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iPad instead of MBP?

T

tarilotta

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 5, 2010
19
0
Rochester, NY
So I currently have a 27" iMac and, before the iPad, was going to get a 17" MBP for when I start college in the fall. Since the iPad was announced I knew I wanted one, unfortunately I don't have one yet :'(
Anyways, I was thinking, do you think I could save myself $2,500 by using my (soon to be) iPad for while im at school and such and then whenever I need anything for serious computing I can just use my iMac?
I know it isn't intended to be a replacement for a computer, I don't expect that at all, but I think that anything I would be using my MBP for could easily be replaced by the iPad because if im doing anything major I would use my iMac anyway because it is simply amazing, lol
thoughts?
 
tarilotta said:
So I currently have a 27" iMac and, before the iPad, was going to get a 17" MBP for when I start college in the fall. Since the iPad was announced I knew I wanted one, unfortunately I don't have one yet :'(
Anyways, I was thinking, do you think I could save myself $2,500 by using my (soon to be) iPad for while im at school and such and then whenever I need anything for serious computing I can just use my iMac?
I know it isn't intended to be a replacement for a computer, I don't expect that at all, but I think that anything I would be using my MBP for could easily be replaced by the iPad because if im doing anything major I would use my iMac anyway because it is simply amazing, lol
thoughts?
Click to expand...

If there is a VLC player that can play the XVID, MKV and other formats on my ipad without converting. Then I'm highly considering getting an IMAC as my next computer instead of a macbook update.
 
While it isn't technically a replacement - it can be used as a supplement. I'm not sure of your major, but the iPad would be sufficient for most tasks.

So far the only thing I'm using my MBP is to run my Adobe Design suite.
 
Dammit Cubs said:
If there is a VLC player that can play the XVID, MKV and other formats on my ipad without converting. Then I'm highly considering getting an IMAC as my next computer instead of a macbook update.
Click to expand...

the iMac is probably the best thing I have ever gotten, it is amazing. no matter what other devices I get the iMac will always be my main computer for big things
which is why I think I can get away with just the iPad and iMac, instead of the iPad, MBP, and iMac
 
It's already replacing my MacBook Pro for over 50% of what I used it for (surfing, email, games). With a new iPhone OS on the horizon, 8-14 hour battery life, and more apps (and more mature apps) coming, I can easily see that getting close to 100% before long. I do have an iMac also that I use for hardcore stuff like Adobe CS4, 3D rendering, Xcode, etc. But the iPad can replace just about everything else.
 
It may work depending on whether or not you need a computer with you when you're mobile. I know for most college students having a laptop would be better because you can take it with you everywhere and you won't be limited by what you can do. With the iPad you will be limited when it comes to word processing/multitasking/ and even things like web browsing. Just something to think about.
 
iPad is just augmenting my MBP and desktop. Most of my 'home' computer use is web surfing and email -- perfect for iPad. Most other tasks go to the MBP and something that involves a couple hours or more in front of it or heavy usage like video editing, etc goes to the desktop.

For college I'd go with the Macbook + iPad combo and skip the MBP, especially if you can keep your iMac. You'll really have the best of all worlds.
 
It's not a replacement at all, can't download/upload files because it has no file system. Honestly look at it this way can you do everything you need to do on a phone with a bigger screen? If so then the ipad will suffice if not then you need a MBP.

Don't get me wrong I really like my ipad but it is in no way a laptop replacement and in every way just a phone with a bigger screen you can do some more things due to the extra screen real estate but you are still limited by the same OS that is on the phone so you can't really do anything that you would need a laptop to do vs using your phone.

Good Luck
 
tarilotta said:
the iMac is probably the best thing I have ever gotten, it is amazing. no matter what other devices I get the iMac will always be my main computer for big things
which is why I think I can get away with just the iPad and iMac, instead of the iPad, MBP, and iMac
Click to expand...

Personally I would do iMac+MBP or sell the iMac and do MBP+iPad.
 
tarilotta said:
So I currently have a 27" iMac and, before the iPad, was going to get a 17" MBP for when I start college in the fall. Since the iPad was announced I knew I wanted one, unfortunately I don't have one yet :'(
Anyways, I was thinking, do you think I could save myself $2,500 by using my (soon to be) iPad for while im at school and such and then whenever I need anything for serious computing I can just use my iMac?
I know it isn't intended to be a replacement for a computer, I don't expect that at all, but I think that anything I would be using my MBP for could easily be replaced by the iPad because if im doing anything major I would use my iMac anyway because it is simply amazing, lol
thoughts?
Click to expand...

How about selling the 27" iMac, get a refurb Macbook Pro AND and an iPad and break even. If you still have cash, get an external display for the laptop. Then every base is covered. Laptops are very handy.
 
Wait a few months for a more reliable feedback, if you can. You won't get reliable feedback today, a few days after the device has been launched, as customers are still trying to justify the purchase.
 
