iPad or MBA
I find I need more than an iMac and Mini. I was planning on getting an iPad, but I found this ad for a MBA:
Apple*13.3" MacBook Air Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86GHz, 2GB RAM, 120GB Hard Drive - Closeout Model, Was $1499*(MC233LL/A) for*$939.99
What would the pro's and con's be between an iPad and the MBA? Any advice? Which would you get?
Thanks
Apple*13.3" MacBook Air Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86GHz, 2GB RAM, 120GB Hard Drive - Closeout Model, Was $1499*(MC233LL/A) for*$939.99
What would the pro's and con's be between an iPad and the MBA? Any advice? Which would you get?
Thanks
Comments
You are not comparing similar items.
Which one does what you need to do?
One is a computer, the other is an iPad.
You are not comparing similar items.
Which one does what you need to do?
That's my point. I don't know the difference. What does the iPad do that the MBA doesn't and vice versa?
That's my point. I don't know the difference. What does the iPad do that the MBA doesn't and vice versa?
Nothing.
Vice versa, act as an actual computer.
Tell us the purpose of the device in your life and we'll be able to tell you what would suit you.
That's my point. I don't know the difference. What does the iPad do that the MBA doesn't and vice versa?
The iPad runs apps from the app-store. It runs one app at a time (there is multi-tasking, but you can only see/use ONE app at a time except for maybe having music playing in the background.)
The iPad will just not DO all the stuff a "real computer" will do... the Air will (it IS a full-fledged computer.)
The iPad can't do video editing and audio editing (except for very basic cropping), file transcoding, bittorent, etc ... it's document-creation capabilities are nice, but very limited compared to OSX or Windows.
The iPad cannot have multiple "windows" open at one time allowing YOU to multitask. It just can't. You can't be downloading a file from your friend, while Skype-ing with your grandma, while arranging a new playlist in iTunes, while writing a report/spreadsheet for your boss/business/schoolwork, while also checking out the latest video on your favorite porn site. You're only gonna be able to do ONE of those things at a time with the iPad... or all at once with the Air.
The iPad is great, I wouldn't go back to a laptop for traveling because the iPad works for ME. I know a lot of people who wouldn't be able to do their "work" though without also having a laptop with them.
So the question comes down to: What do you wish to do with this new mobile device you're considering?
The iPad runs apps from the app-store. It runs one app at a time (there is multi-tasking, but you can only see/use ONE app at a time except for maybe having music playing in the background.)
The iPad will just not DO all the stuff a "real computer" will do... the Air will (it IS a full-fledged computer.)
The iPad can't do video editing and audio editing (except for very basic cropping), file transcoding, bittorent, etc ... it's document-creation capabilities are nice, but very limited compared to OSX or Windows.
The iPad cannot have multiple "windows" open at one time allowing YOU to multitask. It just can't. You can't be downloading a file from your friend, while Skype-ing with your grandma, while arranging a new playlist in iTunes, while writing a report/spreadsheet for your boss/business/schoolwork, while also checking out the latest video on your favorite porn site. You're only gonna be able to do ONE of those things at a time with the iPad... or all at once with the Air.
The iPad is great, I wouldn't go back to a laptop for traveling because the iPad works for ME. I know a lot of people who wouldn't be able to do their "work" though without also having a laptop with them.
So the question comes down to: What do you wish to do with this new mobile device you're considering?
You have answered my question. I wasn't asking the right one; I should have read up on the iPad instead of expecting AI members to tell me. I know what I want to do with a computer, but as for knowing what I would expect do with the iPad, I have no idea except (after your explanation) to use it as an adjunct to my desktops. I don't need to do work on it, but just to use what I've already done on the desktops; further, to use it to read books.
I guess the MBA would be overkill if I just read books on it, but wouldn't the iPad be overkill (over a Kindle, let's say) if I just read books on the iPad?
Thanks
I guess the MBA would be overkill if I just read books on it, but wouldn't the iPad be overkill (over a Kindle, let's say) if I just read books on the iPad?
Thanks
Yes, it's MEANT to be an adjunct to a desktop... not really a "stand-alone" device.
I've used both, and prefer the iPad to the Kindle, even for "just" reading. (personal taste.)
The difference being, the iPad ALSO gets you a movie watching device, a music listening device, a full-featured (almost
I don't know where you plan on getting your eBooks, but the iPad can use iBook, Kindle, B&N ... all on one device. You also have the option of creating your own eBooks to use on the iPad... or any PDF you already have. (I have shelves full of books... and i like to read them again and again.) I felt no guilt torrenting eBooks that I ALREADY PURCHASED and possess in paper ... now available to take with me on my iPad. I'm not aware of a way to get such files onto a Kindle.
Yep, it's way more expensive than a Kindle, but it is worth the extra money.
$250 for a 7" semi-tablet to play with isn't too bad. The iPad is a lot better but also at least twice as much and I wouldn't buy an iPad right now.
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=109344
Depending on how you formatted your videos for the iPod/iPhone those will play on the Nook too.
Yes, it's MEANT to be an adjunct to a desktop... not really a "stand-alone" device.
Not this again. When a horse is dead, dismount.
Not this again. When a horse is dead, dismount.
elohssa ,em etib
Originally Posted by sequitur
I guess the MBA would be overkill if I just read books on it, but wouldn't the iPad be overkill (over a Kindle, let's say) if I just read books on the iPad?
