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Apple iPad Delivers on Entertainment, but Lacks Productivity

04.04.2010
The Apple iPad ushers in the era of tablet computing, with a slate-style handheld that looks nothing like a typical computer. in fact, the iPad is more reminiscent of an oversize iPhone than a laptop. But because the iPad's screen is three times larger than that of the iPhone/iPod Touch, you'll be tempted to use the iPad for activities you wouldn't consider doing with an iPhone. Innovative apps and content optimized for the spacious, high-resolution touchscreen make the iPad a treat to use. Nevertheless, the iPad's other limitations make it hard to recommend as a replacement for (rather than as a complement to) the devices you may be carrying around today.

Apple plans to offer six variants of the iPad, starting with the three Wi-Fi models available now: a 16GB model ($499), a 32GB model ($599), and 64GB model ($699). In late April, Apple will ship three additional models that tack on 3G capability, for an extra $130 each. The 3G models will also have a GPS chip inside.

Power up the iPad, and it immediately prompts you to connect to iTunes. I had iTunes open already; and it immediately recognized the iPad and ushered me through a series of screens to register my iPad and set up my iTunes Store Account.

Setup did have some hiccups, starting with the fact that iTunes erroneously thought that I had previously synced an iPad with this computer, listing a last synced date of 6/18/2009; evidently, it mistook my new iPad for an iPhone (I had synced my current iPhone to the computer just the day before). As such, during setup it offered me options to set up as a new iPad or to restore from the backup of either my first iPhone (a former iPhone 3GS) or my current iPhone 3GS.

I chose to set up as a new iPad. From there I got to name the device and choose how to sync it. I opted to sync songs and videos to my iPad automatically (so iTunes will sync the iPad to mirror my iTunes music library and playlists), and to add photos from my Pictures folder automatically. Finally, I selected to sync apps to the iPad automatically; consequently, the iPad performed an initial sync, during which iTunes a slew of iPad apps that I had predownloaded to the device.