I think if you already have the iMac, then there's your workhorse computer -- and the iPad as a take- along ought to work well. iPad is the world's best sidekick! If all you're planning to do on campus is check email, surf, and take notes in class, play a few games or do some social networking on break, or listen to music/watch videos, then you'd be all set.
:cool:
 
Before i started university i wanted an iMac but ended up getting a MacBook Pro because i thought i would need it in class. I am nearing the end of my second year and i have only ever used my MBP in uni a handful of times... there is just no need for it. There is more than enough computers around and most of my lecturers will ban us from using laptop in class simply because there is no need. Because of this i bought an iMac last year because i was getting a bad back hunching over a laptop all the time.. my MBP hardly gets used now.

If i was you i would get a bottom of the line MacBook for when you are away from your iMac or for the odd occasion where you will have to take it into uni, then if you want an iPad then get one for casual browsing, gaming, email, looking cool etc. ;) Saving yourself a lot of money for some fresher fun! :D
 
I know it isn't a replacement for anything, as I stated in my first post
and there is no way I would get rid of my iMac
if I get a laptop, it will probably be the MBP and not just the MB
I will be majoring in business and so I don't think I will need that much rigorous stuff during class besides like note taking, especially since I am only going into my first 2 years, so I don't think anything during my associates will be that rigorous as to need a lot of big programs or multitasking during class
When I go for my bachelors and masters im sure ill have a MBP by then, but for associates im wondering if I could do without
...maybe anyone in this situation currently?
 
Rhalliwell1 said:
If i was you i would get a bottom of the line MacBook for when you are away from your iMac or for the odd occasion where you will have to take it into uni, then if you want an iPad then get one for casual browsing, gaming, email, looking cool etc. ;) Saving yourself a lot of money for some fresher fun! :D
Click to expand...

So he'd end up with a slow computer and a cool toy instead of a powerful computer.
 
Nebrie said:
liberal arts = iPad
engineering/cs = MBP
Click to expand...

if by cs you mean Computer Science then i have to disagree with you as this is what i am doing and.....

Rhalliwell1 said:
Before i started university i wanted an iMac but ended up getting a MacBook Pro because i thought i would need it in class. I am nearing the end of my second year and i have only ever used my MBP in uni a handful of times... there is just no need for it. There is more than enough computers around and most of my lecturers will ban us from using laptop in class simply because there is no need. Because of this i bought an iMac last year because i was getting a bad back hunching over a laptop all the time.. my MBP hardly gets used now.

If i was you i would get a bottom of the line MacBook for when you are away from your iMac or for the odd occasion where you will have to take it into uni, then if you want an iPad then get one for casual browsing, gaming, email, looking cool etc. ;) Saving yourself a lot of money for some fresher fun! :D
Click to expand...
 
What were you going to use your Macbook for? If it's just browsing, research, email and social network on the go, then iPad will work.

Hardcore note taking? Uhhh.... no. Not until they make a note taking app that works well with stylus. Try typing on that touch screen keyboard. Took me like an hour and a half to write a 2 page review. It should have taken a lot less XD

I can't imagine taking notes dynamically in a rush.
 
Meever said:
What were you going to use your Macbook for? If it's just browsing, research, email and social network on the go, then iPad will work.

Hardcore note taking? Uhhh.... no. Not until they make a note taking app that works well with stylus. Try typing on that touch screen keyboard. Took me like an hour and a half to write a 2 page review. It should have taken a lot less XD

I can't imagine taking notes dynamically in a rush.
Click to expand...

I have used the iPad before and I didn't think that the typing was all that bad, however I do have a small BT keyboard that I would be able to bring with me just incase I started to fall behind...
also, ive heard that Evernote is really good for notes?
 
tarilotta said:
If I have an iMac as my powerful computer though, why would I need a semi-powerful MB?
Click to expand...

For the few occasions when you are away from your iMac. Just to give you an example the past weekend i was seeing family and was away form my iMac so i used my MacBook Pro to keep on top of my studies, about the only time i have used it this year. I
t is now inconvenient to have a 17" MacBook Pro, it's just not needed. it's difficult to open up on a train, plane or even in the back of a small car because the screen hits the chair in front.

I'm just giving you my advice based on my experiences and considering i have an iMac like you, a MacBook Pro as you plan to get, an iPhone which has many similarities to the iPad and i am in university as you plan to be i'd say i am giving you relevant advice for your situation.
 
Rhalliwell1 said:
For the few occasions when you are away from your iMac. Just to give you an example the past weekend i was seeing family and was away form my iMac so i used my MacBook Pro to keep on top of my studies, about the only time i have used it this year. I
t is now inconvenient to have a 17" MacBook Pro, it's just not needed. it's difficult to open up on a train, plane or even in the back of a small car because the screen hits the chair in front.

I'm just giving you my advice based on my experiences and considering i have an iMac like you, a MacBook Pro as you plan to get, an iPhone which has many similarities to the iPad and i am in university as you plan to be i'd say i am giving you relevant advice for your situation.
Click to expand...

Yes, your situation does seem rather similar and I appreciate the advice very much, you seem to be exactly the person I was hoping would reply to this =)
I see what you mean about the MBP being useful in certain situation but a 17" being overkill
so do you think an iMac, iPad, 13" MBP would be a good combination?
I want the pro instead of the regular MB because for just a few hundred more it looks nicer and has better specs, seems to be worth it... maybe not though
thoughts?
 
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