Is this the first step

[Den]

Linda decided she would like to access the WEB but did not want to learn computing. I sugested that a iPad might be the way to go but as netbooks are cheaper she thought that they might be better. After visiting PC World she agreed that a tablet type pad would be best so I guided her to the iPad. When we got home I looked on the PC World web site and came across the refurbished iPads and the great savings. I heve ordered a iPad (old model) with WiFi and 64Gb for £279.00 delivered all with 12 month cover.   

[john]

Well at least you didn't buy her a MacBook Air, that would have been the 'thin end of the wedge'.

[Steve]

I think Tablets are the way forward, the sales of Netbooks have declined fairly sharply this year. Hope she enjoys it,it also makes a decent iPod if nothing else.

[Den]

The Truth:  I just fancied a toy 

[Simon]

For someone who just wants something to work without having to know all the ins and outs of how it works, I think the iPad will be ideal, Den.

[Den]

So do I. It turns out that she was frightened of using either of mine in case she did something wrong and lost settings or files. I once showed her how too use Friends United and then found I was registered with a number of schools in Birkenhead. 

[Simon]

That's your story, and you're sticking to it, Den? 

[Den]

Well, they were girls schools. 

[john]

...and all of them 'approved' too 

[Simon]

 

[Den]

But, by whom 

[Gary]

Should always check the link below before buying Apple gear, you may have been able to pick up a iPad 2 for the same price as the outdated original iPad in March. The guide says to hold off buying at this time on iPads.

http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

[Steve]

It's never an easy decision I didn't think the price was too bad especially since we in the uk may not get the next release for awhile yet.

[Simon]

And I'm sure it will do all that Linda wants it to do. 

[Gary]

The issue I think is that new apps etc are more tuned to later hardware, I would rather get the 2 than the original and find out the iPad starts to struggle, didn't the original only have 256mb or ram? The iPad 2 had 512mb like the iPhone 4 so new apps and iOS tend to use the later hardware more fully leaving the older units to struggle a bit more, that was my point. As Steve says its never as easy decision but I would try myself to not by an original ipad with a change coming soon.

[Lance]

Speculated change, Gary, unless you know something most people outside of Apple don't?

[Den]

I read someware that if you plug into a pc and open itunes it will upgrade the software to 5 but I cant find it now. By the way all the refurbs seem to have gone from the PC World web site, perhaps I just bought in time.   

[Simon]

Yes, once you connect to iTunes, it should offer the upgrade, Den.

[Den]

The iPad has arived and I am charging it now. I have set it up for my network and the next thing will be the upgrade.   

[Simon]

There's nothing to fear, Den, it should walk you through it. 

[Den]

It did better than that    When I checked it was already upto date. 

[TheMonkey]

Hi Den,

If this helps any update won't need a PC so she can completely relax. All updates are done in the cloud as she's on iOS5. 

[Simon]

Well, that should really be, all updates CAN be done via the Cloud.  It's not essential.  I don't use it, and updates can also be done via wifi, or iTunes connection. 

[TheMonkey]

no its not essential but its easier. Which I think is her main goal. Simplicity?

[Simon]

True, but she'd have to get her head around Cloud based working, and sometimes it's easier just to plug the thing in!