Ipad V laptop

daska

teabag29 wrote: »

Which is better? My 13 year old son wanted a laptop for Christmas and has now discovered the Ipad at school and wants one of these instead. I am not a technical person in the slightest and know next to nothing about the Ipad. Just wondered if anyone could shed some light on which is the better of the 2? He will use it for homework, facebook, games etc.

There are several different ways you need to consider this and a lot of pros and cons. As others have pointed out there are usually iPad alternatives and where there aren't there are 'ways around' the shortfalls e.g. using e-mail to transfer files (which incidentally also provides a good back up system in the event of hardware failure/loss).

But re homework:

What software does the school use? At 13 both DSD and DS1 were being asked to do homework based on MS Office (including Powerpoint presentations etc). If the iPad can't accommodate this it's not the end of the world as the school has to provide the facility to do this and your son would just have to make sure he used his study periods at school to do the work. The bad news is that this would mean that forgotten homework would have to remain undone. The good news is that this might encourage him to get to grips with time management.

What equipment does the school provide? DS1 gets a school laptop as standard for years 10-13 so has no need of anything at home. Does he need anything or is this a a luxury.

Do you have a PC and internet at home which he use that as back up and to help manage content?

Sasahara

With Windows 8 coming out in less that 2 months there will be many combined Laptop/Slates coming on the market.

Biggest problem with these maybe the price, at least early on.

googler

lostinrates wrote: »

Edit: can any other ipad users tell me how they have got round the 'flash' issue? Please!

I'm not aware of having taken any action to 'get round it'. Tell us what you think the issue is.....

I_luv_cats

lostinrates wrote: »

Wow, well. Sali ali has answered some of my questions, thanks!

Edit: can any other ipad users tell me how they have got round the 'flash' issue? Please!

Photon or Puffin browser (app store purchase) will enable you to browse some flash based websites on an ipad.

I_luv_cats

Sasahara wrote: »

With Windows 8 coming out in less that 2 months there will be many combined Laptop/Slates coming on the market.

Biggest problem with these maybe the price, at least early on.

They featured some of these on BBC Click.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ms0ly

Only time will tell on the price and build quality. Also compatibility with all your current programs.

Humphrey10

lostinrates wrote: »

Edit: can any other ipad users tell me how they have got round the 'flash' issue? Please!

What 'flash' issue?

Since buying an iPad I have only used my laptop for backing up my iPad.

gfplux

OK so I am an adult and do not do homework. However as said before if you need to do a lot of typing on a tablet there are literally 100's of wireless/Bluetooth keyboards you can use with tablets.
I have a desktop - gathering dust
I have a laptop - gathering dust
I have a NetBook - only being used for iTunes to sink with my.........
Ipad2
As I said on another forum
:-
The computer tablet market is going through HUGE changes just now. There a large number of new tablets comming on the market before Christmas. These are from Samsung, Amazon and many, many others.
Apple are NO LONGER alone in this field and the prices are comming rapidly down.
On a separate note. The iPad and any tablets are FRAGILE. allowing a youngster to play with YOURS while you are around "might" keep it safe but a tablet owned by a young child unless protected by a really hard case will get damaged in no time.
I can say this with experience.
I have owned iPods and touches since they came out. I have had an IPhone for over two years and an iPad2 for more than one year.
If my phone was not protected by a unflattering case it would be broken by now. The iPad is used as a coffee table item and therefore does not move around so much. In fact we have two in the home and probably after I post this I am tempting fate and we will have an accident very soon.
Remember drop an unprotected iPhone or iPad ONCE on a hard surface and you have a cracked screen, this is almost guaranteed. Ask my 20 year old daughter!
By the way whatever you do, do not buy now. Christmas is a long, long way away. Waite and watch the market.

However the game has changed in the last few weeks and days.
Apple have lots and lots of competition and the iPad is not the only game in town.