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Well, let's see ...

I have an iPhone because I need a cell phone.

I have a Mac Pro because I like having a desktop and all that implies - multiple monitors, several integrated disks, etc.

I have a MBP because I need to sequester certain files for confidentiality reasons + it's portable and I can take it to work.

And I have an iPad because it's always on and is a nice game system, offers a much different browsing experience and is a great way to read books.

Could I do without one or more. Probably.
 
the ipad is kind of an odd item. it tries to do just about everything, and rarely does it quite as well as dedicated devices, so it's usefulness is difficult to gauge until you give it a try.

i don't play many games, so watching people play with it in the store didn't really give me a sense that it would be worth getting. who really needs a big, expensive screen to roll a marble around in a maze?

however (as I wrote above), it turns out that it handles pdfs really well (the kindle dx is still best for linear reading, but is just awful for skipping around documents, zooming, or otherwise manipulating pdfs). the ipad has handily replaced bookshelves full of books and file cabinets full of papers, and i can't believe how wonderful it has been. it is one of the best purchases i've ever made.

this was not at all clear before i bought it, though (i even thought about returning it because i couldn't get some pdfs to work on it at first). if it got destroyed in a freak meteor storm today, i'd be in the apple store buying a new one tomorrow, because now it has become an irreplaceable part of my workflow.

i could easily live without my ipod, even though it has a tiny niche in my life as well.
 
however (as I wrote above), it turns out that it handles pdfs really well (the kindle dx is still best for linear reading, but is just awful for skipping around documents, zooming, or otherwise manipulating pdfs). the ipad has handily replaced bookshelves full of books and file cabinets full of papers, and i can't believe how wonderful it has been. it is one of the best purchases i've ever made.

My G/F gave me a big bag of ***** for buying an iPad. Now I can't get it away from her - she is a non-techie and is totally enamored.
 
Do you "need" an iPad if you've already got a MBP? No, of course not, but we don't really need 90% of any of the crap we buy.

I love having both. I can use my iPad as a second display (airdisplay) when I'm working on the MBP, or I can use it to research things while writing papers for school. It helps me stay focused on my work.

Could I live without it? Absolutely. But fortunately I don't have to. There are some things that an iPad just isn't suited for, but there are others where it really excels. I'd rather browse the web on my iPad than anything else for example, but I don't like prepping Keynotes on it as much as I do my MBP.
 
I really want an iPad but I've also been asking this question. All I have is the 13in Pro, never had an iPhone (Blackberry since last year, already tired of it).

I'm on T-Mobile, so when AT&T finally takes them over, I will want the iPhone 5. But maybe since I don't have an iOS device now, it wouldn't be too redundant. Also, I never find myself grabbing my MBP to take in the car when I go places w/my parents, but I could see myself doing that with an iPad.

that reminds me. the ipad is great for shopping. and, by this, i mean going shopping with your wife/girlfriend. find somewhere to sit or lean, and you can have a great time. it sure beats stuffing a paperback in your jacket pocket, which is what i used to do back in the day.

the ipod or iphone will do in a pinch, of course, but you can't beat the ipad's screen and flexibility (web surfing to books). also, i mainly read pdfs.

unfortunately (for some of you), you might also feel the need for a man bag. I recommend the waterfield vertigo...
 
Use All Three

I have a MacBook Pro, iPad and iPhone. They all have different roles. The MacBook Pro is my workhorse for web development, finances, graphic manipulation whether I'm in the office or on the road. The iPad is used primarily in the family room to check email when relaxing, play the occasional game or looking up a something while watching television. The larger screen is also much better when using it as a navigation system in the car. Finally, the iPhone is my day-to-day email manager, scheduler and web browser while on public transportation. Everything uses their tools differently. You have to evaluate how you plan to use each device and if it's necessary.
 
thanks guys

i think iil give it more thought but will wont get one in a while.

it seems in my vision the ipad is more of a fun toy to use and play around with, at the cost of 500 bucks plus.

since i already have the iphone 4 and the macbook pro 15 inch, i think ive spent enough on apple products for now :p

im going into university this fall, still thinking if the ipad would be any of "needed" use but i guess not.
 
thanks guys

i think iil give it more thought but will wont get one in a while.

