When the iPad was first launched, I was pretty disappointed. To me, it looked like nothing more than a giant iPhone and since I had just bought the iPhone 3Gs and a new iMac, I figured the iPad would be a waste of money.

That was until I started hearing other developers and designers talking about how awesome it was and how it totally changed their internet and media experience. While it sounded like hype at first, it did get me out of the office and into an Apple store to try one out.

Of course, every store I went to had plenty on display, but were all out of ones to buy. Finally, a month and a half later I was able to find a 32GB wireless version and I had to say….WOW.

Note: I have now spent $500 to replace my iPhone 3G to a 3Gs (dropped it in the toilet), $1500 on a new iMac, $500 on an iPad and I want the new iPhone 4, which will cost me $500…Apple is the death of my finances…

If you’re wondering why I waited so long to write about it, I didn’t want to upset anyone (the haters) by talking about it. However, I’ve had several people asking me if it’s worth buying when they already have an iPhone, the differences and some of the cool apps. So let’s get to it!

If you have an iPhone

Yes, go ahead and buy that iPad! While I love my iPhone and use it the same amount as I used it before, the iPad can do a ton of things the iPhone can’t, but the iPhone is still faster at doing some tasks.

  • eBay: Faster to use on the iPhone, as it allows you to view your account & messages
  • Videos/Games/Media: I NEVER used the iPhone for any of this – I never had time or the desire really to play more than a couple of games or watch movies (except when I’m working out now). However, I watch a ton of video and play games on the iPad. Plus, it’s got HD.
  • Reading: I still prefer printed books, but I’ve moved all of my RSS feeds to the iPad. It’s absolutely a pleasure to read.
  • Location Based Apps: Still better on the iPhone

Basically, while I do have the Twitter and WordPress apps on both the iPhone and iPad, I’ve found for the most part that I have several apps on the iPhone for business & pleasure, but the iPad contains completely different apps (less of them so far) that deal with media and pleasure.

Apps For Developers, Designers & Bloggers

I don’t own any, but the iPad offers a TON of mockup, wireframing and image editing apps.

I do, however, have a coding app called “Markup” It comes with an FTP program as well. While I don’t recommend coding a full site on it (no color coding and has some bugs) it’s great for the quick edits or lazy-in-bed ideas.

Bloggers also have a variety of great apps from WordPress (wish they had a code view šŸ™ and shortcuts) and Pages. Typing is super easy and quick on the iPad with it’s almost full size keyboard, I can type almost as fast and well as on a regular keyboard.

Other Apps

  • Netflix: My godsend to my Buffy addiction. I can’t believe it’s also going to come out for the iPhone in the summer. My workouts will never be the same again! Video quality is amazing and super fast
  • ABC: Catch up on all those LOST episodes in HD!
  • The Early Edition: My favorite RSS reader, turns all of your feeds into a beautiful newspaper format.
  • Plants vs Zombies: I’m not a big game player, but get this app! Completely addicting.
  • Twitterrific: Catching up on tweets is so awesome on this machine.
  • Wired: A cool app that shows you what a digital magazine can be like.
  • Zinio: Another digital magazine provider, provides a ton of popular mags and gives you a free downloand of MacWorld!
  • Dropbox: Syncs with all of your computers and is also a great PDF reader

Computer Replacer?

I was using my MacBook to go work at a cafe and blog on once a week and for the occasional work upstairs. However, I found it was a pain to keep fetching it from downstairs and I didn’t use it very often for anything anymore after I bought the iPad. Therefor, I sold the MacBook and the iPad replaced it as my mobile worker.

Of course, you won’t be able to do this if you only have one computer. But if you have multiple computers, the iPad is certainly good enough to use as its replacement.

Your Thoughts

What are your thoughts on the iPad?

Amber Weinberg

Amber is a freelance front-end developer specializing in semantic and accessible custom WordPress themes. She works with agencies and other freelancers to bring their designs to life using custom ACF flexible layout builds - making them more performant and less buggy while allowing the client easy customization without breaking the design system.