I will get iPad over MacBook Air

[PracticalMac]

Hell, i can get 3 iPads for a MBAir!

It has just about all the features of MBA, lacking only SSD space and faster CPU, which I do not really need to browse the internet and read books (keyboard when I need it would be nice, tho).

 

[TBi]

Good for you!

I think i'll get a HP TM2 over an iPad.

 

[maflynn]

It has just about all the features of MBA, lacking only SSD space and faster CPU, which I do not really need to browse the internet and read books (keyboard when I need it would be nice, tho).

Don't forget a real keyboard and touchpad, flash, multi-tasking, running OSX, USB port, mini-display port, the ability to hook up an optical drive, ability to run windows, built-in isight camera

 

[TBi]

Personally i was still waiting for the Macbook Wheel. The iPad is just a bit too limited for me. The MBW (MacBook Wheel) should run full OSX and not some dumbed down version!

 

[bossxii]

Don't forget a real keyboard and touchpad, flash, multi-tasking, running OSX, USB port, mini-display port, the ability to hook up an optical drive, ability to run windows, built-in isight camera

-Can hook up a "real" keyboard via BT or dock, or like 75 million others use (iPhone) the onscreen kb.
-touchpad? the whole thing is a touchpad.
-OSX and windows can be run via VNC clients.
-mini-display port? has the means to output to VGA for presentations so guessing this works to a monitor.
-Not sure why you would need an optical drive on a system that won't run conventional software anyhow? Everything that can't be done wirelessly is done via 30pin to USB connect to backup/update.

I can see the other features missing and no real solution for them. (multi and camera)

 

[maflynn]

but the device isn't running windows or OSX natively, you're accessing a computer that can run those OS's

I can sit and type on laptop w/o the need to hook up a physical keyboard.

Besides, I was just stating what the MBA has and what the iPad doesn't.

 

[bossxii]

but the device isn't running windows or OSX natively, you're accessing a computer that can run those OS's

I can sit and type on laptop w/o the need to hook up a physical keyboard.

Besides, I was just stating what the MBA has and what the iPad doesn't.

I understand that, but their are ways to make certain "shortcomings" work. Everyone is quick to write off what it "can't" do while the list of "possibilities" via apps is very long.

Not just you, but lots of people love to make these long lists of "can't do..." but don't stop and think about "there's an app for that" no matter how cheesy it sounds, it's the truth. The physical limitations to the iPad can be overcome thru software, just as multitasking is a software issue not hardware. Sure camera is hardware, but to each his own, those in support claim to use their camera 24/7. I have a MBP and an iMac, after messing with Photobooth for a few days, the novelty wore off and I don't recall using either cam since. I think the younger crowd maybe the ones looking for a camera on this as they probably do video chat more. Likely see one show up in Rev B if Apple holds true to their ways. Hold back, introduce it as "new and amazing" lol.

 

[anthonymoody]

I'm with you OP. I'm getting an iPad and using it as my primary computer, retiring my MBP for good.

 

[maflynn]

I understand that, but their are ways to make certain "shortcomings" work. Everyone is quick to write off what it "can't" do while the list of "possibilities" via apps is very long.

While my post was more tongue in cheek, there's a kernel of truth. Why should we find "work arounds" to those short comings when there's a solution that's already more extensible and costs pretty close to an iPad. I mean price out a MacBook and its pretty close to the cost of the upper end models of the iPad.

I'll probably get an iPad, not as a laptop replacement because in that way, its a poor solution, but as steve put it, an in-between machine. The idea using it for e-books, light surfing (light because of no flash) and various other tasks makes sense for me. I'll not have disconnect my laptop from all of the stuff its hooked up to on my desk just to use it in my living room.

 

[elfxmilhouse]

i agree, with the OP.

i currently use a 15 inch mbp as my main/portable computer.

the MBA would probably end up replacing my mbp instead of supplementing it. the ipad seems more fit for my use.

