100 replies to this topic

[rancho_gordo]

I sort of like the idea of the tablet. But it seems you can't just buy one and use wireless connections. It seems you have to get them through a phone company and use their data plan. Or am I getting it wrong? Is the Mac Airbook phone company free? Is there a Windows or Linux equivalent?

[rancho_gordo]

I did some snooping on Amazon and it seems I have it all wrong.
It looks like the Motorola Xoom, for example, is all WiFi and a data plan isn't needed.

I'm kind of more confused than ever.

[ghostrider]

I can't pop a laptop into my cat's mouth, and that's all I know about this.

[Evelyn]

I did some snooping on Amazon and it seems I have it all wrong.
It looks like the Motorola Xoom, for example, is all WiFi and a data plan isn't needed.

I'm kind of more confused than ever.

iPad can also be purchased for wifi only.

[theclash]

Maybe something like this?

[rancho_gordo]

Maybe something like this?

And cheaper than the Xoom!

[foodie52]

Read the reviews: they are really helpful. I don't like the 3 hour battery time. It's not for the kind of travel that I plan on doing. Sitting in a car or plane or train, and not sure when I can recharge. I need more time. The reviews are excellent.

[Orik]

I can't figure out what they're good for.

[AromaCucina]

Ciao. I love my iPad. (Full disclosure, my cook book is in available iBooks)

It can be just wifi if that's what you choose. Mine is only wifi.

I would go with an iPad because..
it's lighter, smaller, easier to carry around than a laptop
it's fast
it's an ebook read that can handle video. I love reading with an ebook..they don't take up space and if you read in bed you don't have to turn on the light
it's a bigger screen than your phone.... and bigger is better
apparently it's cheaper than the Zoom (go figure on that one)
read David Pogue's review for a more complete comparison

I have a number of cooking science & reference books loaded on my iPad so if I'm doing an article, research, the books are easily accessible.
I live in more than one place, so I don't have to haul books around
I use Air Display all the time, it's like having an extra monitor.

And..if you rent a movie, the screen is lot bigger than the one embedded in the back of an airline seat. (DOWNSIDE: If there is a nude scene, say with Penelope Cruz....all your seatmates are watching along with you)

[Lauren]

I just got the iPad2 and I love it. It won't replace my laptop but it's going to be great for travel. I got the wi-fi only version so no data plan - which hasn't been a problem so far, however it meant I had to take it to the lobby of the hotel I was staying at in Palm Springs, as they had no wi-fi in the room. I was sick last week and I loved that I could lay in bed and stream movies from my Netflix queue. I also downloaded a couple of tv shows from iTunes. So far, I'm getting the full 10 hours of use on the battery, and it charges really quickly.

[rancho_gordo]

I sometimes need to make Powerpoint presentations. DO most tablets have an OUT for this?

[FoodDabbler]

I sometimes need to make Powerpoint presentations. DO most tablets have an OUT for this?

For the most part, yes. You can put out video to an external monitor,
projector, etc. But you should check the particular model you are
considering. Tablet operating systems are all over the place, and some
restrict which applications allow "video out". The iPhone OS (which
is what the iPad uses), does, for example, although Keynote, the standard
presentation app on the iPad is one of the apps that successfully puts
video out.

The ideal would be wireless video out. You walk around with your tablet,
rumpling the hair of people in the audience, while the projector screen shows
what your tablet does. There was one tablet that offered this last year.

[Chambolle]

Is there a Windows ... equivalent?

Yep. Fasten your seatbelts. The post-post-PC era is about to begin.

The iPad will slowly morph into the iPaperweight.

You heard it here first. Thank Chambo.

Jobs didn't resign because of health issues. He resigned because Apple had reached her apex. Remember, Jobs is a visionary.

Here comes Microsoft. Let's check back in 36 months.

[Wilfrid]

Actually, we've been hearing it from Microsoft all summer. Some are believers, some are doubters, some are no doubt haters.

I am an agnostic. It will be interesting to see.

[tsquare]

Is there a Windows ... equivalent?

Yep. Fasten your seatbelts. The post-post-PC era is about to begin.

The iPad will slowly morph into the iPaperweight.

You heard it here first. Thank Chambo.

Jobs didn't resign because of health issues. He resigned because Apple had reached her apex. Remember, Jobs is a visionary.

Here comes Microsoft. Let's check back in 36 months.

I'm not sure I have 36 months for the stock to rebound. Can you move that schedule up a bit?