When Apple’s co-founder unveiled Apple’s latest gadget, the iPad, people laughed. The iPad is now one of the quickest-selling and most popular, must-have pieces of technology ever launched. So who’s laughing now? Not Mr D, that’s for sure. I bought an iPad, I’ve used it a while now and want to share what I’ve learnt with you – whether I’d recommend it, how much memory to buy and the best apps to buy for the iPad.

First Impressions

Gadgets and technology are meant to impress and also get the job done. Guys love gadgets and I’m no different – I practically danced out of the Apple store with mine. First time I got it out the box, though, I laughed out loud. Not a good start. It looks like a giant iPhone. I wasn’t quite sure what the point of it was. I thought I’d blown a load of cash on an April Fool’s joke. However…

Should you buy an iPad?

There’s competition from Samsung and the Dell Streak, and expect more to come in the ‘tablet PC’ arena, but for now, the iPad is the clear leader. At first you’ll wonder why you need one, but give it three or four weeks. By then it’ll just make sense and you’ll wonder how you lived without it. Don’t believe me?

Mr D’s five reasons to buy an iPad

1. The screen’s bigger than the iPhone and other smartphones. Everything looks better – video becomes watchable, websites are easier to read, images look deep and seriously impressive.
2. Free phonecalls. Download Skype, connect to Wi-Fi, make free calls to other Skype users when you’re travelling.
3. The larger ‘keyboard’. Type out e-mails quickly, update your Facebook status and send tweets out on Twitter in no time. It’s just quicker.
4. It’s a Kindle but better. Download books from Amazon straight to the iPad in minutes. And store a number of them to read anytime. Tablet PCs like the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Dell Streak do this, but…
5. It looks cool and you want one.

What size memory?

iPads come in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB. There’s a big jump in price so opt for only as much as you’ll need. Remember, a large music library, your photo collection and videos all choke up the memory.

Get 3G

iPads come with Wi-Fi only, or Wi-Fi plus 3G. Definitely opt for the plus 3G option. iPads need the internet to do pretty much all the cool stuff. Buy a SIM card and data plan and access it all on the go.

The best apps for iPad

1. Flipboard. Without a doubt. It’s like a magazine full of your stuff – Facebook, Twitter, news, all pulled into a great-looking format. Or try the Pulse News Reader.
2. Instapaper. Super-simple. If you’re busy, file links you come across to read later.
3. Twitter. Updated and the best out there. Or try Tweetdeck and Hootsuite.
4. Facebook. No justification needed.
5. BBC News. All news outlets look better on iPad, this is a strong contender.
6. Skype. For the free calls between Skype numbers.
7. Spotify. A flat monthly fee gets you an instant music library on-demand.
8. Angry Birds HD. Possibly the most addictive game available. Crush pigs with flying poultry.
9. The Elements. The periodic table like you’ve never seen it before. If only to see what the iPad can do.

Ultimate Tip

Don’t keep the iPad near your bed. It’s a major distraction from sleep and, ahem, company. Both deserve your absolute attention.