# So what's your verdict on the iPad? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 5, 2010, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394 "2010-05-05T09:21:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/121 "2010-05-11T13:16:08Z")
> [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](#): > > Yes, but where is the improvement in CNC technology that was being touted up thread? The choice of screws? _Really?_ Are you really going to argue with a machine shop owner on this issue? Volume and controlling price – that’s the key. Machine-shop, milling CNC’ing isn’t generally done for consumer items, because you can lose a lot of material (waste), and it’s time-consuming (volume). I’ve not seen any cites indicating whether the case is cast or rolled aluminum. One has less waste, but is much more expensive to produce. My guess would be that Apple’s manufacturing contractor isn’t using some simple\* machine shop CNC, but something intended for mass production. There are many, many CNC applications that aren’t universal, machine-shop CNC’s. [Here’s an example](http://www.soutec-asia.com/Web/images/fuel-pic01.jpg) of a CNC application (in this case, not for milling) for consumer-oriented, mass-produced goods. Strictly-speaking, it’s probably not the CNC technology per se that should be touted, but rather the application of it. \*Actually, they’re very sophisticated, because they’re intended to be able to fab virtually everything. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/122 "2010-05-11T13:20:06Z")
That’s great. But back to the thread at hand where we’re soliciting opinions from ipad owners… ---
**Author:** ![eno801](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c2a13f/32.png) [@eno801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eno801)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/123 "2010-05-11T17:01:54Z")
volume and controlling pricing is not > [@](#): > > improvements in large scale CNC aluminum production you make/order enough of something it will be cheaper.Send it to China even cheaper. and you are talking about aluminum not too expensive you can afford to scrap some. I don’t want to be a dick ,but come on. I have been keeping up with industry specific news for the last 10 years or so, my old man longer. I think I would have heard about apple bringing something new to the table. > [@](#): > > and it’s time-consuming Excuse me that is the point of CNC to reduce time and do it in volume:smack: > [@](#): > > simple\* machine shop CNC my 5- axis mori seki is not a simple machine. Prices on CNC mills and lathes have gotten cheaper over the years even small shops like mine can afford them. They are not some rarified thing that only big factories have. do you guys really know what you are talking about. > [@](#): > > but rather the application of it what do you mean by this. what is so revolutionary in the field of CNC machining. They put an order for one million and lowest bidder gets it. That’s like me saying Panasonic has lead to some advances in Quantum mechanics, cuz they use like electrons and shit in their laptops. and I use computers and am a fan of Carl Sagan and I race hamsters. ---
**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/124 "2010-05-11T17:07:13Z")
I really wish you all would start a new thread if you are not going to discuss opinions on iPad. Is there something else that makes up for the lack of a USB port? ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/125 "2010-05-11T17:23:06Z")
> [@Cumberdale](#): > > Is there something else that makes up for the lack of a USB port? There are accessories that do some things, like connect [to a camera,](http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A?fnode=MTc0MjU4NjE&mco=MTc0Njk4NzU) and it wouldn’t surprise me if later there was a USB dongle dealy. It would’ve been pretty difficult to fit a USB connector into the side of the iPad, it’s not thick enough at the edges for it (it tapers down, so while it’s thick enough, over all, it’s not thick enough on any edge). Is there something, specifically, that you’re looking to do with a USB port? There are alternatives, if you’re willing, for most things. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/126 "2010-05-11T17:29:19Z")
> [@Cumberdale](#): > > Is there something else that makes up for the lack of a USB port? There is an adaptor - primarily intended for camera connections for import of photos. By design, the iPad is a USB _peripheral_ - not a USB _host_. As such, a USB device that is another peripheral - like a printer, thumb drive or disk - cannot be used. Computers are typically USB hosts - it is a thin line, but an iPad is not really a computer. ---
**Author:** ![Cumberdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8c91f0/32.png) [@Cumberdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumberdale)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/127 "2010-05-11T17:34:30Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > There are accessories that do some things, like connect [to a camera,](http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A?fnode=MTc0MjU4NjE&mco=MTc0Njk4NzU) and it wouldn’t surprise me if later there was a USB dongle dealy. > > It would’ve been pretty difficult to fit a USB connector into the side of the iPad, it’s not thick enough at the edges for it (it tapers down, so while it’s thick enough, over all, it’s not thick enough on any edge). > > Is there something, specifically, that you’re looking to do with a USB port? There are alternatives, if you’re willing, for most things. I attempt to write occassionally, mostly short stories or sketches and I have them saved on a thumb drive. I know some have mentioned that typeing longish stuff isn’t great, but it be better than scribbling a note on paper and losing it before the next time I look for it. Can I do something like that with the iPad? ---
**Author:** ![eno801](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c2a13f/32.png) [@eno801](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eno801)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/128 "2010-05-11T17:40:33Z")
sorry about the sidetrack,but damn if I was going to let that whopper slide. I thought this place was about fighting ignorance. like minor mentioned upthread this has been done for years especially in the gun industry. Look at Sig Sauer their handguns are milled from billet (stainless to boot) at close tolerances in volume for sale to consumers. Probably in greater quantities than Apple too. end of hijack ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/129 "2010-05-11T17:43:18Z")
> [@Cumberdale](#): > > I attempt to write occassionally, mostly short stories or sketches and I have them saved on a thumb drive. I know some have mentioned that typeing longish stuff isn’t great, but it be better than scribbling a note on paper and losing it before the next time I look for it. Can I do something like that with the iPad? I do it all the time, I typed [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=12432274&postcount=89) from my iPad, I even did the formatting (in fairness, [quotte] brackets, intentionally misspelled, are a pain in the ass on the iPad), and [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=12424908#post12424908), and a few others on different forums I’ll refrain from linking to. You can also use Bluetooth Keyboards with your iPad, or the iPad Dock (I’d use the bluetooth over the iPad dock, and use a case as a stand – more versatility), both of which offer full sized (miniature) keyboards. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/130 "2010-05-11T17:52:13Z")
