What are the benefits of having an iPad?

[takeshi74]

Apple has a good return policy, I think you have 14 days to return an item for full cash back. So maybe buy a 2 and 3, use them over a weeks time or so, see if they are good for you.

^ This. Benefits, justification, negatives, positives, worth etc are all highly subjective -- even within a given group of people such as "art students". If everyone's notion of these things were identical then we'd all have iPads. Or no one would have one. Best bet to answer your question specifically for you is to take one for a spin and see for yourself. It's very difficult to assess that which you haven't experienced.

I assume there is nothing that an iPad does that a computer/laptop can't?

Despite how often people use this as a basis for comparison, "What X can do that Y cannot" (and vice-versa) doesn't always give you the entire picture.

 

[glittersparkles]

Apple has a good return policy, I think you have 14 days to return an item for full cash back. So maybe buy a 2 and 3, use them over a weeks time or so, see if they are good for you.

hmm, i suppose i could do that. though i think i that if i did get an ipad i would get a 3. i'm planning to start looking at the app store and see which ones would benefit the uses i want.

 

[beauparc]

I greatly enjoy sitting in the toilet and doing The Times crossword. Helps with the concentration, you understand

 

[glittersparkles]

^ This. Benefits, justification, negatives, positives, worth etc are all highly subjective -- even within a given group of people such as "art students". If everyone's notion of these things were identical then we'd all have iPads. Or no one would have one. Best bet to answer your question specifically for you is to take one for a spin and see for yourself. It's very difficult to assess that which you haven't experienced.


Despite how often people use this as a basis for comparison, "What X can do that Y cannot" (and vice-versa) doesn't always give you the entire picture.

hmm yes. i've used a 2 quite a lot, so i know vaguely that i'd like the retina screen (if i got one)
however i am aware that maybe i need to look what it can do, rather than what it can't, so thanks!

 

[johndallas999]

No. For all of those I wouldn't bother with an iPad. Consider the iPad a consumption device first. Search the forums, you'll see.

AAAHHHH!!! I wondered how many posts would appear before the over used "consumption device" was thrown out.

 

[ougum]

Wirelessly posted (iPod Touch)

The main use for buying an iPad (for me), would be for use at university or on the go, as my laptop/computer would do everything else.. which is why i'm in two minds. I assume there is nothing that an iPad does that a computer/laptop can't?

You are thinking about it wrong. The point of the iPad is not what it can do that a laptop can't, it's that it's much more portable than a laptop, so it can go places where your computer can't go. This is especially true since you have a MacBook Pro instead of the more portable Air. With the right combination of apps and accessories, you could leave your MacBook at home most of the time and just carry the iPad. If you are one of those people who don't mind toting the MacBook everywhere you go, then no, the iPad is probably not worth it. But if having a light weight, super portable computing device that can do about 80-90 % of what you do on a regular computer that can go almost everywhere you go appeals to you, then the iPad is worth considering.

I agree with you. All one have to do is go to church with the bible loaded on your laptop, open it up and watch the way folks look at you. They'll look at you like you're crazy. Now load the same bible on an iPad and the only look you'll get is envy.

 

[McCaffers]

iPad for the ease of use and the instant applications.

 

[biscuitsxluv]

Wirelessly posted (iPod Touch)



I agree with you. All one have to do is go to church with the bible loaded on your laptop, open it up and watch the way folks look at you. They'll look at you like you're crazy. Now load the same bible on an iPad and the only look you'll get is envy.

Haha so true. I go to a church with a lot of older people and they are constantly asking me, "what is that? That looks so cool! I really want one now!"
My pastor is also older and when he first saw my iPad he said he wanted one too. A month later he got one and is always on it.

 

[erasr]

The iPad simply serves as a recreational device for me. An alternative form factor for casual browsing.

Nothing is as comfortable & as fast as either my MBA or MBP for email, notes, and serious computing. I'm too used to having a stellar keyboard as my primary input device as compared to the many iPad keyboards I've tried hard to acclimate to.

