iPad FAQ & Support

1. What is an iPad?
2. How do I order an iPad?
3. Can I use my personal iPad to get UCOP email and support?
4. How do I set up password protection and encryption?
5. What do I do if I lose my iPad?
6. What kind of software can be installed on my iPad?
7. Where do I go to learn about the functionality of my iPad?
8. What should an iPad be used for?
9. General Pros and Cons

1. What is an iPad?
   The iPad is a touch-screen tablet computer and media player that is positioned in between a smart phone (e.g. iPhone) and laptop computer in size and capabilities. Several models will be sold with varying storage capacity, some of which support wireless Internet access over "3G" cell phone networks. (All models support Wi-Fi connections to local wireless networks.)
2. How do I order an iPad?
   The iPad request can be sent to the TechDesk just like a Desktop or Laptop order. The order form can be found here. If you purchase the AT&T Wi-Fi + 3G or Verizon Wi-Fi + Mi-Fi models, there will be an additional monthly data charge for internet access. That charge is paid for by your Department just like a monthly service data plan on a smartphone. The iPad and the associated data plan will be provided by the IR&C Voice Services group.
3. Can I use my personal iPad to get UCOP email and support?
   Yes. See General Instructions for Getting UCOP E-mail on Personally Owned Mobile Devices
4. How do I setup up password protection and encryption?
   Supported iPads have encryption built in and a pass code to unlock the iPad will be required automatically for every UCOP iPad device. The pass code for unlocking the device and the encryption cannot be disabled by the user. With the pass code lock enabled, this will help stop any person outside of the UCOP organization attempting to access data stored on the device.
5. What do I do if I lose my iPad?
   Just like any lost smart phones, contact TechDesk immediately either by phone (510-987-0457) or by email (TechDesk@ucop.edu). TechDesk will then take the appropriate steps to remotely wipe the device to protect any sensitive information/data.
6. What kind of software can be installed on my iPad?
   The iPad runs the iPhone OS 3.2. This OS is radically different from the standard Mac OS X platform. Standard Mac applications like MS Word and Excel cannot be installed on the iPad. The iPhone OS comes with a standard suite of applications and any apps that can be purchased at the iTunes Apps store. True word processing and editing is very limited. The iPad should only be viewed as a Media Device with email and web capabilities. TechDesk will not support any purchased applications outside the standard iPhone OS suite.
7. Where do I go to learn about the functionality of my iPad?
   Overview
   Guided Tour
   User Guide
8. What should an iPad be used for?
   The Apple iPad is not a desktop or laptop replacement. It is a media device. It is designed to view online media, download and interact with media files (iTunes music, movies, eBooks, etc). The Operating System is the same as an iPhone. Office work like major text, video or image editing is not appropriate in this platform.
9. General Pros and Cons

   Pros:
   eBooks - While it remains to be seen what kind of eye strain its standard screen might cause when it comes to ereading, compared to the e-ink used on most traditional ereaders, there’s no arguing that the iPad is the coolest ereader on the market.
   Gaming - The iPod and iTouch have already proven to be wholly worthwhile gaming platforms all their own. The iPad puts everything that they can do into a much larger, far more powerful device.
   Multimedia – The iPad is an extra large iPod Touch used to watch movies, listen to music and view pictures.
   Internet – With a strong wifi or 3G connection, Internet use is very fast and easy to use.

   Cons:
   No Webcam  - Maybe in the next version.
   Work Productivity Applications – There are very few product applications on the market that are Apple approved.  Those that are available usually don’t run like their desktop equivalents.
   No Flash support – Adobe and Apple don’t play nice together when it comes to that type of HTML video.
   No Multitasking – You are able to only launch one application at a time.