Even if you reject the iPad on an intestinal level—you know, because you don’t want to be associated with mock turtlenecks and man bags—then you should still view Apple’s device as a referendum on the looming wave of tablet computers. The bottom line is that the iPad is damn useful. The referendum has passed.
The iPad's wide black bezel is unsightly, but provides a good resting place for smudge-inducing fingers.
The LED-backlit display clocks 1024x768 pixels across 9.7 diagonal inches. Those are netbook-like specs in a physical formfactor that’s more attractive (both aesthetically and functionally) than any netbook. The best part about the screen is that it defines the iPad in toto—without the baggage of a hinged physical keyboard, track pad, or pointing stick, the iPad thrives when typing, web-surfing, or doing similarly simple tasks while lying on your back.
For couch-based computing, just prop the iPad in the angle of your lap. In landscape mode, the virtual keyboard stretches 7.75 inches edge-to-edge, providing easy typing targets. But it’s really the iPad’s touch navigation that makes the device so convenient when working in a prone position. Scrolling, panning, or just inserting a cursor is much easier when all you have to do is tap your finger. Simply put, touch-based navigation trumps every mousing alternative we’ve ever encountered on a netbook. And thanks to the iPad’s 1GHz ARM processor—a system-on-chip that also handles 3D, audio, power management, and bus traffic duties—the GUI is extremely fast with speedy screen redraws. The iPad eschews mechanical storage for flash, aiding app responsiveness and load times, as well as battery life (which consistently beat Apple’s 10-hour estimate for “normal use” scenarios).
When you’re ready to hit the road, the iPad provides a winning mixture of convenience and functionality. Compared to most any netbook, it’s lighter, slimmer, and more packable. It also boots faster—near instantaneously. For plane trips, you can watch HD movies in spectacular color and clarity, read ebooks, listen to iPod tunes, and play an ever-growing arsenal of addictive casual games. The touch interface is an Achilles’ heel when it comes to shooters and other action games, but pool, pinball, board games, card games, and various PopCap ports translate wonderfully to the touch screen.
When you hit your hotel room, you can web-surf and email without compromise, but you’ll finally hit some snags when you attempt more complex activity. The iPad runs the iPhone OS, which won’t support multitasking until later this year. But the real bugaboo is the closed system of the OS. Neither Windows nor Mac software is welcome to the party. For 90 percent of all computing activity, Apple’s App Store has an app for the job. But for the remaining 10 percent, you’re on your own.
In the coming months, a host of PC makers will be rolling out their iPad killers, and we can’t wait to see one that runs Windows apps, multitasks, supports Flash, and has a front-facing camera for video chat—all features the iPad currently lacks. HP’s Slate appeared to be the front-runner in the non-Apple tablet race, but speculation has the Slate running Palm’s webOS instead of the resource-hogging Windows 7.
Regardless of which OS they’re running, all the new tablet competitors should dominate both netbooks and old-school, stylus-controlled tablets. Touch interface is the key, and it doesn’t need to be Apple’s.
Want a second opinion? Go to Maclife.com, our sister site, to read their iPad review.
Speedy touch-based GUI; super-efficient SoC; killer display and virtual keyboard; tons of killer apps.
Can’t multitask; nonstandard OS; no Flash support; no camera; limited as a gaming platform.
| Footprint / Weight | H/W/D: 9.5 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches; 1.5lbs |
| CPU | 1GHz Apple A4 (ARM-based SoC) |
| GPU | PowerVR SGX 535 |
| RAM | 256MB DRAM (integrated into SoC) |
| Storage | Flash memory (16, 32, or 64GB) |
| Display | 9.7-inch, LED-backlit IPS LCD, 132ppi |
| Battery | Non-user-replaceable, 6600mAh lithium ion polymer |
| Input / Output | 30-pin dock connector, 3.5-inch headphone jack, built-in speaker and mic |
AmieS
July 22, 2011 at 8:14am
I don’t want to question the information that you are giving us here, but this is not one of the best product reviews I’ve read about Apple I-Pad. Don’t think that the South Park episode about Apple affected my opinion, but I’m still looking for a more realistic review.
D3lt4
June 09, 2010 at 4:20pm
You gave it an 8.... I lost a lot of respect for you maximum pc after this review.....
Damn thing can't even multitask and it cannot run flash? Really, its that awesome?