Conversely for those who've never had a Mac laptop, and come to Apple via iPhone or go directly to an iPad, it's likely that they will find a Bluetooth Keyboard a decent solution for their needs.

Couldn't have said it any better. I've been spoilt by superb apple keyboards and trackpads on their macs. The iPad is purely for recreational use.

 

[glittersparkles]

Haha so true. I go to a church with a lot of older people and they are constantly asking me, "what is that? That looks so cool! I really want one now!"
My pastor is also older and when he first saw my iPad he said he wanted one too. A month later he got one and is always on it.

hahaa, my vicar has everything apple, he even writes sermons on it. its his 2 that i've used

i suppose the main upside of an ipad is the portability, as my laptop will be heavy and piss me off in that sense. the apps available seem to be quite good as well, which is good.

 

[GoCubsGo]

AAAHHHH!!! I wondered how many posts would appear before the over used "consumption device" was thrown out.

Overused? Get over it. The iPad is indeed a wonderful consumption device. If you're confused, check one out. It does other things but it is absolutely wonderful as a consumption device.

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

I produce with my iPad! Well, I did back when I was employed.

Makes a great engineering notebook!

 

[Abazigal]

The main use for buying an iPad (for me), would be for use at university or on the go, as my laptop/computer would do everything else.. which is why i'm in two minds. I assume there is nothing that an iPad does that a computer/laptop can't?

A laptop can do anything an ipad does, just not always as well. I find the ipad's form factor just makes it easier to use while reclining on a sofa or bed (which invariably takes the form of content consumption). The smaller size means I can tuck it comfortably under my armpit when I need both hands, and as mentioned, the longer battery life means I don't have to always be camping for power outlets.

The ipad does have the benefit of inbuilt 3G (but not cheap), but most unis typically have fairly stable wifi, or you can always invest in a cheap mobile broadband plan (telcos usually throw in a free dongle), or in a pinch, tether from your smartphone, so I feel said benefit isn't as big as some may make it out to be.

I can think of a few scenarios where the ipad would be situationally superior to a laptop, but I feel it is just not worth all the strengths you are giving up, most notably multitasking and pure computing power.

 

[AppleDApp]

You are aware you can't do this on an iPad and would need a notebook for it right considering you're an art student

Photoshop has a touch version and iPhoto is great as well.

hmm okay. so the major benefit (or so the majority of this thread have mentioned) is the portability - interesting, as that does interest me due to having otherwise to lag a heavy laptop and dslr.
however, what about the app styles/layout - eg. are there many available in terms of art and photography?
those who have an iPad, what do you do other than use it for gaming, emailing and browsing?

Portability and small form factor is a great advantage. I don't use my iPad to game at all. I use it mostly as an ereader and to take notes. I've made some presentations with keynote on the ipad. You can always use your macbook to for the work that your iPad can't do.

After getting an iPad I've decided to sell my macbook because I didn't need a the portability aspect of that computer.

Why did you get the retina mbp over the regular mbp?

I greatly enjoy sitting in the toilet and doing The Times crossword. Helps with the concentration, you understand

Try doing that with your laptop.

 

[glittersparkles]

Photoshop has a touch version and iPhoto is great as well.


Why did you get the retina mbp over the regular mbp?

mostly because i wanted the use of such a high quality screen for photo editing and that kind of work - with the edu discount it wasn't such a large price difference either, although i'm still waiting for the bloody thing to arrive.

my current mac obviously doesn't have retina and after comparing a friends 3 to a 2 i thought i'd go for retina

its handy to know that iphoto and photoshop are both decent on an ipad, as i use both regularly, i may look further into that.

 

[Twixt]

In case it might help other readers I own this ipad3

My wife (she dropped her macbook for this guy) mostly uses it for casual browsing in the lobby or bedroom, some apps installed but not many, some videos as well.
I keep my iMac for media related stuff such as music, photos and images post prod etc
For everything more "business oriented" I go for my HP workstation laptop including excel and access.

ipad is definitely nice item but I barely use it except when traveling light in cases I have access to wifi without roaming option for my iphone...

