No self-respecting review website on netbooks could ignore Apple’s IPad. While technically not a netbook, it provides most of the functionality and even more of the portability of a standard netbook.
Apple IPAD
Apple has introduced a few versions of the IPad, including the new IPAD2, but this review will concentrate on the 16GB Wifi only version. While some will praise the 3G versions of the IPad, I have found the 3G service slow and mostly unnecessary for my daily use. Wifi is faster and sufficient for downloading what I need “port-ably” and convenient enough for when I need to be connected to the net.
I was initially given an IPad as a gift(I know, poor me). When I first received it, I thought “why do I need this and what will I use it for?” I already have a desktop computer, IPhone, and a netbook. I really didn’t want or need another computing device to maintain.
What I have found over several months of use is that each serves a specific function, but lately I feel that beyond pictures and an address book, I really am not using the internet capability of the IPhone, unless I was stuck somewhere without my netbook. So why do I need and IPad?
To understand my (and that of many others) Apple IPad vs Netbook revelation you have to think of computing in terms of two terms, creation and consumption. Creation is the act of creating content – writing, posting, video creation, etc. Consumption is the act of consuming content – reading Facebook, looking around on websites, reading Twitter, watching videos, listening to music, etc.
A netbook is a creation device. It is a smaller, more portable version of your desktop computer. You can work on anything, anywhere. just like your computer.
An IPad is a consumption device. It is even smaller and lighter than a netbook and its battery lasts over 10 hours, but it is limited in what it can do. It’s bigger and better than the IPhone, and it meets a need.
Here are my votes for what to do with what
- Read and send a few emails – IPad
- Read and comment on Facebook – IPad
- Carrying around games and play – IPad apps
- Read a book – IPad
- Read and Write a lot emails – Netbook
- Work with Word, Excel, or Powerpoint – Netbook
- Watch videos anytime or Netflix in bed – tie (IPad lasts longer and is lighter, Netbook is easier to hold)
- Video conference – Netbook
- Check weather – IPad
- Listen to music – IPad
- Twitter – IPad
- Build and create websites – Netbook (desktop better)
- Recording sound or video – Netbook
- Make phone calls, play music, emergency internet access – IPhone
Summary IPad vs Netbook
The IPad is light and small, but has a big enough screen for most applications. It’s fast to use and has a great battery life. I can check email or Facebook on the IPad before the netbook finishes booting up, but I hate typing on it.
The IPad’s one major drawback is the lack of a physical keyboard and support for standing upright without being held. I’ve tried many of the IPad covers, but still struggle with balancing the IPad to watch a video. Holding it all the time is tiresome. The lack of standard Microsoft applications limits the IPad to recreational and light work applications.
Do you need a desktop, netbook, IPad, and IPhone? Well of course not, but this isn’t about need.
I’ve come to think about the Apple IPad like my desktop vs netbook.
- I enjoy using the keyboard, drives, memory, and big screen on my desktop, but I can’t travel with it.
- I enjoy traveling with my netbook and using almost all the functionality of my desktop when I travel. I love the weight and portability for doing work while traveling. I like watching Netflix in bed on it.
- I enjoy using the IPad for fast access to social networks or email, reading, and watching a video while commuting. I like to flip through photos, listen to music, and play games on it. I love the battery life and weight.
- I enjoy the IPhone as a phone, listening to music, and having emergency internet access. I use it as a wallet for critical information and pictures of the family.
- The loser – a class of electronics called “laptops” – functional yes, but too big and heavy for a portable device.
Conclusion
Do you need an IPad, probably not. Should you get one? Absolutely!
