Considering an iPad, but what uses?

Soldato
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I have sort of wanted an iPad for a while, every time I use someone elses it amazes me.

The only thing worrying me is I'm not sure I'd use it enough. I already have an iPhone 5. I play music on my PC connected to my HiFi using JRiver MC and I use the JRemote app on my iPhone, this app would be better on the iPad.

I can't see me taking the iPad many places, at home my PC is on all day and I jump on that for browsing, I use the phone when I'm not near the PC.

£400 is a lot to pay for a remote. I'd want the iPad 4 with retina display and lightening connector just because I don't like buying older tech when something new is out.

Is there likely to be a new iPad soon? Should I go for one or not?

Thanks
 
i think only you can answer that question.

I had a macbook 2010 unibody which i primarily used to surf the net (while watching tv) /watch films on in bed.

overkill for what i used it for. i ended up buying an ipad mini which serves my purpose very well.

personally i would say that they are due for a refresh soon but that waiting game gets you no where. you'll always be waiting for new stuff to be released.

if the current ipad will serve your purpose then buy it.
 
at home my PC is on all day and I jump on that for browsing

This is what the iPad (or any tablet) changes. You won't browse the web on your PC much at all, I used to use mine for everything, now it's only gaming.

Put simply, you don't need an iPad but once you use it every day you'll see why it's more enjoyable. Rather than sitting at a desk, you can be on the sofa or in bed and browse the same sites. Things like just browsing the web, watching videos or Google Reader are either better in a tablet app or can be done in a much more relaxing environment.

It sounds corny but a tablet changes how you interact with the web for the better.
 
It sounds corny but a tablet changes how you interact with the web for the better.

I can't really see this! If an iPad was my primary web browsing device, I'd go nuts within a week.

All of these are impossible on an iPad:

* viewing two websites side by side
* having a video running in one tab, and checking another tab without the video stopping
* blocking ads (unless jailbroken)
* using extensions
* achieving the page rendering speed of a PC
* typing on a proper keyboard
 
I can't really see this! If an iPad was my primary web browsing device, I'd go nuts within a week.

All of these are impossible on an iPad:

* viewing two websites side by side
* having a video running in one tab, and checking another tab without the video stopping
* blocking ads (unless jailbroken)
* using extensions
* achieving the page rendering speed of a PC
* typing on a proper keyboard

the only one i miss in typing on a proper kb, but you can always get a BT one for the times you want to type a lot...

I am willing to give up some facilities for the speed and convienence of an ipad
 
Thanks for the replies.

I guess there is a good chance I could use it more for other things too. The only thing to do is buy one and see how I get on, at least it will retain some value if I do decide to sell it later on.
 
I got my ipad 4 last week. Before i used to go on my pc most nights even if it was just to web surf. Now im only going on it to game.

Saving cash tbh as well ipad uses less than my main rig.

Also play some games on it.

Stream films to it from my htpc if the wifes watchin soaps
 
Does an iPad really replace anything? Not in my opinion. But it could very well change the way you browse the web (for the better)

It's a very enjoyable web viewer. You should probably take a gamble. I'd be surprised if you got rid of it.
 
Agree that it changes the way you browse, my PC only gets used for games and sending off cv's, writing cover letters atm.

Everything else is ipad, if something isn't too great on safari you can normally get a app which is much better. 4 finger swipe and you can jump between apps very quickly. Never really use the home button on mine. Enjoy :)
 
I have changed the delivery to next day so I get it tomorrow.

Now I need a case, there are so many to choose from! Agghhhhh...
 
I was in the same boat as you, I always enjoyed playing on my friends iPads but could never justify one for myself. However....

My girlfriend bought her brother an iPad mini for Christmas, and a couple of weeks later got herself an iPad with Retina Display. Of course I'm over her place playing on the iPad a lot and getting the feel of them. A few of my friends got Nexus 7s for Christmas but the thought of an Android tablet isn't to my liking (I own a HTC One X and though it's a great phone, then kinks in Android still show).

So I bit the bullet and bought an iPad mini (justifying it by saying I had left over money from Christmas so it wouldn't cost me too much...and my mother telling me I never treat myself). Can safely say I DO NOT regret this. Like you I used to use my computer for most of my needs. Now I can enjoy meals downstairs without missing out on stream action for some eSports events or conversations with my friends. I haven't really put it down (and iMessage is an awesome feature on it...nothing new for you Apple folks but coming from Android it's amazing!).

Like other members have said, you can grab a bluetooth keyboard and it'll feel just like regular typing (some cases even have them built in).

Joelk2 is right though, playing the waiting game gets you nowhere. Sure a new model may come out, but the resale value of Apple products is real high so it's not really anything to sweat.
 
If you keep it in the house you can get away without a case. It's not slippy at all and feels better in your hands. If you take it out in a bag you might want something to protect the screen side. The back is pretty rugged.
 
I've had mine about 6 months, it stays in the house and I've got a click on rear cover. Not a mark on it. If you ain't sure about how you are going to find it and are thinking you may sell it at a later date it could be worth the small cost just to keep it in perfect condition.
 
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I can't see me taking the iPad many places, at home my PC is on all day and I jump on that for browsing, I use the phone when I'm not near the PC.

This is where the iPad comes in. You'll find yourself surfing the net on it from your couch, rather than using the desktop, and the phone just won't get a look in any more.
 
It does sound good, I have a nice hifi and I like to listen to music while browsing the net, but I need to be on the sofa to hear it best, then I can't reach my PC.

I might go to the Apple store at the weekend and look at cases, unless someone can recommend one. I like the look of the Smart cases, I'd feel safer with it in a case so I don't worry when putting it down.
 
You also forgot the most important thing about surfing the web on an iPad

NECK ACHE

Maybe it's just me, but sat on the sofa looking down at an iPad gives me major neck ache after a while. Much rather sit at a desk with a monitor infront of me.
 
You also forgot the most important thing about surfing the web on an iPad

NECK ACHE

Maybe it's just me, but sat on the sofa looking down at an iPad gives me major neck ache after a while. Much rather sit at a desk with a monitor infront of me.

Never had that issue myself, or the other half. Neither have my sister or her fella. Guess you have a weak neck or something.
 
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