iPad, Tablets & eReaders

[GTAmissions]

I am looking to buy an iPad 2 because of the good iOS software and avaliblity of apps. I have a few questions about the tablet though before buying one:

1. Are there any word processing apps if I need to type up notes or save my work when I am mobile?

2. Since there is iCloud, is there an option to turn the option off for certain downloads?

3. I want to know if the 3G is worth the price because I have a data plan on my phone and possibly use the data share plan, but I think it is a bit pricey to have that option?

4. Are there any options to back up what my iPad 2 stores and what are the requirements to back up the data?

5. Does the iPad 2 have any apps so I can create a schedule and my appointments, classes and avalible spots so I can plan around for other items since I am a college student.

I want to ensure that when I buy the iPad, I want to make sure it has the features and services I need because my college program requires a tablet or laptop and I want to choose a tablet because of the good battery life and access to apps. My current laptop only lasts less than two hours on a single charge.

[XL]

I'll try to answer some of the questions....

• yes, there are word processing apps.  However, some are more "finger friendly" than others.  However, do you have a "AirPrint" printer?  If not, printing may be an issue.  Also, do you plan to do ALL your work with the iPad?  If you plan to share your document with MS Word, you'll find that your formatting may get mashed during the export preprocess.  As well as the import.  Also do you enjoy typing in glass?  try it out before committing.  Also with the virtual keyboard up, you'll notice your screen becomes significantly smaller.
• Normallly I would say skip the 3G.  However 3G may mean your phone will die faster running in the hotspot mode.  If battery life is important, having 3G may have some benefits.
• iTunes offers backup.  However, unlike other products, you can only keep ONE backup.  You cannot keep multiple backups, very important if the last backup is corrupted.
• speak to your instructor and classmates on their iPad experience.  Does the course require specific software/apps?  Does it work on the iPad?

Personally I would recommend a laptop for more versatility, especially if your primary use is word processing.  Think about an "ultra book" that can get as much battery life as an iPad.

[mtrump]

Tablets (such as iPad) are a good device for consuming information (reading webpages, viewing emails, etc.) but not so good when it comes to creating data (typing in essays).  I dont' think you want to type a long essay on the iPad...

- if you lay the iPad on the table flat, you'll be bending your neck over to look at the screen... you'll eventually get neck pain

- if you put the iPad on an angle, your neck will be okay, but if you type at that position for long, as Steve Jobs says (Oct 2010 Event) - "your arm wants to fall off"

So as XL says, ultrabook or Macbook Air maybe a better solution for you.

[Juice0904]

Ultrabooks will up your cost quite a bit (they start at about $900 right now), but they give you the power of a laptop with the portability of a tablet, so that's something you need to take into consideration.

Keep in mind too, that you do have the option of getting a bluetooth keyboard for the iPad 2, but not having seen any of them, they may be just as useful as the touchscreen keyboard. But then, that ups your cost as well. That, and I'm not sure what the capabilities are for word processing on the iPad 2. Since it's an Apple product, you can bet it doesn't come with software for viewing, editing or creating Word documents.

There are also rumours floating that the next version of the iPad (likely will be called theiPad 3) is coming this spring (March/April timeframe), so do you want to spend the money on an iPad 2 now only to find out in a month or two that a newer, better iPad will be out for the same price as the iPad 2 was?

It's up to you what you budget will allow, but I'd echo the other guys in recommending an ultrabook. As I said before, it gives you the versatility of a laptop with the portability of a tablet.

Good luck!

JB

[GTAmissions]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I might just opt for a netbook instead because it is smaller and has more battery power. Laptops don't seem to be designed to be carried around a lot and tend to be very heavy.

Also, I think I might hold out like recomended because they could release another iPad model considering Apple's history with the iPhone being released every year and constantly refined specs. I think they were more designed for reading books and doing online browsing that data entry. I hope they release the textbook section in iBooks in Canada soon because Apple might tap into the electronics textbook market.