My iPad and iPhone are basically all I use now. Obviously I still use my iMac to sync stuff, but in a few weeks that won't even be the case. Come iOS 5, all I will use my iMac for is ripping a few movies here and there and streaming them to the AppleTV. And if Apple could ever get the movie studios to allow streaming of purchased movies....I'll start doing that and ditch my Mac all together.
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How Many Use the iPad As Your Only Computer?
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Same for my mum. She has got rid of her netbook and is constantly 100% on the iPad.
As for me, I think the ratio is very much 50/50.
Couldn't use an iPad as my only machine. Too many software limitations for the work that I do. I need a full-fledged Office suite and the ability to run apps like Dreamweaver and Photoshop.
Try this thought experiment. If you (and everyone else) had been using an iPad for years with all the functionality and limitations that implies, how would you react to the introduction of a modern laptop? Higher priced and somewhat less portable but capable of much greater functionality and processing power.
Would there be internet postings with titles like "How many use their laptop as their only computer?" You bet. And some folks would reply,"No, I still use my iPad because it's so much more portable and I don't really need all that functionality, a larger screen, and more power." But I strongly suspect that most folks would jump at the chance to replace (or heavily supplement) their tablets with a laptop computer.
The point is that the iPad benefits from being "the latest thing." As such many consumers are willing to put up with its limitations to enjoy its benefits (as well as the status that comes with being up to date.) Reverse the order of introduction and I suspect that laptops would enjoy the same benefits.
Would there be internet postings with titles like "How many use their laptop as their only computer?" You bet. And some folks would reply,"No, I still use my iPad because it's so much more portable and I don't really need all that functionality, a larger screen, and more power." But I strongly suspect that most folks would jump at the chance to replace (or heavily supplement) their tablets with a laptop computer.
The point is that the iPad benefits from being "the latest thing." As such many consumers are willing to put up with its limitations to enjoy its benefits (as well as the status that comes with being up to date.) Reverse the order of introduction and I suspect that laptops would enjoy the same benefits.
I didn't buy my iPad as a status symbol--I bought it because I have always hated the laptop form factor for traveling. The iPad is something I've been waiting for for years. I suspect a lot of people who love their iPads share that opinion.
Well, it's certainly true that there's no great rush to claim that the iPad is being purchased as a status symbol. And of course, like you, that wasn't MY reason for getting one. In fact, I doubt that one person out of a thousand would claim that was a driving force in their decision. And we all know they're being perfectly honest with themselves and everyone else. Right?
I have an iPad but I would never use it as my only computer. It is just too weak for that and it wasn't meant to replace any computer device. People that use it as their only device just don't have many needs and are certainly no power users.
My landlady recently bought one. She is 60 years old, doesn't understand how a computer really works (she must not), and even with the iPad she has problems using it
Even for her the iPad cannot be the only computing device. She needs to scan documents, use Excel and print a lot of stuff...The iPad cannot do these things, or at least cannot do them as good as computer can. Having said that I believe that the iPad is great for consuming content, especially when on the road. It is a luxury for me since I don't really need it. If I had to give one of my devices, the iPad would be the one I would choose. (even if I love it).
My landlady recently bought one. She is 60 years old, doesn't understand how a computer really works (she must not), and even with the iPad she has problems using it
Even for her the iPad cannot be the only computing device. She needs to scan documents, use Excel and print a lot of stuff...The iPad cannot do these things, or at least cannot do them as good as computer can. Having said that I believe that the iPad is great for consuming content, especially when on the road. It is a luxury for me since I don't really need it. If I had to give one of my devices, the iPad would be the one I would choose. (even if I love it).The IPad is a new kind of Device. It also changes the way we use computers. If I want to know something I search in the Internet. I do this always because I have the IPad. Before I had the IPad I did not want to start the PC. The IPad always runs and it is just a matter of seconds before you can start to work. I use the IPad in situations where did not use a computer berfore I had the IPad.
I agree with that. The iPad fills a nice gap for situations where we wouldn't normally use a computer (or want to use one).
No flames from here.
I agree that the iPad can not replace my Mac right now, but who knows what the future will bring. The thing I like about the iPad the most is the fact that right now I am laying on the couch reading this forum, and I can't do that with my Mac.
But it can in fact do those things. So if you wanted to, you COULD go all iPad. At least in those cases.
Yes, it can, but it is very cumbersome and not as good as on a normal computer.
give me flash and the option to switch to osx like interface and use a mouse and keyboard and my computer would go bye bye...till then ill keep both
Hey, I love my iPad. But, no way can it replace my air. For me, they, plus the iPhone, all compliment each other. Pretty ingenious on Apple's part.
When are people going to get over the fact that an iPad is NOT a computer in the sense of form factor, computing power, and practicality?
What IS an iPad?
A great new device that has it's own set of advantages, features & benefits.
I enjoy the heck out of mine, so much so, I own two. One stays at home, one lives inside of my computer bag alongside of my 13" MBA, ready to go at a moments notice
Still... I also have MBP's and a Mac Pro.
They all have their place in my world of computing for work, personal, and leisure (iPad).
What IS an iPad?
A great new device that has it's own set of advantages, features & benefits.
I enjoy the heck out of mine, so much so, I own two. One stays at home, one lives inside of my computer bag alongside of my 13" MBA, ready to go at a moments notice
Still... I also have MBP's and a Mac Pro.
They all have their place in my world of computing for work, personal, and leisure (iPad).
I often find myself trying to hide the fact that I'm using an iPad on the train. If I'm sitting in a seat with high visibility, I constantly get asked if I like it, if I think it's better than the iPad 1, what model I have, what did I pay, what do I do on it, etc. There's also the problem of the stranger sitting next to you always looking over to see what you're doing on it just out of curiosity.
So if I had my druthers, I'd prefer that people just don't notice I'm using one and leave me alone. I'm getting left alone more and more now that more people on the train have one.
What has completely changed the game for me is Citrix Receiver for iPad. I can run my company's Windows Citrix desktop on the iPad and use all Office applications and network drives etc. I can add a Bluetooth keyboard and use my iPhone as the trackpad if I want. So the limited power of the iPad itself becomes irrelevant as it is acting only as a thin client, but I get to enjoy the instant-on and long battery life as well as the portability. It's 95% of a laptop with some amazing extra benefits, basically.
I use my iPad 2 for most things. It will be actually used as my main computer now for a week or so as my Macbook Pro is in for repair, I have been using the iPad 2 lots since I got it but for me it will never be able to replace my Macbook Pro as I can't do Java development on the iPad and also it can not run the tools which I need to use for my course at University such as Forensic Toolkit etc. The iPad will never be able to do these things in my opinion especially the Forensic tools so I will never get rid of my Macbook Pro.