 

[r0k]

Sorry, guys. I can't buy in to the whole iPad as a primary computer thing. At least not yet. I thought at one time my Acer Aspire One would become my primary machine. Then I found I ignored it for months at a time. The screen size is so small that I'm not even tempted to use it for VNC.

I think the iPad will get a lot more use. I will use it for reading ebooks assuming I can run Kindle software. I will use it to vnc into a real computer from time to time so I can have access to OpenOfficeDotOrg and other desktop programs I need to use. There are many times I simply need a web browser and an iPad will handle that nicely. But to claim it is a primary computer is a mistake I'm not willing to repeat after already failing to move everything to my Ubuntu Acer Aspire One.

I do not doubt that for some people, the iPad can be a primary computer. If you are a person who would buy a Macbook, take it home and simply use Safari, iLife and iWork, then the iPad might just do everything you need. And it doesn't make a person a dummy because that's all they choose to use. I'm just saying I need a bit more in a "primary computer" and I'm willing to have both for a while. I'll have a Mac Book as my "primary computer" (which I may elect to sell off and replace with a Mac Mini) and I'll have an iPad with a bluetooth keyboard as my "main display".

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I can get 3 apples for the price of one cantaloupe. I like apples. I like cantaloupe. But apples are not cantaloupe. When I want an apple I want an apple, and when I want cantaloupe an apple won't do.

 

[CylonGlitch]

I have an older MBP that I have been considering replacing. But now, I'm thinking maybe just buying a iPad and maybe an iMac. This way I have most of the portability for the things I do; the lowest weight; and the best flexibility. iMac for video work and processing, MBP (current one) for development, MB (work) for work, and then the iPad for reading, surfing and watching TV.

Damn, just a few years ago I was such a PC fanboy, now look at me... what happened? Damn you Mr. Jobs!

 

[jddar]

...I'm thinking maybe just buying a iPad and maybe an iMac. This way I have most of the portability for the things I do...

This is the best option for me also. I'll get an iPad and when the iMac's wrinkles are ironed out, one of those too. The big question is whether to get a 3G iPad or just WiFi. I'm leaning toward the WiFi only version.

 

[EssentialParado]

There is one thing I'm fairly certain about for the future…

I've always like the middle road of comfortability of a laptop on the couch, with the power of a MacBook Pro. But now I'm thinking I might get the even more comfortable iPad for my couch and the more powerful (and larger-screened) iMac for the desk when I do need to do "real work." 90% of the time I'm doing very casual internet browsing, email, and note-taking.

It's possible the iPad may be the death of laptops altogether… I know it will be as far as I'm concerned. Which is something I never thought I'd say!

 

[hitekalex]

I've always like the middle road of comfortability of a laptop on the couch, with the power of a MacBook Pro. But now I'm thinking I might get the even more comfortable iPad for my couch and the more powerful (and larger-screened) iMac for the desk when I do need to do "real work."

It's fine if the only place where you do "real work" is your desk. I (like most people) do my work in different places - my home office, my work office, conference rooms, my company offices in different cities. So the real laptop is still a necessity.

So I wouldn't declare the death for laptops quite yet.

 

[JS82189]

The air is there for people who need a full computer with netbook dimensions.. the iPad is just not trying to be the air..

 

[Cyberguard]

I still use an iBook G4 as my portable solution in addition to my iMac at home. The iPad is really a good option to me. I only need limited office functions when I use a laptop.
iWork can do that for me.
The rest is added bonus to me: internet, video, music and ebooks (instead of a potential kindle).
MBA would have been... well too much for what I do.

 

[bossxii]

While my post was more tongue in cheek, there's a kernel of truth. Why should we find "work arounds" to those short comings when there's a solution that's already more extensible and costs pretty close to an iPad. I mean price out a MacBook and its pretty close to the cost of the upper end models of the iPad.

I'll probably get an iPad, not as a laptop replacement because in that way, its a poor solution, but as steve put it, an in-between machine. The idea using it for e-books, light surfing (light because of no flash) and various other tasks makes sense for me. I'll not have disconnect my laptop from all of the stuff its hooked up to on my desk just to use it in my living room.

