Is it a good idea?

[Gav2k]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

for what she uses it for she will find the iPad ideal, it will also save her waiting half hour for her windows machine to boot do a virus scan download 50 updates and reboot half way through posting a sale on ebay!

See, this statement is what I originally alluded to in my first post on this thread - there are tons of fanboy trolls here who will blindly recommend iPads to ANYONE who asks.

It does NOT take a Windows machine 30 minutes to boot and download virus scan downloads, nor does it ever force you to reboot immediately. In fact, I'd say that my Win7 box boots faster than my MBP does. And when Win8 comes out, it'll be even faster.

Unfortunately you'll have to separate the wheat from the chaff like this unhelpful poster.

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YES!!!

Need we say more?

And this one too. See what I mean? It's hard to get really constructive information here.

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I never provided a compelling reason because I am unsure whether it is the right solution.

She needs a tool that just works.. Nothing complicated, otherwise all her stuff will be waiting for me when I get home in the evening.

That's a perfectly valid concern, and that's exactly why all the blind "YES OMG BUY AN IPAD SHE'LL LOVE IT" posters are completely useless. Like I said, first find out the reason why she doesn't use her laptop as frequently as she should. Is it because it's slow? Does it freeze/lock up often? Or is it because she simply can't use the laptop in the environment she wants? If it's the latter, then YES - an iPad may be a more useful tool for her. But if you don't figure out why she doesn't use her laptop, there's no reason to believe she'll use an iPad more.

That's why you need to determine what the reason is. Once you do, you'll have a better idea if an iPad is the right solution.

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I think that it would be a great idea. I think that she would not only love it, but she would really use the features on the ipad. Good Luck!!!

...And you know for a fact that "she would really use the features on the ipad" how?

The average windows computer say 2 years old will take ages to boot plus the downloading updates etc etc etc. maybe not 30 minutes but by the time it's booted FULLY I've hit the power button and checked what I wanted to on my iPad!

 

[IllIllIll]

The average windows computer say 2 years old will take ages to boot plus the downloading updates etc etc etc. maybe not 30 minutes but by the time it's booted FULLY I've hit the power button and checked what I wanted to on my iPad!

MY "average windows computer" is 2.5 years old and takes less than 45 seconds to boot. Just because YOUR Windows system appears to have issues that make it take 30 minutes to boot does not mean every other Windows machine out there takes the same time. Quit generalizing, you're just making yourself look silly.

Also, why not try comparing a brand new late 2011 Macbook Pro's boot time to an iPad while you're at it? The iPad wins there too. Your comparison is ridiculous.

 

[Gav2k]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

The average windows computer say 2 years old will take ages to boot plus the downloading updates etc etc etc. maybe not 30 minutes but by the time it's booted FULLY I've hit the power button and checked what I wanted to on my iPad!

MY "average windows computer" is 2.5 years old and takes less than 45 seconds to boot. Just because YOUR Windows system appears to have issues that make it take 30 minutes to boot does not mean every other Windows machine out there takes the same time. Quit generalizing, you're just making yourself look silly.

Also, why not try comparing a brand new late 2011 Macbook Pro's boot time to an iPad while you're at it? The iPad wins there too. Your comparison is ridiculous.

Let's clear a few things up for you!

1, this is a apple based forum!
2, the op is asking about the iPad so yes instant on is very valid.
3, if you want to big up pc's then frequent a Microsoft/pc site!
4, being rude and arrogant will get you nowhere in life!
5, no windows based computer fully boots in 45 seconds. And by fully boot I mean boot and finish launching all the background bs that comes with the average pc!

 

[IllIllIll]

Let's clear a few things up for YOU:

Let's clear a few things up for you!

1, this is a apple based forum!

So what? Does that justify you being a troll and a fanboy? Just because this is an Apple based forum doesn't mean information presented can't be objective and as unbiased as possible.

2, the op is asking about the iPad so yes instant on is very valid.

Valid for who? If the OP said his wife doesn't use her laptop much because of the long boot time, MAYBE it would be a valid argument. Currently it's not - it's irrelevant.

