Why not buy an IPad?

[ksloane]

I have an iPad and a Toshiba Thrive (Android) tablet. I really enjoy them both and they each have their advantages. I think that before each person buys they should try them out. I think the Android Market and iTunes are really the same thing (essentially). They have apps. You buy and download and they are on your device.

I find that depending on what I'm doing, I want a different device.

I have a MacBook and HP pc laptop and Toshiba Netbook. I have a Kindle for reading. I have an Android phone and iPod touch. And like I said, I have an Android tablet and iPad.

 

[Golf4283]

I'll add another thing regarding Apple Vs. Android (this is just in regards to the phones though, but can probably apply across the board).

I have never heard anyone who already owned the iPhone say they were going to switch to Android when their contract expires. I have on the other hand (3 coworkers in the last month) had people switch to the iPhone from an Android phone.

Like I said earlier though I'll never switch over to Android. Mostly because I'm used to iOS but also because I just have no issues with their software ever.

Also to the person saying how Apple locks up the devices etc. This is true, but the jailbreaking community is thriving and once jailbreak is achieved the sky is the limit.

I run my iPhone 4s right now with widgets, file system access, and basically any other function of a Droid phone (except NFC).

 

[ksloane]

I'll add another thing regarding Apple Vs. Android (this is just in regards to the phones though, but can probably apply across the board).

I have never heard anyone who already owned the iPhone say they were going to switch to Android when their contract expires. I have on the other hand (3 coworkers in the last month) had people switch to the iPhone from an Android phone.

Like I said earlier though I'll never switch over to Android. Mostly because I'm used to iOS but also because I just have no issues with their software ever.

Also to the person saying how Apple locks up the devices etc. This is true, but the jailbreaking community is thriving and once jailbreak is achieved the sky is the limit.

I run my iPhone 4s right now with widgets, file system access, and basically any other function of a Droid phone (except NFC).

I think it is probably more rare, but I know 2 people now waiting on their contract to end so they can buy the Galaxy (that have iPhones) and I know someone who switched to Android when their contract went out a couple years ago from an iPhone and says she'll never go back. So I think it really depends on the person and the situation. I'm happy with my Android. I do not want a device I have to jailbreak to get it to do what I want, but others are different. My daughter loves her iPhone and just upgraded to the new one as soon as it came out.

 

[Golf4283]

Androids aren't much more free to do whatever than iPhone's are though. Don't be fooled into thinking they are. There is rooting/unlocking of Android just as much. It's just that once this is achieved you can access the rooted apps through google's store.

 

[ksloane]

Don't know much about unlocking. Only known a couple people that did ... Personally, I've never wanted to do anything on either my Android or apple products that they wouldn't do naturally.

 

[ssawka]

Androids aren't much more free to do whatever than iPhone's are though. Don't be fooled into thinking they are. There is rooting/unlocking of Android just as much. It's just that once this is achieved you can access the rooted apps through google's store.

But, custom (i.e. non-sanctioned) apps can be installed on Android without the need to root your phone. It's funny, with iPhones and iPads Apple has become the "big brother" that they made fun of in there original TV commercial. Smart phones and tablets are computers, and just like a laptop or desktop I should be able to install anything I wish and assume the risk of doing so.

 

[Pigeon]

I hate everything about Apple. I think their business practices are predatory. I don't find their products at all intuitive. I have an iPad from work. If I buy one for myself or for my kids, I'll buy a different brand tablet for a fraction of the cost of an iPad.

Their pricing is insane. The fact that you cannot upgrade the memory on their devices with a microcard, but rather have to spend hundreds extra for the same amount of memory that costs $8 is infuriating. And the fact that the devices are designed to be worthless once the battery is dead is beyond obnoxious.

 

[Golf4283]

In the end everyone has a very personal opinion on this stuff and the reason is just that. we use these things for our personal lives.

Pigeon likes the ability to expand memory which is definitely a good thing. I have a 64gb iPad and if I need more space than that I can't imagine what I would be doing with it. I might as well get a PC at that point.

Also the intuitive aspect is totally incorrect. My niece is 4 and can pickup my iPhone and use it. I guarantee if I brought her a nexus 7 she would have no clue how to do it.

Also to your point about batteries. Changing a battery in these things is simple. you can buy a new battery on Amazon for $10.

