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Whats the point of an iPad?
- Thread starter miss.manson
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I work on cruise ships, so I used to carry a 17" MBP with a 2tb external hdd around, when the original iPad was released I bought one and found I used it more, especially when I found I could stream all my movies to it.
In September last year I was in NYC for the day, so I decided to buy myself the iPad2 plus I went for a Mac Mini, Superdrive and the BT Keyboard & Mouse... I then sold my MBP and haven't regretted it... I linked the Mini up to the HDMI TV I have in my cabin, but I never use it... Instead I use my iPad for Internet, streaming movies and everything else, I also installed Splashtop Remote so now I use my iPad2 as a wireless monitor for my Mini too, as I sometimes need Photoshop to make some promo items for work.
The size and weight of the iPad / Mini / Ext HDD combo is great for the travel to and from the ship.
I sold my 2009 MBP to a collegue on the ship for $500 and I'm giving my original iPad to my father.
I couldn't live without the iPad here!
I'll be upgrading to the iPad3 when it's released and I may go back to the MBP too depending on how good the new models will be.
In September last year I was in NYC for the day, so I decided to buy myself the iPad2 plus I went for a Mac Mini, Superdrive and the BT Keyboard & Mouse... I then sold my MBP and haven't regretted it... I linked the Mini up to the HDMI TV I have in my cabin, but I never use it... Instead I use my iPad for Internet, streaming movies and everything else, I also installed Splashtop Remote so now I use my iPad2 as a wireless monitor for my Mini too, as I sometimes need Photoshop to make some promo items for work.
The size and weight of the iPad / Mini / Ext HDD combo is great for the travel to and from the ship.
I sold my 2009 MBP to a collegue on the ship for $500 and I'm giving my original iPad to my father.
I couldn't live without the iPad here!
I'll be upgrading to the iPad3 when it's released and I may go back to the MBP too depending on how good the new models will be.
Books, music, games, web browsing, newspapers, iMessage.
I don't have an iPhone, not sure if I would still have wanted an iPad if I had an iPhone.
I don't have an iPhone, not sure if I would still have wanted an iPad if I had an iPhone.
I had both for a while, and found that I didn't use my iPad enough to justify its cost, so I sold it.
I might be willing to try it again when the iPad 3 comes out.
This is why I got a Kindle Fire. It was $300 cheaper than an iPad 2. When I had my iPad 2, I barely picked up because I got so used to using my iPhone for everything. I just didn't feel comfortable with a near $600 (with taxes) tablet just laying around and me not using it. $200 is much more justifiable for me...thats nearly three iPad 2s.
I have that specific combo, but I used to think the same way as you.
I use the MacBook Air for Xcode and other programming (I study CS) and the iPad for light surfing, reading and watching video. I don't use my iPad for listening to music, I keep the audio on my iPhone instead. The iPhone serves as phone, iPod and mobile wifi hotspot (tethering iPhone -> iPad / MBAir).
I love my iPad - it's brilliant for work (use Dropbox) and to be honest - I just love sitting on the sofa do my work / research 
of an evening - glass of wine in one hand - iPad on my lap - reading books through kindle - forum browsing - social networking (love the iPad hootsuite app as I can manage all my feeds so easily)
I have it instead of a laptop - sad as it sounds I would be lost without it now!
I <3
iPads
of an evening - glass of wine in one hand - iPad on my lap - reading books through kindle - forum browsing - social networking (love the iPad hootsuite app as I can manage all my feeds so easily) I have it instead of a laptop - sad as it sounds I would be lost without it now!
I <3
iPads
You must be in the very small percentile who would need all 3 devices. As far as I know you can turn the ipad into a Wifi-hotspot and store your music on it, and you can replace your cellphone with a cheap nokia one to make calls. Or you can eliminate the ipad as you can do surfing and watching video on your macbook air.
The only thing the iPad has a major advantage in is reading, where its better to do on it than macbook air or iphone
I use it for watching movies, reading books, playing games and browsing the internet. For other stuff I still prefer using my laptop. If I had to do it all over again I wouldn't have bought my 4, and just used a cheap phone. But I bought the iphone first so I use both.
My wife is legally blind and an avid reader and author. The iPad2 allows her to continue reading where she can no longer read most paperback books because she can control font size. She cannot use Kindles or Nooks because eInk is a fail for her. Not enough contrast and font control is worse on those products than an iPad. The color versions of Nook and Kindle are also fails for various reasons. I know, last Christmas I got her a color nook and it was returned before Christmas 2010.
Our use of the iPads goes mostly with what people have said here. Couple the iPad2 with a good BT keyboard and it does become a light laptop with some limitations. I am still looking for good blogging software to use on the iPad2.
But there are some uses for which was still continue to go to our desktop systems for. For my wife it is writing of any kind as she uses MS Word. Myself, what puts me in front of the MacPro are financial work, programming, taxes and advance digital photography. It has been a long time since I picked up my DSLR so most of my photography needs are handled by an iPhone with SnapSeed and the displayed on my iPad. But if more advanced tools are needed, the iPad does fail and I find myself in Aperture and PS CS5.
