What would an IPad do for me?

[shortbun]

I have a smart phone, an Ipod, three laptops in our house. I text, use my cell, do not use a bluetooth because I can't stand something hanging on my ear. I don't have a Kindle or Nook but I'm interested...would an IPad take the place of one of those and more? Please elaborate. My husband says we need them and I think we have enough plastic electronics.

 

[diznygirl]

I love the iPad, but I can't justify getting one. It wouldn't really replace my laptop because it doesn't do flash. I can play apps on it, but I do that on my iPhone. I can read books on it, but that's not good enough for $500. I can do that with my iPhone right now and I don't.

Eventually maybe for us, but not right now.

 

[arminnie]

An Ipad is really just a big I touch. If your iphone seems too small and you want something portable in betwen your laptop and iphone then maybe. You can use an ereader on ipad or your iphone. Nook or kindle is lots cheaper.

I have iphone, ipods, multiple laptops and a netbook. I don't really have a need for ipad although my sister has hers all but surgically attached to her body. I don't mind using my iphone for quick internet access when I am out and about. I carry a tiny, tiny purse so I really don't want to carry anything bigger than an iphone on a daily basis.

 

[Christine]

An Ipad is really just a big I touch. If your iphone seems too small and you want something portable in betwen your laptop and iphone then maybe. You can use an ereader on ipad or your iphone. Nook or kindle is lots cheaper.

I have iphone, ipods, multiple laptops and a netbook. I don't really have a need for ipad although my sister has hers all but surgically attached to her body. I don't mind using my iphone for quick internet access when I am out and about. I carry a tiny, tiny purse so I really don't want to carry anything bigger than an iphone on a daily basis.

I agree with this.

I would also not want to use the iPad as my e-reader. It is a backlit screen (just like a computer). I use a computer all day, the last thing I want to do is read my book on a backlit (computer) screen. I like the Kindle for reading because it's easy on the eyes.

 

[LuvOrlando]

We have one and all I can say is ehhh, I'm not so very wowed by it. It has lots of flaws and the only thing I like about it is I can watch my Netflix anywhere with it, like if I'm stuck waiting for my kids in a ski lodge.... but I don't think its uses are worth the $ IMHO. It is un-cooperative more often than it is a help to be honest.

 

[sewer]

I use it every day, and it has displaced my laptop! If you have the extra cash I would suggest one, it is more than a large iPod.

 

[arminnie]

But remember it is not a MAC or a PC. It runs on a platform more like the iphone. Flash does not work. You can add lots of apps but if you use any specialty software you can't install it. I have embroidery software on my PC. It would not work on an Ipad.

For the person that says it is more than an Ipod Touch - what else does it do? I've used my sister's and it is cool to touch the screen, but to me it seems just like my iphone (w/o the phone which is an ipod touch) but bigger. The iphone has more apps right now.

My sister is a MAC consultant. She loves, loves, loves her ipad - but even she hasn't been able to tell me what else it can do functionally. It is very cool to use it, but I haven't found any other functionality - but then again I am not really looking either.

I am so into electronic devices. I don't want to count how many ipods and laptops I have. I know I have red, yellow, green and blue - and that's just the laptops and netbook. I had a MAC but wasn't using it so did pass it on. I have too much software that won't run on a MAC.

I have more than one home plus I travel so that's my excuse for having stuff everywhere. Plus I am so into having backup systems in case one goes out.

I spent my career in IT and have to have backups of backups of backups. It was just installed in me for too many years. I don't really need that level of functionality - but I want it.

I used to write operating systems in machine code so I am a different kind of user than most.

 

[pospisil]

I love my iPad. I use it as a book reader, I use it in meetings to take notes or just doodle, I did personnel evals on it last week. It is smaller and easier to carry than my laptop, but large enough to actually work on.

And the flash thing isn't a problem. I surf the web a lot, and I honestly can't remember the last time I couldn't access something because I can't play flash. It was frustrating a couple of years ago because it seemed to happen a lot, but I think sites are moving away from using it as much now.

 

[java]

I'm on my iPad right now. I love the portability of it. And the ease of use. And it's cool. I surf the web, facebook, email, play games, read recipes in my kitchen from my apps, just love it. And I am not normally a tech girl.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

That was my question as well. I know everyone is raving about it, but besides having the "touch screen" what else can it really do?

Is it just like a laptop? I am not tech savvy by any means and I just got a Kindle for my birthday and I really do enjoy that, but when I am not at work, I don't want to even see a computer. I have to get a new phone and well I really don't have a choice, so I will have to get an Iphone, that I understand but I don't use all the bells and whistles and I want to talk with someone not text them constantly, which was why I didn't get the blackberry.

It just seems like alot of money for something that may be just a fad, not really sure though.

 

[WDWBarb]

Another posting from an iPad.

I love mine, but I'm one of those people that always needs to be "connected.". I use it mostly for entertainment purposes, but I also use it for work (I'm taking this with me instead of a laptop next week when I go to a business conference). I can quickly look something up on the Internet, open documents, read a book, catch up on news, check the weather (anywhere in the world!), make travel reservations, read the DIS, play games, shoot birds at pigs, watch a movie... A very long list. If I were still a student, I would find it the most useful device ever. As it is, I don't know anyone who regrets getting one but it's probably not for everyone.

 

[Micca]

I think for a lot of us the iPad isn't something we really need...until we get one. I don't have one yet, but it's just a matter of time. Perhaps Christmas 2011.

