best computer for airplane travel and room use

[daisyx3]

I am trying to decide whether to take my macbook (which technically belongs to my work but they said to use it everywhere) or my husband's ipad mini on our trip. We want to be able to view our photos in the room and do the occasional web surfing. We don't take photos with the ipad.
Do you still have to take the laptop out and fire it up for TSA? That would pretty much swing the choice to the ipad.
Daisyx3

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you don't get TSA Pre Check, you will have to take your laptop out (unless you have a laptop bag approved by TSA), but you don't have to turn it on.

If you have a way to transfer photos from a camera to your iPad Mini, that would be the best choice.

 

[dis_guy]

I used to take my MacBook Pro all the time. For the last few trips I've only taken my iPad 2 and can honestly say I haven't missed my computer at all. In fact, these days since my work takes me to a different place each day, I'm only using my iPad for day to day use. Not sure how comfy I'd be with the mini but I think it's worth a try for the convenience the pp stated.

 

[daisyx3]

I also have access to an Ipad 2, maybe that would be the best choice? It is also from work. Every student next year will have a macbook but they gave us ipads first (waste of money? I barely use mine since I got my macbook) so I have both. Maybe that would be a good compromise.
Daisyx3

 

[pigletgirl]

The laptop can stay in the TSA approved case. It just has to be by itself when it goes through the scanner.

I would bring the laptop. We're bringing ours. Never know when you might need it!

 

[daisyx3]

How do I know what is a TSA approved case? I have a computer bag for work but I would be putting it into my carryon (which is a WDW tote bag) It is in a clear shell and I do have the cheap foam jacket work gave me for it.
If our room is not ready, I'll have to put it into my son's carry on and hope bell services does not throw it around.
Daisyx3

 

[playnascar]

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/checkpoint-friendly-laptop-bags this might help you many be but not sure if does or not

 

[emilymad]

I always take my macbook air over my iPad. I want to be able to download pictures from my camera every day.

I have a laptop sleeve that just holds the computer. I take the sleeve out of my bag and put that through the X-ray machine with no issues. My actual computer never comes out. It isn't a special sleeve, just something I bought on Etsy.

 

[Aaeolien]

If you are going to bring iPad and need something to transfer photos grab a iPad camera connection kit. Works awesome. Bought one before our last trip and was able to download photos every night to the iPad without any problems. Link below.


http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A/apple-ipad-camera-connection-kit

 

[lovesdumbo]

If you are going to bring iPad and need something to transfer photos grab a iPad camera connection kit. Works awesome. Bought one before our last trip and was able to download photos every night to the iPad without any problems. Link below.


http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC531ZM/A/apple-ipad-camera-connection-kit

I was going to suggest this too but I have a 64GB iPad so I don't have to worry about storage. When I get home all photos are on my iPad so I can transfer to Mac desktop all at once from iPad.

My Kids have ipad minis. I love them. I've got a river cruise booked for next year. I'm thinking about buying myself an iPad mini for that trip as i know i want to pack as light as possible but for Disney I find my full size iPad works fine and I don't miss my laptop.

 

[evaready51]

We take our iPad, do not have to take it out@TSA

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'd take the iPad. Sure, work said you could take the MacBook anywhere - but what if something happened to it?