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Original poster

Am thinking about getting an iPad and have some questions for iPad owners

26 replies

QED · 31/03/2012 18:14

Am in the thinking about it phase at the moment (and given that they don't seem to be in stock anywhere unless you pay inflated prices on Amazon, that is probably good as otherwise I might just order one Grin)

Do I want an iPad 3 or iPad 2? Ipad 2 obviously cheaper than iPad 3 but seems you can only get 16GB iPad 2 from Apple although other sizes at other places.

I have an HTC Wildfire which I can use as a mobile hotspot with my iPod Touch and netbook. Will this work with an iPad (ie do I want to get Wifi or 3G?)

What size do I want? Is 32GB worth paying more for? Or do I need 64GB?

Do I want a black one or a white one?

Where should I buy it from?

What sort of cover is good? Are there any other accessories I would "need"?

Am going into an Apple store tomorrow so can probably ask them things too but thought Mumsnetters would be even better Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
QED · 31/03/2012 18:36

I know there are people who use Mumsnet and have iPads :)

OP posts:
KnittingNovice · 31/03/2012 18:39

I love my 64 gb wifi/3G iPad 2

I have a cover like this

I can use my Samsung galaxy ace as a hotspot for it but have 3G as well because my data allowance is limited.

My children are nagging for it as I speak as they love the phonics apps I have downloaded for the ( they are 2 & 3y9m)

Original poster
QED · 31/03/2012 19:23

Thank you :)

Anyone else want to advise me as well?

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MollieO · 01/04/2012 11:02

I'm going to get a 16gb wifi Ipad 3 from John Lewis if they ever have them in stock as I think it is worth getting the service plan they offer. Remember that you also get cloud storage so I can't see the point in paying more for the 32gb or 64gb. I have 16gb on my Iphone and still have loads of space left.

hermioneweasley · 01/04/2012 11:08

The storage really depends on how much video you want to have on it. A couple of films and you'll need more than 16gb. Yes you can tether your iPad to an android phone to create a wireless hotspot and then you won't need a 3G model. You will need a cover (I just have a cheapie from amazon) and I like a styles as well (about £3). I love mine!

hermioneweasley · 01/04/2012 11:09

Stylus not styles

WhatMakesYouSay · 01/04/2012 11:10

Think about what you are likely to use it for - if you are mostly going to be at home, or locations which have wifi, would you really need the 3g connection, especially as you have your phone as a back up. This will also help you decide what size you need, are you really likely to need to store 64 gig of stuff on it for any length of time? Is it worth it to you for the extra cost? I have a 16 gig and have not thus far needed any additional space, although I mostly use it for browsing and books, which don't take up much space. Video is the killer for space, but you can still get a decent amount on.

If you are likely to use it in the kitchen, either for watching while you cook or for recipes etc, you might want a case which also acts as a stand.

Black or white is entirely personal choice, there's no difference. I'd always go for black, but that's just me!

MollieO · 01/04/2012 11:17

I'm getting black as I think videos look better with the black surround than the white.

RustyBear · 01/04/2012 16:21

I got mine on Friday, at the Apple store - I preordered it online, but when I was in there the previous Saturday, they had all types in stock - I only didn't buy it then because we were going away for the rest of the weekend.

I got the 64gb 3G 'new' ipad, because I often used the 3G at work with my previous iPad (our wifi blocks FB and MN threads that have swear words) I currently have my Sim from my old iPad in it, but I will be getting a gigabag from giffgaff which was recommended on MN.

In fact mine is nearly full already with all the stuff from my old iPad, but I will be doing a bit of weeding out over the next couple of weeks - I have 1300 songs, about 10,500 photos, 220 apps, ranging in size from 1Gb down to a few Kb, and about 40 hours of TV programmes, mostly Buffy and Doctor Who. An ordinary episode of Doctor Who takes about half a Gb, but I have a couple of HD ones and they are three times as big. They do look very good, though....

MollieO · 01/04/2012 17:01

Isn't the new Ipad 4G which doesn't work here?

Rusty I hope you back up your songs and photos!

SoupDragon · 01/04/2012 17:06

I had a 32gb WiFi iPad1 which was nearly full - mainly due to photos and videos. I now have the 64gb WiFi new iPad.

