Background:
My wife's laptop died recently, and I'm considering an iPad as a replacement / anniversary gift. From what I've seen, the pricepoints are fairly comparable for an iPad vs. a laptop for a casual user (browsing, email, facebook, etc.) so convenience is a higher priority than computational power. We don't have a lot of experience with Apple products; I have a Touch I use exclusively for music, and that's it.
On to the questions!
1. How is typing emails, etc. on the iPad?
It's a bit slower than on my MacBook, but I can type around 2/3 my normal speed, or normal if I use the Apple Wireless Keyboard.
2. We occasionally share links to websites. How easy would it for her to copy links from Safari into an email or facebook?
You pretty much hold down on the link after tapping and options come up for opening links (or for copying text).
3. How well do Netflix movies play?
Never used Netflix but stored movies (say from iTunes) play without any problems.
4. What kind of accessories are important or at least useful to have? In particular, is the folding smart-cover thing enough to hold it upright for extended period sufficient, or would the hardpoint dock be better?
I use a padded carry case for transporting it and a hardpoint dock for charging/use in the classroom.
5. Is there anything else I should know?
6. In general, how has your experience been with using an iPad instead of a laptop?
I use it some in the classroom, either with the VGA adapter (a lot of devices can plug into the charging port) or individually with students. It's better for demonstrations than my MacBook, but while I can do most spreadsheets, word processing files, and powerpoint-type presentations on my iPad, it is a bit easier to use on my MacBook. It complements my laptop rather than acting as a potential replacement, although I must say I am using the iPad a lot as an e-book/PDF reader, email checker/responder when multitasking at work, occasional game device. It does have a built-in camera that works well, but the MacBook iPhoto app doesn't appear as such on the iPad, although it can synch files easily enough.
Illusions fall like the husk of a fruit, one after another, and the fruit is experience. - Narrator, Sylvie
Je suis méchant.
Je suis méchant.
Six questions regarding the iPad.
- 09/08/2011 03:15:50 PM
730 Views
I have very little to offer, as mine's less than a week old. So I'm still learning 
- 09/08/2011 03:45:07 PM
605 Views
- 09/08/2011 03:45:07 PM
605 Views
Confucious say: iPad is companion device, not laptop replacement
- 09/08/2011 04:08:36 PM
491 Views
Now that you mention it, I hadn't considered the lack of a USB port.
- 09/08/2011 05:02:26 PM
501 Views
While I love my husband's ipad and steal it often... ^ This. *NM*
- 09/08/2011 08:41:24 PM
201 Views
The iPad is the most amazing thing EVER
- 09/08/2011 05:20:55 PM
572 Views
I dunno, the atomic bomb and airplane were pretty impressive.
- 09/08/2011 07:33:11 PM
544 Views
you just had to bring texas into this didnt you?
- 10/08/2011 03:06:10 AM
519 Views
Did someone reach her saturation point with Yankees? 
- 10/08/2011 04:20:42 PM
689 Views
- 10/08/2011 04:20:42 PM
689 Views
It is an iPod that has a decent veiwing screen for movies....or playing Angry Birds.
- 09/08/2011 08:14:24 PM
492 Views
Re: Six questions regarding the iPad.
- 09/08/2011 09:27:11 PM
620 Views
awesome on it