I agree it's not a replacement at all. My thoughts were limited to MBA vs iPad not taking into account the MB. I do however find the iPad a better solution for me than the MBA for the simple fact of what I use a portable device for. Lots of video, web, email. I've own'd 3 variations of the MBA, the concept is great, I find the hardware rather cheap. Hinge sucks, weak and falls apart. Heat vents on the bottom, great news when it's resting on your lap... as a leg cooker.. I mean warmer. HD video.. forget about it, you have to do some "magic" of your own to get this to work. Not to mention the trackpad is just sad after using a glass one in a MBP.

So MBA at 1500 w/HDD which is slow.. or a flash based device for 499 it is a pretty easy decision for me. Flash can always be pointed out, but apps make up for a large portion (aside form Hulu) of the video content, for me anyhow, on the iPhone OS. Youtube, CNN, ESPN, NYT, TMZ etc... and so on. Flash is not missed on a device that offers many, many free apps that portal the content specifically to the device. If this was the iPad with a modified OS X that did not use the app store, but made use of traditional programs with touch controls yet restricted flash. That would be one bag of hurt I would pass on.

 

[Kan-O-Z]

Ipad and MBA have different purposes. The MBA is a full up computer and can becomes someone's primary computer whereas the iPad would never be the only computer you would have.

For example if a student could only own one computer and it needs to be portable, the MBA could well be a great solution. Can't do that with the iPad.

iPad will be great as a secondary computing device where you just want to surf the web and run basic applications, lounging on the couch or on travel. I do love the idea as this is what many people do 90% of the time.

Kan-O-Z

 

[r0k]

Ipad and MBA have different purposes. The MBA is a full up computer and can becomes someone's primary computer whereas the iPad would never be the only computer you would have.

For example if a student could only own one computer and it needs to be portable, the MBA could well be a great solution. Can't do that with the iPad.

iPad will be great as a secondary computing device where you just want to surf the web and run basic applications, lounging on the couch or on travel. I do love the idea as this is what many people do 90% of the time.

Kan-O-Z

I have a netbook and a Macbook. I rarely use my Netbook but it is handy when I want to "travel light". I have thought about replacing it with a macbook air. I even thought about getting a $999 refurb unit. I did not think of the 'air as a candidate for my primary machine because of the small internal storage. For my purposes at least, the netbook the 'air and the iPad would serve a similar purpose: a "second" machine. Of the three, the 'air is the most like a full computer and if somebody didn't care so much about internal storage it could serve as a main machine. Because I'm a file packrat, the 'air couldn't be my main machine any more than the iPad could be my main machine. Ironically, the least capable (in my opinion) of the tree, the netbook turns out to have the richest storage options. Most netbooks support 2.5 inch drives which means they can have desktop/notebook class storage. My netbook is on the sidelines because of its screen height (600 pixels) and operating system, Ubuntu. Ubuntu is nice enough but it's no substitute for OSX (for my needs).

 

[PorterRocks]

I agree with the others when saying that all I need is an iMac and iPad. The iPad is all I need for mobile use. I always work at home on my desk.

 

[TBi]

Kind of off topic but it's weird that the iPad doesn't have a magnetic charger. Say you put it on a counter and someone trips over the cord. Gonna be a lot of dead iPads...

 

[maflynn]

Kind of off topic but it's weird that the iPad doesn't have a magnetic charger. Say you put it on a counter and someone trips over the cord. Gonna be a lot of dead iPads...

Simple solution - don't let the cords dangle on the floor.

Given the short lengths of cable apple usually provides, I'd say the risk is minimal. Its not going to have, AFAIK, a power brick but rather a cable like an iPhone. That way you only have a 3 or 4 foot length of cable. Way to short to trip over.

 

[ditzy]

The iPad doesn't do everything that the MBA does, but if the iPad does all that you need it to do, it will be the perfect solution for you.