How to turn iPad 2 on?

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Level 1

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How to turn iPad 2 on?

Hello,

Today I received an iPad2 as a gift. This is the first ever Apple product I have owned. I was expecting to just turn it on and jump on the web using my Wifi, but instead I keep getting a screen with a picture of a USB cable. I connected it to my computer, but it still will not load the desktop screen. I don't know if it wants me to connect it to a Mac (I don't have one), but I thought Apple's devices like iPad, iPhone, etc. didn't require Macs to use them? Anyways, I'm getting a little irritated as I've had this thing in my possession for 3 hours and still haven't gotten it to boot. I always thought the whole thing Apple sold itself on was simplicity and freedom from having to know anything about computers?

I have the 16 GB model of the iPad2. My computer is a PC running Centos 5 Linux (essentially RedHat)

Right now I'm just looking to get it connected to my wifi so I can browse the web. I don't care about installing any Apps, Music, etc. at the moment (don't want to buy anything if I'm going to have to end up selling it on eBay)

Thanks,
Josh

iPad 2, Other OS, Centos 5

Posted on May 18, 2011 11:35 AM

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Answer 1

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,330 points

May 18, 2011 11:44 AM in response to JoshZZ

The first thing that needs to be done with a new iPad is to activate it via iTunes (via a PC or Mac), which can be downloaded from here http://www.itunes.com/download. It doesn't have to be your computer that does the activation (but a computer is also needed to backing up content and updating the iOS)

The PC minimum specs are (from http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/) :

PC with USB 2.0 port
Windows 7; Windows Vista; or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
iTunes 10.2 or later recommended
(free download from www.itunes.com/download)
iTunes Store account
Internet access

Mac minimum specs :

Mac computer with USB 2.0 port
Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later
iTunes 10.2 or later recommended
(free download from www.itunes.com/download)
iTunes Store account
Internet access

You can also get the iPad manual from here : http://support.apple.com/manuals/#ipad

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Answer 2

paulcb

Level 6

19,245 points

May 18, 2011 12:08 PM in response to JoshZZ

See p. 23-24 of the manual... http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/ipad_2_user_guide.pdf

Also, you'll need a computer running windows or Mac with iTunes to get started.

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Answer 3

May 18, 2011 12:10 PM in response to JoshZZ

are you sure its not dead. try charging it for a while

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Answer 4

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

May 18, 2011 12:40 PM in response to jerdawg2008

It's obviously not dead as the OP mentions "a screen with a picture of a USB cable" and that it was just received. The solution has been outlined, it needs to be activated.

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Answer 5

May 18, 2011 1:51 PM in response to JoshZZ

Hi,

according to my knowledge, you will not be able to manage an iPad with a computer running Linux. For activation, syncing and data exchange you must have a system running iTunes. This is available only for Mac OS X and Windows.

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Answer 6

JoshZZ Author

Level 1

0 points

May 18, 2011 8:35 PM in response to JoshZZ

Thanks for everyones response. I find it extremely bizaare that I was not able to use the device without first attaching it to a computer. Strike One.

Thankfully I was able to dig up and old Windows PC that was able to run iTunes (also a bizarre requirement). Now my device turns on, but it seems to be having difficulty joining my wireless network (802.11g, WPA2-AES 128-bit key). Strike Two. I will open a new question for that issue.

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Answer 7

kostby

Level 4

2,964 points

May 18, 2011 8:52 PM in response to JoshZZ

I recommend returning the gift to the giver with an explicit list of non-bizarre technology gifts you are willing to accept.

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Answer 8

May 18, 2011 8:58 PM in response to JoshZZ

If everything is bizaare to you, and you've already given it 2 strikes without even really gotten the chance to use it yet, I suggest you cut your losses now, and either return or sell it, as it will no doubt never meet your expectations.

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Answer 9

vazandrew

Level 8

40,840 points

May 18, 2011 10:49 PM in response to JoshZZ

I don't find it bizarre as it's not meant to replace a laptop or computer. FYI no problems accessing my network so that's not fault of the device

It's a great device but maybe it doesn't work for your needs,

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Answer 10

Jul 20, 2011 8:40 AM in response to JoshZZ

As a long time Mac user and long time Linux user I agree it seems bizarre. Certainly I wouldn't expect to be able to purchase DRM music and video from Apple without authenticating somehow with them, but I would expect to be able to turn on a device I purchased and use it for some basic purposes like web browsing without doing so.

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