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Ziphead2's avatar
Ziphead2
Explorer II
Jul 09, 2023

i pad or ?

We are planning a road trip out west for a few months and I have a question and need some advice. I have a lap top computer now and I am looking to replace it with another one but am also thinking of just getting a good I Pad? I dont create or send alot of documents or complicated items. I just pay bill or e-mail some time. I feel an I pad will do the job on the road and easier to use? Any suggestions? thanks
  • I travel with MacBook Pro, iPad, and iPhone, but can do most anything with any one of them. Overkill mostly I guess. IMO, it's important that if you use more than one device, they should be compatible so that file transfers like pics or docs can be shared easily.. My preference is Mac--yours may be different.
  • I've been travelling with a desktop for many years. I'm finally going to switch to a laptop. Can't see a tablet in my future, but there are many things that are easier / possible to do with a smartphone.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I'm not an Apple/IOS fan.. For assorted reasons that go all the way back to how they marketed the Apple II E... I just found those reasons are still valid. but marketing is kind of like Politics and I'm not discussing it here.

    But I do use a lot of android products including a Samsund Galaxy Tablet. Phone. and some other 'droid tablets. and a pair of Chromebook as well (Related but diferent)

    IF your use is sending/receiving E-mails.. Streaming Video and "Social Media"

    All of them work well... I'd go with most likely a Cheap Chrome book or the Galaxy Tablet.. Note the Tablet I have has the ability to accept a SIM card and connect direct to Cell towers if I choose it also has GPS built in so I can use it for mapping and tracking (And have used it for tracking)

    Or I can hook it to my phone's Wi-Fi hotspot or the House Router for uses as well.

    I do not run a lot of "Apps" however other than some Communication stuff.. Some of which is not yet out for IOS..

    But less than 100 dollars (I think I paid 80 for the Samsung Tab refurb at MicroCenter) v/s how much is the I-pad? (OUCH) .
  • I switched to iPad/iPhone years ago from a PC/Windows environment and won’t go back. Much more secure from malware, fewer updates, but a bit pricier than Windows based products. IMO well worth it. I used to have the opinion that Apples systems are too closed. For what 90+ percent of people need, closed is a good thing.
  • I think it has to do with personal preference. Imagine doing the things you mentioned on your phone, but a bigger screen. That's basically what a tablet is. I prefer my laptop, with a mouse and real keyboard. I have a friend who does everything on her phone. I could never do that! I do have a small tablet (not an iPad) but only use it for games, which I do like it for.

    Are you a Mac/iPhone owner? Is that why you are considering an iPad? If not, there are several Android tablets. I use a Mac laptop, Windows laptop in the household, and Android phone and tablet. But not everyone is tri-lingual :)

    All these electronics travel with us!
  • For bill paying or email where I have to type, a laptop is more convienent.

    Unless you are really desperate to save space/weight just take both.
  • If you're familiar with Apple an Ipad would probably work fine. But if you're used to Android, or Windows computing, you won't like the Apple locked down system. I like being able to do what I want, and the way I want, not what the computer wants.
  • I have the same thoughts. I purchased a used Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 SM-T500 on ebay for less than $100.00. It appears to do all I want as long as I have WIFI internet service which I have in my TV. I also got a used Chrome Book for about the same price. Think I like the CB with it's keyboard best.

    I-pad is $$$$$.

    PS I am 86 years old. Need something to keep my brain working.

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