Having trouble letting go of iPad

[3dflyboy1]

ok, here's my situation: I currently have an iPad 1, and I decided from a previous discussion thread that the best course of action as a student is to sell the iPad and buy a MBA. The only problem is that it's kinda hard because I start thinking, "I'll probably really miss the iPad..." and "will the MBA fill the gap adequately?" I really love my iPad because it's really a great "whip-out-and-use" device, and it's not really within my budget limitations to own both gadgets at the same time. Does anyone have experience with selling an iPad to get a laptop? How did it work out, etc?

And where could I sell my iPad to get a good price for it? Is ebay or craigslist better? Should I include the case & keyboard or sell those separately? I'd like to get the biggest chunk of cash possible to put towards the MBA.

any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[glen e]

I use both and do not find them to be interchangeable . The MBA creates content, the iPad is for consuming it.

 

[deedas]

I use both and when I sold my 1st gen iPad to buy the new one and it suddenly got back ordered for a month, I went through bad withdrawal for about a month. And right about when I was getting used to doing everything on my MBA the new iPad came and everything in my world made sense again.

My point: If you need the cash sell, you'll get used to working without it. But there is definitely a space for it. It is not an "overlapping" product in my opinion.

 

[aneftp]

You won't get much back if selling iPad 1 on used market. Just think about your cost basis.

Maybe get $300 for iPad 1 16gb wifi used. That's the going rate on craigslist these days. And it will cost you around $1000 to get MacBook air. If you shop around you may find refurnished MBA for a little less.

The best deal on MacBook air will be when the new one is released probably within the next two weeks. The used market will be flooded with used but great late 2010 MacBook Airs.

 

[DeusInvictus7]

I sold my iPad a few months ago to buy a MacBook Air, and I haven't regretted it. I moved my entire setup from a MacBook Pro and iPad to the setup I have in my sig, and I like it better.

I do miss the iPad for some things, and will probably get another iPad eventually, but for now what I have works better for what I need it to do.

 

[3dflyboy1]

So getting $350 for a used 16GB wifi is impossible now? Or could it sell for that on eBay? And I was looking around and I could get a used baseline 11" MBA for around $750-830, or $830+tax for a refurb from apple. Do you think that the used 2010 airs would go down in price a lot after the new gen is released? Like down to $700 for a baseline 11"?

 

[Duke15]

Just wondering, what do you actually use your Ipad for, I just cant see myself needing one, I have music and internet already in my phone, dont really need to watch movies other then when im at home so what do you use it for? there must be something im missing.

 

[Poisoned1]

I have an iPad 1 32gb 3G version and ended up buying a 11" MBA. I rarely use my pc anymore since the mba. I wanted to sell the iPad and my mom offered but ended up not wanting it in the end. While the iPad was at my mom's house I did miss it a little because it is so portable and easy to just bring out and use. I really like the mba though and having an actual laptop thats sooo portable. I was always told that the two together overlapped each other in use, so it's good to hear that some people do use both of the devices together. I'm thinking about getting the iPad back if I can't sell it soon

 

[Coen0s]

Your talking about iOS vs OSX,
And if you are an student you really need a Mac and not an iPad.
On this moment i own a old MacBook(4.1) and an iPad
I am waiting for the new MBA to come out.
And i wont sell my iPad it's just to perfect to take it with you in bed, car, holiday etc. If i want to type a document, buy something on the internet or downloading files, edit movies and all the otherthings i'll get the Mac.
My point: i see the iPad as a luxery product to make "laidback" internet easier.
If you want THE all-in-one product get mac ( MBA,MBP)

 

[IJBrekke]

I use both and do not find them to be interchangeable . The MBA creates content, the iPad is for consuming it.

This.

Also, in regards to the iPad 1 selling price: Apple sells refurbs for $350 now, so a used model will fetch a little less.

 

[Steamrunner]

Just wondering, what do you actually use your Ipad for, I just cant see myself needing one, I have music and internet already in my phone, dont really need to watch movies other then when im at home so what do you use it for? there must be something im missing.

