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[japtor]

well, i'd say the iphone 3G is totally obsolete, and the 3GS is to the point where no sane person (read: person buying an iphone for the same reasons as me) would buy one today. i don't think my entry-level 2009 core 2 duo imac (bought in april) is obsolete, though, because it does the same stuff as the new ones just announced; that upgrade doesn't bother me, but the iphone 4 certainly would if i'd bought a 3GS in april.

basically if they announce a new lighter, faster ipad in january with camera and higher-res screen and double the RAM, i'd think the old one was pretty much obsolete because going forward, developers will start developing for the capabilities of the new one, not to mention that i'd feel weird buying what is essentially a computer that is less powerful than my phone, despite them running the same OS. does anyone here who actually owns an ipad consider this a problem?

i guess i just don't want it being as useless after less than 2 years as my iphone 3G was, and the fact that my iphone is already comparable in power makes it easy for me to imagine the OG ipad getting left behind.

Well the 3G is over 2 years old at this point, and the 3GS is over a year old, while the iPad is a few months older than the 4. A new iPad probably won't be out until a few months into next year which is quite a while from now, at this point it'd be like avoiding the 4 because the 5 could beat the shit out of it next year. If a new release was coming soon sure you should probably wait, but the iPad hasn't even finished it's initial worldwide rollout yet, or even met demand in most places it is already out.

Considering they seem to be going on a yearly upgrade cycle and the pace of mobile chip tech, if you fear being outdated in 2 years you realistically probably shouldn't buy anything for a while. Next gen chips should hopefully be out next year and will beat the shit out of what we have now...then those will get killed by the next gen after that in a year or two.

Dev support comes down to the same as when the 3GS came out, you have X million old devices vs 0 new devices. They won't abandon the old iPad for a while. Only reason you shouldn't buy an iPad at this point is if you don't want the current iPad, like if you're adamant about the camera and whatever features. If you're fine with the current one then it turns into a time valuation thing, like for the next 6 months or whatever do you want to spend it waiting for a new iPad (which may or may not fill your wants) or using the current one?

Spoiler

And the new entry level iMac CPU and GPU beats the hell out of yours.

 

[345triangle]

Spoiler

And the new entry level iMac CPU and GPU beats the hell out of yours.

i know but like, i don't need that. the most processor-intensive thing i use mine for is iphoto. on the other hand, potential ipad upgrades would be pretty tangible! it's not like the new imacs have a higher-res screen or anything.

you're right, though, i should just go for this one. i'm sure i'll end up buying about four over the next decade anyway.

 

[japtor]

And one thing I left out is that you could just sell it when a new one comes out.

 

[DopeyFish]

I've owned the iPad since launch day and it just keeps amazing me... Watched a feature length movie streamed to my iPad in HD... Battery life when done? 90%!

I'm so excited for when the sling player HD app comes out... Sooooo excited.

 

[krypt0nian]

I've owned the iPad since launch day and it just keeps amazing me... Watched a feature length movie streamed to my iPad in HD... Battery life when done? 90%!

I'm so excited for when the sling player HD app comes out... Sooooo excited.

Yeah, it's pretty sick how well it's fit into my life. It's really made my Netflix account worthwhile!

It's become my night time bed entertainment once the BF is sleeping. :lol

 

[DopeyFish]

Yeah, it's pretty sick how well it's fit into my life. It's really made my Netflix account worthwhile!

It's become my night time bed entertainment once the BF is sleeping. :lol

It's way too addictive man... Since i've owned it... Productivity on a whole has dropped 100%

I wish I was kidding

 

[krypt0nian]

It's way too addictive man... Since i've owned it... Productivity on a whole has dropped 100%

I wish I was kidding

Yeah having so much at your fingertips is insane. Something about touchscreens is intoxicating.

 

[Blackhead]

River of News is amazing. AMAZING!!!

 

[Deadly Cyclone]

Please don't crucify me for this uneducated question, but when could the ipad 2 be expected, and do you all think it will follow suit with the iphone 4 design and features, as well as retina display?

Used my mother's ipad over the weekend and loved it.

 

[kaskade]

River of News is amazing. AMAZING!!!

Better than Reeder?

 

[Keyser Soze]

Please don't crucify me for this uneducated question, but when could the ipad 2 be expected, and do you all think it will follow suit with the iphone 4 design and features, as well as retina display?

Used my mother's ipad over the weekend and loved it.

A Retina Display on something the size of iPad would astronomically increase the price of the thing. At the iPad's current size, you'd be looking at a Retina display that is 6 times the size of a current iPhone one - which would probably be more the 6 times the cost to produce. It is infeasible with current manufacturing costs.

About a new iPad. Everything is rumour for now, but there are strong hits a smaller version could be coming out sometime, but no one knows for sure. A iPad 2 is probably miles away, but smaller additions to the current one could be possible on a yearly time scale (next spring possibly) - but that is also rumour / people guessing

If you plan on buying, you could probably wait until September - there is an Apple conference then - to be super safe, and to fully make sure nothing new is imminent. Although it is unlikely anything big will come for that other than demoes of iOS4 for iPad

 

[Blackhead]

Better than Reeder?

