Update - - My Next Mod - An I Pad - - No!

[usranger74]

I am thinking of buying an Apple I Pad (my next mod)

I have several long trips planned this year. I try to camp as much as I can.

The I Pad would allow me to ck weather, get messages, ck my route for gas stations etc - as long as I can get Internet access - which is not all that hard any more.

Have any of you folks used a I Pad?

[cactusjack]

I can do all that with my DroidX phone. Of course I haul my laptop with me on the road, too.

[Netnorske]

I've been debating getting one of those tiny netbook laptops. Any pros or cons? Sorry...don't mean to hijack here....

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

I've been debating getting one of those tiny netbook laptops. Any pros or cons? Sorry...don't mean to hijack here....

I almost bought one myself. They have a couple of nice ones at Costco. I thought it over and since I already have a nice Toshiba laptop, the only reason for the netbook would be to carry on the bike for the 1-2 times a year I take an overnight trip. I couldn't justify spending $300 for something I might use twice a year. Your situation may be different.

[simdog]

Originally Posted by usranger74

I am thinking of buying an Apple I Pad (my next mod)

I have several long trips planned this year. I try to camp as much as I can.

The I Pad would allow me to ck weather, get messages, ck my route for gas stations etc - as long as I can get Internet access - which is not all that hard any more.

Have any of you folks used a I Pad?

For the most part, it's a bigger screen version of the iPhone ... without the phone. If you have an iPhone, then you pretty much already know how to use an iPad. Keep in mind that there are two versions (wifi-only for wifi hotspots and 3G for on-the road internet and wifi). The 3G version will cost you monthly for a data plan while the wifi-only doesn't, but only works in wifi hotspots.

[Bull Durham]

If you get one, I'd buy the IPad #1, as the #2 just came out and there is almost no difference in hardware, but the price. You can probably get a good price on the #1 with the people staying up with the latest toy out there.

That said, and they are pretty nice, I'd rather have a netbook over the IPad. The IPad is nice, but is basically a big ITouch. I just like typing on a real keyboard over typing on the glass screen. Because of work, I'm right now using a HP Elitebook 6930P, and I'm pretty impressed with it. Pretty small, has all the bells and whistles and I can type on it.

I do have to say, the IPad would be pretty nice with a RAM mount and use as your GPS. If you are worried about not having access to any network, you could always use a Air Card. I don't know what they charge, as we get them at work in case we don't have any wireless connectivity. The air card works over the cellular network, kind of like a cell phone.

[blowndodge]

I bought an 10" Acer at Costco on sale for $199. thats my traveling puter. My nice one stays home.

I'm thinking of upgrading my cell phone to a droid and teathering to my lap tops so I can discontinue my home internet service. T-mobile is offering $79 for unlimited everything...

[usranger74]

Originally Posted by Netnorske

I've been debating getting one of those tiny netbook laptops. Any pros or cons? Sorry...don't mean to hijack here....

Not hijacking - I forgot to say that I was also looking at a Netbook.

The Netbook weights 2.9 lbs. The I Pad less than 1 lb.

The Netbook I am looking at cost 280.00. The I Pad 500.00

The big appeal to me about the I Pad are all the fee or low cost Apps I can add. True - you can also find most of the info the standard way on the Notebook. I also like the idea that I can down load USA Today free and read it on my lunch stop. Screen size is about the same. Keyboard on the I Pad is funky but I don't plan on using it all that much. The crystal clear screen on the I Pad can not be duplicated in the Notebook.

I think I just talked my self into the I Pad!!

[blowndodge]

They have drugs for that Ranger!

[audiogooroo]

I have an iPad 2 and I use it all the time (work related). However, as some have said, it's pretty much a large iPod touch. While I rely heavily on mine for industry specific applications, be aware that it will NOT replace a laptop. My advice concerning iPads is that they are very useful for certain people in certain applications. The apps are pretty cool, but only you can determine if that's what you really need. If you determine that you do need an iPad, I suggest purchasing the second generation simply because it is thinner than the first, has better battery life and has a camera built in, but if you already have a first generation iPad, it's not worth upgrading to the iPad 2.
Many people buy one simply because they are an Apple-head who worship at the altar of the i-god, but that takes some considerable disposable income.
To summarize, I love mine, but they are not for everyone, and there are other methods of accomplishing most of the same functions that cost a lot less.

[Top Cat]

As long as we are on the subject.
I am looking for something like Brad has but I want to be able to download my MapSource and Streets and Trips programs on it.
So I need something with a CD or DVD draw on it.
Any suggestions?
Yeah, can you tell I know nothing about computers? :-[

[Cajunrider]

What a coincidence.....I was called today by a corporate vendor thanking me for filling out a long survey on explosimeters that we use at the plant. We use these meters to test the air for hydrocarbon LEL and O2 before entering vessels, boilers, or columns confined spaces. I filled out the survey about 3 weeks ago. It took nearly an hour to complete it. I asked myself a couple of times why I had agreed to do it. At the end of the survey, as a thank you gesture, I was promised a $50 Amazon gift card. When they called today for my mailing address verification, she told me that there was an additional prize drawing for all of those who took the time to complete the process. My name was selected and I won an I Pad. No details on the model. It will be mailed to me at home along with the Amazon gift card. I should have bought a Powerball ticket on the way home. ;)

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

As long as we are on the subject.
I am looking for something like Brad has but I want to be able to download my MapSource and Streets and Trips programs on it.
So I need something with a CD or DVD draw on it.
Any suggestions?
Yeah, can you tell I know nothing about computers? :-[

At least you didn't refer to the CD/DVD drive as a coffee cup holder.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

So I need something with a CD or DVD draw on it.
Any suggestions?

External USB DVD player?

[wiz]

I have a Dell Mini netbook that is very easy to take along on the bike and its WiFi works at hotels and restaurants or with my Droid 2's wifi hotspot. Since I sometimes have to actually do work while on vacation, I really need to have a PC. For just fun stuff, an iPad would probably be fine. Packing space is at a premium on the bike when the wife comes along. :-)