Is iPad Taking Over Portable Computing?

“iPad vs laptop” is a debate  which has come a long way since the original iPad model was released.  With the release of the improved iPad 2 now, more and more people are set to get into the world of tablet computers.

Can iPad really replace your laptop or netbook?

The iPad vs Netbook Portability debate

Netbook, laptops and iPads are clearly designed with portability in mind, but the iPad is so much more portable than a laptop and puts many Netbooks to shame .

Compared to regular laptops and many netbooks, particularly the 2nd generation iPad is slimmer, lighter yet, with the same or sometimes better glossy screen and resolution. There is no denying that it is easy to slip into a bag and is certainly does not weigh much.  With the release of the iPad 2 Smart Cover, you can watch a movie and use it hands free as well.

When it comes to battery life (an important feature for any portable device) the iPad wins against many of the would be netbook and laptop contenders with its straight 9 to 10 hours autonomy.  There really aren’t many laptops (except for Apple’s own MacBooks) which can boast such a long battery life when away from a power source!

The iPad vs Laptop “Lack of Ports” debate

iPad compared to laptops is still lacking a number of ports which is one important point. iPad does not have USB port, SD memory card slot, and others, but it has a 30-pin Apple port.  Apple has 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.

The iPad vs Laptop “Apps And Functionality” debate

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.

iPad does have an apps for any function and is generally aimed for those who know what they use it for! With a laptop, you have more choices when it comes to operating systems and flexibility with the way operating system works. Multitasking on the iPad is possible bringing it closer with laptops in terms of functionality.

The iPad vs Netbook “What Do You Need An iPad For” debate

The answer to a debate between iPad vs Netbook  or iPad vs Laptop, ultimately comes down to a personal choice. When you have a desktop computer then iPad is all you need to take specific things on the go or you may want a laptop that can read DVD disks and connect to external USB devices, and so on.  People claim that Apple did not intend to enter into a laptop computer market because iPads are already extensions 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 iPad tablet computers and taking their personal and business lives and interests with them on the move!