Unless a person is in to heavy gaming, where that game does not exist on the iPad; is in to heavy duty processing such as advanced video or photography or advanced audio then an iPad2, equipped with the right accessories, will reduce the need for a full blown computer.
But if the user needs any Flash content, then the iPad2 fails.
If it were me, going in to Apple products for the first time, I would strongly consider the MacBook Air (MBA) and would get good external drives. It is lightweight enough, a full computer and will let you see what else you might need.
Our use of the iPads goes mostly with what people have said here. Couple the iPad2 with a good BT keyboard and it does become a light laptop with some limitations. I am still looking for good blogging software to use on the iPad2.
But there are some uses for which was still continue to go to our desktop systems for. For my wife it is writing of any kind as she uses MS Word. Myself, what puts me in front of the MacPro are financial work, programming, taxes and advance digital photography. It has been a long time since I picked up my DSLR so most of my photography needs are handled by an iPhone with SnapSeed and the displayed on my iPad. But if more advanced tools are needed, the iPad does fail and I find myself in Aperture and PS CS5.
Unless a person is in to heavy gaming, where that game does not exist on the iPad; is in to heavy duty processing such as advanced video or photography or advanced audio then an iPad2, equipped with the right accessories, will reduce the need for a full blown computer.
But if the user needs any Flash content, then the iPad2 fails.
If it were me, going in to Apple products for the first time, I would strongly consider the MacBook Air (MBA) and would get good external drives. It is lightweight enough, a full computer and will let you see what else you might need.
For me, it's the ultimate "lounge" toy.
I just relax on the sofa and browse the net, check my email/facebook/twitter, play Words with Friends, listen to music via Spotify, watch movies on there or stream to my TV with an ATV2 via Airplay. I read a lot too with the Kindle App, and occasionally I'll download new issues of Fortune magazine to flick through.
People can say it's just a big iPhone, but size does really matter and the experience is a million miles away from each other. I'll only use my iPhone for that sort of junk when I'm out, or if someone is hogging my iPad
I just relax on the sofa and browse the net, check my email/facebook/twitter, play Words with Friends, listen to music via Spotify, watch movies on there or stream to my TV with an ATV2 via Airplay. I read a lot too with the Kindle App, and occasionally I'll download new issues of Fortune magazine to flick through.
People can say it's just a big iPhone, but size does really matter and the experience is a million miles away from each other. I'll only use my iPhone for that sort of junk when I'm out, or if someone is hogging my iPad
HaHa Vitzr`s like the anti LTD of Macrumors (no offence Vitzr
)I only got one because I found myself grabbing my wife`s iPad at least half the time compared to my MBP.
It will not replace a laptop for most people. For me? It has worked well and has replaced my laptop, i used my laptop for powerpoint presentations that i had developed on my desktop.
So for me:
Great for presenting powerpoints, just plug it onto a hdmi tv and you are set ( you need adapter)
I manage a medical clinic and i need a ton of paperwork (mainly pdf files) with me at all times, i have all my files set up with goodreader, works perfect for me.
And lastly, instant on, if i get a phone call asking for medical advice and i need to review a pdf during the conversation, its seconds away.
So, depending on your use, it may or may not work for you. It replaced my laptop, but i do most of my work on my desktop.
So for me:
Great for presenting powerpoints, just plug it onto a hdmi tv and you are set ( you need adapter)
I manage a medical clinic and i need a ton of paperwork (mainly pdf files) with me at all times, i have all my files set up with goodreader, works perfect for me.
And lastly, instant on, if i get a phone call asking for medical advice and i need to review a pdf during the conversation, its seconds away.
So, depending on your use, it may or may not work for you. It replaced my laptop, but i do most of my work on my desktop.
I don't have an iPad yet. But I am seeing a gap where it would undoubtedly fit in.
I will be in University in a few months, an iPad could be a great ebook reader. I find myself annoyed with reading ebooks on my iPhone, where I have to flick or tap to next page every 30secs. Plus the bigger screen really does help.
Also I hate sitting on my desk to use my MacBook and surf web all the time. When I do surfing anywhere other than the desk, the laptop can get warm and not quite light as the iPad.
I often write too, and the iPad could be perfect occasionally when I'm on the go, but I still prefer to do my writing on my laptop.
Watching movies/videos will be nice, though I will listen to music mainly through my phone on the go.
That is all I think the iPad will have use for at the moment, when I do get one (when the iPad 3 comes out) I think it will have more uses to me.
I will be in University in a few months, an iPad could be a great ebook reader. I find myself annoyed with reading ebooks on my iPhone, where I have to flick or tap to next page every 30secs. Plus the bigger screen really does help.
