Do I need an iPad?

[jpg7n16]

It's great to be able to use it while in the car for directions or to find a good place to eat (urbanspoon app).

For both of those, I already pay for and use my iPhone (and the Urbanspoon app )

So if you are traveling and want internet access, buy 3G for 30 days and cancel it at the end of the month until you need it again. Of course, if you will be out and about a lot, you may need to keep it but for us, that isn't the case.

That's defintely good to know! Very interesting.

But it still costs an extra $130 up front to add the 3G ability to it. So that one month of 3G actually cost like $150 or so. I'd probably use it more often than that, so that would lower my average cost for the 3G coverage.

If only I could paid for medical surveys This would be a very simple decision if that were the case!

jpg: is there something else you'd prefer/like as a gift?

Nope. I've pretty much asked exclusively for Amazon gift cards. I know I'll use them throughout the year to buy good deals online, but there's not really anything I want - except this.

Do you have circumstances when it would have been more convenient to use a laptop?

Sure. Recent coursework would have helped (but I've graduated, and don't know if I'm going back for a Masters anytime soon). Just being able to move around the apt while checking scores on the games would be nice. Something more to do on lunch break from work. Vacations here and there. Hanging out at friend's houses for the day, and wanting to check email or something. etc

[disneysteve]

But it still costs an extra $130 up front to add the 3G ability to it.

True, but this is one of those cases where I'd urge people to spend the extra money even if you aren't sure you'll use the 3G service. 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.

[Hector]

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

[NewBeginnings]

I would get a cheaper tablet or the new kindle fire

[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.

[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]

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

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...

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

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.

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]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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