53 responses to “Traveling with the iPad SUCKS!”

1. 

   Spencer Abrams April 26th, 2010 at 07:49

   I never really understood the great benefits of the iPad in the first place, but if the stupid thing doesn’t work when you take it somewhere, Steve Jobs pulled a fast one on thousands of loyal customers. It will be interesting to see if others are facing similar types of issues, and if Apple will be willing to do something to rectify the situation if they are.

2. 

   Steve Maniago April 26th, 2010 at 08:38

   This is stupid of Apple. If the iPad, one of the most hyped products in a long time, doesn’t even work then i see it as a waste of money and a waste of time. I think it is worth the extra effort, which seems like it would be barely any extra, to instead bring a laptop that works and can actually connect to wifi if someone is trying to leave there home with the iPad. I see this as a disgrace to Apple customers and people in general who bought this product.

3. 

   George Petrov April 26th, 2010 at 09:30

   Ya this is crazy. I never understood the ipad. It was cool to see you demonstrate it in class but now that I know more I am better off getting a phone that can do all that.

4. 

   Angeline Tran April 26th, 2010 at 10:13

   Its weird how they thought that putting a metal back on the ipad would be a good idea if it didn’t work on the iPhone. It’s odd that it works on the macbooks though. hmmm…i wonder what hte problem is…

5. 

   Alexandra Graves April 26th, 2010 at 11:30

   This is really a setback for Apple. Considering all of the advancements the company has made with it’s phone and computers you would assume that the Ipad would be just as good. But I guess that it really needs to be fixed before it can be as successful as the rest of Apple’s products.

6. 

   Arpit Bawa April 26th, 2010 at 11:46

   That sounds awful. It seems that the gadget is not worth the price tag. However, knowing the way Apple operates, it won’t be long before they ‘fix’ the issues and try to resell the same o same o in a new package!

7. 

   Ben Albers April 26th, 2010 at 12:17

   I knew the iPad was too good to be true. Wifi is probably the most important asset to the iPad, and that does not function whatsoever. Apple better fix this soon or they are going to lose alot of money.

8. 

   Abhinandan De April 26th, 2010 at 12:43

   Any new product is bound to have its flaws. anyone purchasing a recently launched item takes that risk. While coming from Apple, the fanboys could be facing some music, i still feel with a few more software upgrades and all the problem can be overcome. Let alone iPad, our day-to-day technological life depends wholly on the internet nowadays, the iPad is no different.
   Even on your laptop you really cant do much without it. If you want to play games, iPad does that too, so no issues there.

   Remember, the iPhone 2g? Apple has a come a long way from that to the new iPhone especially with the iPhone OS 4.0. Atleast Apple deserves the credit of bringing a revolutionary device, though one may note, revolution happens over time.

   I am sure the chinks will be sorted out quite soon.

9. 

   Brett Cohen April 26th, 2010 at 12:56

   I’ve had lots of problems trying to use my iPod to use public wi-fi networks as well. Somethings there are agreements you need to accept too before you can connect to the network. Regardless it doesn’t seem to work out well on its own.

10. 

    Ravi Mody April 26th, 2010 at 13:53

    Yeah I agree with you as well as everyone that commented on this post, the Ipad is useless without wifi. You would think that would be one of the main things they made sure worked before the release.

11. 

    Justin Riley April 26th, 2010 at 13:56

    I agree with everyone, without wi-fi the iPad is useless. I have problems with my iPod touch sometimes when trying to connect to wi-fi. Apple needs to be working on these problems or they are going to have a lot of unhappy customers and they will have fewer people wanting to buy an iPad. I have never really had an interesting in wanting to buy an iPad and probably will never buy one.

12. 

    Krystal Anaya April 26th, 2010 at 14:33

    i think if you are going to buy the ipad, you have to get the one with 3G, because i have an itouch and i already knew that that sucked getting connection so i would expect that the ipad with just wifi would be just as bad. The ipad is not for everyone and i think if you are not willing to pay the monthly fee to get internet everywhere it would be pointless to have.

13. 

    Michael Tym April 26th, 2010 at 14:46

    I’m surprised to see this as the blog for the day. I never really liked the iPad but it seems Hank has talked it up a bit I would have been sure it could connect to wifi! this is obviously a problem that Apple NEEDS to fix before they expect iPad to be even close to the next big thing.

