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IPad to Replace Laptop?
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scotch
29-07-2015
Ok, I'm not that computer savvy.

My old laptop is wasting away and Im', wondering if a new IPad will do for me.

I use laptop to browse the internet, google, read articles reviews etc. I use it to buy items - Amazon etc. Online banking. Plus watching Youtube.

Going to need to write up CV and I use it for some letters via wireless printer.

Will this Ipad do this for me?

Thanks very much.
scotch
29-07-2015
I'd prefer on with a good sized screen for watching YouTube.

If anyone can confirm the iPad will be good for my needs us much appreciate it. Also any recommendations or opinions thankfully received.

Thanks very much
swb1964
29-07-2015
I wouldn't like to use an ipad as a word processor, personally. Could you stretch to an ipad and a cheap 2nd hand laptop?
scotch
29-07-2015
Originally Posted by swb1964:
“I wouldn't like to use an ipad as a word processor, personally. Could you stretch to an ipad and a cheap 2nd hand laptop?”

Yes I probably could. So use iPad for most of my uses and an older laptop that can be used for word processing.
alan1302
29-07-2015
The other opton would be somethng like this:

http://www.ebuyer.com/667312-acer-sw...2-nt-l4tek-004

Lets you use any software you already have and is touch screen and use the Windows apps.
scotch
29-07-2015
Originally Posted by alan1302:
“The other opton would be somethng like this:

http://www.ebuyer.com/667312-acer-sw...2-nt-l4tek-004

Lets you use any software you already have and is touch screen and use the Windows apps.”

Oh that looks interesting
Rodney McKay
29-07-2015
Originally Posted by scotch:
“Ok, I'm not that computer savvy.

My old laptop is wasting away and Im', wondering if a new IPad will do for me.

I use laptop to browse the internet, google, read articles reviews etc. I use it to buy items - Amazon etc. Online banking. Plus watching Youtube.

Going to need to write up CV and I use it for some letters via wireless printer.

Will this Ipad do this for me?

Thanks very much.”

Personally if you're using it at home most of the time I'd get a laptop. Tablets are OK but boy do they get annoying for some websites or any significant typing.

If you need to go for a tablet then yet perhaps the sort of thing one of the other posters mentioned might be an option or an MS tablet but for me if I had to choose only one device it would be a laptop every time.
oilman
29-07-2015
If you want to use a tablet for word processing, you could just use a bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and a chromecast to display screen on tv?
Quackers
30-07-2015
Since your existing laptop is working, just get the iPad and dust the laptop off when you need to word process. I do a lot of typing on my 10" iPad in both Apple Pages and Microsoft Word its fine with the right case to angle the screen once you adjust to not having physical keys. You could give word processing ago on the iPad and if you don't get on with it you still have your old laptop for that 1 task.

You can print a very easy from the iPad so long as your printer supports 'AirPrint' no messing with drivers or installation if its connected to the same network, just tap print and select the printer. (Although i have seen some very bad printers that have to be setup on a PC or Mac first before you can use them, Im looking at you Canon!)

It should be fine for all your other tasks, with the advantage of just grabbing the iPad and its on waiting, no boot time (unless your power it off which it is not how its designed to work).

If you are near an Apple store go play with the display models and try and do a lot of tasks you would normally do and see how well it works for you before buying.
alan1302
31-07-2015
Originally Posted by Quackers:
“Since your existing laptop is working.”

He says it's wasting away so wants a new device
Stig
31-07-2015
Originally Posted by scotch:
“I'd prefer on with a good sized screen for watching YouTube.

If anyone can confirm the iPad will be good for my needs us much appreciate it. Also any recommendations or opinions thankfully received.

Thanks very much”

At home I use my iPad 90% of the time and a laptop 10%. That should tell you that the iPad suits mists of my needs, which are similar to yours. I've been known to take notes for 6 hours using an iPad, so it's not bad as a basic word processor either.

Go for it.
scotch
31-07-2015
Originally Posted by Stig:
“At home I use my iPad 90% of the time and a laptop 10%. That should tell you that the iPad suits mists of my needs, which are similar to yours. I've been known to take notes for 6 hours using an iPad, so it's not bad as a basic word processor either.

Go for it.”

