The Apple iPad

[ODogg]

Re: The Apple iPad

Pared, that's true. Although I'd say this could pretty much replace a laptop completely, if you had at least one other PC. I wouldn't put it into the "only web browsing here and there" category. Because even if you use your laptop for business there's always the iWork apps and a dock w/keyboard. But then I don't plan to use it like that so I can't really say if that'd be worthwhile to do or not.

[Pared]

Re: The Apple iPad

Some people would still need desktop access while away on business and that's why I wouldn't say it will replace a laptop for everyone.

I have a few individuals here who give presentations that have found the iPad quite suitable. But if you're heavy on spreadsheet editing and such on the go, the iPad isn't there just yet.

The fact that documents can be opened with other applications is a great step towards desktop mobility. But the lack of a true file structure is going to hold it back a bit.

[ODogg]

Re: The Apple iPad

I'm not going to argue because I pretty much agree with you but just one point, most hotels do have desktops now a days. Although I guess if you're referring to itunes yeah you're out of luck there.

[Pared]

Re: The Apple iPad

Yeah I've seen a few that do... but would you really want to sit on the communal PC trying to do work?

Also, some are completely locked down. There are times when I can't even print out my boarding pass properly because of their restrictions.

[ODogg]

Re: The Apple iPad

I avoid using them whenever possible as well. I hate using the old technology and I'm always aghast that they have mice with an actual roller ball in it, LOL.

[fishepa]

Re: The Apple iPad

If I was travelling doing a lot of business, I would not use the iPad for that at all. My work provides me a laptop for business purposes. At home we already have a mac-mini in the office that we use for regular PC stuff.

What this does for us is gives us a device we can use at the drop of a hat to surf the web, look at email, pictures, etc. I don't have to lug my laptop home with me so with the iPad I can surf the web on the couch while spending time with my wife. The device is perfect for our needs. She takes it to work with her during the day and uses it to check her email as well.

The iPad fills this niche perfectly for us.

[DickDalewood]

Re: The Apple iPad

Is your laptop old? If you only have ONE system, the iPad won't be (and shouldn't be) it right now.

It's a convenience device, much like a laptop used to be viewed. But with specs competing with desktops, if you are only going to have ONE system go with the Macbook.

Yah, that will probably ultimately be the route I go. My laptop is going to be two years old soon (which isn't ancient by any means, and still runs fine), but I've used enough apple products now to know that I borderline hat my HP and am ready to move on. If I got the macbook, then the piece of equipment I'm currently typing on would go out the window. If I got an ipad, this would just sit in the computer room, or get hooked up to my tv for itunes, word documents, etc.

I think you're right though, the macbook is probably the route that would be better for me. That ipad is just so damn cool though..... lol.

[Pared]

Re: The Apple iPad

If I was travelling doing a lot of business, I would not use the iPad for that at all. My work provides me a laptop for business purposes. At home we already have a mac-mini in the office that we use for regular PC stuff.

What this does for us is gives us a device we can use at the drop of a hat to surf the web, look at email, pictures, etc. I don't have to lug my laptop home with me so with the iPad I can surf the web on the couch while spending time with my wife. The device is perfect for our needs. She takes it to work with her during the day and uses it to check her email as well.

The iPad fills this niche perfectly for us.

I agree. There are some individuals who can get away with using it on its own, however. I'd say mostly those who give presentations. The VGA out works very well with Keynote.

Yah, that will probably ultimately be the route I go. My laptop is going to be two years old soon (which isn't ancient by any means, and still runs fine), but I've used enough apple products now to know that I borderline hat my HP and am ready to move on. If I got the macbook, then the piece of equipment I'm currently typing on would go out the window. If I got an ipad, this would just sit in the computer room, or get hooked up to my tv for itunes, word documents, etc.

I think you're right though, the macbook is probably the route that would be better for me. That ipad is just so damn cool though..... lol.

Yeah, in this case a Macbook is the definite way to go. It's not even a consideration if this purchase is going to be your sole system. Put that HP out of its misery.

[mgoblue]

Re: The Apple iPad

If I was travelling doing a lot of business, I would not use the iPad for that at all. My work provides me a laptop for business purposes. At home we already have a mac-mini in the office that we use for regular PC stuff.

What this does for us is gives us a device we can use at the drop of a hat to surf the web, look at email, pictures, etc. I don't have to lug my laptop home with me so with the iPad I can surf the web on the couch while spending time with my wife. The device is perfect for our needs. She takes it to work with her during the day and uses it to check her email as well.

The iPad fills this niche perfectly for us.

