After about a week of heavy use of the Apple iPad, I’ve gotten down to familiarize myself with Steve’s new toy. Check out my personal review of the iPad after the jump.
I insisted on writing this entire review on the iPad to see if I can crack it. I used Notes to write the text as the WordPress Dashboard has some limitations with the Safari browsing not fully rendering iframes.
The photos though were transferred from my dSLR, edited and uploaded to Picasa Web using a PC. Now that the photos are in the cloud, I can include them in the post by linking to them. This part is impossible to do on the iPad.
This exercise gave me a better perspective on how the iPad performs and is instrumental for coming up with my final thoughts and conclusion for the review.
Design and Construction
For a first-generation tablet from Apple, the iPad is surprisingly thin and light. The body is completely made of solid aluminum that encases a thick solid piece of glass. Simplicity and minimalist approach has been Apple’s signature and the iPad offers just that.
Aside from the lonesome Home button at the bottom of the display, the power button is positioned on top, the volume rocker on the right side along with the screen orientation lock. The toggle allows you to lock the screen to a specific orientation so the display doesn’t rotate when you’re lying down (like on a couch or in bed). The built-in speakers are also found on the bottom while the 3.5mm headphone jack is on top.
The design is pretty solid and the device is so thin it rivals even the thinnest smartphones out there. Being lightweight and thin is key to the portability of the device. It makes it more comfortable to hold with one hand for prolonged periods of time.
Display and Touchscreen
Size does matter and the iPad’s form factor offers a great combination between portability and mobile computing. The screen size is perfect for watching movies, viewing photos and reading text or browsing at a comfortable distance minus the crouching or squinting most people do with an iPhone, iPod Touch or any smartphone. This allows for prolonged use of the device without straining the eyes too much.
Those familiar with the display of the iPhone and the iPod Touch will be pleasantly surprised with the screen of the iPad. It’s not the best display I’ve seen (Super AMOLED display is still very expensive at this size) but the graphics are crisp and bright. The wide black bezel allows enough space for hand-holding the tablet without blocking the screen.
Of course, as with most shiny glass display, the screen is practically useless in the outdoors, under the sun or against a bright light source. This could be one of the biggest reasons why Kindle users will not give up their e-readers in exchange of the iPad.
The virtual keyboard is sized and spaced generously that allows for comfortable typing. I reckon I am able to do 30 – 40 words per minute with it. Not bad considering I’m no touch-typist.
Performance and Battery Life
The 1.0GHz A4 chip may not be the fastest processor around if you compared it to the ones running most netbooks these days but since the iPad runs on the iPhone OS, the system performs really well.
I think Apple did the right move of using the iPhone OS instead of the Mac OS. One can only imagine how the iPad will perform with OS X considering the processor used and the amount of memory on-board. Besides, how else can Apple make more money from its iTunes ecosystem?
As for battery life, the iPad scored high marks for making it close to the promised 10 hours on a single charge. I didn’t have the luxury of sitting down for 10 straight hours to monitor the battery but I am able to clock in about 9+ hours in aggregate use in the course of a day (I’d already consider it an all-day computing device). On casual use, the iPad lasts about 2 and a half days before it completely discharges. The sleep mode really helps in conserving battery.
The Apps
The iPad-specific apps are just amazing as they maximize the screen real estate. Again, size does matter. One may not see the stark difference if you’re coming from a netbook perspective for those coming from the iPod Touch or iPhone (or any smartphone for that matter) point-of-view, it’s a huge improvement.
As I write this review, iPad-specific apps are still very few and number only in the hundreds. However, Apple says all of the 185,000 iPhone apps on the App Store can also be installed and used on the iPad (there could be a few that’s not completely compatible though).
More iPad apps are being developed but for the meantime, the iPhone apps can still fill the entire screen using a zoom-in function (the 2x zoom does make the graphics more pixelated).
My biggest beef so far is that iPad apps are way more expensive than the regular iPhone apps. Don’t really understand the logic behind that.