3, if you want to big up pc's then frequent a Microsoft/pc site!

I'm not "bigging up pc's", whatever that means. The OP simply doesn't have enough information to say whether or not an iPad would be better for his wife or not. Can you honestly say that purchasing an iPad for his wife would NOT be a waste of money? You can't.

4, being rude and arrogant will get you nowhere in life!

Neither will being stupid and ignorant.

5, no windows based computer fully boots in 45 seconds. And by fully boot I mean boot and finish launching all the background bs that comes with the average pc!

Want to bet money on this? I will happily put up a YouTube video of my system booting up, from POST to desktop, in less than 45 seconds. How much are you willing to put up or shut up?

EDIT: I don't even need to put up my own video. A bunch are already up:
Dell Vostro 3550 boots up in 20 seconds
Dell XPS boots up in 20 seconds
HP Pavilion G6 boots up in 45 seconds

Would you like to admit now that you have no idea what you're talking about, or are you going to claim that all of these videos are faked?

 

[Martin29]

Well, I've stirred up a debate and you have all raised some useful points.

For example I hadn't realised that printing might also be an issue; Obviously this site is likely to be pro Apple products (and in general so am I, though I have used Windows machines for more years than I care to remember too)

My wife is not even interested in the technology, the operating system or the name. When I casually looked at an iPad with her, she liked the idea she could sit in front of the tv without a heavy machine on her lap, and send mails etc. She could sit at the dining table and deal with her for sale items, browse the net etc.

She is a bright lady who is capable of finding a way around problems, but gets impatient if she cannot do what she needs to do. Hence my questions before ordering a machine for her.

 

[bufffilm]

gotta say that i agree with IllIllIll on this posts in this thread.

the ipad is a PITA and slow to use when you want to upload photos. it's so much easier to use a laptop or desktop.

i have to laugh at the exaggerated BS that fanboys post.

See, this statement is what I originally alluded to in my first post on this thread - there are tons of fanboy trolls here who will blindly recommend iPads to ANYONE who asks.

It does NOT take a Windows machine 30 minutes to boot and download virus scan downloads, nor does it ever force you to reboot immediately. In fact, I'd say that my Win7 box boots faster than my MBP does. And when Win8 comes out, it'll be even faster.

Unfortunately you'll have to separate the wheat from the chaff like this unhelpful poster.

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And this one too. See what I mean? It's hard to get really constructive information here.

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That's a perfectly valid concern, and that's exactly why all the blind "YES OMG BUY AN IPAD SHE'LL LOVE IT" posters are completely useless. Like I said, first find out the reason why she doesn't use her laptop as frequently as she should. Is it because it's slow? Does it freeze/lock up often? Or is it because she simply can't use the laptop in the environment she wants? If it's the latter, then YES - an iPad may be a more useful tool for her. But if you don't figure out why she doesn't use her laptop, there's no reason to believe she'll use an iPad more.

That's why you need to determine what the reason is. Once you do, you'll have a better idea if an iPad is the right solution.

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...And you know for a fact that "she would really use the features on the ipad" how?

 

[Night Spring]

Well, I've stirred up a debate and you have all raised some useful points.

For example I hadn't realised that printing might also be an issue; Obviously this site is likely to be pro Apple products (and in general so am I, though I have used Windows machines for more years than I care to remember too)

My wife is not even interested in the technology, the operating system or the name. When I casually looked at an iPad with her, she liked the idea she could sit in front of the tv without a heavy machine on her lap, and send mails etc. She could sit at the dining table and deal with her for sale items, browse the net etc.

She is a bright lady who is capable of finding a way around problems, but gets impatient if she cannot do what she needs to do. Hence my questions before ordering a machine for her.

Like I've been saying, I'm sure it would be great if you and your wife think of it as a addition to her laptop -- browsing, emailing, etc, in the living room or bedroom, away from the desk, is what the iPad is perfect for. But for some tasks it would still be easier or more convenient to do them from her laptop, and there may be some things that can't be done on the iPad at all.

