We test Apple’s iPad before its UK launch

Fan: One of the works David Hockney created on the iPad
12 April 2012

Apple's iPad has captured headlines across the world and was so popular in the US Apple delayed its launch here.

However, on Friday the gadget finally goes on sale in Britain and the Evening Standard has been trying out the UK version of the iPad.

The first thing that hits you about the iPad is the 9.7-inch screen. In fact, it's about all that you notice, as everything is done through it. The software is virtually identical to the iPhone, although a new breed of "HD" apps has been developed to take advantage of the larger screen and faster chip in the iPad.

The screen is incredibly good quality, and high definition movies look superb, as do photos. The software is intuitive — using your finger to navigate quickly becomes second nature, web browsing and email are straightforward, and websites look great on the large screen. The on screen keyboard is also surprisingly good — when I first picked up the unit I was sure I'd need an external keyboard. But I quickly adjusted to the on-screen keyboard, even when writing longer emails (and this review). It's well worth getting Apple's case though, which folds up to raise the iPad towards you into the perfect typing position.

However, the iPad is not perfect — yet. At the moment most of the apps are simply bigger and better versions of those for the iPhone. But with application developers flocking to the device it's only a matter of time before we see more must-have apps.

Apple's iBooks software, which turns the device into a rather lovely electronic book, also has no commercial publishers signed up for launch (it does offer hundreds of free, out of copyright titles), although partners are expected to be added quickly. The biggest problem with the iPad is the price — for something that would be perfect for technophobes, and that I'd recommend to my mother, £429 is just a little too expensive, and £699 far too expensive.

We tried the £699 version, which has built-in 3G (ours via O2) to allow you to get online when you're not in range of a wifi hotspot. If you can afford it, this really is a machine that changes the way we use computers, and in the long term could prove to be even more revolutionary than the iPhone.

It's easy to use, instantly switches on, and is always close at hand. In fact, after a week with the iPad, I suddenly realised perhaps its most impressive feat — my laptop lay in the corner of my living room, totally redundant.

iPad
From £429,
www.apple.com/uk
★★★★✩

Essential apps

Mirror's Edge, £7.49
This game features a free runner moving around a city — controlled by a series of easy to learn flicks and taps on screen. Hugely addictive.

Party Place, price TBC
Up to four players get a corner of the screen each to compete in several fun games including one where you flick marbles into a monster's mouth.

Popular Science Plus, £2.99
A great example of the interactive future of magazines, Popular Science allows you to scroll through text and pictures easily.

iBooks, free download from Apple
Turns the iPad into a great book reader, with the ability to download new books from Apple's store. Text is clear and easy to read, and the attention to detail is superb.

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