# The iPad 2 **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 3, 2011, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302 "2011-03-03T02:35:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**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:** [March 3, 2011, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/61 "2011-03-03T17:49:11Z")
> [@](#): > > Not exactly practical for anything more than a couple photos. You said documents. But yeah - transferring a whole mess of photos would be tough. If there isn’t already an iPad-to-cloud solution for something like that, I’d be surprised. That’d probably also be easier than bluetooth, thumbdrive or SD card. > [@](#): > > Rearranging music on my mp3 player, transferring data using usb sticks, and getting pictures off my SD card mostly. All certainly very reasonable. If that’s something you want out of a tablet, you’re not going to be doing it on an ipad. I personally can’t see myself doing any of that except getting pictures off an SD card - but that’s something I do when I get home from a trip. My mp3 player (iphone) doesn’t need any music rearranging, and any data I have I e-mail. Anything requiring a great deal of data rearranging wouldn’t be on the ipad anyway - I don’t feel that I could do any large amount of writing/spreadsheets on a touch screen pad. > [@](#): > > I don’t see why you need to connect the iPad to a central computer. It is perfectly functional as a stand alone device. iTunes updates, music and video syncing, large file transfers. iTunes updates specifically are critical (though few and far between). ---
**Author:** ![treis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/62 "2011-03-03T18:01:05Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > You said documents. No I didn’t. > [@Munch](#): > > But yeah - transferring a whole mess of photos would be tough. If there isn’t already an iPad-to-cloud solution for something like that, I’d be surprised. That’d probably also be easier than bluetooth, thumbdrive or SD card. iPad to cloud requires an internet connection, which isn’t available everywhere. There’s a reason why USB sticks and SD cards are ubiquitous. They are by far the easiest and most practical solution for moving files around. > [@Munch](#): > > iTunes updates, music and video syncing, large file transfers. iTunes updates specifically are critical (though few and far between). All of these can be done over the web. There’s no reason I would need to download media or updates to a computer first before transferring it to the iPad. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/63 "2011-03-03T18:04:56Z")
I’m tempted to upgrade my iPad to the new one, but the main thing that’s tripping me up is that I have the unlimited data plan on my current one (which isn’t available anymore–not that I probably need more than they offer, but if I’m paying for unlimited, I want unlimited) and I doubt they’ll let me transfer that from the old one to the new one. Also, I have the 64GB version which would be pretty pricey to replace (it was very cheap for me because I had a ton of piled-up AmEx points that I spent on it–that won’t be the case this time). So since the 2 doesn’t have anything compelling that I really need, I might just wait for the 3 and upgrade then. Dunno yet. I love my iPad. I just wish it had Flash so I could play my Facebook game on it. 😛 (No, not FarmVille.) ---
**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:** [March 3, 2011, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/64 "2011-03-03T18:25:38Z")
> [@treis](#): > > No I didn’t. Fine - you said “files”. I equate that with documents, but photos certainly are included in that. > [@](#): > > iPad to cloud requires an internet connection, which isn’t available everywhere. There’s a reason why USB sticks and SD cards are ubiquitous. They are by far the easiest and most practical solution for moving files around. We’re really getting into semantics at this point. Wifi is nearly universal these days - you have to really go out of your way to find someplace where wifi isn’t within 15 minutes of you. And if you are, how is a USB stick any easier? > [@](#): > > All of these can be done over the web. There’s no reason I would need to download media or updates to a computer first before transferring it to the iPad. You seem to really not understand how the iPad works. You cannot load a firmware update to the iPad without its mothership PC at home. If I have a bunch of video files on my home computer that I want to transfer to the iPad, I have to do that via hard connection, or pay for a Dropbox account (that I’m aware of - if you’re aware of another free service that does that, I’d love to hear 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:** [March 3, 2011, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/65 "2011-03-03T18:26:43Z")
> [@Infovore](#): > > I doubt they’ll let me transfer that from the old one to the new one. I have an unlimited data plan on my iPhone 3G - if I go into an AT&T store, they’ll transfer it to a new iPhone 4. I don’t see why the same wouldn’t be true for an iPad. ---
