[eforty6_m3]

Every year, on the last day of January, we get a bonus distributed among all of the employees. This year, I decided I'm going to take $1000 of my bonus and use that to buy an iPad 2 and then put the rest towards some smaller items.

The rest of my bonus (sans the $1000), will go towards paying down bills and towards wedding-related expenses (I'm getting married 5/24/13).

I've never owned an iPhone or an iPad, but I own multiple iPod's and would eventually love to own an iMac. I'm actually an Android guy (Droid X), but I have always respected the Apple brand. Having said that, I don't believe that the Android tablet is even close to being in the same league as the iPad, and therefore, I've decided to go with Apple.

For those of you who own iPads (either the original or iPad 2), what are your thoughts? Let me also preface my thoughts with the following:

• I own two laptops and a desktop PC
• I realize that tablets are just glorified (and larger) smart phones
• I will not be using the iPad as my MAIN computer (nor do I assume I can do this). As I mentioned, I have a bunch of computers already, so if I need to work on a document, telecommute from home, etc, I have other means of doing so.

I want an iPad because they're sick. Yes, so is my phone, but an iPad is also more than double the size of my screen. I'll mainly be using it for web browsing, watching videos, maybe some gaming (though I'll still use my PS3 99.9% of the time), checking email, etc.

Some things I'm looking for:

* What cool things can an iPad do that most people might not know of?
* What are some good Apps that should be first on my list to download?
* What has your battery life been averaging? (iPad 2)
* What are some negative features/aspects of the iPad?

Again, this isn't happening until the end of January, but I want to start looking into this more and performing my due diligence.

I look forward to hearing back on everyone's thoughts, and yes, I expect some flaming. Bring it on. Who says you have to be either Pro Android or Pro Apple? Why can't we use/like both?

Booyah!

[cloakster]

Asus Transformer Prime (Yes, i know...fanboism)

[lopealle]

I think ots awesome. Its my first apple product. Wireless internet.

[boymonkey]

It's great for browsing, reading, watching videos, looking at photos, etc. Easier to hold than a laptop, bigger screen than a smart phone. It's definitely nice to have around.

[darkcloud]

Originally Posted by boymonkey

It's great for browsing, reading, watching videos, looking at photos, etc. Easier to hold than a laptop, bigger screen than a smart phone. It's definitely nice to have around.

I have an iPad 1. Like said above. It's great. I hardly ever use my laptop anymore for casual browsing. Yes you will run into an occasional flash player video problem but I've never been upset about it.

With the new iOS it makes it easier to update, share songs, apps, pics and movies among other apple products.

Plainly put, my wife and I love our iPad. Will def get the third version if there are more improvements. Although upgrading from 1 to 2 didn't make much sense to us.

[eforty6_m3]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I'm definitely picking one up in the next few months. Might wait to see if any rumors of an iPad 3 come out in the meantime, and if so, might just wait for that. In any event, I'll own an iPad of some sort by the spring!

[FDM68]

Been loving mine! I use it for so much and it's easier to take along on trips. I also have a 3g card and inside Germany I can usually get a signal anywhere. The map App works excellent when traveling, even better that my GPS.

[E90SoFlo]

I love mine, Get it.

[Express]

i promise you will have a macbook and an imac within 1 year after purchasing an ipad....

[Bimmer84]

What made you decide Android tablets aren't in the same league just out of curiosity? I own two (Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and HP TouchPad rooted) and like them a lot more than the iPad. Infact, it is what led me to get rid of my iphone for a Samsung Galaxy S2 and haven't regretted it...

[E90SoFlo]

Originally Posted by Bimmer84

What made you decide Android tablets aren't in the same league just out of curiosity? I own two (Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and HP TouchPad rooted) and like them a lot more than the iPad. Infact, it is what led me to get rid of my iphone for a Samsung Galaxy S2 and haven't regretted it...

I think if he wanted another PC (like) device he wouldn't be asking if everyone else likes there iPad.

[Q4P]

Originally Posted by Bimmer84

What made you decide Android tablets aren't in the same league just out of curiosity? I own two (Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and HP TouchPad rooted) and like them a lot more than the iPad. Infact, it is what led me to get rid of my iphone for a Samsung Galaxy S2 and haven't regretted it...

I have an SG2 phone as well and while the phone may be on par and in some instances better than an Iphone; the Ipad is by far the best tablet. The touch screens of every tablet including the samsung ones absolutely sucks. The IPAD feels more solid than any other; the OS is laid out in a very clean and simple fashion; the interface is awesome and the resale value on one is untouched by others if u ever wanted to sell it. I played with about every tablet imagine by every manufacturer and none touch the IPAD (and remember I gave up an Iphone for an SG2).

[FDM68]

Originally Posted by Bimmer84

What made you decide Android tablets aren't in the same league just out of curiosity? I own two (Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and HP TouchPad rooted) and like them a lot more than the iPad. Infact, it is what led me to get rid of my iphone for a Samsung Galaxy S2 and haven't regretted it...

Do you have 3g on your tablet? I have it for my Ipad through O2. Just wanted a comparison of how it works. Danke.

[Bimmer84]

Galaxy Tab is 3g, got it through Vodafone for 1 euro and 20 euro a month added onto my cell phone plan...

[Bimmer84]

Originally Posted by E90SoFlo

I think if he wanted another PC (like) device he wouldn't be asking if everyone else likes there iPad.

I think you've never touched a tablet if you think it is PC (like).

[Templar]

iPad is the best, hands down.

I've messed with a couple of others from friends, and none of them come close. Maybe it's just because I'm so used to the iPad. iMessaging means I don't need my phone to message people using their iPhones anymore, if I leave the phone in the car or something, the texts still come to my iPad (as long as it's from someone who has another Apple product with iMessaging).

The new iOS makes the iPad just that much better. I have cook books on there and stand it up in my kitchen on a stand and read recipes while I'm cooking. I stand it on my nightstand next to me at night and stream Netflix on it. If I am gaming on my desktop and don't feel like Alt+Tabbing out to look something up (sometimes it messes up the game and I have to restart) then I can open Safari on my iPad and look at stuff.

[chinoxs203]

also buy refurbished and save yourself about $100 for the same exact item.

[dziqsek]

I was having iphone 3g few years ago and then i go for android - samaung galaxy then samaung galaxy s2 and asus transformer tablet, but i sell it and bought new stuff from apple - ipad 2 3g+wifi and Iphone 4s and im really glad to make that move, retina display is great and from time i bought ipad i dont use desktop or laptop at all ( well desktop for Skyrim only) , if you are not on a hot seat wait and buy ipad3 in a few months - retina display and A6 processor !!

[eforty6_m3]

Originally Posted by chinoxs203

also buy refurbished and save yourself about $100 for the same exact item.

Definitely something I'm considering...thanks, man!

[ZJP]

Wait for the iPad 3 or whatever they end up calling it. Should be available sometime around February or March.

[Bimmer84]

Ipad 2S... lol

[eforty6_m3]

Almost that time. Really hoping Apple has some sort of announcement in the next 2 weeks regarding the next iPad that'll help sway me in one direction or the other - wait for it or buy the 2. We will see. Thanks for everyone's feedback!