Why?

[Mobster Sauce]

I think the iPad is a really cool piece of technology, but why do I need one?

You see, I already have an iPhone 4. Isn't that just as good as an iPad (maybe even better)?

iPad:
Bigger screen
Richer apps
Limited data with wifi only option (there's no way I'm adding another data bill monthly)
Typing with one hand if you're holding it
Awkward to type with 2 hands on lap

iPhone 4:
Take it everywhere
GPS
Data access everywhere theres a signal
Easier to type on while holding
Much faster to type on (letters are closer together and 2 thumbs can be pretty quick an accurate)
Send and receive text messages and phone calls
Many more apps

The list can go on. The fact is, owning an iPad and an iPhone is very redundant. The only thing the iPad has going for it is the bigger screen.

So why is this iPad thing so popular? What am I not seeing? Is it just because people like to play games on it? Is it mostly for having a really expensive portable DVD player? I just don't see the point.

So my question is... How can I justify buying an iPad?

I really want one because they're really popular and I love gadgets, but I can't figure out how it separates itself from the iPhone (except with a larger screen).

What do you see in the iPad?

 

[MacDawg]

I have an iPhone 4 too

But I use my iPad for work
Notes in meetings
Presentations to clients
Carry all my work documents via Drop Box
Reading books


I also use it for movies I have
Plus streaming Netflix

 

[maclook]

You have to try one outside of a store to get a feel for the device.
Otherwise if you don't understand it, you won't understand it.

 

[poloponies]

I think the iPad is a really cool piece of technology, but why do I need one?

You see, I already have an iPhone 4. Isn't that just as good as an iPad (maybe even better)?

iPad:
Bigger screen
Richer apps
Limited data with wifi only option (there's no way I'm adding another data bill monthly)
Typing with one hand if you're holding it
Awkward to type with 2 hands on lap

iPhone 4:
Take it everywhere
GPS
Data access everywhere theres a signal
Easier to type on while holding
Much faster to type on (letters are closer together and 2 thumbs can be pretty quick an accurate)
Send and receive text messages and phone calls
Many more apps

The list can go on. The fact is, owning an iPad and an iPhone is very redundant. The only thing the iPad has going for it is the bigger screen.

So why is this iPad thing so popular? What am I not seeing? Is it just because people like to play games on it? Is it mostly for having a really expensive portable DVD player? I just don't see the point.

So my question is... How can I justify buying an iPad?

I really want one because they're really popular and I love gadgets, but I can't figure out how it separates itself from the iPhone (except with a larger screen).

What do you see in the iPad?

I keep work documents on mine. It's a fantastic reader device and with iAnnotate you can mark up docs and print them out. I have a contractor friend who keeps all his quotes and product brochures on his. A physician friend logs into his EMR through Citrix. Hey, not everyone "needs" an iPad or even wants one, nor are they expected to, but it works well for those who have a use for it. Oh, I have Angry Birds on mine, and solitaire (and the NYT Crosswords) but that's about it for games.

 

[Mobster Sauce]

I have an iPhone 4 too

But I use my iPad for work
Notes in meetings
Presentations to clients
Carry all my work documents via Drop Box
Reading books


I also use it for movies I have
Plus streaming Netflix

Ah. I see. Those are valid reasons, but I doubt that most iPad users are using theirs for work. Haha.

With so many millions of iPhones out there and millions of iPads, I'm betting a lot of people have both. Out of the people who have both, I wonder if they're doing work like you or just love buying tech gadgets to play games on.

 

[iPadztr]

if you dont see any reason why you need iPad, then you probably dont need one. I also do have an iPhone 4, but I enjoy browsing the web on bigger screen than my iPhone 4.

 

[MattDell]

It is very redundant to the iPhone. If you can afford both, good for you.


My main reason for swapping an iPhone for an iPad is because I'm moving from Hawaii to London. In Hawaii I have to drive to work. In London, I'll be taking public transport and have a messenger bag that I can put an iPad in.

In Hawaii, I'd probably only ever use the iPad at home. And there, I can just use my laptop. And while I'm out of the house, my iPhone will be there with me.

But in London, I'll have my morning commute on public transport, so a lot of time to read the news, play some games, kill time, etc.

Plus the iPad is unlocked and I can use it in any country where I can get a mini-SIM with a data plan.

That's how I'm justifying it, at least.

 

[Kadin]

OP, try one for a week. Give it a good solid chance and see if you still feel the same way. You might still decide it's not for your liking and then return it, no restock fees any more. Most likely you'll see something you didn't think you would and will hang onto it. Sure it's redundant in some areas, but it definitely excels in many of those too.

 

[TEG]

I think the iPad is a really cool piece of technology, but why do I need one?

You see, I already have an iPhone 4. Isn't that just as good as an iPad (maybe even better)?

iPad:
Bigger screen
Richer apps
Limited data with wifi only option (there's no way I'm adding another data bill monthly)
Typing with one hand if you're holding it
Awkward to type with 2 hands on lap

iPhone 4:
Take it everywhere
GPS
Data access everywhere theres a signal
Easier to type on while holding
Much faster to type on (letters are closer together and 2 thumbs can be pretty quick an accurate)
Send and receive text messages and phone calls
Many more apps

The list can go on. The fact is, owning an iPad and an iPhone is very redundant. The only thing the iPad has going for it is the bigger screen.