For Me, Yes! 'Infinite Scroll' and 'Mark as Read while scrolling' are killer features that I've been waiting for on my mobile devices for ages. River of News has now replaced Reeder in my dock (after trailing it for about an hour).

Edit: after more 2 hours I'm still up browsing when I should be asleep. Forget competing with Reeder, thats small fry, RiverofNews might even replace my desktop rss readers (Feedly/Helvetireader²). o_0

 

[FleckSplat]

Quick question. Can the iPad recognize external USB hard drives? I have a WD Passport with all my media on it that I'd like to use if I get an iPad.

I realize there is only the proprietary "rectangle" USB thing on the iPad, but someone has to have an adapter for mini/full USB, right?

 

[Blackhead]

Quick question. Can the iPad recognize external USB hard drives? I have a WD Passport with all my media on it that I'd like to use if I get an iPad.

I realize there is only the proprietary "rectangle" USB thing on the iPad, but someone has to have an adapter for mini/full USB, right?

The are no third party miniUSB/USB adapters for Dock connector (proprietary "rectangle" USB thinge as you aptly describe it) and, because Apple has been known to sue manufacturer of unauthorized accessories, I'm not expecting any soon.

Apple sells a USB adapter as part of their iPad Camera connection kit. As the name implies, the adapter is officially only for grabbing photos from a digital camera. However, other the Apple USB adapter has been found to u officially work with some other accessories (e.g. A keyboard). The Camera kit is a bit hard to find in stores. YMMV

To connect a harddrive to the iPad using the Camera connection kit, you'll have to jailbreak the device.

Finally—if you've gotten the USB adapter, the iPad and jailbroken the device—you'll discover that the iPad doesn't supply enough power to run the WD Passport and you'll need to keep the external harrdrive connected to a battery/socket.

 

[Bboy AJ]

Is there any way to use the iPad as a keyboard and mouse combo? I have an HTPC. I've been VNCing the iPad to control the HTPC but it would be cool if I could just bluetooth connect and use the iPad as a kb/m.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Is there any way to use the iPad as a keyboard and mouse combo? I have an HTPC. I've been VNCing the iPad to control the HTPC but it would be cool if I could just bluetooth connect and use the iPad as a kb/m.

TouchPad. (The biggest reason I'm dying for multitasking to come over.)

 

[McBacon]

Is anyone else having this problem with Reeder since updating? Sometimes, the app will lose its trademark-Apple elasticity, and get some annoying inertia when scrolling. Fixed by restarting the app.

Might need to reinstall it, but thought I'd ask you guys first.

 

[LCfiner]

Is anyone else having this problem with Reeder since updating? Sometimes, the app will lose its trademark-Apple elasticity, and get some annoying inertia when scrolling. Fixed by restarting the app.

Might need to reinstall it, but thought I'd ask you guys first.

I had that happen twice last week but hasn’t happened since. I haven’t reinstalled it, either.

 

[japtor]

To connect a harddrive to the iPad using the Camera connection kit, you'll have to jailbreak the device.

Finally—if you've gotten the USB adapter, the iPad and jailbroken the device—you'll discover that the iPad doesn't supply enough power to run the WD Passport and you'll need to keep the external harrdrive connected to a battery/socket.

It can read stuff if you stick files into a DCIM folder like a camera. But you have to copy stuff to the iPad to view unless you jailbreak. And yeah the power is a pain in the ass. A powered USB hub is useful for hooking up stuff.

Is anyone else having this problem with Reeder since updating? Sometimes, the app will lose its trademark-Apple elasticity, and get some annoying inertia when scrolling. Fixed by restarting the app.

Might need to reinstall it, but thought I'd ask you guys first.

I've had it a few times too.

 

[Dreams-Visions]

Or buy apps that support VGA out, since it's suppoprted on an app-by-app basis.

or jailbreak the phone and install Landscape TV Out (free app, Cydia). It will push *everything* out to your TV screen, including your springboard, youtube, NBA League Pass, MLB At Bat video, etc.



another +1 for jailbreaking? yes.

 

[Blackhead]

TouchPad. (The biggest reason I'm dying for multitasking to come over.)

Can you keep that connection on in the background?

It can read stuff if you stick files into a DCIM folder like a camera. But you have to copy stuff to the iPad to view unless you jailbreak. And yeah the power is a pain in the ass. A powered USB hub is useful for hooking up stuff.

Ooh, I'll have to remember that. Yeah, instead of using a usb drive it's much easier to use an sd card. I don't bother with either anymore since I don't carry the iPad out often enough.

Catching up on the 'bad' news.

Apple's app store manager has a nefarious past. Pick your sensationalist headline: Apple’s App Store Director Sells His Own Fart Apps or Apple's 'Freedom From Porn' Enforcer Drawn To Porn Stars and Escorts on Twitter.

