment.
While I may use different document apps, I’ll never put a ppt presentation together on an iPad 2. The app is way to clunky and lite. It just isn’t robust enough.
And that is just it. Most of the apps we have for the iPad; while functional, just aren’t robust enough for us to be creating content on it. Until the apps become more robust; I think we’ll be sticking with out PC(s)/Laptops for a little bit longer.
Now, I do use it to take notes during conferences, personal devotionals, journaling, email, youtube, reading books/blogs/articles, and etc. It is great for consuming content! Just not so good for creating it.
Tim
ah. the wordpress app… yes. wish it was better….!
I’ve had the ipad 2 and now pimpin the white 3rd Gen iPad , I find myself using it more than my MacBook pro. It sounds crazy but I find the apps on the iPad more useful.
huh. what’s your profession?