[kboomba]

We have to replace our computer as it is cactus.

I have been pondering getting an ipad 2 now that they are cheaper. But, would I be better off getting a laptop (either mac or a cheaper brand)?

I'd be using it for emails, internet (I have an iphone for portable internet which I am happy with), Skype, word processing occasionally, storing photos. I would like to be able to use an external hard drive to back everything up (can I do this with an ipad?). My husband downloads heaps of TV so I guess we need a fair bit of storage. And I would like to be able to move it, hence not wanting a desktop. That's about it I think?

Also, if I got an ipad, can i just use my phone as my sim for data allowance? Or do I stay on the plan I have currently for my desktop? I have no idea as I am not tech savvy at all!!

What would you recommend? Thanks

[Pompol]

From what you've said, I'd say you need a laptop. You can't back up to hard drive directly from an iPad, and depending on which method your husband uses to download, the iPad might not be able to do that either (ie if he uses torrents).

Also, if you don't have wifi at home and you're thinking of using your phone sim or getting a phone data plan through a telco for downloading shows - that's going to be very expensive !

So even though I'm a massive iPad fan and yes the 2's are cheap now, I'd still recommend a laptop, and a home internet connection with wifi

[*cough*]

An ipad is not going to do half the things you need it for. Get a laptop. What about a Macbook Air? Mac are so many kinds of win.

[kboomba]

Thanks guys, I guess a laptop it will be.

Any idea of cheaper brands I should look at? The macs are super pricey so I want to have a look at others too. What brands should I avoid?

[2puzzled]

I agree that iPad won't do what you need - great for browsing but not for word processing etc. You need a keyboard to type correspondence that isn't just a brief email or you will get frustrated with the amount of time and effort required.

a macbook is not that expensive (yes you can get very cheap brands of laptops, but you really do get what you pay for). The apple store sells refurbished MacBooks for less than $1000 and they come with warranty. http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

the refurbs could be shelf stock or product returns that have then been worked over to ensure they are tip top and then sold at good discounts. macbook air I wouldn't recommend - great for carrying around but work best in conjunction with a desktop computer and wifi at home, because they don't have all the features of your standard laptop in order to be more portable.

Apple provides fantastic support online and over the counter, the products work well and I have found them more reliable than the budget laptop brands. I have had mac products for 12 years and don't have virus scanning software and have never had a virus or a hardware fail (knock on wood - I know viruses are possible on macs, but this has been my experience). I know countless people who have had PCs and who have been hounded by virus issues despite having virus scanning software. I would thoroughly recommend mac and suggest you get a cheap external 1TB hard drive (western digital or similar) as a back unit (cheap as chips from office works, d*ck smith or similar) and back everything up once a week and you'll be right as rain!

I know - I sound like a big mac fangurrrrl but I have had great experience with the products and the service for years and have to put up with a piece o rubbish PC at work that I constantly want to put my fist through...

[pugbaby]

90% of computer users can't be wrong ...

go a pc any day

get it from a large company with a reputation to keep

(if the store gives you grief you can get the head office to solve the problem post haste),

make sure they service what they sell
not send it to the manufacturer straight away.


good luck

[Cheryl_v]

I like my Samsung, it's fairly sturdy and does what I want it to do. The Acer I bought for the kids hasn't broken yet despite them mistreating it. The HP I used to have didn't like being moved much and broke just over 12 months after I bought it. Dells are pretty good for the price.

[NotRocketScience]

I agree that iPad won't do what you need - great for browsing but not for word processing etc. You need a keyboard to type correspondence that isn't just a brief email or you will get frustrated with the amount of time and effort required.

a macbook is not that expensive (yes you can get very cheap brands of laptops, but you really do get what you pay for). The apple store sells refurbished MacBooks for less than $1000 and they come with warranty. http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

the refurbs could be shelf stock or product returns that have then been worked over to ensure they are tip top and then sold at good discounts. macbook air I wouldn't recommend - great for carrying around but work best in conjunction with a desktop computer and wifi at home, because they don't have all the features of your standard laptop in order to be more portable.

Apple provides fantastic support online and over the counter, the products work well and I have found them more reliable than the budget laptop brands. I have had mac products for 12 years and don't have virus scanning software and have never had a virus or a hardware fail (knock on wood - I know viruses are possible on macs, but this has been my experience). I know countless people who have had PCs and who have been hounded by virus issues despite having virus scanning software. I would thoroughly recommend mac and suggest you get a cheap external 1TB hard drive (western digital or similar) as a back unit (cheap as chips from office works, d*ck smith or similar) and back everything up once a week and you'll be right as rain!

I know - I sound like a big mac fangurrrrl but I have had great experience with the products and the service for years and have to put up with a piece o rubbish PC at work that I constantly want to put my fist through...

This.

It wasn't until we changed to Mac 7 years ago that we stopped getting viruses. Before that we used to get viruses despite having up to date software. I think lots of people make comment about macs but haven't used them before. I have used both and know mac is better.

This post has been edited by mrscanuck: 07/04/2012, 08:39 AM

[mumto3princesses]

We had a Toshiba and I wouldn't do that again. We also have an Asus which has been going with no problems for about 2years now and bought a HP about 9mths ago which I love.



This post has been edited by mumto3princesses: 07/04/2012, 10:22 AM