IPad instead of basic PC

[jambo101]

Our home computer is on its last legs and a replacement will soon be in order, my wife asked if we could get by with just an IPad tablet instead of a full size desktop computer.,
What would be the the negatives if any of just buying an IPad to replace our aging full size computer?
Thanks

[NYC_SKP]

1. I have all of these things, and it depends upon your applications.

If all you do is surf the web, an iPad is fine.

But if you want to work with Microsoft Word Docs and Excel Spreadsheets, you might be in trouble.

I recommend you do a little shopping around, you might see something you love that isn't an iPad.

Best Buy carries both PC products and Apple, not sure if they have Chromebooks, however.

Tablets versus netbooks versus notebooks, I hope that you'll do a little shopping and enjoy your final decision!

[ChromeFoundry]

2. Sure, if you only check your email...

and do a little light web browsing.

If you want to run any applications, especially Windows apps, you'd be better served with a laptop or something comparable to a Microsoft Surface device.

An iPad is going to run you any where between $400 - $930 based on options and connectivity. No keyboard or mouse. If you buy an older model, Apple only supports models for a limited time (about 4 years) the you are expected to buy a new one.

A Chromebook from Acer can be had for $200 that gives you the same features as an iPad.

You could get a basic laptop with Windows for under $300.

You could always get a decent laptop with no OS and run a Linux distribution on it...

There are a lot of options out there. For a few, an Apple solution works well... for most, it is like buying a $10 T-shirt with a logo that drives the price up to $89.99.

[jambo101]

3. Basically

I surf the net for info and to participate in forums.and do email.
The wife does the same but as a teacher likes to assemble various class projects through pictures and interpretive data, stuff that she usually prints out and brings to school..
My daughter says the Apple product more resembles what i'm familiar with as far as screen display..

[ManiacJoe]

5. You, probably yes. Her, probably no.

Sounds like what the teacher is doing is a bit beyond what an ipad can do.

[Mnpaul]

4. I haven't used my full size PC in months

I have 2 Windows based tablets that cover most of my needs. One runs Vista Business and the other 7 Pro. They have everything a laptop has - USB, video out, mic/headphone jacks, replaceable hard drives,wifi. The only time I need the desktop is for video editting and gaming.

[jambo101]

6. Think i'll give the tablet a try/

Last edited Tue Aug 12, 2014, 06:17 AM - Edit history (2)

And if a full size PC is needed in the future i guess i'll buy one.
For the moment my 2 kids have laptops i could borrow and my wife just got an ipad for her birthday.
The real problem will be figuring out how to save all the stuff from the full size pc..