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Apple's iPad Will Revolutionize The Way We Travel

January 27, 2010 at 1:48 PM | by | Comment (1)

Update: We've posted a counterpoint to this story, on how the iPad won't revolutionize travel.

Okay, if you are awake and alive right now, you are either following closely along as Apple unveils their groundbreaking new iPad, or you are totally against it and pretending not to follow along. Whichever camp you're in, you cannot deny that the iPad will revolutionize how we travel.

The conference is still going on now, but thanks to the ace liveblogging of tech blogs like Engadget, we're able to see the first shots of the iPad and get quotes straight from Steve Jobs on what it will do in terms of travel technology.

We've gathered the best iPad photos and Jobs quotes, after the jump.

Gallery: First Images of the Apple iPad and its travel features

· Battery Life:
Straight from Steve Jobs, we have this awesome news on battery life:

What is the battery life like? We've been able to achieve 10 hours of battery life. I can take a flight from San Francisco to Tokyo and watch video the whole time. And it has over a month of standby time.

· Compact size
The size of the iPad is ideal for travel. Here are the dimensions: 9.7" display, 0.5" thin and only 1.5 lbs. This means no more massive backpacks with padded laptop sleeves, or even laptop cases. Simply slip the iPad into a small case (which no doubt flood the store shelves soon) and stick it into your regular bag.

· Enhanced Google Maps
The ability to use Google Maps and enhance streetview to full-screen size could easily eliminate the need for physical maps, and even guidebooks.

· Enhanced Travel apps
Travel iPhone apps will continue to be rule, since all apps work on the iPad and can even be enhanced for the larger screen. Says Jobs:

So all of the iPhone apps will run on this. In fact when you buy it, download all the apps you have right onto the iPad.

· The Compass
The iPad comes complete with the compass and accelerometer that made the iPhone so excellent for Google Maps and compass-based apps.

· The new "iBook" app
Since the iPad also works as an eReader with downloadable book content from their new app, "iBook," travelers can eliminate bulky novels or one-trick eReaders from their luggage.

· WiFi and 3G internet
Like the iPhone, the iPad will be come standard with WiFi, but there will be a higher level iPad that has the ability to hook onto 3G internet, allowing you to access the internet anywhere you have AT&T's 3G network. You will have to have a data plan for these more expensive models however, and it will be $14.99 for up to 250 MB of data a month, or only $29.99 for unlimited monthly data. Thankfully, it doesn't require a contract and you can cancel your 3G subscription at anytime. Our suggestion? Cancel it when you go overseas and pick it back up when you've returned to the States and 3G coverage. If you happen upon an AT&T hotspot though, like at Starbucks, then it's free. You'll also be able to connect to WiFi networks with either iPad—for instance, free networks in hotels (or pay, we suppose, but those suck).

· iPad 3Gs are unlocked
The iPad will be available to buy in 60 days (90 days for the 3G), but it won't have deals with international providers until June. The unlocking means that iPads with 3G use GSM micro SIMs, so if your carrier offers micro SIMs, “they’ll just work.” Hallelujah—take them international and get yourself a local carrier's GSM SIM and surf their 3G with a plan. Or, in the States, leave AT&T and join Verizon's 3G network.

· Competitive pricing
iPads will start at only $499, when we totally expected it to be several hundred more than that. This means that many will go in for them quickly, which will increase demand for enhanced apps, international flexibility, and iPad-formatted media. Here is the pricing for the basic WiFi-enabled models: 16GB=$499, 32GB=$599, 64GB=$699. Now for the models with WiFi and 3G capability: 16GB=$629, 32GB=$729, 64GB=$829. We think that the 16GB model with 3G will be most popular among travelers.

Next up...how the iPad won't revolutionize the way we travel. Yes, it has flaws.

Related Stories:
· Live from the Apple 'Latest Creation' Event [Engadget]
· All iPhone travel tech news [Jaunted]
· Technology news [Jaunted]

[Photo: Engadget]

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Well, it does ...

Okay, I just returned from my 3 weeks in Japan with my iPad (3G/WiFi 64GB) - had no problems getting through airport security, both international and domestic flights in Japan. Battery life, the most I got between charges was three days of use - well, only when I didn't spend a lot with the video on, just listened to music). An entire day of use was no problem. However, recharging seemed to be slower in Japan, may be because they run on 100 volts and not 110. I also discovered different part of Japan run on different frequencies, some in 50Hz while other parts at 60Hz. In preparation of my trip I preloaded all the maps I needed as PDF files for my PDF Reader Pro app so I didn't need to access the Internet ... worked great. Warning, despite what some sites say about plenty of "free internet hotspots in Japan," ... sorry it's not true. Yes, there are lots of hotspots, yes they're free, but they are restricted for their customers, or guests at the hotel. The SD and digital camera adapters worked great, I up-loaded about 6 GB of photo's with no problems. I just wish I knew of a way to then upload the photo's to my gallery on my website so everybody back home could follow my adventures. If you're going to Tokyo, pay for the Tokyo Subway for iPad app ... it's well worth the $0.99. I also bought the iParrot Phrase English - Japanese for iPad ($4.99) to learn how to say certain phrases in Japanese. Well, I got lazy and simply play the audio phrase from the app to get my message across ... which worked great. The AT&T International Plan was spotty at best or didn't work at all. Warning, roaming charges are expensive, so shut off the Cellular 3G when not in use. Option 2, getting a micro-SIM from Softbank (exclusive Japan service provider for Apple products) was impossible for me - bad timing with the launch of the iPad in Japan. When I did get access to the Internet, my Whistle app (VOiP) worked pretty good and at a reasonable price ($.02/minute) despite the relatively low bandwidth in Japan. Bottom-line, the iPad proved to be a very valuable tool for me during my travels. If anything, it was a magnet attracting many typically shy Japanese to start speaking to me and ask about the iPad.
Baldlars on June 26, 2010 at 1:57 AM #Permalink

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