iPad or MacBook?

Invertigo · 26 Apr 2012 at 00:58

I'm off to uni this year doing photography, and I'd like something a bit more...portable. Bring to lectures and such.

I'm split between the 11" Air or the iPad 3 with a stand case and bluetooth keyboard. Obviously the iPad would work out cheaper and more portable, but I cant help but think I'd miss the laptop...feel?

Uni media suites are iMacs, and my editing rig is a PC, but seeing as Photoshop is used on both this should have no bearing.

I'm leaning to the iPad, but advice is appreciated

stuman · 26 Apr 2012 at 01:03

if you use photoshop then maybe the iPad would be better? i have the air, but only because i play a couple of games every now and again.

Invertigo · 26 Apr 2012 at 01:07

Well it wouldn't be used for editing, as I have a speedy PC to deal with that, and I believe my accommodation is wired into the University network. If not, I have a few usb sticks lying around for file transfer, so that's not an issue as such either.

Mattus · 26 Apr 2012 at 01:59

So what are you going to use it for? Anything other than lecture notes?

I would still be tempted to get a laptop. I just don't think the iPad is there yet for serious productivity tasks. The lack of a proper file system and sensible ways for getting documents off the thing seems like a bit of a hindrance. Plus the device itself doesn't seem too great for getting work done. Screen's too small, and no possibility of having more than one app on screen at once.

lemoon · 26 Apr 2012 at 08:39

Same with Mattus? This depends on you whole needs. What are you going to use it for?

And I would like to get a laptop as it can load more productivity tasks, though the iPad is portable, well yes, the iPad do nice works on Email checking, reading books, watching videos, office works and just so on.

thenagus · 26 Apr 2012 at 11:16

One thought about the iPad: check that your accommodation actually has wifi access. At my uni, not all rooms do. And even in those rooms that do, you can't connect an iPad to the regular network because of some security ****e, and you get booted off for using too much wifi bandwidth. (streaming YouTube videos, etc.) And you're not allowed to make your own wireless network, with a router or laptop or whatever. I think my uni might be more backwards than most, but it's worth checking up on.

Disco Boy · 26 Apr 2012 at 12:35

It sounds like you need neither. So go with whichever gives you the most fun relative to it's cost. For me that would be the iPad.

thenagus said:
One thought about the iPad: check that your accommodation actually has wifi access. At my uni, not all rooms do. And even in those rooms that do, you can't connect an iPad to the regular network because of some security ****e, and you get booted off for using too much wifi bandwidth. (streaming YouTube videos, etc.) And you're not allowed to make your own wireless network, with a router or laptop or whatever. I think my uni might be more backwards than most, but it's worth checking up on.

It's pretty standard not to be allowed to make your own wifi network. Or wired network for that matter. If you get caught you're in trouble... If...

Not being able to use wifi on your iPad if it is available is odd. Most places broadcast eduroam...

thenagus · 26 Apr 2012 at 21:11

Disco Boy said:
It sounds like you need neither. So go with whichever gives you the most fun relative to it's cost. For me that would be the iPad.

It's pretty standard not to be allowed to make your own wifi network. Or wired network for that matter. If you get caught you're in trouble... If...

Not being able to use wifi on your iPad if it is available is odd. Most places broadcast eduroam...

Oh yes, I can connect using eduroam; I just wasn't sure whether this was common or not. And still hugely bandwidth restricted.

Our IT guy is sadly very On the ball. I know somebody who tried to broadcast wireless with their laptop, and got booted off the network almost immediately. His omnipresence is almost disturbing...