Ask TUAW: The iPad 2 Is Almost Here! Edition
The iPad 2 is almost here, and in honor of Apple's latest gadget, we're having an iPad 2 edition of Ask TUAW this week! We got a few interesting queries from last week's post, but this is going to get mighty boring without your questions about the iPad 2, which will be released on Friday!
Here's what we need you to do: go to the comments of this post, think of those niggling questions that keep you awake at night thinking about your Mac, iPod, iPad 2, iPhone or AppleTV, and fire away. You can also email your questions directly to ask [at] tuaw.com.
I'll be at my local Apple Store for the iPad 2 launch on Friday, will you?
Onward to questions!
Chris (and a number of others!) asks:
I own a first generation AT&T 3G iPad and will be upgrading to the iPad 2. I am grandfathered into the unlimited data package for $30 a month.
Can I transfer my data plan to my new iPad or are the data service "subscriptions" connected to a specific device?
Yes, you can! AT&T confirmed with me that it will be possible to grandfather your unlimited data plan to the iPad 2, but it hasn't released the exact mechanism for this upgrade. Most likely it will involve removing your micro-SIM from your original iPad and slapping it into your brand new iPad 2. We've got a few more days for everyone to figure out how it's going to work though.
Matt asks:
I have a 2002 Ford F-150 XL & would really like to make it into a mobile office. So I have my Lexmark Pinnacle Pro 901 printer set up to do AirPrint via the command prompt/unzipping method. I want to put it into my truck & print from it from my iPad & iPhone 4, however I need a bridge computer it seems. Can I set up a car network with an Airport Express via an A/C adapter & just use that?
Matt, you've actually answered your own question! If you've got your printer working already via AirPrint, using an Airport Express to create a wireless network is definitely the best way to create your mobile office. However, if you use the 3G iPad, you'll have to connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi when you want to switch between printing and connecting to the internet. Otherwise, sounds like you're ready to get productive!
Jeff asked a question, too!
Can the Apple Component AV Cable connect an iPhone 4 to an HDTV and stream the SlingPlayer app? I have heard both that it's possible and not possible when reading the reviews in the App Store for the Slingplayer mobile app. Does this cable require every app to have a video out function and how can you tell if each app does?
Jeff, according to the latest update notes (always the most reliable place to get information on new features), SlingPlayer for iPhone version 2.1 adds "component cable video out support on iPhone 4 devices when streaming in HQ mode."
Finally, Victor inquires about Apple's training service:
I have been eagerly awaiting the MacBook Pro refresh so I could make the switch from Windows. Now it's out, and I'm contemplating the options and model I want. Having had great AppleCare service for my iPhones, I know AppleCare is really a no brainer, but I am really indecisive about One to One. I know that it could definitely be useful while making the switch, but I am a fairly tech-savvy user and generally have no trouble finding info like tutorials and tech guides online or learning these things from books. I know that an extra $100 may sound like pocket change when looking at MBP prices but it really isn't to me. Please explain the value and features that come with One to One, and whether you think users like myself could do fine without it or would it still be recommended? Thanks!
One to One is a great program for anyone looking to learn more about how to use their Mac -- it's not for everyone though. If you live near an Apple Store and are the type to go in and get help from a real person (some folks have trouble admitting they don't know everything!), the trainers at Apple are a tremendous resource for everything Apple.
Some folks don't realize that not only do they teach the basics, but they are qualified to train Apple's pro apps, too: Aperture, Logic Studio and Final Cut Studio. You can learn a lot from books and the internet, but having someone you can talk to in person can be invaluable -- and save you a lot of time if you get stuck.
As an added bonus, the Apple Store can transfer files from your PC to your Mac. Yeah, it's fairly easy to do yourself, but isn't it nice to know that everything is done for you? If there's something in particular you have questions about, head into your local Apple Store and pick the brain of a Creative (that's what Apple calls its trainers). That should help you figure out if it's worth your hundred bucks!
Best of luck with your switch!
Thanks for the questions everyone, and remember: it's very difficult to have a Q&A column without Qs. So, put your questions in the comments of this post, or shoot us an email at ask [at] tuaw.com. Also, if you have anything to add to our answers, we love feedback and fresh ideas.
