It Almost Makes My iPad Useful
I’m kidding, actually. I use my iPad all the time — I just wish it was more than a glorified ebook reader. Sure, I have a few apps that I use all the time, but aside from watching videos on services like Hulu, Netflix, or streamed over my Air Video server, reading books and playing a few games pretty much covers it. I’m not sure Apple will ever add functionality for the device — at least, not this generation — so I’ll take my added functionality wherever I can get it. In this case, it comes in the form of an HDMI adapter.
So what exactly will it let you do? With it, you can use your device for presentations via apps like Goodreader or Bento, or you can output your video. Given that Netflix recently updated their online selection with a ton of anime, as well as programs like SyFy’s Stargate Universe, I should be able to catch up on some of my favorite shows while on trips without having to settle for the smaller screen. Even better, the adapter works with Apple’s iPhone4, letting you take advantage of apps developed for their retina display.
Suffice to say, I want one of these badly. Unfortunately, they can be expensive. GeekStuff4U has them for about $96 before tax — those Japanese conversion rates can really break the bank. If you find a better deal somewhere else though, it’s probably for a reason. You’ll just have to ask yourself if it’s worth it.
Tim is a pro-blogger and freelance writer out of San Diego, California. In addition to Fanboy.com, he contributes to the ModernMethod Network of sites as the Features and Reviews Editor for the Japanese culture and entertainment blog, Japanator. He’s also an Assocaite Editor for their popular gaming blog, Destructoid, and the collectible toy culture blog, Tomopop. For more information, follow him on twitter, or check out TimSheehy.com.