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Laptop Replacement?

A

auero

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Sep 15, 2006
1,386
114
Here's the thing. I was anti-ipad since it came out but I used one yesterday and I really like it a lot.

But do you owners think its a laptop replacement? I've been eying an iMac because I feel I can be more productive sitting at a desk instead of laying in bed with my mbp. I really only browse blogs when im not sitting at my desk so this is why I figured it would be a good replacement.

Can anyone chime in and share their thoughts on this? I know theres a limit on what you can do with the iPad but is the bar set high?
 
If you need full file management, then you're already set with your laptop.

But this would be fantastic for reading webpages and other items on the go more-so than a laptop. Lighter, doesn't run hot and allows me to go to pages I'd like to read with less effort. Already has taken the place of what I use a laptop for.
 
I think that, in most cases, I could get by with just my Mac mini and iPad, instead of having the extra MacBook pro. Not planning to sell the MBP yet, though.
 
I would venture to say that for some, a desktop (Mac Mini, iMac or Mac Pro) with an iPad would be a great combination.

It all depends on your workflow when you are on the go.

Also, when at home I would think that the iPad would be very convenient to catch up on news and e-mail type tasks.
 
I'm not a fan of the concept of having a regular notebook, mini, or desktop and then having something like an iPad (or netbook for that matter) as a lightweight addition for mobile use. I find there's too much value in having everything I might need available to me in one place. If I'm at a hotel, library, campus, or whatever I like knowing that by deciding on an all in one solution such as a lightweight notebook, whatever I need, it's right there. My files, pictures, bookmarks, pdf's I grabbed from a site 6 months ago, all of it is right there for reference and I'm not left saying "yeah, I'll send that to you when I get home."

I'm sure this doesn't matter to some but then again there are many who feel this same way. I guess it's really all just a matter of what your needs/wants are.
 
For web browsing I'm finding the iPad to be an exponentially more natural way to browse the Web. Apple needs to add native printing. I think of my iPad as a supplement to my MBP though. It's not a replacement yet unless all you do is Web, email, short docs type stuff.
 
Kadman said:
I'm not a fan of the concept of having a regular notebook, mini, or desktop and then having something like an iPad (or netbook for that matter) as a lightweight addition for mobile use. I find there's too much value in having everything I might need available to me in one place. If I'm at a hotel, library, campus, or whatever I like knowing that by deciding on an all in one solution such as a lightweight notebook, whatever I need, it's right there. My files, pictures, bookmarks, pdf's I grabbed from a site 6 months ago, all of it is right there for reference and I'm not left saying "yeah, I'll send that to you when I get home."

I'm sure this doesn't matter to some but then again there are many who feel this same way. I guess it's really all just a matter of what your needs/wants are.
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I completely agree and this was one of my reasons for always sticking with a macbook pro. I didn't want to 'forget' any files anywhere. But with the ability to use VNC or setup an ftp server and have access to all my things incase I do forget something, It's not much a worry. I just hate syncing music libraries.
 
A full laptop replacement?

No. Yet the iPad can fill many functions of a laptop on vacations or trips. For some it might negate the need to have a laptop.

In this case, we have 2 iPads. When we travel, we each can use our devices, which is harder to do with a laptop. With the right software and some hardware, like an external keyboard, one can do a lot of work, or play, and not miss the laptop, its weight and size.

But saying the iPad is a replacement for a laptop is like saying, to someone from the midwest, that a bike or motorcycle is a replacement for a car. There will come a time when the only thing that will work is a car. Try riding or driving on snow and ice and it becomes very clear just where the limitations are. :) The same holds true for the iPad.

Photographers, musicians and other artists might need the power of a good laptop when traveling. Yet, here the iPad would not be a replacement, but an extension. On location, it may not be possible or reasonable to bring a power hungry laptop. Here the iPad could suffice for communication and browsing in a lighter weight form factor with a longer life battery.

Take care,
 
I don't think I'm quite ready to give up the idea of having a laptop. I still love my MBP and am planning on replacing it soon. However I am more than impressed with the iPad and this has certainly become our traveling computer. Especially on long trips with it's small weight and size.
 
I'm surprised but it seems a lot of iPad owners have laptops already. Interesting, maybe its not the best solution.
 
Using it for the past day, I have to say that the iPad is excelling at the tasks I often find myself using an laptop for. It isn't perfect by any means, but that is what OS upgrades and 3rd party apps are for. This device will only get better with time.

I am going to make a big effort this week to see how much I use the iPad and how much time I spend on my laptop. If the first day is any indication, I think it is very plausible that I could get a desktop the next time I need a new computer.

I wouldn't be shocked if in most cases an iPad could replace a laptop.
 
As one of the articles I read about the iPad succinctly stated, it's great for consuming media, not so great for creating it.

And someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you can actually own an iPad without also having a real computer for updates and such as well.
 
My MacBook Pro becomes my portable desktop. My iPad becomes my "throw it in the bag - walk around the house - mobile computing device.

All the functionality for mobile computing, in a lighter more fun package.
 
I appreciate all the comments everyone, I think for me it won't be worth the $500 as I don't plan on using it for music at all, nor movies (I can't covert my entire library, it'll take forever) and I'd probably use it for pictures and movies. Probably better off with just a little netbook!
 
auero said:
I appreciate all the comments everyone, I think for me it won't be worth the $500 as I don't plan on using it for music at all, nor movies (I can't covert my entire library, it'll take forever) and I'd probably use it for pictures and movies. Probably better off with just a little netbook!
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Before you make your decision, I would suggest trying one out in person.

That way you'll know for sure.
 
sushi said:
Before you make your decision, I would suggest trying one out in person.

That way you'll know for sure.
Click to expand...

Very true. Once I had my hands on one, I was sold.

I've been browsing the web while lying on my back in bed for the past hour. Just awesome.

This isn't a replacement for my MBP, but it's a good companion device.
 
I think it can be depending on your usage of a laptop...for me, my desktop is my main computer, and I tend to play/browse around on my MacBook. iPad replaces that kindnof laptop quite well.....the power user on a MacBook pro, the iPad might not work so well
 
iPad + Apple case (to prop up iPad) + Apple bluetooth keyboard = a formidable option for casual computer users.

Bring out the keyboard when you need to do real work, ditch it for everything else. I wouldn't want to be a netbook maker right now.
 
I think the potential is there, but there is no printing. This is a big deal.

Once there is a way to print–without workarounds, directly print–then I think the iPad can be a laptop replacement for many, many people. (Not all, obviously.)
 
BWhaler said:
I think the potential is there, but there is no printing. This is a big deal.

Once there is a way to print–without workarounds, directly print–then I think the iPad can be a laptop replacement for many, many people. (Not all, obviously.)
Click to expand...

Are the third party apps that much of a hassle? I'm trying to imagine writing a research paper for school on it. That would probably Be torture.
 
This so easily could be a laptop replacement. But, they have to make a few updates in 4.0 that Wally separate the iPad f rom the iPhone. A file system is one of my biggest hopes. I don't see it happening though.
 
It will replace my laptop. Everything I need to do this will do fine. Much nicer to carry this than.
 
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