Also I hate sitting on my desk to use my MacBook and surf web all the time. When I do surfing anywhere other than the desk, the laptop can get warm and not quite light as the iPad.
I often write too, and the iPad could be perfect occasionally when I'm on the go, but I still prefer to do my writing on my laptop.
Watching movies/videos will be nice, though I will listen to music mainly through my phone on the go.
That is all I think the iPad will have use for at the moment, when I do get one (when the iPad 3 comes out) I think it will have more uses to me.
Of course it's possible to eliminate the iPad or iPhone from the combo, but then I would need more storage space on the remaining iOS device. And if it was the iPhone which was removed, I would also need 3G on my iPad in addition to extra space for the music - plus I would no longer have a music player which was ultraportable as such.
My iPad has replaced my computer. Does that mean it replaced every computer in my house? No. What it means is that I no longer need a full-fledged computer of my own. As long as there is a computer in the house that I can access occasionally I'm good. I do 99% of my computing on the iPad and about 1% on the iMac.
My wife and I have always had our own computers, desks, bookcases, etc. Our shared office was always cramped. Now her eMac is retired, she has my iMac, and my office furniture is gone leaving us much more room for activities.
I think you hit the nail on the head. When folks say an iPad has replaced a laptop, it is usually in the context of other devices (and users) in their home. After we purchased an iPad, I rarely use the family laptop.....just don't need it for the vast majority of the stuff we do. Indeed, it saved me from purchasing another MacBook
For example, I am sure there are a lot of couples that could get by wonderfully with an iPad and a Mac mini, which is basically the same cost as one entry level MacBook pro (assuming that most folks have a monitor, keyboard and mouse to use with their laptop).
Just used my finger, but I'm taking a good look at the Wacom stylus. It looks pretty nice.
iPad 2 + Apple TV2 is a pretty sick combo.
It's like an advance viewing of future of Apple TV with iOS apps.
Unfortunately some of the TV apps do not allow AirPlay, else there would really be no need for cable when you can bum off your neighbor's Comcast account and password =).
Plus one's eyesight is priceless, iPad is simply better for your eyes than a small iPhone.
It's like an advance viewing of future of Apple TV with iOS apps.
Unfortunately some of the TV apps do not allow AirPlay, else there would really be no need for cable when you can bum off your neighbor's Comcast account and password =).
Plus one's eyesight is priceless, iPad is simply better for your eyes than a small iPhone.
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)
I kidded myself that an ipad2 would be a great replacement for my dying 6+yr old MacBook. Somewhere in the back of my head I figured it wouldn't really.
However, after a few weeks use it really has replaced it with the added benefit of some pretty cool games I can play.
I am more than happy with the iPad but I guess it depends on what you use a laptop for (for me it was emails, Internet , occasional spreadsheet (like one a year!) and controlling my HTPC macmini when my wife is watching something else on the TV (god bless logmein!)
But as someone said above if I didn't have my macmini it wouldn't have been able to replace my MacBook (need something to run airvideo and printopia on!)
I kidded myself that an ipad2 would be a great replacement for my dying 6+yr old MacBook. Somewhere in the back of my head I figured it wouldn't really.
However, after a few weeks use it really has replaced it with the added benefit of some pretty cool games I can play.
I am more than happy with the iPad but I guess it depends on what you use a laptop for (for me it was emails, Internet , occasional spreadsheet (like one a year!) and controlling my HTPC macmini when my wife is watching something else on the TV (god bless logmein!)
But as someone said above if I didn't have my macmini it wouldn't have been able to replace my MacBook (need something to run airvideo and printopia on!)
I basically use my Ipad as a all around media device when i travel for my work .I can do the following things with it and it not as heavy as a laptop & it accessories that you need to carry around to use a laptop when traveling .
So here what i can do with my ipad
-play games i like to play
-listen to music
-surf the web for my socalled website's i like
-shop on the web through a couple of diff types of app's
-take note's with it in meetings
-keep track of the diff things through diff apps that you have on it to do the job
-facetime with the family
Also a nice part of the ipad is the sceen size for a person who is a little older like me who without glass can not see the socalled small screen of a iphone .So the scree size is a nice touch on the ipad
The best part the ipad and it accessories items all fits into a single bag to carry it around in a SwissGear Netbook carrying bag and it fit in my daypack that i use for work .So it stays with me all the time when i'm on the road or intown for work .
So here what i can do with my ipad
-play games i like to play
-listen to music
-surf the web for my socalled website's i like
-shop on the web through a couple of diff types of app's
-take note's with it in meetings
-keep track of the diff things through diff apps that you have on it to do the job
-facetime with the family
Also a nice part of the ipad is the sceen size for a person who is a little older like me who without glass can not see the socalled small screen of a iphone .So the scree size is a nice touch on the ipad
The best part the ipad and it accessories items all fits into a single bag to carry it around in a SwissGear Netbook carrying bag and it fit in my daypack that i use for work .So it stays with me all the time when i'm on the road or intown for work .
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