iPad or iPad2 - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

iPad or iPad2

nessiekatt · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Melanie,

I have the 1st iPad. I orriginally got it when I put my laptop in the shop. I really like it, very easy to use. I originally had the wifi and liked it but took the wifi off whe I got my iPhone and my laptop back and to save a few bucks. Once in an RV Iwill probably re activate it. Good luck with your dicision.

Susan

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Why would you not get the iPad 2. It is much nicer in my opinion. Check the specs and features. For me, the newest is almost always the best. Technology changes fast as it is.

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

If I buy one...it definitely will be an iPad2

I'm attracted to it over the lap tops for some reason! :)

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

After our maiden voyage from OK to Corpus Christi and using my droid phone to find stuff, we are considering an iPad2 if it can connect to internet while we are on the road. The size of the iPad display would certainly make it easier to view maps and when we want to look ahead in our route options. We discovered that ATT service was marginal in North Texas. This was really frustrating especially when we had cells towers in clear sight.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jerry,

Here is what you want if you want access on the move. Verizon is much better than ATT for data.

MoreMobile Steve · RV-Dreams Community Member

Jerry,

Jack is 100% correct in saying Verizon is better than ATT for Data. Verizon has a very strong 3G network that covers virtually everywhere, and even the much faster 4G is expanding quickly, although primarily in the urban areas for now.

What may be even better is to get the iPad2 with WiFi ONLY. This will save you $129 over any model with built in Verizon. But don't worry, you can still have Verizon's great coverage...

Just get a 4G/3G Verizon Mobile HotSpot which will allow you to connect up to 5 devices at the same time. Now, instead of just having a data plan that is "trapped" on one iPad, you can share it with the iPad and several laptops or other devices. Share the fun I say!

I agree with all the others who voted for the iPad2. Better, lighter, faster, etc.

Good luck and happy iPadding...if that is a word!

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

OK, iPAD 2 (WiFi only) is the choice. Now for the connection part, would it make sense to use a WiFi Ranger as my router and connect to Internet via Millenicom mobile broadband? This sounds like a good mix in that I can get on the Verizon network with iPad, home computers and smart phones. No two year commitment with Verizon and I get the benefit of taking everything on the road with me. This also looks like a more cost effective way to go. The technology is challenging my out dated understanding of how stuff works. (PS I am just beginning to understand transistors confuse )

MoreMobile Steve · RV-Dreams Community Member

Jerry,

I would ask Matt at 3G store to see if the Millinicom device works with the Wifi Ranger (which seems like a great router).

One thing to keep in mind when considering ANY pre-paid or no-contract service is the fact that they can change the plan at any time. I wrote a blog about Virgin Mobile Broadband and how they had a plan that went from amazingly good to incredibly horrible within 6 months. Not that that will happen with Millinicom, but sometimes it's nice to know that what you are signing up for will last.

Another Tip: Verizon has a Seasonal Suspension Plan that allows you to turn off their regular plans to make Part Time RVing more economical. Now you can use a faster 4G device like the 4G and 3G Verizon UML290 (which does work with the Wifi Ranger as long as you set it to 3G or 4G, but not both). Aside from saving $10 a month on the plan, you will also be set up with a 4G device at no cost upfront. Of course, 4G won't do the average RVer much good right now due to limited coverage. However, you will feel pretty good in a year when you already own the device and people who got 3G only devices will have to buy new ones to get the much faster speeds.

Just some more ideas to chew on. Hope that helps!

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

The WFR has some distinct virtues that have been covered elsewhere - including in-depth on my website. But it is still having some growing pains. Up to you which router you choose, but I would go with a "real" router rather than a mifi type device. For many reasons also covered on my website. Personally, I like the WFR, the Cradlepoint 1000, and the Cradlepoint 500. Depending on your network needs. If you buy a WFR get the Pro, since it allows optional attachment of the WFRBoost when it is available.

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks again Jack. I'll do a bit more research.

jb · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have an IPAd and used it in the RV with our Verizon aircard and cradlepoint router. Only issue we had is that the Ipad got "stuck" in Sevierville and would not update the location on the way home. Solved it by resetting. I thougt it was great to use while navigating.

janni · RV-Dreams Family Member

My oldest son came over with his IPad2 last night. He first shared some wood turning project pictures, then the weather channel and all its(hope I did its right) features, Garmin, games, ipod music, picture show.......the features are endless! Add it all up and then make it mobile...looks like the real deal.

Mmalenski · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the iPad and love it. We use it as our laptop, in fact we have a laptop but we have not turned it on since we bought this one. I have the first iPad, and I do wish I had the camera for skype and such, but that seems to be the only thing I wish we had.

Trabuco · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have an ipad 2 that I just recently purchased. Still learning the pros and cons. One drawback it will not play flash but I new this going in. The ipad 2 will print to a wireless printer. Dual core processor so "they" say it's faster. The size makes it real nice for hauling in the motorcycle. Don't know that I will use the forward and rear facing cameras all that much. All in all I like it but for me it won't totally repalce a full on computer. But if you're just into email and web it will be a good choice.

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

what is "flash"....I've read that on other comments.....just wondering what it's used for and if I will really need it. What is played with "flash"?

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

Melstar, flash is a video player for computer devices. Flash is a product of ADOBE. Apple computers and ADOBE are not friends. http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

-- Edited by Waggin Tails on Sunday 15th of May 2011 07:43:41 PM

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

Waggin Tails wrote:
Melstar, flash is a video player for computer devices. Flash is a product of ADOBE. Apple computers and ADOBE are not friends. http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

-- Edited by Waggin Tails on Sunday 15th of May 2011 07:43:41 PM

Not just video since Flash lets you create interactive websites like online games and such. But Steve Jobs has a massive dislike for Adobe and that means don't expect it on a platform he controls as tightly as the iPad.

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

So if a video I want to see is an Adobe "Flash"....it will not play? Are most videos this way....or is there another kind that Mr. Jobs allows?? :)

-- Edited by Melstar on Sunday 15th of May 2011 10:18:09 PM

Waggin Tails · RV-Dreams Family Member

Melanie, Check out these links. They do a better job explain the technology than I can. I am not endorsing any of the sites listed below and only offer them as a place to get information. I googled "video formats for ipad".

http://www.dvdtoipads.com/ipad-faqs/ipad-video-format.html

http://www.ipadintouch.com/the-complete-guide-to-ipad-video-formats/

http://www.online-tech-tips.com/gadgets/convert-video-to-ipad-format/

Additionally, Jim and Cris Gould's may have additional information. http://geeksontour.tv.

Melstar · RV-Dreams Family Member

Update!

I purchased an iPad2 WiFi, 3G (Verizon) about a week ago. I LOVE it! I like that I can spend as little as $20 per month on the 3G (about 1 G) and can renew month to month.

I'm loving the apps for iPad....the books I've downloaded, the brightness of the screen and pictures....and I've been able to see all the videos so far.

Also, the calendar is better than my iPhone ...I'm looking forward to going totally electronic!

I love that I won't have to worry about campground WiFi service....and I can do all of my work on this iPad.....even as apps for word processing and spread sheets.