OT- Ipads - YouLookFab Forum

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OT- Ipads

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Im really technophobic, but they fascinate me! Anyone know if they are fairly easy for a really computer illiterate to learn to use them? Or do you need a basic working knowledge of the new tech stuff? I really would like to save up for one and DH can help me a little with it....

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22 replies

Latest reply was from LeahJanes

catgirl

Veteran

I was just looking at them yesterday with my mom! I think we'll get one eventually. It is basically like a large i-phone, without the phone. They seem pretty intuitive to use. I was debating a Kindle or Nook, but would also like something that can be used for movies, and this fits the bill. And it serves as an i-pod as well. You can download a Kindle app to it and use it like a Kindle.

I know a lot of lawyers who have everything they need on it so they don't even keep a paper file. I'm not a techie person at all, so I think you could learn it easily.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I seriously thought about getting one last year. Unfortunately there is no way to organize photos, only a viewer. That was enough to dissuade me.

catgirl

Veteran

Anna, really? That would be a huge pain.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

That's what they told me at the Apple store. Unless someone has a really good app for that. I'm going to try & save up for a MacBook Pro.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

It is not a substitute for a computer; but rather an adjunct for one. It will let you do some things on the fly (ie: word processing, read a book, answer emails) in a coffee shop, but if you want a high-functioning piece of equipment, you will need a netbook (for about the same price, but no Apple reliability) or save up for a laptop (pretty pricey).

I use the iPad for an on-the-wards reference for books because it is bigger than my iPod Touch and therefore, makes things easier to read.

Steph

Veteran

My brother and I purchased an iPad for our parents for Christmas this year. My parents are not tech-savvy in the least, but my mom seems to have picked up on it. I agree with Lyn that this is not something you want instead of a computer. However, it is great to have, because it is so lightweight and portable. It's great for the internet, reading books, watching movies, etc.

I think it helped my mom a lot to have me show her a few things, but I also think it's pretty intuitive. You also get three months of free Apple support when you purchase it, so you could definitely make appointments at the Genius Bar of your local Apple store (if you have one) and call tech support if you have questions.

Honestly, if you are able to come to YLF and post both written posts and photos, I don't think you will have a problem with it. It's very intuitive.

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

PS: I just wanted to add a plug for the Apple Support (Thanks Steph for the reminder!). They actually support you. And are friendly! And are nice to talk to! Unlike some other types of support ... *grumble grumble D-LINK!*

PPS: I guess you get what you pay for. The iPad is starting at about $600CDN; but the MacBook is starting at around $1000CDN! But worth it....

DanaLynn

We looked into this for me over the holidays. On the up side I think the interface is great, its intuitive, and super easy to use. If you use an i-phone it is essentially the same.

We ultimately decided against it because of the storage space. With the photos, music and tv seasons I already have, I would fill up an I-pad pretty quickly. This would be fine if you could use it with an external hard drive. Since it doesn't have a standard operating system this isn't an option. I have a laptop for work and one for play. I was hoping the i-pad would be able to fill in that "play" role because mine is on it's way out. I think for me I will have to save up for a new laptop instead.

On Mac rumors I read that a new i-pad will be released in February. We are waiting to see what the storage capacity on that will be, as well as the ability to store information on other external devices will be (not just another computer). The price will probably come down too.

I agree with Lyn- its not a substitute for a computer.

DanaLynn

As a side note- I have a Nook and I could not imagine reading on an i-pad. After staring at a computer screen all day my eyes need a rest. The kindle and nook have e-ink which is easier on my eyes, I also like to read outside which isn't an option on backlit screens. Some people don't have any problems reading on a computer screen. I recommend if you are deciding between the e-readers and the i-pad to go out and download either the kindle software or the nook software on your computer. There are tons of free e-books on both their sites, so you can download one and see if you will be comfortable reading on a back lit screen.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I am technically challenged and love the ipad. I used it a lot during Fashion Week and it was fabulous.

Sharon

Veteran

My husband has an i-Pad and uses it for his commute. There is always competition to use it when he gets home, because it is so intuitive and easy to use.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Wow! Thanks to all of you who answered and gave your opinions and shared your knowledge...I really appreciate it!

