Using the first iPad in 2020

[VIDEO] I can't believe it's 2020 and I probably said that about 2010. Ten years ago the first iPad was released and it was quite a boxy device. Perhaps one day I will show you the first iPad I bought which was actually the iPad 2 which isn't as boxy and the form factor I do miss these days.

It's amazing to see how the tech has evolved from the iPad to the iPhone for example and I've been thinking about showing you my favorite and first iPhone of all time. Interestingly for the iPhone I see there could be a return to the form factor that I do like from the various designs.

Either way I never owned the first iPad but it was a nifty device. As a consumer my first question ought to be what can I do with it? I know what I do with my iPad now which is basically surf the internet, check my social media, and my emails. Sometimes take photographs and video and more often use it for streaming.

To see this review brings back some memories of playing with this device at the Apple store on Michigan Avenue. However little did I know that I'd be playing with other devices in addition to an iPad from Apple Inc.

As an aside I wrote this about available tablet devices such as the iPad 2 back in 2011.

These are what I have in mind as far as tablet devices.

First, I've played around the iPad a lot since the 2nd generation was released earlier this year. May have no idea about many of its inner workings but so far I have little expectation of not on this device but the other devices below. The one thing that would keep me from buying this device is the price tax. Even the entry-level device is pricey to me.

Second, there's the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.0" it's as easy to use as the iPad. I only know this because I dropped by a Best Buy to play around with it. But only after reading an entry over at Instapundit, which basically talks about how Apple wants to prevent it's sale in Europe. Another notch in its favor is price at $349! There is another Galaxy Tab 10.1" much larger than the 7.0". Also the 7.0" has buttons while the 10.1" is totally touch screen.

Finally the BlackBerry PlayBook. The only knock at first is ease of use. I had to search far and wide for a Best Buy to find one I could play with. Took me awhile to figure out how to minimize certain programs so that I can access others. It takes a certain stroke to be able to go from program to program so that is certainly a negative. I do have still like being able to synch information between the PlayBook and BlackBerry phone. That is certainly a plus. Still this device costs as much as a WiFi only iPad. One major notch in its favor is tethering for internet access to the cell phone. Could use some improvements hardware-wise. Especially buttons for ease of use.

If only I could have all three!

Since we're on the subject of tablets...

[VIDEO] This report is from CNN and how to restauranteurs use an iPad to enhance their eatery:

Christian and Nacasha Ruffin are using iPads to revolutionize their Atlanta restaurant.

I plan to return to ATL in time for homecoming. Hopefully I can visit their restaurant do at The View when I finally do return.

Thank goodness for some ingenous Googling because I was able to find them! It all started with their twitter account @DORestaurant.

AT&T Opens the Bridge for BlackBerry-PlayBook Connection

AT&T Opens the Bridge for BlackBerry-PlayBook Connection

I wanted to look seriously as the BlackBerry PlayBook until I saw this:

Users will be able to access basic information coming into their BlackBerry from the tablet without a paid tethering plan, but those looking to access the Web using their BlackBerry’s Internet connection will need to sign up for the $20-per-month tethering plan.

I won't necessarily need a separate data plan, but to access the internet still need to pay more for tethering.

Even for a basic 16GB PlayBook, it costs the same as a similar iPad with only wifi ($499). A 16GB iPad with wifi and 3G capability will cost $130 more. There are other sizes to the PlayBook with a 32GB and a 64GB that will go up by $100 each at $599 & $699 respectively.

At least the Playbook has wifi. Then I also understand that one could use tethering with an iPad instead of having to purchase a data plan for that device.

BTW, I'm a bit upset that I missed a sale for the Playbook at Staples. Could've saved $100 on it if purchase before July 30th with a coupon! >:(

This time let's talk about tablet devices

I have a lot to learn about tablet devices such as the Dell Streak 7 above. I had a look at that device on display at a local Best Buy the other night. Talked to a representative about that. This isn't meant to be used as a phone, but can be used for Skype for example. It can also be used for texting, photography, video teleconferencing, mobile web surfing, and even social networking.

Still I'm unclear largely as to what a table does. But one of my questions to the representative was if this was like one of those old-style PDAs that used to be on sale years ago. In recent years the PDA started to give rise to the smartphone. Who knows with tablets, the smartphone might start to decline in everyday use.

BTW, tablet devices would include the iPad by Apple. If I knew that an iPad could be had for a reasonable price it might be worth getting one of those for me. Something that could be put in a bag and pulled out when necessary to surf the internet or even to read an e-book.

All the same, I have to determine for what reason to utilize a tablet device. Also should I possibly change my phone service from a smartphone to a regular cell phone. That will also mean just using a phone for the purposes of making phone calls mainly and maintaining a dataplan for only a tablet device.

There's more I have to research about these devices hitting the market.