Hey, Apple: The App Store Is Broken.

Last night Cody published his thoughts on iTunes and wireless syncing to devices, a matter we’ve been discussing here at MacStories for a long time. I agree with him (though I’m really not into podcasts as he is), but I want to follow-up by focusing on a secondary point: the App Store navigation.

Google is copying Apple, but the App Store is broken. I can’t believe that after 2 years of existence Apple still hasn’t fixed many of the issues that affected the App Store back in 2008. In fact, they added even more.

I have an iPhone 4 and an iPad. Two devices to manage, two different stores to browse. Then, there are “universal apps”, those built to work on multiple devices with a single download. Furthermore, the iPhone 4 has a different display resolution than the iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch. Last, apps can be free / paid or present in-app purchases, and you can (theoretically) access the history of your purchases through the “Account” menu in the iTunes Store.

It’s a total mess.

As many of you have probably noticed, you can’t browse the App Store searching for apps specifically designed for the iPhone 4. At the contrary, the App Store’s description pages tell you that an app is “Compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad” even when, actually, that app is already available as a standalone for the iPad and includes graphics for the Retina Display. The whole system is broken and needs to be fixed.

Here’s an example. This is the iTunes link to Articles by Sophiestication: the app has been updated to support the Retina Display, but the App Store doesn’t tell you that. It’s just “compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad”. Oh, and the whole compatibility thing is listed under “Requirements”, below the app’s icon on the left. The problem is, there is an iPad version of Articles (Articles for iPad) but the “More Apps by Sophiestication Software” box only displays iPhone apps. To get an overview of all the apps sold by Sophiestication, you have to click on the developer’s name at the top and you get another page with iPhone and iPad apps. But this is a relatively minor problem: I knew that Sophia updated her apps for the Retina Display. What if I didn’t? Or what if the developer just didn’t update the app for the iPhone 4? There’s no way I can be informed with the App Store description page. There’s no box on the left with iPhone 4-specific details. So many times I purchased iPhone apps and found out later that they hadn’t been updated for the Retina Display.

Something many developers do is to include additional information in the description. Indeed, Sophia wrote about the iOS 4 and iPhone 4 support in there. Oh yeah, the iOS 4 compatibility is another issue to be considered: Apple launched a section in the App Store to showcase apps updated for iOS 4 but it’s…a showcase. They don’t tell you which apps don’t work on iOS 4, there’s no box for iOS 4 compatibility.

For now, let’s not mention the problems with the review / rating system – not exactly related to my navigation issues.

I think there’s a very thin line between developers’ faults and Apple’s broken and clunky structure. Sure, some developers don’t care about making their apps compatible and, in the worst cases, don’t care about updating their apps at all once they’re on sale. But I’m certain that there are many, many developers out there who daily struggle with the App Store archaic navigation and purchase system.

Apple started this: in 2008 by putting the App Store in iTunes and in 2010 by introducing the iPhone 4 with Retina Display. Multiple and different devices require a flexible and powerful Store structure, and Apple better provide it soon. September might be the ideal time to unveil a revamped iTunes 10 and a new App Store. The dream of a standalone product to browse and install apps is what it is – a dream.

What really bothers me, though, is how 3rd party websites to browse the App Store are actually better designed than Apple’s own system. AppShopper is a website I use every day to stay updated on new apps releases, updates and price drops – something Apple doesn’t provide. AppShopper allows you to easily (and by easily I mean 1 click) switch between iPhone, iPad and Universal apps, check the most popular in charts or just the new ones – all organized by Paid and Free software. You can create your own Wish List (which looks and works better than Apple’s) and get a full, detailed and good looking summary of the apps you own. Because you know, there’s no way to get a detailed history of the apps you purchased in iTunes. This is a comparison shot of AppShopper’s Wish List and the one in iTunes. Also take a look at the description page with app’s activity over time and a chart as seen in AppShopper and the App Store.

I don’t want to praise AppShopper and tell everyone “Hey folks, let’s use this from now on!”. I do, for instance, but that’s not the point. Not at all. I’m saying that the App Store is a crowded place, and just like every crowded place it needs serious organization. Could you imagine going to Best Buy to find everything messed up on the shelves – or a Best Buy no shelves at all? Could you imagine Amazon without advanced search functions and proper account management options? Sure, go ahead and tell me I can’t compare the App Store to a Best Buy. You’re wrong: in every marketplace of any kind organization is needed. Better organization leads to more sales, more sales make both the customer and seller happier.
Now just think of a better App Store for a second. Take away the iTunes bloat, the time-out sessions and the missing screenshots. Think of an App Store with proper categories, search functions, device details and app activity information. Think of overhauled developer pages with history information, better user reviews and no scam apps.

For God’s sake, think of store.apple.com for applications.

