I've been a PC, Mac, Android, and iOS (iPhone) user for some years now. It wasn't until earlier this week that I got my first iPad, an iPad Air. I love this thing! I've had a 10.1" Android tablet for a couple of years I guess, we actually bought two (One for me, one for DW) and we took one back because it just wasn't something she constantly used. I kept mine and eventually I stopped using it as well, so it either sat in a desk drawer or was used as a nightstand alarm clock.
On the smartphone front, I've had an iPhone 3G, Droid, iPhone 4S, and Samsung Galaxy S3 (In that order). The biggest reason I switched from the 4S was screen size, just too small. The iPhone 5 wasn't appealing because the screen was still too narrow, so I opted for the Galaxy S3 due to screen size. I've been happy with that decision for the most part, but Android still isn't perfect. My biggest complaint about Android are the apps, specifically how apps are allowed to have background processes running even if the apps themselves aren't running. Eventually, with enough apps doing this, the device gets slow and battery life becomes horrible. At one point I wasn't able to make it 8 hours before the low battery warning and that was with minimal screen-on use. Once I nuked the apps with background processes that I also wasn't using regularly my battery life doubled.
So, for the past couple of months I'd been getting the itch for an iPad but wanted to wait for the Air. I'm glad I did. I went with the wifi+cell version, which doesn't require a data plan and can be cancelled any time. It also includes the ability to use the built-in wifi hotspot included with the data plan price.
Why wifi+cell instead of just wifi? My biggest complaint about the Android tablet was not being able to really use it away from home or someplace with wifi. I do have the data plan with my Galaxy S3, which includes hotspot use, but a) it sucks battery like you can't believe and b) It's somewhat inconvenient to have to go into the phone, turn on the hotspot, then use the tablet, then turn off the hotspot when done. I don't think I'd get more than 2 hours out of my phone if used as a hotspot while running on battery. So with the wifi+cell iPad it's always connected and ready to go.
I really wasn't sure if I would use the iPad enough to justify it, at least based on previous experience, but it truly is a great device and the display is beautiful. I barely touch my phone anymore, however there are obviously situations where the size of the iPad is less than ideal or just impossible to use, so for me having an Android phone and an iPad is the best of both worlds as there are certain things Android has or can do that iOS doesn't and vice versa.
My tips for people in the market for a tablet are to consider...
- The amount of storage space. The iPad can't be upgraded, so make sure you load it up with everything you think you'll want as soon as possible, that way you'll have a good idea of how much space you'll have left. If it feels cramped then you'd still be within the return window and can exchange for one with more space. Most Android devices have a microSD slot that allows you to add more space, but keep in mind this space is separate and not actively managed by Android. You will have to manually manage space on the device, though some apps do allow you to specify where to store data.
- The return policy. Always make sure you can return or exchange the device without any penalty such as a restocking fee and be aware of how long the return policy is. The Apple Stores are really good about exchanges, other stores may not be so kind.
- When, where and how you want to use it. Will wifi-only work or should you consider one with cellular data?
- The warranty. A number of credit cards will double the manufacturer's 1-year warranty if you pay for the device with your card. Doesn't matter if you pay off the balance immediately. Apple also offers AppleCare+ for the iPad, which for $99 extends the factory warranty to 2 years and includes coverage for 2 accidental damage claims (Subject to a $49 service fee). Apple also provides "out-of-warranty" service for their devices, which basically covers replacing the device after the warranty expires or replacing it within the warranty period for for non-warranty problems, such as water or other physical damage. Basically, if you buy the most expensive iPad out there and end up dropping it or otherwise damaging so bad that it no longer works right then instead of having to pay full-price for a new one you can pay $299 for a replacement. The caveat is that the device cannot be broken beyond repair, as is being broken into multiple pieces (Such as being run over by your RV).
- Insurance. While the warranty, extended warranty, and accidental damage coverages are nice, something that may work out better financially is "inland marine" or "personal articles" coverage from your insurance company. This is SUPER cheap and covers replacement for damage, theft, "mysterious disappearance" (such as setting it down, forgetting it, coming back and finding it's gone), etc. Basically anything that the warranty wouldn't cover as it's not for insurance against defects. I recommend this insurance for all expensive portable devices, such as laptops, cameras, tablets, and even smartphones. My insurance company charges $1 per year per $100 of coverage with a $30/yr minimum and is $0 deductible.
Sorry for the long post and getting a little off-topic.
๐ So far I really do love my iPad Air, another Android tablet just wasn't on my radar due to its various quirks. The Apple App Store also has a number of professional-level apps that just don't exist for Android and that sealed the deal for me.
Hogan & Clan
