I Pad or Computer

[Bell]

Got a buddy that's ready to get onto the internet. I showed him how his phone could do things on the internet and he's on facebook with a gmail address now.

He asked me if he should get an I Pad or a laptop. I don't know anything about an I Pad and don't really like laptops. The laptop is cool for convenience but sucks with big fingers and mouse screen. I'm spoiled. I like the big screen of the computer and love keyboards and that mouse rocks.

What say you guys? I Pad or Computer?

[AFTAC85]

Laptop honestly, I've not used an I Pad, but if its anything like IPhone/IPod...fuck it just get the computer, more useful. My $.02

[VB]

Laptop. An Ipad is just a toy.

[fstroupe]

A laptop is very much a compromise, an Ipad moreso. If he has to have a laptop tell him not to go the elcheapo route. No need to shell out a grand or more on a MacBook, but resist the urge to buy a $349 Walmart special. Getting a mouse is a must.

It is incredible that near the end of 2010 there are people that aren't in a coma not on the internet, but I know many.

[Sgt.Raven]

You might be surprised hearing it from the hardcore PC guy, but if he's not on the internet yet, I'd say he is very "vocational" tech-gear user.
For those, iPad is a dream tool.

However, at the cost of basic iPad, plus vital accessories (keyboard/dock), your buddy could get very decent laptop with all those marvels of connectivity and functionality.

But, then again, sounds like he's an iPad candidate,if he doesn't need or care about those "marvels".
If money is not an object, tell him to get both.

[kenlavine1]

I've got an Ipad that my job gave me. I've almost lost it three times cause its so small, thin and light. It's great for email, web surfing, document reading and so on. Also there is zero boot up or shut down time and the battery charge lasts forever. If you travel alot it's great for going through security and using on airplanes. That being said I would never spend my own money on an Ipad till the price comes way down, but I'll never get another laptop as long as I have this Ipad to use.

[Gato Rojo]

I've been using lap-tops exclusively since the first mac lap-top (mine was a Powerbook 170) came out. I was a division deputy at NOAA for about 5 of those years, then retired in Jan, '97. I'm using one that's about 5 years old now (MacBook 1.1, 1 Ghz and 2 gb RAM), and a few months ago, bought a used G-4, 17" for back-up.

I prefer the small Laptop because it has almost all the features of the desk-top except the better graphics card, and I don't do games so I don't miss it.

I've been debating getting an iPad myself, but don't think that I can justify the price because I think I will still need the hard-disk. But I dunno, I'm still on the fence and will probably wait until the next generation (0r the one after that) and then dump the Lap-top for an iPad.

[VB]

Just a quick note about the iPad. I've heard that it is nothing more then a big iPhone. You can only use one app at a time.