Isn’t it great?

iPad Gripe Session

After a few months of owing it, I keep finding more and more uses for my iPad, many of them not possible on my Mac or my iPhone, and my affection for it keeps ratcheting up accordingly. At the same time, there are at least a handful of irritating shortcomings on the platform that I’m impatiently waiting for Apple to address. I know it’s been less than a full year since the iPad debuted, and perhaps there’s a significant upgrade due soon, but for now, I find that using the iPad is more frustrating than it needs to be.

In large part this is owing to the fact that iOS 4 is so good, making its current unavailability for the iPad feel particularly vexing. In the few short months since I’ve owned my iPhone 4, I’ve become thoroughly reliant on the iOS 4 unified inbox within Mail, for instance — I’m amazed that I ever lived without it on my iPhone and annoyed that I have to live without it still on my iPad. Also, the major efficiency gains that iOS 4’s multitasking makes possible have become second nature to me on the iPhone. Meanwhile, switching between apps on the iPad and having to wait for each app to load from scratch every time I access it seems like an archaic custom leftover from the first decade of the century.

Among features that the iPad does share with the iPhone, the ability to undo actions seems more rote than useful. As a gesture to invoke the Undo command, shaking a handheld device the size of an iPhone is clever and workable. Shaking a much larger device like the iPad is awkward at best and violates one infrequently violated but nevertheless important law of good user interface design: don’t force the user to look like a fool [original euphemism deleted in deference to British sensitivities] in order to use any given feature.

MEANS OF PRODUCTION
My complaint about undo intersects with the fact that, over time, I’ve started to use the iPad for content creation more and more (by now those early criticisms that the device is conducive only to consumption seem myopic). I still don’t quite believe that long-form writing or word processing will ever be something that people frequently do on the iPad, but on the other hand I’m on a train to Washington, D.C. at the moment and my MacBook has apparently died so I’m typing this particular chunk of reasonably long-form text on my iPad (using a preview release of an intriguing app forthcoming from Oliver Reichenstein’s Information Architects).

Whether we’ll ever type as much on the iPad as on a PC, it seems obvious to me that some refinement is needed in managing how ‘touchable’ the iPad’s screen is while entering text. As it stands, it’s too easy to reposition my cursor as I type by inadvertently brushing against the screen with a knuckle. With the iPhone’s much smaller screen real estate this problem was a nuisance, but with the much larger expanse of the iPad cursor placement can be much more volatile, and it becomes a serious impediment to usage. It should be possible for Apple to implement something along the lines of the ‘ignore trackpad while typing’ feature that the company includes with its MacBook line of laptops.

UNEXTENDED STAYS
So long as we’re talking about productivity, I may as well declare my futile hope that Apple will one day allow some of the extensibility on iOS that’s available on Mac OS X. It would violate the platform’s vision of purity and its paradigm for stability, I’m sure, but I want more system-wide services. Services that often only third party software vendors excel in.
I want an editable dictionary that can supplant iOS’ built-in auto-correct dictionary. I want Text Expander available to every app, and 1Password and Instapaper too, while we’re at it. I’m sure many readers out there have their own wish lists of similar enhancements, but we’ll probably never get any of them so I may as well stop here.

UNREFRESHING BEHAVIOR
Back in the territory of pure content consumption: I’ve become a big fan of powering through my RSS subscriptions via Google Reader in mobile Safari. Notwithstanding the fact that Google Reader’s iPhone-optimized interface needs some subtle but nontrivial adjustments for the iPad, it’s great. What’s not great is mobile Safari’s penchant for refreshing a browser window nearly every time I return to it, regardless of how long the window has been idle.

This is generally annoying but it can be particularly disruptive with a Web app like Google Reader where state is maintained on the client side — I can’t tell you how many times when, having clicked off to a site from a feed, I’ve wanted to return to the post as it appeared in Google Reader, only to have it lost because mobile Safari unthinkingly refreshed the whole page. If anyone at Apple really understands why the browser built into the iPad refreshes so aggressively and so randomly, they’re taking the company’s secrecy policy a bit too seriously.

NOTHING ON BUT RERUNS
I was never a big consumer of Web video on my desktop or laptop, but with the iPad I’ve been consuming more and more of it. I also find myself scratching my head over how the device handles caching of video content. If I start watching a movie trailer the playback will begin after only a few seconds and play only what it’s downloaded before pausing to wait for more, which is fine.

After thirty seconds or so, I’ll often hit play and watch until the playback again exhausts what’s been downloaded — I’m essentially watching whatever comes through in chunks. But when I get to the end of the video, I like to scrub all the way back to the beginning so that I can watch the whole trailer in a single, uninterrupted pass. The problem is that the software then behaves as if it has to load everything over from scratch, as if it hasn’t cached any of the movie, and indeed the experience is just as if I’d never downloaded the video before at all. Frustrating.