This is my last point and I'll stop posting because all this turns into is a peeing match over and over. Android phones keep getting larger and larger to stuff the amount of hardware they have and yet iPhones get smaller and smaller. Their engineering is unquestionable.

 

[timmac]

Androids aren't much more free to do whatever than iPhone's are though. Don't be fooled into thinking they are. There is rooting/unlocking of Android just as much. It's just that once this is achieved you can access the rooted apps through google's store.

Even without rooting though, the OS security models on the two platforms work differently, the end of day reality being there are certain things that are possible on the Android platform that aren't allowed by iOS apps. (You could argue that this is balanced by some ease of use and complexity issues, of course). In particular, iOS apps can't really interact with each other, or with much of the underlying system. On Android, this is much more possible.

 

[pigletto]

I have a MacBook Pro. Although I love it I'll be the first to tell you I don't need it and don't use half of what it can do. It was a gift.

My husband and I have Blackberry phones. We bought the playbook when it was discounted and it suits our needs. I vastly prefer the size, dh brings it to work easily for site visits (he needs to record data and take pictures on these visits) and it's a nice size to watch a movie on a plane or read an e-book. We love it.

Dd has an iPhone and loves it. I am completely over Apples "release a new version every six months to a year" marketing strategy. It's overkill and designed for the constant upgrade and frankly, it annoys me.
I want to get my son the new touch for Christmas. I won't because they won't release a 16g until after Christmas and will push the more expensive ones first.
Apple is not infallible. The iOS 6 update has completely messed with my daughters phone and she can't uninstall it. Everyone I know is having issues with it.
And bottom line is price point. Apple is IMO overpriced when you can get comparable products that do the same things as good or better.

I do find Apple products more intuitive, but I switch between my playbook, bb phone, Windows PC and Mac Laptop with ease so it's not really an issue.

 

[pigletto]

One of the reasons I moved to Apple products was I was tired of the constant virus issues and failures with the PC based products. Both my children use Apple computers in school and are very familiar with them. We have Ipods, iPad, I have an Iphone, Macbook and iMac computer. Yes, the cost is a little higher. I find the Apple products easier to use. Did I mention the computer virus issue.

With that said, extended family use Android phones and PC based products. They prefer the lower cost and are familiar with their use. I will say that my Imac is still working well, no viruses (or virus protection software) and they have all had to replace their computers at least once. In my opinion, the Apple products are made better and I don't mind paying a little more for the quality. Just my opinion and I'm sure others feel differently.

Even Apple has dropped it's claim that they don't get viruses. I've owned 2 Mac laptops and have had viruses on both.

 

[MomToOne]

I am going to look at getting DD12 an iPad Mini for Christmas, mainly because of the ability to easily put all the stuff she already has in iTunes for her Touch onto the iPad. She's also used to that sort of interface because of her Touch.

For myself, I am currently leaning towards the Google Nexxus although I haven't found a "perfect" device yet. I have nothing invested in iTunes that I need to bring easily bring over. Features such as the USB port is important to me for the type of stuff I want to do with it. And there's now a rumor that the price may drop in response to the iPad Mini.

There is no "best device" for everyone. Apple products have their strengths and weaknesses just as all products from other manufacturers do. I've found Apple stuff to be no more "problem free" than anything else, in fact, I've had SEVERAL problems with DDs Touch that have frustrated me for hours on end. Just like I've had with other manufacturers. So for me, it all comes down to the features and cost/benefit values that make sense for each individual I'm buying for.

 

[lucigo]

I have a 9-yo with autism. We bit the bullet and got him an iPad for his birthday this last year. We chose it because the iTunes market seems to have the most apps for education and autism. My son absolutely loves his iPad and has learned some pretty amazing stuff using it. Its been worth every penny.

My only complaint, is that youtube doesn't have parental controls for the iPad. Yes, you can take the youtube app off the iPad but they can access it from safari.

 

[tianna26]

personally im not a fan at all of apple I dont like how itunes software works with my computer and how they seem to change very quickly ex my friend got an ipad for xmas 3months later a new one came out. I never had an ipod i had a zune from microsoft i loved the way the software was set up and the amount of space with huge screen for movies. I currently have a galaxy sIII and thinking about getting a android tablet someday. i guess im not one to follow the crowd but to each its own

 

[crazelion]

Prefer android because price, can install customs roms, and cheaper. I will not buy apple ipad one I can't rooted it, too expensive, and new one comes out every six months.

