Do I need an iPad?

[jpg7n16]

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?

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:

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]

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!