So why is this iPad thing so popular? What am I not seeing? Is it just because people like to play games on it? Is it mostly for having a really expensive portable DVD player? I just don't see the point.

So my question is... How can I justify buying an iPad?

I really want one because they're really popular and I love gadgets, but I can't figure out how it separates itself from the iPhone (except with a larger screen).

What do you see in the iPad?

Your ideas make sense, except all iPhone apps work on the iPad (including Netflix), but there are many iPad only apps. The iPad 3G does also have GPS, even if you don't have a 3G data plan. It is also easier for many people to read on the iPad than the iPhone.

All that being said, I only have an iPhone.

TEG

 

[poloponies]

Ah. I see. Those are valid reasons, but I doubt that most iPad users are using theirs for work. Haha.

With so many millions of iPhones out there and millions of iPads, I'm betting a lot of people have both. Out of the people who have both, I wonder if they're doing work like you or just love buying tech gadgets to play games on.

They sold 15 million plus, so there's not a doubt in my mind that many purchasers are attracted to bright shiny things. My tech-averse wife wanted a netbook after a friend got one but I picked up an iPad for her instead. It's her go-to device for email, surfing, photo albums, e-reading, etc. There are lots of people like her for whom a notebook is overkill but an iPhone just isn't enough.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I like to analogize it this way -- just because I might own #00 Philips screwdriver doesn't mean owning a #1 Philips screwdriver is redundant. iPhone is great on the move but I wouldn't want to watch a complete movie or read a magazine on it while on a plane. And I don't think I could ever take lengthy notes or write a short memo on an iPhone. Similar tools that can overlap but still useful in their own right.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Well, beyond having an incredibly portable (inside the house and out) web browser with incredible battery life, I can:

Create music using iElectribe, Korg iMS-20 and now, GarageBand!

Play cool games like Civilization Revolution, which is as close to a general pushing around military units on a map as I'll ever get.

Use Numbers to track / control personal budget.

Use Bento to track everything related to projects I'm doing.

Watch videos, iTunes U videos, control my DVR via Xfinity app, and stream Netflix (perfect when my son wants to catch a quick cartoon and bonus! No commercials trying to sell toys to him).

Email, directions and more available. I had no clue how much I'd be able to use my iPad. It's an integral part of my tech life.

 

[mizvalorie]

I have an iPhone 4 and an iPad. I use my iPad for all my note taking at school. it's also great to be walking down a hallway and be able to pull up the presentations from the professors and discuss with other students. I can also be walking to class and cramming before a test and not have to worry about papers flying everywhere or holding up a laptop uncomfortably. iBooks is WAY better on the iPad too, so reading is much easier.

I do not do much gaming on my iPad so it is mainly for school and some netflix watching.

 

[Mobster Sauce]

Thanks for the help guys.

I think you made my decision easier. I think I'll stick with just the iPhone 4. Its all I need. I don't do any of the duff you guys are doing with your iPads. I have an apple tv in the living room for streaming videos and I don't do much traveling.

For me, the iPhone does enough.

By the way, how can you type out long notes on an iPad comfortably? The iPad keyboard is hard to type on because most of your hands cover up the screen while hunting for buttons, but the iPhone just has your thumbs and the letters are close enough together that you can just blast out text with amazing speed and accuracy.

 

[twentytwo22]

For me, the biggest one is PDF reading with Goodreader. I am a bit of a linguist (particularly Japanese), and there are so many great study tools out there in PDF format that just feel so much more comfortable on the iPad than on a PC screen.

Other uses are note taking (inc. handwritten), ebooks, internet exploring, and as a general compliment to my iMac (I don't own a laptop). Some light gaming, I guess, but still getting into it.

 

[Night Spring]

By the way, how can you type out long notes on an iPad comfortably? The iPad keyboard is hard to type on because most of your hands cover up the screen while hunting for buttons, but the iPhone just has your thumbs and the letters are close enough together that you can just blast out text with amazing speed and accuracy.

Put the iPad in landscape, and the keys are the same size as a regular keyboard. You can then touch type like you do with a regular keyboard, no need to hunt for keys. You do need some place to prop down your iPad, but usually I find my lap works just fine.

~typed on my iPad.

 

[baummer]

Thanks for the help guys.

I think you made my decision easier. I think I'll stick with just the iPhone 4. Its all I need. I don't do any of the duff you guys are doing with your iPads. I have an apple tv in the living room for streaming videos and I don't do much traveling.

For me, the iPhone does enough.

By the way, how can you type out long notes on an iPad comfortably? The iPad keyboard is hard to type on because most of your hands cover up the screen while hunting for buttons, but the iPhone just has your thumbs and the letters are close enough together that you can just blast out text with amazing speed and accuracy.

