iPad iPad or Macbook??

[Calisi*]

This is seriously serious. I have a 27inch iMac, iPhone 5, 13inch classic white macbook (that I only really use to browse the web because it's only 4gb so I do all the big stuff on the iMac) and today I went out and bought the iPad 4 Retina because I was planning on selling my laptop. But now that I have the iPad I'm not sure if I do want to sell my macbook?? I already have an iMac but I can't sit in bed with that lol. I don't want to keep both the iPad and Macbook sooooo... I don't know what to do.

Opinions???

 

[user-name-here]

Opinions???

I'd say donate the iPad to charity.

 

[Calisi*]

I'd say donate the iPad to charity.

well that's one vote for the macbook!

 

[user-name-here]

well that's one vote for the macbook!

Naw, just was giving you a hard time

Actually I'm not sure as it's based upon what your usage habits are.

Like for me I only have a Macbook Air and an iPhone for my electronics so I could never see needing an iPad, but for you who knows?

What we do know is that you originally wanted to get an iPad and sell your Macbook, then had 2nd thoughts. Usually I tell my clients to always go with their first instinct (which for you would be to keep the iPad).

Also, you can try out the iPad for whatever amount of days before the return period is up. During this time I'd make a log of times where you would rather have your iPad and times you would rather have your Macbook. On the last day before the return period is up look at the log and make your decision then.

Good luck

 

[Calisi*]

Naw, just was giving you a hard time

Actually I'm not sure as it's based upon what your usage habits are.

Like for me I only have a Macbook Air and an iPhone for my electronics so I could never see needing an iPad, but for you who knows?

What we do know is that you originally wanted to get an iPad and sell your Macbook, then had 2nd thoughts. Usually I tell my clients to always go with their first instinct (which for you would be to keep the iPad).

Also, you can try out the iPad for whatever amount of days before the return period is up. During this time I'd make a log of times where you would rather have your iPad and times you would rather have your Macbook. On the last day before the return period is up look at the log and make your decision then.

Good luck

Thanks.

I would only really be using it at home for web browsing like I do with my laptop. I got it from Argos and I think I read something about 30 day refunds being excluded but I guess I could sell it.

That will teach me for rushing into buying £500 things lol

 

[user-name-here]

Thanks.

I would only really be using it at home for web browsing like I do with my laptop. I got it from Argos and I think I read something about 30 day refunds being excluded but I guess I could sell it.

That will teach me for rushing into buying £500 things lol

No problem, I've been there too. I call it : New Toy Syndrome!

Just a couple of months ago I dunno what I was thinking (must have been on bath salts) and purchased a LG Optimus G Pro from ATT

Of course after I regained my sanity I returned it, but had a $35 restocking fee to deal with. That'll teach me!

 

[Mainsail]

As others have said, it depends of your use pattern. I have migrated to the desktop + ipad combo, and it works well for me. Of course, my employer provides me with a laptop, so I am referring mainly to my personal computing needs.

I use the ipad for my mobile and casual computing, and the desktop is for heavy lifting. Frankly, the ipad gets twice as much use as the desktop. The ipad is great for travel and family vacations. It also can't be beat as a couch computer.

I have considered swapping my iPad for a MacBook Air, but I just don't know when I would use the extra capability, since I have a desktop for that stuff.........Of course, I still want one!

 

[Fondaparinux]

Not sure if I understood what you said there, but I'd vote for iPad. Do your stuff on the iMac. You don't need to take that to the bed.

 

[petvas]

There are a lot of threads lately about the dilemma many of us are facing. The way you described it I don't believe that you need an iPad. You don't seem to find a usage for it.

 

[ElectronGuru]

For years I had only desktops. Then one day (think the first G3), apple released a laptop that was really functional, did enough of what I wanted, that I completely changed formats. So for many more years, had only laptops. Then last year, I picked up an ipad mini. My intension was to replace a dying Touch with a better screen, but it has been taking a larger and larger share of my computing workload. Even 11 months later I'm still finding new and better apps to do old things in new ways.

