iPad vs Apple Laptop?

[DougY]

Im looking for some advice from Apple users.
I bought my first Apple computer on January 1st of this year, an iMac 27", 3.06 gig. It's a great computer, I doubt if I will ever buy a PC again.
However, I need a portable computer for vacations. The question I have is, should I buy an iPad or an Apple Laptop? I use a laptop only for Internet Access and checking my email. The attractive thing about the iPad is getting unlimited internet access for $29/month. On the other hand, it would probably be considerably more expensive having access with a laptop.
Any suggestions?

 

[GoCubsGo]

I think a 3G card for a laptop may be more. For your needs I think the iPad works but it is limited so keep that in mind.

 

[wombat888]

If you will only use it for email and Web, I'd go with the iPad. It really just depends on your needs, and the needs you listed would be served as well on an iPad, if not better. You'd also have ~9 hours of battery life on a full charge, and connectivity everywhere (assuming an AT&T signal) without fuss.

 

[Dammit Cubs]

obviously, with a computer like the iMAC, there is some much you can with the computer power you have in the PC. There will be a lot of things you can on just that iMAC alone that will take years to have on the Ipad.

The Ipad is more of a portable device. It definitely satisfies the following:

Web browsing (as long as you don't need flash).
Email (it has gmail syncing as well as yahoo and exchange support)
Quickly edit word documents through pages. Can read extensive pdf files and excel documents through good reader.

It was a battery life thats you forget that you need to power this device.
If you put all of that into perspective and you see yourself using the Ipad. Then I would recommend you getting the iPad.

 

[silverblack]

I agree with the others. If all you do is web browsing and emails, iPad is perfect for you. For other needs, just remember that you are limited to the app store, you won't be able to run you regular program like your iMacs.

 

[jameskk]

My dad wanted a portable machine to take camping for same reasons and to complement his iMac. I suggested the iPad. You can't beat the $15 per month for the data. He can't wait to get it next week.

 

[h3nG]

I suggest you do some research before asking the people here...figure out what you need the laptop for and see if the iPad can do it.

iPad is mostly good for the Internet and email and a few other things...not much outside of that though.

 

[OGDaniel]

If you already have a desktop Mac computer, the iPad would verily suit your needs. Until a more Mac-ish OS and multitasking on the iPad, I don't think it could be your only computer like some people are saying. But for you i would say not to spend all the extra money on a laptop, and get an iPad. It's a marvelous experience, and can frankly do a lot more than just web-browsing and email. You should definitely get an iPad.

 

[JBazz]

I had an iMac and a Macbook Pro and just sold the laptop because I am getting the iPad. I never truly loved the Macbook Pro. Even the 13" was more than i wanted to tote around on a daily basis. I am really looking forward to getting my iPad.

The apps are great! Love em.

 

[ZBoater]

It depends on what you need to do while you are on the go. If, like you say, it is ONLY web and email, the iPad should be fine. If for some reason you need Quicken Home and Office 2007 while you are way, then no, the iPad won't cut it.

I have a desktop (several, actually), a work laptop (thinkpad) and a personal netbook (HP 2140). The HP is my go anywhere personal device. I have iTunes on it, I have Quicken, I have Office 2007, etc. I am thinking of using the Thinkpad for when I NEED these apps, and use the iPad as my email/web/media player on the go replacing the netbook.

Let's see how that works out...

 

[danpass]

iPad with remote desktop app to your base computer.

www.no-ip.com to create the effect of a static IP for reliable remoting.

 

[Scottsdale]

iPad with remote desktop app to your base computer.

www.no-ip.com to create the effect of a static IP for reliable remoting.

Great idea and great link given. I hadn't read about this capability until recently. It has made me change my mind about how I use my Mac and my iPad when away from home/office.

 

[kultschar]

The iPad rocks for email and internet, only reason I still keep my Laptop is for downloading files and programs etc

 

[icanhazipad?]

Download RDM+ from the app store and it's like you have your iMac in a 10" and substantially more sexy package. website

I have a macbook pro I got for school and don't even bring it to class anymore, my iPad has replaced many of the asinine tasks I used my notebook for, at a considerably lighter load. Hell, it even plays games... I rdp and play WoW all the time (not a terribly great idea, actually pretty difficult to play) and I can browse the internet seamlessly.

if all you need it for is e-mail and internet, go with the iPad. I got the wi-fi version because my palm pre plus has wi-fi tethering and vzn's 3g is blazing fast here, I get 5 mbps DL's on my macbook pro with it. Also, you're on vacation, the things a macbook could do that the iPad can't are things you wouldn't want to be doing while sitting on the deck drinking margaritas anyways, right?