I've been looking into getting an ipad 2, but I'm not sure I see the point of it..What do you guys do with yours?
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Whats the point of an iPad?
- Thread starter miss.manson
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true but the small screen sucks. My ipad has replaced my laptop. it is alot smaller/lighter then my mbp and can accomplish most of my tasks. I keep everything synced with dropbox or icloud. apps are often cheaper too.
Wow really? I've always wondered if a tablet could replace a laptop but I assumed not because you can't load a USB into it and download certain files. I'd love to get a smaller/lighter device and use it as a laptop.
there is some adapting to it. to replace usb I use dropbox which works great. The on-screen keyboard isn't ideal but it does the trick for some light typing. you definitely need another computer for more intensive work like formating documents but on the go the iPad is great.
What's the point? Here's my take on Apple's reasons.
1) Make another high profit revenue stream.
2) Create another device to brag about.
3) Get people to buy into their closed Eco-system.
4) Sell more expensive apps.
5) Sell a device to those who really don't need a computer.
6) Perpetuate their image as a leading innovator.
7) Expand Apple's user base.
That said, I bought one out of curiosity although I had no intention of it replacing any of my computers.
It has Pro's & Con's just like anything else. As an alternate, occasional use device, it works ok for me.
1) Make another high profit revenue stream.
2) Create another device to brag about.
3) Get people to buy into their closed Eco-system.
4) Sell more expensive apps.
5) Sell a device to those who really don't need a computer.
6) Perpetuate their image as a leading innovator.
7) Expand Apple's user base.
That said, I bought one out of curiosity although I had no intention of it replacing any of my computers.
It has Pro's & Con's just like anything else. As an alternate, occasional use device, it works ok for me.
The general rule-of-thumb is: the iPad is great for "media consumption", social networking/communications, and games. It's not so good for "media creation".
Here, "media" is music, movies, documents, presentations, email, web browsing, etc., etc..
However, the above is just a rule-of-thumb, and doesn't apply to everyone.
It really depends on what you do and what you prefer. For example, while many people hate creating long documents using the on-screen keyboard, some people have no problem with this. Some people get around this with an external keyboard but, once you do that, the iPad becomes less portable. On the other hand, small to modest edits of existing documents can often be easily done with an iPad.
You might as well ask what a computer is for. The iPad is a computer, it just uses a new interface and metaphor.
For me, my iPad has largely replaced my Mac. I'd say 95% of the time I reach for my iPad instead of walking over to my Mac. iPad is not the computer for everyone, but neither is a Mac, but iPad is the computer for me.
For me, my iPad has largely replaced my Mac. I'd say 95% of the time I reach for my iPad instead of walking over to my Mac. iPad is not the computer for everyone, but neither is a Mac, but iPad is the computer for me.
Full screen browsing? HD applications? Being able to see the full page when viewing a book?
What is the point of this thread?
You spent $500 or more just out of curiosity. Yeah okay. The more I read your anti Apple comments the less I understand you.
Why don't you answer the OP's question with helpful pros/cons rather than a mini rant as to why Apple released an iPad.
To the OP. I use my iPad for many different tasks including work related photo editing/publishing, blogging, surfing the web, email, editing web pages and a whole lot more.
I use Dropbox to transfer files between my iPad and have rarely if ever felt the need for USB.
I would say I've reduced the use of my MacBook by about a third.
Just wondering. What was the point of you commenting? I understand you can do all that. I'm somewhat interested in replacing my laptop.
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Thank you. This was useful. I also have a issue with iTunes and syncing...You can't download free music on an ipad and sync it with the iphone or ipod could you?
You'd get far better quality answers without the troll title of your thread.
I think it is a bit early to replace a laptop with an ipad.
It is really quite simple. The ipad has a 10" screen. The iPhone has a 3.5" inch screen. You have own/owned a multitude of Iphones so you be quite familiar with iOS. The size of the screen, better performance and the lack of phone/lesser quality camera is the difference in the ipad.
Sorry for being rude, but I was reacting to your perceived trolling.
I own a first generation iPad and as we speak I'm actually typing this on my iPad.
You are talking about replacing your laptop with an iPad. I suppose it's possible, depending on what you want to do with it. However, I see the iPad as an device that works next to my smartphone and my notebook.
So, why did I get an iPad? Curiosity.
I'm currently sitting in my bed with a pillow in my back and it's just lovely that I can browse the web and check out what is going on today without actually having to get out of my bed. Sure, I have an iPhone but it's not quite the same. As familiar as the iPad and iPhone are, I also find them to deliver quite a difference experience, all thanks to the bigger display.
An iPad is also way more fun to use than a notebook (in my opinion) because you are ding everything through one big touchscreen. I've always found it fascinating to actually touchtp the display and immediately see an effect, instead of using an external device like a mouse and keyboard to see a change on the computer display.