Funny on how they aren't penalizing it for running a cellphone processor or that the batteries have to be replaced by apple. (No spare bateries)
I guess this one was for main stream not power users huh?
soooo much fail macximum pc......
brookrv
June 09, 2010 at 2:25pm
I've used Windows and Linux based pc's for 20 years and just this week, bought my first iMac. I cannot be more happier with it!! I do music recording and Garageband works with all my drum machines and synths perfectly! I've never had such ease of use on a pc based recording setup. I was always wrestling with drivers and spending more time "tweaking" instead of playing and recording. With the Mac, it all JUST WORKS!
Another wonderful thing about having the iMac is that I can seamlessly share files across my network between all my pc's and the iMac. Again, it just worked! It took about 5 seconds for the mac to find all my pc's and to be ready to share files. It took about 2 seconds for the mac to find my wireless printer, install it and have it ready to use!! It truly is unbelievable!
And to think I stayed away from Apple because I was such a Microsoft fan (yay Bill G!). Put down your hostility and drink a little Apple flavored koolaid my friends! You don't have to think of it as PC OR MAC! Think of it as PC AND MAC! It's not a bad thing. Trust me, I'm kicking myself thinking of all the money I wasted trying to get a good music recording setup out of my Windows systems. Ugh. ...lesson learned.
Next on my wish list is the iPad which I hope to get soon. All you have to do is play with one in in the Apple store and you'll see how cool it is. Don't just rely on reviews. Pick one up in your grubby mits and give it a try. It is fast, handy and beautiful! The only people that detract from its coolness are Apple haters (which I am now recovering from being for the last too-many-years). ...so put down the hate and enbrace technology!
In closing, I just wanted to say one last thing about the myth of the Apple OS being a closed platform. It's not nearly as draconian as people make it out to be. Yes, they have strict standards, especially in regards to their App store for the Iphone, but it serves to keep the riff raff out and to maintain a high level of quality. Spend some time with a Mac and you'll see that for yourself.
Neufeldt2002
June 09, 2010 at 3:11pm
I see you drank too much of the apple koolaid. Next you'll be telling us all that steve jobs should rule the world.
greencpu
June 09, 2010 at 1:45pm
Here is my take:
it is the best PDF reader available - I read tons of technical docs in pdf form for work, this is why I got it
it is a great comicbook reader - nuff said
it is an adequet ebook reader - kindle is better for straight
booksit is a convinient web browser - nice to have with you when you want to pull something up quick - bedside or at the couch. I would say the lack of flash is a downside, and even worse, the lack of inpage text search in safari really hurt it. Probably a push with a laptop. Depending on your screen size, perhaps a bit better than a netbook.
it is absolutely awful for any writing/typing task. If you can honestly say that you think typing on this thing is OK, then you must be hell of a crap-tacular typest. Sure it is better than the iphone, but I would rather use the slider on my samsung moment than try to type on this keyboard. this post would be a nightmare on that keyboard.
When this launched I was very skeptical, as I consider it a tweener device - it can't replace laptop/netbook due to lack of funtionality and keybaord, and can't it replace mobile phone due to size/lack of phone. I still think that today.
I ended up getting one, largely due to my unusual requirements for PDF reading. For everyone else? I can't really say it is better than a netbook, but it is still a very nice package - it is nice to work with. But it does lack some critical components that would keep it from being a portable computer replacement.
I think at $300 this would be no-brainer for anyone. But that isn't what it costs.
I'm hoping an android tablet will be even better - but we haven't seen that yet.
---www.sci-guys.com - sci-fi and other cool stuff---
michaelnomad
June 09, 2010 at 1:29pm
I realize that there may be casual games that you can buy in the app store, but I'd like something with not just Flash support for videos (kind of a big deal for me), but also for Flash games. They're FREE. Screw the app store. A netbook costs half as much and can do more. It's not that comfortable while lying on your back, but maybe I don't spend as much time on my back. Umm... that just doesn't sound right.
Zachary K.
June 09, 2010 at 11:33am
now review the iped, i think it would at least get a 9 kick ass.
imagonex
June 09, 2010 at 10:34am
If HP, Dell or any other corporation manufactured the exact product at the same price (or lower), I still wouldn't even consider buying one due to the fact it is a locked-down, closed proprietary system. Overall, I'm just not very fond of these types of products.
