Tablet

Maps for iPad hands-on

The Google-powered maps for the iPhone and iPod Touch have been a mainstay of the iPhone OS since its inception. With the iPad, the maps app gets some subtle new features.

More importantly, and perhaps harder to convey in words, is the fact that the screen real estate afforded by the iPad transforms the app from a squinting approximation of a map into a full-fledged map replacement. Holding it in my hands, I couldn't help feeling a little like Dr. Evil, plotting my course for world domination.

There are a few things to know right off the bat. First, all versions of the iPad include an integrated digital compass, which the maps app can use along with Wi-Fi triangulation to approximate your location and orientation.

Also note that you'll need to invest in a 3G-capable model if you really plan on utilizing the iPad as a proper "Where the heck am I?" kind of map. Not only will the 3G-enabled iPad ping nearby cell towers as an additional means to determine your location (along with Wi-Fi signal triangulation), but the hardware on the 3G models includes extra assisted-GPS hardware, providing a true GPS experience that you can't get on the Wi-Fi only iPads.

Technical details aside, what's so special about maps on the iPad? Well, as the hands-on video at CNET TV demonstrates, the map's street view mode feels all the more godlike on a nice, big, capacitive touch screen. With the screen nearly three times the size of the iPhone's, you can literally see the steam coming off a cup of coffee, or in the video's Lombard Street example, you can see an enthusiastic tourist giving the thumb's up. In short, street view is much more impressive on iPad than it is on the iPhone, though no more practical. Contrasted with a comparable laptop screen, iPad's capacitive touch screen makes the experience feel like spinning a digital globe. It's fun. … Read more

Friday Poll: What would get you to buy a tablet?

We saw a few tablet-esque devices at CES earlier this month, and they were getting interesting. Then on Wednesday, as expected, Apple threw its "i"-obsessed hat into the ring with the iPad which, as is typical when Apple does something, caused the tech reporting world to go all crazy.

You heard about the iPad, right? If not you can google it on Bing.

Anyway, there are now tablets--plural--out there. Which means there's a good chance that you, as a gadget enthusiast, will either be buying one or at least entertaining the idea of buying one … Read more

The Apple iPad: It's just ahead of its time

It's hard to argue the fact that this week's Apple iPad launch disappointed the tech crowd, and not just because of that inexplicable name. Despite its lovely design, beefier core apps, and new e-book features and store, the iPad is hampered by a well-documented string of missing features: a camera, 16:9 support, Flash support (seriously?), multitasking, SD card slot, HDMI or high-res video output support, USB ports, GPS, and so on. Plus, it's exclusive to the AT&T network (again: seriously?) in this iteration, the pricing scheme is overly complex, and while I'm not … Read more

Gadgettes 171: The super, maxi, ultra absorbent episode (podcast)

You have to admit that the second the word "iPad" came out of Steve Jobs' mouth, you envisioned a future where the Gadgettes devoted an entire episode to the mocking of such a product name... right? Buckle up, space cadet. It's time to take a crazy ride into the world of double entendre.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video) EPISODE 171

Best iPad one-liners

And a few more: Will the iPad absorb new readers? It comes in light, medium, and heavy. You have to pay extra if you have a heavy data flow. The new dry-weave feature actually pulls moisture AWAY from the sensor! New: Apps with wings! The great thing about CNET is they give us our iPads for free. Everywhere else you have to pay 25 cents! The Apple iPad: It Just Fits. The Apple iPad: We can handle your data flow. You’ll never think of FLO TV the same way again.

So, um, about that name...… Read more

Who will buy the iPad?

The reaction to the iPad has been far less positive than what we've become used to when new Apple products debut.

Many took to Twitter, Facebook, and tech blogs, including here at CNET, to voice dissatisfaction with everything from the size, the price, the specs, and the content available, to the usage model--what do we use this for and what does it replace?

Here at CNET, we saw something similar in the reader response to a poll we ran immediately after Apple's event Wednesday. Though it's far from being scientific, it does illustrate a consensus among our … Read more

The Real Deal 195: Tablet computers (podcast)

We take a tour through the history of previous attempts at making successful tablet PCs. How is the Apple iPad different? Is it that different? Can it succeed? Also we take your calls and answer e-mails.

Subscribe with iTunes (audio) Subscribe with iTunes (video) Subscribe with RSS (audio) Subscribe with RSS (video)… Read more

From July to January, a look back on predictions

The strongest rumors about an Apple tablet device surfaced back in July when reports stated that Apple could release the touch-screen gadget as early as October. At that point, I made some predictions on what we might expect. Here's a look back at how I did.… Read more

Expert sees security issues with the iPad

Apple's new iPad device looks like it will have some of the same security issues that affect the iPhone, such as weak encryption, a mobile security expert said on Thursday.

For one, if the iPad employs encryption the same way the iPhone does, sensitive personal data, including phone numbers and e-mail addresses, could be retrieved and viewed, says Daniel Hoffman, chief technology officer at SMobile Systems, which sells mobile security software.

"The problem with the iPhone security encryption is it is fundamentally worthless," he said. "It can be easily bypassed."

Hoffman is not alone in … Read more

Debating the merits of Apple's iPad

There's been no shortage of opinions on the iPad, for sure. Some think it's just a big iPhone that can't make phone calls, while others see it as the tablet of the future. To get into some of these points, CNET's Ina Fried and Josh Lowensohn weigh in on some of the issues.

Also, be sure to check out CNET Reviews' Editor's take by Donald Bell.

Who is this for?/Who will buy this?

CNET senior writer Ina Fried: This is a tough one. I think it is for people who want a second computing device, for sure. It won't replace your laptop. It is good for casual Web browsing in the house--seems like a great way to be even less social while watching TV with the family. I think it is also good for travelers who want to have one device that can replace a stack of magazines, books, and DVDs. Most of all, I think a lot of the killer uses for this have yet to be created.

CNET associate editor Josh Lowensohn: Travelers indeed, and everyone I've talked to about this keeps bringing up how "awesome" this would be on an airplane. I don't spend all that much time on airplanes, but when I do, I'm completely satisfied with using my iPhone.

If anything, the two things that bring that experience down are having to hold on to it the entire time (which the iPad requires), and the smallish screen (which the iPad fixes). Then again, if I do want more screen real estate, a laptop always seems to be a better option since I can just adjust the screen to stand it up, leaving my hands free to grip the elbow rests in terror of the next patch of turbulence.

What about the name?

Lowensohn: I think the iPad makes a lot more sense than the iSlate would have. Everyone knows that a pad is something flat that you write/work on. A slate? What?

Fried: Yeah, I got nothing for you there Josh. But, iPad? Might be another reason for Apple to add a few more women to its top ranks.

How about the size?

Fried: It is a little awkward--too big for any clothing and yet not a full replacement for a laptop. It's between a PC and a phone, and the key question is if people want something that size.

That said, people love this touch interface, whether it is on the iPhone or Microsoft's Surface. The iPad's size gives the opportunity for people to get their hands on something closer to the Surface. It is also just big enough that I think we will see some multiuser applications, which are part of what makes the Surface so cool, but not really practical on the iPhone or iPod Touch.

Lowensohn: I totally agree about the size, and thank goodness it doesn't need to double as a coffee table in my living room.

But being the curmudgeon I am, I have one big qualm about the screen. The 1024x768 resolution is great for apps, but less than ideal for the Web. Bumping it up to a 16:9 ratio display would be even better for Web browsing, along with movies and certain types of games.

Fried: I tend to agree about the aspect ratio. I think making it killer for HD movies and TV would have made a more compelling product. That said, there's always the next iPad.… Read more