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
Wow, I hadn’t thought that I had set out to write a ranting post about my iPad gripes but in retrospect it’s pretty clear that I was. It’s only because I think the platform has so much potential, I think. The first wave of iPad apps, which we’re still seeing being released right now, have been enormously impressive. What’s even more exciting is that the first wave of releases on any platform usually turns out to be the least interesting showcase for what the platform can do. I believe that before too long we’ll see iPad apps that strike out into radically new territory, leaving many of the current apps — especially those who simply pull in feeds for reading or emulate print magazines — looking like brochureware sites from the 1990s. On the way there, I just hope Apple fixes a few of these software shortcomings sooner rather than later. Then we can talk about all my complaints about the hardware, too.

______________
(Plucked from the 25 comments)

Sounds like to me you are still trying to crowbar your new toy into being something more than it is. It’s just a mum computer for checking Facebook and watching a bit of youtube, it’s becoming tiresome watching geeks desperate for more Apple in their lives trying to find a reason to use this, yet complaining every step of the way when it doesn’t work like a proper computer.

My boss is actually trying to do the same thing, and it’s become utterly tedious when iChatting with him and then he tells you he can’t receive the file you are sending him and you have to email him instead, then he goes offline to check his email account and the document. Same deal though, he’s a big Apple fan and is desperate to fit it into his workflow no matter how tiresome it is for everyone else.

To the person posting under the name “Netscape”: You’re hilarious. First, you’re too cowardly to post under your own name or use a legitimate email address. Second, well, that’s it really.

Catching up on the 'good' news


Enhanced textbooks finally on their way and will be delivered by a company started by a former Apple employee: Textbooks Up Their Game

Apple allows publishers to offer free digital issues to print subscribers: This week's People app is free to subscribers. Time, SI and Fortune are expected to follow


River of News: First Real Alternative to Reeder for iPad?

We can describe the history of RSS apps on the iPad in this way: before Reeder and after Reeder. I don’t want to sound like a fanboy (which if you want, I am) but seriously – there’s no better Google Reader client on the iPad than Silvio Rizzi’s Reeder. In case you missed our much-linked Reeder review in July, I wrote:

“Reeder provides a great Google Reader experience, and you’ll find yourself constantly coming back to the application to catch up with the news, share, fave stuff and save articles for later. Even when you have a queue of 200 items to be processed, it will be a real pleasure to check those items using Reeder.”​

I stand by my statements. Reeder is one of the app I use most on my iPad, and the fact that it’s never gone away from the App Store charts since its release tell you something about Rizzi’s success.

Enough about Reeder, though. I have a question. Is it possible to come up with something better than Reeder? Sure it is. The problem is, we still haven’t seen any app getting even close to it. Both in terms of engine, design and user experience. I’ve started thinking that if you want to beat Reeder (or at least, if you want people to try your app) you have to be different. Don’t emulate, be unique, then maybe you’ll have a chance. It sounds a little dramatic, but really, folks: when people ask you what’s the best RSS app for iPad, you say Reeder. So, it is dramatic.

River of News didn’t live under the beta spotlight as much as Reeder did, I didn’t hear of it prior to its release nor I saw people talking about it on Twitter. Yesterday I found it on App Shopper and bought it. Finally, I think we have a real alternative to Reeder. Or, a very good companion. Hit the break to find out.



River of News is, indeed, different: it’s a Google Reader client which doesn’t overwhelm you with features yet has managed to let me do exactly what I want with feeds. It doesn’t come with many features, but it’s got the right ones. What makes it stand out, though, is the interaction. Google Reader folders are “streams” and you have to follow these streams. There are no buttons, you just scroll. There are no arrows or navigation elements, you swipe. There are no pages, columns, stacks, folders or containers of any kind: it’s just a river of news, literally.



The app fetches your unread and starred items from Google Reader. It’s not as fast as Reeder, but it’s noticeably faster than many other apps in the App Store; I’d say it’s only second to Reeder, speed-wise. The interface design: not as beautiful (and custom) as Reeder’s, but it’s pleasant. It’s very simple and minimal, there are some rough edges here and there. I appreciated the possibility to change from “Classic” to “Modern” look, but the Settings popover needs some serious refinements. Overall, the app looks good but Reeder still looks better.

Minimalism aside, I’ve been using River of News for an entire day and I can see how this app is ultimately different from Reeder. Reeder is meant for “power consumption” of feeds, for when you have 100+ unread items and you want to go through them without missing anything and still being able to do stuff with them. River of News is for when you want to sit down on your couch, log in your Google Reader account (unlike Times) and relax. You just have to scroll, you get beautiful typography and elegant layouts for posts. Friction is zero. It’s easy to start reading and get lost in the stream. Your call if that’s good or bad, but – personally – I enjoy it. Of course, the app c0mes with a built-in (and good looking) web view and you can share articles on Twitter, Facebook, email or send them to Instapaper.

Once again, let me say that this is not a Reeder clone. No, it’s not an alternative either. The way I see it, River of News is a perfect companion to Reeder for iPad, thanks to its unique approach to unread feeds and readability.

