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Apple iPad Reviewed

adeelarshad82 writes "Since the iPad's initial introduction back in January, many of us still wonder why we should drop hundreds of dollars for what is termed as a large iPod. Missing features like support for multitasking, a built-in camera for video chats, and Flash support in Safari only add to the dilemma. However, a recently published review of the iPad starts to clear up these doubts. To begin with, the iPad is packing some real quality gear under the hood. Even though the in-house-designed 1GHz A4 chip got little official comment from Apple, the touch screen's instantaneous responses prove that it is outstandingly fast. Furthermore, the iPad runs iPhone OS 3.2, and is currently the only device that runs this version of the operating system. iPad's graphics capabilities come from a PowerVR SGX GPU, similar to the one found in the iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch. It can render about 28 million polygons/second, which is more powerful than the Qualcomm Snapdragon found in devices like the HTC HD2. Also, iPad's extraordinary battery life is not just a myth. According to the lab tests, the battery netted a respectable 9 hours and 25 minutes, very close to Apple's claims of 10 hours."

13 of 443 comments (clear)

  1. Here come the DRM whiners by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Let me ask you something in advance of the inevitable comments, for a chance: do you complain because the firmware in your TV set, microwave oven, and dishwasher is "locked down," too?

    1. Re:Here come the DRM whiners by buswolley · · Score: 5, Funny

      Apple Fools!!!

      --

      A Good Troll is better than a Bad Human.

  2. April 1st by Pessimist+Cynic · · Score: 4, Funny

    The IPad being a good buy? That's an OK April 1st joke but you could have done better, Slashdot.

  3. Re:So it is... by Vectormatic · · Score: 4, Funny

    i didn't know ACs now have a built-in post delay of three months...

    --
    People, what a bunch of bastards
  4. Secicolon splice by edittard · · Score: 4, Funny

    Even though the in-house-designed 1GHz A4 chip got little official comments from Apple; touch screen's instantaneous responses prove that it is outstandingly fast.

    A semicolon splice? You don't see many of those around.

    --
    At the bottom of the /. main page it says 'Yesterday's News'. Well they got that right.
  5. Finally. Proper audio support by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 4, Funny

    The built-in speaker gets fairly loud and provides decent sound. There's no bass response, but the small grille houses both a left and right speaker.

    Since the disco era, there has been this constant push for more bass, to the point where the drive to get lower has become a caricature of itself in places like Miami and Los Angeles. True audio lovers know bass is only one aspect of a rich audio experience.

    So when I hear that Apple is turning bass way back, I know they are answering the prayers of audiophiles. Finally a company with the balls to do the right thing.

    Thank you Apple!

    1. Re:Finally. Proper audio support by somersault · · Score: 5, Funny

      What's that sound? It's a low rumbling.. oh now it's getting closer - is it a really big bird? Is it a plane? Oh, no, it's, it's..

      WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSHHHHHH!!

      --
      which is totally what she said
    2. Re:Finally. Proper audio support by abigsmurf · · Score: 2, Funny

      I can't hear any rumbling through these tinny ipad speakers!

  6. AAAH!!! by bain_online · · Score: 4, Funny

    But does it run Linux ?
    * ducks *

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    BAIN http://www.devslashzero.com
  7. Re:So what? by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 2, Funny

    For all I care it can have a Ferrarri F1 car under its skin ... I mean, who cares if it doesn't do anything particulary usefull?

    Because it doesn't do anything particularly useful really fast!

    Actually, most of the world's population don't do anything particularly useful either. So a device that doesn't do anything particularly useful is an ideal gift for them.

    --
    Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
  8. Re:Don't Support Closed Systems... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    When you buy into closed systems, you put money into the hands of people who will perpetuate closed systems. As a result, more advertising...

    Why did you change the subject to Android?

  9. Portal by AlpineR · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's a real shame about the missing webcam. They'd make such nice portals if they had them:

    Put two iPads back-to-back. You could see right through them.

    Put two iPads on opposite sides of a wall. Instant window.

    Mount an iPad in the kitchen; mail another to grandma and grandpa. An intergenerational wormhole for family to stay in touch.

    Mash up a classroom full of iPads with chat roulette. Try to figure out who's match with whom. Turn to face a neighbor to make the longest continuous viewing path.

    Two iPads, one bed. Fun views for you and your partner.

  10. Re:So it is... by DWIM · · Score: 3, Funny

    So it IS just a large ipod!

    My daughter calls it an iTouch for fat people!