14. 

    Casey Piquette April 26th, 2010 at 15:10

    The wifi is one of the most important aspects of the device, that is really a bummer that it wasn’t working. I am sure though that they will release a few more versions to get it up to par. That is why I rarely buy new gadgets right away, I always like to wait for the second version.

    Glad the Droid was there to save the day!

15. 

    Molly Longest April 26th, 2010 at 15:16

    This is too bad. I was rooting for the iPad. Although it does not work as a computer it seems like it is still a great entertainment device for traveling. I hope later versions will have better wifi capabilities. Until then though I’m not looking to purchase an iPad anytime soon…. although I am a big Apple fan.

16. 

    Matt Kompara April 26th, 2010 at 16:45

    I recently saw a promotional set up using the i pad at their booth to market their energy drink. Is it only the internet applications that cannot perform to potential?

17. 

    Austin Collins April 26th, 2010 at 17:28

    Ya the IPAD is nothing without wifi but a bigger version of the PSP. You will always run a risk with buying the first generation of any product but you would think that apple would be able to fix the problem quickly. Im sure the Ipad will be running good after the first patch comes out.

18. 

    Craig Hasbargen April 26th, 2010 at 18:39

    That is disappointing. I can’t decide if I’m really surprised or not. I didn’t really see the point to it in the first place, but without wifi it seems about worthless.

19. 

    Taylor Gelsosomo April 26th, 2010 at 18:45

    It’s nice having an insider’s perspective to the ipad. I wonder if it’s a problem that all of them have. It will be interesting to see if Apple tries to do anything about it.

20. 

    Cortez Smith April 26th, 2010 at 19:13

    Wow this product is having its difficulties, never thought this would happen, the iPad has to many gidgets and gadgets for it to have problems. If I pay for something that is as high of price as that, it better be working at all times with no worries of it messing up.

21. 

    Soroosh Karamyar April 26th, 2010 at 19:20

    This is very disappointing to hear, but not unexpected. Still, the iPad is an amazing tool that will keep on improving with time.
    Although watching Hank play with the iPad is fun, if anyone wants to get some hands on experience for themselves at Purdue go to the ITAP office on the Ground Floor of Stewart. They are really chill people to and can help you with ANY of your technology questions or problems.

22. 

    Damon Ward April 26th, 2010 at 19:20

    I have had very little interest in the iPad, but now, after reading thing, I have absolutely no interest in it. I like my iPhone quite a bit, but the iPad seems to me like a pointless waste of money, especially when I have an iPhone and a perfectly good laptop that travels fairly easily.

23. 

    Justin de la Chi(cago) April 26th, 2010 at 19:46

    I think through reading all of the responses, there was one, maybe two that said anything about a first generation product having bugs that are worked out by the time everybody “has to have one.”

    There is so much ridiculousness here about “I had no interest, and even less now”…..that when things get fixed, as they always do with Apple products, I would like to see how many people can take an I told you so. I am not trying to fan the flames, as a product should perform to manufacturer specs, but really, pay attention to the history and evolution of a product before making such assumptions.

    Usually the people who buy the first gen products from Apple are given a better discount on the second gen, or a refund for their hassle in working through the bugs. These people continue to return due to brand loyalty and cutting edge tech. Tell me I am wrong here Hank.

    I am just saying….I like their products, but have never bought anything first gen because I know, that is where the prices are steep, and the OS isn’t perfected. You can choose to be an innovator, or just ahead of the bell curve, either way, you last to convert are always going to be the first to doubt.

    J

24. 

    Keith Carlos April 26th, 2010 at 19:57

    This is pointless if the ipad has defects with the ipad being one of the most controversial apparatuses out at this time.

25. 

    Colby Beacham April 26th, 2010 at 20:32

    This “Public Wifi” Problem seems to be pretty common place, as per Apple they decided to go with some proprietary software design for their Wifi which seems to be what is causing these problems. Private networks seem to be working fine but when trying to hook to a Public network the iPad seems to be lacking the appropriate protocols to work. Hope they figure this out before the 2nd Gen, very disappointing.

