Community Forums

Boeing Guy · 06-26-2011, 04:23 PM

I am considering an Ipad for when i retire. How do you use them on the road. Do they replace a regular computer, or is it just another toy, that is good for being on the road. How do you get programs on it, like you do a laptop. I like having copies of software so when the computer dies, i can reload the SW to a new computer. Do I need an laptop if I get an Ipad, or is it used for different things.

MobyJake · 06-26-2011, 04:49 PM

I've had an iPad or well over a year now. It goes everywhere with me, except the shower(not waterproof). They are pretty much like computers. Make sure you get a top of the line model. I have the first iPad. There is now an iPad 2. My 10 yr. old granddaughter has an iPad 2 and it has some nice features that mine doesn't have.

Jake & Evy's Getaway Box
2007 Winnebago Journey

JohnH59 · 06-26-2011, 04:55 PM

I use my Verizon iPad 2 for nearly everything. I use it as a GPS when traveling, read books as an ereader, watch movies connected to out entertainment system, read/reply to emails, word processing, look up campgrounds, read iRV2 forums, and many more things.

Wayne M · 06-26-2011, 05:38 PM

I don't use it. It belongs to my wife, and she will not let me use it unless we are at a laundry-mat.

With that said, I am in charge of changing anything on it. You must realize that it is NOT as versatile as a laptop, or computer. It has it's drawbacks, but most of them have a work-around. Example: It will not view Flash video which limits a considerable amount of web sites. However there is an APP (Cloud Browse) that you past the link to the flash video into and it will bring it up on the iPad. The work-arounds are to numerous to get into specifically.

There are mapping programs, GPS programs, and many other APPs (Applications) that you down load through iTunes. Some are free, some cost 99 cents, some cost $2.99, and some are in the $15 range and up. It's all in what you want. You can visit the iTunes store to see what is available. One item is the RVCompanion and my personal opinion is that the bi-directional level is the best feature. Put it in one spot and it tells you side-to-side, front-to-back, and how many inches you need to raise or lower each.

Once you have downloaded an APP it is yours. If you delete it, you can just download it again and it will not cost. At least ours has not cost anything.

There are two versions. One with WiFi only, and one that has both WiFi and 3G. The 3G model will cost you a monthly stipend, depending on the package you want. If you do not have 3G, then on-the-road information is basically useless. You would have to pull into a WiFi hot spot to download anything, or look at the map directions.

I'm not really sure of the advantages of the newer iPad2 over the original iPad. The iPad 2 has a front and rear "facetime" camera. The reviews I have read in the Apple magazines is that the camera is not that great. The iPhone camera is better. I have heard that you can pick up an original iPad for between $300-$400. The new basic 16G ipad2 starts at $599.

Happy trails.

Musicman · 06-26-2011, 07:21 PM

We use our iPad for the kids. If we are going on a long trip we make sure to have a lot of movies loaded onto it or use Netflix while on the road. Once at the campground, the iPad gets hooked up to the tv for movie night. Sure beats carrying around a lot of CDs.

jfran304 · 06-26-2011, 07:39 PM

With the 3G model you can subscribe to AT&T so that you only pay as you need it on a monthly basis. You can do it straight from the IPAD so you don't have to have access to the internet to sign up. You do have to be in an area that is covered by AT&T wireless.

Jon

Tha_Rooster · 06-28-2011, 05:30 PM

We have his and hers very convenient and one of the best things about them they cannot get a virus.

pdq_bc · 06-28-2011, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicman

...Once at the campground, the iPad gets hooked up to the tv for movie night...

Musicman - can you tell me just how you do this
(have ipad1 currently - but since there is two of us - an ipad2 is in the future)
thanks!
pdq

jfran304 · 06-28-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdq_bc

Musicman - can you tell me just how you do this
(have ipad1 currently - but since there is two of us - an ipad2 is in the future)
thanks!
pdq

You will need this attachment: Apple Digital AV Adapter - Apple Store (U.S.)

Jon

Jerry J · 06-28-2011, 08:20 PM

I have a Verizon MiFi, would the Ipad work as WiFi without 3G anywhere?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

------------------

There are two versions. One with WiFi only, and one that has both WiFi and 3G. The 3G model will cost you a monthly stipend, depending on the package you want. If you do not have 3G, then on-the-road information is basically useless. You would have to pull into a WiFi hot spot to download anything, or look at the map directions.

--------------------Happy trails.

Musicman · 06-28-2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdq_bc

Musicman - can you tell me just how you do this
(have ipad1 currently - but since there is two of us - an ipad2 is in the future)
thanks!
pdq

I personally like this solution.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC...co=MTc5OTU4MTk

This is the composite cable (yellow, red, white) with a USB and dock cable as well. You plug the dock cable into your iPad, the R,Y,W cable into an input on the side or back of your TV and the USB into your ac charger. The benefit of this cable is that it allows you to watch and charge at the same time.

Hope this helps. If I can be of any further assistance send me a note.

Cheers,

Mike

4Knights · 06-28-2011, 09:33 PM

I am on my iPad right now and have to agree with Wayne, it's good but not as good as a laptop.

Only downsides are the glare/reflection issues when you are out side or next to a window with shade open and quite a few of the apps lock up and the only way to get them working again is sync with either my laptop or the desktop Itunes account.

That being said, I Tunes is great for sharing, my DD & DS have I phones so we all can upload or download what we like and share one library. This includes audio, video, books, movies, and games. DW has the I touch and I'm positive she's on the IPad when I'm at work.

I took it on a 2 week backpack trip to Italy last month and got great wifi reception throughout the country.(mine is not the 3G version)

JohnH59 · 06-28-2011, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry J

I have a Verizon MiFi, would the Ipad work as WiFi without 3G anywhere?

Jerry,

You can use the wifi only with a Verizon MiFi. We have one iPad that is WiFi only and it's connected to our MiFi most of the time, when Internet is needed.

kjburns · 06-29-2011, 12:40 AM

To me, they're more of a fad than a replacement for a decent laptop. There are probably some things that they can do that isn't readily available for a laptop, but I think there would be a lot more things that the laptop can do. I like having a real keyboard. I like plopping the laptop on my lap or a side table and not having to hold the screen up at a decent viewing angle with one hand.

I have a Droid that's handy for those times when I don't have my laptop handy, but I wouldn't want to use it for everything. When I have my laptop, the Droid is just a phone unless I'm using the Dishpointer app. Call me a dinosaur, but I don't see the tablets as viable replacements for a full featured computer.