Question by DavidC: Can the iPad replace a laptop for the average person?
I mean most people use their laptop to surf the web, a little document creation, maybe go on Facebook. Can’t an iPad do this all with ease. Wouldn’t the average person not miss the USB ports and the missing memory. So wouldn’t an iPad be good for most people, assuming that they like the touchscreen format.
Best answer:
Answer by Dylan E
Yes. They are basically making products now that can be used everywhere you go for all concepts.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
My laptop died in August. I have been lusting for an iPad since they’ve been released. I spent $1,000 on a new laptop. Why? the iPad is a pretty toy. I need a tool. The iPad is just too limited. And, no flash? Nope, no iPad.
I have using iPad in place of laptop since iPad first came and I am totally satisfied. I create hundreds of documents on iPad everyday and upload to various WebDAV servers. I also downloads tons of stuff from web everyday.
Flash is totally discarded now it’s unwanted and worthless so don’t even think about it. iPad plays each and every video from every single website without any problem.
The answer below is misleading. It’s says iPad can’t download video from web which is wrong.
I download tons of video and document everyday directly by iPad. You can download anything on iPad , you don’t need to convert the format even because web is flooded by iPad friendly formats.
HP and others have already introduced iPad friendly printers.
It has official app for Abc,MTV,NETFLIX,HULU, and many more plus you can also visit website directly.
It’s has camera connection kit which means you can connect memory card or digital camera to import photos and videos.
You get free online storage space of approx 4GB in which you can store additional documents,audio,video. When you create a documents , you have option to upload to Dropbox,Box.net ,Google Doc.Just by one tap you can upload and download from there anytime.
I now use iPad and iMac (Desktop) for me, my MacBook pro is out of business now.
The iPad is the neatest thing on the market as far as devices go. I wouldn’t pay any attention to comments that it is missing this or that. People like to use it – therefore it is a success.
However, it is great in combination with the laptop, not in place of the laptop, unless your need for a computer is very small. For all your files and scans, having a laptop to handle all that with some sort of back-up system can prove invaluable. I use Dropbox as if it were my documents folder on the Mac, and it automatically backs them up after each change.
Then, there is the issue of downloading things (including movies). The iPad can play the videos, but you need a laptop to download them, and convert them (Vuze) or stream them (Air Video).
While you can get a program to edit Microsoft Word and Excel, etc. on the iPad, it is nothing like having them on the laptop. The idea is to have the original document on the laptop, and the ability to open and edit them on the iPad.
Finally, you need a laptop to sync your iPad and control all your shared apps and file management apps and your media.
So, I think if you were going to try and minimise the use of the laptop, don’t get rid of it all together. Instead, get one that is light, fast and just don’t load too many programs on it.