The iPad is the newest device

ntroduction The iPad is the newest device in Apple's family of touch-based computers. Positioned between a traditional laptop computer and pocket computers like the iPod ipad keyboard Touch, nobody seems quite sure how to categorize the iPad. Is it a competitor for low-cost "netbooks?" A big iPod? A new platform? What role, exactly, will it play in our digital lives? Following months cell phone jammer of pre-release discussion and the creation of our detailed iPad FAQ, we purchased the $499 model on the day it arrived at Apple's stores. iPad in hand, we then spent several days evaluating the system and gathering input from a cross-section of people ranging from traditional Apple enthusiasts to netbook owners to self-described "computer illiterates." We found it to be a useful "peripheral computer", a unique device that complements, rather than replaces, existing computers connection kit and smartphones. It also extends Apple's mobile, touch-based platform, adding even more energy to a vibrant "ecosystem," which is controlled from top to bottom by Apple but also benefits from the creativity and hard work of a growing army of third-party developers. Basics In context of Apple's products to date, the iPad can be viewed as simply a bigger, faster "iTouch" (i.e. iPod Touch). And we'd say that's not far off, yet doesn't tell the whole story. The iPad is 9.5" tall by 7.5" wide by 0.5" ipad charger thick — roughly the size of a standard pad of paper, but heavier. The 1024x768-pixel screen (9.7" diagonal) provides more than five times the visual space of an iPhone or iPod Touch. The iPad is too big to carry in a pocket (vs. an iPod Touch), but its screen space lets you do the sorts of task that aren't practical on a smaller screen: word processing, spreadsheets, diagraming, even photo editing and page layout are possible and practical on iPad. The first thing you notice, of course, is the device itself. Most people said the iPad was larger than they expected, when we first showed it to them. This wasn't a negative, just surprise. At 1.5 lbs, the iPad has heft — its glass face and big internal battery make it feel dense. (For comparison, Amazon's Kindle is less than half the weight, and the iPhone isn't even a quarter of the iPad's weight.) The iPad's gently- ipad dock curved back has a similar profile to an iPhone 3G/3GS, but its flat edges are reminiscent of Apple's unibody MacBooks. Like these devices, the iPad's curved back makes it easy to pick up one-handed. Its satin-finished aluminum back is pleasant to touch but doesn't provide much grip. Its ipad dock oem black glass front dominates the iPad's visual effect. A black bezel (margin) between each edge and the actual screen display offers a place for thumbs to hold the iPad without obscuring pixels. A single Home button graces the front. A power/sleep button is on the top edge, while volume and rotation-hold switches are nearby, on the top-right edge. A stereo headphone jack and microphone are on the top edge opposite the power button. On the bottom edge, a Dock port is underneath the Home button, and a single speaker opening to its right provides an outlet for two small, stereo speakers inside. The stereo effect is completely lost, but when docked, the iPad's sound reflects off a table surface and seems to spread out. Its speakers have considerably more ipad cover volume than a MacBook's, with excellent clarity, but they lack bass response, and, of course, lack stereo imaging. The audio output's sound quality seemed excellent. We tested it with a set of studio reference headphones — there was absolutely no hiss apparent, and sound quality was excellent across the range. No earphones are included by Apple, and the iPad rewards high-quality headphones (unlike some of Apple's lesser iPods). The iPad's screen is, as promised, bright and crisp, and it shows little color shift, even at extreme angles. This is truly a premium display, every bit as good as those in Apple's expensive MacBook Pro laptops. The glossy glass panel in front of the display both protects it and enhances contrast. Such glossy displays are notorious for reflections, but the bright display makes them practically disappear, if you're not in strong sunlight. And the iPad is easy to tilt a few degrees if reflections are bothersome. Despite some initial concern, especially after our ipad keyboards experience with Apple's glossy aluminum MacBook (see review), we didn't find iPad reflections to be an issue. If they do bother you, inexpensive anti-glare films are available, although they reduce sharpness and add a slightly distracting color sparkle. Setup, Backup and Sync Options iTunes 9.1 on Mac or Windows is a pre-requisite to set up an iPad, connecting via the device's dock-USB cable (or an optional iPad USB dock). You also must be running Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5) or later; the iPad won't even talk with iTunes 9.1 on Mac OS X 10.4. Aside from serving as a media repository (for music, movies, podcasts, photos, audiobooks and ebooks), iTunes also makes backups and controls software (firmware) updates, provides iPad-to-Mac/PC file exchange with selected apps (including Pages, Keynote and Numbers, and some third party apps such as OmniGraffle), and keeps your calendars, contacts, Safari bookmarks and mail account settings in sync with your Mac or PC.