The Apple iPad made its debut last week (April 3, 2010). With it came questions and debates over whether or not to buy it or to look elsewhere for a similar product such as a tablet (PC). Well today we are going to compare the iPad against its top competitors. If you are still in the market for an iPad and you are asking the ever important question, “Do I really want an iPad?” please feel free to use this as a guide.

*Click on the table below to enlarge it!*

Interview with Jason Jordan/Best Buy GM - Shreveport, LA

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So what can you take away from the iPad interview with Jason?
We learned that the different versions of the iPad cost anywhere from $499-$699 and all models are WiFi. In late April, Apple will release 3 more iPads that have 3G capabilities via the AT&T mobile network. The 3 that will be released in late April will cost more and require a monthly contract with AT&T. We also learned that most iPhone/iPod Touch apps are compatible with the iPad. As far as running multiple apps, you are only able to run one at a time. In saying that, Apple apps, such as the iPod feature and surfing the web via Safari, can run at the same time. Another thing Jason talked about was flash in the iPad. He said, “Steve Jobs has a certain opinion about flash.” And as far as the iPad replacing your personal computer, that’s not going to happen.

Bossier Parish Libraries has added Mango Languages to its growing list of patron resources. Mango is free of charge to all (Library name) members and is the easiest and most effective way to learn to speak a foreign language. Mango is available in two versions:

Mango Basic:
Perfect for a foreign language beginner, Mango Basic teaches everyday greetings, gratitudes, goodbyes and helpful phrases in a short period of time. The courses, which require only two to five hours of time to complete, are currently available in 22 foreign languages and 14 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

You can view all the supported Mango Basic languages and ESL courses here: http://mangolanguages.com/mangobasic/languages/

Mango Complete:
Mango Complete offers a 100-lesson course that digs much deeper and is designed to provide a more complete understanding of the entire language and culture. It is available in nine foreign language and three ESL courses. Foreign language courses include Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. ESL courses include Polish, Spanish and Portuguese.

To learn more about Mango and get a short preview of what the program has to offer, you can visit the company's website at www.mangolanguages.com. Even better, you can visit the library and get started on the courses themselves!

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The iPad is Apple’s newest release of high tech portable devices. If you are familiar with Apple products, you might mistake the picture above left to be an iPhone, but you can’t make phone calls with it. If we were going by looks, we could say it looks a lot like an iPod Touch (right). Although there are some similarities, the iPad offers much more. Just like the iPod Touch, the iPad will also allow you to connect to WiFi and browse the web, watch YouTube videos, and download your favorite songs and TV shows from iTunes. The major difference between the two is battery life (up to 10 hours), the ability to download electronic books (iBooks), the dimensions are about 5 inches more in height and width and the ability to buy a smaller flash drive capacity (16GB).

In addition, the iPad was custom designed by Apple with an A4 1GHZ processor. The first release of the iPad due out April 3rd will be WiFi-enabled and will not require any type of contract with AT&T to fully use this device (i.e., wireless data plan). However, by later this month (late April 2010) you will be able to buy a 3G version of the iPad (appleinsider.com).

Unfortunately, the iPad falls short in that it does not have a camera or any video capabilities. According to InfoWorld.com, there are a few questions that Apple refuses to answer, such as its ability to transfer documents, can you use other media services other than iTunes like Netflix, can it be upgraded, can multiple apps be used at the same time, and will Flash work.

Here is a complete list of the preinstalled apps on the iPad. Join me tomorrow for Tech Tuesday as I travel to the Apple Store located within the Best buy store in Shreveport. There I will interview a Geek Squad agent about the success of the iPad since its release along with the other unanswered questions. Feel free this week to ask your own iPad questions using the Ask-A-Tech form in the right hand column. Until next time happy teching!

· Safari - web browsing
· Mail – email
· Photos – viewing photos
· YouTube – watching videos online
· iPod – listen to music
· iTunes – download songs, movies, TV shows, and more
· App Store – download apps such as games or health tips
· Maps – similar to Google Map
· Notes – jot down quick notes and information
· Calendar – manage your schedule
· Contacts – manage personal or business contacts