I think this will be the route I take.

Thank you to everyone who shared their opinions. I appreciate it.
BKM
31-07-2015
Originally Posted by Stig:
“At home I use my iPad 90% of the time and a laptop 10%. That should tell you that the iPad suits mists of my needs, which are similar to yours. I've been known to take notes for 6 hours using an iPad, so it's not bad as a basic word processor either.

Go for it.”

About the same ratio for me!!! I don't think it could realistically replace a laptop though.
Lysandar
01-08-2015
My iPad Air 2 is marvellous and does most things for me.
But, as above, I use my now run down PC which just about chugs along, for letters and keeping accounts.
I don't find the iPad screen too small for YouTube.
In fact, I use the BBC iPad App for watching programmes I've missed etc.
About 94%/6% ratio.
wakey
01-08-2015
Originally Posted by swb1964:
“I wouldn't like to use an ipad as a word processor, personally. Could you stretch to an ipad and a cheap 2nd hand laptop?”

With a Bluetooth keyboard it's fine for writing long documents
MrHoppy
01-08-2015
Take a look at Microsoft Surface. It's a full on Windows machine in the form of a tablet with detachable keyboard. I understand it's awesome, though a bit pricey, but that shouldn't be an issue if you were considering an iPad. Maybe wait and see what the Surface Pro 4 is like which should be out fairly soon.
It (Surface 3/ 3 Pro) also has an awesome 3:2 aspect high resolution screen. It's pretty rare to be able to get a non 16:9 screen in new things that run Windows these days.
zz9
02-08-2015
Originally Posted by MrHoppy:
“Take a look at Microsoft Surface. It's a full on Windows machine in the form of a tablet with detachable keyboard. I understand it's awesome, though a bit pricey, but that shouldn't be an issue if you were considering an iPad. Maybe wait and see what the Surface Pro 4 is like which should be out fairly soon.
It (Surface 3/ 3 Pro) also has an awesome 3:2 aspect high resolution screen. It's pretty rare to be able to get a non 16:9 screen in new things that run Windows these days.”

I second the Surface, but my personal preference would be to get the Surface 3 at £420 and the Type Cover keyboard at £90 and stick with Windows 8.1. (At least for the time being)

Without the keyboard the Surface 3 is just like an iPad, in that it's a tablet with tablet gestures and navigation. But it can run not only apps but all Windows software, so you can run Firefox, Chrome, Photoshop, iTunes, Word, Excel, anything. You can also have separate user accounts, so you can let your kids use it without them reading your emails or looking at your photos.

But add the keyboard and switch from the Metro touch/tablet screen of Windows 8 to the traditional desktop and it has the full UI for keyboard/mouse use, in other words it's a laptop. You can even plug in an external monitor or your HDTV and run it as a dual monitor PC using both screens.

Unlike the iPad you can easily add extra memory with a micro SD card and the kick stand means it will stand up. Even in Metro tablet use it can run two apps side by side, so you can look up Wikipedia while writing in Word, or video a lecture while taking notes in One Note, or listen to a Youtube video while reading the news etc.

My preference for sticking with Windows 8.1 is that Windows 10 has removed a lot of the tablet gestures and when using it as a tablet is not as good. For example W8.1 Surface has two versions of IE, a desktop one and a touch one for use in tablet mode, with big finger friendly touch controls. Windows 10 has Edge, which is really desktop only and working it with fingers is really fiddly.

I am just about to upgrade my main PC to W10, but my tablet I think I will restore W8.1.
I assume MS will address these points in time, but at the moment Windows 10 is not tablet friendly IMHO.

But the Surface rocks.
Stig
02-08-2015
I have the Surface Pro 3 and an iPad, and the iPad is far more user friendly. The touch interface works better, the battery lasts longer, and you don't have the security concerns of Windows.
AJ2001
15-08-2015
Originally Posted by zz9:
“I second the Surface, but my personal preference would be to get the Surface 3 at £420 and the Type Cover keyboard at £90 and stick with Windows 8.1. (At least for the time being)

Without the keyboard the Surface 3 is just like an iPad, in that it's a tablet with tablet gestures and navigation. But it can run not only apps but all Windows software, so you can run Firefox, Chrome, Photoshop, iTunes, Word, Excel, anything. You can also have separate user accounts, so you can let your kids use it without them reading your emails or looking at your photos.