Conclusion
There’s been a huge debate on whether the iPad can replace the netbook. I’d blame Steve Jobs for openly challenging the netbook market and touting the iPad as the better alternative to mobile computing.
But, can the iPad really replace the netbook? My quick answer is a big, loud No; and a faint yes.
No. The iPad cannot do everything a netbook can. Forget about video chat, photo/video editing, or even playing FarmVille. Moreso if you’re heavily oriented on a Windows machine and dependent on specific tools and applications. Some apps may offer functions of productivity tools but are quite limited.
Yes. If your netbook usage pattern is strictly consumptive (i.e. surfing, chatting, email, social networking) then the iPad can easily replace the netbook for those tasks. In some instances, the iPad might even offer a better user experience over the latter (like reading for hours on end).
The iPad is an internet appliance, closer to a toy than a personal computer — it’s got limited features but does what it intended to do very nicely. Some people will hate it, others will love it. And that’s just how the iPad rolls.
Note: I re-wrote 80% of this review on my trusty netbook after finishing the first draft on the iPad. Got into trouble with “cut & paste” and lost almost everything I wrote using the iPad.
And to those asking where/how I got the iPad, check out this store.
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Thanks for the review Abe. I too don’t think this iPad could replace the netbook. Well cguro for now, hindi pa since applications are limited with it.
Cool!!! wish i could have one.
Will hold on to my Asus EEE PC netbook..IPad is still developing and expensive..
Twitter: ricoz
replied on Apr 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 am (4)
Great review Abe! With regards to the netbook vs iPad issue, I really think the iPad is the ideal candidate to replace, not netbooks, but the netbook’s intended purpose which is on the go “net” surfing. Funny enough, netbooks will be replaced by, notebooks. Then the iPad and other tablet devices will fill the void.
Twitter: jdGONEMAD
replied on Apr 22nd, 2010 at 2:06 pm (5)
master yuga, bakit naman hindi mo pa isinama ung ulo nung girl na may hawak ng iPad?
Nice review as usual… I agree, iPad may not replace netbooks, not in the immediate future. BUT, with development, it might just! Question: how about the issue Israel had with regard RF interference, did anyone in your vicinity complain of such?
I’ll wait for future generations of the device before I get one. By that time, apps will be substantial and Apple may be able to correct bugs. At the moment, back to my good old MacBook black!
thanks YUGA!!!
dalhin mo naman pagmeet natin. hehe!
isn’t the ipad bandwidth hungry as reported by the universities in the US?
i think ipad is as bandwidth hungry as an ipod touch.
anyway, masasabi ko lang, maganda ang ipad for comics!!! get the iComic app Abe so you can read all those cbr files.
I HATE APPLE PRODUCTS!!! Its competitors are still far more better than them. Like the iPhone I think Google Nexus One is better. The Macbook, I think Sony Vaio, Acer Aspire or Asus laptops are better. With this iPad naman, I would rather wait for HP’s version of iPad. That will be better.
Ibagsak ang Apple!
i love apple.
I cant believe that you forgot to mention that this overpriced and overhyped product from apple does not support flash.
Apple fanboys always say that html5 is the future and not flash, but what about the present where flash is still dominant? This version of the ipad will be obsolete by the time html5 catches up to flash.
sir yuga, you might want to make a post about Dell’s new Android and Windows Mobile 7 phones. all of them are sexy and specs loaded! The Dell SMOKE, Dell FLASH, Dell LIGHTNING and Dell THUNDER!
@kiko – please refer to the part where I said you can’t play Farmville on this device.
my conclusion is, ipad is not for me…
@sir yuga
no disrespect sir yuga but it would have been better if you had elaborated more about the lack of flash since you mentioned that the ipad can easily replace a netbook with regards to surfing.
@Yuga
The Ipad’s WiFi problems have been well documented and were even admitted by Apple itself. It has been attributed to the use of the solid aluminum backing which blocks the signal. Did you encounter the same WiFi problems like a weak wifi signal and the inability to re-connect after going to sleep?
