Get a Free Apple iPad - Test the Apple iPad and Keep it For Free

Everyone should have heard about the Apple iPad by now. For those who haven't, the Apple iPad is a larger version of the iPhone with more capabilities. Really, its more like a laptop or notebook computer. It is very thin and about the same size as a notebook computer. The iPad has not been released to the public just yet and is still in the final testing phase. It is set to be released in April, 2010.

The Apple iPad will be very expensive when released with the simplest versions costing $499. Even if you could afford the iPad, it's going to be super hard to get your hands on one when it is first released. Just like the iPod and iPhone, when the product is first released it will immediately be sold out due to pre-ordering. The cool thing is, because the iPad is still in testing, Apple is looking for testers to help finalize the product. And, the cool thing is that you get to keep the iPad they send you at no cost! Read on to find out how.

How Can Apple Afford To Give Away iPads?

Well, first of all, they are Apple! Apple is a very large company and giving away some iPads for testing purposes will not hurt their pockets. As a matter of fact, giving away free products for testing actually serves a couple of purposes. First, you are actually testing the device and they use your feedback for quality control purposes. This saves them money. Secondly, this is really a very good marketing tactic. Apple knows that when they give you an iPad for free, you will be a customer for life. Not to mention the services they will now be able to offer you since you are an iPad owner. Also, third party sponsors help pay for the iPads through advertising.

Please Use Caution

Promotions such as these usually on occur when a new product is getting ready to hit the market or when companies decide they want to improve on current products. Due to the nature of these promotions, they do not last long. Right now, with iPad being released soon, Apple needs testers now before the product is released so that they may make any last minute changes. So, with that said, if you want to test the iPad, now is the time to do it because you may not get another chance, at least not until Apple decides to release a new version.

Also, make sure to stay away from offers stating that they are free but then go on to ask for your bank account info or credit card. These offers are scams and you will be charged if you complete these offers.

How to Become an Apple iPad Tester

Search Google for Free Ipad
Complete the info that is requested

This is only available to US residents that are 18 or older. As mentioned above, the offer won't last long so don't miss out if want to become a tester. Have fun and enjoy your free iPad.

Trying to Find the Cheapest iPad? Three Things You Need to Know to Save Money on a New Device

With so many iPads to choose from, which one is the cheapest iPad on the market? With the iPad 2 coming in so many different variations, yet with similar features, it's not always easy to tell. Let me help you break down the options for iPad 2 models to find the cheapest iPad.

Wi-Fi-only

The cheapest iPads generally come in the Wi-Fi-only version. What does this mean? It means that you can get internet access when you're in the vicinity of your home wireless network or an internet caf? with free Wi-Fi. This way, you get free Wi-Fi whenever you link into the network, and you never have to pay any data fees like you'd have to with a contract.

There are six iPad 2 models in the Wi-Fi-only version. These are the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models, each of which come in black or white. The cheapest iPad in the whole bunch is the 16GB, Wi-Fi-only one. It costs $499, or for all intents and purposes, call it $500.

The next two Wi-Fi-only models in the lineup cost $599 and $699 for the 32GB and 64GB versions, respectively.

3G-enabled

If you plan to use your iPad on a roadtrip, on vacation or on business where you don't have access to a free Wi-Fi network, you might consider getting the 3G-enabled model. These come in the same storage sizes as the Wi-Fi-only and are offered through AT&T and Verizon networks.

Surprisingly, the cost of each of the iPad 2 models through both networks are identical. You can pick whichever provider you want and not sacrifice anything in the upfront price.

However, you'll spend $130 more per device for getting the 3G-enabled iPad. Plus, you'll have to spend at least $10 per month (with Verizon) or $15 per month (with AT&T) to actually use that 3G service.

So you're talking at least $140 more for the 3G version in the initial month than with the Wi-Fi only version. Wowzers! That's pretty expensive.

So as you can see, the 3G-enabled iPad 2 models are hardly the cheapest iPad choices you could pick from. If you really want to go cheap, you should get the Wi-Fi-only version in a 16GB model.