Obviously, the iPad is also very mobile. You can bring it anywhere you want in the house. I've brought my iPad abroad several times on holiday and than it's also really delightful to use the device. You can still browse mostly desktop (or tablet-specific) websites without the sluggishness of a notebook. If you want to read the latest news, than that's no problem. The new feed is being updated as you hold the device: you don't have to wait for the next edition of, for example, a newspaper. There are enough news apps to bring you the latest news.
But as I said: for most users, an iPad can't replace a desktop or notebook. Sure, for some people it does: like for the elderly who only needs to browse the web now and then and only sends emails or something like that.
An iPad is to be used next to a notebook for most users, not to replace a notebook.
If you are considering an iPad, than also consider these refurbished iPads from Apple. Same quality, new outer shells and new batteries but the price is significantly cheaper. http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad
You are talking about replacing your laptop with an iPad. I suppose it's possible, depending on what you want to do with it. However, I see the iPad as an device that works next to my smartphone and my notebook.
So, why did I get an iPad? Curiosity.
I'm currently sitting in my bed with a pillow in my back and it's just lovely that I can browse the web and check out what is going on today without actually having to get out of my bed. Sure, I have an iPhone but it's not quite the same. As familiar as the iPad and iPhone are, I also find them to deliver quite a difference experience, all thanks to the bigger display.
An iPad is also way more fun to use than a notebook (in my opinion) because you are ding everything through one big touchscreen. I've always found it fascinating to actually touchtp the display and immediately see an effect, instead of using an external device like a mouse and keyboard to see a change on the computer display.
Obviously, the iPad is also very mobile. You can bring it anywhere you want in the house. I've brought my iPad abroad several times on holiday and than it's also really delightful to use the device. You can still browse mostly desktop (or tablet-specific) websites without the sluggishness of a notebook. If you want to read the latest news, than that's no problem. The new feed is being updated as you hold the device: you don't have to wait for the next edition of, for example, a newspaper. There are enough news apps to bring you the latest news.
But as I said: for most users, an iPad can't replace a desktop or notebook. Sure, for some people it does: like for the elderly who only needs to browse the web now and then and only sends emails or something like that.
An iPad is to be used next to a notebook for most users, not to replace a notebook.
If you are considering an iPad, than also consider these refurbished iPads from Apple. Same quality, new outer shells and new batteries but the price is significantly cheaper. http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad
I have a Macbook Pro i5 15 inch, iPhone 4S, and iPad 2.
Before the iPad, I used my laptop for iMovie, Facebook, iPhoto, iWork and Portal 2.
Now that I have an iPad, the only thing I use my laptop for is Portal 2... (wouldn't that make an awesome iPad app??
)
iPad 2 + bluetooth keyboard, HDMI connector = Macbook... simple as that.
Some key apps that you will need to replace your laptop is Dropbox, Pandora/iHeartRadio, iWork apps, Facebook, and iMovie. With the iCloud/iOS 5, you can finally sell that laptop and use the leftover money to "pimp out" your iPad... smart cover, bluetooth keyboard, apps, chargers, car mount, speakers, HDMI connector, etc.
Before the iPad, I used my laptop for iMovie, Facebook, iPhoto, iWork and Portal 2.
Now that I have an iPad, the only thing I use my laptop for is Portal 2... (wouldn't that make an awesome iPad app??
) iPad 2 + bluetooth keyboard, HDMI connector = Macbook... simple as that.
Some key apps that you will need to replace your laptop is Dropbox, Pandora/iHeartRadio, iWork apps, Facebook, and iMovie. With the iCloud/iOS 5, you can finally sell that laptop and use the leftover money to "pimp out" your iPad... smart cover, bluetooth keyboard, apps, chargers, car mount, speakers, HDMI connector, etc.
I'll admit that it takes some time to configure the iPad and all of the myriad apps to your particular usage. It doesn't do everything I need a computer to do, but I knew that when I bought it. It has, however, replaced or beautifully complemented my computers for certain tasks. I do all of my reading on my iPad now, for example. All of the key corporate docs and such for my businesses are all on accessible instantly on my iPad through a variety of apps, including Evernote and Dropbox. I remember one time I needed to show a certificate of incorporation to open a corporate cell phone account. Pulled it up on my iPad and the guy at the store just put my iPad on his scanner and made a copy.
Yes, I could do most of what I do on my iPad with my iPhone, but the iPhone has two significant limitations. The screen is too small to read comfortably and the battery runs out way too quickly.
Yes, I could do most of what I do on my iPad with my iPhone, but the iPhone has two significant limitations. The screen is too small to read comfortably and the battery runs out way too quickly.
I do all my web browsing, email checking and video watching on my iPad. For school I use my macbook.
I got an iPad 1 in 2010 after I saw a co-worker of mine at a conference use it to quickly access the presentations while I fumbled around with a cluncky, work Windows laptop that had a 1.5 hr battery.
The iPad 1 replaced a desktop/laptop computer for home use as I mostly use it for web browsing, mail, games, and movies (particuarly when traveling). I don't know how I got through 4-5 hr flights without two movies from iTunes on my iPad.
