Apple iPad vs. Anything else

omaha-beenglockin said:
I've been looking into this recently as its time for a new computer---the $900 for the ipad I was looking at will also buy an awesome computer---the ipad can't replace a computer and I've hated Apple since the Mac my mom had about 10 years ago---what a piece of junk.

I've pretty much decided to go with a new Sony or Toshiba laptop---because in the end--a real computer pretty much blows away anything an ipad can do for the same money spent.
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The Macs of pre-OS X and Intel were not so hot. It's worth taking another look.

The iPad isn't a laptop and isn't meant to replace one. It is a unique device that does its job much more efficiently and effectively than a laptop. For your intended use, obviously a laptop is a better fit. This in no way diminishes the greatness of the iPad. ;)
 
Vege-Taco said:
The Macs of pre-OS X and Intel were not so hot. It's worth taking another look.

The iPad isn't a laptop and isn't meant to replace one. It is a unique device that does its job much more efficiently and effectively than a laptop. For your intended use, obviously a laptop is a better fit. This in no way diminishes the greatness of the iPad. ;)
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Actually, thinking back ten years not only where they PowerPC (which was pretty good) but there were also Mac clones, similar to how Windows works. They got rid of all that with OS X.
 
Originally the iPad was labeled a "consumption device". I think with the upgrading of the OS to allow for wireless printing, and Apple creating iPad versions of their word processor (Pages), spreadsheet (Numbers) and powerpoint software, it has morphed into a quasi creation device like a laptop.

Both my kids use their iPads exclusively now - for everything including schoolwork. They have comlpetely abandoned the desktop pc we have.

Can you run CADD on it - no. Can you load tons of video on it and edit it - no. Does it have a dvd drive - no. That's why I say it's a quasi creation device.

It does quite a bit though.
 
The thing I was looking at the most was streaming video and playing blu-ray through HDMI(including 7.1 sound) on the big TV at home--and portable streaming--with a larger screen than the ipad. The PS3 is of interest to me too and skip the computer for this function---I haven't bought anything yet and I'm exploring all the possibilities.

I will be getting an iphone now that Verizon has it and my old phone is dying.
 
Wintermute hit the nail on the head. As a matter of fact, the Kindle has color digital ink technology now. Pretty slick.

Flash doesn't work well with the touch interface that the iPad uses. To be perfectly frank, I have yet to be really inconvenienced by the lack of Flash capability on the iPad.
 
dougo83 said:
Ok...my mom has decided that she wants an iPad.

Her reasons:
It can be used as an e-reader.
It has games and apps she wants.
It is Wi-Fi enabled.
It is more portable than a laptop.

My objections:
It is super-expensive for what it is.
A netbook has all of the same functionality and then some.
It appears less functional than her iPhone.

So...I am trying to convince her of another option. Realistically, I think she wants it because it is a stupid Apple gimmick. I think a netbook, or even a quality e-reader, would be a better option.

What say you, BF folks?

Thanks Y'all
Dougo
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I thought you said that she wants an iPod to go with her iPhone, Doh! Glad I read your post twice before replying. LOL.

As for getting an iPad, hmm.... Thats a good question. I've heared the new Samsung Android based tablets are pretty sweet. Though I have no clue what they cost compaired to an iPad.
 
I had an iPad it is really handy and fun to do just about anything on, Netflix on the iPad is amazing. But I just gave mine to my wife and She loves it.
What I really like about the iPad is that you don't need to be techy at all to understand how to use it. I bought a Dell Streak thinking it would replace the iPad that I just given my wife, Big mistake on my part. I returned it the next day, I will now have to wait to save more money for another iPad. I may wait to see what the next gen iPad is going to look like.
 
I have no firsthand experience with the Ipad, but the Samsung Galaxy Tab is a great device. The ability to carry a small tablet that can do almost anything is great. I can't carry a laptop easily with me into the field on our construction sites. I can carry this small tablet. If I need to check an email or even look up a dimension on a drawing I have it in my pocket. Not to mention the incredibly smart applications that the new devices are carrying. I have replaced my business card book with an application that takes pictures of business cards and automatically updates my contacts with phone numbers, email, etc. Nothing can replace my laptop or my desktop for their respective functions, but the tablet is just another tool that makes life easier. The touch screen interface and smart apps are almost science fiction.

I am sure the Ipad has all the similar features, I liked the smaller Tab and its operating system matched my phone. Something else to look at will be the Motorola Xoom when it comes out later this year. I have been so impressed with the capabilities of my current tablet it will be hard not to add the Xoom too.

I would say get the ipad, or a comparable device. There are plenty out there to choose from now.
 
One of the biggest points to consider is that using an iPad will pretty much be second nature to her since she's already used to an iPhone.
 
I am an Apple fanboy and early adopter of everything Apple has made for years, but I am distinctly underwhelmed by the iPad in all its forms.

iPod, iPhone, Mac computers, all do their thing way better than the iPad.

Can't see one in my future, however I can't argue with sales figures. Many people love them.
 