it seems in my vision the ipad is more of a fun toy to use and play around with, at the cost of 500 bucks plus.

since i already have the iphone 4 and the macbook pro 15 inch, i think ive spent enough on apple products for now :p

im going into university this fall, still thinking if the ipad would be any of "needed" use but i guess not.

yep. the ipad is definitely NOT "needed," but it is a tool that CAN be used to great effect. here is how i use it.
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/12564519/
(I apologize if I have already suggested it to you before)
 
that reminds me. the ipad is great for shopping. and, by this, i mean going shopping with your wife/girlfriend. find somewhere to sit or lean, and you can have a great time. it sure beats stuffing a paperback in your jacket pocket, which is what i used to do back in the day.

the ipod or iphone will do in a pinch, of course, but you can't beat the ipad's screen and flexibility (web surfing to books). also, i mainly read pdfs.

unfortunately (for some of you), you might also feel the need for a man bag. I recommend the waterfield vertigo...

Nothing wrong with a good murse! :p There's a Louis Vuitton one that I really like. It's over $1,200 on the LV website, but on this website it's only $230... is it safe to say that this is a fake??: http://www.usalouisvuittonoutlets.org/Louis-Vuitton-Bags/Louis-Vuitton-Daniel-MM-N58029.html

(not to be a thread hijacker)
 
Just adding to the heap here, but I couldn't live without my MBP/iPad/iPhone combo.

For my situation, each has it's place and different necessity. It's beautiful actually.

Personally, I use:

- iPhone at work at my desk for quick Twittering and Reeder news checks. iMessage and email as well, obviously.

- iPad at friends' houses or just before bed to also Tweet and read Reeder while I tire.

- MBP for things like iWork, Jailbreaking, Windows use, bouncing around MacRumors, playing guitar (Amplitube 3, which I know is available for iPad/iPhone, but it's just not full featured enough for professionals) and tabletop situations. For the most part, I tabletop FaceTime conversations, watching Buzz Out Loud, TWiT, etc., and porn. I mean spreadsheets. I mean...

...shut up.

Edit: Also, I just read your last post before mine here, and I wanted to say that given your situation, you may consider the iPad for things your MBP is too cumbersome for and your iPhone is lackluster with.

Refer to my uses for ideas. I'm not trying to con you into giving Steve-O money, but I just think these devices have a great symbiotic relationship if you really look into it.
 
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Nothing wrong with a good murse! :p There's a Louis Vuitton one that I really like. It's over $1,200 on the LV website, but on this website it's only $230... is it safe to say that this is a fake??: http://www.usalouisvuittonoutlets.org/Louis-Vuitton-Bags/Louis-Vuitton-Daniel-MM-N58029.html

(not to be a thread hijacker)

@threadjacker virgo
lol. i think it is safe to say you are going to be getting a knock-off if you order from any site that says "As the leading corporation all through the world, we offer the best current goods. What's more, we do long time business in the eBay." i've been a fan of murses for a long time. in japan (and probably europe as well) they have long been de riguer for the well-dressed man. really, who wants to try and stuff a cell phone, wallet, keys, and other crap in their pockets, or carry a backpack when a smaller bag will do? it looks (and feels) kind of silly, especially with the batman utility belt that some people have going on. until i can afford flunkies to carry around my stuff for me, i'll stick with my man bags :)
 
@threadjacker virgo
lol. i think it is safe to say you are going to be getting a knock-off if you order from any site that says "As the leading corporation all through the world, we offer the best current goods. What's more, we do long time business in the eBay." i've been a fan of murses for a long time. in japan (and probably europe as well) they have long been de riguer for the well-dressed man. really, who wants to try and stuff a cell phone, wallet, keys, and other crap in their pockets, or carry a backpack when a smaller bag will do? it looks (and feels) kind of silly, especially with the batman utility belt that some people have going on. until i can afford flunkies to carry around my stuff for me, i'll stick with my man bags :)

That's irksome that some of these sites flat-out lie in the FAQ's and say that their stuff is 100% authentic.. I suppose LV can't do much about it since they're in China somewhere. But $200 for a $1200 bag that most couldn't tell if it's real or fake is pretty tempting.. I'd just be worried that it'd fall apart.
 
