Apple iPad

**SpankMe** · 29th January 2010, 07:55

Will be looking into this device for the missus. All she does is browse and MSN chat with her friends in Thailand. So assuming it can run a Microsoft product like MSN and can input Thai text, it might be just the thing for her. Cheaper than a laptop and easier to lie of the sofa and use, and it'll save me from having to bring my work laptop home every day to her to use.

No built-in webcam, but I think a WiFi webcam would work better.

edit: Just found out it can't run MSN.

**onearmedbandit** · 29th January 2010, 08:05

There are other applications that work with MSN. For example on my phone I use NimBuzz, which I see works on the iPhone. Syncs with your established MSN contacts list.

**SpankMe** · 29th January 2010, 08:07

She uses MSN video chat alot and is not very PC/internet savy.

**onearmedbandit** · 29th January 2010, 08:31

It's as easy to use as MSN, and supports video chat. If you have a decent mobile try it. I'm seriously considering getting one, mostly for the book factor. Having only one arm is a bastard for holding a paperback while having a smoke lol.

**Trudes** · 29th January 2010, 09:01

I want one!!! Looks cool!

**steve_t** · 29th January 2010, 09:08

I wonder how these will go. I was thinking nobody but apple fanboys would buy them cos it's just a large iPod Touch, but I guess that's the appeal. With the iPad and iPhone around the same price, I'd take/keep the iPhone cos you can make calls and send SMS and can stick it in your pocket. I was hoping the iPad would be revolutionary, but it really isn't

**SpankMe** · 29th January 2010, 09:15

What always puts me off Apple gear is how your hardware is locked in. Can't change battery & can't add memory. Also having to only use their apps is a pain. Now if Microsoft made one to run windows, or even better, Google did a pad version of the nexus one, now that would be cool.

**SpankMe** · 29th January 2010, 09:19

Also only having 1024x768 resolution is just too low.

**Tank** · 29th January 2010, 09:22

Im sure that they will sell some - but the general concensus is that the thing just dosnt have the 'cool stuff' (tm) needed to be a desirable device.

Even the Apple fan bois wanted to love it are having trouble finding a justification / use for it. As you say - cannot even stream movies to it in a reasonable format. Its a book reader with a browser - thats about it.

Apple Fail!

**Headbanger** · 29th January 2010, 09:22

I bet my gold teeth it won't be cheaper then a laptop when it gets to NZ, and it has about 1/10th the capabilities of even a budget laptop.

I was semi-interested until it became apparent its just an over sized version of the crap they already have, I regret buying my iphone, Damned if I'm going to buy a bigger version of it to run their exact same crappy apps. Seems to be Apple concentrate first and foremost on building wanky devices that divert people to their app and media stores.

**Tank** · 29th January 2010, 09:24

We all have laptops here - but a lot cannot be assed taking them everywhere - so we are buying smaller netbooks for people as second devices (well 3rd after the BB's).

We are waiting for the ASUS Eee PC 1201N - could be an ideal device for your missus needs.