iPad2 questions

[Mike S]

I have not seen one yet and specs are not clear on the reviews I've read...

Does the iPad2 have a dock port AND a USB port? Looks like the USB is an adapter cable from the dock port? I was thinking of using a Delorme LT40 (USB interface) and running their street SW as well as some Win XT based topo SW.

Is there a dedicated 12V power interface?

Can I run Basecamp or Parallels Desktop on the iPad2 OS? (I think it is the iPhone OS?) If so, I expect that i can run my mapping SW on Win XT while playing music files or using 3G on the native OS?

More questions than answers right now...

Thanks.

 

[expeditionerd]

Looks like you are looking for a work platform.
If that's the case, I'd stay away from the iPad and any other tablet.
iPad 2, same as the iPad 1, runs on iOS, and if you are familiar with the iPhone, it's basically the same thing, just bigger.

I personally love the iPad, (full disclosure, I make my living making an iPad app), but it won't replace my laptop - the iPad is not intended to replace a laptop, it's really targeted for those who mainly want to accomplish simple tasks like surfing the web or reading email, and for whom a modern OS is too complex to make any sense of.

It's a new device, in a new category. It generally sits on my coffee table, or I take it with me on trips for reading or web accesibility. It's just easier to pick up and start using right away. Battery life is unbeatable; it really just feels infinite.
It doesnt replace an iPhone either, but because of it's size, it's just a pleasure to surf the web, watch movies, write email, look at photos together with other people.

The way I look at it is, the laptop is still and will continue bring the workhorse, the iPad is a consumer device, intended to consume content, and get simple tasks done.

Sounds to me that what you are looking for might not even be a netbook.
Are the new Mac Airs something you've considered?

 

[Mike S]

I have a MacBook Pro for doing real work. I am considering the iPad for primary mapping and GPS in my vehicle. E-mail and web access sre good, but not the primary goal.

 

[john101477]

I have a MacBook Pro for doing real work. I am considering the iPad for primary mapping and GPS in my vehicle. E-mail and web access sre good, but not the primary goal.

My cell phone does ALL of this and I do not need another piece of costly equipment that will be outdated next month... also remember the nav setup is really designed for places that have signal (thats my understanding anyways)
IMO if you need a GPS get an actual GPS and not something dependant on cell signal, if you need maps buy paper maps.

 

[Mike S]

My cell phone does ALL of this and I do not need another piece of costly equipment that will be outdated next month... also remember the nav setup is really designed for places that have signal (thats my understanding anyways)
IMO if you need a GPS get an actual GPS and not something dependant on cell signal, if you need maps buy paper maps.

Thanks for your advice.

I want a large screen and would use he DeLorme LT40 GPS unit for signal - I would like a single device for driving atlas and topo maps on a larger scale.

So far, no answers to my questions... and I have an extensive collection of paper maps ]

 

[john101477]

Thanks for your advice.

I want a large screen and would use he DeLorme LT40 GPS unit for signal - I would like a single device for driving atlas and topo maps on a larger scale.

So far, no answers to my questions... and I have an extensive collection of paper maps ]

not sure this will help but ...
http://www.simplemobilereview.com/how-to-use-an-external-bt-gps-with-the-ipad/

It looks like just an app. I could not find any info on linking an external GPS to the ipad, just lots of different apps

 

[expeditionerd]

Oops. All that rant and I forgot to answer your questions.

Does the iPad2 have a dock port AND a USB port?

No USB port, just a Dock Connector Port.

Looks like the USB is an adapter cable from the dock port?

Yes, the only cabe you need (included in the box) is a Dock Connector to USB port. Dock Connector plugs in your ipad, USB plugs in your MacBook, PC, 10W USB Power Adapter (made by apple, in the box), or 12V Car USB Charger (made by third parties)

I was thinking of using a Delorme LT40 (USB interface) and running their street SW as well as some Win XT based topo SW.

I'm not familiar with this, sorry.

Is there a dedicated 12V power interface?

If this means car USB charger; yes (but they are not made by Apple.) See above.

Can I run Basecamp or Parallels Desktop on the iPad2 OS?

Looks like there is an app done by Parallels.
http://gigaom.com/mobile/review-parallels-mobile-for-ipad-iphone/
However the idea itself sounds very clumsy. I doubt this is something you'll be really able to use for reals from an iPad. Might get the job done as a temporary thing, but I bet it will be incredibly hard to use.

If so, I expect that i can run my mapping SW on Win XT while playing music files or using 3G on the native OS?

You'll be able to play music while using other apps, but again I have very high doubts about that Parallels app being something serious.

More questions than answers right now...

I hope this answers a few of them!
Give me a shout if there's something not clear.