But add the keyboard and switch from the Metro touch/tablet screen of Windows 8 to the traditional desktop and it has the full UI for keyboard/mouse use, in other words it's a laptop. You can even plug in an external monitor or your HDTV and run it as a dual monitor PC using both screens.

Unlike the iPad you can easily add extra memory with a micro SD card and the kick stand means it will stand up. Even in Metro tablet use it can run two apps side by side, so you can look up Wikipedia while writing in Word, or video a lecture while taking notes in One Note, or listen to a Youtube video while reading the news etc.

My preference for sticking with Windows 8.1 is that Windows 10 has removed a lot of the tablet gestures and when using it as a tablet is not as good. For example W8.1 Surface has two versions of IE, a desktop one and a touch one for use in tablet mode, with big finger friendly touch controls. Windows 10 has Edge, which is really desktop only and working it with fingers is really fiddly.

I am just about to upgrade my main PC to W10, but my tablet I think I will restore W8.1.
I assume MS will address these points in time, but at the moment Windows 10 is not tablet friendly IMHO.

But the Surface rocks.”

ditto! Recently bought a Surface Pro 3 at J.Lewis to replace my Laptop and it was probably the best investment I have made for a long time. Never got used to MS office on the Ipad, which now my missus uses for TV Catch up and the occasional FB/youtube/internet.

But I do like Win 10 over 8.1, although I have to agree that the tablet mode is not as good...
PerfectMark
16-08-2015
Originally Posted by Stig:
“I have the Surface Pro 3 and an iPad, and the iPad is far more user friendly. The touch interface works better, the battery lasts longer, and you don't have the security concerns of Windows.”

Exactly, the Surface does have it's advantages if you need to run some Windows only apps. But for the original poster who wants a tablet that is easy to use, the iPad is a much better option.
oilman
16-08-2015
Originally Posted by PerfectMark:
“Exactly, the Surface does have it's advantages if you need to run some Windows only apps. But for the original poster who wants a tablet that is easy to use, the iPad is a much better option.”

Many android tablets just as functional as an iPad, and much cheaper.
IvanIV
16-08-2015
High end replacement would be Surface 3 pro or Surface 3. Tablet form factor, excellent screen for videos. You could set it up the same as your laptop. You don't have to get the touch/type cover, you could use any USB keyboard when necessary and don't compromise on typing experience. Not as cool as the covers, but works better. For web, pictures, videos you could keep using your favourite programmes. Oh, Surface 4 might be around the corner, but it's the same with any product.
zz9
16-08-2015
Originally Posted by IvanIV:
“High end replacement would be Surface 3 pro or Surface 3. Tablet form factor, excellent screen for videos. You could set it up the same as your laptop. You don't have to get the touch/type cover, you could use any USB keyboard when necessary and don't compromise on typing experience. Not as cool as the covers, but works better. For web, pictures, videos you could keep using your favourite programmes. Oh, Surface 4 might be around the corner, but it's the same with any product.”

Or even the Linx 10 tablet that someone recommended here on DS. It's a ten inch tablet that runs Windows 8.1, so it had apps and will run any Windows software. All for £149.
Even at that price it's got lots of features the iPad lacks, like micro SD card slot to expand the storage (and great if you drop your tablet and it smashes. You just remove the SD card and you have all your documents), user accounts, so you can let your kids use it without being able to read your emails etc, proper multitasking etc.
You can even plug in an external monitor into the HDMI out and a wireless keyboard and mouse into the USB and run it as a dual monitor PC, again something no iPad can do.
treefr0g
16-08-2015
I use my iPad 90% of the time but I could never get rid of a laptop completely.

I need it for storage, backups, transferring music, organising my NAS drive, syncing my iDevices, etc. basically for moving data around. Oh, and programming my TV remote.

Providing your laptop still has a little life in it, you should be okay and 'Pages' is perfect for creating a CV and comes free.
alan1302
16-08-2015
Originally Posted by oilman:
“Many android tablets just as functional as an iPad, and much cheaper.”

I'd agree they are as functional but a really good Android tablet will cost just as much as an iPad
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