I’ve been quiet on my iPad observations. Fact is I’ve just been enjoying it. Perhaps so much that I’ve even overheated it. There is no question it is a powerful multi-media consumption device. I much prefer it for reading, over both my iPhone and my laptop. Something tactile and satisfying about scrolling and turning pages with the finger. So I thought I’d share my exploits using my iPad while camping off my BMW R1200GS.
In fact the weekend after the launch the iPad was on my bike. I’d slipped it under the clear plastic map cover on my tank bag. I was very keen to test it out as a GPS alternative despite it’s lack of 3G and need for WiFi. Now one needs a hotspot if this is to be successful. So after working out that the iPad fits perfectly in the GS Tank bag I went after my hotspot solution. I’m tired of hacking my iPhone and so I pulled the SIM and stuck it in my trusty N95 with JoikuSpot installed. Turned on the Nokia and synced the iPad. Perfect…. now we have WiFi and iPad almost anywhere.
Best things about this setup:
1. I can with an ungloved finger touch the iPad through the plastic and all touch features are retained. I did turn the screen up to the brightest setting. Lots of glare off the screen – yes it was on although can’t see that from above small picture.
2. I later added an iJet and remote. I stuck these in the bag too. The iJet remote (which works via radio) can manage all the volume and track changes I want with a gloved hand.
3. I locked the iPad screen and added a plug for the earphones so it would be accessible. Hooked up to my Shure earphones and I had a great experience. No wind noise and a low level of music. Better than earplugs.
4. The maps are incredible and there is enough memory in the system so google maps seem to go small and large and can be pushed around at any time regardless of whether there is a connection. If you have a travel bug just planning your trip on the iPad looking at maps is sort of cool. The downside. Google Maps doesn’t yet allow those advanced features that let you drag the route or specify no highways in the App.
5. It revolutionizes the entertainment available in a tiny tent. I hung it from the roof and watched movies. Lots of battery life. However, forget downloading from iTunes while on the move.
6. In the morning it charged relatively quickly off my new 2 amp Kensington USB charger that plugged into my standard power socket on the bike as we went up the road.
7. While N95′s running as wifi hotspots are powerhungry it was easy to keep the charge off the USB. I also ran my iPhone in Wifi mode no SIM off the same hotspot on a couple of occasions.
The downsides:
a. Sun! The screen isn’t really effective in bright sun. I never really expected to read it while riding and I seldom ride at night. There’s enough going on already on a bike. And no, movies on the road weren’t on the agenda either. In future I’ll keep it in the normal folio case I have for it on top inside the tank bag. The lid is useful as a shade when stopped and viewing the map.
b.Overheated: I’m not sure why but this last weekend under the plastic I got a total overheat and the iPad shut down. At that point I put it back in the tank bag. It cooled off and back to working. I don’t think it took well to the direct sunlight above even though I wasn’t using it. Black screen – music playing.
c. No GPS: The lack of real GPS never worried me. I can read a map. I wouldn’t buy the 3G to get that higher level of accuracy right now although I can see it would be preferred. The benefit comes when finding your position on the map when AT&T is nowhere to be found.
d. AT&T Coverage: Until you have really spent time out on the backroads of California you have no idea how sparse AT&T connections are and how frequently there is no data at all. The more backroads I travel the more off the grid I know I am. I’m sure the iPad is going to generate some really interesting GPS / Mapping solutions. The Garmin / TomTom killer mark two. That may get me to trade up.Right now I don’t know of any programs that have been launched. A and B above wouldn’t really be an issue in a car.
Note: Important note! If I’m carrying my stuff places I’d rather take my iPad than my iPhone. Taking my Macbook camping is more of a hassle and it has no battery life relatively. It also takes up way too much room although fits nicely in the lid of a side case. The iPad obsoletes the need re updates, staying in touch etc. It would help if the iPhone would tether without a jailbreak (again). I’m almost at the point where I’d never take anything but the iPad to any conference, on vacation (perfect for that) etc.
I’ve never understood why “integrating” GPS and navigation systems into cars is such a smart thing. I’ve not had a new car in years and I’d never purchase one with Navigation installed. The iPad could make for an awesome in-car system (yes it was done on the first weekend). By contrast I understand more why Bikes have expensive Garmin units mounted. Once you go in search of getting lost it is rather nice to have. Yet a waterproof unit with the latest bluetooth etc can cost you close to $1000 with mounts. So you will have to understand that I’m happier with my iPad substitute. It also saves me a fortune in buying maps and adding “camping” to the google maps search can even find you a spot to stop for the night.
Maybe there is some special mount and visor coming that will make integrating the iPad simple and effective. That’s a farkle I may want to try out.
This is Part 3 of a series of my iPad Observations. The series so far:
Part 1: What the iPad means to your next iPhone purchase! Observation #1 Speed
Part 2: iPad Observation #2 Content and Reading – Reinventing the Paper
Part 3: iPad Observation #3 Motorcycling with the iPad – Better than a laptop or notebook
