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I'm planning on doing the exact same as the OP. well, not downgrading from MBP, but upgrading from a PC laptop that was about to bite the dust when i purchased the ipad 2. ipad 2 is currently on the way, and today, my laptop gave in. So for now, all of my computing will be exclusively on the ipad until i gather up the money for the 27" imac. I'm content for now.
 
Thanks so much for all your points and ideas everyone. I guess I forgot to mention that yes, portability is an important reason why I'd get an iPad. I'd be interested to hear what things you guys need your computer for. So far it's been a little vague. What specific things do you go to your computer for that your iPad can't do? (besides updating, syncing, photoshop, obvious things)

Btw, feel free to hijack my thread if it's still about replacing computers with iPads. It's all helpful information to hear. If I go through with this, should I flog about it? My own word for forum blogging, haha. If anyone wanted to hear from my experiences that might help.

EDIT: Just realized that DropBox would help my file-sharing woes.

Photo editing, writing, homework (most college classes I have use flash based homework sites), good notetaking, transferring coursework from usb,cd, etc., most stuff you can do on iPad, but for me personally a lot of school stuff I can only do on my mac
 
Thanks so much for all your points and ideas everyone. I guess I forgot to mention that yes, portability is an important reason why I'd get an iPad. I'd be interested to hear what things you guys need your computer for. So far it's been a little vague. What specific things do you go to your computer for that your iPad can't do? (besides updating, syncing, photoshop, obvious things)

Btw, feel free to hijack my thread if it's still about replacing computers with iPads. It's all helpful information to hear. If I go through with this, should I flog about it? My own word for forum blogging, haha. If anyone wanted to hear from my experiences that might help.

EDIT: Just realized that DropBox would help my file-sharing woes.

One thing I do a lot on my desktop is read MacRumors. I like to open multiple threads each in their own tab, and while you can open multiple tabs on an iPad, doing so is a chore (You have to press and hold until the "open in new tabs" option pops up. If you let go too soon, the page opens up in the same tab, and you have to backtrack and start over.), and Safari only lets you open 9 tabs at once. I love checking the forums while on the go from my iPad (forums are too hard to read on iPhone/iPod touch), but when I'm home, desktop is the preferred choice for forum reading.

Typing longer documents is also definitely better done on the desktop. Even with the bluetooth keyboard, a lot of commands have to be done by tapping the screen, and shifting between the keyboard and screen gets more cumbersome than shifting between keyboard and mouse. I do often get a lot of work done while commuuting on the bus or subway, tapping away on the on-screen keyboard, but again, when at home, I prefer working on my desktop.

Dropbox is definitely a godsend. I also recommend Goodreader and/or FileBrowser, both are good options for wirelessly moving files on and off the iPad.

Like I said before, most things that you can do on your iPad can be done better on a desktop/notebook, but the iPad goes places where your desktop/notebook couldn't go, or would have been too much trouble to take. My iPad is pretty much glued to my side 24/7. I use it to read or do a bit of work on my commutes, keep it by my side while watching TV -- if something catches my attention, I look it up or write a quick note to myself to follow up on it later. I can do 90% of my job on the iPad, if I had to, but for the last 10%, which is basically formatting documents to fit the office stationary, I need a computer that runs Word. If not for that, I could probably get by with just the iPad (if you discount the need for syncing, backups, etc). I doubt I'd *want* to, because as I said above, some things are better on a desktop, but it would definitely be doable.
 
Go For It

I completely understand, and am in a similar boat. I have an aging PC laptop, and the iPad has almost completely replaced it in every way. I am back in school, after a number of years, doing a graduate program, and the iPad is so completely kick-ass as a portable system, that I can't imagine ever being without one again. I am planning to invest in an iMac in the near future, probably some time in the fall or winter, but for the interim the iPad IS my computer. Dropbox is an excellent file-sharing solution, and Goodreader is a must-have companion, which also serves as a de facto file system for the iPad. Also, as for Google Talk, there is a VOIP app called Talkatone which will allow you to utilize the telephone calling feature in Gmail, directly from the iPad. Also, within Google's iOS Mobile app, there is a web-app specific to Google Talk as well....so, you shouldn't have any problem using any of it's features, except maybe the Video Calling for now. Hope this helps, and good luck!
 