iPod Touch user here. I got my hands on an iPad this weekend. My impressions: it wasn’t as big as I expected, it’s not like an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, more like a hardcover book. I could actually see carrying it around with me. It’s a bit heavier than I expected but not bad. I don’t like the way the icons are spaced apart so much. I like being able to rotate any way I want, and the lock rotation switch was handy. But with the multitasking and software screen lock of iPhone OS 4.0 I don’t see the need any more. I could almost type naturally on the on-screen keyboard, much easier than the tiny keys on the iTouch screen. Overall I didn’t leave the store trying to think of a way to afford it, but if you don’t have an iPhone or iTouch and want a portable web-surfing, e-mailing, light duty computer, the iPad may be it. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/131 "2010-05-11T17:53:09Z")
> [@Cumberdale](#): > > I attempt to write occassionally, mostly short stories or sketches and I have them saved on a thumb drive. I know some have mentioned that typeing longish stuff isn’t great, but it be better than scribbling a note on paper and losing it before the next time I look for it. Can I do something like that with the iPad? You could write and just save it on the ipad until you connect it to your computer. Think of the ipad as your flashdrive in this case. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/132 "2010-05-11T18:27:12Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > You could write and just save it on the ipad until you connect it to your computer. Think of the ipad as your flashdrive in this case. Actually writing on the iPad is a bit of a pain. I haven’t tried it with the [iPhone/iPad/iPod](http://www.buy.com/prod/apple-iphone-stylus-black/q/listingid/46659116/loc/111/211405104.html) stylus’ that are out there, but I can’t imagine that it’s great no matter what you do. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/133 "2010-05-11T18:54:45Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > You could write and just save it on the ipad until you connect it to your computer. Think of the ipad as your flashdrive in this case. My thought exactly - except it is a flashdrive with a display. You can also use email or Dropbox to get the file to a computer. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/134 "2010-05-11T19:12:58Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > Actually writing on the iPad is a bit of a pain. Yes, we’ve covered that. The question was “if I do writing on the iPad, how do I save it?” The correct answer is, “on the iPad”. The answer “writing is hard on the iPad” isn’t even on the list. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/135 "2010-05-11T19:53:30Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Yes, we’ve covered that. The question was “if I do writing on the iPad, how do I save it?” The correct answer is, “on the iPad”. The answer “writing is hard on the iPad” isn’t even on the list. Ah, okay. I misunderstood. I thought the question was “how do I compose things made of text,” not “how do I physically draw distinct characters via repetitive sweeping motions on a flat, interactive surface,” my mistake. :smack: You’d use any number of programs, I have Penultimate on mine for such an occassion, although I’m sure there are far better ones. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2010, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/136 "2010-05-11T20:07:23Z")
Yeah - iWorks’ word processing - it’s a major feature Apple spotlighted for the iPad. He’s talking about typing. ---
**Author:** ![Mosier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ea924/32.png) [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/137 "2010-05-12T06:24:02Z")
I just got my ipad as a birthday present less than 5 hours ago. Web surfing is exactly how you would expect. Easier than an iphone because the size cuts down on fat-fingering. When connected to my home network, it loads pages without hesitation. It’s responsive and intuitive. No surprises here. So far I can’t get GPS to work. On my iPhone google maps instantly interfaces with GPS and centers on my location. I can’t see any indication that my iPad knows where I am. I downloaded a couple of photo editing apps that are worth what I paid for them (nothing) and the harbor master game. I’ve downloaded some novelty apps which weren’t too impressive yet, but I haven’t even scratched the surface of the app store. The netflix app is flawless. It streams perfectly over my home network. I didn’t get the 3g model, so I don’t know how it works over 3g. Every “watch it now” movie is available through the netflix app, which is very exciting. The virtual keyboard is fine. I prefer it in vertical mode because I end up typing with one hand anyway. I tried to landscape type with both hands and failed badly. I won’t be doing any word processing on the thing unless i decide to pick up the keyboard attachment. Overall, my impression of the device is very positive. It’s simple and cheap, and 3 hours of playing with it, including streaming netflix for about 30 minutes, playing games, and downloading and testing a bunch of apps, killed only about 10% of the battery life on default brightness settings. It is light, but feels solid to me. I’m happy my wife decided to get it for me. She must have been reading this discussion to realize I wanted one. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/138 "2010-05-12T06:41:06Z")
> [@Mosier](#): > > So far I can’t get GPS to work. On my iPhone google maps instantly interfaces with GPS and centers on my location. I can’t see any indication that my iPad knows where I am. If it has a true GPS chip in it then you need to be able to receive the satellite signals. Go outside and give it a chance to acquire them. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/139 "2010-05-12T07:17:31Z")
> [@Mosier](#): > > So far I can’t get GPS to work. On my iPhone google maps instantly interfaces with GPS and centers on my location. I can’t see any indication that my iPad knows where I am. AFAIK the iPad doesn’t have this ability unless it’s the 3G enabled version. > [@Magiver](#): > > If it has a true GPS chip in it then you need to be able to receive the satellite signals. Go outside and give it a chance to acquire them. No, iphones have aGPS, not true gps. The iPad, unless a 3G model, has no transceiver type deal other than for WIFI. ---
**Author:** ![Jules\_Andre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jules_andre/32/9334_2.png) [@Jules\_Andre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jules_Andre)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2010, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-whats-your-verdict-on-the-ipad/538394/140 "2010-05-12T07:47:02Z")
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