Just got myself an Iphone 4!!!!

Yeah, it's been a difficult decision, giving up my preference for an android phone like the Samsung Galaxy S. In the end, I got really pissed off with waiting for the Froyo 2.2 update (that would have meant true flash browsing, wifi tethering for my iPad and storage card support for applications), and the lack of android marketplace paid apps access for those of us in Singapore. I was also disappointed that Google Turn by Turn Navigation does not seem to be coming to Singapore In the near future. Furthermore, fring's highly publicized breakup with Skype also meant that the hitherto android advantage of skype video call support had vanished in the near term and Apple's Facetime will be far superior for now.

On the other side, the Iphone 4 pricing was pretty affordable at $280 with the Starhub sun surf 300 plan ($58) per month on a two year contract. Since I was already with Starhub cable tv and broadband, I will also get an additional discount if I switched my cellphone plan to Starhub.

I've also managed to find 1 more cool app to add to my Top 10 List of Ipad apps:

7. Mover (incredibly fuss-free app to transfer photos from Iphone to Ipad)

3 months with the Ipad - Top 10 Apps

It's been a hectic 3 months, relocating back to Singapore from Boston and settling down with the family back into life at home. I've also been surfing the app store every now and then looking for interesting apps. Mostly, I use my Ipad as an 'instant-on' web surfing device whenever I have a little time. Nothing else boots up faster than the Ipad for that moment when I need to check something online. However, my Ipad usage has increased ever since I downloaded this wonderful app W.TV . Like some bloggers, I have no idea how W.TV hasn't gotten sued by Hollywood but it's there! I don't see any ads so I have no idea how the company Rumtel gets its revenue from this app.

ANYWAY, 3 months with the Ipad also gives me the knowledge and experience of which app really MATTERS... to me anyway! So here is my top 10 App list:

Compiled on 4 Aug 2010
1. W.TV (free movies - IT'S FOR REAL!)
2. Perfect Browser (allows true tabbed browsing)
3. Scrabble
4. Flight Control HD
5. Kindle for Ipad
6. Skype (Much faster than having to take out and boot up the laptop)
7. ...
8. ...
9. ...
10 ...

Well, I haven't been able to come up with top app 7-10 cos the 1st six are by far much more heavily used on my Ipad than the rest of the 90 apps on my Ipad.

Collegehumor.com video on 'Why I want an Ipad'

Or basically, why nobody really knows why we want an Ipad, but we still want it really badly…

Check out this comedy clip here. It’s really really funny. seriously.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Attended Ipad workshop at Apple Retail Store

The Apple Store is the one at Cambridgeside Galleria (It's like Woodlands Causeway Point packed with the type of stores you find at VivoCity).

I had made an online reservation to attend an Ipad Business workshop from 0900hrs to 1000hrs. Having little experience with Mac software, I wanted to find out more about whether it was worthwhile to download Pages, Keynote and Numbers for my Ipad. Each of them cost $9.99 at the App Store.




Its storefront is totally dominated by Ipad advertising. They are using a Vulcan (Zachary Quinto of the new Star Trek) to sell the product so I guess the Ipad is out-of-this-world :)

I was quite impressed by Keynote more than the other two apps. I've been using Powerpoint for years and it's refreshing to see new transition effects, templates, layouts and font type. Keynote is way cooler if you want to make your presentation stand out from your windows brethren. I could get these apps once I rejoin the workforce and have a better idea what I'll be doing.

However, what has impressed me for some time and I took the opportunity to explore here was the Credit Card Processing capabilities of the Iphone and Ipad.

The cool credit card swipe system used by Apple retail store staff is proprietary but the viable corporate option for SMEs/SMBs (that's Small & Medium Enterprises or Businesses) is to use Square (Free) or Payware (US150). Both systems sell a small credit card scanner that can be snapped onto the Iphone. There are no leasing fees for the scanner but they charge on a per-transaction basis. These are good solutions that can generate cost-savings for retailers with low to medium volume of transactions. Useful to know alternatives to the traditional point-of-sale registers for any start-ups that I might want to set-up in future :)

Read about Square here.

& Payware's website is here.

How did I get my Ipad?

In the US, it's really between ordering online from apple.com or going down to an apple store to shop for one. In my case, it was the mall because I wanted to be able to return the Ipad to the store if there were any problems with it, and not have to go through with returns over the post.

But I had to call the retail store ahead of time and be put on a wait list.

Your iPad will be here before you know it. Keep an eye out for an email from us letting you know it's ready to pick up. When you come in, we'll have Specialists ready to help you set up your iPad so you can start enjoying it right away. We look forward to seeing you at the store.

Sincerely,
The Apple Retail Store team

Requested Item(s)
1 iPad Wi-Fi 32GB

 $599.00

And I received a notification a few days later:

The iPad you've been waiting for has arrived, and it's ready for you to pick up. When you come in, we'll have Specialists ready to help you set up your iPad so you can start enjoying it right away. We can't wait to see you at the store.
Sincerely,
The Apple Retail Store team
Reservation Expires
Tuesday, May 18
Pickup Location
Apple Store, CambridgeSide

And voila, I joined the elite group of Singaporeans who now own a ginormous Ipod Touch!