**Author:** ![treis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/66 "2011-03-03T18:37:24Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > We’re really getting into semantics at this point. Wifi is nearly universal these days - you have to really go out of your way to find someplace where wifi isn’t within 15 minutes of you. And if you are, how is a USB stick any easier? It’s much faster and reliable for one. For two, WiFi, at least free wifi, isn’t quite as universal as you make it out to be. If I want to get the 150 photos my friend took on vacation, USB wins by a mile. Where am I going to upload ~400 mbs of files? And why am I going to want to spend the hours transferring? > [@Munch](#): > > You seem to really not understand how the iPad works. You cannot load a firmware update to the iPad without its mothership PC at home. If I have a bunch of video files on my home computer that I want to transfer to the iPad, I have to do that via hard connection, or pay for a Dropbox account (that I’m aware of - if you’re aware of another free service that does that, I’d love to hear it). Ok, I didn’t know that you couldn’t update the iPad without hooking it up to a computer. That’s an inexplicable choice by Apple and another knock on the iPad. Yes, if you have files on your computer that you want to transfer, you need to use a hard connection. But that’s no different from my laptop or any other computer. However, as far as I am aware you can download all of your media from iTunes or where ever directly from the web. Or, apparently, you can buy the USB adapter and hook up an external hard drive. ---
**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:** [March 3, 2011, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/67 "2011-03-03T18:44:25Z")
> [@treis](#): > > It’s much faster and reliable for one. For two, WiFi, at least free wifi, isn’t quite as universal as you make it out to be. If I want to get the 150 photos my friend took on vacation, USB wins by a mile. Where am I going to upload ~400 mbs of files? And why am I going to want to spend the hours transferring? If a friend handed me a USB of 150 photos he took on vacation, I’d punch him in the face for thinking I’d be even remotely interested in seeing them. But let’s say he hands me a USB of 150 photos he took of me and my family for a photoshoot. Personally, I have no desire to put them on my iPad first. I’m going to archive them on my home computer, at which point I’m going to transfer the interesting ones to the iPad. YMMV. > [@](#): > > Ok, I didn’t know that you couldn’t update the iPad without hooking it up to a computer. That’s an inexplicable choice by Apple and another knock on the iPad. I’d agree with that. Android updates wirelessly - not sure why iOS doesn’t. > [@](#): > > However, as far as I am aware you can download all of your media from iTunes or where ever directly from the web. Wrong again. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/68 "2011-03-03T18:52:05Z")
> [@Finagle](#): > > I’m not sure I understand Apple’s obsession with thinness. Why not keep the same weight and profile and stick in a larger battery that will last, say, 20 hours? Same thing with the iPhone/iPod touch – yeah, thin is nice, but I’d rather a device that didn’t pop up a dialog saying “Battery is at 20%” after a couple of hour’s use. > > There has to be a secondary market for somebody to make a “fat” back for an iPad/iPhone with a bigger battery pack. Plenty of them on the market. Google “ipad battery pack” to find a few solutions. [Here’s one that gives you an extra 5 hours.](http://us.kensington.com/html/17806.html) There’s bigger ones out there that give you an extra 20 hours, but aren’t designed “backs,” just batteries in an external enclosure that plugs into your recharging slot. Thinness is important, especially for those who want to use the iPad as e-Readers. I personally would go for the thin iPad over a thicker one with longer battery life. ---
**Author:** ![antonio107](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ea924/32.png) [@antonio107](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonio107)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/69 "2011-03-03T18:58:12Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > It’s not the same program, it’s a new program. And it works just fine on my mac mini, although I don’t use it frequently. > > I have a windows 7 tablet, and I stopped using it even before I got the iPad. The windows 7 touch screen interface is horrible, it’s far too mouse and keyboard centric. Ubuntu’s touch screen support is way better. How old is your mini, out of curiosity? Mine’s pushing five years old, and multi-tracking was always a tricky propositon. And like I said, without a means of plugging in a midi controller, it’s a “don’t care” proposition for me. I’m not going to make music on there with it. With Finale? Sure. That would actually be an amazing place to run finale on if I could somehow hook it up to an optical drive. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/70 "2011-03-03T19:09:27Z")
> [@antonio107](#): > > How old is your mini, out of curiosity? Mine’s pushing five years old, and multi-tracking was always a tricky propositon. And like I said, without a means of plugging in a midi controller, it’s a “don’t care” proposition for me. I’m not going to make music on there with it. With Finale? Sure. That would actually be an amazing place to run finale on if I could somehow hook it up to an optical drive. Mine is a current gen (late-2010). What you have to remember about the Mac Mini is that it’s lifespan (not durability) is more akin to laptops than desktops. It’s generally, spec wise, equal to the lowest macbook pro. ---