MBP and IP4

I got rid of my Ipad since I didn't use it much. I do a fair amount of correspondence and I like having a full size keyboard on my MBP 13 inch which I use on my lap. My particular lifestyle doesn't include a place for the Ipad right now.
 
I really like the iPad but can't see any point in getting one while my current set up of iMac, MBP and iPhone covers my needs.

My MBP is getting on a bit now and if it ever gives up the ghost I will take a look at the iPad and decide if it can replace the laptop but I'm hoping that decision will not need to be made in the near future. :)
 
I have both... My MBP is for computer related stuff, where as the iPad is more of a consumption device. I rarely use it if I need to type anything. Great for browsing, books, YouTube, and I love all the iPad apps. I don't have an iphone.
 
i bought a macbook pro, 2011 15inch edition a couple months ago, and just out of curiosity , is there really any point of buying an iPad.

ive always thought it would be something "cool" to have an iPad, but, my Macbook Pro can do so much more.

Would there be any use to investing in an iPad?

Thanks!

oh and i also have a iphone 4 already to lol

Do you have disposable income? Do you do a lot of reading? Do you have kids? Do you do the internets while watching live television commercials?
 
i bought a macbook pro, 2011 15inch edition a couple months ago, and just out of curiosity , is there really any point of buying an iPad.

ive always thought it would be something "cool" to have an iPad, but, my Macbook Pro can do so much more.

Would there be any use to investing in an iPad?

Thanks!

oh and i also have a iphone 4 already to lol

That's how I feel to be honest. I wouldn't use my iPad outside of my house ... and wait, that's where my MacBook Pro is lol

At first I really wanted an iPad, but now I don't. I mean, it would be nice to have one I guess, but I don't feel like I'm "lacking" without an iPad or with an extra $500 in my pocket.
 
I think that the iPad works great as a "light duty" computer because its small and the biggest reason is that its VERY friendly to use. Case in point my mother, sister and girlfriend are not the best computer users, I cant tell you how many times I have been called asking how to do something on a computer. They all have iPad/iPad2's now and I have yet to get a single call from any of them asking how to use it or do something, they are able to do anything they need/want to do.
My girlfriend is starting law school and we actually decided to get her a iPad instead of a MBA because she is able to use the iPad with greater ease and when she syncs her apple BT keyboard she can type papers just like she would on a desktop/notebook. I cant wait to see how iOS5 is going to improve the iPad, things like having tabs instead of lots of windows will make the iPad vs computer gap even smaller and with most things going to way of HTML5 I think the flash issue will become nonexistent with time.

I have a 2011 MPB 15" 2.0 and a iPhone4, for me thats a perfect combo. all the computing power i need at home and on the go, then a phone that can do anything need it to within reason all the time. For me an iPad would be cool but just wouldn't fit my current life style, now if I did a lot of travel I would have to rethink that.
 
  • iPhone - Always with you, only thing that makes calls.
  • iPad - Hyper portable, does almost everything iPhone can do and almost every basic thing a MBP can do.
  • MBP - Portable, does things iPad and iPhone cant do, not much more as far as basic consumption though, and its on a bigger screen for focused power working etc.

So iPad, what it does is it overlays on the middle ground between both iPhone and MBP and does those things slightly better.

The iPhone doesn't have a big readable screen like the iPad so any web browsing or emailing in bed that you might have done on the iPhone, is now done nicer on the bigger screen. Same touch, same handheld portability.

The MBP doesnt have touch screen so you have to use the cursor to move and its not as satisfying. So for the things you used to do on the mac and not on the phone, like watching youtube or other various browsing activities that benefit from a larger display, iPad is nicer, more natural, and intuitive.

Making calls and managing contacts is best on the iPhone, everything else, the iPad is better

Doing serious work like any editing or serious computing, PC gaming, and power using, is best on the MBP, but everything else like web browsing, reading, watching youtube is best on the handheld touch screen iPad.

So its not so much that it is redundant, but rather that it overlaps, and improves certain catergories of experience.

Its worth having if it doesn't break your bank. To me 850 dollars is a couple hours of work so its definitely worth it. If you need to save up for 3 months, probably a phone and laptop is what you gotta live wit.
 
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