[arrismVam]

am i the only one that cannot see the point of them? they're simply a nice gadget that costs way too much and seems to be for showing off your credit/bank balance...do i duck now?

No I am sure there are plenty of people that don't get them either. Have you ever tried one? Also, the thought of using a tablet to show off a credit/bank balance is hilarious.

I use mine on my commute everyday, when lounging around at home and want to read the news, forums, email, IM people, push music or videos to my sound systems, etc.

My use of my computer at home has been reduced to a couple hours a week because of a tablet. [yes]

[fedelwfget]

No I am sure there are plenty of people that don't get them either. Have you ever tried one? Also, the thought of using a tablet to show off a credit/bank balance is hilarious.

I use mine on my commute everyday, when lounging around at home and want to read the news, forums, email, IM people, push music or videos to my sound systems, etc.

My use of my computer at home has been reduced to a couple hours a week because of a tablet. [yes]

My brother got one free from his mother-in-law as she couldn't understand it (must be an age thing). I did try it but thought ehhh? my phone has similar functions and my laptop/pc is more functional for everyday use..

[VIAGRA-]

When the iPad first came out, I played with it in the store and thought it was cool but didn't see when or where I would use it.

I then decided to buy one and give it a try during the return window. Once I had it set up the way I liked, I couldn't put it down and didn't even consider returning it.

The same goes for me and phones, I can use someones' and get an idea of how responsive it is and how it feels but the real test for me is actually using it.

[Depolit]

My brother got one free from his mother-in-law as she couldn't understand it (must be an age thing). I did try it but thought ehhh? my phone has similar functions and my laptop/pc is more functional for everyday use..

A phone's screen is too small, and you can't really relax with a laptop or PC. Right now I'm using my iPad while laying in bed. I also use it while relaxing on the sofa. I use it every day, and I will admit I was a naysayer when the iPad first appeared.

[Sadsidioribre]

A phone's screen is too small, and you can't really relax with a laptop or PC. Right now I'm using my iPad while lying in bed. I also use it while relaxing on the sofa. I use it every day, and I will admit I was a naysayer when the iPad first appeared.

Same here. I always thought I would never get one, then was given an iPad 1 as a gift. I'm sold on them now and have even pushed them for work use. Yesterday, I was asked to do a presentation at a conference on iPad use in Government, but I think I'm turning that down.

They are more than a fad now in my eyes and really are capable devices for both work and home. Not something that will replace a PC or a laptop for me, but an awesome mobile device for everything in between. Paired with an Apple TV 2 and an AirPrint compatible printer, they are great for wireless presentations/board rooms. We will even be using them soon in the Courtroom to present evidence and PowerPoint presentations.

[mobbemeatiedy]

Yesterday, I was asked to do a presentation at a conference on iPad use in Government, but I think I'm turning that down.

We done that too, luckily the iPad failed in the office (don't get me wrong, I like the iPad, but Domain authentication etc just isnt great on it for businesses). We're going down the Samsung Series 7 Slate route, which does everything needed in the business industry for us.

[apatteopipt]

am i the only one that cannot see the point of them? they're simply a nice gadget that costs way too much and seems to be for showing off your credit/bank balance...do i duck now?

I agree. I rarely use my Touchpad. Thankfully I got it for $100 and didn't waste $500+ on one. Instead I wasted $40. (Bought 2, sold 1)

Nothing special atm about 4 cores (Tegra 3). Much rather have a dual core Krait processor. Faster and because of 28nm, a battery saver in itself vs Tegra 3 40nm.

[royarnekara]

We done that too, luckily the iPad failed in the office (don't get me wrong, I like the iPad, but Domain authentication etc just isnt great on it for businesses). We're going down the Samsung Series 7 Slate route, which does everything needed in the business industry for us.

I'm not doing Domain authentication, but I do use it for Cisco VPN, RDP, VNC, signing PDFs, calendaring, email, presentations, Polycom video conferencing, Video Insight (surveillance), distributing agendas/meeting minutes, etc. The list grows as my users request different features. I really need to invest in an MDM solution for managing the devices though. We settled on the iPad 2's for ease of use, battery life, app selection, and price. We get the 16GB Wifi version for ~$460. Originally, the board wanted a fleet of laptops. We did a trial run with 5 iPads and after 10 months we bought 13 more. I expect to double that number within the year.

Not a huge deployment, but I like to think we are ahead of the curve...in government anyway.

[Cajlwdvx]

What about encryption; have you tried? Certainly with confidential information and government information at that (I work in supporting IT for local government), the device for us MUST be encrypted if its taken out of the office - is there such a technology for the iPAD?

[Fetowip]

What about encryption; have you tried? Certainly with confidential information and government information at that (I work in supporting IT for local government), the device for us MUST be encrypted if its taken out of the office - is there such a technology for the iPAD?

Yes. I enforce a pin code with our mail server (Zimbra). When you use a pin code, the device uses AES 256-bit hardware encryption (built into all versions of the iPad and iPhone 3GS+). Also, after 5 failed unlock attempts the device wipes. I can also wipe the device remotely through our mail server.

99% of the data I work with is public information anyway. With a proper FOIA request most of our data will be given redaction free. That's not to say security isn't important, however, as I do take it seriously.