[grandma-annie]

I need a new computer and am thinking of buying an IPAD. Any suggestions or comments... I don't know a lot of what would be a good fit for me.

[mitchbr47]

Originally Posted by grandma-annie

I need a new computer and am thinking of buying an IPAD. Any suggestions or comments... I don't know a lot of what would be a good fit for me.

I have an Ipad. I enjoy using it. The primary question is how do you currently use your computer. Are there programs that you use that aren't on the ipad? If it is to only check email and go on the web it might work. There are thousands of apps for the ipad. It is lightweight, has a great screen, and I get a good internet connection.
It is great for surfing on the internet and checking email. There are lots of interesting applications. But it can't replace my computer. Everyone's situation is different. Everything that goes on the ipad whether it is a Mac or a PC goes through iTunes. It is a free download. iTunes handles music, but also the downloads of software called Apps from the online ITunes store. iTunes (the software) also backs up everything on the ipad. So for all practical terms you will need a computer. Currently the iPad isn't set for printing without jumping through lots of hoops.
The only way to get around without using a computer is to buy one at the Apple store and have them set it up. You must do the initial setup connected to a computer using iTunes. You can download the Apps directly to the ipad after that, but you would have no backup. That wouldn't be wise. As I read your post again, you do have a computer. Maybe it can handle iTunes 9.1. You will need a USB 2 port to sync between the ipad and computer. Another issue is having a wireless connection in your house. That is a necessity. The 3G internet data option can run up a bill. You would need to deal with AT&T with a charge starting at $15 a month. It can be turned on and off on a monthly basis. My ipad doesn't have the G3. Wifi is good enough for me.

My wife has a laptop, a hand me down one at that. She only uses it to check her email and go on the internet. An ipad would be great for her needs. So when the second generation ipad comes out my current one might find a new user.

I have an iPad that I really like, But, I cannot use it for several of the key applications for which I use my PC. Those applications include Quicken, Turbotax and Skype video phone calls. If I can ever use those applications on the iPad, I would likely use it exclusively.

[jaspal]

Originally Posted by grandma-annie

I need a new computer and am thinking of buying an IPAD. Any suggestions or comments... I don't know a lot of what would be a good fit for me.

The Ipad does some incredible things. However, it does not take the place of a computer. If your desire is to email & look at Iphoto it will be great for you.

You would need a computer to download music to Itunes plus store and create documents.

[memason]

I have to agree with the other posts on this thread. I, too, have an iPad and love it, but it cannot replace my computer, at this point. That said, I only travel with the iPad now, rather than lugging my laptop along. For short trips, I find I can use the iPad for everything I need to do, like checking email, surfing the net, interacting with the stock market and even making phone calls, if I have a WiFi connection.

As previously stated, you really need to have a computer with iTunes installed to get the full effect of the iPad. You'll want to move some of your photos and music to the iPad and that is best accomplished via iTunes.

The iPad does alot of things really well and there are literally hundreds of thousands of apps, but for me, I still need a computer for certain things.

Good luck in your quest!

[grandma-annie]

Thanks for all your helpful suggestions.... I appreciate your feedback...
As it is now, my computer is broken, but I can use my husband's. This is why I am on this search.... I will next visit the Apple store to check out what the costs are and if this is a match for me. Presently I Google, email, do word documents, and occasionally use the printer, but I do have access to my husband's computer to print. I also looked at some notebooks and "tablets". There is so much out there that it is overwhelming.

[Vinny]

Get yourself a cheap laptop or net book. The iPad needs to be plugged into a computer to update operating system and sync. It is not a computer. I am using one now.