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iPad as a full Computer
- Thread starter AppleDApp
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Well, *you're* the one who can't seem to parse a simple English paragraph correctly...
Mac.World
macrumors 68000
Nope. Parsed correctly. Simple syntax, just abbreviated. Easier that way with an iPad, but thanks for playing.
Nope, the iPad severely lacks in storage and memory size not to mention hat with out a physical keyboard it makes everyday tasks cumbersome.
Mac.World
macrumors 68000
Ios5 should address the memory issue with iCloud and you can use any Apple bluetooth keyboard with an ipad.
henry2
macrumors regular
Paulywauly
macrumors 6502a
The answer to the OPs original question, i dont doubt that the iPad makes a good computer replacement for those with little computer knwoledge or who have basic needs. I work for a large IT department and the majority of calls we get are from people who simply just "dont get" Computers.
I couldnt use one as a main computer myself, it simply doesnt have the functionality i need. But in my experience the majority of people (those with basic needs or are not IT literate) may be better off with an iPad
I couldnt use one as a main computer myself, it simply doesnt have the functionality i need. But in my experience the majority of people (those with basic needs or are not IT literate) may be better off with an iPad
I bought my 82 year old mother-in-law an iPad2 as she is one who doesn't and will never "get" computers. I sync and set things up for her but she enjoys the ease of use, checks e-mails and checks out the grandkids photos on facebook.
For her usage it's fine as a replacement (as long as someone else does the other things for her) but no it's not ready (IMHO) to be a full time replacement.
For her usage it's fine as a replacement (as long as someone else does the other things for her) but no it's not ready (IMHO) to be a full time replacement.
spiderman0616
Suspended
As a replacement for my laptop, iPad 2 has worked very well. So well, in fact, that I sold the laptop and haven't missed it for one second. With 2 small children in the house, it's way more practical for my to grab my iPad and do what I need to do rather than getting a laptop set up somewhere comfortable, near an outlet, and in line of sight of the kids. Also for commuting, the iPad is invaluable to me.
BUT
I am a big proponent of backups, and I don't mean iCloud. I fully plan on using iCloud, but for backups of my non-iTunes/iOS content, I need something better and with more space. I still need my tower to run my nightly backup process to my 3 TB external drive. Once iOS 5 comes out, that will be the ONLY thing I need it for.
BUT
I am a big proponent of backups, and I don't mean iCloud. I fully plan on using iCloud, but for backups of my non-iTunes/iOS content, I need something better and with more space. I still need my tower to run my nightly backup process to my 3 TB external drive. Once iOS 5 comes out, that will be the ONLY thing I need it for.
A few points.
Yes, for those whose "computing" needs consist solely of (limited) content consumption coupled with basic communication, the iPad is a great device. In fact, such folks have been forced to "overbuy" for some years.
(As an aside, it's ironic that when Microsoft "invented" the tablet about a decade ago, it didn't sell because the market for such a basic device didn't yet exist. Apple's greatest coup was recognizing that in the last decade the market has emerged.)
Those who want the iPad to be extended to meet their more extensive computing needs are almost certain to be disappointed. Not only would such extensions complicate life for the market above, the form factor required would almost certainly (at least with today's technology) make the iPad too large and heavy to be the highly portable device it is today.
This latter group will be served with new models of ultra-portable PC's that are beginning to emerge. See the Lenovo X220T for a current example and expect the Apple "Air" product line to incorporate more "tablet" features such as a touch screen interface. For those who want a true "laptop replacement," it is that product space that bears watching.
Yes, for those whose "computing" needs consist solely of (limited) content consumption coupled with basic communication, the iPad is a great device. In fact, such folks have been forced to "overbuy" for some years.
(As an aside, it's ironic that when Microsoft "invented" the tablet about a decade ago, it didn't sell because the market for such a basic device didn't yet exist. Apple's greatest coup was recognizing that in the last decade the market has emerged.)
Those who want the iPad to be extended to meet their more extensive computing needs are almost certain to be disappointed. Not only would such extensions complicate life for the market above, the form factor required would almost certainly (at least with today's technology) make the iPad too large and heavy to be the highly portable device it is today.
This latter group will be served with new models of ultra-portable PC's that are beginning to emerge. See the Lenovo X220T for a current example and expect the Apple "Air" product line to incorporate more "tablet" features such as a touch screen interface. For those who want a true "laptop replacement," it is that product space that bears watching.
