Well, my title should explain it. How does the iPad 2 fare as an gaming device? I'm planning to get one soon (probably around May, so I think iPad 3 will be released by then) and I am planning to use it as a mini laptop. But, I am also interested in iOS gaming, and I want to know whats your experiences gaming on an iPad? Is it easy to game with, watch movies on, go on the internet etc. or is it simply just too big? Are the game controls as easy as they are on the smaller iOS devices (such as the iPod touch) Or should I just get an iPod touch 4G. It's cheaper, but i suspect Apple will release yet another new iPod touch in their annual September event next year, so it will be outdated soon. I'm open to other different tablets aswell (such as the Galaxy tab.)
Yes, yes, and yes. Gaming on the iPad is great because the larger screen offers larger controls while your fingers cover up less of the screen. I've never had any problems gaming on my iPad and it's the heavy first generation model. Video is great too, particularly old 4x3 content. I have VHS rips that are all but unwatchable on a TV or computer monitor that look fairly decent on the iPad's smaller display running through AirVideo. The iPad lacks a true HD screen but videos run on it regardless of age or quality tend to look pretty damn good. Internet is a mixed bag, it's great until you run into something using flash you want to watch. Other browsers such as Skyfire will convert flash video into HTML5 so you can watch it but it's not exactly the highest quality. Considering less major sites are using flash video these days it's not a common issue.
I use my iPad 1 all the time! As long as you enjoy the games that are on the App Store (versus games such as the ones on the PC and consoles) you will probably prefer the iPad over other iDevices for your gaming needs. The larger screen is really nice and most games now a days either have an HD version or are a universal app (which means the game will control well on the iPad). As far as watching movies, browsing the internet, etc. its as easy as it is on an iPhone or iPod Touch. The only difference is the large screen which is a huge plus. The iPad itself is one of the largest tablets out there and the only time I could see someone finding it cumbersome to hold is if they have really small hands (some children may have a harder time holding it).
I think it works better as a gaming device than a mini laptop...unless web browsing and watching movies is all you do...then it is pretty much perfect. As a gaming device, it misses buttons, but that's about it and developers get better in making games that control really great.
Besides minecraft on my laptop, I always use my iPad. Gaming, movies, Internet, and everything. It can have a USB port, you just need an app called USB drive(?).
I concur with the general opinion on this thread that the iPad is good as a gaming device It's is totally due to the screen size, but the device itself is still quite portable. Great for travelling - perhaps not day-to-day commuting - but in the car, on the plane, etc... I agree with kukulcan that developers create apps that don't require the traditional console controller buttons - apps like Yeti Confetti, Boss Battles, Gridloch, Sonic Racing....and plenty of others.