I never once wished I had 3G with the original iPad and eventually I was able to use my iPhone as a hotspot so 3G became irrelevant.

I bought this case and it is lovely (not leather though). the free stylus is fantastic too, as was the service from the company - I had it the very next day.

SoupDragon · 01/04/2012 17:07

Oh, and black all the way.

RustyBear · 01/04/2012 17:10

The 4g doesn't work in the UK, because we don't have 4g here yet but it works fine on 3G.
In fact it doesn't work with some of the current non US 4G networks either, but things may change - article explains more...

RustyBear · 01/04/2012 17:15

Yes, all my photos and music are also on my MacBook, which is also backed up to two external hard drives, one of which I keep at work. The music is also on my iPhone.

Mama1980 · 01/04/2012 17:29

I was bought a iPad 2 32gb for Christmas (love my dp Grin) it doesn't have 3G but to be honest I have no use for it. I also have a iPhone and can use that out and about means I don't have to worry about allowances etc for my I pad just tethered it to my wifi-it's also easy to do so when in a wifi hotspot eg hotel. Mine was bought from a apple store with extended warranty I have 2 children and a dog Grin so better be safe than sorry I know in my previous experience apple are ace when it comes to replacing/sorting problems out. As to storage depends what u want it for but it's very easy to take and out on pics movies etc so I rotate what I have on mine as and when I want to use or watch it.

ohyouBadBadkitten · 01/04/2012 17:42

I love my new iPad. Was just saying to dh, per hour of use this is already turning into a cost effective purchase. It is brilliant! I got this cover and some jvc headphones. Would like to get an incar charger. I can use my windows 7 phone as a hot spot.

basildonbond · 01/04/2012 18:12

oh I love my ipad! dh gave me the ipad2 for my birthday nearly a year ago and it has been the best present ever and it gets used every day.

He got me the apple smart cover, which has been fine although I'm sure a cheaper non-apple one would have been just as good. I also got a transparent silicon skin for the back to stop it getting scratched. I've got a stylus but tbh don't use it that much. I got some in-ear headphones as my ears are a funny shape and the ipod style headphones just don't fit, but that doesn't really count as I use them for my phone as well.

I got the 32gb wifi version and have never wished I had 3G as I can use my phone as a hotspot in the rare event that I need to go online when I'm out and about and not within reach of wifi

Original poster
QED · 01/04/2012 19:09

I may possibly have gone into the Apple reseller place here and may possibly have put down a deposit on a 32GB Wifi iPad in black Grin. They will phone me up when it arrives (he said it should be quite soon :))

Am going to have a good browse for covers :)

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wishiwasonholiday · 01/04/2012 19:13

I have an iPad 2 and a new one, the difference in the screen is really noticeable its like it's in hd (probably is but I haven't checked the spec), I'd go for the new one if it was me, I've got smart covers on mine and screen protectors and a back cover to save from scratches, I use mine in the kitchen a lot to watch tv.

Mine are both 64gb as I have lots if films on them.

MedusaIsHavingABadHairDay · 01/04/2012 23:54

Check out apple refurbished .. I just got an ipad 2 32GB for £359... a new ipad 2 16GB is £329..and it comes with he same warranty as a brand new one.. and appears to be brand new..! Apple refurbished (from them direct) are excellent! ( I have had several Apple refurb products from them)

I didn't go for the new ipad as I don't need the better camera (I use an SLR) and the apple forum has some worrying posts about wifi range issues with the latest model which made me wary.

SoupDragon · 02/04/2012 08:16

QED, I went on the Apple site when the new iPad was announced just for a look and came out having accidentally [ahem] ordered one.

Original poster
QED · 04/04/2012 11:12

Ooh the Apple person just called and my iPad has arrived Grin. Need to go and get it but DC and I are being lazy today. And I need to do housework. And it has no cover yet Am going away tomorrow and would be nice to have it on the train with me....

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SoupDragon · 04/04/2012 11:51

FGS go and collect it, woman! No one can be so lazy as to not go and pick up an iPad

Original poster
QED · 04/04/2012 15:26

We have just got it :) Am now trying to drag DC away from the ipads in here Grin

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SoupDreggon · 04/04/2012 15:28

Oh, leave them. :o