 

[glittersparkles]

hmm. well thats also interesting.
i suppose it could be very useful, but it could also turn out to be a completely useless purchase - i may wait till the autumn time, when i'm back at uni to reassess it.
is anyone else a student and using one?

 

[AppleDApp]

is anyone else a student and using one?

Right here I used it almost every for class this past year. I brought my laptop maybe twice then decided to sell it.

 

[glittersparkles]

Right here I used it almost every for class this past year. I brought my laptop maybe twice then decided to sell it.

well thats interesting - would you say that it was worth the money? and what spec do you have? (out of interest)

 

[joshwithachance]

The iPad can't do anything a computer can't, but it's funner to use for things like web browsing, watching videos, playing games, and consuming content. When I'm just winding down after a long day I'd rather just lay on the couch with my iPad than a MacBook or whatever.

 

[AppleDApp]

well thats interesting - would you say that it was worth the money? and what spec do you have? (out of interest)

Definitely worth the money I purchased a refurb wifi ipad 2 64gb in september 2011. After using it this year I came to the conclusion that 32gb is ample enough. Dont buy 16gb because some apps take lots of room. The 3g model would be handy in my case seeing as my school has poor wifi but I can tether with my phone.

Any questions about apps and how to make it work for you let me know.

 

[pdqgp]

Depends on your use. I use mine for business as we have specific apps that are important. However, I will say that I just upgraded to the iPad 3 from an iPad 1 and added the Logitech ultra thin keyboard and it's been a huge change for me. This is the first day I've turned on my laptop or desktop and it's only because I need to use Photoshop.

Surfing and emails and most other general stuff is now so easy to do that I don't foresee using either of the above computers to surf much any more.

Can't comment on a 2 vs 3. Again, our company upgraded us and it was because we skip generations that we went to a 3.

 

[glittersparkles]

Definitely worth the money I purchased a refurb wifi ipad 2 64gb in september 2011. After using it this year I came to the conclusion that 32gb is ample enough. Dont buy 16gb because some apps take lots of room. The 3g model would be handy in my case seeing as my school has poor wifi but I can tether with my phone.

Any questions about apps and how to make it work for you let me know.

thats actually pretty helpful, as i was thinking of getting a 32gb. in that case, i may wait until the apple store has a refurbished set, as i can't stretch to the new one really.

would you say that a 2 is good?

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Depends on your use. I use mine for business as we have specific apps that are important. However, I will say that I just upgraded to the iPad 3 from an iPad 1 and added the Logitech ultra thin keyboard and it's been a huge change for me. This is the first day I've turned on my laptop or desktop and it's only because I need to use Photoshop.

Surfing and emails and most other general stuff is now so easy to do that I don't foresee using either of the above computers to surf much any more.

Can't comment on a 2 vs 3. Again, our company upgraded us and it was because we skip generations that we went to a 3.

why would you say the benefits are of photoshop on an ipad? and does the retina screen make a real difference, as i would mostly be using photoshop myself.

 

[AppleDApp]

thats actually pretty helpful, as i was thinking of getting a 32gb. in that case, i may wait until the apple store has a refurbished set, as i can't stretch to the new one really.

would you say that a 2 is good?

If I was buying today I would buy a 3rd gen wifi+ cellular. The retina display in my mind isn't completely mind blowing but it is better then the 2nd gen display. The added resolution is beneficial when reading for extended periods of time. Also with future iOS updates older hardware version will get less support and features. I also like the improved camera on the iPad as I take plenty of pictures of graphs from my textbook when I type my notes. The iPad 2 camera is pretty much useless. I haven't played alot with the ipad 3 camera but it is much better. Have a look at the chart below.

Siri and facetime over 3g might not be crucial features but who knows what type of goodies iOS 7 will bring.

 

[rowspaxe]

really?

Wow, another "what do you geys do with your ipads" thread. I mean, you have such a lack of insight and imagination that you can't sort out whether or not you'd have use for a product? Its a little weird, no? hint, it does pretty much everything you's want a computer without a keyboard or file system to do, and it does it really well.