So, whether it is Apple, or not, is not the issue for me. I also look at value for dollar. As one of the commenters says, compared to a $700 HP laptop (regardless of market niche and uses) this fairly expensive SoC equipped appliance doesn't offer much for dollar value. That's only if you strictly look at value per dollar. Some buyers don't view it that way even if the product cost $2 or $20000. Heck, just look at the amount of crazy money some people spend on gaming rigs. How cost is justified depends on the buyer.
My main pet-peeve with this type of appliance or any similar product. It doesn't matter to me if it's made by Apple, Lenovo, HP, or whatever other brandname one can think of. This iPad is merely a locked-down, closed proprietary appliance which forces the consumer into a closed market. It is nothing but a conduit into all the market and products under the corporate Apple umbrella.
If someone asked me if they should buy the iPad, I would steer them to this review and make their own personal decision on the matter. That's what I like about our economies and markets; our right to choose, criticize and freedom of speech and purchasing choices.
The "8" verdict rating given by the author is the best impartial tech review I've seen so far.
Neufeldt2002
June 09, 2010 at 10:33am
I actually tried one of these things, and all I have to say is this: I'm glad you find it usefull, I on the other hand do not. I don't like the interface, or the sluggish, that's right, sluggish response. It took several seconds to do anything, and the touch screen was pathetic, it only registerd every 3-4 touches. If this is the future, you can have it. I ain't buying.
Biceps
June 09, 2010 at 2:59pm
Because I have used the iPad before, too. I found it to be pretty responsive with tasks that didn't require a lot of processing power, and the touch screen worked beautifully.
FYI, I think that you can take my comment above seriously, because I am an MS lover, and in general don't like things 'Mac'. I will not be purchasing an iPad because it is closed, lacks functions I want as a power user, and I don't have a three-foot stick handy to put up my butt before I leave the house. However, I think that the screen on the iPad is undeniably beautiful, and the touch functions worked fine for me.
burntham77
June 09, 2010 at 9:56am
I was not interested in the iPad, but recently I have read a handful of reviews, including this one, that has changed my mind. It's still too expensive for what it does, but once the price drops I will give this device some serious consideration. Nice work Apple.
cc3d
June 09, 2010 at 9:46am
" The bottom line is that the iPad is damn useful. "
oh come on. I've had an iPad since April 3. I have PCs, Macs, an iPhone as well as a new HP laptop. The iPad is very cool, it is very neat for web browsing and checking email and even reading books on the kindle app (inside, daylight ends that idea)
It still sucks to type on it for more than a sentence, if anybody says otherwise, they're trying to like it too much.
As for productivity? None! iWorks is a joke. How many times I get a word or excel document I need to edit and send back to someone. Can't do it with iPad (no, don't give me the bs about the work around. People don't want me returning their excel documents in another format). Apps are snippets that are neat, but really uselss for getting stuff done!
Working in the cloud? I store a ton of documents in/on the 'cloud'. I can't get to them, much less work on them, with the iPad.
When it comes to this stuff, you know what kicks the iPad's ass? A $700 HP laptop that has a buhzillion ports, a big display, a full keyboard and supports EVERYTHING in software!
big_montana
June 09, 2010 at 12:22pm
I'm waiting on the Lenovo Ideapad U1 to release this month. I do not care if it costs $1,000, it will still be more useful than the iPad ever will be. It is ahybrid/dual use device, as it is a laptop and tablet. The screen detaches from the base, and both components run indepently of each other. It runs Win 7 in laptop mode, with 4GB of ram, in tablet mode, the screen has it's own processor and run sLinux and has 512MB of ram plus separate storage too. It also supports multi touch in both modes. Linux and Windows, could not ask for more.
CeeDiggity
June 09, 2010 at 9:29am
I am no apple fan boy by any means, but all you people complaining about their products being on this site need to shut up. The first thing it says on my browser header after maximum pc is TECHNOLOGY news. Apple products, however you feel about them, are a form of technology. So stop freakin whinin. You don't like it, don't read the damn page!
RandomInt
June 09, 2010 at 9:12am
"The bottom line is that the iPad is damn useful"
That might be true if it cost $200, but it takes some serious rationalizing to justify buying one when you compare it to similarly priced alternatives. It's useful for when you're laying on your back, huh? I hadn't heard that one before.
"you can web-surf and email without compromise"
No flash support == crippled web browsing device, regardless of your opinion of flash.That is a fact.
