What to buy?

[james0357]

I've been using an iPad 2 as my main computer for five years. I use it to browse the Internet, email, YouTube, store pictures, calendar, notes, and alarm. Since the last update ios9, my iPad 2 crashes a lot and is slow. It is time for something new. I was thinking about getting a laptop( Mac or Windows) or another tablet. My budget is $1500. What should I buy? Thank you.

 

[phrehdd]

James, you have so many choices here. Perhaps you might want to share some of your specifics/habits and such

Do you prefer typing on the screen or a real keyboard?
Do you share data between your present iPad and any other device, computer or...?

Questions like these might help others who want to help you. I suppose the question remains whether you need
anything greater than IOS to do the tasks you want. Also, would specific ports be handy such as HDMI or other types of display, and then there is USB3 etc.

Might I suggest you do a little exercise and compare an iPad Pro to something akin to the Microsoft Surface Tablets. What they both have in common is touch screen with ability to add a physical keyboard. From there, - quite a difference of features. I suggest this contrast and compare because if you like to walk around with your present iPad and use it on the fly, a laptop will feel very restrictive in that venue. I on the other hand prefer laptops but never put down how useful an iPad/tablet can be.

 

[Algus]

If you are happy with your iPad 2 other than its age, the iPad Pro 9.7 is a pretty fabulous tablet. I upgraded to one after I dropped my iPad Air and shattered the screen and it has been a terrific experience. It is very light, fast, and has an excellent screen. The smart keyboard cover is surprisingly responsive for a thin membrane keyboard and I have found it adequate for even longer typing projects, though I still prefer a traditional computer.

If you are wanting a traditional computer with your listed use case any Mac will do, I would either go with the Air ($999) or a Pro (more expensive, but better screen. You can get the ones that just came out if you want but Apple is still selling the 2015 unit for $1299 and it will serve you just as well).

If you want to venture into the Windows world then I recommend the Dell XPS 13. It is a really nice looking laptop that competes well with the Macbook on price and features.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Sounds like an iPad Pro or the retina MacBook is made for your needs, moving to a desktop OS from iOS may be an issue though especially if you rely on a lot of iOS apps that have no desktop equivalent.

 

[james0357]

James, you have so many choices here. Perhaps you might want to share some of your specifics/habits and such

Do you prefer typing on the screen or a real keyboard?
Do you share data between your present iPad and any other device, computer or...?

Questions like these might help others who want to help you. I suppose the question remains whether you need
anything greater than IOS to do the tasks you want. Also, would specific ports be handy such as HDMI or other types of display, and then there is USB3 etc.

Might I suggest you do a little exercise and compare an iPad Pro to something akin to the Microsoft Surface Tablets. What they both have in common is touch screen with ability to add a physical keyboard. From there, - quite a difference of features. I suggest this contrast and compare because if you like to walk around with your present iPad and use it on the fly, a laptop will feel very restrictive in that venue. I on the other hand prefer laptops but never put down how useful an iPad/tablet can be.

I can't say I love on screen keyboard but I tolerate it. I back up my iPad 2 to my wife's Windows laptop. If I choose a laptop it must have more than a usb-c port.

 

[adam9c1]

For your price I think you can get a Apple return MacBook Aid 13" with 8GB RAM AND Apple refurb iPad mini 3.

 

[james0357]

If you are happy with your iPad 2 other than its age, the iPad Pro 9.7 is a pretty fabulous tablet. I upgraded to one after I dropped my iPad Air and shattered the screen and it has been a terrific experience. It is very light, fast, and has an excellent screen. The smart keyboard cover is surprisingly responsive for a thin membrane keyboard and I have found it adequate for even longer typing projects, though I still prefer a traditional computer.

If you are wanting a traditional computer with your listed use case any Mac will do, I would either go with the Air ($999) or a Pro (more expensive, but better screen. You can get the ones that just came out if you want but Apple is still selling the 2015 unit for $1299 and it will serve you just as well).

If you want to venture into the Windows world then I recommend the Dell XPS 13. It is a really nice looking laptop that competes well with the Macbook on price and features.

I do love my iPad 2. iPad Pro would nice upgrade. I wish there was a Apple Store close to me ( 100+ miles away)so I could try out iPad Pro and MacBook. I never seen a 12.9(?) iPad Pro. I like MacBook Air but hate bezel color. I like MacBook (dat gold) but hate one usb-c port. New MacBook Pro too expensive but not last year model.
[doublepost=1478363398][/doublepost]

Sounds like an iPad Pro or the retina MacBook is made for your needs, moving to a desktop OS from iOS may be an issue though especially if you rely on a lot of iOS apps that have no desktop equivalent.

I'm definitely not a power user. I think whatever I choose will be faster than my IPad 2.
[doublepost=1478363768][/doublepost]My Smart Cover for my iPad 2 has seen better days. I had to super glue the hinge and the leather is peeling.