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Dear Aunt TUAW: Should I buy a refurb iPad?
Dear Aunt TUAW, I'm torn between the iPad 2 and the newly re-priced iPad 1. I need to know whether or not it's worth buying the updated iPad 2 or picking up an original iPad at $100 off ... or a refurb model for even less. I'm really on the fence. A $349 16 GB iPad sounds quite attractive. Please help! Love & kissies, Your nephew Paul
iPad fever: What didja get?
With iPad preorders finally available, at least for USians, I was relieved to place my order for an 16 GB iPad, due to be delivered on or after April 3rd. Along with a bluetooth keyboard (which I've been meaning to pick up for some time now), a case, and taxes, the whole kit & kaboodle came to about $650 for me. I declined AppleCare for the moment, and am now feeling a little conflicted. At $99 for two years of coverage, it seemed a little steep. However, AppleCare has saved me in the past; it's something I've meant to buy on less robust items and earlier technology. I'm probably going to end up adding it on, although please feel free to convince me otherwise in the comments. I kept with my decision to go with the 16GB unit for now. I may end up passing the unit along to family once I'm ready to upgrade to a better system, but I do need a unit as soon as possible for work. Out of the accessories on offer, I felt that the case was going to be really handy for day-to-day use. I passed on the dock (both the regular and keyboard varieties; I have enough charging desk space without), the USB power adapter (I've got plenty left-over from iPhones, along with Apple-branded cables), the VGA adapter (my existing component cable should work for the moment, but it's something I'll likely pick up at a later date), and the MobileMe membership (do I even need to justify that decision?). None of these seemed compelling enough for immediate pre-order. Interestingly, Apple does not seem to offer any engraving options for the iPad yet, although I'm guessing they will at some point. So what did you end up ordering? Did you go for one of the overseas ordering work-arounds that have been posted around the 'net? What size did you buy and why? Did you pick up accessories? If so, which ones did you decide on and what motivated that decision? Share your pre-order details in the comments!
I'm OK, You're OK: It's cool to be an early iPad adopter
The early adopter tax, along with any associated tech risks, has not escaped the notice of most tech enthusiasts. In the end, it's not much of a factor. We don't buy early because it's a good deal. We don't buy early because it's fiscally sound. We buy early because the technology is cool and we simply cannot or do not want to wait for our preciousssssss to finally come home with us. We are the People Who Stand In Line. In my case, this is a hereditary condition. I blame my father, who would bring home the latest gadgets to an adoring family. We'd gather around the latest technology, glowing in its radiance, having an utter blast using toys that no one had ever heard of, let alone bought. We were the first family on the block (and possibly in the state) to have a microwave, a fax machine (the size, may I point out, of a small car), a personal computer, or a hand-held programmable calculator. It wasn't just cool. It was awesome. Thank you Dad, for being an early adopter. Thank you for showing me the way of the technology geek. Thank you for teaching me that you have to live life in the moment -- because if you don't seize today and play with it, tomorrow will never come. Sure, something better and cheaper is always going to come along some day. Sure, the bugs will work their way out and the prices will work their way down. But if you don't hop aboard the adoption train, you're never going to get to Techsville. Me? I'm going to buy a first-day ticket and have my fun from the get-go.
Amazon.com adds callcenter for TV buyers
Next time you're looking for advice on buying a new HDTV, Amazon wants you to consider their customer service department, targeted at people buying $1,000+ television sets. While we recommend actually looking at the displays you're considering and even hooking up your desired accessories if possible, if that isn't an option you may want to check this out. You can access the service by a button located on the page of certain TVs and have a representative call you. The service is headed up by a former employee of Best Buy's ministore Magnolia. Amazon is even looking to branch out into custom installation, it looks like retailers are certainly looking to take advantage of HDTV confusion by providing information. We certainly hope that information is a more accurate than pure sales hype, but that remains to be seen and besides, that 70-inch LCD would definitely fit through your doorway, no need to measure.