**Author:** ![treis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/71 "2011-03-03T19:18:51Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > If a friend handed me a USB of 150 photos he took on vacation, I’d punch him in the face for thinking I’d be even remotely interested in seeing them. But let’s say he hands me a USB of 150 photos he took of me and my family for a photoshoot. Personally, I have no desire to put them on my iPad first. I’m going to archive them on my home computer, at which point I’m going to transfer the interesting ones to the iPad. YMMV. You’ve never swapped around pictures at the end of a vacation? > [@Munch](#): > > Wrong again. I can’t buy a song on iTunes using my iPad and download it directly to my iPad over wifi? Even if I can’t use iTunes, surely I can use something like Amazon’s mp3 store and download them directly to my iPad? ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/72 "2011-03-03T19:31:25Z")
Here’s my thing: I wouldn’t care that the iPad didn’t have these features if it didn’t consistently cost more than devices that do. I don’t see why a $500 device should be a stripped down computer when you can buy a whole computer, even a portable one, for less. It bothers me that people buy into Apple’s obvious tactic of releasing a crippled version of their device, and then when a slightly less crippled version comes out, they go get that one, too. It’s not like Apple couldn’t already be selling the iPad 3. I have a full rant for the rest of the things I dislike about the iPad, but these are the two that are most relevant to this thread. Such a stripped down device should be cheaper than a whole computer if it’s supposed to be filling a niche between a phone and 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:** [March 3, 2011, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/73 "2011-03-03T19:32:32Z")
> [@treis](#): > > I can’t buy a song on iTunes using my iPad and download it directly to my iPad over wifi? > > Even if I can’t use iTunes, surely I can use something like Amazon’s mp3 store and download them directly to my iPad? I think I was confused by what you wrote: > [@](#): > > However, as far as I am aware you can download all of your media from iTunes or where ever directly from the web. I read this as you wanting to access your media that you store on your computer at home via the web (apparently through some iTunes connection from iPad to computer). But yes - you can certainly buy anything from the iTunes Store from your iPad anywhere you have internet access. I don’t know if you can buy stuff from Amazon’s mp3 store via the iPad - you can buy from Amazon to your PC and then put those on your iPhone/iPod/iPad. Good question. ---
**Author:** ![Lantern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/d26b3c/32.png) [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/74 "2011-03-03T19:40:32Z")
Incidentally there has been some [talk](http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/03/just-how-bad-is-the-ipad-2-camera/)about the resolution on the rear camera on the iPad which Apple hasn’t disclosed. Apple also hasn’t disclosed how much RAM the iPad 2 has and presumably it’s quite a bit lower than competitors like the Xoom. I do get the impression that the iPad is a bit of a half-baked upgrade and from the amount of trash-talk in the presentation it appears Apple is quite worried about the onslaught of Android tablets which will undoubtedly be coming in the rest of the year. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/75 "2011-03-03T19:41:51Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > Here’s my thing: I wouldn’t care that the iPad didn’t have these features if it didn’t consistently cost more than devices that do. I don’t see why a $500 device should be a stripped down computer when you can buy a whole computer, even a portable one, for less. > > It bothers me that people buy into Apple’s obvious tactic of releasing a crippled version of their device, and then when a slightly less crippled version comes out, they go get that one, too. It’s not like Apple couldn’t already be selling the iPad 3. > > I have a full rant for the rest of the things I dislike about the iPad, but these are the two that are most relevant to this thread. Such a stripped down device should be cheaper than a whole computer if it’s supposed to be filling a niche between a phone and a computer. An iPad is clearly superior to a computer an a lot of ways. It’s not a stepping stone between phone and laptop, it’s a different class of device. It’s got GPS, 3G, a ten hour battery, a touchscreen, and most importantly a form factor that allows you to read things on it easily. You can’t lie on your back on the couch and read a book on a laptop. Well you can, but it’s uncomfortable. The fact that I can hold an iPad in one hand and flip through comic books makes the thing very valuable to me. The fact that I can sketch on it is also really useful. It starts up in seconds and shuts down in an instant. It’s light enough to carry everywhere and the screen is bigger than a netbook. It is inferior to a laptop when it comes to typing, application choices and computing power. But again is a truck better than a car? It depends on what you’re using it for. ---