I suspect many users weren't doing those things before they got their iPads, or if they were, were doing them a lot differently. I think what the iPad exudes is a different way of experiencing and interacting with digital content.

 

[Blorzoga]

I have both and I can tell you: the ipad is very comfortable to use while sitting and relaxing. I rarely sit at my PC anymore. True, it has everything that the iPhone has but with a bigger screen. That's just it...it has a bigger screen. That makes all the difference. If you can afford it get one. You won't regret it.

 

[leenak]

I don't have an iPhone. I do have an older ipod Touch though.

I see a lot of use with this in that it is lighter and easier to carry around than a laptop. I'll be able to watch movies on the plane as well as read various websites (I have a science textbook that is online for one of my classes).

Overall, I see a lot of possibilities in the iPad, expanding on what i currently use my touch for. I'm excited about getting the iPad.

 

[Saberj]

I think the iPad is a really cool piece of technology, but why do I need one?

You see, I already have an iPhone 4. Isn't that just as good as an iPad (maybe even better)?

iPad:
Bigger screen
Richer apps
Limited data with wifi only option (there's no way I'm adding another data bill monthly)
Typing with one hand if you're holding it
Awkward to type with 2 hands on lap

iPhone 4:
Take it everywhere
GPS
Data access everywhere theres a signal
Easier to type on while holding
Much faster to type on (letters are closer together and 2 thumbs can be pretty quick an accurate)
Send and receive text messages and phone calls
Many more apps

The list can go on. The fact is, owning an iPad and an iPhone is very redundant. The only thing the iPad has going for it is the bigger screen.

So why is this iPad thing so popular? What am I not seeing? Is it just because people like to play games on it? Is it mostly for having a really expensive portable DVD player? I just don't see the point.

So my question is... How can I justify buying an iPad?

I really want one because they're really popular and I love gadgets, but I can't figure out how it separates itself from the iPhone (except with a larger screen).

What do you see in the iPad?

I don't have an iPhone, so I am in a different situation. But it is important to note that:

I take my iPad everywhere as well. A 3G iPad will also have some GPS functionality. I hate typing on my phone, and well as my iPod, but I can tolerate typing on my iPad. And you can use every iPhone app on the iPad in addition to iPad only apps. You can't say the same thing for doing that vice-versa.

For me, it's all about games that maximize the extra screen real estate (Like Board games), and reading, which I would never in a million years want to try to do on a phone. So yeah, each person will be different.

 

[michael.lauden]

I like to analogize it this way -- just because I might own #00 Philips screwdriver doesn't mean owning a #1 Philips screwdriver is redundant. [...]

Youre right - because they are two different tools used for different purposes - except for the part where using the wrong tool will strip the screw out.

using my iPhone to watch netflix, doesn't render netflix unusable (nor does it force me to spend time drilling it out of iOS ).

 

[ditzy]

The iPhone is a brilliant consumtion device... for a phone. The iPad is a brilliant consumtion device.
When I use the iPhone as a phone or as a music player, it is the right size, when I use it for reading books, writing emails, reading documents, it is too small.
I used to spend a lot of time wishing that the iPhone was bigger, only to realise that it is the right size for a phone. The iPad was really what I was wishing for. I would hate to give up my iPhone, but if I had to choose between the iPhone and the iPad, the iPad would win hands down.

 

[michael.lauden]

[..]
When I use the iPhone as a phone or as a music player, it is the right size, when I use it for reading books, writing emails, reading documents, it is too small. [..]

I guess I just can't understand 600 bucks for something to read/write emails on slower

 

[Cutwolf]

I was with you when the iPad first came out. I have an iPhone and an MBP.

Then I thought about it...

I do 4 big things on my laptop:

1) Take notes
2) Write papers
3) Play games (WoW, Diablo, Civilization)
4) Browse the internet

3 can be done better by a desktop, and 2 can be done just as well by a desktop.

The iPad can take notes just as well as an MBP (I have a bluetooth keyboard sitting around that I never use right now) using a program like notability.

It's just as capable of an internet browser.

It's much more portable than a laptop (I use the plane/train test...which device would I be willing to whip out on a plane or a train?).

I'm also a law student, and I've heard tons of great things about the iPads versatility for lawyers (probably one of professions the iPad is most useful for, from what I've heard).

The iphone can handle my location based services and my communication.

So I envision my iPad as a gradual laptop replacement. I'll buy a dedicated gaming desktop once I can afford it, and use my iPad for everything else.

 

[DeuceDeuce]

I have a 27inch TV in my game room and a 58inch in my living room. Both do pretty much the same thing but boy do I prefer the 58inch one when its on as opposed to the 27inch one. Sure my iPhone can do "MOST" of the things my iPad does but I much rather use my iPad just like I rather watch my 58incher as opposed to my 27incher. I'm glad Im in the position to be able to afford both and if I wasn't it wouldn't be the end of the world. Also, my iPad has certain apps that my iPhone doesn't and visa versa. Many on each that I love and would hate to give up.

People that don't understand are silly. The device may not be for you, just like a big screen isn't for many people, but that doesn't make it useless.