iPad or laptop and which model? Buying quandary

wordsfan

Thanks to some Christmas money I am considering buying either a laptop or an iPad. 

For general use but also potentially for wfh if that becomes a possibility for me. 

So if iPad it would need to be one that works with a keyboard attachment 

whichever I buy I think I would like it to work with various admin software and peripherals too including transcription and audio typing items. 

But that may be wishful thinking. 

I have an android tablet and an iPhone at the moment and the android is pretty rubbish to be honest. 

But when I look at items to buy I'm overwhelmed by the choices and confused. 

Hoping someone can explain choices in simple terms for me 

Neil_Jones

For work from home Windows may be the more compatible solution, though I am aware there are solutions that may be available for other platforms.  In fact (controversial opinion incoming) for compatibility as a whole Windows is probably the easiest to get stuff working in.  It can be done with others but may (key word) involve more than "plug it in, wait three seconds for it to go bing bang bong and then use it"

Budget?

JJ_Egan

Define the software that you want to work with .

HereToday

Neil_Jones said:

For work from home Windows may be the more compatible solution, though I am aware there are solutions that may be available for other platforms.  In fact (controversial opinion incoming) for compatibility as a whole Windows is probably the easiest to get stuff working in.  It can be done with others but may (key word) involve more than "plug it in, wait three seconds for it to go bing bang bong and then use it"

Budget?

Cheapest iPad and Smart keyboard combo is £490.

HereToday

These specs look good for the price: https://www.scan.co.uk/products/156-asus-vivobook-m513ia-black-fhd-ryzen-5-4500u-8gb-ddr4-512gb-nvme-ssd-radeon-graphics-ax-bt50-win

wordsfan

Express scribe is the obvious one for most transcription work, maybe FTW or inqscribe 
Yea I’m thinking windows is probably still the better choice for flexibility and compatibility. 

wongataa

wordsfan said:

Thanks to some Christmas money I am considering buying either a laptop or an iPad. 

For general use but also potentially for wfh if that becomes a possibility for me.

If working from home you will need an actual computer running Windows or similar operating systems.  Trying to do that on an iPad is just looking for difficulties.

movilogo

iPad is predominantly a content consumption device. I don't know what your profession is but for most jobs a proper computer is essential. Unless you are an artist whose job is to draw on tablet, a laptop is a better workhorse.

wordsfan

Thanks 
Recommendations? Budget around £600 mark and thoughts on antivirus and similar extras are they really necessary? And what’s the most consumer smart way to buy these? 

CoastingHatbox

You don't need to pay for antivirus - Defender is bundled with Windows and is very good right now.

You maybe tempted to buy Microsoft Office, but LibreOffice is free and open source and will get the job done for 99% of people. There's no harm in trying it first.

With laptops, I think it is important they are repairable and within reason, upgradable. Cheap and consumer orientated laptops tend to be difficult to repair because they are tricky to take a part and put back together without breaking them. When a laptop gets to 2/3 years old, it can be useful to remove the back cover and blow all the dust out of it to help it stay cool and extend it's life. Or easily replace a failed SSD or memory module.

For that reason, I recommend Dell Latitude laptops. Dell provide full technical manuals for repairs, showing you step by step how to replace each serviceable/replacable component. If you are after a bargain, you can often get them off-lease from a number of sellers on eBay. You need to check the description (actual pictures as opposed stock photos/UK keyboard) and the sellers reputation carefully. When you receive the laptop give it a good once over - drop the back cover off (it is usually one or two screws) and make sure it is dust free (thus refurbished). As a buyer you get a good deal of consumer protection and you are very likely to get your money back if the laptop you are provided with falls short.

Otherwise, you might be able to find something on the Dell Outlet Store.

Finally, if you don't need a laptop (and you already have a tablet), perhaps you would be better saving the money a little while longer? With the demand generated by work from home, it isn't so much a buyers market.

HereToday

I actually agree with CHB on purchasing a laptop that can be easily maintained. Trouble is they are likely beyond your budget unless you purchase a second user device. Recent models all have the same flimsy plastic undersides that need to be pried off with a spudger.
So you really need to look at the devices in detail.

You will always have to compromise somewhere. The Asus above: https://www.ultrabookreview.com/41207-asus-vivobook-m533ia-review/