Just depends on ur usage. Wife and I are very light users so share an MBA and both have iPhones and iPads. We don't burn CDs or do much that requires an actual computer as we just browse the web, email, and stream pandora/music. All of which can be done on an iPad and iPhones. The MBA hasn't been used in a few weeks so debated selling it. I am also very mobile so never been a fan of desktops....if u r a light user there is no point in having more machine than you are ever gonna use.
 
I too have an aging PC laptop that hasn't been used for the last two weeks. My iPad 2 has completely replaced it. Having similar usage to the OP, I think he could easily get by with an iPad and occasionally use the family iMac until he gets his own.
 
Just don't get a smart cover ;)

Oh? I was actually thinking of getting a smart cover + a Zagg invisishield for the back. I would need something that could be pulled out easily (which is why I'd like the auto-on feature) and something that would allow me to angle it everywhere I am, without bringing a dock with me. What are your suggestions for me instead of a Smart Cover? Cuz it sounds like you don't think it's a very...smart.. idea! ;0 haha such a joker I am.
 
As much as I love my iPad and as much as I use my iPad, I would have to agree don't do it. An iPad is not a replacement for a computer. It just is not. I use my iPad when I I don't have access to a computer but it is not a replacement.

You will find you just need a computer sometimes.
 
To clarify:

If you'd have to trade in your stationary PC / Laptop for an iPad, you're in a situation called 'not being able to afford an iPad'. :/
 
Do not do it. The Mac is way more capable and productive than the iPad. I could do without an ipad, but definitely not without a mac. Given the price you're willing to pay for the high end ipad, I would suggest getting an 11" macbook air instead. It's really portable, and runs OS X.
 
To clarify:

If you'd have to trade in your stationary PC / Laptop for an iPad, you're in a situation called 'not being able to afford an iPad'. :/

Well yes that is true, I could not afford an iPad at the moment. It'd be $900+ for me to do. So I might make a trade, one computer for another. I'd just have to use a backup computer owned by my parents if I ever need OS X/a "full" computer.

EDIT: The clock is ticking, getting closer and closer to the moment where I might make the decision. As a lot of you have said, it's not technically as capable as a computer, but as a lot of other people have said, the uses of an iPad could fit what I need perfectly... Decisions decisions :p I feel like I'm leaning towards getting the iPad though. If I go through with that, would you guys like me to make daily posts about my experiences?
 
i think you have fully convinced to have change so go ahead. you can do all your work with new device.
 
thing is, you're not listening to what roughly 80% of the people in this thread recommend, so why bother making it.

besides. If you cannot afford an iPad without selling your Macbook, i don't assume you got all of the '14 GB of music' from the iTunes store.

So you'd have to use the family computer to rip CDs, to download MP3s from ... other places.

I won't even go into too much detail about how the web browsing experience on the iPad is really painful when it comes to doing actual research for school. Or how the iPad can't even properly upload documents from the browser (like, for e-learning platforms).

Fact is, you can't afford an iPad.
Fact is, an iPad is an awesome addition to having a PC / Mac but (in its current form) can never replace one.

But sure. If you wanna cool, sell your laptop, go back to sharing a computer with your little sister / whole family.
 
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thing is, you're not listening to what roughly 80% of the people in this thread recommend, so why bother making it.

besides. If you cannot afford an iPad without selling your Macbook, i don't assume you got all of the '14 GB of music' from the iTunes store.

So you'd have to use the family computer to rip CDs, to download MP3s from ... other places.

I won't even go into too much detail about how the web browsing experience on the iPad is really painful when it comes to doing actual research for school. Or how the iPad can't even properly upload documents from the browser (like, for e-learning platforms).

Fact is, you can't afford an iPad.
Fact is, an iPad is an awesome addition to having a PC / Mac but can never replace one.

