iPad instead of Mac Mini?

[srowndedbyh2o]

I was all set to buy a Mac Mini to hook up to my tv, cancel my cable tv service and just keep my RoadRunner internet service.
But now that the iPad is out, I’m wondering if that may be the better choice. With the iPad I could use it (I think) hooked up to my tv, but when I don’t want to sit at the tv in the living room, I would have the option of the portability of the iPad.
I saw in the online Apple store there is an iPad dock connector to VGA adapter to hook up the iPad to a tv, but what about audio? How would I get audio from the iPad to the tv?

 

[dukebound85]

you still need a computer for the ipad just fyi

 

[ImperialX]

You can easily connect your iPad's audio to the TV simply via. a 3.5mm audio cable.

However, I think that for your uses, a Mac Mini will be more suitable than a Mac Mini.

 

[srowndedbyh2o]

you still need a computer for the ipad just fyi

I have an iMac in my office and figured I’d use an Airport Extreme for the internet connection to the iPad that I could use anywhere in the house, out on the lanai, or (hopefully) hooked up to the tv. I am also concerned about the quality of the output of video/internet from the iPad to the tv. How will the iPad look on the tv compared to a Mac Mini?

 

[DaSal]

I have an iMac in my office and figured I’d use an Airport Extreme for the internet connection to the iPad that I could use anywhere in the house, out on the lanai, or (hopefully) hooked up to the tv. I am also concerned about the quality of the output of video/internet from the iPad to the tv. How will the iPad look on the tv compared to a Mac Mini?

The Mac Mini will have better video and audio.

More importantly, you can't use an iPad without having iTunes on a PC/Mac.

 

[maflynn]

Mac mini - run OSX programs, including VMWare (if you need windows or Linux). full multitasking, full web browsing, i.e., flash.

Also one large difference between the mini and the iPad is safari. You'll be presented with mobile websites with the iPad not with the mini. Typically these sites are constrained and have less options.

Also the mini is designed to work on a desk with a keyboard. The iPad you'll need extra accessories to prop the iPad up and use a keyboard.

If you're looking to do stuff that's more then surfing, and editing a small document then a mini makes more sense.

Personally, I opted for a mini, mostly for my children. I was faced with the decision of buying an iPad for myself or a mini for my family. I opted for the mini