iPad or Laptop?

[Flybye]

My laptop is getting old and slow.
At home, I use it for basically a second computer to surf the internet and write an occasional document.
At my office, I write treatment plans and assessments and to internet surf if I have some down time.
When traveling, I use it in internet hot spots.
I do not have internet on my phone.

I am trying to decide whether to go with an iPad or a new Laptop?
Anyone made the switch? What do you miss? What do you like better?
The new iPad comes out in about 5 days.

[OakLeaf]

I haven't "switched" and I wouldn't recommend a switch. An iPad or other tablet is a great supplement to a real computer, not a substitute - unless what you do is mostly in the "cloud," and I don't know anyone who's actually there yet (other than with fitness stuff). (The keyboard is also basically useless, so you would want an add-on physical keyboard - there are several choices. If the iPad 3 gets the haptics right, that may eliminate that issue, but that's some time in 2012.)

How old is your desktop? Almost nobody needs a desktop computer these days. If it's newer, you might consider a netbook to replace your laptop; if it's older, I'd get the zippiest laptop you can afford to replace them both.

[KnottedYet]

The iPad needs a fairly new computer to run it.
(it's really just a big iPod Touch, needs an up-to-date computer to act as its home base and cannot be used without it)

Might be best off getting a new laptop?

If you really yearn for wild and crazy portability of something like the iPad, maybe buying an iPod Touch would meet your needs? I love mine (I'm on my second one now). I'm not very fond of the iPad, though I think if I had a desktop instead of a laptop I'd want one for the larger screen and the portability.

MacBook $999. iPod Touch 32GB 4th gen $299. Getting free phone and online help, free in-person "genius" help at the Apple store, free classes at the Apple store, free replacements of broken bits for the first 90 days... priceless.

(I've loved Apple since the 80's, and have no desire to leave the cult.)

[Mr. Bloom]

Ditto Oakleaf. I have both...I'm typing this on my iPad.

You can't beat the portability of an iPad, but it's really a big iPhone (which I also have). It's great for surfing the net, but not for serious computing and it's word processor capabilities are very bare bone. The lack of Flash is a HUGE pain. I use a Bluetooth keyboard occasionally, but even it's small for me.

I do use MobileMe for cloud computing, but so far, it's basically a big file cabinet in the sky that I can access anywhere.

If you have a real computer in the background for backup, then take the plunge...prices just dropped in anticipation of the new model (which I won't be rushing to buy)...but you might consider a net book instead

[surgtech1956]

My partner recently got an Ipad - just the wi-fi 32g. She's also got a laptop. I would go with a new laptop or netbook instead of the Ipad - no harddrive, no usb port. I get tired of using a touch screen, maybe I'm old-fashion, but I like keys.

[channlluv]

I recently faced the same decision. Because I need actual word processing and spreadsheet-making capability, I passed up the iPad and opted for the new MacAir. It's lightly and very portable, but has a lot more computing capability. I did buy the external SuperDrive to make it easier to load disc-based software and to burn DVDs for friends and clients (I do photography, too, and deliver product on DVD).

It's got great battery life and aside from a couple of luck ups, one that required a hard reboot (I thought that was a PC thing, but I took it into the Apple store and the sales guy I talked to fixed it with a quick software update), it's been a superb tool for me. I highly recommend it.

Roxy

[bluebug32]

I've found that a Macbook and iPhone combination has been perfect for my home and traveling needs. When I want a bigger screen, I use my old desktop flatscreen and dual-screen from my laptop.

[sundial]

I have both a MacBook Pro and an IPad and if I were in the market for a new computer I would still consider a laptop. I bought the iPad to serve as my larger print, highly portable super sizes smartphone because essentially that's what it is. It's my travel computer and I use it primarily for reading blogs, some books, and emails. When I first got the iPad I was disappointed that the iBook selection seemed to be rather lacking. I think the selection has improved now.

Right now I am sitting in bed typing this response on the iPad and I brought it with me in the hospital to keep friends updated. It is much easier to pack around rather than a laptop in that respect.

On another note:
Rumor has it that Apple will be releasing a totally redesigned iPhone that will look like a scaled down version of an iPad. It could be available this summer.

[Roadtrip]

The iPad is more of an extension of instead of a replacement for your personal computer.

With that said... I am pretty wooed by the iPad 2.0, tho I do have a laptop... a Desktop in the home office... and a work laptop.. DH also has his own laptop and a work laptop, but he rarely brings the work computer home... so I don't really NEED any more "computers" in the house.

Shannon

[Flybye]

Our home PC is a VERY nice iMac-
I think from all of your responses, the best idea is to get an iPad Kidding!
I love all of the different perspectives and advice.
I like the idea of a Mac Air.
I could have both - with all of the "older" model iPads on Craigslist, I could get a used one AND a laptop

[KnottedYet]

Actually, if you've got a nice iMac, your best bet might be the iPad!!!

(take a look at Otterbox cases for it, sexaaaay: www.otterbox.com )

[HillSlugger]

A Mac Air might replace your laptop, but not the iPad (I have a Macbook Pro, iPad, and iPhone; they all have their use)

[Mr. Bloom]

When I got my iPhone, I compared it to a regular cell phone and said "WOW!"

When I got my iPad, it was convenient, but I compared it to a laptop and said "oh, I can't do ..."

[OakLeaf]

When I got my iPad, it was convenient, but I compared it to a laptop and said "oh, I can't do ..."

There are a lot of really cool iPad apps, and obviously there are going to be a whole lot more pretty soon, but if you're not in a field that would use them, like music or medicine (there are probably others, those are just the two I'm aware of), what you can do with it is rather limited.

Tablet computing is really in its infancy at this point. But what it isn't is a laptop, and anyone who wants it to be one is going to be disappointed.

[Mr. Bloom]

Oak, you're absolutely right. BUT, I'm a gadget junkie and tend to willingly be on the "bleeding edge" so I can try to innovate in my stodgy business