iOS 4.3.2 Software Update for iPad, iPhone & iPod

Another minor update for iPads, iPhones & iPods was released by Apple today. The change log details are:

This update contains improvements and other bug fixes including:

– Fixes an issue that occasionally caused blank or frozen video during a FaceTime call
– Fixes an issue that prevented some international users from connecting to 3G networks on iPad Wi-Fi + 3G
– Contains the latest security updates

Products compatible with this software update:
• iPhone 4 (GSM model)
• iPhone 3GS
• iPad 2
• iPad
• iPod touch (4th generation)
• iPod touch (3rd generation)

iOS 4.3.1 Software Update for iPad, iPhone & iPod

A quick and I think unannounced operating system update for the iPad, iPad2, iPhone and iPod was released today. It’s a relatively minor update that appears to have been focused on fixong minor bugs. This update contains improvements and other bug fixes including:

• Fixes an occasional graphics glitch on iPod touch (4th generation)
• Resolves bugs related to activating and connecting to some cellular networks
• Fixes image flicker when using Apple Digital AV Adapter with some TVs
• Resolves an issue authenticating with some enterprise web services

Products compatible with this software update:
• iPhone 4 (GSM model)
• iPhone 3GS
• iPad 2
• iPad
• iPod touch (4th generation)
• iPod touch (3rd generation)

The Apple iPad: A non-Apple Fan’s Perspective

UPDATE added Nov 11, 2010 – I now have my iPad tethered using Barnalce WiFi Tether on my Samsung Galaxy S or I can use JoikuSpot on my Nokia N900 as a back up device. Works perfectly so number 4 of my dislike list is no longer valid for me.

Original post:

I have been wanting a tablet for some time now, but as a fan of Nokia’s for so long I knew I couldn’t get one from them. As a recent owner, lover, and newly converted fan of the Samsung Galaxy S (Vibrant) and Android, I have been waiting for the Samsung Galaxy Tab just like the rest of the world. Recently I heard that the WiFi only version of the Tab is delayed until after the holidays and my heart sank. I got tired of waiting and went and got an iPad WiFi 32mb version.

Many do this right? Of course. But I have been very anti-Apple for many years. But learning from my experiences with Nokia and waiting for the N8 to be released only to wait and wait is what drove me to the Samsung Vibrant. I love the phone and have no regrets so I decided to give the iPad a chance. Getting at Best Buy also made it easier because Of their 14 day return policy. So what do I think so far?

I’ve had this less than a week and I think I’m hooked! What do I like about it so much?

1. The keyboard is very responsive and almost feels like using an external keyboard in landscape mode. It is also very usable in portrait. To demonstrate how useful it is I’m typing this blog in the WordPress app for iPad (screenshots added from a PC though)
2. Watching videos is great! And watching instantly with Netflix is perfect. Renting movies and content from iTunes makes this the perfect companion for travel. I have ordered the Apple AV cables to connect the iPad to my TV to watch videos and I’m sure this will be yet something else for me to love about this device.
3. Kindle and iBook are great apps! I better be careful or I’ll run out of space sooner than later. Adding bookmarks, selecting larger fonts (great for when I “forget” my glasses), and the ability to change the brightness and background (black, white & sepia) make the user experience even more pleasurable.
4. Say bye bye to newspapers. I love my Saturday and Sunday mornings reading my paper and drinking coffee but am not thrilled about cutting trees down or spending the money for more than one subscription. No longer an issue with the iPad as there are many apps to choose from, both free and subscription based. With the Safari browser you can also view the web sights for most of the nation’s major newspapers.
5. Gaming is great. A large screen with a fantastic display and very responsive to the touch. The actuator is also very responsive so would probably make driving based games more fun than using a keyboard or joystick.
6. Social media applications like Friendly for Facebook and the iPad Twitter app allow me to keep in touch with my friends at all times…… Lucky them
7. Photos viewing is fantastic. As you can tell from my Photos page I like to take pictures, especially with my cell phones. But a cell’s screen isn’t necessarily the biggest for viewing your photos….and too often you share one via MMS or social media that you think is nice and clear only to find out later they ware really out of focus. With the iPad you get a much better view of your photos. I really like that you can have them sorted into albums, but I LOVE that if you have GPS turned on for your photos you can see them placed on a map by Google.

Now of course the iPad isn’t a perfect device….nothing is other than a Ferrari Enzo. But this writing isn’t about what I don’t like now is it? But to be “objective” I’ll list them now:

1. No Flash support (should be a must in any internet access tool)
2. No multitasking (coming soon In OS4 I believe)
3. Inability to create folders yet (also coming soon)
4. No way to tether, at least not easily, if you have the WiFi only version
5. Way too many apps with most having a fee and many not having trial periods
6. No true MS-Office and the ones sold as “compatible” really aren’t as far as I can tell