26. 

    Letteer Lewis April 26th, 2010 at 20:35

    “Usually the people who buy the first gen products from Apple are given a better discount on the second gen, or a refund for their hassle in working through the bugs.”

    Wait….what?
    Maybe I am reading this wrong but when has apple given someone a discount/refund….

    iPhone 3GS coming out when people who bought the first iPhone(“people who buy the first gen products from Apple “) are still under contract?

    I didn’t see a discount/refund there :/

    Apple is a company that prides itself on having a product that “just works”, and when something they make doesn’t “just work” out of the box, they deserve all of the heat that they are getting. Especially because we the consumers pay a premium for Apple products.

    Will Apple fix the problems….Yes.

    But something as basic/necessary as Wifi connectivity should be fixed way before it is in the consumers hands.

27. 

    Stephanie Mellady April 26th, 2010 at 20:35

    I think it was horrible for Apple to release this product with so many flaws. I personally would love an Ipad but I will certainly wait until all of the kinks are out of it, but by that time something new will probably come out.

28. 

    Colby Beacham April 26th, 2010 at 20:36

    Though part of the issue stems from the fact that the iPad is basically a Faraday’s Cage literally blocking all electronic emissions from the device, i bet with its plastic strip along the top the 3G iPad will have significantly less issues. This seems to be a design over function issue.

29. 

    Colby Beacham April 26th, 2010 at 20:41

    However I have full faith in the fact that this issue will be fixed before you know it, obviously there were going to be flaws, everything has flaws no matter the price what matters is what they do about it

30. 

    Andrew Huff April 26th, 2010 at 20:53

    Again I think Apple pushed out the iPad to fast. There are obvious flaws with it if you look at it without the fan-boy attitude. Apple should have held it and correct some of the many flaws that their competitors are going to take advantage of.

31. 

    Lars Ahlen April 26th, 2010 at 20:55

    I have never had a problem with my droid on any other wifi networks then WPA enterprise networks. Of course when traveling you will not have to deal with that kind of network. So really right now my droid’s wifi along with 3G would be all I need. There is honestly no reason to take my computer for internet purposes.

32. 

    Lars Ahlen April 26th, 2010 at 20:57

    As a side note I will be traveling a lot the next couple of months and as of right now, I will only be taking my laptop on my two week long trip where I will need to be using it for programs not the internet.

33. 

    Rob Lampert April 26th, 2010 at 21:19

    Yeah, I have kind of had the same stance on this thing all along. I don’t really need it, so I guess I wont get one. Pretty simple for me.

34. 

    keegan Klauke April 26th, 2010 at 21:23

    Apple got it good. I like it when these types of companies get put back in their place. it really shows that they are not invincible and they still need to make what the customers want.

35. 

    Josh Graves April 26th, 2010 at 21:56

    yea the ipad still has some issues that need to be tackled, like the wifi deal. if it was me buying something extravagant like an ipad..i would buy droid. less issues and dependable coverage from verizon

36. 

    Harsh Sanghvi April 26th, 2010 at 22:08

    I always had second thoughts about the ipad. I wanted a ultra portable device for which I was considering the Ipad but after reading this blog I think I am going to wait.

37. 

    Byron Young April 26th, 2010 at 22:26

    I agree! Without wifi connectivity the I PAD is nothing but a big I POD. With the first models, I assumed Apple, would not have the product reaching it’s max capabilities and hopefully it will improve with time.

    Also, I agree that sometimes it’s hard to connect my I Pod to a wifi network!

38. 

    Colleen Cahill April 26th, 2010 at 23:45

    Give it time. If it looks like there is lasting interest in the iPad, Apple with perfect it. It always takes a while for new products to work with ease.

39. 

    Zach Morgan April 27th, 2010 at 07:11

    I do think that this product does have potential, especially after reading the blog related to iPad for education. However, it is obvious that there need to be some major improvements for the device. Apple does seem to release a product a little too soon. However, as an Apple customer, I have always been impressed with their customer support. I think that they will try and get the kinks fixed. I do remember when the fist iPhones were released, there were several issues. However, now it is one of the best selling phones out today.

40. 