Then this summer, I sat down at my most recent laptop, a unibody MBP, for the one thing I really still really counted on it for, photo editing. And I realized that I had come full circle. The pad was way more portable and was always there for most of what I do (business and personal). Meanwhile the MBP just sat there, to large to be portable and to small and slow to be a good desktop. So I'm changing it up, selling my laptop and getting a desktop (not decided, but eyeing the Mac Pro). Instead of one generalist, I will have two specialists.

The good news is that your white MB won't be worth less next year than it is now. Put it in a closet and see if you miss it.

 

[Davidkoh]

iPad. If your not writing loads while traveling I don't see whe you'd need the Macbook over the iPad. Only thing that might get me to switch to a laptop again is a 11" MBA with higher resolution. You can't multitask with less than 1680x1050.

 

[petvas]

iPad. If your not writing loads while traveling I don't see whe you'd need the Macbook over the iPad. Only thing that might get me to switch to a laptop again is a 11" MBA with higher resolution. You can't multitask with less than 1680x1050.

Actually you can. The iPad does provide a working resolution of 1024 x768 (with HiDPI we get a native resolution of 2048 x 1536) and doesn't really multitask, so I don't see how this could be a disadvantage for a MBA.

 

[Davidkoh]

Actually you can. The iPad does provide a working resolution of 1024 x768 (with HiDPI we get a native resolution of 2048 x 1536) and doesn't really multitask, so I don't see how this could be a disadvantage for a MBA.

You cannot multitask on neither and neither have the computational power to do anything heavy on them. So apart from writing a lot the current 11" MBA have no big advantage over the iPad in my eyes. Yet there are clear disadvantages like weight, battery life and such.

If the 11" MBA got a decent working resolution (1680x1050 or higher) you could actually multitask with it and that gives it a big advantage. That will make use of the capabilities of running all those OS X programs.

 

[petvas]

You cannot multitask on neither and neither have the computational power to do anything heavy on them. So apart from writing a lot the current 11" MBA have no big advantage over the iPad in my eyes. Yet there are clear disadvantages like weight, battery life and such.

If the 11" MBA got a decent working resolution (1680x1050 or higher) you could actually multitask with it and that gives it a big advantage. That will make use of the capabilities of running all those OS X programs.

I don't agree. The MBA of course is not meant for photoshop, but it can accomplish many computing tasks with no problems whatsoever. It is a proper computer and has a full blown OS, something that the iPad doesn't have.
I have much more functionality when using my MBA, even for the most basic stuff.

 

[Calisi*]

Thanks everyone for your replies. It's really helping. I'm kinda paranoid about taking it out in case it gets snatched or something.. especially 'cause I'm female and it happened to one of my friends, so I would probably only really use it at home... but then again I'm not sure. I think I do prefer though the accessibility of the laptop when it comes to internet browsing but I love how I can play my iPhone games on a big iPad screen. I also just LOVE the retina display. I was considering getting a Macbook Retina but it's a little too expensive at the moment.

Ahhh.. I don't know why it's such a big deal for me. Maybe it will help if I sum up pros and cons of both.

iPad Advantages:
- Retina which I love
- It's a lot more portable
- I can get cute cases for it
- I can play the games I have on my iPhone 5 on a big screen
- I do already have an iMac for the big stuff (I'm a photographer and edit a lot on it)
- It's pretty and white (I'm a typical girl)


iPad Disadvantages:
- Surfing the net isn't so convenient for me - but can I deal with that??
- Sometimes it hurts my hand to hold because the edges are kinda sharp, but when my iPad case arrives I guess I won't have that problem?


Macbook Classic Advantages:
- Easy & more convenient web browsing (which is the most important thing unless I can get used to iPad)

Disadvantages:
- It's not so portable
- It's heavy (at least for me)
- Only 4GB memory


Okay last night I was edging towards my macbook but now I'm preferring the iPad as I do already have an iMac..

