Help For A Newbie?

[CyGuy]

I have never owned any Apple products but today I won a free iPad (16GB WiFi). When I turn on the device, it does nothing other than display an "iTunes" icon on the screen. I don't actually have iTunes and won't install it on my computer. Someone said it has to be "activated" but I don't even know what that means. The device won't be used on the Internet and won't connect to any computer, it will just be stand alone. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Update: never mind, the Apple store said they can activate it with no personal info of any kind, and no iTunes required.

[SHOECHICK]

what do you plan on doing with it without Itunes?

[Mirrorlike]

Yeah you won't be able to load any videos/music. And the ipad is really weak without apps such as ibooks, goodreader, pulse news, etc. You won't be able to update it either.

[CyGuy]

Originally Posted by SHOECHICK

what do you plan on doing with it without Itunes?

Just copy/paste eBooks/movies directly to the device via USB. I made the mistake of installing itunes on a computer one time, it was a nightmare to get it completely uninstalled.

I find it very very odd that you can't purchase an iPad and just turn it on and use it. When I press the power button, it does nothing other than display an iTunes icon. Wow. But hey, it was free...

[SHOECHICK]

The Ipad doesn't have a USB

[wannabee]

Cyguy, it's worth the trouble to sort out whatever problem you had with iTunes to enjoy the full dynamics of the iPad.

[Dylrob]

Originally Posted by CyGuy

Just copy/paste eBooks/movies directly to the device via USB. I made the mistake of installing itunes on a computer one time, it was a nightmare to get it completely uninstalled.

Unfortunately Apple won't let you do that. The only directory on your iPad which is visible to your operating system is "DCIM" (eg. where images downloaded through Safari or the camera connection kit are stored). There are a few workarounds to get some file types onto the device wirelessly... for instance you can link Stanza to a Calibre file server... but ultimately it is dependent on iTunes for a number of things.

[Maggie Leung]

Why not sell the iPad and get something that would better meet your needs?

Once, I unexpectedly received tickets to a political event I didn't support. I sold 'em and donated the money to a cause I did support, lol.

[CyGuy]

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

Why not sell the iPad and get something that would better meet your needs?

I spent many hours last night researching what steps I need to take to get the iPad usable for me. I finally decided it is just not worth it and I am selling the device to a co-worker. I should have done that before even creating this thread, but I appreciate the assistance.

[Tanker]

Originally Posted by CyGuy

I spent many hours last night researching what steps I need to take to get the iPad usable for me. I finally decided it is just not worth it and I am selling the device to a co-worker. I should have done that before even creating this thread, but I appreciate the assistance.

Everything is a learning experience. Congrats on winning the iPad, sorry it wasn't the device for you. Hopefully with the cash you get from your coworker you can the device that is just right for you.

My wife loves her Kindle, she wouldn't trade it for anything. But ask around, maybe go to a Best Buy or whatever and get hands on and get a better idea of what suits your needs.

[valb2953]

the dependence of ipad on itunes is absurd and ridiculous,but one has to put up with it to use the otherwise great gadget the ipad is. Obviously, Apple did that to increase the traffic in their itunes store.
I doubt that it happened!
Valentin Bazavan

[snipenekkid]

buy an Adam

[Dylrob]

Originally Posted by valb2953

the dependence of ipad on itunes is absurd and ridiculous,but one has to put up with it to use the otherwise great gadget the ipad is. Obviously, Apple did that to increase the traffic in their itunes store.
I doubt that it happened!
Valentin Bazavan

The iPad already has built in access to the iTunes store. So I don't think that is the reason.

I think part of the reason they did it this way was to make the device "idiot proof". Since by default iTunes automatically backs up your iPad when you plug it in. And it automatically converts some file formats.

[wannabee]

When the first Mac was introduced there were very few people who used computers. Mainly tech heads and they spent a lot of time learning those skills. Then Apple had the audacity to introduce a computer "for the rest of us". They introduced a computer in 1984 that was sold like an electric toaster. You could take it out of the box and use it straight away.
Well.... for "tech heads" who spent forever training/learning DOS etc. it was a threat. Now anyone could use a computer so what did they do? They derided it. Mac vs PC crap has been going ever since. I remember people telling me that REAL computers didn't need a mouse.
I had been using a CPM machine (earlier than DOS)to run servomotors until then. But my eye for truly innovative stuff was not lost when my sister who had brought me home IBM punch cards to use as scap paper as a child called me one day and said. "Mark. You have to come and see what I have." it was the first Mac.
Love what you love and use what you like mate. A computer is a tool. Some people need hammers others need screwdrivers.
I'm on the front verandah watching the dog have a scratch listening the water falling in the pond with an iPad on my lap doing what is fun on an iPad. It's my tool for right now. When I need to do more than that I use a different tool. Sometime it's a Mac sometimes it's a PC. But I'm surprised at how many times I can do it right here on the iPad.

Having a ball. Mark
Happy reading/surfing.