    Jack Kennedy April 27th, 2010 at 07:23

    I wonder if this is why the new Iphone has a new material backing to allow for higher signal transfer… too little too late for the Ipad =(

41. 

    Blake Bronowicki April 27th, 2010 at 09:50

    I knew the iPad would be released into the market place with problems that it needs to be fixed. Now this is a major issue because the iPad is known for its electronic book features which really do make a difference. Personally I would not have any use for something like an iPad, but for the people out there that do have one, I do feel for them.

42. 

    Jacob Higbee April 27th, 2010 at 11:20

    I was very close to pre-ordering an iPad but now after hearing what all difficulties people had, I’m glad I waited. Now I’m waiting to see what google has in store for the tablet/slate computer market and see what android can put up in comparison to the iPad.

43. 

    Kyle Egbert April 27th, 2010 at 11:47

    So it looks like the honeymoon is over…

44. 

    Jeff Olen April 27th, 2010 at 11:55

    I can see this being a real big turn off for iPad users. I know that I was definitely thinking about buying one this summer, but after hearing about all of the wifi problems I am really considering about waiting another year or so to figure out all of the bugs with it and hope that it can improve more.

45. 

    gregg ritchie April 27th, 2010 at 16:16

    I believe that this is what happens with a lot of products that are innovative and come out early. I think that as time goes on the iPad will be much better as the new versions come out.

46. 

    Curtis Brackett April 27th, 2010 at 18:23

    Without Wi-Fi the iPad is just a gigantic toy. Really what is the point in buying such a costly new electronic if its major and perhaps most important functions aren’t even going to work reliably? I do believe that Apple will get all the kinks worked out soon and that the iPad will be a wonderful tool but problems like this should have been corrected weeks and weeks before Apple even considered releasing the iPad.

47. 

    Mahmood Alrawi April 27th, 2010 at 23:54

    honostly….i really didnt want to admit this, but now i really have to…ITS A BIG IPHONE!!! i say that because i drops our wifi connection like no other, nothing special other than a bigger, more tedious screen. the only good thing is the speed, but this idea sucks, and i like apple, not this product.

48. 

    Justin de la Chi(cago) April 28th, 2010 at 15:11

    “Wait….what?
    Maybe I am reading this wrong but when has apple given someone a discount/refund….

    iPhone 3GS coming out when people who bought the first iPhone(“people who buy the first gen products from Apple “) are still under contract?

    I didn’t see a discount/refund there :/”

    Gotta know your recent history here….the proof is in the pudding, sir.
    http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/09/08/iphone.rebate.hypocrisy/

    I don’t write if I don’t know what I say. Aside from this, I bet a price drop will exist with every successive product update and feature adaptation.

    J

49. 

    Letteer Lewis April 28th, 2010 at 19:36

    I stand corrected….They did give out ONE rebate.

    However, the only reason they gave out the rebate was because they were basically forced to by the number of people that were outraged by the $200 price drop two months after it went on sale.

    And that is not the situation I was talking about if you read my post.

    So I wouldn’t say that they usually give out rebates for people who buy first gen products, and neither would I buy an iPad planning on receiving a rebate in the future, but that’s just me.

    Still I understand your point though, which is why I wouldn’t buy any first Gen Apple products either.

50. 

    Maria Del Real April 28th, 2010 at 21:30

    Wow, well this really makes me think twice about purchasing one. Apple should not have been so eager to release its product if it was not up to par. This only makes Apple look unprepared.

51. 

    Zachary Mirsberger April 29th, 2010 at 08:34

    It’s a pity that WIFI hotspots aren’t a bit more regulated so that they will work with all devices. I am in no way taking the blame away from Apple, they need to work the kinks out of their product, but a standard needs to be set for WIFI so companies will be able to surely know their product will work before they release it to the public.

52. 

    Andrew burke April 29th, 2010 at 12:43

    Yup, I’m sticking with my first impulse and waiting for a newer version before I go out and buy an iPad. The review on the apple apps was less than promising, and I find it especially detrimental how much it relies on an actual computer to finalize all of your work. Kinda makes it useless as far as word processing goes.

53. 

    Kamran Malhance April 29th, 2010 at 14:16

    This is the exact reason I’m waiting for the second generation to come out.