@kiko – can replace, but not “easily”. As for the lack of Flash support, this is not Apple’s first device to not support Flash. The iPad is probably the 7th internet device from Apple (iPhone 2G, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPod Touch, iPod Touch 2G & 3G) that does not support Flash so I thought the issue has been discussed heavily since the first days of the iPod Touch and the iPhone.
@rich558 – interestingly, I have not had any problems with WiFi. I have already tested 2 iPads and so far, didn’t notice the problem.
Twitter: deuts
replied on Apr 22nd, 2010 at 10:13 pm (20)
Visited the link to us2ph.com. Meron na pala ngaun brand na Yugatech Verified. Ayos ah – dun sa us2ph.com website. LOL
Apple Rules talaga.
great review abe… i’m thinking of doing one myself when i get one… hopefully…
great review po. i was a bit shocked coz the price is not that high. tama lang. and yes, you are right there are certain things that iPad can’t do yet. I also was able to watch at CNN their review about it….pareho lang ng na-mnetion nyo Sir Yuga. since this is the 1st of a kind the Apple has done, i’m pretty sure steve jobs will come up with a new version of it in a couple of months with much more feature!
Twitter: Teknisyan
replied on Apr 23rd, 2010 at 5:42 am (24)
yes, that’s what’s nice and bad about apple. they try to dictate what to and what not when it comes to their products.
I guess that’s apple for you!
Excellent review walang pagka-bias, malinis at solid ang pagkakasulat- Nice one sir Abe!:D Nagustuhan ko yung part with iPad as Internet appliance..pwede! or pwede ring family entertainment device, great pooping device sabi sa Digg, cooking device (as cookbook), HD private Pron and or electronic board game (example: Scrabble, Chess apps).
Mahusay ang iPad talaga kahit 1st Generation pa lang -solid na yung mga features (software and hardware) niya. Yung mga na omit na features eh talaga namang wala yun by design standard –ng apple(adobe flash, usb etc) hehe and the rest of the features eh nasa competitors na para me matira naman sa kanila. Ang tagal kasi ng HP Slate, Courier, WePad, Dell Mini (Streak) Notion Ink Adam at iba pang tablet devices.
Kung walang Farmville sa iPad meron naman siyang free apps na We Rule-parang pinagsamang Farmvile at The Sims to (nakaka adik din hehe) im playing it now with my Ipad Nano…
Amazing talaga ang Apple. I want one too!!
-Sent via YugaTech Mobile App
We are offering the Newly Unveiled Apple iPad Tablet 64Gb Unlocked for sale.
Interested buyers should contact us to get more details on david.electronicsworld@yahoo.com
Thanks
Btw, how can this IPad can connect to the internet using USB? It has no USB port.
Sir Yuga? Anyone?
@rom – there’s an accessory for the USB.
Sir Yuga, I reviewed the tech specs of the iPad and read that it has a micro-SIM slot. Is there any way that I can use the normal SIM, i.e. my Sun Broadband SIM (the one from the dongle), with the iPad?
Sayang naman kasi kung hindi ako makakapag-internet sa isang portable device here sa Pinas.
@john carl – the telcos will obviously offer micro-SIM card to accommodate this.
When is this coming out again?
Twitter: gunblade06
replied on Apr 28th, 2010 at 11:46 pm (33)
Thanks for reviewing the iPad and I really envy you for getting your hands on apple’s latest gadget. Heheheh..As of now the iPad has indeed some limitations but who knows? Maybe the iPad 2G will have multi-tasking as well as some other nifty features.
thank imformation
Sir Yuga, what’s the price range of this Apple iPad?
I’m interested with the price, but as i read its features as mentioned in your review, this gadget is not for me coz i’m into photo editing, video editing, and online games.
It doesn’t look handy though its thin. I would still prefer netbook or laptop than IPAD probably people would buy that one only if they have extra cash.
Thank you Yugatech for Sharing us2ph!
Status symbol… pamporma lang talaga! Not that functional. Even if it’s not expensive, I’ll stick to my netbook.