At $2.99 in the App Store, River of News is something you should try out.

I disagree with the thrust of that review; I think RiverofNews is faster, more efficient and for "power consumption" while Reeder is for "relaxing" and seeing an "elegant layouts for posts." I'm probably not going to open Reeder often (except to show off the iPad...) unless I see some changes in the app. But I'm guessing everybody here will have a different opinion...

Anyhow the second wave of killer iPad apps is truly upon us.

 

[Bboy AJ]

TouchPad. (The biggest reason I'm dying for multitasking to come over.)

Awesome, thanks! I hesitated at first because I hate spending money on apps I can't try but this is well worth the $5. It works better than I expected. It supports the typical Apple multitouch gestures on Windows. Very cool to do the ALT+Tab with a four finger swipe, back with two fingers, wow.

 

[giga]

http://www.inkling.com/

Damn.

 

[Blackhead]

http://www.inkling.com/

Damn.

I downloaded the app but it crashes on startup :/

 

[FleckSplat]

The are no third party miniUSB/USB adapters for Dock connector (proprietary "rectangle" USB thinge as you aptly describe it) and, because Apple has been known to sue manufacturer of unauthorized accessories, I'm not expecting any soon.

Apple sells a USB adapter as part of their iPad Camera connection kit. As the name implies, the adapter is officially only for grabbing photos from a digital camera. However, other the Apple USB adapter has been found to u officially work with some other accessories (e.g. A keyboard). The Camera kit is a bit hard to find in stores. YMMV

To connect a harddrive to the iPad using the Camera connection kit, you'll have to jailbreak the device.

Finally—if you've gotten the USB adapter, the iPad and jailbroken the device—you'll discover that the iPad doesn't supply enough power to run the WD Passport and you'll need to keep the external harrdrive connected to a battery/socket.

Thanks, that sucks.

 

[Meus Renaissance]

Bought my first RSS reader, the Slide Reader and I'm very happy with it. I saw this video tutorial of it showcasing all its features, looked absolutely fantastic and took the plunge. I had a little trouble learning how to manage the feeds at first but so far so good. Recommend it

Of all the recommendations for RSS readers, I've come to like to Slide Reader the best.

Other themes from my RSS

http://www.inkling.com/

Damn.

That is beautiful. But am I right to assume it requires others you're 'sharing' with to also have an iPad and the same app? Going to try it out to see if it makes more sense

 

[japtor]

Inkling looks nice, particularly since it looks like they have a lot of publisher backing. Last quarter I used some PDFs from Cengage and they were ok, main issue was that text was a bit smaller than I would've liked.

Well that and I had to crack their DRM to read them on the iPad but that's another issue.

edit-played with the short sample book in Inkling and damn, I think I'll have to buy through here next quarter if my books are available.

 

[Eel O'Brian]

Does anyone know of a way I can download .cbr/.cbz files to the ipad from the web and open them in ComicZeal (or some other comic viewer program)? I bought the iCab browser because it had a file download manager, but when I try to launch the .cbr it tells me there are no apps installed which can open it (even though I have several apps with .cbr/.cbz viewing capability installed). So now I feel like I've wasted $2.

Basically, I want a way to download the (public domain) comics from here: http://digitalcomicmuseum.com/ and then open them in ComicZeal or some other viewer app.

 

[LCfiner]

Does anyone know of a way I can download .cbr/.cbz files to the ipad from the web and open them in ComicZeal (or some other comic viewer program)? I bought the iCab browser because it had a file download manager, but when I try to launch the .cbr it tells me there are no apps installed which can open it (even though I have several apps with .cbr/.cbz viewing capability installed). So now I feel like I've wasted $2.

Basically, I want a way to download the (public domain) comics from here: http://digitalcomicmuseum.com/ and then open them in ComicZeal or some other viewer app.

this 5 dollar app has its own built in browser to download an open files

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/comic-viewer/id369599706?mt=8



this 2 dollar app has the .cbr handling ability to open files from safari or dropbox

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/comic-book-reader/id378295369?mt=8




——————

edit: I downloaded inkling and tried out some free demo chapters. very slick app. I love how so many apps are putting controls on the sides of the screen. feels so much more natural than the top and bottom bars.

it was very smooth and easy to navigate. very nice execution.

I also downloaded river of news after Charred’s post. Another very nice app. I might use this for a couple days instead of Reeder and see how it fits into my routine.

 

[japtor]

Does anyone know of a way I can download .cbr/.cbz files to the ipad from the web and open them in ComicZeal (or some other comic viewer program)? I bought the iCab browser because it had a file download manager, but when I try to launch the .cbr it tells me there are no apps installed which can open it (even though I have several apps with .cbr/.cbz viewing capability installed). So now I feel like I've wasted $2.

Basically, I want a way to download the (public domain) comics from here: http://digitalcomicmuseum.com/ and then open them in ComicZeal or some other viewer app.

