I was about to purchase a new iPad but decided to use it at the Apple Store. It was great until I learned that it uses the Mobile Internet, not the real internet, so many of my favorite sites cannot be accessed. Glad I learned this before purchasing. For instance, I was unable to get Cookies so I attempted to download Firefox but the iPad will not download Firefox. The screen appears exactly as it does on my iPhone which shows an adapted form of the internet. I couldn't even access Facebook unless I signed-up for the Apps Store and must give a credit card # and code. I attempted this but a red message said that the code is invalid. What code do they mean? I entered my PIN number as well as the # on back of my VISA but none worked. I will stick with my laptop or a netbook.

Hi.

1) You're not restricted to mobile-only sites when surfing with iPad.

2) In my country the code is not the whole number on the back of the card, just the last three digits.

Having said that, you may be better off without an iPad if browsing the internet is that important to you. Internet browsing is not one of the iPad's strengths in my opinion, but I'm sure many people here will disagree.

That's odd, must be the demos at the Apple store so people don't screw them up. I am on full Internet access like everyone else has on their iPad. I access the full Facebook site everyday. Never had a site that I couldn't access either. Never have had to use a credit card for anything.

Two words: Atomic Browser

You can then masquerade as any browser by changing your user-agent.
I find the browsing experience on an iPad the same, if not better, than on a desktop.

And on "trying to download FireFox", you need to learn the difference between iOS apps and Windows apps. And about the app store in general.
You should try to learn more before anything else.

For one, did you know that you can't use Flash?
Since you sound like you belong to the demographic that would consider that a deal-breaker.

....err where to begin?
Internet works great on the iPad.
...err Firefox...iPad runs on iOS and has a large number of browsers but firefox is not one of them.
err ...why didn't you ask someone in the store for an explanation.

Internet browsing is not one of the iPad's strengths in my opinion

I strongly disagree.

Other than the fact you can't run flash on the iPad it's the best internet tool you can find. Bed, boardroom, beach it works just fine and you don't have to sit upright in front of a monitor.

I suspect the flash question is the great dividing line for many people, but given the current iPad hardware it would probably be a miserable experience. I think apple made the right decision.

3 Big Problems with Internet on iPAD :
Flash Flash Flash .
Sites that have lots of flash, wouldn't be visible on Apple IOS.
Apple has all kinds of excuses. But the bottom line is that with flash you can very easily hack the need of iTune and protected programs, since flash is a program language. Apple wants only program languages, they know and can control.

Originally Posted by SBHOKC

Never had a site that I couldn't access either. .

Me either and I have had mine since last June. I am out in the field with my iPad all day ~ no problems.

Originally Posted by SweetPoison

Me either and I have had mine since last June. I am out in the field with my iPad all day ~ no problems.

I will second that as stated many times before I use the iPad daily surfing and using the iPad as a business tool. I have no laptop now as some one dropped hot tea on my MacBook so waiting for insurance claim. I have not used my laptop for some 4 months now except in december prio to accident when I synced and back up all devices. When I come across a flash site which is rare I move on as in most cases I have alternatives. I suspect in USA there must be a lot of sports or movies sites that use flash. i have apps for all news sites including USA , Australia, Philippines, Britain and Europe so that is not problem either. I love playing games on the iPad including online games, I use 3 browsers depending what I want to view. I own the IMAX app plus same companies TV app and love it. Viewing you tube has not been an issue. I am on face book and use the app for that not interested in facebook games. The point is i can do every thing that I need with out issues in fact not only that the iPad is faster and easier to use than either the MacBook or the win 7 laptop in our house. I find in fact the others in the house now grab the iPad when it's free instead of the pc win 7 laptop.

Originally Posted by Myron

I will stick with my laptop or a netbook.

Why do people bother coming to an iPad forum to tell us they aren't going to buy an iPad? Do you really think this person will be back?

Originally Posted by Myron

I was about to purchase a new iPad but decided to use it at the Apple Store. It was great until I learned that it uses the Mobile Internet, not the real internet, so many of my favorite sites cannot be accessed. Glad I learned this before purchasing. For instance, I was unable to get Cookies so I attempted to download Firefox but the iPad will not download Firefox. The screen appears exactly as it does on my iPhone which shows an adapted form of the internet. I couldn't even access Facebook unless I signed-up for the Apps Store and must give a credit card # and code. I attempted this but a red message said that the code is invalid. What code do they mean? I entered my PIN number as well as the # on back of my VISA but none worked. I will stick with my laptop or a netbook.

Turn off the 3G on the device and web surfing will be different. The iPad is not a computer, you can't install any crap you want on it...

Originally Posted by 1991-C4

Originally Posted by Myron

I will stick with my laptop or a netbook.

Why do people bother coming to an iPad forum to tell us they aren't going to buy an iPad? Do you really think this person will be back?

He looks still there...

Probably an Android Troll!!!