Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Do I need an iPad?

zombierunner

zombierunner

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jan 18, 2011
1,856
2,769
UK
I mean at home I use my computer ... its a top spec machine hooked upto 27inch monitor .. does all i want.

and i have an iphone 4 ... it does everything i need it for on the go


I have no need for a portable computing device ... I ain't no business man/journalist video/audio professional ..
 
Based purely on what you have said, then an iPad probably doesn't meet any needs in your workflow

I love mine and wouldn't want to do without it
But of my devices, MBP, iPhone 4 and iPad, if one had to go it would be the iPad
I enjoy it for many things and it is awesome for work
But the other two are indispensable
 
Think of the iPad as the iPhone on steroids, your eyes will thank you.
The iPad is an extension of a computer. You can invest in some of the remote access programs and access your desktop from your couch, office and while on the can.
Get an apple tv and using airplay control your media from the iPad.
I was a skeptic when it was first rumored. I ordered up some crow and bought one. It is a good addition to electronics.
 
I agree with MacDawg; of all my devices it is the one that I could do without. Having said that, do you read? Do you have children that would enjoy games? Do you ever go out to visit and want to be able to map something or look something up during a conversation? (I know you can do this on the iPhone, but it's just better on the iPad and kinda fun when everyone gathers around it!)

I like being able to take my iPad with me and know I have all my books. I also have logmein installed and can access my computer at home if I need to. And when I'm in the car with my son, the iPad is his gaming device of choice.

The iPad is a great device to have available when you need/want it. If you happen to have the money laying around, it's a nice convenience, IMHO.
 
One of the risks of assessing the value of devices like the iPad in terms one's needs is that there's a tendency to decide what one "needs" based on the capabilities of the tools one already has.

I didn't "need" an iPad. In fact, I purchased it primarily (or at least I thought I did) so my six year old could use it for games and educational apps. As it turned out, however, I've found a multitude of uses for it. It has effectively replaced the netbook I used when traveling (though not my much more powerful laptop or desktop systems). My smartphone is now, well, basically a phone. Though I can use it in a pinch for checking email or web browsing, the iPad (which I carry almost everywhere) is much better for those tasks.

In fact, the OP's initial comment reminded me that I originally couldn't imagine why I would need a cell phone. And truth be told, I got along without one quite well. The lesson is that one finds uses for technology when it's available.
 
^^^^
I certainly agree

I can relate to the cell phone discussion as well
I never needed one, now I can't see myself without my iPhone

Same with the iPad, I bought it cause I could and now I find I use it for tons of things I never thought of
 
MacDawg said:
Based purely on what you have said, then an iPad probably doesn't meet any needs in your workflow

I love mine and wouldn't want to do without it
But of my devices, MBP, iPhone 4 and iPad, if one had to go it would be the iPad
I enjoy it for many things and it is awesome for work
But the other two are indispensable
Click to expand...

Agree 100%. Wouldn't want to get rid of it, but if one had to go, it would be the iPad.
 
zombierunner said:
I mean at home I use my computer ... its a top spec machine hooked upto 27inch monitor .. does all i want.

and i have an iphone 4 ... it does everything i need it for on the go


I have no need for a portable computing device ... I ain't no business man/journalist video/audio professional ..
Click to expand...

So... you're just here looking for validation to buy something your wife or girlfriend or parents won't let you have? Is that it? I don't understand why you're asking the question. You asked and answered your own question.
 
It's the one device that would have to go, yet it's my favorite apple product...if that makes any sense.
 
It's all about needs vs. wants. You probably don't need it, but you want it, and I don't blame you. You may find a bunch of stuff to do with it after you purchase it, that you had not thought of before. And, if you can afford it, you might as well get it.
 
Sorry, I don't mean to derail or hijack this thread, but I have a similar question along the lines of whether I would need it or not.

I have a laptop (PC) that I dont plan on replacing anytime soon. It fits what I need it for but it's rather bulky and being four years old, has no battery life left in it. I also recently bought a Nook Simple Touch, and absolutely love it for reading. Living in Florida, I need some e-ink. I mainly wanted to read PDFs, because I read a lot of research articles, but I haven't found a converter that can do the job.

I'm looking for something more portable to take to class for simple notes, or to view powerpoint slides during lectures. Also reading my research articles, and keep my books on the Nook. I would probably buy a keyboard in time to make it easier, I certainly don't imagine doing it on the touch screen. I've considered a netbook for the price, or a lighter laptop in the price range of the iPad 2, but the iPad is more versatile.

I'll be honest, I want an iPad, but I was wondering if it would do well for some needs, so I can better justify the purchase?

Thanks.

edit: I also have a smartphone (android, could possibly get the iPhone 5 when my contract is up in November, so I have that as well)
 
No one really needs an iPad but if you like gadgets and have the cash, go for it
 
Doesn't really sound like you need an iPad, but then again no one with a computer and a phone really needs one. But I think what you'll discover after a while of having it, is that you'll be using it way more than your iPhone. The screen is bigger, the apps are better, and you enjoy the web experience more on a bigger screen. To me, the iPad is the perfect thing for just laying in bed, or sitting around on the couch. And it's perfect for taking it on the road with you. But it's pointless to have it if you're gonna be using it at your desk, two inches away from your computer. In other words, the iPad is a perfect computer to have while you're away from your actual computer. It won't ever replace it, but it will make up for a lot of the little things you're currently doing on your home PC.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back