That all three of my kids get Tablets for Christmas all under 300.00 bucks.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Yes. I love my google nexus. It's a great powerful tablet for 1/3 the price of an Ipad. huge screen, fast processor love it.

I don't need all the apps the apple offers so no need for me to pay for them.

We're invested in the Apple ecosystem so iPads work best for us. But if that weren't the case, I'd have no problem getting a Google Nexus 7. Very nice tablet for $200.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

This thread is an interesting discussion and has been helpful to me. We are in a similar situation in terms of what tablet to purchase for our oldest two children and really need to research our options before we decide. My kids use Ipads in school and are familiar with them, and we have heard so many great things about them; but gosh are they pricey, and I don't think they would share them with eachother either

 

[dawnhaze]

Addressing one common fallacy in this thread: Apple updates its hardware once a year, give or take a month, like most electronics manufacturers who want to stay current. You're kidding yourself if you think HTC, Samsung, and the rest aren't releasing new models of hardware annually. I'm more than willing to acknowledge legitimate faults but things made up by people who are "anti-popular" just bug me.

At the end of the day, if you already have Android phones, get an Android tablet. If you already have an iPhone, get an iPad. If you've got a Windows phone, look into that Surface thing. Don't fragment your personal ecosystem, it's a giant pain in the behind. (If you've got a Blackberry, I can't help you, lol )

And for heaven's sake, do some basic research about release dates and expected updates before you buy anything technological. That way you won't be another whiner complaining that OMG A COMPANY MADE SOMETHING NEW ALMOST A YEAR AFTER THE OLD THING!!!11

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

She has a point. I have one of the original iPads. There have been 2 newer versions since with more bells, whistles, resolution, etc. My original iPad still works like the day I bought it. Your tablets will, too.

Addressing one common fallacy in this thread: Apple updates its hardware once a year, give or take a month, like most electronics manufacturers who want to stay current. You're kidding yourself if you think HTC, Samsung, and the rest aren't releasing new models of hardware annually. I'm more than willing to acknowledge legitimate faults but things made up by people who are "anti-popular" just bug me.

At the end of the day, if you already have Android phones, get an Android tablet. If you already have an iPhone, get an iPad. If you've got a Windows phone, look into that Surface thing. Don't fragment your personal ecosystem, it's a giant pain in the behind. (If you've got a Blackberry, I can't help you, lol )

And for heaven's sake, do some basic research about release dates and expected updates before you buy anything technological. That way you won't be another whiner complaining that OMG A COMPANY MADE SOMETHING NEW ALMOST A YEAR AFTER THE OLD THING!!!11

 

[pigletto]

Addressing one common fallacy in this thread: Apple updates its hardware once a year, give or take a month, like most electronics manufacturers who want to stay current. You're kidding yourself if you think HTC, Samsung, and the rest aren't releasing new models of hardware annually. I'm more than willing to acknowledge legitimate faults but things made up by people who are "anti-popular" just bug me.

At the end of the day, if you already have Android phones, get an Android tablet. If you already have an iPhone, get an iPad. If you've got a Windows phone, look into that Surface thing. Don't fragment your personal ecosystem, it's a giant pain in the behind. (If you've got a Blackberry, I can't help you, lol )

And for heaven's sake, do some basic research about release dates and expected updates before you buy anything technological. That way you won't be another whiner complaining that OMG A COMPANY MADE SOMETHING NEW ALMOST A YEAR AFTER THE OLD THING!!!11

Wow. That was a bit snide. Apple also charges considerably more for their tiny improvements. You want to sell at that price point.. fine. However I'm going to expect more than a few basic upgrades that they had the technology for a year ago. And if you are going to release a new operating system let's not make it suck first. Basic requests in my book.
I don't make things up to be anti popular. I also don't fall victim to slick marketing and pay twice as much for it since I am not a fangirl.
I have several different products, reasonably analyze pluses and minuses with each, and base my opinion on my needs.
For MY needs I am honestly happier with the BB playbook. I also prefer my Macbook pro to any other laptop. Choices.. I have them.