It's just a large iTouch as far as I could tell from spending what little time with it in the store. Nothing wrong with that but it's not the best e-reader and it's not the at all a computer. If what she wants is just a large iPhone without the calling, I'd say get it for her. In about 5 years though, I'm thinking they'll start replacing laptops. Meaning, I think the functionality will start approaching that of the small laptops that we have today.
 
Thought that the Iphone was a stupid waste of money when my boys bought theirs. Started asking what they could do with it and replaced my phone and e-planer with his used Iphone when he upgraded. Have never looked back. Bought the Iphone 4 a few months ago. Great device. Thought that the Ipad was a stupid gimmick and wasn't' going ot buy one. Then started thinking that to read black and white only kindle was going to cost at least $139 and then knowing I was going to get screwed when the color version came out was torn between the kindle and ipad. I have been using the kindle app on the iphone for a year. Wife bought me the Ipad because she really didn't know what to get me this year for Christmas. Having been using it every since. Read all my Kindle books on it, netflix movies and all my other apps that I run on the Iphone.

I am a software engineer who writes 3D computer CADD software to drive millers, lathes and wire machines. I even have a (rudimentary) application to do simple house blueprints on the Ipad. Its not at the level of the software we write but for $5 its not bad.

Oh, one more comment. I felt it was so useful, we bought our two boys and my wife one. All of them have been using the hell out of the things. I should point out that all of us have the wi-fi only version, didn't see the need for the other one. Works great for us, was cheaper and no monthly charges.

KR
 
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My wish is for an iPad II, smaller overall than the current iPad, with a 6-7" screen (same size as small Kindle). I love my iPod Touch, which is great for traveling lite. I'm a small guy, and for me the current iPad is a bit too big (and too heavy). Plenty of rumors about the next gen iPad (this Spring?) but it won't be a smaller version.
 
The way to think about it is that an iPad isn't so much a bigger iPhone so much as an iPhone is a smaller iPad. The iPad (which surprisingly has GPS) can do everything an iPhone can do... only better. (except calling, of course -- but who wants to hold a big tablet to the side of their head to talk anyway?)

Sure it's larger, but the added screen real estate makes a huge difference when it comes to useability. Even the speakers are of great quality (a change from earlier Mac products, with lousy speakers). The only real downside is that the HD apps (with high-res textures and whatnot) are more expensive.

I saw some suggestions for the Galaxy Tab, and I would not go for it. Here's why. The Android software platform is designed around a phone, as in a quick on-call-off sort of behavior, with media thrown in here and there. As a tablet, however, the OS is unsuitable for extended use as the net-centric laptop replacement that a tablet is. It's difficult to say in words, but any Android tablet (at this time) is exactly what uninformed people complain that the iPad is, a giant cell phone.

I got my mom an iPad, and for the web-browsing, ever so slight gaming, and facebooking that she does, it is the ideal device -- small, instant-on, and wonderfully tactile. (About that last "tactile" bit, I have a first-gen iPod Touch and an Android phone, and I have to say that the using the iPad is a very enjoyable web-browsing experience. It's almost like touching the internet itself... very odd. Nifty though.)


PS. Watch her get hooked on Angry Birds! :D
 
I really like my iPad, I can check email, surf the web, read books, etc., all on the go. I read a LOT, and haven't bought a book since buying it, I love not having to deal with shelf space issues with my books. Don't miss them at all.

It's not a computer, but IMO, neither is anything put out by M$. I've been a Unix user and programmer for over 25 years. I still have (and use) my Unix boxes, but the iPad fills a great niche. I love it's portability and battery life.
 
Simply put: She's you MOM, the iPad is what she wants. Over the years how many things has she gotten you things you wanted? Make her happy and get her what she wants.
 
antikythera said:
PS. Watch her get hooked on Angry Birds! :D
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He he he! My 8-yr-old son can't stop playing it, and he's good. I can't seem to get in two minutes before he's 'helping' me. Go away... :rolleyes:

Best $0.99 I've ever spent. :D

Coop
 
omaha-beenglockin said:
I've been looking into this recently as its time for a new computer---the $900 for the ipad I was looking at
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$900?

You're looking at an iPad for $900? That includes 3G (and included monthly costs).

Every one has different needs, but the $500 16GB Wifi version would be fine for most people. And this is inline with a low-end laptop or high-end netbook.

The iPad is a better netbook. If you want/need a laptop, get one. If you want to enjoy your content and computing experience, get the iPad.

The prototypical mom would be vastly better off with an iPad than a laptop.
 
stieg said:
The prototypical mom would be vastly better off with an iPad than a laptop.
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True that!

My mom has absolutely no use for a laptop. She does, however, love her iPad (in fact, she got the trackpad for her iMac after using the iPad for the first time). It's perfectly suited for her needs - web, e-mail, reader, photo album, etc. in a light, handy, easily portable, and instantly usable package. When it came down to it, she felt that the iPhone was too small and difficult for her to use comfortably and she just wasn't interested in toting around a laptop for things like using it while waiting at the hair salon.
 
BTW, you can make calls on the iPad or IPod Touch by using the Skype app, no 3G and contract necessary.
 
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