But sure. If you wanna cool, sell your laptop, go back to sharing a computer with your little sister / whole family.

Fliesen, are you suggesting that I obtain my music illegally? And that I made this topic for no reason? And did your last paragraph happen to be 100% sarcasm? I did nothing to you, and though I don't think too highly of myself, I do believe I deserve more respect than that.
 
'Hey guys i'm thinking about doing XYZ'

- don't
- nah, rather don't
- well, you could, but i don't recommend it
- don't
- meh ... don't

'Okay, I think i'll do it!'

and no, i'm not implying anything. It could be a CD you got as a gift, it could be promotional, or a mixtape someone gave you. Not judging here. Just saying that getting music onto your iPad without having to use 'the family computer' would be iTunes store only.
and it was merely 89% saracsm.

and while i can't tell whether or not you deserve my respect as a person (you very well might be a perfectly decent guy, i just cannot tell from an online forum), i do not respect the 'i want a luxury item, so i better put seven mortgages on my house, sell my laptop and my car, so i can have this ... NOW!'-attitude which this thread consists of.

what you are suggesting is by no means a reasonable thing to do. You're willing to give up a necessary item for a luxury item, and that's just bad decisionmaking.

But yeah, it's your decision, your money, your Macbook, so go ahead, make your own mistakes. I just don't see the point in opening up a thread if you're gonna ignore people's recommendations anyways.


EDIT:

oh something else:
EDIT: Just realized that DropBox would help my file-sharing woes.

dropbox is awesome for synching files between a PC/Mac and the iPad. it will not replace a file system.
you can NOT move files around on the iPad itself. You cannot create files. you cannot really save files from other apps inside your dropbox.
apart from photos / videos, the dropbox iPad app is pretty much on the recieving end of the whole cloud storage ecosystem.
 
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EDIT: Sent way too early.

Fliesen, I understand the points you make. You have knowledge but it's the way you present it that needs work. I can tell that offending people is not something that you try avoiding. Constructive criticism is appreciated. So, thanks for the experiences and thoughts you've shared with me.
 
yeah, i do suppose i got a little preachy maybe, sorry.

i guess i'll just stick with my original "don't" then ;)
 
No problem man. I totally respect your opinion still, just like I do everyone else's.
 
'Hey guys i'm thinking about doing XYZ'

- don't
- nah, rather don't
- well, you could, but i don't recommend it
- don't
- meh ... don't

'Okay, I think i'll do it!'

and no, i'm not implying anything. It could be a CD you got as a gift, it could be promotional, or a mixtape someone gave you. Not judging here. Just saying that getting music onto your iPad without having to use 'the family computer' would be iTunes store only.
and it was merely 89% saracsm.

and while i can't tell whether or not you deserve my respect as a person (you very well might be a perfectly decent guy, i just cannot tell from an online forum), i do not respect the 'i want a luxury item, so i better put seven mortgages on my house, sell my laptop and my car, so i can have this ... NOW!'-attitude which this thread consists of.

what you are suggesting is by no means a reasonable thing to do. You're willing to give up a necessary item for a luxury item, and that's just bad decisionmaking.

But yeah, it's your decision, your money, your Macbook, so go ahead, make your own mistakes. I just don't see the point in opening up a thread if you're gonna ignore people's recommendations anyways.


EDIT:

oh something else:


dropbox is awesome for synching files between a PC/Mac and the iPad. it will not replace a file system.
you can NOT move files around on the iPad itself. You cannot create files. you cannot really save files from other apps inside your dropbox.
apart from photos / videos, the dropbox iPad app is pretty much on the recieving end of the whole cloud storage ecosystem.
just relax man......take a chill pill.
 
From the original post, it already appeared the OP was fully aware that he will be losing functionality going from a MBP to an iPad. To me, he is starting this post to gather more information, to hear what others have to say, in case there are points that he had missed.

Everyone is unique in their needs, and there is no right or wrong answer. Just because most people preferred laptops over iPads, it doesn't mean that the OP should follow. There are two sides to each question, when one chooses one side, it does not mean he/she disrespects the opinions from other side. It is not a contest.

