Apple and Macs: New products, iMacs, iWork, iLife

[10spro]

For 100 bucks more I am getting the 64GB Wi-Fi only version. I convert a lot of flicks whwn I travel, got a load of games for my kid, music, pics and my current 32GB has only 3GB left. Add the fact that I'll be playing Garage band and edit more videos with imovie, and I'll need the extra space.

Hey PK, if you're interested maybe in the original iPad maybe I can throw you a deal.

[pk500]

Hey PK, if you're interested maybe in the original iPad maybe I can throw you a deal.

Thanks, dude. I'll let you know if I decide to pull the trigger. Appreciate the offer.

[sportdan30]

FYI, be sure to clear out your apps in the multiple-tasking screen at the bottom from time to time. IMO it speeds up the loading of the web pages.

[Murph]

FYI, be sure to clear out your apps in the multiple-tasking screen at the bottom from time to time. IMO it speeds up the loading of the web pages.

Ditto on the phone.

[wco81]

Rethinking my decision regarding the purchase of the 16GB version. 32GB might have made a lot more sense as I could really see recording a lot of home video on the iPad. Definitely wouldn't think of taking it out in public and recording my kids birthday parties, family events, etc., but it's pretty sweet for those quick 1-3 minute video clips. I'm assuming I can transfer the videos to my wife's work laptop and then copy them onto a flash drive?

I think those little Flip cameras will record better quality videos, not to mention most video cams. Then you could edit them down to a smaller size and only view them on the iPad.

[wco81]

I only have a 1.5gb of music and no pictures on my 32gb unit. Most of it sits empty, or has some sizeable games like Madden or FIFA that are 500mb that I bought for $1 and never play so they could be easily deleted. It only gets close to full when I load up a bunch of shows before going on a trip, which of course proves to be way too much to watch anyway.

Still, for my new iPad2 definitely going 32gb. I think 16gb should definitely be manageable if you're active in moving things on and off, but bigger equals freedom and less micro-managing.

Can you do smart playlists for things like video? Video and pictures are the big space eaters. And certain apps can get up there.

Not sure it's worth an upgrade, unless you want the improved gaming graphics (like the Infinity Blade update). It doesn't replace a laptop but doesn't mean it's something to buy every year or every other year.

Of course, Apple wants you to upgrade. They set up some kind of donation program to teachers at their stores, to collect iPad 1s.

[Naples39]

I only have a 1.5gb of music and no pictures on my 32gb unit. Most of it sits empty, or has some sizeable games like Madden or FIFA that are 500mb that I bought for $1 and never play so they could be easily deleted. It only gets close to full when I load up a bunch of shows before going on a trip, which of course proves to be way too much to watch anyway.

Still, for my new iPad2 definitely going 32gb. I think 16gb should definitely be manageable if you're active in moving things on and off, but bigger equals freedom and less micro-managing.

Can you do smart playlists for things like video? Video and pictures are the big space eaters. And certain apps can get up there.

Not sure it's worth an upgrade, unless you want the improved gaming graphics (like the Infinity Blade update). It doesn't replace a laptop but doesn't mean it's something to buy every year or every other year.

Of course, Apple wants you to upgrade. They set up some kind of donation program to teachers at their stores, to collect iPad 1s.

I don't know what a smart playlist is, but if you're referring to streaming, that's all well and good but I'd like a solution for when I don't have net access.

The graphics updates so far are kind of trivial IMO, but maybe they'll be used later. More interested in better form factor and snappier performance, display mirroring, etc. I already have it worked out what I'm doing with my old one so I feel good about upgrading now, even if it's not a major re-design.

EDIT: Actually just placed my order. Was over at the Apple store checking things out. Was mobbed at 6pm, and definitely not waiting in line day after day. The rep there made a good point that if you buy online you don't get charged until it ships, so you can order now and cancel in 2/3 weeks if I have the chance to buy elsewhere in the meantime.

[wco81]

When your iPad is connected, in iTunes, there's a video tab. And you have an option to sync all videos in iTunes or some subset of them. With music, you can create a smart playlist which updates as you add more content that matches whatever criteria you want, like say all Rolling Stones songs. Not sure if you can do that with video but if you could, you don't have to worry about micromanaging and making sure the latest videos you added get sync'd over.

The other option is Air Video, which has both free and paid versions, and Zumocast, which is free but requires registering an online account. They will stream and transcode most formats on the fly directly to the iPad, without adding them first to your iTunes library (after converting them to the supported format/codecs in something like Handbrake).

They will also directly transcode them and store them in your iPad, bypassing iTunes. Instead, they show up in iTunes as part of the "Other" category rather than video because they're not in your iTunes library. But it took a long time to do on an iPad one, transferring a 5 GB file over via Wifi. It was transcoding and transferring at the same time.

But once transferred, you can view them without a connection since they're onboard.

[Danimal]

The free march madness app for the ipad is really nice.

[Naples39]

Yeah, there are lots of streaming solutions out there. The end game for me is to take all my shows, which are mostly avi, some mkv, and then stream them to my ipad or load them for travel with no wifi (without having to spend forvever converting).

I've used tversity, which works pretty well for media streaming to the ipad. vlc does well with loaded avi's but labors with mkv. I think I'll try air video and then say enough is enough and be done with it.

[sportdan30]

Spiderman Total Mayhem is a total steal for $.99! Great game for kids and adults. Looks and play very nice.

[Murph]

Spiderman Total Mayhem is a total steal for $.99! Great game for kids and adults. Looks and play very nice.

There's also a free version to try it out. Downloading it now.

[sportdan30]

Spiderman Total Mayhem is a total steal for $.99! Great game for kids and adults. Looks and play very nice.

There's also a free version to try it out. Downloading it now.

Sorry, should have listed the game in the apps thread.