Another thing you might want to check is whether any of her favorite sites use flash. iPads don't do flash.

 

[IllIllIll]

Well, I've stirred up a debate and you have all raised some useful points.

For example I hadn't realised that printing might also be an issue; Obviously this site is likely to be pro Apple products (and in general so am I, though I have used Windows machines for more years than I care to remember too)

My wife is not even interested in the technology, the operating system or the name. When I casually looked at an iPad with her, she liked the idea she could sit in front of the tv without a heavy machine on her lap, and send mails etc. She could sit at the dining table and deal with her for sale items, browse the net etc.

She is a bright lady who is capable of finding a way around problems, but gets impatient if she cannot do what she needs to do. Hence my questions before ordering a machine for her.

To be honest, it sounds like there really isn't any reason to get her an iPad then. None of the things she currently does on her laptop can really be done easier on an iPad, and unless the improved portability of the iPad is that appealing to her, I doubt she'd use it any more or less frequently than she does her current laptop.

 

[Night Spring]

To be honest, it sounds like there really isn't any reason to get her an iPad then. None of the things she currently does on her laptop can really be done easier on an iPad, and unless the improved portability of the iPad is that appealing to her, I doubt she'd use it any more or less frequently than she does her current laptop.

I kind of agree, but I do think portability is a very strong argument in favor of the iPad. It's why the iPad is my most frequently used device. It can be very freeing to find that you can do tasks away from the desk that before you had to be tied to a desk to get done. I'd suggest giving it a try, but be prepared to return it if it doesn't work out.

 

[IllIllIll]

I kind of agree, but I do think portability is a very strong argument in favor of the iPad. It's why the iPad is my most frequently used device. It can be very freeing to find that you can do tasks away from the desk that before you had to be tied to a desk to get done. I'd suggest giving it a try, but be prepared to return it if it doesn't work out.

Just because portability is a point for the iPad (and you're right, it is) doesn't mean it will influence one to use it more.

 

[Night Spring]

Just because portability is a point for the iPad (and you're right, it is) doesn't mean it will influence one to use it more.

Why not? If you have it with you, chances are you'll use it.

Of course, if one doesn't like the iPad, or it doesn't have the functions, one needs, then portability wouldn't matter. But assuming it does have some functions you need (for instance, with the OP's wife, email and web surfing), then there's a chance she'll use it.

 

[IllIllIll]

Why not? If you have it with you, chances are you'll use it.

Of course, if one doesn't like the iPad, or it doesn't have the functions, one needs, then portability wouldn't matter. But assuming it does have some functions you need (for instance, with the OP's wife, email and web surfing), then there's a chance she'll use it.

Again - there's no evidence of that here. A laptop is portable too, and if the OP's wife apparently doesn't utilize that portability already, why should an even more portable device like an iPad make a difference? Besides, the OP mentioned that his wife uses a computer primarily for management of eBay listings as well as email and web surfing, all of which can be done just as easily or even easier on her laptop than an iPad.

Quit being such an apologist for Apple and try being a little more objective for once. It's very plausible that not EVERYONE needs an iPad just because they're on the fence about it.

 

[Night Spring]

Again - there's no evidence of that here. A laptop is portable too, and if the OP's wife apparently doesn't utilize that portability already, why should an even more portable device like an iPad make a difference? Besides, the OP mentioned that his wife uses a computer primarily for management of eBay listings as well as email and web surfing, all of which can be done just as easily or even easier on her laptop than an iPad.

Quit being such an apologist for Apple and try being a little more objective for once. It's very plausible that not EVERYONE needs an iPad just because they're on the fence about it.

If you go back and retread my posts, I did say the iPad is not for everyone. As for whether the tasks mentioned can be done easier on a iPad or a laptop, that will vary from individual to individual. Which is why I suggested that the OP and his wife give it a try, because that's the only way to find out for sure if the iPad is for them or not.

Saying yes, the iPad will work great will be misleading. Saying no, the iPad will definitely not work for them will be equally misleading. Pointing out specific things the iPad can and cannot do, I believe is the most helpful thing. But ultimately, you just have to try it for yourself.