I tried downloading a comic from there, I think the problem might be that it adds a .php to the end of the file, so instead of being identified as a cbz the system thinks it's a php file.

I opened it in GoodReader and renamed it but all I have that can open it in is Stanza...and that crashed. Tried CloudReaders and ARCreader (both free) but neither showed up in the open menu.

 

[Eel O'Brian]

this 5 dollar app has its own built in browser to download an open files

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/comic-viewer/id369599706?mt=8



this 2 dollar app has the .cbr handling ability to open files from safari or dropbox

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/comic-book-reader/id378295369?mt=8

Thanks for the links! I just downloaded Goodreader and it works as well for opening .cbr/.cbz files in ComicZeal and Stanza. It's a little awkward (you have to go into the manage files section and launch after downloading), but it does the trick.

 

[Eel O'Brian]

I tried downloading a comic from there, I think the problem might be that it adds a .php to the end of the file, so instead of being identified as a cbz the system thinks it's a php file.

I opened it in GoodReader and renamed it but all I have that can open it in is Stanza...and that crashed. Tried CloudReaders and ARCreader (both free) but neither showed up in the open menu.

You have to be logged in for the download link to become an active file. Goodreader works, though, for anyone wondering!

 

[LCfiner]

Thanks for the links! I just downloaded Goodreader and it works as well for opening .cbr/.cbz files in ComicZeal and Stanza. It's a little awkward (you have to go into the manage files section and launch after downloading), but it does the trick.

Ah, OK. I use comiczeal myself but never bothered to check if it was registered to open cbr files on the iPad from other apps.

It’s pretty much the best comic reading app out there and it’s a universal app as a bonus. enjoy.

 

[Blackhead]

You have to be logged in for the download link to become an active file. Goodreader works, though, for anyone wondering!

Filer is another good option for downloading then opening with another app. And if you're having problems with the 'Open with...' dialogue try changing the extension from .cbr or .cbz to .rar or .zip respectively

edit: I downloaded inkling and tried out some free demo chapters. very slick app. I love how so many apps are putting controls on the sides of the screen. feels so much more natural than the top and bottom bars.

What do you think of the vertical scrolling though? I'd like to see the sharing of notes and linking to pages in action. Very slick textbooks though.

 

[LCfiner]

What do you think of the vertical scrolling though? I'd like to see the sharing of notes and linking to pages in action. Very slick textbooks though.

I like it. But I’ve always preferred scrolling to pagination on the iPad. for example, I don’t use pagination in instapaper, despite how much the dev prefers it. I still use scrolling. I prefer keeping my eyes focused on a smaller zone near the middle of the screen and scrolling content past it instead of having to scan the entire 10” screen from top to bottom. (comics are different but I read those differently than text - my eyes jump around more on a comic)

I think scrolling is handled well in inkling. there’s some resistance when you reach the end of a section so you won’t accidentally skip sections. plus you can tap the side bar to jump around sections within a chapter, which is handy.

 

[japtor]

You have to be logged in for the download link to become an active file. Goodreader works, though, for anyone wondering!

Yeah I made an account just to test it out. I definitely got a file since it was 20 megs, it just added a php to the end of the filename.

What do you think of the vertical scrolling though? I'd like to see the sharing of notes and linking to pages in action. Very slick textbooks though.

I've debated about it before but I think it works well here. I've had etextbooks before (PDFs) and the main issue I've had is that they can't reflow because they were meant for print/fixed layout. This gets around it entirely while still marking the physical page numbers (like if you have to look for content on page whatever). I think another reason it works is that it doesn't try mixing directions up, it just goes vertically. Different header segments provide hard breaks and chapters are separate completely. The whole experience beats the hell out of using the PDF textbooks I used last quarter.

 

[noah111]

Arre there any FREE RSS apps out there? I mean, a decent ones at least?

 

[navanman]

I see 2 DODOcase inspired/clone sites have appeared recently offering very similar products.

Treegloo & PadandQuill.

Treegloo seems to be offering a customisable case for iPad, price goes up considerably the more extras you look for.

 

[Meus Renaissance]

Arre there any FREE RSS apps out there? I mean, a decent ones at least?

Feedler, its pretty basic but effective. I hear the free version is some kind of trial though after a period of use. The Pro version is the same price as Slider Reader (above).

 

[kr2t0s]

Hopefully a quick question:

I have my own computer with itunes account setup and ipad. No issues.

My mom - who lives on the other side of the country, has her own computer with itunes account, wants an ipad. No issues.

Bought her an ipad here in LA and deciding if I should set it up on my computer, maybe copy over some photos of her grandson and send it to her. Or if I should put a bunch of things on a harddrive and send both the ipad and harddrive to her, let her add them to her own library then put everything on the ipad.

Thoughts? Any easy way to do this?

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

Arre there any FREE RSS apps out there? I mean, a decent ones at least?

Google Reader's website.

You really shouldn't have an iPad if you can't afford 5 bones for good applications that you want, though.