About the Storage

Now, why would you want the 16GB model as opposed to the other two, which have so much more storage? Well, one thing I've learned in my years of owning several Apple products is that you don't really need as much space as you think you need. You hardly need that much to browse the internet or read an iBook. You don't even need that much space for applications.

With 16GB of space, you can still fit thousands of songs, a couple of movies, some applications and more. Unless you plan on storing your entire 64,000-song music library on your iPad 2, you're probably better off getting the 16GB one, as far as space and price are concerned.

I think it's also pertinent to mention that the black and white models cost the same, so you don't have to choose between colors for a price savings. However, you'll be happier you took the black option, as the white iPad gets really dirty from fingerprints, dust and everyday wear.

I know that's a lot to digest all at once, but if you're really serious about getting the cheapest iPad you can, those are my recommendations. But before you buy, there's a couple more things you really need to find out before making the plunge into your purchase. I've detailed these features here at http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-new/, and I highly recommend reading them before purchasing your new device.

Find the Right Stand for You and Your iPad

Now that you have purchased the best tablet out, the new iPad, it's time to consider accessories for your new iPad. Choosing the best iPad stand can be a daunting task to say the least. With so many companies making tablet stands, finding the best tablet stand for you comes down to your needs.

What Are Your Needs In A Tablet Stand?

A tablet stand can range in price from $20 USD to up over $150 USD, depending on the functions you want. If you are wanting a basic iPad stand to use to place your new iPad upright while reading an E-book than a simple model like the Macally Bookstand will suit your needs and cost you a measly $20 USD. However, if you are wanting an iPad stand or tablet stand that will play music in the stands built-in speakers and charge your new iPad at the same time, then one of your better choices would be the iLuv iMM747 Audio Cube Speaker Dock priced in at just under $95 USD. This stand is compatible with all the iPods, and iPhones as well. With its small sleek design, it can fit just about anywhere like on the nightstand next to the bed, or on your student desktop in your dorm. This tablet stand will also charge your iPhones, and iPods. This stand is by far one of the better choices when choosing the best iPad stand for your needs.

Determining Your Needs In An iPad Stand

To make a decision on which is the best stand for you, one must realize what are the primary uses of their iPad and how often will the tablet stand be used. If you are only planning to use the iPad stand once in awhile to watch a movie on your new iPad, then a cheaper speaker iPad stand for under $50 USD would suit your needs. They are strong enough and well built to offer premium support while your new iPad is docked on the tablet stand, and you'll have the satisfaction knowing you didn't spend a whole lot for a product you won't use all the time. However, if you are planning to use your new iPad all the time and around a lot of people, like in a office setting, then you want a better built tablet stand like the Paddock 10 Speaker Stand. The Paddock is priced at $89 USD and has the ability to hold up against all the elements you would find in a packed office building! This iPad stand offers other iPad accessories such as a docking station to charge your new iPad while watching your favorite movie, and it also comes with a killer sound system to be able to share your favorite movies with all of your buddies in your college dorm. By far, one of the nicer table stands on the market today. So once you determine your uses for your new iPad, determine your uses for an iPad stand and pick the best one that meets your budget and needs.

Check out the author's website for more information on any of these tablet stands and many others!

iPad Battery Life

The iPad is a revolutionary device in more ways than one. One aspect of the iPad's design that cannot be mentioned enough is the long battery life. Only a handful of phones and laptop computers have a battery life more than 6 hours, much less the 10 hours one can achieve with the iPad. In addition, Apple's batteries are designed to have a longer lifecycle than most of their competitors. Your iPad battery is designed to keep 80% of its charge for 1000 full charge and discharge cycles. This is an incredible lifecycle double that of many lithium-ion based battery designs.

To protect your investment, maximize your battery life, and extend your battery's lifespan; follow the recommendations below that we found posted on Apple's website.

Battery Tip #1) If your iPad case traps heat, take the iPad out of the case when you are charging your iPad. You can tell if your iPad case traps heat by touching the iPad during the charge cycle. If you feel the iPad heating up, take it out of its case when charging.

