Your iPad 2 Versus Your Laptop – Will iPad Take Over The World Of Portable Computing?

Feb 252012

Your iPad 2 Versus Your Laptop

The iPad vs. laptop debate has come a long way since the original iPad model was released. Now, with the release of the improved iPad 2, more and more people are set to get into the world of tablet computers. But can they really replace your laptop?

Portability

Both laptops and iPads are designed with portability in mind, but the iPad is the clear winner in this respect. The iPad 2 is slimmer and lighter than ever before, but with the same glossy screen and resolution. It’s easy to slip it into a bag and take it with you wherever you go, and it certainly won’t weigh you down in the way that a laptop will. And, with the release of the iPad 2 Smart Cover, it’s easy to prop up your iPad should you want to use it hands free to watch a movie!

It’s important not to forget that battery life is essential for any portable device. With new features added to the iPad 2 model, some people were worried that it would lead to a shorter battery life. This isn’t the case, and the iPad 2 features the same long 10 hour battery life of the iPad 1. There aren’t many laptops (except for Apple’s own MacBooks) that can boast such a long life when away from a power source!

A Lack of Ports

One important point of the iPad vs. laptop comparison is that the iPad 2 is still lacking a number of ports when compared to laptops. This includes a USB port, SD memory card slot, and basically anything other than the 30-pin Apple port. Apple have come out with a camera connector kit that means certain simple USB devices can connect to the iPad 2, but that’s the only way that buyers can do it. It’s also important to point out that the iPad 2 makes use of a touch screen rather than physical keyboard input, but this can be changed with the addition of the Apple iPad keyboard accessory.

Apps And Functionality

The iPad boasts a whole range of apps, but there still isn’t as much flexibility as with a laptop. When you buy an iPad 2, you’re being forced to using its specific operating system, and only downloading the apps that Apple approves.

With a laptop, you have far more choice when it comes to operating systems, and far more flexibility with the way that the operating system works. However, the iPad 2 is generally aimed at those who know what they need the iPad for, and the truth is that the iPad does have an app for just about any function! Multitasking on the iPad is also possible, bringing it closer in line with laptops in terms of functionality.

What Do You Need It For?

The truth is that the answer to the iPad vs. laptop debate has to be a personal one. If you already own a desktop computer then the iPad could be all you need to take specific things on the go. Or you may find that you want a laptop that can read DVD disks, connect to external USB devices and so on. Some people even claim that Apple never intended to enter into the laptop computer market – the iPad is simply an extension to other computers.

It really does depend on what you’ll use it for, but one thing’s for sure: more and more people are now getting their hands on tablet computers and taking their personal and business lives and interests with them on the move!

An iPad Or Tablet PC Can Keep You Connected Wherever You Go

iPad & iPad 2 Articles

Feb 252012

You Are Always Connected With An iPad Or Tablet PC

Thanks to the major marketing boost that the iPad received from parent company Apple, we now have the impression that it is the best device to experience the Web, watch online streaming video, and connect with friends via social networking services.

The opinion is backed with good reason and real results because the iPad is filled to the brim with Internet-savvy features and services. Despite the initial skepticism expressed by most industry pundits when the computing device was unveiled at a press conference in San Francisco, positive reviews by tech experts who had the privilege of testing the first few commercially available iPads?from Walt Mossberg to the guys at Engadget?had to admit that, indeed, Steve Jobs has unleashed a worthy competitor to netbooks.

It is equipped with built-in, high-speed 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, which makes downloading files and streaming videos fast and easy. You can forget about buffering, which takes up so much time that it lengthens a four-minute video into eight minutes of waiting. Although some connections may tend to slow down?particularly when there is heavy gateway traffic or when too many subscribers are using the network?it is not going to affect your iPad browsing experience, thanks to its combination of a beefed-up Safari app (which is Apple’s answer to Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer), and the latest Wi-Fi standard.

Browsing most of the online content that you’ll be accessing on an iPad is mainly handled by a specially designed mobile version of Apple’s proprietary web browser called Safari, an app that, according to Apple engineers, is the fastest browser among its league. Considering its reputation as the fastest app to render mobile webpages and the degree of advanced Wi-Fi technologies that are built into the iPad, it can be predicted that browsing the Web for information on the device will take your breath away at lightning speed.

These days, Wi-Fi hotspots are easy to come by; one does not need to remain in highly metropolitan areas to stay online because even rural towns and suburban communities have Internet access. However, that is not to say that we are entirely wirelessly connected. Some Internet connections can be accessed through 3G technology. Fortunately, the iPad does not only operate on Wi-Fi but on 3G as well. That means you are not solely tied up to Wi-Fi and feel completely powerless when a hotspot is not available because 3G, via your mobile telecommunications provider, will keep you connected.

Depending on your location, most major network providers have 3G service contracted by Apple. For instance, AT&T has monthly Internet plans that allow you to swiftly switch from a Wi-Fi network to a 3G connection seamlessly. All the processes can be completed online on your very own iPad, so there is absolutely no need to go to an AT&T store or contact their customer support to purchase the plan.

When you have used up all your surfing minutes, an interactive push notification will pop up to tell you about your impending state and will provide you with two options: switch to the latest Wi-Fi standard with a frequency emanating within your vicinity or upgrade to the next data plan. Data usage and plan information can be monitored and managed on the iPad itself because that, too, has its own app.