Got an iPad 2 when it launched and gave my iPad 1 to my wife, who now uses it religiously. As it turns out, the iPad 2 has been most useful as a Skype/FaceTime device. We have 10 month old twins with family thousands of miles away...nothing like letting their grandchildren crawl to them from across the room and having the camera at their level. I think it's really been great for that, an unintended benefit.
The iPad 1 replaced a desktop/laptop computer for home use as I mostly use it for web browsing, mail, games, and movies (particuarly when traveling). I don't know how I got through 4-5 hr flights without two movies from iTunes on my iPad.
Got an iPad 2 when it launched and gave my iPad 1 to my wife, who now uses it religiously. As it turns out, the iPad 2 has been most useful as a Skype/FaceTime device. We have 10 month old twins with family thousands of miles away...nothing like letting their grandchildren crawl to them from across the room and having the camera at their level. I think it's really been great for that, an unintended benefit.
Why do you want it then?
If you are looking into it you must have a reason for wanting the device.
When the iPad was announced I, like many, scoffed at the fact that it wouldn't handle regular apps and seemed a large iPod/iPhone. Then it dawned on me, we have a cheap PC laptop that was mainly used to surf the net, download camera photos and upload to shutter fly/picasa, check email/facebook. Order things from amazon, check for recipes/restaurants, look at circulars, etc. Basically simple things that any low-powered computing device can handle.
Upon buying iPhones, the laptop started to get used less because we had pocket computers to use wherever, and the multitude of apps made doing the above things easier/quicker. We'd sometimes use the laptop still to download/upload photos or see sites in a larger format but really it was tucked away. Then a few months back I got an iPad (won it at work). Wow! I've wanted one for a while but was going to wait. Why did I want one? It was like my cheap laptop but faster/lighter, and heck cooler too (I know whoop-de-doo). Now we rarely get the laptop out. I sure wish my wife could use the iPad to create Shutterfly books, but as of now that is a Flash-based online tool.
What do I/we use the iPad for: surfing, checking email, photo editing (SnapSeed), reading books or magazines, checking ESPN/NFL via their apps, Flipping through news via Flipboard (or a few others but prefer Flipboard), Facebook, games, science-type apps (solar walk, star walk), and then kids games and letters/numbers teaching apps for a toddler.
I'd say it is/can be a cross between an iPhone/iPod and a laptop. We have and still use an iMac as my main computer. Though that's in the basement office and as such I don't get down there too often.
It is what you make of it.
It can basically do anything a laptop can do (other than high intensive processing tasks) if you're willing to deal with a clumsier interface. Typically the more advanced things you need to do, the more you need to work around the input limitations.
Out of the box, you'll be able to effortlessly consume content and communicate with people using facetime/skype/email whatever.
With some effort, you'll be able to create documents, do light image & movie editing, and create content. No doubt you'll need to change your normal workflow to create things.
I hardly ever use my home laptop anymore for browsing the web. I still haven't found good ways to incorporate the ipad into my work life yet. The interfaces are just too clumsy, but I'm still trying.
It can basically do anything a laptop can do (other than high intensive processing tasks) if you're willing to deal with a clumsier interface. Typically the more advanced things you need to do, the more you need to work around the input limitations.
Out of the box, you'll be able to effortlessly consume content and communicate with people using facetime/skype/email whatever.
With some effort, you'll be able to create documents, do light image & movie editing, and create content. No doubt you'll need to change your normal workflow to create things.
I hardly ever use my home laptop anymore for browsing the web. I still haven't found good ways to incorporate the ipad into my work life yet. The interfaces are just too clumsy, but I'm still trying.
Games used to be a very big issue with me because I was a huge PC gamer...
There are still a few compromises (MMO, FPS, RTS come to mind), but with OnLive coming to iPad WITH its OWN CONTROLLER (thank God), there are many, many more options then Angry Birds/Cut the Rope/etc.
I can imagine an iPad, with OnLive + controller, using AirPlay or HDMI dongle to a 55 inch LCD or computer monitor working just as good as a Playstation 3 or PC.
I doubt Apple would ever let Steam on the iPad, but if they do, that will change everything.
Another point that hasn't been mentioned yet is the replacement for "back seat entertainment". Check out amazon for "head rest iPad mount" and use the iPad as the movie player for the kids or other passengers. Sure beats that $2000 dealer installed option!
There are still a few compromises (MMO, FPS, RTS come to mind), but with OnLive coming to iPad WITH its OWN CONTROLLER (thank God), there are many, many more options then Angry Birds/Cut the Rope/etc.
I can imagine an iPad, with OnLive + controller, using AirPlay or HDMI dongle to a 55 inch LCD or computer monitor working just as good as a Playstation 3 or PC.
I doubt Apple would ever let Steam on the iPad, but if they do, that will change everything.
Another point that hasn't been mentioned yet is the replacement for "back seat entertainment". Check out amazon for "head rest iPad mount" and use the iPad as the movie player for the kids or other passengers. Sure beats that $2000 dealer installed option!