iPad
© 2010 Apple
Note See iPad Mini, iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPad Air. Note: iPad 2, released April 2011 is lighter, faster and has front/back cameras. For the first time, the iPad can be plugged into an external monitor with an extra $25 adapter (for either VGA or HDMI). Other adapters are available for USB and SD card connectivity. These adapters seem great, but they don't always work as smoothly as we'd like. See also the iPod Touch 4th generation, for similar features in a smaller, cheaper hardware configuration. The following review of the original iPad was in the April 2010 issue of CTR. Apple's long awaited tablet is here, and based on four days of testing, it is clear that it will greatly improve children's computing. Why? iPad's larger multi-touch screen and the accelerometer are a better developmental match for children than any previous computing device. You begin by plugging in your iPad into a Windows or Macintosh computer (required), and starting iTunes (also required). This starts the standard registration process, and some free trial offers to subscription-based data services; all easily skippable. Next, you log into your favorite Wi-Fi zones (also required). The next parts are familiar to anyone who has ever synced an iPod Touch or an iPhone with a computer. You can decide which apps you want to transfer, from the huge selection of free choices, along with your movies, podcasts and photos. Or you can give Apple your credit card and download some of the new iPad native apps already on the market. These titles, in the $5 - $10 range, have markedly better graphics and sounds. Regular iPod Touch apps appear in a regular sized window on the iPad's larger screen, with a "2x button" in the lower corner, making it easy to quickly fill the screen. They look and run fine, but the native apps have an additional sparkle; not unlike the difference between regular TV and HD. Choosing games is as easy as touching the picture icon, making it simple for a child to get in or out of any activity, at any time. This puts plenty of choices at a child's fingertips. Here are some iPad details that we haven't seen other people mentioning: • iPad uses the identical cables and chargers as the iPod Touch and iPhone. • It is easy to forget where the volume buttons are because of the way the screen changes directions. Remedy this with a small sticker to mark the "loud" and "quiet" settings. • The battery lets you work all day on a single charge. • If you have a lot of apps, you can forget where they are. For some reason, all the App icons start to look the same after about four screens. • Apps for iPad cost more are more expensive than iPod Touch or iPhone apps. But, they generally have more content. • iPad functions a lot like is an iPod Touch, with a microphone; but no camera. So some iPhone only apps won't work. • There's no doubt that the future editions of iPad will be more powerful, and will have features like a camera; all things to keep in mind before you invest in any new technology. For young children, iPad's touch screen, voice input and motion sensing are significant advances that will enable more children's interactive products, of higher quality.
$400, iPad
Teaches: a multi-touch tablet
CTR Rating: 100%