I'll agree my first post offered no contribution to the OPs question but neither have your multiple posts.
Last edited by a moderator:
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Is it a good idea?
- Thread starter Martin29
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I'll agree my first post offered no contribution to the OPs question but neither have your multiple posts.
Trying to step back a bit and look at the OP's scenario in a more general way. If I were facing a similar situation, I'd set a target purchase price, say $800. That will purchase a mid to high level iPad. (Yes, one can spend less but $800 USD seems a reasonable estimate.) Add another $100 for accessories like a bluetooth keyboard.
Now compare the functionality that $900 purchases in other products. For $900 one can purchase much greater processing power, much more storage, a larger and better screen, true multitasking, greater expandability, simpler integration with other devices, etc. etc. etc.
On the other hand, the iPad is somewhat more portable, has a longer battery life... 1.5 lbs versus 3 lbs and 10 hours versus 4-5 and unlike the alternatives it has a touch interface.
Another way to look at it is to imagine that the iPad were the standard of what is considered to be a "portable computer" when new devices with more processing power, more powerful software, more storage, larger and better screens, true multitasking, multiple resizable windows, and greater expandability are introduced to the market. How many would jump to such notebooks at the price of an iPad?
The iPad is delightful device. It's new and shiny. Its functionality can be stretched to accomplish tasks that few if any other tablets can match and that functionality can nearly match that of a budget notebook. But it is very difficult to justify in terms of functionality per dollar.
Now compare the functionality that $900 purchases in other products. For $900 one can purchase much greater processing power, much more storage, a larger and better screen, true multitasking, greater expandability, simpler integration with other devices, etc. etc. etc.
On the other hand, the iPad is somewhat more portable, has a longer battery life... 1.5 lbs versus 3 lbs and 10 hours versus 4-5 and unlike the alternatives it has a touch interface.
Another way to look at it is to imagine that the iPad were the standard of what is considered to be a "portable computer" when new devices with more processing power, more powerful software, more storage, larger and better screens, true multitasking, multiple resizable windows, and greater expandability are introduced to the market. How many would jump to such notebooks at the price of an iPad?
The iPad is delightful device. It's new and shiny. Its functionality can be stretched to accomplish tasks that few if any other tablets can match and that functionality can nearly match that of a budget notebook. But it is very difficult to justify in terms of functionality per dollar.
Very good analysis. In my opinion, the value of the iPad comes down to portability + battery life. For me, the portability of the iPad makes it worth the premium. A notebook might offer better functionality for less dollars, but it's worthless to me if I don't have it with me. For others, the extra weight of the notebook might not be such a big deal, and therefore for them, the iPad will seem to be a pricy toy. For me, well, it lets me get out more, because previously, I wouldn't be able to leave the house when I had some work to do, because lugging around the notebook to dinner or movie wouldn't make sense. With the iPad, I can go to that dinner or movie, and get the work done while on the subway. Again, some might be able to do that with the iPhone, but I appreciate being able to do it on the larger screen of the iPad.
Once again, the iPad definitely isn't for everyone. But remember, when notebooks first came out, they cost nearly double as much as a similar-powered desktop. But for some, the portability was worth the price. I think it's the same with the iPad.