Tw1sty

After a long, yet enjoyable day, I now have an iPad2 in my possession. I bought a 64GB 3G in black. I accessorised it with a grey smart cover, a iPad camera connection kit & the new Digital AV Adapter. Now, why did I choose what I chose? The choices with the iPad2 were great, with a total of 12 different models available. The first thing to consider was capacity, I want to use my iPad for watching media, browsing online, & gaming. So the 16GB would not be enough. My decision between the 32GB & 64GB came down to price, as it turned out, the pricing in Australia was quite good, so I went with the 64GB. Next was colour. Now, the white looks great, and it’s fresh and new, so I can see the attraction people have. The reason I decided not to get white, may seem strange to some people, but I didn’t like the look of it when the screen was off. White border, with a big black square in the middle. So, black 64GB it was. When it came to wifi or 3G, I want to be able to use it wherever I go. I know that the latest version of iOS has personal hotspot, but I only have an iPhone 3GS, and it does not get this new feature. So, if I was to wait until I get the iPhone5, that would be approximately 4 months I would not be able to use my iPad outside of a know wifi network. So, it was decided, Black 64GB 3G iPad2.

The accessories were easier choices. The smart cover I got, because I want to protect the screen of my iPad, and it provides a stand for a number of handsfree viewing angles. I will be buying a 3rd-party case for the iPad when more are available, but at the stage the smart cover will have to do. I bought the camera connection adapter so that I could quickly and easily transfer photos from my iPhone or digital camera to my iPad, for better, larger viewing, or editing in photoshop. The new digital AV adapter allows me to mirror my iPad onto any HD tv using a hdmi cable. This will let me watch media on my tv, or let me demonstrate aspects of the iPad, or documents onto a larger screen for an audience. I will review this adapter at a later stage, when I have used it.

Now that my purchase decisions are out of the way, I guess I should tell you what I think of e iPad itself… Its amazing! So far I have only played with it for a couple of hours, mainly just tweaking the settings to get it setup how I like it, and adding a couple of apps to play around with. Either holding it in my hand, or resting it on my knew, the iPad2 is easy to handle and use. I am currently typing this post on the iPad resting on my knee. It’s lightning fast, load times/any requests are handled in a snap. The graphics are amazing, I was playing Real Racing 2 HD earlier, and it was incredible how great the game looked and felt on the iPad2. Playing with Photobooth is exactly like playing with Photobooth on a Mac, it is a lot of fun, the filters are great, and the ability to switch between cameras makes it a lot of fun on your own or with friends.

I still have a lot to learn about this new toy, and a lot of things I want to try on it. Give me a week to get my head around it, and push it a bit, and I will write a more in depth review.

Shit just got real. The Apple Store is now closed, and hidden behind black curtains. While the staff inside prepare the store for launch. Demo iPads need changing, signage, display boards… And then, they need to be ready for us.

When 5pm hits, they will slowly starting letting people in to make their purchases. As soon as a staff member becomes free, another customer will be allowed entry.

To say I’m excited is an understatement. The entire line is buzzing!!! There would be roughly 500+ in line now. I doubt there will be enough stock here for everyone, but being 30th in line, I’m pretty sure I’ll leave here happy.

It’s four hours til launch. The Apple Store here will actually close at 3pm in order to prepare the store and staff for the iPad2′s launch at 5 pm.

Already there are at least 300 people in line. Apple have been handing out bottles of water, and just generally having a chat. We’re still getting the quizzical looks from passersby, but overall the general vibe in line is awesome.

It’s here, it’s finally here!!! Of course I’m talking about the iPad2. Today at 5pm the iPad2 will launch at Apple Stores and resellers across Australia and other countries.

I am currently sitting about 30th in line at Apple Store Doncaster. I have been here since about 7:30am, the first people in line have been here overnight.

Some people may think we’re crazy, and I’m sure the people walking past, staring at us in line think that we are. But lining up on launch day for an Apple product is an experience. One I would recommend to any Apple user.

This isn’t my first line up, and probably won’t be my last. Especially with iPhone5 merely months away from launch. I even lined up overnight in San Francisco, for what turned out to be Steve Jobs’ last MacWorld Keynote. An experience I don’t regret, and will never forget.

So, call me crazy, call me a fanboy, call me whatever you want. But at 5 o’clock this afternoon, when I’m holding my brand new iPad, it will all be worth it.