Hi i’m selling iPad 16GB Wifi for only 34k! contact me if you want one. 09223978853
mahal yun ng 2k ha
my cousin bought one but when I tried it, it’s quite not that good. With our bandwidth here in the Philippines, online videos could be tough with ipad.
has anyone tried the 3G model of the iPad?
yung totoo ha
some said, this Ipad is pamporma lang talaga, maybe i should buy if i have eexxxxtrrraaa cash in my pocket. For now, i will prioritize the things that i needed most.
Twitter: iPadCasesBlog
replied on May 24th, 2010 at 2:58 pm (44)
Nice thorough review, Yuga. Keep up the good work!
Just got my ipad for my birthday got it jailbreak and its so magnificent! The sound is awesome.
I wonder where to get that camera connection kit. And does anybody have any recos for BT keyboards available locally?
Pang Ebook/HD videos lang yata yan.
Wouldn’t bother to get one since limited ang features.
I enjoyed watching a video of it with a blender though.
Dami palang iPad haters dito
kawawa naman
@ Wreek – Congratulations did you get the Wifi or 3G version
Jailbreak iPad is really cool
go get the voice command working already!!!
I got the wifi version! 3 g is not accepted by our local network so its useless. Once you got to hold the ipad you wont be able to put it down. I eat withit sleep with it . Its a bigman toy!
actually thats not true, a friend of mine got his iPad 3G working over smart and globe networks
that is why we order the 3G models coming this June 8 via us2ph
shout out to yuga for the share of info
wifi is still good, 3G just offers mobility..
Thanks for the share to Wreek
go iPad!!!
I will be posting the Photos and Videos of the iPad 3G when it arrives on my multiply site
also the video for the smart sim card working on the iPad 3G
Jailbreak + Voice Control for the iPad
Stay tuned.. for updates
Anyway i got smartphones that are 3g and i dont use it because they are slow sm and robinsons mall are wifi zone already so are schools restaurant fastfoods , i dont brows or check my email on the street i got blackberry to do that. I got trauma on my iphone 3gs for charging me huge amount after using that 3g. Wifi is free.
By the way my grandmother likes the piano apps on my ipad coz it looks and sound like a piano. She keeps borrowing my ipad every now and then just to play the piano,
you can use both of this services for globe or smart
50/unlisurf per day
hope this helps
After using my ipad for almost a week now, parang hindi nako sanay mag internet, email o games sa iphones its so small for me now, i only use it for call and text. IPAD is truly amazing!
Twitter: theheatweb
replied on Jun 1st, 2010 at 5:01 pm (57)
It looks extremely good but the functionalities it offers is really bad.
Inggit kami mahal ng iPad
wishing upon a star na may mag regalo ng iPad 3G sa amin kahit 2 unit lang pwede na!
We are offering the Newly Unveiled Apple iPad 3G Wi-Fi 16GB / 32GB / 64GB Unlocked for sale.
In the box
* iPad
* Dock Connector to USB Cable
* 10W USB Power Adapter
* Documentation
Interested buyers should contact us to get more details and pricing on them via email on david.electronicsworld@yahoo.com
Thanks
Sir yuga, is there a chance na magka Samsung Galaxy Tab tayo dito sa Philippine Market? I saw it at Gsmarena.com and in my opinion its an ipad killer.
oh my there is already a hired killer for apples new toy
di na kami kukuha papatayin lang pala
huhuhuhuhu
very informative review..thanks yuga
I stand corrected, it’s better to get iPad units at black markets here. currently there are several stores at GreenHills theatermall or Bridgeway that offers iPad Wifi and iPad 3G ready to buy from their stores at reasonable prices.
Please don’t follow me. I ordered 2 units of iPad 3G last May 14, 2010., the 2-3 weeks waiting time as you can count is no longer in effect. It is almost a month now, and guess what I still don’t have my iPad 3G. Don’t order at us2ph service sucks!
Based on my experience. Dissappointed.
Update: Customs are still holding the container of us2ph. Still indefinite if I will get my items that I ordered and PREPAID this week.