We just replaced Ye Olde iBooke G4 with an iPad 2. The G4 stopped being our main computer about 4 years ago when we got an iMac, in that time we've used it primarily for web browsing, email, and in the kitchen for online recipes. We also took it on trips for web access in hotels and such.
For these uses, the iPad is not just an adequate replacement, but a superior device. We keep finding more things that the iPad is better at than a laptop. My son loves the reading and math apps. With a mount it's better in the car for watching movies than a DVD player or a laptop. Newspaper and magazine iPad offerings are huge improvements over their websites, and actually worth paying for. FiOS has a great app to control their DVR with it. It's much more natural for showing pictures to friends and family.
The iPad will never replace a laptop for people that need to be able to do heavy lifting with office-type software, or business specific applications on the road. And it's still a few years away from being suitable as the sole computing device for the average user. But I do think a lot of people would find it is actually better than a laptop for their personal mobile needs. For us an iMac and an iPad is a great combination.
For these uses, the iPad is not just an adequate replacement, but a superior device. We keep finding more things that the iPad is better at than a laptop. My son loves the reading and math apps. With a mount it's better in the car for watching movies than a DVD player or a laptop. Newspaper and magazine iPad offerings are huge improvements over their websites, and actually worth paying for. FiOS has a great app to control their DVR with it. It's much more natural for showing pictures to friends and family.
The iPad will never replace a laptop for people that need to be able to do heavy lifting with office-type software, or business specific applications on the road. And it's still a few years away from being suitable as the sole computing device for the average user. But I do think a lot of people would find it is actually better than a laptop for their personal mobile needs. For us an iMac and an iPad is a great combination.
My problem is the keyboard. Not the fact it's touch, I can type just fine on it. It's how much room on the screen it takes up. Now, obviously it has to be on the screen but at the same time when in Pages you're lucky to have enough room to see 4 lines of text.
No mouse makes content creation difficult....iPads and macbooks do it all but are not interchangeable.
henry2
macrumors regular
What you have bought up is a basic example of how Apple has read the market need's and has given the market a device that serve that market ..
The Ipad is going to be the home computer killer in the future because of the way it was design ..Laugh all you want on that statement but in the next few year's Apple is going to be makeing sure that they are the one Tablet Maker that has given the people what they want ..A very Simple To Use Tablet that can do the basic and not have to overbuy on a device again just to web browser or email or do some basic things on the device
In my household the only time the computer is use to Sync with Itune's or do some heavy duty school computer work that the kid need's to have the power of a computer to do for her home work ..
When iOS.5.comes out that part is not going to be done anymore with the socalled syncing with the computer is no longer need . That is the thing i'm looking forward to because at time's it is a major pain in the butt to sync with Itune's to upload a data into the Ipad data program's i have on the ipad
..
DiamondMac
macrumors 68040
As has been mentioned 10,000 times here and can be found by not being completely lazy and hitting the Search-Button.....few if any use it as a full computer. Some? Yes...as seen here. Most if not the HIGH majority? No. Not even remotely.
Love my iPad and use it often but it is nothing like my full laptop/desktop
Love my iPad and use it often but it is nothing like my full laptop/desktop
Inconceivable for me at this point. That's ok. I bought it to supplement thhe computer. But, if I could pair a bt mouse with it, then I'd be able to do far more content creation. First drafts are fine with the bt keyboard, but eding anything is unpleasant and cumbersome. Maybe in ios5 apple will enable it 🙂
mrwonkers
macrumors 6502
The iPad cannot support a thunderbolt port for a docking station as it lacks a PCI bus, usb3 is about the best you can hope for... Give it a couple more generations and it may well be suitable as a 1 and only computer, till then I'm keepin my MacBook Pro...
jmpnop
macrumors 6502a
Apple doesn't support USB 3.0, you won't see it on an Apple products anytime soon. And iOS is a mobile OS, it can't replace a desktop OS. It'll always be a second computer.
Interesting you said that, because that's how I use my MacBook Pro. The only thing I would think I'd need for an iPad, or other tablet computer, is a USB 🙂port for my USB thumb drive. And I plan on reading PDF files on the iPad.
And of course, Kindle books. The free ones.