Battery Tip #2) While the iPad's lithium-polymer batteries are not affected by the memory effect (i.e. battery effect) found in old NiCd batteries of years past, try to drain the battery below 20% before charging.

Battery Tip #3) Many of you will not need to follow this tip, but make sure you charge your iPad at least once a month to maintain optimal battery chemistry. This simply means you should use your iPad for at least a full charge per month. Make sure for at least one time per month charge your iPad to 100%, then drain it all the way down to 0%.

Battery Tip #4) Remember the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Your iPad should never be too cold or too hot. In technical speak; the optimal temperature is between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Leaving your iPad in a car during a cold winter's night or in the trunk during a hot summer day would not be healthy for your battery life.

Battery Tip #5) If you expect to not be using your iPad during an extended period in the day, put the iPad to sleep to conserve power. To put your iPad to sleep simply press the Sleep/Wake button on the top right corner.

Battery Tip #6) Turn off your Wireless card or 3G when not in use. Rarely should you have both on.

John Noel has been a Apple user and technology expert for over a decade. He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley holding a Masters in Computer Science. Come visit his website at http://www.myappworld.com/ which helps people use their iPad with tutorials and "how to guides" such as battery life as well as the latest Apple products, apps, and iPad accessories.

Finding Apple iPad Insurance

Apple iPad insurance may sound a bit boring when compared to the iPad itself.

There's no doubting though, that insurance of any type can play an important role in helping us deal with events which could otherwise turn out to be very expensive.

However careful you are with your Apple iPad, accidents can and all too frequently do happen. Any one of these could leave you with the prospect of having to replace your iPad and that could turn out to be extremely painful in the financial sense.

That could mean that insurance for your Apple iPad may make a lot of sense, boring though the subject may be.

The Apple iPad insurance cover you find, may typically provide protection falling into all or some of three main categories:

- Accidental damage to your iPad;

- Theft of your iPad;

- Breakdown.

Accidentally damaging your iPad

To many, they may be wonders of modern technology but that doesn't mean that iPads are indestructible.

Like any other electronic gadget, they may break if dropped on to a hard surface. The may also not react too kindly to being dropped into liquid or having it spilled on to them.

iPad insurance may typically provide cover for these types of eventualities though it may be worth noting that any damage you inflict on your iPad yourself trying to fit accessories of messing about with it, may not be covered.

Your iPad is stolen

Gadgets are susceptible to theft and the newer and more attractive they are, the more likely it is that someone else may want one. For some, if they can't afford their own they may be only too happy to make do with yours.

Apple iPad cover may typically cover theft from a secure location like your home or a locked vehicle. It is typically unlikely to cover you for that careless moment when you leave your iPad unattended in a public place and it is gone when you return.

You may also find that typical cover will require that you report the theft to the police within a certain time period and that you obtain a crime number from them.

iPad breakdown

If your Apple iPad breaks down within its warranty period then your consumer's rights should mean that the manufacturer or the retailer take responsibility for its repair or replacement.

If may be a completely different story though if your iPad breaksdown outside of the manufacturers' warranty period and you may find that without Apple iPad insurance you would be completely on your own.

Modern gadgets are designed to be highly portable and to accompany you where ever you go. This puts them into situations where they may be at risk.

Apple iPad insurance may help you manage the financial effects of having one of those risks tuning into a reality, just that little bit better. Finally, do note that when looking for cover, as with any insurance product, terms and conditions, exclusions and limitations will apply and you may wish to read these carefully to ensure you understand them.

Helen Roberts is a techno-loving personal finance writer and has written many articles about iPad insurance and iPad insurance cover.

Upload Photo and Video to the Apple iPad With Camera Connection Kit

There are a few things missing from the Apple iPad that still remain a mystery and paramount among them is the omission of a digital card reader. Digital photography has exploded in recent years, and now almost everyone has access to a camera of some sort, whether a standalone camera or on a cellphone. Anyone that can afford an iPad would almost certainly have access to a digital camera of some sort.

