iPad question

[Ed62]

My wife wants one, and I kinda do too. But I wonder just how much space we'll need if we get one. The 16GB looks good, but how can I know if it's big enough? Is it possible to download the apps from the iPad to a computer, and restore them later if desired? That would be one way to free up some space if things get tight.

Ed

[Kristofor]

Yes, you can add and remove apps over time, but generally the apps aren't going to be what eats up most of your space.

Media (audio to a small degree, and to a much greater extent video) is what will quickly consume space. Though even that can be limited by heavy compression or encoding at less than native panel resolution. Again if you have access to a computer it's easy to load/unload those files as well. However, if you're planning to use it as a video player for a few longer flights and/or trip/vacation time, you may want more space...

Also, note that the next generation isn't too far out there (3-6ish months if the rumors are accurate), so perhaps starting with a smaller unit then upgrading or adding a second larger unit down the road if warranted may be an option.

[mclear]

They are talking about around April for the next generation. The iPad2 is supposed to have cameras as well as a SD slot which will be handy to upload pictures. You have to remember that an iPad is a consumption device not a creation device. I use my MacBook Pro for pictures and video editing. I move pictures over to my iPad via iTunes. My three year old uses my iPad more than I do.

I am lucky enough to be in a situation in which my honors students each have an iPad to use and take home. Since it is their "computer", they use it all of the time. I use my MacBook Pro much more. There are lot of cool apps for the iPad. If you "buy" something from the app store, you can download it again for free if you delete it.

[Ed62]

That's good info. thanks for the replies.

Ed

[aggrex]

16GB is plenty if the iPad is used primarily to surf the internet. Videos, photos, extensive music collections will need more memory.

[LCHIEN]

i think the iPad is like the iPod touch, it uses Itunes to load, update, backup and unload apps.

iPod apps are small, my 500 song music collection takes up around 2 GB, each movie is usually crunched to mp4 which takes about 2GB ea for a feature length movie.
Itunes will let you move movies back and forth from the computer to the iPad.
As someone said, music and videos will be your big space eaters, not apps.

If its a media device for you , you may want more memory, especially if you need to carry around more than a few movies but if its a web surfing device, its probably adequate with 16GB.

[SHADOWFOX]

I too am wanting an Ipad but what's been stopping me is the thought that the 2nd gen is right around the corner. Regarding the size, you really just need 16gb because these days you can use cloud services such as Pandora, LastFM for music and Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, or Qriosity for video. Not to mention the ways where one can establish their own personal cloud by using a device called Pogo Plug or Tonido Plug. I have both devices and a Drobo w/ 8TB of storage that I can access anytime anywhere with my iPhone w/ unlimited data plan.

[Ed62]

Thanks again for the info. Yeah, the fact that the new iPad is probably coming to the stores sometime around Feb.to April, has me really wanting to wait too. If they drop the prices quite a bit just after Christmas, I might bite.

Ed

[jackellis]

Prices are unlikely to drop. the new iPad has cameras on both sides. I'm not sure there's much else other than perhaps the SD slot.

Timing and choice of model will depend on whether a) you want the cameras, b) you want 3G so you can use cellular communications when WiFi isn't available, c) you want to put a lot of multimedia files on the device.

I have a 16 GB model, purchased primarily for aviation use. My biggest application is the aviation charts. I also use it for eBooks and podcasts. Safari is not a great browser, though it is generally adequate. Portability is excellent, as is battery life.

You might also consider the Android-based tablets. They're smaller, they may be less expensive, and they are likely to run Flash.

[Ed62]

Thanks for the post. I'm pretty sure the 16 gigs will be adequate for us. Having a camera is not really a consideration, but having the ability to add an SD card would be nice.

The Androids are probably a little smaller than we would want, and I'm pretty sure there is an app now that will allow you to view flash videos.

Ed