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iPad instead of macbook?
- Thread starter iaddict
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First to be clear, I don't think an iPad can replace a notebook if you need a notebook computer. I do think that for some people who already own nice desktops might get away with an iPad instead of an additional notebook, depending entirely what they would use it for.
I do find there to be something a bit wrong with you argument.
First, If the capabilities of the iPad meet what your needs are, I see no reason in even spending $150 more to carry around an additional 3 pounds for capabilities in a device you aren't going to need.
Second, you mention that you would like 3G in the device you purchase. So if you purchase a notebook instead you have capabilities you don't need and lack the capability you wanted. As a result, you'd get a dongle and depending on where you live potentially spend twice as much each month on data.
Third, you can get into 3G for $200 less than the highest-end model.
It's two different markets really. If you need a laptop, then the iPad won't suit you but for 90% of the people out there that just buy laptops to surf web, do some email, and some twitter/facebook etc play some games in their downtime the iPad will be a much more convenient device.
People say the same thing about netbooks, why buy one when a laptop will do so much more yet people are still lining up in droves to buy them just because the majority of people either don't do any heavy computing at all or else do it on their desktops.
I've often sat in bed or somehwere similiar trying to use a netbook on my lap to browse web and it's just awkward with the keyboard and all constantly having to reposition the damn thing to type then to look at the screen etc. Then having to scroll all over the place with the touchpad it's just an uncomfortable experience. Having the web on a 10" touchscreen in these conditions, especially with pinch zooming, is going to make netbooks seem truly archaeic. Really looking forward to the device, not as a desktop replacement but as a convenient way of surfing the web and killing some downtime with games etc...
People say the same thing about netbooks, why buy one when a laptop will do so much more yet people are still lining up in droves to buy them just because the majority of people either don't do any heavy computing at all or else do it on their desktops.
I've often sat in bed or somehwere similiar trying to use a netbook on my lap to browse web and it's just awkward with the keyboard and all constantly having to reposition the damn thing to type then to look at the screen etc. Then having to scroll all over the place with the touchpad it's just an uncomfortable experience. Having the web on a 10" touchscreen in these conditions, especially with pinch zooming, is going to make netbooks seem truly archaeic. Really looking forward to the device, not as a desktop replacement but as a convenient way of surfing the web and killing some downtime with games etc...
Just thowing this out there, what is it you want a macbook for that you are comparing it to a iPad.
For my, I've got a 3 year old macbook pro I bought for bringing to school, doing location recording and editing, and playing games/surfing. Since I bought it my uses for it have dwindle. In the last month, I've only used it to surf the web, watch a movie, check email, and play WoW during my lunch break. I don't do any of my audio work from my laptop (instead on my iMac) So for me, having a laptop doesn't feel so necessary.
My biggest concern was for lack of flash, and I did what P-Worm suggested with click2flash. I noticed that the only things I were missing were ads and the occasional embedded video on engadget/joystiq.
So I decided I'm going to get rid of my old MBP and get an iPad, because it fulfills nearly all the tasks I currently use my laptop for, but in a more convenient package.
For my, I've got a 3 year old macbook pro I bought for bringing to school, doing location recording and editing, and playing games/surfing. Since I bought it my uses for it have dwindle. In the last month, I've only used it to surf the web, watch a movie, check email, and play WoW during my lunch break. I don't do any of my audio work from my laptop (instead on my iMac) So for me, having a laptop doesn't feel so necessary.
My biggest concern was for lack of flash, and I did what P-Worm suggested with click2flash. I noticed that the only things I were missing were ads and the occasional embedded video on engadget/joystiq.
So I decided I'm going to get rid of my old MBP and get an iPad, because it fulfills nearly all the tasks I currently use my laptop for, but in a more convenient package.
I'm potentially getting one instead of my MBP. If it works out as a great browser device - always on, great battery, touch browser being better than a mouse based one, then I can see myself selling my MBP and just using my ipad for general day to day usage.
I'll also have my mac mini which I'd bring into use as a general computer.
I agree you can't use an ipad as your only computer, but it should be perfectly viable as a second or third computer in a house
I'll also have my mac mini which I'd bring into use as a general computer.
I agree you can't use an ipad as your only computer, but it should be perfectly viable as a second or third computer in a house
IMO those people that want every "option" and buy the top end at $829 are not likely to be the same people that buy the "base" model of anything, MB included. They would buy a MBP and go for the fastest CPU/GPU etc.. most likely not just buying the lowest model due to price.
