Pad, Netbook, or Laptop?

[Brett_Cameron]

I am using DW 's Kindle Fire to post this. This is much more convenient than a laptop, netbook or smart phone to read and post. <old eyes>

 

[martyp]

I've been noticing that my PC's hard disk is getting frequent errors that get patched by my maintenance program. So I started doing a little research and decided that I might go for a 13" Mac Air next spring. I would dock it with my existing 19" desk monitor and a keyboard. My DW has a Mac and now that I am not working I can switch from my PC. Also, now that I am not working I don't have the laptop that work provided. My portable device is my iPhone which worked pretty well for me while on my road trip to Chicago last September. So if I have to purchase a new computer I plan to go for a laptop with a docking station this time.

 

[kz]

Needed to replace the desktop. I wanted new desktop and an Ipad. Sisters and hubby talked me into laptop and am loving it! Go figure! Went the wifi route so I can surf while watching TV in the family with DH. Never use the desktop dinosaur anymore. Not sure how I'll like it for travel but it's what I got so it's what I'll use.

 

[Meadbh]

Sounds like Lena's needs are predominantly recreational. If I were Lena, I would put the laptop where it doesn't need to move, and buy an iPad.

For me, productivity is important, as is screen size. My 2003 Toshiba laptop with a 15" screen (which was top of the line at the time) is still the best. I use it at home with a wireless keyboard. I also have a newer laptop with a 13" screen that is owned by a company I consult with. They insisted I have it, but I never use it because all my programs are on my personal laptop and it just can't replicate that experience. I find that my BB is ideal for most short business trips. For longer business trips I usually stay at a hotel with a business centre and the combination works well. I don't think I would like the smaller screen and keyboard on a netbook, which I see primarily as a business tool.

 

[martyp]

When I was thinking about replacing my desktop I realized a few advances in the last several years:

1. Laptops have become very light weight because of the use of solid state memory replacing hard disks.
2. There is no need for internal CD/DVD drives anymore. In fact, for most portable storage needs flash drives (memory sticks) work just fine. This reduces the laptop weight even more. Of course you can always get an external CD/DVD drive too.
3. Huge amounts of cheap external storage is available to store all those image and video files or store them in the "cloud" if you are so inclined.

The size of a Mac Air vs an iPad isn't all that different from a practical point of view. The Mac Air is 3 lbs vs the iPad 1.35 lbs. Three lbs has always worked fine for me. The laptop is somewhat more expensive but you get the added functionality. This all applies to PC laptops vs tablets as well. For most people, I think laptops have become a viable replacement for desktops. Laptop sales have outpaced desktop sales for many years. I just think there is hardly any compromise at this point.

 

[yakers]

The iPad is a much better product than you would think from reading the specs. We have a desk top, lap top, netbook, iPad and iPhone. All are useful. The desktop and iPad get used the most. Use of the netbook has decreased, it is our only PC, the rest are Macs, but it still has a great keyboard and runs XP.

 

[donheff]

Ars Technica has a detailed review of the Kindle Fire. Their summary:

"Before it was announced, the Kindle Fire was rumored to be Amazon's entry into the Android tablet market. To get a serious tablet, even a small one, at the Kindle Fire's price of $199 would have been a holiday miracle.
But in our time with the Kindle Fire, it fell far short of what tablets should be able to accomplish. As a vector for Amazon's video and music stores and huge e-book selection, it's great. As an e-reader, it's merely OK. As an Internet and app portal, it falls short of Amazon's promises.
Still, if you're looking for an e-reader and don't mind a smallish LCD screen, a lightweight video player, and a limited-use browser, the Kindle Fire can fill those niches—in its own ambling way."
​

This is kind of how I view the Nook (although I think it is better as a reader than the Ars folks describe the Fire): Limited as a tablet but a decent reader and useful if you want to be able to check email and do lightweight browsing on trips.

Update: further down in my RSS feed I see that Ars reviews the Kindle Touch as well. This is an e-Ink reader (Nook has an equivalent touch device). Here is the summary:

"When Amazon introduced its most recent crop of Kindles, the company kept the devices and the press thoroughly separated. Which was a bit of a shame, because one of the newer introductions, the Kindle Touch, demanded some hands-on time to really appreciate. When we finally got our hands on the new low-end Kindle, we found a lot to like, as it provided a polished e-reading experience in a small, lightweight package. The Touch does quite a bit more, but you pay for it not just in price, but in some added size and weight."​

 

[frayne]

I'd say go for an Ipad2 with at least 32GB of storage and 3G capability. My understanding is you don't have to use the 3G connection unless you need to and you can do it on an as needed basis without a monthly contract commitment.

 

[rescueme]

I am using DW 's Kindle Fire to post this. This is much more convenient than a laptop, netbook or smart phone to read and post. <old eyes>

I agree (received mine on the 15th ).

It sits on the coffee table in the family room with the primary use to answer DW's questions - you know, the only one's that can be answered by Google .

At least I don't have to walk to the kitchen to use the (always running) "recipe laptop" that is located on "her" desk to find out the answer ...

As to what tablet/PC is best? IMHO, it's the one that works, for the situation (that's why we now have four). Everbody will have a different requirement, and different answer, based upon their unique wants/needs.

 

[TromboneAl]

We tried an iPad, and she's hooked. We're considering a refurbished iPad 2 16 Gig wifi only for $449 or an iPad 1 32 Gig with 3G for $399. We don't travel much, and wouldn't use/rent the 3G service much.