"For 90 percent of all computing activity, Apple’s App Store has an app
for the job."That is the most nonsensical statement in this article. Who would this apply to?
This entire article should be rewritten as one sentence: "Sometimes, touch navigation is more convenient than using a mouse."
JonPhillips
June 09, 2010 at 9:59am
1) The iPad's usefulness stands independent of its price/performance ratio, its ROI. You're saying it's overpriced, and that's an opinion that stands on its own. But the device's "usefullness" would be the same whether it cost $2 or $20,000.
2) Yes, it's a fact that it doesn't support Flash. This review first ran in the print magazine, where my total word count was limited. But luckily I can extrapolate here: During all my hours of testing (inclduing long-term testing which continues indefinitely), I only lamented lack of Flash support in those periodic instances where video wouldn't load. As for all those annoying animations and ads that wouldn't load, well... good riddance.
3) We all have different computing tasks. I use my PC for the following: web surfing, emailing, twitter, writing/word processing, gaming, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Usenet, and data acquistion analysis (racing related). Yeah, I do various activities on the PC, but I would hazard to guess that MORE than 90% of my total computing hours are spent web surfing, emailing, writing, and tweeting. Games? Yeah, the iPad can't run PC games, but I'm not sure if any worthwhile PC titles translate tothe small screen and low performance of netbooks. Meanwhile, there are some great casual games in the App Store. Usenet clients are a non-starter, and that's a shame, so Apple gets a demerit here.TheAdobe applications: missing. But these also require big screen real estate for any level of design/editing comfort, so I won't penalize the iPad too much in this area -- especially because the App Store does offer some compelling drawing/composition apps that I use for basic ideas and mock-ups. As for my data aquisition software (Race Technology Version 7), I really DO miss that one.
RandomInt
June 09, 2010 at 11:59am
"But the device's 'usefullness' would be the same whether it cost $2 or $20,000."
No, it's usefulness should be measured by its capabilities relative to similar devices. You can buy a netbook that's cheaper, faster, and has more capabilities than an iPad. I guess it would be more difficult to use a netbook if you're laying on your back, but I just don't see that as a compelling reason to shell out $500 - $800 for an iPad.
"I only lamented lack of Flash support in those periodic instances where
video wouldn't load"Jon, you just negated your own claim of "uncompromised" web browsing.
"As for all those annoying animations and ads that wouldn't load, well...
good riddance."It would be charitable to call this argument weak. Do you really think your readers are unaware of flash blockers and ad blockers?
"We all have different computing tasks"
Right. So how did you come up with 90%? If you're a gamer -- and I'm betting most of your readers are -- then that number is probably not close. That sentence shouldn't have been in your review.
Walnut
June 09, 2010 at 2:30pm
"No, it's usefulness should be measured by its capabilities relative to similar devices. You can buy a netbook that's cheaper, faster, and has more capabilities than an iPad. I guess it would be more difficult to use a netbook if you're laying on your back, but I just don't see that as a compelling reason to shell out $500 - $800 for an iPad."
This argument is nonsensical. I tried an iPad in an Apple store a while back and decided that I don't want one. The price is too high and the hardware is woefully unimpressive when compared to some of the Android tablets on the horizon. Its usefulness, however, has absolutely nothing to do with the price point. It doesn't matter that cheaper devices can do more. That does affect my desire to buy one, but it does not affect the iPad's utility. What you're looking at is the usefulness to price ratio. iPad costs more and does less and so has a lower ratio; netbook costs less and does more and so has a higher ratio. These comparisons are useful in determining the value of the product to an individual, but have no bearing at all on how useful the product actually is.
CentiZen
June 09, 2010 at 9:22am
Or MaximumPC could continue giving in depth, unbiased reveiws unlike every other tech site that takes one look at the iPad and calls it device of the century. Also, the fact that MPC, in their more-than-just-obvious dislike for apple even reviewed this shows that they value their readers enough to give them professional and concise look at the latest gadgets, no matter who made them.
Too bad not all sites are as mature about things as MPC is.
SHEILA: AMD X4 965 3.2GHZ ; 4 GB G.SKILL GAMING RAM ; RADEON HD 5770 1GB
TheMurph
June 09, 2010 at 10:07am
"in their more-than-just-obvious dislike for apple"
Speak for yourself, bro. I love Apple. Love, love, love.