So for iPad wifi or 3G aspiring owners out there go ahead go to GH or other black market get your there
its better.
you are right mr sy,i bought mine at greenhills and have it jailbreak there with free apps, music, HD movies but i heard they are having some sort of supply shortage due to increase of demand and also supply shortage of ipad in the states
wreek88,
how much is it?
After the long wait and little problems this week
I have already received my iPad 3G units.
I Jailbroken it myself plus install cydia
Apps already synced. I have already tested a local network 3G provider. Sim Cut, then input a couple of settings in the APN for it to work.
so the iPad 3G is already up and running.
Screen protectors and Casing, We bought the generic ones. Quality is good. Saves Cost.
iPad 3G has already arrived at long last.
Jailbroken it yesterday with cydia already and all apps sync
Voice control is added and screen protector with case bought at GH
Micro sim up and running
Can’t mention the network provider no free advertisements here
APN settings to have the 3G running.
* Unlisurf can run for the 2 major networks.
We are offering the Newly Unveiled Apple iPad 3G Wi-Fi 16GB / 32GB / 64GB Unlocked for sale.
In the box
* iPad
* Dock Connector to USB Cable
* 10W USB Power Adapter
* Documentation
Apple iPad 3G Wi-Fi 64GB…..$700US
Apple iPad 3G Wi-Fi 32GB…..$600US
Apple iPad 3G Wi-Fi 16GB…..$500US
Interested buyers should contact us to get more details and pricing on them via email on david.electronicsworld@yahoo.com
Thanks
@David Miguel – wow your prices are even lower than that of Apple RetAil Stores.
if you buy an ipad wifi + 3g in the states, will i be able to use globe’s micro-sim here to surf the web thru 3g?
sir yuga, if i will buy and ipad in the states, could i still use globe and smart micro sims? and is there any advantage if i will buy it from the states compared to any blackmarket here in phil…
iPad 3G questions:
Answers:
I bought my iPad sa US
iPad 3G
I am currently using Smart Micro Sim
Globe and Sun Cellular Micro Sims can also work
You just have to configure the Simcard 3G feature
Then complete APN settings info in the iPad 3G unit
yes it will work just fine.
You can also use any network UNLISURF promos
SmartBro or Globe Tattoo Broadband sim will also work
I hope these answers will help you
If you got the spare money to buy the units here its ok.
If you have relatives from the US going home it will be cheaper to buy from the US and have it hand carried to avoid taxes here.
GH stores will sell around 5k higher more or less
okey thank you mr. sy..
mr sy.. how much did it cost you to buy a 64g ipad 3g? and does the quality matters if it was bought from the states or phil
i can assist you
my number is posted at my site
click on my avatar
my contact number is there
thanks
US purchase:
You have to wait for availability around 4-6 weeks
Local Purchase:
You get the unit immediately but it may cost more around 5K pesos or more depending on the model.
and another thing about US purchase it’s prepaid in full.
the local stores here at GH offers 1 year free app download but your unit will also be jailbroken for free.
plus free movie and song downloads but the cost the unit wifi or 3G models are higher than the USp purchase,
I chose the US purchase which cost me a little cheaper but very stressful.
And I already knew how to modify my sim to a microsim also the settings you need for it to work.
if you have any questions please visit my site by clicking my avatar here. my numbers are there
that’s very kind of you..tnx sir
Go Local its more stress free. Plus just bring your money and you’ll get your iPad 3G already
just check availability.
Around 50+ for the 64gb at GH local stores
Supplies are minimal
I beg to differ, iPad is better than netbook, I stopped using my netbook since I got hold of my iPad.
maybe i’ll opt for local nlang..so it would be ready to use na…hmmm..tnx po tlga…
Netbook yes I think the iPad is better if for mobile internet browsing and other stuff mobile especially the 3G models
If your gonna use it for heavy office work and media download. Get a Laptop not a netbook. Macbook Pro combine with iPad 3G
Sige sir remy update us how much you got your 64gb iPad 3G
Update:
Apple iPad 3G sold at GH yesterday 32gb 47,500 pesos
If you want it jailbroken with apps, you have to pay 800
other store sells them higher with package of 1yr apps download and movies + music download.
