Do I need an iPad?

[photo]

I don't have one, but the only reason I ever would is for travel. Sometimes, a laptop is simply too big or cumbersome, yet a smartphone (which I don't have) is too small. I usually have my laptop with me when I travel, but I have to admit there are times when I wish I could just whip out an iPad to retrieve some information quickly.

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

You can't ever go back and add it if you only buy the Wifi version. I'd rather have the option there if I want it than buy the cheaper version and find I'm not happy with it or it doesn't meet my needs.

Very true, I'll have to keep that in mind. Thanks DS

Originally Posted by Hector

I dint read posting but ipad can not be a NEED for at least 99.99% people.

I'm not trying to debate the semantics of the word "need." But I'm pretty sure you'd argue with Dr. Maslow, that his hierarchy of needs, weren't really needs beyond level 1.

Hierarchy of Needs

I've already addressed my use of the word 'need.' And I wonder where you can find that...

Originally Posted by NewBeginnings

I would get a cheaper tablet or the new kindle fire

I saw some comparison videos of the iPad vs nook vs kindle etc. on YouTube. I just like the iPad soo much more. I just really didn't care much for the other tablets.

Say the Kindle Fire: Amazon Kindle Fire Review & Specifications - YouTube
vs the iPad: Apple iPad detail hands-on demo - YouTube and 10 Must Have iPad Apps - YouTube

Originally Posted by Joan.of.the.Arch

jpg7n16, I predict you are going to get one! I am the last adopter of any new technology, and as I am already thinking of it, it is surely your time to get one.

I think so too, though I really think I'm gonna wait until maybe Feb or March. I hear a new version is coming out early next year, and I'd hate to spend several hundred just to hate my life when a new cooler one comes out. Or if the new one isn't worth it, the iPad 2 will fall in price, and maybe I'll be more comfortable with the new lower price.

Originally Posted by photo

I don't have one, but the only reason I ever would is for travel. Sometimes, a laptop is simply too big or cumbersome, yet a smartphone (which I don't have) is too small. I usually have my laptop with me when I travel, but I have to admit there are times when I wish I could just whip out an iPad to retrieve some information quickly.

So if you didn't already have a laptop, and only had a desktop - would it be worth it to go buy a laptop/iPad today?

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by jpg7n16

I saw some comparison videos of the iPad vs nook vs kindle etc. on YouTube. I just like the iPad soo much more. I just really didn't care much for the other tablets.

You already have an iPhone. Not sure if your desktop is a Mac. If it is, that should definitely steer you toward an iPad and not any other tablet device. One thing that Apple excels at is integrating its devices. The iPad, iPhone and Macs (desktop/laptop) all seamlessly function together. There are never any device incompatibility issues. What works on one, works on all. And now with iCloud, you can access info across the board.

[photo]

Originally Posted by jpg7n16

So if you didn't already have a laptop, and only had a desktop - would it be worth it to go buy a laptop/iPad today?

Unless I were extensively traveling, I'd wait until the new version appears and either buy it or else buy the previous (current today) version at a lower price, especially if there are not great differences. However, if some monster sale appeared this afternoon, I'd be playing with my new iPad tonight.

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

You already have an iPhone. Not sure if your desktop is a Mac. If it is, that should definitely steer you toward an iPad and not any other tablet device. One thing that Apple excels at is integrating its devices. The iPad, iPhone and Macs (desktop/laptop) all seamlessly function together. There are never any device incompatibility issues. What works on one, works on all. And now with iCloud, you can access info across the board.

Desktop is a PC. I got it primarily for school and work reports, as well as gaming. Macs I hear are great for movies, artsy stuff, etc. - of which I do 0, so didn't see the need.

I saw when the iCloud stuff came out, but I haven't been using it at all really. Maybe I should start learning about it.

Originally Posted by photo

Unless I were extensively traveling, I'd wait until the new version appears and either buy it or else buy the previous (current today) version at a lower price, especially if there are not great differences. However, if some monster sale appeared this afternoon, I'd be playing with my new iPad tonight.

Totally agree. If I found an iPad2 32GB w/ 3g for $400-500, we wouldn't be having this conversation

[fishy40]

Get one!!

[Gina23]

Originally Posted by jpg7n16

and Angry Birds

LOL, can I just say that I love that you listed that as one of your top priorities! I can never go back from my smart phone because of that #$@n game.

[NewBeginnings]

My kindle fire arrived today. I kind of like it as an ipad alternative. Even though its not the kindles intent to compete against the ipad its the strongest competitor compared to every other tablet.

