Laptops...

[apprentice1]

Does anybody have any good advice on where to get good information on laptops (ratings, pricing, etc.,)

I'm trying to decide if I can go with an ipad vs a laptop and if I do go with a laptop which one is the best bang for the $$?

I'm not a gamer, I like to surf the web, create folders to save stuff I've found on the web and have the ability to email and download the occasional pdf, etc., file sent to me or sent by me...

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

[patio]

The best way to start asking for recommendations is with a budget...

[apprentice1]

Okay-$500 to $600
Thanks.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

If I may offer a quick suggestion; unless you have a computer (either desktop or laptop), don't get an iPad for your daily dose of the web.

The iPad, like the iPod Touch, requires another machine to work properly.
For example without a computer, you won't be able to add music, videos, or other content to your device.

If you DO HAVE another computer, don't get the iPad if you plan to perform mass note-taking. If you do, consider buying a keyboard dock or an Apple Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard. The iPad's onscreen keyboard is good for quick note-taking, not for extensive writing (such as this forum post).

Contrary to popular belief, the iPad is not a computer or netbook replacement. It is merely a tool.


Don't get me wrong though, I love my iPad. If all you need is a device to surf the internet, take quick notes, watch online videos, etc - you may love it too.

It's all about what you're ultimately going to do with the machine.

[apprentice1]

Yeah, I have a desktop-old one, that's why I'm considering a new drug. The bluetooth wireless keypad might just be the the decision maker...

Thanks Dude! (oxide)

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Might want to wait for the next iPad (rumored to have a HD display, rear and front camrea and longer battery life)

The next refresh cycle might be either Janruary or July so up to you


Oh, and just to follow up with what I said, the ipad wont be a big net book competitor until iOS 4 with multitasking is available; which is rumored  to be some time this September.

[apprentice1]

Good stuff-thanks again dude(oxide)!

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Just to follow up what I said again - the iPod Touch just got a refresh. New HD Camera and HD display.

Watch out! 

[apprentice1]

Ha! Yeah saw that last night. Thanks again Dude! (Oxide)

[apprentice1]

What do you think pricing will be or do you know? 

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

For the next iPad?

Most likely the same (or similar) as it is now.


Last year, the 64GB iPod Touch was $399 USD. Now, the new 64GB is again $399.

Apple's iPod pricing rarely change.

[apprentice1]

With the refresh- New HD Camera and HD display? Really? Wow! Don't know much about Apple.
Question: If I am not with Sprint? or AT&T (whoever the Apple consumers have for the iphones will I still be able to take advantage of wi fi hot spots with my Ipad?

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

If you choose to get a 3G iPad, you choose when to active the service. You can either activate the 3G service at the store, or at home.
If you do not activate 3G on your iPad, wifi capability will not be impaired. The iPad will function just as a normal Wifi-only iPad.

[apprentice1]

Cool. Thanks again Dude! (Oxide)