Is an ipad a replacement for a laptop?

[Leicesterdave]

They're (relatively) cheap to buy compared to an apple laptop and seem to get glowing reviews. Could an Ipad and wireless keyboard be a viable alternative to a conventional laptop?

[Dog Star]

95% of the time I think "yes"; I hardly use my "main" computer these days since most activities revolve around the web. That said I still need somewhere to store all the films and music.

I wish my mum and dad had got an iPad - they're (my dad especially) a total liability with computers.

[slinky]

Almost..

There's certain things, IMHO, that do require a physical keyboard and mouse/trackpad. I do find that I fire my laptop up less and less these days though.

[ArsE92]

For me, no. But it entirely depends on what you want to use the device for.

Do you 'consume' or do you 'create'? If you're only interesting in reading and (briefly) replying to emails, browsing the Internet, playing the odd daft game etc, then sure a tablet will be fine.

If you need to use decent apps, office suites etc, then I'd always go with a laptop.

I haven't used my tablet for about 12 months. I couldn't even be sure where it is. But I use my (12.5") laptop every day.

[Hub]

For predominantly internet use yes. For other things - photo or video editing, word processing, decent storage capacity for films, music, photos etc then no.

[steveatesh]

Hub said:

For predominantly internet use yes. For other things - photo or video editing, word processing, decent storage capacity for films, music, photos etc then no.

Plus one.

iPad is great for browsing and convenience but I always use the laptop for anything more, even filling in online forms I find easier on the laptop due to extra space and the fact the keyboard has cursors. I wouldn't even consider the iPad for writing documents, photo work etc.

Having said that my son manages on his iPhone so it does depend on how you use it and what you want it for,

[Leicesterdave]

90% of my time is spent online. I spend the majority of my time on youtube, various motoring forums and replying to emails.

The other 10% is word processing- but I'm thinking I'd use my battered old laptop for that. I just hope in practice, an Ipad is as good as I hope it'll be.

[WinstonWolf]

As has been said, as long as you're consuming the iPad is just about perfect. I've got seven different machines here running all sorts and the iPad is my goto bit of technology

[Leicesterdave]

How does the A7 chip compare to say, the i5 by intel?

[WinstonWolf]

You won't care, it just does the stuff you want it to. You won't even be aware it employs any technology

[Driver101]

For browsing the Internet pads are great.

However if you even like to store lots of stuff, you'll soon find that the common 16 and 32GB storage capacities are swallowed up in no time.

Modern budget laptops usually have 500GB with 1TB getting to be the common size.

To transfer files back and forward to from the iPad you'll need a computer to complement it.

Tablets are handy devices but nowhere near a laptop replacement for me.

[Leicesterdave]

I'm just sick of windows crashing on me with constant updates so need something slick and quick!

[whoami]

Leicesterdave said:

I'm just sick of windows crashing on me with constant updates so need something slick and quick!

You need a MacBook Air then.

[Leicesterdave]

whoami said:

You need a MacBook Air then.

Why would you choose it over an Ipad?

[whoami]

Keyboard, local storage and larger screen predominately.

Also, the way I use the laptop means that it's more comfortable than having to balance the iPad (which I have too) on my knee. I find that the iPad, whilst very good for what it is, is less comfortable to use over an extended period.

[Efbe]

No, not even slightly close.

100% of people that reply yes didn't need a laptop in the first place!

[Leicesterdave]

The Ipad is so much cheaper than a mac air which is obviously something that can't be ignored! It is literally half the price but is it half the machine?

[WinstonWolf]

Leicesterdave said:

The Ipad is so much cheaper than a mac air which is obviously something that can't be ignored! It is literally half the price but is it half the machine?

Nope, but it's a different bit of kit. The MBA is lovely but I personally prefer the form factor of the iPad for consuming information. The consuming/creating balance is what you should base your decision on IMO

[Randomthoughts]

Leicesterdave said:

I'm just sick of windows crashing on me with constant updates so need something slick and quick!

Then don't install st on it. My Windows machines don't crash - ever - because I don't install st on them. They're also mighty quick. And still cheaper. £800 Dell laptop embarrassed £1200 of MBP the other day in terms of application launch, boot and benchmarking.

No, a tablet cannot replace a laptop. If you use any form of word processing application, the tablet versions are massively prohibitive in comparison. If you do anything with games, or photo editing, again, tablets are massively prohibitive.

[wolves_wanderer]

I wouldn't want to replace a laptop with an iPad. The 10% of time you need a proper web browser or keyboard will be infuriating. Maybe something like a Chromebook or one of the convertible windows tablets with a keyboard would be a better idea?