[ir_dizzle]

An iPad/ tablet is an amazing thing... I have one but it doesn't quite replace a laptop/ computer yet. I made a boneheaded (but profitable) day trade on apple stock a few months ago and made $500+ dollars in one day - I used the proceeds to buy an iPad.

If I didn't have that extra $500 dollars to spend, however, I wouldn't have bought the iPad... I just use it for casual browsing and to tinker around with cool apps every now and then... my limited use doesn't really warrant the expensive purchase (under normal circumstances).

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by Gina23

LOL, can I just say that I love that you listed that as one of your top priorities! I can never go back from my smart phone because of that #$@n game.

Hey, all work and no play makes JPG a dull boy!

With an iPad, it'd be like watchin them on the big screen. Those pigs don't stand a chance!! haha

[jpg7n16]

Originally Posted by NewBeginnings

My kindle fire arrived today. I kind of like it as an ipad alternative. Even though its not the kindles intent to compete against the ipad its the strongest competitor compared to every other tablet.

It most definitely is an attempt to compete against the iPad Color screen + apps + videos + music = not just an eReader.

How do you like it so far?

Originally Posted by ir_dizzle

An iPad/ tablet is an amazing thing... I have one but it doesn't quite replace a laptop/ computer yet. I made a boneheaded (but profitable) day trade on apple stock a few months ago and made $500+ dollars in one day - I used the proceeds to buy an iPad.

If I didn't have that extra $500 dollars to spend, however, I wouldn't have bought the iPad... I just use it for casual browsing and to tinker around with cool apps every now and then... my limited use doesn't really warrant the expensive purchase (under normal circumstances).

Ah the found money paradox. You felt that $500 wasn't real.

Studies (and casino shops) have shown that when you get money you weren't expecting, you don't value it as much as money you had to work for. But $500 is $500.


But going back to this:

Originally Posted by snafu

Have you carried out a plan that deserves a reward?

I've been thinking of creating a work out plan reward system. Where every calorie I burn on exercise credits me 1 cent towards my new iPad. If I burn 500 calories, I saved up $5.00 -- 823 calories? $8.23 closer to angry birds on the big screen!

I've been really slacking on my exercise regiment lately, and this would give me some incentive to get back in. As no exercise = no iPad.

So my goal is 75,000 calories burned = $750. At 3500 calories/lb, that's just over 20 lbs. (21.4)

That should take me 3-5 months if I exercise regularly. Which would coincide with what I expect to be the launch of the iPad3.

...Or if I hit my goal weight of 25 lbs lost (through diet as well) then I'll instantly credit myself the remaining cash

[Gina23]

Originally Posted by jpg7n16

Hey, all work and no play makes JPG a dull boy!

With an iPad, it'd be like watchin them on the big screen. Those pigs don't stand a chance!! haha

Oh I'm sure... today an iPad, tomorrow the pigs will be on your home theatre projector. I know your type!

[SeW50]

I don't think you need an iPad, you already have a working desktop PC and an iPhone, so you are pretty much covering all of your advanced and mobile computing needs.

Just save the money and either invest in something or buy something that is going to provide more long-term fulfillment.

At least that's what I would do

[Staceyy]

I have a 3G IPad. I use it for travel and for portability. I love that I can easily read my email and forums in bed.

[thefrugallery]

I used to be obsessed with getting the latest gadget. Everytime I got something new I would spend hours being consumed with it. I too would like an ipad, but I think it would just help me find other ways to waste time. I'd say if there's not a financial reason why you need one (for work or a side job) just skip it. Prices are likely to go down as people get over the thrill of it.

[jpg7n16]

How to get an iPad for cheap:

Found an offer for a new Chase credit card through CreditKarma. Offer is for $200 bonus cash back when you purchase over $500 in the 1st 3 months. Plus it has better rewards than my current card.

Awaiting delivery of card, but will buy a new iPad sometime during those first 3 months (which I was planning on doing anyways). Which will be more than $500, which qualifies me for the $200 cash back.

Result: $200 off an iPad

[ea1776]

If you use iTunes, the iPad can be a remote control for playing Movies, Music, etc in your house.
It's fun for playing Wheel of Fortune and Scrabble.
The iPad2 has 2 cameras, so you can use Skype or Face Time, to video conference others.
My favorite thing to use it for is Google Maps. I find it very intuitive to use pinch/zoom/swipe features to navigate through directions or a map. It's a lot more useful than the iPhone or a full blown computer even, because of how quick you can get to what you are looking for.

Having said all that, the device has a ton more potential than I use it for. I'd use it a lot more if it was my ONLY gadget, but it has a LOT of competition! lol

I don't really use mine all the time, but it's nice to have by the bed side if I want to look something real quick.
Oh, and sometimes I use it to browse this site!