 

[Stinkles]

Google Reader's website.

You really shouldn't have an iPad if you can't afford 5 bones for good applications that you want, though.

iPad is expensive, seems like a perfectly reasonable justification for scrimping to buy one, is that it has lots of free apps.

 

[VGChampion]

Hopefully a quick question:

I have my own computer with itunes account setup and ipad. No issues.

My mom - who lives on the other side of the country, has her own computer with itunes account, wants an ipad. No issues.

Bought her an ipad here in LA and deciding if I should set it up on my computer, maybe copy over some photos of her grandson and send it to her. Or if I should put a bunch of things on a harddrive and send both the ipad and harddrive to her, let her add them to her own library then put everything on the ipad.

Thoughts? Any easy way to do this?

I would put them on the iPad for her and send her the files for her own computer. That way she can use it right out of the box instead of waiting for it to sync. Then maybe send the harddrive to her or maybe email them? That would be up to how well she is with computers.

 

[Tobor]

Hopefully a quick question:

I have my own computer with itunes account setup and ipad. No issues.

My mom - who lives on the other side of the country, has her own computer with itunes account, wants an ipad. No issues.

Bought her an ipad here in LA and deciding if I should set it up on my computer, maybe copy over some photos of her grandson and send it to her. Or if I should put a bunch of things on a harddrive and send both the ipad and harddrive to her, let her add them to her own library then put everything on the ipad.

Thoughts? Any easy way to do this?

Why are you mailing pictures on a hard drive? Just post the pics online, send her the iPad, and email her a link.

 

[kr2t0s]

Why are you mailing pictures on a hard drive? Just post the pics online, send her the iPad, and email her a link.

Cause this is my mom aka a grandma we are talking about and she wants all 9 billion pictures of her grandson to use the ipad as a picture frame.

Trust me, I thought about that.

 

[LCfiner]

Hopefully a quick question:

I have my own computer with itunes account setup and ipad. No issues.

My mom - who lives on the other side of the country, has her own computer with itunes account, wants an ipad. No issues.

Bought her an ipad here in LA and deciding if I should set it up on my computer, maybe copy over some photos of her grandson and send it to her. Or if I should put a bunch of things on a harddrive and send both the ipad and harddrive to her, let her add them to her own library then put everything on the ipad.

Thoughts? Any easy way to do this?

put it on the flashdrive.

otherwise there will be issues the first time she syncs her iPad and it asks her to stop syncing with your machine (which you used to put the pics on the ipad) and sync with her machine.

and that can delete the pics for good.

it’s still a simple two step process with the flashdrive and ipad.


1. put in flashdrive, drag all pics to iphoto.

2. sync up ipad and have all iphoto pictures sync.



edit: there’s another way around this to do it with one device. put all the pics in the goodreader app on the ipad, have her hook up the ipad, NOT sync, go into the goodreader file share in iTunes, drag the pics to iphoto and then start syncing the ipad fresh with her machine.

but that’s not obvious and not exactly mom friendly. it just saves you 10 bucks for flash drive. I just wanted to mention this as an academic exercise...

 

[neojubei]

http://www.inkling.com/

Damn.

Thanks. im going to try it out now.

Apple should go to textbook publishers and try to get textbooks on the ibookstore.

 

[Blackhead]

Bought my first RSS reader, the Slide Reader and I'm very happy with it. I saw this video tutorial of it showcasing all its features, looked absolutely fantastic and took the plunge. I had a little trouble learning how to manage the feeds at first but so far so good. Recommend it

Of all the recommendations for RSS readers, I've come to like to Slide Reader the best.

http://a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/024/Purple/b0/f8/c7/mzl.bmaqbemz.480x480-75.jpg[IMG]

Other themes from my RSS

[IMG]http://i34.tinypic.com/x5qnmb.png[IMG]
[IMG]http://i33.tinypic.com/jkgcuh.png[IMG]



That is beautiful. But am I right to assume it requires others you're 'sharing' with to also have an iPad and the same app? Going to try it out to see if it makes more sense[/QUOTE]Slide Reader released an update today that increases the maximum number of feeds it accepts to 1,000. I'm not a fan of the interface but at least now I can import from Google Reader without any hassles.

 

[kitchenmotors]

What's the best iPad case? I'm most likely going to get a 32GB Wifi iPad next weekend and I want to get a book style case. I'm interested in the Incase Book Jacket and the Official Apple case, but open to other options. I love the Twelve South cases, but it's a bit too bulky.

What is everyone rockin' on their iPad?

 

[Stinkles]

What's the best iPad case? I'm most likely going to get a 32GB Wifi iPad next weekend and I want to get a book style case. I'm interested in the Incase Book Jacket and the Official Apple case, but open to other options. I love the Twelve South cases, but it's a bit too bulky.

What is everyone rockin' on their iPad?

Macally is well liked and I like my apple case apart from the landscape tent mode which is only stable on flat surfaces - not couches, bed etc.