 

[Davidkoh]

I don't agree. The MBA of course is not meant for photoshop, but it can accomplish many computing tasks with no problems whatsoever. It is a proper computer and has a full blown OS, something that the iPad doesn't have.
I have much more functionality when using my MBA, even for the most basic stuff.

One problem I see with the MBA is no built in 3G/LTE, why would I want a ultraportable 11" laptop without it?

As for using OS X apps there are few i'd need to run to begin with. Even fewer I would want to run on a 11" MBA. The difference is that for the iPad all games and programs are made to work with the power available on the iPad. Of course there are some programs I'd want from OS X but those are mostly never something I need to run "on the go" and could just as well use on my Desktop or access via remote desktop from the iPad.

 

[petvas]

One problem I see with the MBA is no built in 3G/LTE, why would I want a ultraportable 11" laptop without it?

As for using OS X apps there are few i'd need to run to begin with. Even fewer I would want to run on a 11" MBA. The difference is that for the iPad all games and programs are made to work with the power available on the iPad. Of course there are some programs I'd want from OS X but those are mostly never something I need to run "on the go" and could just as well use on my Desktop or access via remote desktop from the iPad.

I use tethering with my iPhone, so the lack of integrated GSM is not an issue for me. On the contrary I would say. I don't want to have to deal with a second sim card and/or contract. Having one contract is enough for me. Even when I had an iPad I always got the WiFi model and not the GSM one.

 

[Davidkoh]

I use tethering with my iPhone, so the lack of integrated GSM is not an issue for me. On the contrary I would say. I don't want to have to deal with a second sim card and/or contract. Having one contract is enough for me. Even when I had an iPad I always got the WiFi model and not the GSM one.

Tethering is a hassle, I like just switching my device on and having it all done. I don't get any more invoices since I charge the extra cost on my phone plan.

 

[Ladybug]

My vote goes to keeping the iPad. My reasons are the macbook is not only old but you only use it in bed to surf the internet anyway. And for bed and general use around the house, the iPad is ideal. The only argument I can think of for keeping the macbook is that its paid for you can save your money for other uses and it does have a trackpad if thats a necessity for you. Otherwise, enjoy your new iPad.

 

[Night Spring]

iPad Disadvantages:
- Surfing the net isn't so convenient for me - but can I deal with that??
- Sometimes it hurts my hand to hold because the edges are kinda sharp, but when my iPad case arrives I guess I won't have that problem?

I had the same problem with the edges, and yes, a case solved that problem.

As for surfing the net, what exactly is the problem? I find surfing the net to be as easy on the iPad as on a desktop/laptop. Perhaps you are having problems that could be solved with an alternative browser, or some javascript bookmarklets. I have some that lets me adjust font size on most webpages. When a website is *really* annoying, I send it to Instapaper to read there. Readability is another service that works to clean up websites, and there is a third whose name is escaping me at the moment. Anyway, just tell us your specific problem and someone may have an answer. There are a lot of non-obvious workarounds for the iPad that makes things more convenient.

 

[petvas]

Tethering is a hassle, I like just switching my device on and having it all done. I don't get any more invoices since I charge the extra cost on my phone plan.

It would be a hassle to me if I used my MBA many times during the day for a short period of time. Most of the times I have to connect only once or twice a day, so tethering is not even an issue for me.

 

[Calisi*]

I had the same problem with the edges, and yes, a case solved that problem.

As for surfing the net, what exactly is the problem? I find surfing the net to be as easy on the iPad as on a desktop/laptop. Perhaps you are having problems that could be solved with an alternative browser, or some javascript bookmarklets. I have some that lets me adjust font size on most webpages. When a website is *really* annoying, I send it to Instapaper to read there. Readability is another service that works to clean up websites, and there is a third whose name is escaping me at the moment. Anyway, just tell us your specific problem and someone may have an answer. There are a lot of non-obvious workarounds for the iPad that makes things more convenient.