 

[ChrisFL]

First, I recommend waiting for the Ipad 2 to come out soon to see what new features it has

Second, I also think it's not a whole lot more than a big iPod touch and that's coming from a proud Iphone owner and app developer

Third, the android tablets are going to start really taking over the market I think, especially with the android OS 3.0 (honeycomb) which is light years nicer than the iOS currently

 

[Minnie]

Posting from my iPad

In many ways it is a large iTouch (I had one of the 1st editions of those too) as I love electronics and tend to be an early adopter of tech. I also have a Kindle that has unbelievable battery life and is wonderful for international flights and Android based smartphone.

In many ways the iPad had replaced my Mac. The touch tech works great and surfing the Dis lying on the couch I would never do that with an iTouch as they are way too small

 

[luvdisney00]

Another i Pad lover here! Mine has replaced the use of a laptop, I use it for web surfing, emails, taking notes, reading, shopping and more. It is so light and easy to carry, so much easier than a laptop to sit on the couch or in bed with. I literally carry it around the house with me and use the notepad to make notes (that I can later email). I can carry it in my purse when I'm dropping off/picking up my kids and use it quickly if I have a few minutes in the car (I'd never do that with my laptop).

Yesterday I was working on some baskets for a fundraiser and I was holding the i Pad typing in the contents of each basket, using the calculator to add up the values and emailing them to the person who is typing up the program for the event. Normally I would have been using paper and a pencil to type it all up later. I just find it so easy to use and for my purposes it does everything I need it to do.

Now all of that being said, I don't need to use it for work at all so I can't comment on business applications. I'm a school nurse and although we use electronic charting, I never have work to take home to do on my own computer. I am however looking into going back to school and I think it would be great for a student to use for notetaking, writing assignments and papers. I find the virtual keyboard very easy to use, but for those who don't, there are a variety of bluetooth keyboards available to make it more like a laptop.

The big thing about the iPad 2 is supposed to be a camera, but for me this isn't something I need. I don't have a webcam on my desktop and have never ever missed having one, my laptop has one and I have never used it. As for other devices, in my house we have 2 desktops, 3 laptops, a netbook, 5 i Pod touches and 2 smartphones. I have an android phone (Samsung Fascinate) so I guess we do like technology. My i Pad is my favorite though

 

[tvguy]

Friend got one as a gift for Christmas. They're pretty cool, but practically speaking, a netbook costing half what the i-Pad did does more.

 

[5 for WDW]

I'm on my iPad right now as well. I received it as a gift when I told my husband i wanted one for Xmas instead of a laptop. For me, it takes the place with no problem. I did buy myself the Apple wireless keyboard for it when I am using it for a lot of typing.

For the person asking if it can replace a Kindle or Nook, it can but, I will not use it to replace my Kindle. The iPad is backlit and I do have eye trouble when I am using it for a long time. I much prefer the display of my Kindle for reading. I am an avid reader.

My kids love the iPad as well. I have a few apps loaded on it for late Dr appts, etc. They have iPod touches as well but, the bigger screen makes the apps more fun. I have a few math games as well as a few interactive Disney books for my 7 year old.

Heading to Florida on Thursday for winter break. Very much looking forward to having it with me!

Also, for the person that mentioned using Netflix on theirs...do you have any problems with the movies messing up? I have had a few issues with movies freezing. Got so frustrating that I stopped using the app. That was a huge plus for me. Bummed I can't use it. I tried unloading the app a few times. Same issue. Thanks for any input.

 

[WDWBarb]

I use Netflix and I haven't had a problem. It's one of my favorite things about my iPad.

 

[5 for WDW]

I use Netflix and I haven't had a problem. It's one of my favorite things about my iPad.

It was one of the big reasons I wanted an iPad! We are driving to Fl. Leaving tomorrow night. I will give it another try. Hopefully it was just a glitch.

Thanks for the info!

 

[simba20]

IPad owner here. Love it. One thing I love is that if I am watching TV and something pops into my head that I want to research online, I turn it on and BAM I am there. No waiting for the laptop to boot up, it's on and going.

Now I know that many folks are touchy about children and electronic devices. One reason why I wanted it was so that I could d/l apps that my daughter could play/learn. She's three and while I do have a few comoyter games for her on my desktop and laptop, her ability to have mouse or touchpad control is lacking. The touch screen is GRAET for her to be able to interact with her apps. She took right to it and even knows how to change her options/settings for her games to make them easier or harder. Also she has been working on handwriting in preschool, and when I bought the iPad at Christmas, her class was just beginning to work on writing letters. I d/l an app that allows her to trace the letters on the screen and it has really helped her writing development and fine motor skills. She can now successfully write her name, and had her paper on the "good works" wall this week at school. I also have a reading app for her (Super Why?) and a math app, and the touching and interaction of the screen provides a "manipulative" so to speak for her to be involved in hands-on leanring. Yeah, my husband rolled his eyes, when I said the iPad would also be for her, but we are both amazed at the skills she has started to master (espcially in math -- addition, subtrations, patterns, equality) at the age of 3. Not to mention, it's handy to keep her occupied in restaurants.

She also has a Fisher-Price iXL she received for Christmas. I expected that I would have to do weeks of explanation for her to figure out how to use it and do all of the activities on it that go along with each CD. She figured it all out on her own. DD does not spend hours playing with these devices (20-30 minutes at the most), but they are also building problem solving and criticial thinking skills.

So yeah, while I can browse the Internet on a whim at the sligest touch, download new music in iTunes, watch Netflix, and read the latest novel I have found it to be more of an educational benefit for DD. As she grows there are more and more apps she can do and practice with, so I find it worth every penny I paid (with 3G option) for this device.