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Thread ID: 112577	2010-09-12 10:48:00	Is an iPad the way to go for a PC user?	Sereena (3678)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
1136660	2010-09-12 10:48:00	I'm looking for a small, lightweight computer I can take away with me on holiday. It's got to be light, have a long battery life and a good keyboard. I basically only want it for typing up a daily diary, sending and receiving emails, backing up photos throughout the day, and, after I get home showing off the slide show I plan to make of my photos. I'd like to carry it with me so I can keep a record of my day's activities as I do them and before I forget them. I've checked out a large number of netbooks and whenever I start to settle on one, read something that puts me off. Like the battery life's not as good as advertised, or the keyboard's a pain to use, or the shift key's only small (I'm a touch typist, so that would be a major inconvenience.) Taking a sideways step, I began to wonder if maybe an iPad with a keyboard accessory would be the way to go. It's light and I've got to admit, very seductive. The problem is I'm a PC girl. I've hardly ever seen anything with an Apple logo, let alone used one. My documents are in Microsoft Word and Excel. I email using Thunderbird and web browse using Firefox. Would this be a handicap for using an iPad? And am I reading it correctly that they only have a small hard drive? Could I plug in a USB powered external hard drive? I'm only after basic internet connectivity, so I'm not interested in 3G or whatever it is, but can you plug it into a phone jack or PC ethernet? Would it talk to my PC? Does this make sense? If anyone could offer any advice, or point me in the direction of a helpful, easy to understand web site, I'd be grateful. Thanks in advance. PS: Is there a search function in Press F1 so you can check quickly if anyone else has asked your question?	Sereena (3678)
1136661	2010-09-12 10:54:00	It's still a new device, no one yet knows of its reliability.....to be honest although the touch feature of it is appealing, I'm quiet apprehensive of the reliability of a touch panel as large as the iPad's....one bad knock and you probably need to fork out for a hefty repair bill!	qazwsxokmijn (102)
1136662	2010-09-12 11:36:00	As noted because it's relatively new, perhaps do a bit of research, e.g. at lifehacker (lifehacker.com) or Gizmodo (gizmodo.com) - both authoritative sites (both PR of 8), where their are many recent articles, such as the ipad as a iphone and laptop hybrid. (lifehacker.com)and other info links about the ipad. They seem to cover a lot about the ipad. Use the search function at those sites to get specifics that suit you. Then you may want to also consider a tablet PC... (http://www.tabletpc2.com/)	kahawai chaser (3545)
1136663	2010-09-12 11:38:00	True, though the iPod Touch gives a decent indication. If you've got the money spare, then go into a DSE store or something and have a play. That'll tell you right quick if it's "for you" or not. Be wary of naysayers, they are cool devices, and most of the people who are against them are those who can't afford them. Lets be honest, they're not terribly cheap... Communications on the iPad are limited to say the least. You have to connect it via WiFi, or sync certain things through USB to iTunes. It might be worth waiting for something like the Samsung Galaxy Tab if you're interested in more than just the basics ;) That said, I think they're great devices!	Chilling_Silence (9)
1136664	2010-09-12 11:53:00	I'm looking for a small, lightweight computer I can take away with me on holiday. It's got to be light, have a long battery life and a good keyboard. Any particular definition on "light", "long battery life", and "a good keyboard"? For instance, I regard the current netbook that I am using to reply to your thread as excellent because it weighs only ~1.3kg, has 8.5 hours of battery life, and a set of keyboard that I am comfortable with typing I've checked out a large number of netbooks and whenever I start to settle on one, read something that puts me off. Like the battery life's not as good as advertised, or the keyboard's a pain to use, or the shift key's only small (I'm a touch typist, so that would be a major inconvenience.) Reading is not as good as actually trying out the netbooks / iPad yourself. Considering your needs as a touch typist, I would suggest that you actually try typing on the keyboards of the respective devices first before settling for a particular one. DSE and Magnum Mac have iPads available for demo. PS: Is there a search function in Press F1 so you can check quickly if anyone else has asked your question? Uhm, this is what I normally do: search term site:pressf1.pcworld.co.nz In addition, there is a list of similar topics posted at the bottom of this thread. Cheers :) [Edit] LOL --> :p = : <no space> p	Renmoo (66)
1136665	2010-09-12 13:26:00	Asus EEE PC 1015PED 10.1" ATOM N475 www.computerlounge.co.nz If you haven't tried one - see if you can find a retailer who stocks it - or the 1005HA or 1005PE. 92% full sized keyboard. 13 hour battery life. I have the 1005PE - it's brilliant. Even better with Linux on it too (running Debian Sid - dual boot with Win7). The only thing I added was an extra 1 Gb Memory.	Brooko (8444)
1136666	2010-09-12 14:34:00	...running Debian Sid...Masochist :eek:!	Erayd (23)
1136667	2010-09-12 20:51:00	I don't know why no one pointed this out, you won't be able to use an iPad to backup your photos, it has no USB input for cameras or external storage devices. Some of the other suggestions on here are good, you could look at getting a netbook and upgrading the battery, I'm pretty sure Asus offers a battery upgrade for thier netbooks.	Deimos (5715)
1136668	2010-09-12 21:13:00	The iPad Camera Connection Kit gives you two ways to import photos and videos from a digital camera: using your camera’s USB cable or directly from an SD card. iPad and the Camera Connection Kit support standard photo formats, including JPEG and RAW. Other things you can also plug in to the USB connection are USB headphones and USB headsets, USB keyboards and probably more things. If you buy the package, it comes with two different products, one for a USB connection, and another for an SD card. Also, you can plug any iPhone to the USB port and get your photos off of the iPhone so you can view them on your iPad!	Safari (3993)
1136669	2010-09-12 21:49:00	Here's my take on it . I travel overseas with no cargo, just a daypack incl my SLR cam gear :D 6kg all up even a 3 week trip I did to Europe . Some people like me thinks a ultraportable laptop is too bulky so ya pretty left with a netbook or a pad of some type be it Apple or another type when they are available . Yes a netbook can be more functional but if all ya gonna do is email, casual web surfing like tourist attraction and facebook, i am sure the pads will meet ya needs unless you do a lot of typing or blogging . The iPad's or other pad's optional keyboard does add bulk . But having said that the pads may be approx 50% lighter than netbooks and 50% thinner but they are appox the same width and depth . We haven't reach the stage where you can fold it into half or quarter and stick it in your jacket pocket . Re the iPad, no modem there is no telephone jack afaik . There is USB so I gather you can sync with a PC . But the thing is that in cafes they may not let you install software, unless it's already installed . :D I find that for independent travel something like a iPhone or a Smartphone with the larger touch screen is pretty ok if you had to go small and light . My take on it is that if ya wanting a keyboard for real typing mind as well get a netbook than getting a pad of some type and then get the optional keyboard which is a 2nd separate part than a all in 1 unit . Just my 2c . :2cents: My view is that pads are great for real casual use when the user isn't bothered by the virtual keyboard .	Nomad (952)
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