 

[ftaok]

Again - there's no evidence of that here. A laptop is portable too, and if the OP's wife apparently doesn't utilize that portability already, why should an even more portable device like an iPad make a difference? Besides, the OP mentioned that his wife uses a computer primarily for management of eBay listings as well as email and web surfing, all of which can be done just as easily or even easier on her laptop than an iPad.

Quit being such an apologist for Apple and try being a little more objective for once. It's very plausible that not EVERYONE needs an iPad just because they're on the fence about it.

My wife is not even interested in the technology, the operating system or the name. When I casually looked at an iPad with her, she liked the idea she could sit in front of the tv without a heavy machine on her lap, and send mails etc.

What's a matter with you. The OP added more information and indicated that his wife would like a more portable device to surf and email on the couch. Apparently, a laptop (or at least her current laptop) is too heavy to bother with.

Also, the OP never indicated that eBay and photo uploading were the primary uses. He indicated that she'd use it for e-mail, surfing, writing docs, and eBay. Doesn't sound like eBay is primary.

I agree that there are folks that will blindly suggest Apple products. There are also folks that will blindly bash Apple products.

The OP (along with his wife) can utilize all of the provided suggestions and make his own decision. I'm sure he's intelligent enough to be able to see through the unhelpful comments on his own.

ft

 

[IllIllIll]

The OP (along with his wife) can utilize all of the provided suggestions and make his own decision. I'm sure he's intelligent enough to be able to see through the unhelpful comments on his own.

Then my suggestions are just as valid as anyone else's. And it's perfectly within my rights to point out which other suggestions are lame, ridiculous, or simply have no basis in fact or reason. After all, the opinion of a person who honestly believes that "no windows machine boots up in 45 seconds" shouldn't be taken seriously.

 

[Martin29]

OK folks,

I don't have an Apple store within 500km, so I rang an advisor online who was more than helpful.

He apparently went to the sites concerned using an iPad and was able to upload files without problem. He assures me 100% that the iPad will do what my wife is looking to achieve.

Unfortunately she has a Canon MP620 multifunction printer which Canon tell me is not compatible with IOS5, so the one remaining issue appears to be to find the best multifunction which is Airprint compatible. Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[MrWillie]

Get her a new vacuum cleaner. Or an exercise bike and tell she's starting to look a little chubby, but say it in a nice way.

iPad, eBay app, and the camera connection kit. While your at it toss in a $50 or so iTunes gift card.

Why is printing from the iPad so important ?

There are several printing apps in the app store.

 

[Martin29]

Get her a new vacuum cleaner. Or an exercise bike and tell she's starting to look a little chubby, but say it in a nice way.

I tried all those things

This year I'm feeling I should change tactics

 

[Ecoh]

Well, I've stirred up a debate and you have all raised some useful points.

For example I hadn't realised that printing might also be an issue; Obviously this site is likely to be pro Apple products (and in general so am I, though I have used Windows machines for more years than I care to remember too)

My wife is not even interested in the technology, the operating system or the name. When I casually looked at an iPad with her, she liked the idea she could sit in front of the tv without a heavy machine on her lap, and send mails etc. She could sit at the dining table and deal with her for sale items, browse the net etc.

She is a bright lady who is capable of finding a way around problems, but gets impatient if she cannot do what she needs to do. Hence my questions before ordering a machine for her.

One of the reasons I love my iPad, I can easily carry it about the house. Never have to worry about there being enough battery power to complete a task, and it is instantly on. I can just sit down an use it when I have a bit of spare time from running the household. If she is like me this is very important.

I run a small business selling greeting cards, I can upload samples to my web site, check orders and answer emails, all from the iPad. It is so much easier than going to my office on my desk top computer, to check on these things. Anything that saves me steps is welcome.

 

[ftaok]

Then my suggestions are just as valid as anyone else's. And it's perfectly within my rights to point out which other suggestions are lame, ridiculous, or simply have no basis in fact or reason. After all, the opinion of a person who honestly believes that "no windows machine boots up in 45 seconds" shouldn't be taken seriously.

