Have you pre-ordered your iPad?

[dbphotos]

I know there are a lot of pros and cons, but I pre-ordered the non-3G version to try it out and see if it is going to do what I want and expect it to do. If it does, then I'll order the 3G model later and pass off my non-3G version to a family member. If it doesn't do what I need it to do, then I haven't lost much money for a large iPod.

They say the non-3G is shipping April 2 and the 3G the end of April.

Anyone else ordering one?

[toverman]

I want one, but I'm torn between the WiFi version and the 3G version. In my daily life, I'm surrounded by WiFi hotspots, most of them free. I wouldn't need to be connected all the time to use it, so I don't know if I want to wait for the 3G version and pay for service anyhow. I'm going to wait to see how it performs in real-life use before going for it.

For me, the iPad could be a revolutionary device. It was so overhyped, that some of the pundits slammed it for not doing enough ... but it's going to make things like the Kindle look like a dinosaur egg. As a former newspaper journalist, I see it as heralding in a new era of news consumption. The name is a little off, but that's what I thought about "iPod." Now iPod is used to describe any MP3 device.

[lscottpht]

I wish. Can't afford one yet. I will get the least expensive one. I heard they were not released in March b/c they were still awaiting FCC approval. So, hopefully they will be approved for those getting the cheaper ones by April 2 date.

[XtremePhoto]

Do you have to have service through AT & T like the iPhone?

[Rson]

I didn't....but my wife did.

[Brains]

I preordered a 3G model. I'm nearly always in Wi-Fi coverage, and I can tether to my T-mobile phone, but I figured it won't hurt to have the 3G radio built-in should I ever need it. The beauty of the iPad, is your 3G service isn't under contract - it's pay-in-advance month-to-month with auto renewal. Don't need it? Just cancel. You can also purchase the $15/mo. service, and if you see you're about to hit your limit, you can upgrade on the spot to the $30/mo. service to avoid a huge overage bill. That, my friends, is the way cell data plans SHOULD be sold.

I didn't see the camera connection kit on the pre-order, but I might have skipped right past it. I'm very interested in seeing if we can tether this sucker to our SLRs. I'm even willing to write the app if it comes down to it

[dbphotos]

Originally Posted by XtremePhoto

Do you have to have service through AT & T like the iPhone?

Yes, but no contracts.

[XtremePhoto]

Originally Posted by dbphotos

Yes, but no contracts.

Crap...no iPad for me. I will NEVER use AT & T again. Their service and customer relations are screwed up. Can't go back to that.

[toverman]

Originally Posted by Brains

I didn't see the camera connection kit on the pre-order, but I might have skipped right past it. I'm very interested in seeing if we can tether this sucker to our SLRs. I'm even willing to write the app if it comes down to it

I've been considered an Eye-Fi memory card, which can transfer files directly to a laptop wirelessly (the Pro version can even use an ad hoc network without WiFi). If it will work with an iPad, there's another reason for me to get one.

[shamrock]

Hubby wants one, and his bday is in May. But he wants the 3G, and i want to wait and see if the prices drop a bit, and how buggy they are. So he's probably not getting one until the end of the year.

[Tim-in-TX]

I'm waiting for a tablet computer, not an oversized iPod Touch. I already have an iPhone that does everything the iPad does...it is just that the iPhone is is more portable and actually makes phone calls too.
I guess I would probably change my mind if they just support Flash. A large chunk of the internet uses flash, so if get a tablet of any kind, it had better support Flash.

[Brains]

Originally Posted by Tim-in-TX

I'm waiting for a tablet computer, not an oversized iPod Touch.

I kinda chuckle when people use that phrase. It *IS* a tablet computer.

I think what people are trying to say, but can't wrap the right words around, is they want the device to connect to their other devices, and they want it to multi-task. Well I can tell you by looking at the developer documentation, is they're opening the doors. Connectivity is being opened up a LOT with the iPad to the point they're allowing full interaction via Bluetooth wireless and the 30 pin dock connector. This will also trickle down to the iPhone/iTouch. It will take a few months for things to start coming down the pike, but this is where the iPad will make a LOT of sense where people can't see it now. Now for multi-tasking. The iPhone/iTouch/iPad actually DO multitask already, but it is restricted in the SDK. The reason is usability - you're working with a mobile device with limited battery, memory, and cpu power. To keep the user experience very high (which it obviously is), you make some concessions. Rumor has it the 4.0 version of the SDK opens this up a bit as well, but we'll have to wait and see (currently only up to version 3.2).

[Hanky]

i may go 3g just to get my moneys worth from att

[birdwatcher48]

Ok may be some dumb questions here from me, but what is the I-Pad? Phone? Computer? Connection to internet? Sorry but Im a bit slow...forgive me

[Tim-in-TX]

Originally Posted by birdwatcher48

Ok may be some dumb questions here from me, but what is the I-Pad? Phone? Computer? Connection to internet? Sorry but Im a bit slow...forgive me

Big iPod Touch really. It will have wi-fi and the 3G will allow for connecting to the internet via cell service if you are away from a wi-fi signal. However you will not be able to make calls with it. It is a device, not a computer. That is, it will run apps (purchased only through iTunes) and video but will not run programs.
Now they may decide to expand its abilities and functions in the future (hopefully including multi-tasking), but for now, the only thing I can see different between the iPad and the iPod Touch is that on the iPad, because it is bigger, it will be easier to read eBooks and eZines...oh, and many of the games should be more fun when played on a larger scale.