The most important value of threads in this nature is that we get to hear all of the pros and cons. So whoever needs to decide can make their own, well informed, decision.

In this case, the OP had heard all the cons about not having a dedicated computer with his iPad, and perhaps there was nothing new that he didn't already know. And yes, he can afford an iPad. When someone cannot afford something, is when he or she needs to borrow money to buy it and won't be able to pay the loan off. He is selling what is less useful to him to get what is more useful to him. He doesn't need preaching from anyone. It is his life, his money and his decision.
 
From the original post, it already appeared the OP was fully aware that he will be losing functionality going from a MBP to an iPad. To me, he is starting this post to gather more information, to hear what others have to say, in case there are points that he had missed.

Everyone is unique in their needs, and there is no right or wrong answer. Just because most people preferred laptops over iPads, it doesn't mean that the OP should follow. There are two sides to each question, when one chooses one side, it does not mean he/she disrespects the opinions from other side. It is not a contest.

The most important value of threads in this nature is that we get to hear all of the pros and cons. So whoever needs to decide can make their own, well informed, decision.

In this case, the OP had heard all the cons about not having a dedicated computer with his iPad, and perhaps there was nothing new that he didn't already know. And yes, he can afford an iPad. When someone cannot afford something, is when he or she needs to borrow money to buy it and won't be able to pay the loan off. He is selling what is less useful to him to get what is more useful to him. He doesn't need preaching from anyone. It is his life, his money and his decision.

Totally agree with you, I can afford it. I can exchange my computer for an iPad if that is what I really want, and think I will benefit from. Otherwise I can keep my MacBook. Pretty simple, eh?
 
Well yes that is true, I could not afford an iPad at the moment. It'd be $900+ for me to do. So I might make a trade, one computer for another. I'd just have to use a backup computer owned by my parents if I ever need OS X/a "full" computer.

EDIT: The clock is ticking, getting closer and closer to the moment where I might make the decision. As a lot of you have said, it's not technically as capable as a computer, but as a lot of other people have said, the uses of an iPad could fit what I need perfectly... Decisions decisions :p I feel like I'm leaning towards getting the iPad though. If I go through with that, would you guys like me to make daily posts about my experiences?

Alot of people just automatically say NO don't do it, bc they are thinking of how they use their computers. If you sat back and looked at your overall usage and determine that you don't need a full computer 95% of the time, then snag the iPad.

Again, like i said before, i am a very very light user. We just do the basic stuff like web surf, write/check emails, listen to music, and watch tv on our iPads. Everything can be done on the iPad. The MBA just sits in the corner and hasn't been used in several weeks. Only reason why it's used now is wife checks her work email with Remote Desktop, but we can get an app for that.

I used to have a mac mini hooked up to tv, an iMac in our office, and a macbook pro for portability. Looking at our usage, 2 out of the 3 machines sat still. Then once those machines were sold I started using my iPhone 4 quite a bit as the macbook pro wasn't as portable as i wanted. So then that's where we ended up with the MBA.

I never really was that interested in an Ipad bc at $499 it wasn't a good price for me. Now that the iPad 2 is out, bought 2 of the iPad 1's brand new from verizon for just $299. We are both very mobile and don't really do much that requires heavy usage or a full computer. I just wish you could update the iPad without the use of a computer.

People always rag on how netbooks can't be used as main computers either. It's a full blown computer lol.

also, it's not like you are never gonna have access to another computer IF/WHEN you need to use it.
 
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if your looking for full function plus portablity.. why not look at the MBA's
11"..? and the refurbs at that for a great price..
 
I've evaluated my uses and I bet I'd be in the same boat as you. I can only hope that the theme of iOS 5 is "portable independancy" Like, being able to manage everything WITHOUT a computer. That's what I really want. I feel like the iPad (and other tablets in general) are going to become the primary target for websites soon, with little to no sites and functions that are unusable on tablets. It just seems like te direction things are going, and I want to hop along!

they may become primary targets but how long will it take for sites to re-program to support the devices?
 
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