Thoughts on the “new iPad” (AKA iPad 3)

It’s been a year since my last entry (so bad of me), but with the release of the “new iPad” I had to comment.

I’m still loving my original iPad from May 2010 – yes, I do call it “Mr. Smudgy.” Although it’s close to 2 years old, it’s still going strong and able to handle anything I give it. The release of the iPad 3 does have me concerned since I know Apple will eventually make it obsolete by not updating the software to run it. Already, iPhoto for iPad is for version 2 or later since it requires a front camera to use it. Why this is necessary is beyond my comprehension because you can easily get photos from an iTouch via iCloud or simply use the Apple supplied SD card reader to transfer images from a camera. Apple can’t be that short-sighted so I must assume they want people with the original iPad to considered upgrading now.

While some aspects of the new iPad are attractive (ability to create a Wifi hotspot for one) but there is nothing truly compelling me to upgrade. Thanks, Apple, for making such a great product in the original iPad. It’s one of the best technology investments I’ve ever bought.

Advertisement

 

Do I want the iPad 2?

Don’t misunderstand — I love my iPad 3G. I take it nearly everywhere with me. I’ve gotten used to the weight and I have a new shoulder bag to tote it around. I took it to Spain last December and it worked beautifully with a MiFi rental from XCom Global.

I sometimes wish the iPad were lighter but I wonder if the iPad 2 is appreciably different. I’m not lusting for the dual cameras on the iPad 2, either. Also, I’m lucky to have the discontinued unlimited data plan on AT&T and I can use it nearly everywhere I go.

What I really covet is the Smart Cover! I need a light but effective cover that can double as a stand when I type on the iPad. That fact that it also turns the iPad on or off is just the icing on the cake.

Apple, please make a Smart Cover for the original iPad!

 

Yes, I got my own iPad 3G!

I waited until the 3G version came out and bought the top of the line. It arrived on May 7 and has been my trusty companion ever since. Our relationship was easily set in cement that first weekend because I was sick and couldn’t sit at the computer for very long and I needed entertainment in the worst way. The iPad is a godsend!

I have the unlimited plan from AT&T so while waiting at the doctor’s office I could surf to my heart’s content. I get good reception in Metro stations and in some of the tunnels, too. I haven’t tried to upload every app in creation and most of the ones from my iTouch work just fine on the iPad.

Is it perfect? Of course not. In some environments the screen is horribly reflective and it’s very headache making, Sometimes the keyboard is a little too sensitive but that will take practice. And, yes, it’s very smudgy.

However, if you are Ike me and don’t really need a laptop but would like to keep in touch, surf, Facebook, watch movies & TV, listen to music and read books, this could be the device for you.

Now I’m on the lookout for a decent bag and perhaps some Bluetooth headphones. Any suggestions out there?

Yes, I did write this entry from my iPad but the Woodpress interface is a little chunky and hard to figure out how to publish.

 

“I shall call him Smudgy.” Real-world iPad annoyances: A timeline | Rafe’s Radar – CNET News

Real-world iPad annoyances: A timeline | Rafe’s Radar – CNET News

How cheap can you get! Apple puts out the iPad and doesn’t even include the Chamois that the iTouch and iPhone get. This is a device that begs to be touched and you know it’s going to look ugly real quick.

The article goes on to moan about other issues and omissions – mostly warranted I have to admit.

However, I still want one.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Tags: Apple, iPad, touch, gadgets, iTouch, iPhone, technology, computer

 

September 11 | StoryCorps

September 11 | StoryCorps
I know I’m late with the 9/11 stuff but so what. I’ve mentioned StoryCorps before but I recently found out that they are working in partnership with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, the Families of September 11 and 9/11 Forward, in Baldwin, NY to record stories from the families and friends of 9/11 victims. This is what memorials should be about: the individuals involved not the flags and speeches. If you can, listen to a few of the stories and remember. Have tissues handy – trust me.

If you can, give a little to StoryCorps – it’s a great organization.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Tags: StoryCorps, 9/11, World Trade Center, life, memorials, September 11

 

CommuterPageBlog: Don’t Panic. You Can Still Get There Quickly By Transit Even As WMATA Closes Pentagon City, Crystal City and National Airport Stations over Labor Day Weekend

CommuterPageBlog: Don’t Panic. You Can Still Get There Quickly By Transit Even As WMATA Closes Pentagon City, Crystal City and National Airport Stations over Labor Day Weekend

I can’t believe that DC Metro is shutting down 2 major rail stations for the entire holiday weekend – one of them is the airport!! Is it any wonder that people don’t rely on Metro and choose to drive instead?

Tags: Metro, travel, WashingtonDC, commuting, masss-transit, airports, Labor Day

 

Facebook versus blogging

Why do I feel guilty that I’ve joined Facebook? Why does it feel like it’s taken over my on-line life? I’ve been stripped down to tiny comments and links but I wonder if my content there is probably similar to what I was posting here? I’ve rarely updated my blog since joining. I feel guilty about that, too.

I do like the fact that I can keep tabs on my relatives so easily. I used to feel so isolated and detached from them but now I’m more aware of them on a daily/weekly basis rather than the just the yearly cards at Christmas.

Perhaps it comes down to quality versus quantity. I feel compelled to post something of relative substance on the blog but I revel in the amount of cosy, if inane, chatter on Facebook.

Do I really have enough to say that it’s worth saying to everyone or should I limit myself to my 23 Facebook friends?

I will make an effort to continue both for a while. Please comment if you have thoughts on the matter.

 

Readers’ Photos: Polaroid Gallery – Lens Blog – NYTimes.com

Readers’ Photos: Polaroid Gallery – Lens Blog – NYTimes.com

At first, we were merely amazed. Hundreds of readers answered our request on Tuesday for their Polaroid photographs, in response to an article in The Times about efforts afoot in the Netherlands to reinvent instant film. By the time we closed the submission gates on Thursday morning, 932 of your pictures had arrived.

A while back I bemoaned the loss of Polaroid film. Here’s a site with a great response.

Tags: culture, photography, Polaroid

 

Shameless Plug #11: Gallery installs Eunice Kennedy Shriver portrait

Gallery installs Eunice Kennedy Shriver portrait – BostonHerald.com

It’s a good painting – meticulousiy rendered but not overwrought. I love the fact that this is a portrait of a woman who doesn’t need to be flattered. Her face shows all the pain and joy of living 87 years. It’s wonderful to see a portrait reveal something about a person’s interests and achievements instead of just their appearance.

It’s now on view at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC (hence the shameless plug).

Tags: life, portrait, museum, NationalPortrait Gallery, painting, portraiture, culture, Washington

 

How Now, Wench? Talking Like Shakespeare : NPR

How Now, Wench? Talking Like Shakespeare : NPR

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley declared Thursday “Talk Like Shakespeare” day in honor of the 445th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.

And folks in the Windy City, from fans at Wrigley Field to the aldermen on the City Council, are picking up the Shakespearean lingo.

Great idea! Listen to the podcast to hear Chicagoans brave the bard’s style.

At Wrigley Field, home of the storied baseball team the Chicago Cubs — and to many a Shakespearean-like tragedy, too — beer vender Vince Pavalonis tried a Shakespearean sales pitch.

“To drink or not to drink: That is the question,” yelled Pavalonis, as he sold the local favorite, Ye Olde Style beer.

Tags: culture, life, Shakespeare, fun