Should I get a new laptop, a laptop battery or an iPad?

[joannakumpula]

I'm going into grade 11 this year & I've had my Acer Aspire 5516 since 8th grade, so for about 2 years now. The problem with it is that the battery is completely dead, there's no point of me having it in my computer cause there's no power to it, I could just run on the AC power alone. It's been like this since about 3 months after I got it... I'm getting tired of it. It's hard to lug around a cord 24/7 when a laptop is meant to be easily portable... I don't think getting a new laptop is a good idea now because I'm planning on getting a MacBook in 2 years when I go to university. I think a laptop battery would be a bad idea cause it would just die easily again plus they aren't worth the money. I've wanted an iPad for a while now. I've read about it online & there's apps I can get to make microsoft office documents, which is mostly what I need. I'd still have my computer to print the documents, when I save up I might even get a wireless printer. When it comes to space, I have a 32 gb iPod touch with a lot of room left on it. Plus, I still have my Acer laptop to use to email my documents to if needed. My uncle even suggested to get an external hard drive for an iPad. & the only problem with iPad is flash, which isn't really a problem for me. I can still go on the internet & browse like I normally would. Please don't tell me to save up for a MacBook because at the moment my AC power port on my Acer is broken & I need something to make documents by September. (I get paid pretty good & have good hours so I can afford an iPad, but I still need money for school supplies.)
I won't be using the iPad to take notes, that's what my pen & paper are for (haha), I specifically want it because it's portable to make school documents on it, to browse the internet, & of course listen to music & apps. (not so much music though, I have an iPod touch 4th generation.) Which one should I get? (With my iPad, I'd still have a laptop to use.. & I know Acer's aren't that good but I'm a teen & didn't need something super fancy.)

 

[noteple]

Battery No, iPad yes.

MacBook when you need it.

 

[MythicFrost]

If the iPad is capable of doing what you need at school then I'd say yeah grab it. The iPad 2 is a great deal at $399 if you only need 16GB of storage. You'd want to make sure it doesn't get stolen though, they're probably pretty easy to nick if you take your eyes off it. If you plan to do a lot of reading on it, the iPad 3 may be the go. I do a lot of proof reading on it, and I think it's so much better than on an iPad 2. Try em both out if you can.

 

[joannakumpula]

If the iPad is capable of doing what you need at school then I'd say yeah grab it. The iPad 2 is a great deal at $399 if you only need 16GB of storage. You'd want to make sure it doesn't get stolen though, they're probably pretty easy to nick if you take your eyes off it. If you plan to do a lot of reading on it, the iPad 3 may be the go. I do a lot of proof reading on it, and I think it's so much better than on an iPad 2. Try em both out if you can.

I think its capable, my friends who have one tell me it can make word processed docs. & yup thats the deal i saw! it's pretty great! like you said with only 16 gb of storage I'd be getting an external hard drive or just using my laptop i have now. (i have practically no space on my laptop right now anyways...) & thanks, right now I'm just trying to save money if I can, I think the iPad 2 will be enough but I'm going to try them both out at a store

 

[dchao]

My uncle even suggested to get an external hard drive for an iPad.

What is this external hard drive for an iPad you are talking about? The USB port on the iPad is deliberately disabled so not to accept external hard drive. I think it can only be used to import photos into the iPad.

 

[joannakumpula]

What is this external hard drive for an iPad you are talking about? The USB port on the iPad is deliberately disabled so not to accept external hard drive. I think it can only be used to import photos into the iPad.

Haha sorry let me rephrase that, he suggested to hook up the external hard drive to my laptop & sync my iPad documents to my computer, then put them on the hard drive

 

[micrors4racer]

What is this external hard drive for an iPad you are talking about? The USB port on the iPad is deliberately disabled so not to accept external hard drive. I think it can only be used to import photos into the iPad.

Theres also wifi enabled hard drive just for the iPad. I think the iPad will be a good match for you since your needs don't seem to be demanding. The only thing I would reccomend is a nice stand and keyboard if this is to be your main computer. I have used my ipad for weeks on end as an only computer with a mophie powerstand and the apple wireless keyboard. Flash is not really an issue since most websites have recognized the ipad as a popular machine and hence have made their site compatible. Even adobe has stopped developing mobile flash.