Yeah, I got a laptop 2 years ago to replace my desktop (wanted somewhat portable for vacations and stuff), and just have it on a little laptop stand in my living room. If I didn't have that I'd definitely want something I could surf and whatnot on and the iPad would work pretty well. No flash, but that's a well known Adobe/Apple battle. I can't see it completely replacing a laptop though, this isn't a computer it's a tablet with more limited software. That's not a knock on it, just not going to be able to do what people need a laptop for.

[ODogg]

Re: The Apple iPad

Get a Macbook Air.

[sportdan30]

Re: The Apple iPad

Why would you do that? iPad is pretty irrelevant w/o a computer to sync it with. You must have a PC or something to back it up?

We have an old IMac G5 that I just upgraded to 2GB of ram. It had 512 mb and was still running like the day I bought it (5 years ago). I need to install Leopard and I'll be good to go with syncing to my Ipad. You definitely need a computer in the house with an Ipad. That's a given.

[War Eagle!]

Re: The Apple iPad

We have an old IMac G5 that I just upgraded to 2GB of ram. It had 512 mb and was still running like the day I bought it (5 years ago). I need to install Leopard and I'll be good to go with syncing to my Ipad. You definitely need a computer in the house with an Ipad. That's a given.

That's what I figured. G5's are awesome computers. Still got mine back home in Atlanta.

[MC Fatigue]

Re: The Apple iPad

I was looking at some videos for this thing, and while it looks pretty cool only one thing really came to mind.

What's the point?

Other than just being a cool piece of technology, I can't really think of any real reasons to get one of these things. Anything really computer related: games, word processing, videos, etc - I'd rather do on a laptop... And anything iPhone/iTouch like, I'd rather do with the iTouch because it's much more convenient and can just be carried around in my pocket.

I'm wondering what about it really makes it worth the purchase. Like what sets it aside from a laptop/iTouch combo, for instance?

edit: not to be take as an iPad bashing. I think they're pretty cool, and I kind of want one myself. Just thinking about it, I can't really think of a legit reason to get one; just seems like more of a show off thing than something really useful at this point.

[ODogg]

Re: The Apple iPad

I was looking at some videos for this thing, and while it looks pretty cool only one thing really came to mind.

What's the point?

Other than just being a cool piece of technology, I can't really think of any real reasons to get one of these things. Anything really computer related: games, word processing, videos, etc - I'd rather do on a laptop... And anything iPhone/iTouch like, I'd rather do with the iTouch because it's much more convenient and can just be carried around in my pocket.

I'm wondering what about it really makes it worth the purchase. Like what sets it aside from a laptop/iTouch combo, for instance?

edit: not to be take as an iPad bashing. I think they're pretty cool, and I kind of want one myself. Just thinking about it, I can't really think of a legit reason to get one; just seems like more of a show off thing than something really useful at this point.

two major points IMO: the battery life is ridiculous and the apps. plus i like not having the keyboard when i'm browsing 90% or more of the time. Makes for a more portable unit when you can just point on the screen and ditch the clam shell design.

[sportdan30]

Re: The Apple iPad

Agree on all points that ODogg makes. The battery is indeed a huge selling point to me at least. It's really remarkable. Whereas before, I was having to charge my Macbook every two to three hours, I don't have to charge the Ipad for at least six to seven hours. Even then, it's still only at around 30 percent.

My son has an Ipod Touch. It's very cool and I love the small footprint, but web browsing for me at least is a chore and very tiresome. I couldn't imagine using that or the Iphone for much web browsing. That's one of the reasons why I never jumped on the Iphone bandwagon. The Ipad is the perfect size IMO (prefer it to my 13" Macbook screen), and the mobility is what sets it apart from my now sold Macbook. It wasn't a problem taking my laptop up and down the stairs, but taking the Ipad is like holding a notebook. I can imagine how nice it'll be throwing it in my old laptop bag and not having to worry about bring the weighty charger, and having all that extra weight. Plus, the Ipad is perfect substitute for long car drives or on the airplane. The laptop feels too cumbersome after owning the Ipad.

Additionally, I love how I can check mail, the weather, USA Today and NPR articles in mere seconds. Have a website you frequent such as Operations Sports? Well, you can keep it at the bottom of your Ipad Screen. You don't have to swipe through three screens. One tap and you're at the forums page in less than five seconds. No having to click on your web browser, go to bookmarks, and select your site. The quickness and simplicity is second to none.

There are just a ridiculous amount of useful apps. Anything you can think of, most likely it's there. Plus, there are a ton of free apps to try out.

Looking at photos on the Ipad is just amazing. It's like holding your very own web album. Flipping through crystal clear pictures (if you took good pics of course) is simple and bright. The display is gorgeous and makes the pictures pop.

I'm more sold than ever before. I was expecting some buyer's remorse, but I have absoluely no complaints at this time. It's not for everyone, especially if you do a lot of editing or documents. It just fits my laid back personality to a tee. Simple and fun.