 

[Katsmeow]

We tried an iPad, and she's hooked. We're considering a refurbished iPad 2 16 Gig wifi only for $449 or an iPad 1 32 Gig with 3G for $399. We don't travel much, and wouldn't use/rent the 3G service much.

Between those choices in your situation I would probably get the iPad2. I have an iPad 1 and didn't upgrade to the iPad 2 but I would think the advantages of the iPad 2 would make me choose it over an iPad 1. (I do have 3G although I don't keep it turned off since I can use my iphone as a personal hotspot whenever I need 3G on the iPad).

 

[Nuiloa]

The other thing I don't like about my iPad is that I can't download stuff into other units, like my hand-held GPS (which I use for geocaching).

 

[TromboneAl]

I would think the advantages of the iPad 2 would make me choose it over an iPad 1.

Yes, probably, but the only advantages I see are faster, smaller, lighter, forward camera, and most of those won't make a big difference for Lena's purposes.

 

[Midpack]

I have an iPad 2 and absolutely love it. I was in a Barnes & Noble this weekend and played with a Nook Color $199 and the new Nook Tablet $249. The display is very nice, though about half the size of an iPad. The display also seems to be a plastic/poly carbonate, the iPad is "gorilla glass" - very durable and first class! Using the Nook is easy, though slightly less intuitive than an iPad. Even though I am addicted to the iPad and prefer the larger screen, I'd certainly look at the Nook Tablet or Kindle Fire at half the price - but they aren't in the same league, more often than not you get what you pay for as the say.

 

[W2R]

Al, if I were to choose one of those two options, I'd choose the iPad 2 with wi-fi only. But then, I don't like the idea of paying for yet another data plan.

 

[FIREd]

I would go for the iPad 2 too. App developers cater to the more powerful iPad 2 nowadays and I have started to notice performance issues with some apps running on my slower iPad 1.

 

[FreeAtLast]

I have just joined those who have tape holding their computer together. Last week my house keeper got the power cord from my MacBook caught in the rotor brush of the upright vacuum cleaner. It took the plastic shield off but I taped it up and it still works.

I have had the MacBook for at least 2 years. I am quite please with it and have had no problems. I have an Iphone but I don't have any strong desire to get an Ipad at this point.

 

[donheff]

For you iPad 3G owners I am curious about all of this talk about turning the 3G off. I understand the idea of turning the phone data off to use wifi and avoid going over the data limit. But do the carriers allow you to turn the phone data on and off and prorate the monthly data charges based on days used? I can do that with my Verizon Android phone's wifi hotspot but I thought the iPad required the full monthly contract.

 

[TromboneAl]

Well, I ordered the iPad 2. It came out to $490 with tax and recycling fee.

Hey, who's a good money spender? I think I'll go vomit now.

 

[Katsmeow]

For you iPad 3G owners I am curious about all of this talk about turning the 3G off. I understand the idea of turning the phone data off to use wifi and avoid going over the data limit. But do the carriers allow you to turn the phone data on and off and prorate the monthly data charges based on days used? I can do that with my Verizon Android phone's wifi hotspot but I thought the iPad required the full monthly contract.

You can't turn it off daily. You can turn it on and off monthly. I have an iphone with tethering so I use that for my iPad. I would only turn on my iPad most likely if I was going to be going somewhere that didn't have WiFi where I felt I had blown through my phone data (4GB a month). So far, that situation hasn't arisen.

 

[W2R]

Well, I ordered the iPad 2. It came out to $490 with tax and recycling fee.

Hey, who's a good money spender? I think I'll go vomit now.

You did a good job, and didn't even vomit before posting.

I spent about twice that on furniture last Thursday, and was pleased that it only hurt when I thought about it. I'm glad I spent that money, though, and I'm sure you will be glad you bought that iPad too. Besides, after all Lena has been through this year she deserves something special.

 

[Midpack]

Well, I ordered the iPad 2. It came out to $490 with tax and recycling fee.

Hey, who's a good money spender? I think I'll go vomit now.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised how much you both enjoy it, hope so...

 

[PaddyMac]

I was all set to order a Kindle Fire for Christmas, but the reviews turned me off. It just doesn't seem as polished as the iPad. I use a Mac laptop for reading websites in the morning, and sometimes read a book in bed with it or watch a video, so I'll wait and get the iPad 3 next year instead. Being able to sync with my Mail app is also important, and I can also use it to Skype too. I usually travel with the laptop, but the iPad will be fine for most trips.

Flash sites are slowly switching over now that Adobe has officially dropped mobile support. Even the Irish TV (RTE) website which is all Flash said they will had an iPad version by the end of this year. Another reason the Kindle Fire just wasn't worth it.

I just discovered Adobe Digital Editions. It's an ebook reader that remembers where you stopped when reading a PDF.

 

[MichaelB]

Well, I ordered the iPad 2. It came out to $490 with tax and recycling fee.

Hey, who's a good money spender? I think I'll go vomit now.

And then they found the apps store. This is like the razor and blades thing, and that $490 iPad is just the beginning.

I'm thinking about getting one.

 

[REWahoo]

Well, I ordered the iPad 2. It came out to $490 with tax and recycling fee.

I saw one for $10 at a garage sale on Saturday.

And then they found the apps store. This is like the razor and blades thing, and that $490 iPad is just the beginning.

This is why I didn't buy it.