 

[macking104]

Searching on Amazon, you can get a replacement battery for less than $50usd or £40... Save your money so you can afford a better laptop for university...

First, try free options... Have you tried this tip from the Acer website?:
- unplug power adapter and remove battery from computer
- push and hold power button for 10 seconds and then release the button
- plug in the power adapter and then reinsert battery and turn on computer...

 

[MythicFrost]

I think its capable, my friends who have one tell me it can make word processed docs. & yup thats the deal i saw! it's pretty great! like you said with only 16 gb of storage I'd be getting an external hard drive or just using my laptop i have now. (i have practically no space on my laptop right now anyways...) & thanks, right now I'm just trying to save money if I can, I think the iPad 2 will be enough but I'm going to try them both out at a store

It can, but you might want to consider a wireless keyboard. It can be very tedious doing a lot of writing on a touch screen.

 

[joannakumpula]

Few devices can rival the value and versatility of a functioning laptop. Unfortunately, as these products are exposed to wear and tear, they can become less efficient and begin to malfunction. One of the most common and most troublesome problems that can arise is a broken AC adapter or charging port. Once you encounter this problem, it can be a huge hassle to keep your laptop properly powered, which can lead to loss of data and general frustration. Thankfully, you have a few options for alternatives to your normal AC adapter that can quickly get your laptop running again.
Followings are some you might as well have a look:
1.Charging Docks

Laptop charging docks come in a number of different styles and formats. These docks function as an iPod External Battery, and can be used to circumvent a faulty charging port. Some docks feature extra features such as additional USB hubs or external display ports, while other docks are simply for charging a battery outside of the laptop it is associated with. Laptop docks can be especially appealing for their ability to not only return your existing laptop to working condition, but to also add new functionality to your machine. If you're having trouble deciding on a laptop dock, or are curious about the range of options available, consult the laptop dock link in the Resources section of this article.
2.Solar Power

Another interesting way to power your laptop is through the use of solar charging devices; these devices can range from small portable fold-out USB devices to elaborately designed bags and totes which feature solar panels and an outlet port. Solar charging can offer you an unrivaled level of freedom and portability with your laptop as you never need to worry about finding a power outlet to recharge your machine. Solar charging is a great way to extend the life of your laptop with an earth friendly solution, but you'll want to be sure that you find a solar charging device that is capable of outputting enough energy to keep your machine powered.
3.Repair/Replacement

If the other options seem like too much of an investment, or do not suit your needs appropriately, you can always opt for repair or replacement. If you are simply working with a faulty cord or battery, you can check the manufacturer's website for replacement options. Internet marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon are also a good place to look for deals on replacement batteries and cords. If you believe damage to your laptop's charging port is to blame, you may need to send the machine in for repairs to return it to functionality. Check your user manual or warranty for more information about manufacturer repair.

I was going to take it in for repair, my brother broke the charging port. And to be honest, I don't want to spend a lot of money on my laptop when I'm going to be getting a new one in 2 years, but thanks anyways!

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It can, but you might want to consider a wireless keyboard. It can be very tedious doing a lot of writing on a touch screen.

Haha I was planning on getting one

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Searching on Amazon, you can get a replacement battery for less than $50usd or £40... Save your money so you can afford a better laptop for university...

First, try free options... Have you tried this tip from the Acer website?:
- unplug power adapter and remove battery from computer
- push and hold power button for 10 seconds and then release the button
- plug in the power adapter and then reinsert battery and turn on computer...

I work at Walmart & I get paid well, I wouldn't have to worry about saving. And I rather not buy a battery for the piece of junk that I have. And my ac port for my charger is broken, i need to get that fixed. And yes I've tried that before when my battery stopped working ages ago but thanks (and I don't wanna get a battery if it's just going to die on me quickly again.)

 

[joannakumpula]

Okay I just called a repair shop & they said it would cost $179 to fix the power jack... I don't wanna spend that much on a computer I'm getting rid of soon. Is there any way of getting everything on that computer onto an external hard drive until I can get another computer (or iPad)

 

[yeah]

What is this external hard drive for an iPad you are talking about? The USB port on the iPad is deliberately disabled so not to accept external hard drive. I think it can only be used to import photos into the iPad.

He means for his laptop.