I've never said your suggestions weren't valid. You're the one that went on the offensive with replies to posts that (imo) were valid.

For instance, I replied with a post regarding the uploading of photos without the use of a Mac/PC. Just pointing out facts that the OP may have not realized if he had taken some previous posts as fact. You came in with "how is that easier than a laptop" comment.

Night Spring posted some valid comments as well and you practically branded him as a blind pro-Apple fanboy.

In any case, I'm done with this argument.

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Unfortunately she has a Canon MP620 multifunction printer which Canon tell me is not compatible with IOS5, so the one remaining issue appears to be to find the best multifunction which is Airprint compatible. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Yes, this is unfortunate. Printing remains a relative weakness for iOS at the moment. Although there are workarounds for using existing printers.

If you have a computer that is connected to your wireless network that you don't mind having on 24/7, you could use it to share the printer via Airprint. On a Mac, you'd use something like Airprint Activator. There are options on the Windows side as well.

Of course, this is not nearly as elegant as full-on support for airprint baked right into the printer.

As for a printer suggestion, I can say that I've researched this and for me, I'm gonna get the HP 1536dnf. It's a B&W laser printer that is Airprint/ePrint compatible. It can do copy/scan/fax and can do double side. The only strike against it (for me) is that it's not wifi. I'll have to run an ethernet cable to an upstairs closet.


ft

 

[IllIllIll]

I've never said your suggestions weren't valid. You're the one that went on the offensive with replies to posts that (imo) were valid.

For instance, I replied with a post regarding the uploading of photos without the use of a Mac/PC. Just pointing out facts that the OP may have not realized if he had taken some previous posts as fact. You came in with "how is that easier than a laptop" comment.

Well, that IS a valid question. How is it easier than a laptop? After all, if one cannot provide a good reason to justify a purchase to replace the status quo, why bother purchasing it? Just because it's cool? There are much better ways to spend money.

Night Spring posted some valid comments as well and you practically branded him as a blind pro-Apple fanboy.

In any case, I'm done with this argument.

Good. You lost anyway.

 

[bruinsrme]

I am thinking of buying my wife an iPad for Christmas.

She currently uses an hp laptop, but she's not a heavy user.

Emails, browsing, posting items for sale on ebay, the occassional letter, downloading photos from her windows phone and sony camera, uploading same with her ebay ads..

Do you guys think it would be a good idea, or should I let her stick with the windows laptop?

She will adapt nicely. In 3 months the HP will be a paper weight

 

[IllIllIll]

She will adapt nicely. In 3 months the HP will be a paper weight

Right. Yet another blind fanboy contributing nothing to this thread.

OP, why not just ask your wife if she wants one?

 

[bruinsrme]

Right. Yet another blind fanboy contributing nothing to this thread.

OP, why not just ask your wife if she wants one?

Far from a fanboy!
You may want to look at some of my posts before judging.

OP, my wife never would have bought an iPad.

I brought one home, loaded a few thinks on it and handed it to her with the caveat of, no questions on how much I spent, and to try it for 2 weeks and if she wasn't happy I would return it.

She does almost everything on her iPad now.

Now that we have a printer that support air print her computer has not been turn on in 6 days, according to syslogs.

Every week she did more and more on the iPad.

 

[IllIllIll]

Far from a fanboy!
You may want to look at some of my posts before judging.

OP, my wife never would have bought an iPad.

I brought one home, loaded a few thinks on it and handed it to her with the caveat of, no questions on how much I spent, and to try it for 2 weeks and if she wasn't happy I would return it.

She does almost everything on her iPad now.

Now that we have a printer that support air print her computer has not been turn on in 6 days, according to syslogs.

Every week she did more and more on the iPad.

Oh, OK. So we should take it as canon that whatever your wife experienced, everyone else's wives will experience the same thing. Makes sense.

Sorry, but when you make a generalization like "She will adapt nicely. In 3 months the HP will be a paper weight" without saying why