[Diablo25]

I've had the iPad 2 for a few days now and I'm impressed. The first thing that jumps out at you (if you had the 1st gen) is the size/feel of it. It's much thinner/lighter. I knew that when I ordered it but it still kind of shocked me. Also, the speed is superb. I have the DJay app since it came out and all it would do was crash due to "low memory" on the old iPad. I was on it for at least an hour to 45 minutes yesterday and had zero issues. The cameras are as basic as you have heard, which isn't a bad thing in my opinion. All I really wanted was a front facing camera for the Facetime IF I ever used it. I just can't see myself walking around with an iPad videoing stuff. Seems silly. I can see Apple adding the Retina display, better cameras, more memory and a speedier processor for the next gen. Photo Booth is VERY basic but I guess its ok. Garage Band is very cool. Nicely done. I am sure there will be some apps displaying the iPad 2's power arriving soon. The app I can't wait for is iOOTP. It is listed as a spring release but no word on anything yet. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase.

BTW, the Smart Cover is nice but nothing really extraordinary. I had the official iPad cover with my 1st gen and loved it. I could prop up the iPad in my lap for easy/comfortable use. With the Smart Cover that isn't possible. Cool idea but I'll probably go for a 3rd party cover eventually. I will be grabbing the HDMI out adapter also. That will allow me to use the iPad in my classroom.

[Naples39]

BTW, the Smart Cover is nice but nothing really extraordinary. I had the official iPad cover with my 1st gen and loved it. I could prop up the iPad in my lap for easy/comfortable use. With the Smart Cover that isn't possible. Cool idea but I'll probably go for a 3rd party cover eventually. I will be grabbing the HDMI out adapter also. That will allow me to use the iPad in my classroom.

The smart cover is supposed to give two different angles of support. Are they not stable enough to use on your lap?

[sportdan30]

I'm not a big fan of the smart cover primarily because of the lack of protection, but it does indeed fold up very nice and easily once you understand the correct method. It's very similar to the Apple Case in that respect. Other than that, the cool on/off feature is pretty cool.

[Diablo25]

BTW, the Smart Cover is nice but nothing really extraordinary. I had the official iPad cover with my 1st gen and loved it. I could prop up the iPad in my lap for easy/comfortable use. With the Smart Cover that isn't possible. Cool idea but I'll probably go for a 3rd party cover eventually. I will be grabbing the HDMI out adapter also. That will allow me to use the iPad in my classroom.

The smart cover is supposed to give two different angles of support. Are they not stable enough to use on your lap?

Yeah, they are made well but the cover is divided into like 4 or 5 jointed panels that fold. I just liked the official Apple cover because the cover itself was rigid and all one piece that I could stand it in my lap at a 3rd angle. Kinda like an upside down "V".

[10spro]

When I get my paws on the ipad 2, I plan to get most likely the leather cover and not the smart one. Did anyone get it, how does it feel?

[10spro]

The iPad 2 arrives in Canada today. Not sure whether I should get in the long line ups or just order online. For those that ordered online, how long did it take to get it shipped?

[Naples39]

My order date was March 15, expected ship out date April 19.

I can only assume what the apple store employee told me is true though, that you don't get charged until the ship date, so if you order online but find one in a store before then you can cancel.

[sportdan30]

New iMacs have been announced. I would love to get one, but for the life of me can't convince myself that I need one just yet. I have a 5 plus year old Power PC G5 iMac that doesn't seem to want to die. It definitely hangs up when loading programs, and watching videos on there is a fit of frustration. It's slowed down some, but it still works for what we use it for. Plus, I use the iPad for everything including email, web browsing, videos, pictures, etc.

My son will be entering fourth grade and I hope there will be more of an emphasis on using the computer for homework. Then, and only then will I have a reason to purchase one of these cool new machines!

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/s ... TcyMTgwNTQ

[wco81]

The new ones, especially with the upgraded processor option, would be for editing videos and processing a lot of RAW files from a DSLR. The Thunderbolt ports would be great for moving around and backing up a lot of data, like photos and videos.

I'm thinking about it myself. The general trend is towards laptops, because you can use them anywhere. But I wonder if desktops make a bit of a comeback as people buy desktops and tablet combos. You obviously get more bang for the buck with a desktop than a laptop.

[fanatic]

The new ones, especially with the upgraded processor option, would be for editing videos and processing a lot of RAW files from a DSLR. The Thunderbolt ports would be great for moving around and backing up a lot of data, like photos and videos.

I'm thinking about it myself. The general trend is towards laptops, because you can use them anywhere. But I wonder if desktops make a bit of a comeback as people buy desktops and tablet combos. You obviously get more bang for the buck with a desktop than a laptop.

Yeah, I think I'm moving towards the desktop/tablet combo.

If I pick up a new iMac, do you guys think the 27" is way too big for somewhere like the kitchen? I envision it sitting in the kitchen (not a tiny kitchen) counter so that it's kind of a hub for the family. Would the 21.5" be better considering I'm not doing any real serious editing on it (just my own personal photo editing)?

[wco81]

Depends on the size of your kitchen, doesn't it?

If you anticipate watching videos while eating breakfast or something, the bigger screen might matter. Otherwise, the higher resolution means bigger browser and document windows so that you don't have to scroll as much. Both screens are at least capable of 1080p, though 1080p content is limited to some movie trailers, since there's no Blu-Ray option and most streaming/download videos are not 1080p.

There is a significant price difference, which probably comes into play before size. Though some people find that when they start with the lowest-priced model and add bigger drive, more RAM and so on, they're close in price.

The 27-inch has faster processors, faster GPU and I believe it has an IPS screen whereas the 21-5-inch one does not. IPS means better viewing angles off center.

[fanatic]

Thanks for the rundown...