<3 Apple <3
CentiZen
June 09, 2010 at 11:21am
Be careful saying that around gordon. I heard the last guy that said he loves apple was hit with a nerd rage so powerful it took them hours to find him and get him out of that tree.
SHEILA: AMD X4 965 3.2GHZ ; 4 GB G.SKILL GAMING RAM ; RADEON HD 5770 1GB
imagonex
June 09, 2010 at 10:37am
The Murph has spoken! All bow down to The Murph.
(Cue: angels oooing and aaahing + Transformers 2 orchestral theme song)
Mark17
June 09, 2010 at 1:52pm
Yes, I see what you did. Very original. Nice job copying me just like how Apple and Steve Jobs copied Microsoft's ideas.
CentiZen
June 09, 2010 at 9:25am
At least back up your statement with something. Just randomly bashing Apple makes you just as bad as the fanboys.
SHEILA: AMD X4 965 3.2GHZ ; 4 GB G.SKILL GAMING RAM ; RADEON HD 5770 1GB
Mark17
June 09, 2010 at 2:03pm
To back up my original statment: Steve Jobs. And to say that I'm just randomly bashing Apple is crazy. My Apple bashing is well planned. You see, I have a list of web sites that I scour daily and I look for articles, blogs, and posts related to Apple, then I bash them. And no, I don't have anything better to do with my life.
fusobotic
June 09, 2010 at 8:31am
Whaaa??An apple product review? I sure hope you realize this is maximum PC. Well, I guess it's fine as long as you don't give it a 10/10 review. Oh, btw, OS 4 does have multitasking. And what about the jailbreak capabilities!? I just jailbroke my touch and I can multitask, play gba, genesis, download youtube vids, categorize apps, cancel processes & free memory, and customize the look of just about anything. Just sayin'
CentiZen
June 09, 2010 at 9:14am
PC == PERSONAL COMPUTER
Do you still want to have said that?
SHEILA: AMD X4 965 3.2GHZ ; 4 GB G.SKILL GAMING RAM ; RADEON HD 5770 1GB
fusobotic
June 11, 2010 at 2:07pm
All I'm saying is that Maximum PC is supposed to be about Windows or Linux based computers, PC is just the title for that type of computer. And yes I knew what PC stood for, and I still would have said it that way.
Now I would have to say, a jailbroken touch/ipad/iphone would be a personal computer, since it can be customized and infected with viruses in the same way.
imagonex
June 09, 2010 at 10:44am
Thanks for posting. I'm so with you on this one!
P.C. is just an acronym for "personal computers".
I wish everyone would stop saying "Mac vs. PC". It is the most moronic and overused phrase out there. It's akin to saying "Mustang vs Car". Can't get anymore insipid and stupid that that.
OSX vs Windows. I'll accept that.
imagonex
June 09, 2010 at 4:19pm
Yes, you're absolutely correct.
What I meant, by using the "Ford Mustang", reflected the redundancy of the insipid Apple bastardized phrase, "Mac vs PC", not that Macs are Mustangs. I should've opted for "Corvair vs Corvette ZR1" or "Pinto vs Porsche Turbo S" as better analogies.
Sorry, for the mix-up.
Mark17
June 09, 2010 at 2:01pm
P.C. is an acronym for personal computer. But if you've ever used an Apple computer, it's not very personal. It's more like Steve Jobs' Computer. You can't make it personal, you can only do what Jobs says you can do with it. It should really be SJC vs PC.
Neufeldt2002
June 09, 2010 at 12:06pm
Except for the fact that apple uses the mac vs pc all the time. They (apple) don't want to be associated with "pc". However I do agree with your statement, but if apple doesn't want to be pc anything, then we should oblige and only point links to maclife for apple related reviews and keep "pc" here.
JonPhillips
June 13, 2010 at 9:01am
What Apple "wants" is immaterial. Both Mac|Life and Maximum PC are indepedent press. You make a good point about MacLife.com though. I am going to add in a link for the official iPad review of our Mac publication. But, fwiw, I think it would be a lost opportunity for MPC not to review products like the iPad. First off, MPC will surely have a different opinion of the product -- M|L writes from the perspective of Apple enthusiasts while MPC writes from the prspective of PC enthusiasts. Second, I have counted about 19 touch-based tablets on the horizon. All are a response to the iPad. So, just from the perspective of comparison and "staying on top of what the industry is pushing our way," we really have a duty to review the iPad.
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