**Author:** ![BlackKnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eb8c5e/32.png) [@BlackKnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlackKnight)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/76 "2011-03-03T19:56:01Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Wifi is nearly universal these days - you have to really go out of your way to find someplace where wifi isn’t within 15 minutes of you. Wow. > [@](#): > > And if you are, how is a USB stick any easier? Well, you wouldn’t have to drive for 15 minutes in order to use it. I’d say that’s a benefit. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/77 "2011-03-03T20:07:46Z")
> [@treis](#): > > Even if I can’t use iTunes, surely I can use something like Amazon’s mp3 store and download them directly to my iPad? What he’s saying when he said “wrong again,” I think, is about the iTunes store. You can download something from the iTunes store from the internet to your iPad, but you redownload it you either have to purchase it again or email the iTunes store. They authorize between 1 and 5 redownloads over a certain period of time. I understand why, if you buy a CD and it’s damaged, you’re equally SOL. Buying from iTunes doesn’t give you a license for the song the way buying from the App Store does. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/78 "2011-03-03T20:10:23Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > Here’s my thing: I wouldn’t care that the iPad didn’t have these features if it didn’t consistently cost more than devices that do. I don’t see why a $500 device should be a stripped down computer when you can buy a whole computer, even a portable one, for less. > > It bothers me that people buy into Apple’s obvious tactic of releasing a crippled version of their device, and then when a slightly less crippled version comes out, they go get that one, too. It’s not like Apple couldn’t already be selling the iPad 3. > > I have a full rant for the rest of the things I dislike about the iPad, but these are the two that are most relevant to this thread. Such a stripped down device should be cheaper than a whole computer if it’s supposed to be filling a niche between a phone and a computer. The iPad is less than the computers… that apple sells. You’re saying you expect a Camry to be less than a Ranger because Toyota makes a Tundra. > [@BlackKnight](#): > > Wow. > Well, you wouldn’t have to drive for 15 minutes in order to use it. I’d say that’s a benefit. You could just as easily use a portable wireless hotspot instead of a USB dongle. Problem solved. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/79 "2011-03-03T20:13:11Z")
I’m a Mac guy and have an iPad. For me, the iPad is a paperweight; actually it’s just a very large iPod Touch, which I also don’t need. Apple was either very stupid or very smart not including Flash support. All I know is it’s bloody annoying. Contrary to what defenders say, to not have a built in, convenient way to transfer files is ridiculous, and lessens its value. Don’t get me started on the on-screen keyboard. Fawners say “It’s great for email!” Garbage. The keyboard is too large to ‘thumb’ messages easily, and too small to easily type with. It takes me at least twice as long to compose emails on the thing because I have to constantly look at the keyboard as I type. And yeah, I would like to take photos with my camera and easily transfer them directly to my iPad for immediate viewing. Why is that a terrible thing to want on an iPad? I’d expect at least that capability from other, similar devices. YMMV of course, but the iPad is totally impractical for what I would use a device like this for, so it sits on my shelf for weeks at a time, untouched, and unmissed. Take it on vacation? Why? My Macbook Pro may be larger and heavier, but I know it can do everything I need. At $500, I expect the iPad to be a computer; a convenient, lightweight, touchscreen computer, not a gimped media toy. I’m actually looking forward to the Google tablet. When their prices come down, and they will, it’ll give Apple a run for its money. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2011, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302/80 "2011-03-03T20:17:12Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > While it’s certainly attractive I find it has the same problem that the first one had for me. It’s underpowered and undermemoried. At 64G and 1Ghz there’s just not enough oomph there for what I’d want. > > I could easily commit to a tablet machine. But I want one that functions as a real computer and not a media station. My laptop (a 2 year old Dell) does that and holds over 200GB of media (in iTunes, ironically). At some point one of these will get to the point of being able to handle the media as well as some of the heavier, database intensive stuff I need to do on a day-to-day basis. But it’s not there yet. So I write this this morning, right? And this afternoon a pal tells me he’s upgrading to an iPad2 and do I want his for $100? I take him up on it. Apparently there’s a price point out there where I don’t care about the functionality. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ipad-2/573302.md?page=5)