Happy Hunting!!!
hmmmmmmmmmm ipad ay pang internet suring lang!!!! this ipad CANNOT REPLACE THE LAPTOPS… alam naman natin pag meron ka apple gadgets specially sa pilipinas ay pang porma lang.. mukha ka lang mabango sa mga nakakakita, pasosyal etc… mga pilipino kasi makapagyabang lang kahit di alam ang features ng gadget… im only practical.. id rather to buy a wifi phone for internet surfing..
@mr. bogus – you are open to your own opinion or preferences on gadgets or things to buy. That is your freedom, no one is dictating you to buy this to buy that.
You are entitled to your own opinion about Apple products.
I would like to contradict your statement that Filipinos are morons and does not know how to use Apple products!
Praticality? use a desktop or netbook its cheaper plus you can browse all sites.
I’m a Filipino, I bought the iPad 3G, I research about its features and I am happy to say I know how to use it with all its potential. I am not forcing you to buy this product or any Apple product. But please refrain from calling Filipinos Morons, I beg to disagree!
David Miguel of UK
Beware of this Man, I did an investigation.
Selling 64gb iPad 3G coming from UK for $700 way below the price of Apple US.
Check out Apple UK
price of 64gb Apple iPad 3G is £699.00
which in peso is 44K without taxes yet
Don’t be fooled. Scammer ito.
I have his email message I will be glad to post it here if you want to see.
APN SETTINGS FOR GLOBE AND SMART SIMS:
Operator: – Globe
GPRS APN: – http://www.globe.com.ph
Username: – globe
Password: – globe
DNS: – 203.127.225.10, 203.127.225.11
Operator: – Smart
GPRS APN: – internet
Username: – {blank}
Password: – {blank}
DNS: – 202.57.96.3, 202.57.96.4
These APN Settings will work for Globe Prepaid and Postpaid Sims.
All Smart sims also, I currently am using smartbro prepaid sim.
works great
PHILIPPINES
Operator GPRS APN Username Password Optional Settings
Globe http://www.globe.com.ph globe globe DNS: 203.127.225.10, 203.127.225.11
Smart internet [blank] [blank] DNS: 202.57.96.3, 202.57.96.4
Sun Cellular minternet [blank] [blank] [blank]
i have an apple ipad wifi ready but I dont know how to get connected to wifi. please help. thanks
Settings, wifi, on, search for wifi hotspot, then connect by clicking,
available na ngayung july 23 yung ipad sa HK at Singapore, 728SG ang starting niya.. around 24Kplus s Peso.. it means ba na bababa narin ang price ng mga binebenta dito na unit?
“Note: I re-wrote 80% of this review on my trusty netbook after finishing the first draft on the iPad. Got into trouble with “cut & paste” and lost almost everything I wrote using the iPad.”
– simply user error
@ markmarcelo0210 replied on Apr 22nd, 2010 at 4:19 pm (11)
“I HATE APPLE PRODUCTS!!! Its competitors are still far more better than them. Like the iPhone I think Google Nexus One is better. The Macbook, I think Sony Vaio, Acer Aspire or Asus laptops are better. With this iPad naman, I would rather wait for HP’s version of iPad. That will be better.
Ibagsak ang Apple!”
– sour graping… you just can’t afford it…
@ Efren Sy:
“I’m a Filipino, I bought the iPad 3G, I research about its features and I am happy to say I know how to use it with all its potential. I am not forcing you to buy this product or any Apple product. But please refrain from calling Filipinos Morons, I beg to disagree!”
- KUDOS!
Guys check nyo din ito. Baka meron lang interested. Nakita ko lang ito sa facebook.
IPAD China Made
tayo mga Pinoy mahilig sumunod sa uso, pa-sosyal kahit gutom, brand-conscious kahit di practical. kaya di tayo umaasenso, di tulad ng mga Chinese palugaw-lugaw lang pero ma-pera
magkano na ba ang ipad ngayon here in the philippines? 16gb wifi to 64gb 3g + wifi? and where can we buy? sa mac center any idea when will it be available?