“For $499 you can get Apple’s iPad, a power adapter, a cable for connecting to a computer and not much else — other than an overwhelming urge to spend at least $200 more,” Jessica Mintz reports for The Associated Press. “The advertised price for the least expensive iPad might help entice more than just the well-to-do geek elite, but the cost of owning one usually turns out to be higher.”
“To protect this sparkling gem of a gadget, you might pick out a $39 neoprene cover,” Mintz reports. “If you want to use the iPad more like a laptop and type on keys rather than a touch screen, you’ll need a $69 keyboard dock.”
Mintz reports, “The iPad comes with basic applications, including a Web browser, e-mail program, YouTube video player and a mapping program, but you’re likely to want other apps that cost a few bucks each, plus songs, videos and e-books.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Jessica obviously had to hit a deadline.
Stupid, meaningless article.
Someone is unaware of the free apps…
No one is mandating these purchases… they are OPTIONAL.
You might want a life, but it will cost you!!!
Hey, the new car I got didn’t come with music CDs, soap to wash it with, and I keep having to put gas in the tank. I spent way more than the price I was quoted!
You probably can use the Bluetooth keyboard that came with your computer. No need for that keyboard dock.
She could be talking about buying a Chevy, a home, a Dell (any), or a horse. Unless you are buying a replacement goldfish, chances are pretty good you are going to be spending money to customize your purchase. When I get mine (v2 or v3, largest RAM available, WiFi) I’ll be getting Numbers, Pages and Bento along with it. And GarageBand, if it’s available. There will certainly be more, but much of that will be “free”.
Apple never said “one size fits all”, they said “this is magic, look at what you can do with it”. Of course, then all the nay-sayers started saying “look what you CAN’T do with it”. And the Apple Faithful said “uh … yeah … so?”.
Pick either the neoprene cover OR the dock. You can’t dock it with the cover on.
Better yet, get a bluetooth keyboard.
Bluetooth keyboards work just fine with the iPad, according to an acquaintance; just might not be able to use them on a plane. And most folks I know end up spending the same or more on a padded sleeve or special case for laptops as that iPad sleeve referenced; big fat deal.
Can you get a left-handed cover?
I was going to get the keyboard but have a bluetooth with my iMac. But I found that I can type very well with my thumbs in the portrait position. I can do the landscape too but not quite as fast. I am so happy. My large hands means I have to type with one finger on my iPhone and I expected that with the iPad. It is easy to type standing up, I find the 1.5 lbs no problem. I do have the Apple case on it, I find the aluminum just to slippery. I am getting the camera attachment when it is available.
The plain dock is good enough for holding the iPad at the proper angle for typing with a bluetooth keyboard.
I got a neoprene cover from ‘uxcell’ just the same as the more costly ones. I made my own case.
http://www.ronnorrisart.com/ click on ‘LEATHERWORK’ then click to enlarge.
Apple cover, propped on your desk along with existing BT keyboard. Bingo!
@ron
Nice artwork!
My wife suggested a folding plate holder. It is great, holds in either the landscape or portrait. Got a 7″ high rosewood one at Michaels for $5. Much more secure than the folding apple case. The apple case does not do portrait. I would like to find a very thin tight case like I have on my iPhone. The aluminum case just does not feel secure and I don’t much care for the extra flaps on the Apple case.
Got a 10.2 netbook cover at TGMax on clearance for $7.00 and a 2.99 plate holder. Was going to use my Apple BT keyboard but not needed it so far. Most of my apps from my 3GS work fine and have paid under 15.00 on iPad apps. You don’t have to go crazy and spend mad money on the extras. I love apple but work hard for my money.
Buy a Hyundai “luxury” car model, and it comes with an iPad “owner’s manual.” Or is the other way around. The car is the iPad’s “accessory.”
I like the MDN take.
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Equus from Hyundai is about $50 to $60 thousand dollars. It depends which model you but, either a five or four seater. The Hyundai reps at the New York Auto show confirmed that it does come with a iPad loadeed with the owners guide. It is being introduced to go against BMWs and Audis etc