iPad in HK and SG and some questions on buying, accessories, 3G vs. Wi-Fi
iPad is now available in Singapore and Hong Kong. We have been getting questions from friends and members of our local iPad, iPhone, IPod Touch users group on buying the iPad and what they can do with it. They might be useful for other thinking of buying iPad, so I am posting them here. I am not a professional reviewer or anything but I have been using one for the last 3 months.
1. Should you buy the iPad vs. a netbook?
If you do a lot of complex spreadsheet and if your Microsoft Word files have lots of formatting then a netbook running Windows and Office is better. You can do these on the iPad via various apps but these apps will not be able to handle complex formatting. You can edit Google docs via some apps and you can create docs, spreadsheets and presentations other apps such as Pages, Numbers and Keynote etc. Not all these apps are free - they range from .99 cents to 10 dollars or more. You will need the VGA adapter cable to project. Also, not all apps are able to project - only the ones that have projection enabled. Check the app's description.
For most other uses - browsing, emailing, facebooking, news reading, video viewing, gaming etc. iPad is better than a netbook. The battery life in general is also better.
2. Can I take an iPad on my holidays or short trips?
Yes, I have done this for some of my trips. You can dump your photos from your camera to the iPad but you will need the iPad camera connection kit. The power adaptor of the iPad works with iPhone too and is exactly the same size. You can travel lighter. The battery life again is good. iPad is able to access most hotel and cafe wi-fi hotspots. I have used it in my trips to Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Also with an app such as instapaper, you can save your tickets, travel guides from wikitravel and other docs on your iPad.
3. What apps should I get?
Check out your local SG or HK iTunes store. Usually the most useful local apps float to the top of the apps list. There are two lists - one for paid apps and the other one for free. You can buy/download the apps from this list to try out.
The picture above shows the paid apps. Just scroll down to see the free apps (picture below)
4. What accessories should I get?
Get a case that can fold and provide a slight incline for typing. Everyone seems to love my Macally BookStand.
Macally case positioned for watching movies
Case positioned for typing
If you are going to be showing presentations, get the VGA connector. Note that not all apps are able to project out. The Keynote app can project. So can Goodreader, an excellent PDF and document viewer.
The camera connection kit for downloading pictures from your digital camera
I got the bluetooth keyboard but I find that I don't use it much. Get it only if you plan to type in long articles on your iPad. The onscreen keyboard works well if you are used to iPhone or Android phones.
5. Should I get a 3G or Wi-Fi model
In SG, wireless.sg works well with iPad, except some points at Changi Airport (might be a temporary thing). If most of your usage is going to be gaming, reading docs or ebooks then I would recommend the Wi-Fi model. If you really need to keep checking your email and other stuff then go for the 3G version. If you spend a lot of time on the bus, traveling to work, then 3G is worth getting. 3G does not work well for trains routes that spend a lot of time underground.
If you are already on an iPhone or smartphone plan, then you can get a multi-sim plan from your provider. Under this plan, for a minimal fee per month, you can get an additional data SIM card that can use your existing data plan. The iPad 3G uses the micro sim card. Ask you provider if they are able to give you the micro SIM.
6. What capacity should I get? 16GB, 32 GB?
If you plan on storing and showing lots of videos and pictures, get the bigger capacity model otherwise 16 GB is good enough.
Posted from Singapore