What I mean by that is, for example, on the macbook I just type in facebook in my browser in a second and I'm there, whereas on the iPad I have to use the home button to get to the facebook app and then wait for it to load etc.

LadyBug, do you have an iPad too?

 

[L T]

I had a Mac mini, iPad 2 (replaced that with an iPad mini) and iPhone combination.

I did the stuff I had to do at my desk on my Mac mini and had my iPad for web browsing and stuff whilst in other areas of the house and to take places with me.

After buying an iPad mini I got fed up with not being able to do actual computing tasks away from my desk. Trying to fill out an expenses spreadsheet on Numbers on my iPad whilst away on holiday was a nightmare.

I decided to buy a MBA and now I'm trying to decide if I still need my iPad mini. All I use my iPad mini for is when I'm in bed. And thats only because I don't have a power point near my bed to charge my iPhone over night or anywhere to put my MacBook when I'm done using it without getting out of bed.

I'm going to pack my iPad mini away for a week to see if I miss having it.

Your MacBook sounds fine for you, you have the iMac which I presume is situated on your desk in an office for you to do all your hard work. Then when you want to kick back on the sofa and relax you have the MacBook which can rey nicely on you lap rather than you having to hold the iPad. If you have an iMac then I don't see the 4GB of RAM on your MacBook being a problem

 

[petvas]

I had a Mac mini, iPad 2 (replaced that with an iPad mini) and iPhone combination.

I did the stuff I had to do at my desk on my Mac mini and had my iPad for web browsing and stuff whilst in other areas of the house and to take places with me.

After buying an iPad mini I got fed up with not being able to do actual computing tasks away from my desk. Trying to fill out an expenses spreadsheet on Numbers on my iPad whilst away on holiday was a nightmare.

I decided to buy a MBA and now I'm trying to decide if I still need my iPad mini. All I use my iPad mini for is when I'm in bed. And thats only because I don't have a power point near my bed to charge my iPhone over night or anywhere to put my MacBook when I'm done using it without getting out of bed.

I'm going to pack my iPad mini away for a week to see if I miss having it.

Your MacBook sounds fine for you, you have the iMac which I presume is situated on your desk in an office for you to do all your hard work. Then when you want to kick back on the sofa and relax you have the MacBook which can rey nicely on you lap rather than you having to hold the iPad. If you have an iMac then I don't see the 4GB of RAM on your MacBook being a problem

I think that's the exact point here. You said you got fed up not being able to do stuff. This is the exact problem with the iPad. Once its novelty wears off, then we start to discover that we might need/want sth else. And yes, the iPad is a great gadget, just not as functional as a real computer. It's been almost two weeks now without an iPad for me and I don't really miss it.

 

[Night Spring]

What I mean by that is, for example, on the macbook I just type in facebook in my browser in a second and I'm there, whereas on the iPad I have to use the home button to get to the facebook app and then wait for it to load etc.

Uh, facebook? If you don't like the app, just type facebook.com into the iPad browser and you can use the web version, just like on your MacBook.

I think that's the exact point here. You said you got fed up not being able to do stuff. This is the exact problem with the iPad. Once its novelty wears off, then we start to discover that we might need/want sth else. And yes, the iPad is a great gadget, just not as functional as a real computer. It's been almost two weeks now without an iPad for me and I don't really miss it.

Sure, there are lots of stuff that can't be done / take too much effort on an iPad. But for kicking back and relaxing with a book or a long news article, it's great. And then there are stuff that it does okay, like surfing the web or email, and in certain situations, like at a restaurant or on public transportation, it's much easier to take out an iPad for a quick check of a website or dash off an email than trying to do that on a MacBook.

Whether or not an iPad is worth it to you depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for it to replace your laptop a 100%, then an iPad is not it. It's definitely a third device, but it's the one that I use the most.