Diana

Veteran

I'm waiting for the next update to purchase an ipad, but will definitely be getting one! I've found it very very easy to use (if you have an iphone, it's basically the same interface). No, it's not a sub for a computer, but since I am a mac user, I don't find the lack of certain functionalities bothersome. I am getting one partially b/c I actually find my mac book pro a little too heavy to lug around with me all the time.

Also re: apple support. If you have an apple store nearby, the geniuses tend to be super nice and will answer pretty much any questions regardless of whether or not you still qualify for the "free support." Of course it's nice to have the extended warranty in case you need a part replaced or something, but for little things like resetting software or simple fixes, they'll definitely at least take a look and advise you on what to do. A lot of times the solution is really simple and free and they'll just do it for you right there.

Debbie

Veteran

We have one and it is wonderful! I went to the class on it at the Apple store and had no problems using it. I highly recommend it.

Kyle

Veteran

Love, love, love, love. Very easy. Very intuitive. Let an Apple Genius hook you up and help you. I wouldn't be without it for business or pleasure. For me, the many benefits (enabled by an ever-growing list of clever apps) far outweigh any limitations.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Its so great to see so many of you familiar with it! I am going to start saving for it and hopefully will have one by late spring/early summer. I take both my sister and my friend who are without cars around to do their shopping, dr appts, etc....and would love to have something fun to play with while Im waiting- usually in the car. There are several things on youtube I'd love to get and I think the Ipad would really give me a lot of options...thanks again!

catgirl

Veteran

I'm learning from this too... thanks!

hanna

(website)

my parents are totally not tech savvy - i set up email accounts for both of them, but my dad still refuses to type (he worked in an era of secretaries, hehe), so he writes or dictates letters to my mom, who then laboriously types them out. with two fingers.

anyway, they now have an ipad, and LOVE it. i loaded it with apps i knew they'd enjoy - crossword puzzles and recipes for my mom, news and sports for my dad - and gave them a lesson on using each and every one. surprisingly enough, i've had to repeat myself less than i thought...

i doubt they would have bought it themselves though, my dad got it for free when he purchased a new car. if they'd wanted one, i would have told them to get the 3G version and NOT the (extremely limiting) wi-fi one.

Auburn

Veteran

My mom and I were both surprised by ipads under the tree this Christmas! She was highly skeptical but now we're both addicted. I'm still getting comfortable with mine, but love the ease of use, email access etc. And, as Kyle stated, any inconveniences are outweighed by the ever-growing list of awesome apps--which I have to assume include a photo management system. It's not a computer substitute, but I'm loving it for travel!

Isabel

Veteran

Buscuits mom, it sounds like that would fit you well !!! ( I don't have one, but we have mac computers and my entire in-law family are Apple junkies and have every device you can think of !) I am someone who takes my parents and sister to all their appointments and just the itouch is so handy. You can even store medical info on it. BTW, I am someone who has trouble turning on a computer....so keep that in mind. As for reading books and very rudimentary web info, I LOVE my Kindle !

You save up and don't let Biscuit dissuade you...he will always prefer dog toys.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

lol, Isabel! He gets annoyed and paws at me if he's awake while Im on the computer or reading the newspaper! His newest trick to get 'mommy's attention is to claw at my plastic bird food bags with his sharp claws-lol....he wags his tail when I 'scold' him....I was afraid I'd be in way over my head, but it really makes me feel better reading all the responses...you ladies are awesome!

LeahJanes

I really want an iPad though I have absolutely no use for one. My kindle fulfils all my e-book reading and crossword-doing desires.

I run a food blog and I'd like to be able to start publishing my recipes in a recipe app format so I'm kidding myself into thinking that's a good excuse for buying one. I mostly just want to read magazines in colour and play with all the useless-but-pretty apps.

They are designed to be a portable arm of your computer, not a computer in and of themselves. You can't store a whole lot on them, just enough to get you by until you're back at the keyboard. As with all Apple stuff, it's easy to use but hard to master. You won't have any troubles learning it and you'll probably wonder how you ever got by without it. So insidious!