Yes, it's MEANT to be an adjunct to a desktop... not really a "stand-alone" device.
It IS, however, important to note (imo) that you can operate your desktop machine remotely from your iPad (or even from your iPhone or other smartphone) if you use e.g. free-for-personal-use Teamviewer!
That way you have the full processing power and storage of your powerful desktop machine – including true multi-tasking, sequitur – available to you through your iPad wherever you are!
Not this again. When a horse is dead, dismount.
Sequitur didn't know so he was explaining it. This thread is very skippable if you don't want to be helpful. Bite me indeed.
One thing that's also already covered elsewhere but is quicker to simply repeat is that now is probably not the best time to buy an iPad given the iPad 2 is rumored to appear before the iPad's one year anniversary in April.
Of course, if you don't buy one now, it wont get refreshed until June. If you do, it'll show up in Feb.
That way you have the full processing power and storage of your powerful desktop machine ? including true multi-tasking, sequitur ? available to you through your iPad wherever you are!
Subject to latency and bandwidth limitations...still a nifty feature to have.
Sequitur didn't know so he was explaining it. This thread is very skippable if you don't want to be helpful. Bite me indeed.
No, bite me. Please!
In case you hadn't noticed, I was responding to the comment about the iPad not being a "real" computer or a "stand alone" computer. If you don't think that particular argument isn't the deadest possible horse, then either you or I have been missing something around here for the past six months and more. So no, I didn't think it was particularly helpful or germane to the question.
No, bite me. Please!
In case you hadn't noticed, I was responding to the comment about the iPad not being a "real" computer or a "stand alone" computer. If you don't think that particular argument isn't the deadest possible horse, then either you or I have been missing something around here for the past six months and more. So no, I didn't think it was particularly helpful or germane to the question.
Just because I am a member of AI, it doesn't mean I instinctively know everything that all the members, including you, know. I asked for the information and learned what I hadn't known before. I don't think you should come down hard on someone who provides that info. Maybe osmosis works for you and you assimilate EVERYTHING that's posted on AI and on every other website, but I don't. That's why I am a member here. I ask about what I don't know. Otherwise, what's the purpose of AI? If everyone instinctively knew everything, there would be no need for AI.
Someday when everyone has a wi-fi chip in their heads and soak up info from all around them (as you must do if you don't see the need to answer 'dumb questions') we won't need forums.
No, bite me. Please!
In case you hadn't noticed, I was responding to the comment about the iPad not being a "real" computer or a "stand alone" computer. If you don't think that particular argument isn't the deadest possible horse, then either you or I have been missing something around here for the past six months and more. So no, I didn't think it was particularly helpful or germane to the question.
I had noticed. Try reading the thread before posting to it. Post #4 clearly states:
"That's my point. I don't know the difference."
There's two common ways to respond to this:
The jerk response: Learn to use search and read the &^&*(^ forum.
The useful response: The difference is blah blah. (same number of bytes as the jerk response but conveys actual information)
You picked the completely non-sequitur option (heh): WTF? This is a dead horse and you should stop beating it!
I know the answer. You know the answer. KingOfSomewhereHot knows the answer. Rokcet Scientist knows the answer.
As sequitur pointed out that doesn't translate into every reader here knowing the answer because hey, maybe they didn't bother reading about the iPad until now.
I'm willing to cut him some slack because every so often I'm clueless about something too. I have no clue why, out of all the trollish and idiotic posts on this forum, that you choose to get irate over one trying to be helpful.
Just because I am a member of AI, it doesn't mean I instinctively know everything that all the members, including you, know. I asked for the information and learned what I hadn't known before. I don't think you should come down hard on someone who provides that info. Maybe osmosis works for you and you assimilate EVERYTHING that's posted on AI and on every other website, but I don't. That's why I am a member here. I ask about what I don't know. Otherwise, what's the purpose of AI? If everyone instinctively knew everything, there would be no need for AI.
Someday when everyone has a wi-fi chip in their heads and soak up info from all around them (as you must do if you don't see the need to answer 'dumb questions') we won't need forums.
I had noticed. Try reading the thread before posting to it. Post #4 clearly states:
"That's my point. I don't know the difference."
There's two common ways to respond to this:
The jerk response: Learn to use search and read the &^&*(^ forum.
The useful response: The difference is blah blah. (same number of bytes as the jerk response but conveys actual information)
You picked the completely non-sequitur option (heh): WTF? This is a dead horse and you should stop beating it!
I know the answer. You know the answer. KingOfSomewhereHot knows the answer. Rokcet Scientist knows the answer.
As sequitur pointed out that doesn't translate into every reader here knowing the answer because hey, maybe they didn't bother reading about the iPad until now.
I'm willing to cut him some slack because every so often I'm clueless about something too. I have no clue why, out of all the trollish and idiotic posts on this forum, that you choose to get irate over one trying to be helpful.
Sorry if anyone is offended. It wasn't my intention. I just didn't want to see that old debate (about whether the iPad is a computer, and whether it's "dependent"), which has dominated so many iPad threads over the last few months, and isn't relevant (IMO) to or describes the functionality of the iPad, to get restarted. Sounds like I inadvertently started another irrelevant debate. Sorry!