You would think with a device like the iPad there would be a multi-card reader included, but Apple, Inc. has seen it fit to omit it, possibly leaving it for a future upgraded feature. Did anyone say iPad 2? What they have done though is create a market for (unfortunately) relatively expensive solutions to the 'vacuum' created by Apple's omissions. One of them is the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit.

This iPad camera connection kit allows you to import your photos and videos through your USB cable (not included) or directly through the popular SD card. As such, the kit comes with two connectors:

1 Camera USB Connector

2 SD Card Reader.

The camera connector allows connection to a video camera to upload your videos to your iPad and the SD card reader allows transfer of photos from your digital camera for storage and viewing on your iPad. Both use the iPad's dock attachment for synchronising.

For the SD card reader, after you attach the SD card connection kit to the iPad, insert the SD card and the iPad's photo app will generate thumbnails (that are unfortunately non-adjustable in size) and you can then choose which ones to import. You cannot enlarge and inspect the previews before deciding whether or not to import and if you have many images on the card and you only want to quickly view a few, it gets rather bothersome.

A big plus is the support for both JPEG and RAW files. The JPEG format is compressed with white balance, sharpness, saturation, brightness, contrast and other adjustments made by the camera's internal software. Professional photographers use the large RAW files to edit photos from scratch to their preference. These files have no compression or camera adjustments, so being able to view these files on the iPad is a bonus for photo aficionados.

After all that is said and done the devices do their jobs well, allowing you to store your files for future use. The SD card reader would be a perfect 'in the field' device, allowing you to store your photos on the iPad and then when you go home and attach your iPad to your computer, you can transfer the files for editing. If you are not a pro and you just want to store your photos on your iPad, the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit is also perfect for you.

Brian reviews accessories for the iPad and you can read more iPad Accessories articles and reviews at http://ipadaccessoriesguy.com

Visit the blog at http://ipadaccessoriesguy.com

Dress Up Your iPad With Zaggmate: Learn About These 3 Features and What It Can Do for Your iPad

With the holiday season just passed you must have received this new revolution that everyone wants to include in their collection of gadgets, the Apple iPad. And now that you've got it, it's time to dress up your iPad with ZAGGmate. Since you have spent a lot of time with your new toy already, you must have seen how very functional it is and how much you want to consider it as your ultimate buddy. But, if you're the type of person who loves blogging and writing, there is one thing you wished that the iPad would have had. A physical keyboard, as you wouldn't want to keep typing in your screen when you create a blog or an article. Worry no more as I will give you some features when you dress up your iPad with ZAGGmate as it hasn't only got the keyboard but it can do a lot more for your iPad.

Maximum protection. You only want the best for your ultimate buddy and you wouldn't do anything to protect so might as well dress up your iPad with ZAGGmate to give it the maximum protection it needs because it's aluminum-made. Hence, people have considered it the perfect companion for your iPad. It is made from aircraft aluminum with a bead-blasted anodized finish matching the design of your iPad and it only adds about one-fourth of an inch to the iPad.

Ease of use. Dress up your iPad with ZAGGmate to make it a lot easier to handle with its simple yet innovative hinge that provides viewing and typing angles in both portrait and landscape mode. You have been using your iPad a lot already being it so handy so why not give it a rest and place it somewhere safe and still get the same benefit when you're on the go.

Protects your screen. Dress up your iPad with ZAGGmate to protect your screen from being overused as the option of a built-in physical keyboard allows for fast, responsive typing. When you use your iPad all the time, it gives you some relief when you get to rest its screen from being touched. Using the keyboard with the ZAGGmate makes it a lot easier to feel the actual keyboard when typing rather than the screen of your iPad.

Having an iPad is like having your life in the palm of your hand. And you would even hear people say that they can't live without their iPads. You love it so much you want the best protection you can get to lure it away from any damage it can possibly get. When you dress up your iPad with ZAGGmate, it doesn't only give your mate the protection but the feeling of security for yourself.

I'm Annel V. and I can spend half a day finding out about the latest gadgets around especially the accessories that goes with it. My ratio for having a gadget to its accessory is about 1:10. Find out all about the gadgets and the best accessories for protecting them at http://ismartgadget.com/ipad-zaggmate