That was exactly what I thought. I figured it was just a big iPod Touch - which I still think. I also think the iPad is a good £100-£150 overpriced for what it is. Clearly that's a realistic price as no-one has come out with a cheaper tablet at the same level; I just think it's not very good value for money.

Having said all that, once I had a go on an iPad, it made sense; before I knew it, I'd placed an order and had one on launch day. Ended up getting a v2 on launch day too, for the cameras. There are times when I reach for my iPhone, and times when I want the iPad (magazines and tech manuals, for example). I'm down for the top 11" Air when they're out, so it'll be interesting to see if - as is currently the plan - I manage to get by with the Air during the day and leaving the iPad at home for the missus to use Facetime on.

 

[xkmxkmxlmx]

I use both and do not find them to be interchangeable . The MBA creates content, the iPad is for consuming it.

I consumed just as much content on my MBA than on my iPad.

The only problem is I prefer books and comics on my iPad than I do on my phone or MBA. Everything else, though, is great on the MBA.

So to the OP, I say go for it. Almost anything you can do on an iPad, you can do on a MBA plus a LOT more.

 

[glen e]

I consumed just as much content on my MBA than on my iPad.

The only problem is I prefer books and comics on my iPad than I do on my phone or MBA. Everything else, though, is great on the MBA.

So to the OP, I say go for it. Almost anything you can do on an iPad, you can do on a MBA plus a LOT more.

Disagree...there are a hundred situations I like my iPad more than my MBA....each has it's own use...and yes..MBA consumes fine, but a iPad does not create well...


But I expect this type of "either or crap" on the MBA forum....

 

[palpatine]

I think I posted in your MBA mb thread already, but the iPad can be really useful in university in ways that's regular notebook cannot. I highly recommend going paperless and giving the iPad a try as a reader. Good reader is the best PDF app I have used so far.

 

[Lonectzn]

I sold my iPad a few months ago to buy a MacBook Air, and I haven't regretted it. I moved my entire setup from a MacBook Pro and iPad to the setup I have in my sig, and I like it better.

I do miss the iPad for some things, and will probably get another iPad eventually, but for now what I have works better for what I need it to do.

You chose your setup wisely . I have the same iMac (even same ram, added my own), and the same Air, and will be getting the Galaxy S II in a couple weeks. I gave away my iPad shortly after getting the Air, and just as you do I miss it for some things (well, really only one specific thing - google reader).

Oh, and like you I have Apple TV. Netflix through that $99 box (thanks usvideo) has given me so much joy.

 

[theSeb]

I use both and do not find them to be interchangeable . The MBA creates content, the iPad is for consuming it.

This guy gets it.

 

[2 Street Cats]

Your talking about iOS vs OSX,
And if you are an student you really need a Mac and not an iPad.
On this moment i own a old MacBook(4.1) and an iPad
I am waiting for the new MBA to come out.
And i wont sell my iPad it's just to perfect to take it with you in bed, car, holiday etc. If i want to type a document, buy something on the internet or downloading files, edit movies and all the otherthings i'll get the Mac.
My point: i see the iPad as a luxery product to make "laidback" internet easier.
If you want THE all-in-one product get mac ( MBA,MBP)

I agree with most comments that the two devices aren't interchangeable, but
here's an option that makes "laidback" internet (and ebook reading) much better on the MBA:
http://www.macscreenrotate.com

It rotates your MBA screen for portrait viewing and rotates the trackpad accordingly. It won't replace an iPad, but it is an option for people limited by certain constraints (budget, weight, etc.). I'm on an extended summer holiday now (backpacking) and the 11" MBA with MSR suits my needs just fine.

 

[3dflyboy1]

thanks

Thanks everybody for the opinions and insight. I just got back from a conference trip and I have to say it really defined just how much I would use either device. And especially with that rotation app mentioned above, I'd say the air wins.

Again, thanks for the replies and wish me luck getting a good price for my iPad.

 

[BostonBrawler]

double post

 

[BostonBrawler]

Just saw that OP has made up his/her mind, but to further the conversation:

As some have said, the iPad is not an 'either/or' in comparison to an MBA, or any other laptop for that matter. I originally got mine last year for business, as they have a great GoToMeeting app when on the road. Also got it for being able to surf the internet while on the road. Got the 64g so downloaded my entire iTunes library. Downloaded the Netflix app for my kids while in the car. Etc.