Asking why would anyone spend xxx amount of dollars when a few hundred more could buy a laptop. While you see it as expensive, I see the $599 version (which is the one I'll buy) as a very cheap alternative to a MBP at twice the price. I've owned the 13" MBP and it was used for the exact things the iPad can do for me. Email, web, video, VNC for work, etc... From my point of view why would i waste another $600 bucks for capabilities I simply do not need or use? (thankfully Apple laptops hold their resale value
)That to me is a waste, which is why I sold my MBP several months ago to see if I can use my iPhone/iMac combo for all my needs. It comes very, very close, the missing link is a VNC client that is big enough to be productive for work when I'm not in the office. The only issue with the iPhone... size. The iPad solves that issue and will be perfect for my needs at half the price of a laptop I would consider using.
I get why people think it's expensive, but I am not so narrow minded to think their are others that will find it useful. Both sides have valid point as to why or why not buy an iPad, some see how it fills a need they have, others don't. That can apply to many, many things in life.
I do a lot of heavy work on my Mac laptop (run my business from the thing), but when I'm not working I'll be sitting on the couch surfing the web, checking emails, etc. - nothing heavy.
I was initially planning on upgrading to a new MacBook Pro. But have realized I can get a more powerful iMac for work and a more casual iPad for my couch time, for roughly the same price.
Not for a second do I believe the iPad can replace a computer for me Although saying that, I do expect it to become my primary computer.
Well the iPad still has a YouTube, if you get sent a link it'll just play in the youtube app. The biggest video sites (youtube, vimeo, dailymotion) support HTML 5 videos, and the others seem like they'll be transferring to support the iPad soon. Of course, it really depends how often you watch Flash videos on obscure websites. If you do that a lot you may want to look into if those sites support HTML 5 video, or if they have an iphone/iPad app.
I was initially planning on upgrading to a new MacBook Pro. But have realized I can get a more powerful iMac for work and a more casual iPad for my couch time, for roughly the same price.
Not for a second do I believe the iPad can replace a computer for me Although saying that, I do expect it to become my primary computer.
Well the iPad still has a YouTube, if you get sent a link it'll just play in the youtube app. The biggest video sites (youtube, vimeo, dailymotion) support HTML 5 videos, and the others seem like they'll be transferring to support the iPad soon. Of course, it really depends how often you watch Flash videos on obscure websites. If you do that a lot you may want to look into if those sites support HTML 5 video, or if they have an iphone/iPad app.
Mad Mac Maniac
macrumors 601
My feelings regarding the ipad are similar.
I know Steve wants us to think that the ipad falls completely between the iphone and the macbook creating an entire new niche, and he is mostly true. If you are a super techie or super rich this provides a terrific set with an iphone, ipad, macbook, and imac. You'd have it all. All needs satisfied
Although the average consumer doesn't have enough need (or money) to rationalize getting all 4 of those computer-like devices. A more typical approach is to buy 2 or 3 of them.
IMO the iphone (or whatever smartphone of preference) is an absolute must. the ultra-portable computer capable of doing whatever you need on the fly. You will always have your phone with you.
Now next I feel like the average consumer will basically feel they are presented with two options.
1) JUST buy a macbook. This offers a complete computer in a portable setting
2) buy an ipad and an iMac. This offers a very suitable solution for on the go, but while at home you can still do heavy duty computing.
Yes I know for option 2 you could get a macbook instead of an imac, but I just feel that there would be too much overlap between the ipad and the macbook. I like to make the most use of my money and I would feel like it would be a poor allocation of my funds to buy two devices that work so similarly when I could buy an iMac which functions better for the "full computer" experience.
I know Steve wants us to think that the ipad falls completely between the iphone and the macbook creating an entire new niche, and he is mostly true. If you are a super techie or super rich this provides a terrific set with an iphone, ipad, macbook, and imac. You'd have it all. All needs satisfied
Although the average consumer doesn't have enough need (or money) to rationalize getting all 4 of those computer-like devices. A more typical approach is to buy 2 or 3 of them.
IMO the iphone (or whatever smartphone of preference) is an absolute must. the ultra-portable computer capable of doing whatever you need on the fly. You will always have your phone with you.
Now next I feel like the average consumer will basically feel they are presented with two options.
1) JUST buy a macbook. This offers a complete computer in a portable setting
2) buy an ipad and an iMac. This offers a very suitable solution for on the go, but while at home you can still do heavy duty computing.
Yes I know for option 2 you could get a macbook instead of an imac, but I just feel that there would be too much overlap between the ipad and the macbook. I like to make the most use of my money and I would feel like it would be a poor allocation of my funds to buy two devices that work so similarly when I could buy an iMac which functions better for the "full computer" experience.
I will be replacing my MBP in about 6 months. I do most of my work in the office an when on site I don't need a full powered computer. For the close to the same money as a MBP I could get an 20" iMac and a 16GB WiFi only iPad. This would be near perfect for me as I have the bigger screen for the office and have the portability and near instant start up on site. I will be looking at the iPad closely when released to see if it indeed fits my needs but I agree that the 64GB 3G seems expensive but its horses for courses.