iPad quick query

Posted by: Bruce Woodhouse on 15 June 2010

Thinking of buying an iPad as a gift. My nephew is going to be spending many weeks in either a hospital bed or his own after some major surgery and we figured this might be diverting and convenient.

I was wondering what difference the memory size makes to performance. I've always assumed the rule of 'more is always better' for my PC/laptop but was not sure if this would apply to an iPad. The recipient does not have much of a music collection (I am working on it) and since he is not going to be creating and storing huge files to save on it why would he need the extra memory? Does it affect performance?

Bruce
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by winkyincanada
On an iPad, the memory won't make much difference to performance. The unit doesn't multi-task and I imagine that the memory used for running things is pretty tightly managed. But you always end up needing more room than you think for storing apps, music, video and photos, so although Apple memory is expensive, I would go for the big boy. Video especially takes up a lot of room.
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by Right Wing
Bruce,

Whilst I don't own one, I wouldn't think it would effect the day to day performance.

RAM is key here, I understand that all models host the same amount, although I don't know how much they have.

I hope all goes well for him, and and he makes a swift recovery.
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by Absolute
Bruce,

All iPads haves the same amount of RAM and the same processor. They are all as fast as each other. What differs is the size of the hard drive and 3G capability.

3G is only worth it if you need an internet connection where there isn't any wifi. Remember, you'll need a data contract at a monthly cost for 3G. Personally, I don't see the need.

Depending on what he's going to put on there, will depend on how big the HD needs to be. 16/32Gb isn't going to hold a great deal of lossless music, but does he need lossless? Have you thought about downloading the spotify application and getting him a subscription for that whilst he is recovering? That way he'll have access to a lot of music, but won't need the HD space.

I hope this helps a little.
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by TomK
You'll almost certainly wish you had more memory at some point and you won't be able to add any later so you should go for the maximum you can afford.
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by winkyincanada
quote:
Originally posted by Absolute:
Bruce,

What differs is the size of the hard drive and 3G capability.



Strictly speaking, they don't have a "hard-drive" but solid-sate memory. But your logic is right. The memory that they use to "run" is the same for all models. It is only the memory for storage that varies.
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by Absolute
quote:
Originally posted by winkyincanada:
quote:
Originally posted by Absolute:
Bruce,

What differs is the size of the hard drive and 3G capability.



Strictly speaking, they don't have a "hard-drive" but solid-sate memory. But your logic is right. The memory that they use to "run" is the same for all models. It is only the memory for storage that varies.



I didn't want to risk confusion. HDD is a commonly known and understood term.
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by Bruce Woodhouse
Thanks folks, you've confirmed what I thought; memory is for storage not to help speed etc.

I wonder if the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital has WiFi!

Bruce
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by JamieWednesday
Unlikely, given that most places don't want you to even switch on your phone!
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by Ian Hughes
quote:
I wonder if the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital has WiFi!


My wife has spent long sojourns up there, and judging by the state of some of the wards, they appear to have only recently had electricity installed! So I suspect not. All joking aside however, if you know what ward he will be on, give the ward sister a quick ring to check.

Despite its outward appearance and tragic reputation for catering, it is an excellent hospital, and the treatment and care that he will receive will be second to none.
Posted on: 15 June 2010 by Bruce Woodhouse
Thanks for that Ian.

Ive always avoided equating the standard of care in the NHS with the state of the building fabric. I'll also take my own food when we visit!

Bruce
Posted on: 16 June 2010 by Occean
Bruce I suggest calling them, the last hospital I was at did though it was a paid service. We could also use our phones.

Tbh I think without a data connection an ipad would be frustrating as there is not a lotto do out the box.