I fully understand that tablets are the hot new trend right now, but much like IMO 3D tv's, I personally feel that they are one of those technologies that will not automatically replace something. Ive read articles about all these new tablets replacing the laptop. Sorry, as a business professional that lives on a laptop, I don't buy it.

An iPad is great for having iTunes to watch movies on the road. Its great if you have media publication apps such as the WSJ, NYT, and such - which have their own interface with the iPad, to make reading seamless. They are great as an e-book viewer. They are great to play games on. As mentioned, great if you have Netflix. Etc.

BUT, if you have ever tried to write a lengthy email, or even a short document (without attaching keyboards), they are not really practical.

The iPad wont replace a laptop. It is more of many neat portable gadgets in one. It could replace a nook/kindle, iPod (if the size doesn't bother you), handheld gaming systems such as a DS, and the like, portable DVD players, the need to find a hotspot to access internet on the road (if you have the 3g), etc.

As was mentioned, at the end of the day, the iPad is great for receiving content, but not very practical for creating it. Sure, its great that there is an app for iWorks Keynote. Would love to know how one would legitimately create a business or college Keynote presentation on an iPad. GREAT to pull down a presentation and view it, but again, not great to create it.

And as soon as you start hooking up keyboards and such to an iPad, it turns it into a quasi computer, so it kind of changes the comparison a bit.

 

[trims]

As was mentioned, at the end of the day, the iPad is great for receiving content, but not very practical for creating it. Sure, its great that there is an app for iWorks Keynote. Would love to know how one would legitimately create a business or college Keynote presentation on an iPad. GREAT to pull down a presentation and view it, but again, not great to create it.

That's the nub of it: consuming v. creating content.

 

[mattpreston11]

Sold my ipad and got the MBA about a week later, 110% no regrets.

Although I never really took to the ipad like I thought I would. I just found it did things a bit better than my iphone, but not better than other devices.

 

[Yumunum]

Sold my ipad and got the MBA about a week later, 110% no regrets.

Although I never really took to the ipad like I thought I would. I just found it did things a bit better than my iphone, but not better than other devices.

Gonna be doing the same thing.

And OP, take this from someone who actually did try only using an iPad for school: Don't. Do. It. You need the Air, for any kind of real productiveness. The iPad is really just a "luxury" It let's you do some cool things, it's a little more portable, but it's completely unnecessary and it has so so so so so so many limitations, you'll be living with regret for the rest of your life.

Okay maybe not the rest of your life, but till the time you actually get a computer

 

[singlestick]

That's the nub of it: consuming v. creating content.

I see what you mean, but I think that this breakdown of consuming vs creating is too narrow. I read and annotate work related PDF files and email the marked up copies to colleagues to assign tasks to them. Is this consumption?

And while I could do this with a laptop or desktop, it is much easier and more convenient to do it with an iPad. I commute and found a laptop to be unwieldy. I would see fellow commuters fight to get a seat near a plug, or to get one of the few seats with a table that was also near a plug, and watched others dangle and almost drop their laptops as they got off the train.

It's easier to find a place to work from with my iPad. And yeah, I stop more at places with Wi Fi to work on things or check my email. But the main thing is that I am more likely to do this since getting the iPad than before.

I adapted the iPad to my work habits. I used to write paper notes related to various work projects. I would enter the items as they popped into my mind, not in the order that things had to be done. I tended not to use my PC for any of this because I don't have a fast machine and didn't want to wait for it to boot up.

Cutting to the chase, I use an index card app and Simplenote instead of paper, and Dropbox to sync the stuff so it is immediately available to me when I get to work.

The iPad is obviously not the only way I could get things done, but it works better for me than other devices. And obviously it does not supplant a PC but complements its use.

Modified to add: Doh! Editing. I do a lot of editing and commenting on the work of others. This involves a fair amount of text, but not long original work. I do this a lot more on the iPad and get the material back quicker to people than I did previously.