Do I need an iPad?

Hi,

I've recently decided that since I'm starting an online startup (my second) and need some kind of gadget to help me out with communication, maintence etc. I've been looking for some time now at the iPad 2 - and it looks like it's very easy to get things done on the go (including editing documents in my dropbox folder and using the browser to make modifications to the website on the go). Not only this but I could also play around with Garageband and iMovie on the iPad, which I've wanted to do for some time (I haven't got a Mac).

With a hefty price tag of £399 (GBP) - I'm wondering if it's worth getting (the money would be going directly out of my savings account (which has been sitting there for a long time and was supposed to be for when I'm 18 (I'm only currently 16) - however there is no where near enough to even contribute to anything big like a house or a car (there is only around £800)).

Do you think I should get an iPad 2? If so, why?

Regards,

Joe

ipad gadget ipad2

asked May 12 '11 at 02:29

Joesavage1
100●11●11●17

7 Answers:

oldest newest most voted

Long story short, no. You don't.

answered May 12 '11 at 02:32

RH510
1.3k●16●24●43

I was thinking about the iPad because of the very good quality of apps, and easy of use on the go. If you don't think I should get an iPad. Can I ask what other gadget you would suggest for the tasks I need doing (as stated in the first post)?

(May 12 '11 at 02:38) Joesavage1

There's no other gadget that will rival the iPad currently, at least not in the tablet market.

You don't need an iPad because you've lived without one since now. However I didn't think I wanted an iPad until I bought one, it's a brilliant experience. I think the iPad is reasonably priced given the features and and functionality you'll get out of it.

I think you should purchase one, you'll be surprised at just how well it performs

(May 12 '11 at 10:45) DazOwen

If you need things specific to the iPad, then of course get it. ONLY if you need them though, don't be afraid to try alternatives. Don't fall into the trend simply because that's what you hear is good. We know the iPad is pretty and Apple knows what they're doing, but that doesn't mean it is the only thing on the market. Personally, I prefer the Blackberry Playbook. Sleek, well designed and performs phenomenally. Again though, if you need stuff only an iPad can offer, get the iPad. If not, shop around.

(May 12 '11 at 13:23) RH510

Hmm.. The Playbook does look like a good competitor. My issue with it though is that the apps for it are of a bad quality (or so I've heard (my Blackberry phone has terrible apps). For me it's all about the apps (quick and easy access to Dropbox, GIT, SSH, FTP, document editing etc)..

(May 14 '11 at 16:02) Joesavage1

No get a laptop. Better and cheaper

answered May 12 '11 at 12:14

Louis Jenvey
591●6●9●19

For my main computing needs - I will simply use my main tower PC. I was thinking about the iPad because it's extremely easy and fast to access the things I want, when I want, on the go. I'm by no means a computer illiterate user - I just think it might be useful to have something so simple, easy and portable.

(May 14 '11 at 15:58) Joesavage1

Do you need it? No. Will it be beneficial to you? Maybe.

If you're going for the 3g version don't forget monthly cost. If you're going for the wifi version why not just get a laptop?

answered May 12 '11 at 08:02

Illusion Slayer
(suspended)

I'll be going for the 3G version and have thought about the monthly cost. As for being beneficial - can I ask what benefits you think it may offer me? (So that I can weigh these up with the price)

(May 12 '11 at 10:12) Joesavage1

1	no one needs an ipad per se. Its like a wise man once said: its not necessary to have one but its good to have the other. answered May 12 '11 at 15:48 TurkeyTwizzler 201●30●31●39 And do you think it'll be useful to my business needs? (May 14 '11 at 16:07) Joesavage1

If you are unsure about whether it is beneficial for you or not, I would suggest going to an Apple store if one is available near you or if you know a friend that has one, ask them if you could borrow it for a week. Also, if a cell phone carrier offers the iPad in your country, you should be able to go to one of their stores and try it out for a few minutes.

answered May 12 '11 at 12:07

Josh_M
2.7k●6●15●51

I will be sure to pop in an Apple store sometime soon. Do you know any approximate costs for 3G connection for the iPad? (I'm googling now - but web results aren't always accurate)

(May 14 '11 at 16:04) Joesavage1

I wouldn't google that information. It's best to go straight to the source for that. I can only tell you what the costs for 3G would be in the U.S. on Verizon's network but Verizon doesn't sell the 3G iPad, only the WiFi version.

Edit: After double checking my post, Verizon does sell the 3G version of the iPad2.

(May 15 '11 at 01:57) Josh_M

What does an iPad provide that a netbook or tablet PC doesn't that you need? One big difference between a PC-based tablet and an iOS tablet is the cost of software. I quickly looked at code editors for the iPad and couldn't find a free one. Any free Windows code editor will run on a netbook/tablet PC. There are netbooks with 3g; it's not an iPad only thing.

Maybe if you are completely computer illiterate and all you want to do is play games, watch YouTube, and view some PDFs (after you probably pay for a reader) then an iPad is worth the extra money.

First determine what you need. Then compare the price of what will accomplish the task and how easily it will do that.

answered May 12 '11 at 19:56

Joel
536●3●5●15

(May 14 '11 at 15:58) Joesavage1

What about a smartphone? Would that do what you want? If you need something more complete then I'd suggest a netbook because many are cheaper than iPads and they can run all Windows applications instead of paying for almost every iPad app.

If you know people with iPads and netbooks then you can ask them how they like them, what situations they are good for, and what the limitations are for each device.

(May 15 '11 at 01:44) Joel

I would - however I actually don't know anyone with an iPad xD As for netbooks - I've had bad experiences and hate the things.

(May 15 '11 at 03:30) Joesavage1

What bad experiences have you had?

(May 15 '11 at 18:20) Joel

Water and air are two things you "need". I doubt an ifad is in that same category.

answered May 14 '11 at 18:00

Jonesm
391●86●92●100

edited May 14 '11 at 18:00

It really isn't too much of a fad (imo). It's very useful for quick, easy, mobile computing. The only real issue is if I will use it enough for the price - I just can't decide...

(May 15 '11 at 03:31) Joesavage1

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