Adventure of Dad looking for an IPad

[HollyMac71]

My Dad is interesting in an IPad and wants me to go with him to the Apple store. Mom got him the Cruztablet from QVC but it's too confusing and no one knows how to use android apps that they know. I'm used to Apple.

Dad is up there in age and I'm hoping he's not going to be in over his head. Unfortunatly technology is getting soo high tech it's sometimes sad to see people trying to grasp the concept of touch this and Ta DA! I think if Mom can manage Itunes for him he can utilize the IPad just fine. He wants to store addresses, photos, and some music in it. So this might perfect for him. He just called me to ask how big the instruction book is. I had to tell him from past experiences with IPod and ITouch the instruction book is a page or two and I had to look online.

Any words of advice???

Holly

 

[kathie859]

I'm retired (over 59/ that's all I'm prepared to say) and I find using my IPad easy. My DH is 69 and he has used my IPad when we are traveling to check email and had no problem. I LOVE my IPad....can you telll?

I bought mine at Best Buy and had the Geek Squad set up the wifi for me. The sales guy said that was a little tricky and it was free(loveFree)

 

[sayhello]

Personally, I find the photo synching a very unsatisfying way to store lots of photos on the iPad. My preference is to buy the camera kit (it's only $29), which has an attachment that you can put an SD memory card in. I load all the photos onto the memory card, insert it into the attachment, and the software it contains actually will download the photos into folders on the iPad based on date taken. Really, really nice. There's also another connector that you can use to hook directly to a camera via USB. The photos look great on the iPad!

Sayhello

 

[smphbear]

I point my teachers to Apple's website. They have tutorials that can help too.

 

[Disney Dad Canada]

If you're near an Apple retail store they have how to seminars I believe.

 

[Revan]

My wife uses hers as her main computer - works off of it too. It has it's challenges and there is a learning curve for people who have never used Apple products, but I think it is an excellent device for casual and older users.

It seems like my father in law is forever reinstalling Windows on his PC, or Norton or calling Intuit tech support.

But, for most people interested in buying an iPad, I would say hold on, Apple is on an annual update cycle and we are probably within a month of an announcement for the iPad 2. No one knows what the new iPad will have for additional features, but the more credible rumors sites have stated that they expect a high-res screen (like the iPhone 4) and front/back cameras like the iPhone and iPod Touch.

For your Dad, who doesn't need the latest tech, it may not be a big deal.


Unrelated: Woohoo! I finally wrote my hundredth post! Only took me three years . . .

 

[sayhello]

But, for most people interested in buying an iPad, I would say hold on, Apple is on an annual update cycle and we are probably within a month of an announcement for the iPad 2. No one knows what the new iPad will have for additional features, but the more credible rumors sites have stated that they expect a high-res screen (like the iPhone 4) and front/back cameras like the iPhone and iPod Touch.

For your Dad, who doesn't need the latest tech, it may not be a big deal.

*But* her Dad might get a much better deal on an original iPad once the new one comes out!

Unrelated: Woohoo! I finally wrote my hundredth post! Only took me three years . . .

Congrats!

Sayhello

 

[DEA]

Apple prides itself on User Interface design, and have worked hard to make the touchscreen devices intuitive. I saw a 2 year old playing Angry Birds on an iPad, and I would imagine that if your father is open to the experience, he won't have any trouble. My almost-4yo shoulder surfs my passcode and uses my iPhone for games, too. Maybe it's a little TOO intuitive...

If you can get the device up and connecting to the Internet, point the iPad Safari browser to: http://www.apple.com/ipad/guided-tours/

These will walk through a variety of application on the iPad, definitely enough to get him started.

 

[nedac]

A word of advice... wait a couple months for the new ipad. We are currently in the "sucker" period of the iPads life cycle.

 

[HollyMac71]

I think that will be ok with the IPad that is available right now. But we are going to sit in the store and go over and over the uses of the IPad. I love to ask questions and so does Dad so this will be an adventure.

Then I will inquire about classes they offer.

Hopefully he won't get addicted to Angry Birds like I did.

 

[nedac]

I was just referring to the value of it... Apple tends to release product updates on an annual schedule, while maintaing price points. The iPad is nearing its annual release. So, the newer (and from what I have seen, better - i.e. HD display) should be out in a couple of months for the same price as the soon to be obsolete model.

Just saying...

 

[HollyMac71]

This afternoon Dad and I ventured to the local Apple store. I found a nice "bank" of IPads with no one else around. All the genius' must have been busy.

I took Dad through a lot of the apps and showed him pictures, video, and apps. He really wants this app for the police scanning - don't know why but he does. I showed him all the accesories and he decided to buy a book and look at the IPad some more. I explained to him the classes and on-site help they have. Truly this can be overwhelming for some people.

Now he is the proud owner of the IPad for dummies book.

I'm waiting for the next model for myself. Angry birds looks great on a big screen.

 

[Costino1]

Actually the new iPad will be $100 more...starting price point at $599.

The iPad 2 will have 2 camera *front and rear facing* and will be a bit slimmer.

Currently, the iPad doesnt come with an instruction manual. Doesn't really need to. Once you pick it up and spend 20 minutes with it you should get the jist of it.

I love mine and use it often! My mom (69) stole it however and plays Scrabble with it DAILY!

 

[PHILCT]

I too want an IPAD.

But I have decided to wait for the next version.

It seems official according to the Wall Street Journal, that it will have front and back cameras, FACETIME, and a new processor that can do more multi-processing, as well as lighter in weight. If I am going to spend a lot of money on a gadget I want "bragging" rights within the first few months of an APPLE product life cycle.

I feel the same way about buying an IPHONE, I would wait for the initial roll out of the IPhone 5 at this stage of the life cycle of the product..

Now I am silly wondering if our WEBMASTER PETE will have both new versions of the IPHONE and IPAD as they roll out in the Spring to Summer Months?

Phil

 

[simmons_m]

All rumors at this point, but they say the graphics processor will be better, but the display will not be higher res.
I am anxious to see what the first week of April brings.

 

[ukwildcat]

Actually the new iPad will be $100 more...starting price point at $599.

The iPad 2 will have 2 camera *front and rear facing* and will be a bit slimmer.

At this point, all this is speculation. I'll say that it all seems very likely, but no one will know for sure until an announcement is made. Or until an Apple engineer leaves a new prototype in a bar after a night of drinking.

 

[nedac]

Told you so

Picking up an iPad 2 tomorrow!!!

 

[HollyMac71]

I'm ordering mine tomorrow as is my Mom. Dad on the other hand has not decided what he is going to do. I think it will be just a matter of time.

I might get mine engraved with "mine mine mine"

 

[OKW Lover]

I'm going to get my iPad ][ this weekend.

I just don't know if I'm going to do it Friday at 5:00 or wait until sometime on Saturday or Sunday. The weather here on Friday isn't supposed to be very good (rain) so I may not want to have to stand in a line outside the Apple store.