Need to buy an iPad - but . . .

[randkos3]

I've been scorekeeping using an iPod for 3 seasons now - but - today my iPod was damaged (cracked the screen, now will not acknowledge "taps") so, I'm forced to either repair it (don't know if that's possible), buy another iPod or - rob a bank (lol) and buy an iPad. I've decided to buy the iPad, however, I'm not sure which iPad to buy . . . ads state different options - memory size, wifi, color, etc. - stuff that I haven't researched yet. Can someone with knowledge/experience recommend an iPad w/ appropriate options that (at this time) would be used mainly for iScore. What other uses is the IPad good for - does it replace a Laptop? Are there other items needed (cases, screen protectors, insurance, whatever) that one should consider when using the iPad?
. . . appreciate any help you can send my way . . . thanks.

[team mom]

One important question is whether you want to use the iscorecast or twitter function during games. Most parks do not provide wi-fi, so if these features are important to you, you will need to get the ipad with the internet plan. That will increase your cost. I have the ipad that does not use internet (unless it is connected to a wifi.) I think this makes the battery last longer. I have never used the iscorecast feature, however, and I know that is important to a lot of people.

An ipad will not replace a laptop or computer, although it can be used in a similar fashion for most things. It does not support flash which limits it some. I use mine primarily for iscore, reading e-books, and websurfing while I watching TV or going to bed. It also has my mail and you can download apps if you are into that. The ipad2 comes with cameras, you can chat using facetime. I love it. Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating issues. The ipad version of iscore is a great improvement over iphone version simply due to the greater use of screen space.

[OhioTex]

i echo all of teammom points

plus..
cases are a must i think for carrying convenience, lots of after market versions, but folks seem to like apples too,

jury is out on need for screen protectors for scratch resistance, many swear by them, apple claimed unnecessary on iPad1. I don;t have one, and have not had a problem yet.


iPad2 - has a camera, iPad1 does not (not only face time and video chat, but taking pictures, great for player cards)

all iPads come with wifi, but 3G (plus $ for plan) is great if you spend lots of time at a ball park, can browse the web between games, check weather, etc, can turn on off plan monthly right from the ipad).
iPad2 can be purchased with verizon or att services for 3G (ipad1 3G only comes with at&t)

two memory configurations, I have the lower one and not ran into trouble going on 18 months of ownership. (iscore is not particularly big memory hog).

the iPad is a "near" laptop replacement with purchase of a few software apps, for word processing and spreadsheets .. the browser is much better than a mobile phone, but does not support flash, (apple and adobe have a difference of opinion on it). It does become annoying and i have seen android products market flash support, and as an iPad 1 user, I get it. it is probably my #1 miss on the iPad. but the stability of it has been great,.

[randkos3]

Thank you for your help . . . it's all very helpful.
Your comments bring some questions to me . . .
what is Facetime and Video Chat? Are these used only between iPads - do you need to be connected via Wi-Fi / 3G?
You talk about reading mail - are we talking about ones email account?
The camera option sounds too good to omit . . . iScorecast, I haven't used but it does sound interesting and appears to be very popular.
I did find that I can have the screen replaced on my iPod for less than $90.00 - there were several sites that offered to fix the broken screen for as little as $19.95 - I tend to be suspicious here - need to research this more.
In any case, thanks again for your help.

[danmcc]

I'm not sure of your budget for an iPad but there is a significant cost difference between the iPad 1 vs iPad 2. I bought my pre owned iPad 1 on ebay for a good price as the iPad 2 was being released soon. The used iPad 1 prices have continued to drop now that the iPad 2 is available.
As noted with team mom and ohiotex there are some features on the iPad 2 that are nice such as the camera, but they were not as important to me. I have found that I use the iPad more than I originally thought. I no longer take a laptop to work, just the ipad.

[team mom]

Facetime and videochat are basically talking to someone on the phone and seeing them at the same time. The person on the other end also needs the same software. I think most of the apple products have this (itouch, iphone, ipad, etc.) I don't know about the others. I don't use it but my 11 year old daughter uses it a lot!

You can configure your ipad to access to email account.

Both these features require internet access, wi-fi or direct.

I agree they are pricey, particularly if your main reason to buy is iscore. But I agree with danmcc that you will probably find yourself using it for other purposes as well once you have it. I would almost recommend it just for iscore!

[OhioTex]

Can you still use your iPod some.?

If so.. Make sure option>export in iscore to store your iscore database safely on FTM servers, Also find and save for future reference you customer/device ID.. This is needed to be able to recover/transfer your data to a new device or a repaired iPod later..

We recommend option >export after every game..

[BaseballFan]

I have an ipad2 with wifi (3gb plan Verizon)....you won't be disappointed!! If you want to use video calls/chats you can download Skype (yes, it's FREE) for any video/chatting you want. When the new IOS comes out next month it will improve all that you can do on the iPad...

Thanks & THINK Baseball!

[brian_oshea]

I agree 100% with what has been said above. I used the iPhone last year and asked my kids to get me the iPad for Christmas so that I could use iScore on it this season. The difference is like night & day. On the iPad it is so much easier to use.

If you only use iPad for iScore, it is still worth the price. However you will likely find once you download some of the many free apps that your iScore use will be secondary to all the other things that you will use the iPad for. If you can afford it, definitely go for the iPad or other such tablet.

[bepeacock]

I'm a long time Apple user. iPads are about content consumption, not creation, so in that sense they will not substitute for a laptop well...but I do make it work for me. I use for browsing, mail, calendar, iscore, reading digital magazines, watching podcasts and Netflix, and social networking. IScore uses about 30% of my battery on medium brightness and a typical 3 hour game.

If you have a smartphone that supports mobile hotspot, then don't get the 3G iPad. Get the wifi and turn on hotspotting for $20 a month, which is cheaper than the $30 3G plan.