The Apple iPad

The Apple iPad is a revolutionary device that changes the way you work. But do you really need one?

It's Just a Big iPod Touch

Do you remember back when the Mac tablet first debuted.

People were confused.

There was no category for this type of device. It wasn't a phone, it wasn't a netbook, and it was not going to replace anyone's Macbook or Macbook Pro.

So what was it?

Well, the easiest explanation was that it was just a big iPod Touch.

And people thought the concept would never take off.

Fast forward. We have now seen the launch of the iPad 2 and iPad 3 rumors are around the internet.

The demand was so high for the second generation that lines snaked around buildings and people waited hours just to get their hands on one.

How About You?

If you don't already own an Apple iPad 2 - you might be wondering whether you really need one or not. Sure it would be nice to have - but .....

Every situation is different - these are my thoughts.

Not a laptop replacement - At this stage in the game, an iPad is not going to replace your laptop. But that is not what it is designed for.

Complements the iPhone and iPod Touch - Even if you have an iPhone, an iPad will still come in handy. The larger screen size makes it useful in different ways.

Considerations

Great for Entertainment - If you like to read eBooks or iBooks, play games, watch Netflix movies, view pictures, chat on social media, and read the news, among other things - the iPad fits the bill.

Great for Productivity - Checking email, maintaining your calendar and to do list, managing contacts, taking notes - all this and more are a joy on the Apple iPad

Good for Business - while typing on the virtual keyboard is somewhat awkward, this device has a place in business. Using Keynote - presentations are simple. If you are a vendor - virtual catalogs are a great way to showcase your products. If you are a designer - creating and showcasing your ideas are made easy. The possibilities are endless.

Screen Size is Important - While the iTouch or the iPhone can handle these tasks as well, the larger screen size makes a huge difference.

3G or WiFi - I hate to say it, but this makes a difference too. Springing for "always on" internet access takes a big bite out of the wallet but I don't think that the iPad 2 would be as useful without it. I mostly use mine on wifi - but for those times when I am away from the house, the 3G has been indispensible.

MacBook Air vs iPad

Apple's newly redesigned MacBook Air - could be a dealbreaker for the Apple iPad. If I didn't already have the original model - I would be thinking twice about whether I want a lightweight laptop or a tablet device.

The MacBook Air 11 inch model in particular is almost the same size - yet packs a whole lot more under the hood. After all - it is a full blown computer running on Mac OS Software as opposed to IOS.

But here's the thing - you can't settle in on the couch to read a good book or watch a movie on a laptop, you can't play an interactive game of Life with the kids on a laptop, and trying to share photographs, or catalogs, or other digital media is a little trickier on a computer than it is on a tablet.

Call it the sleekness factor.

Sharing

One thing to keep in mind - it is very hard to share this device with another person because you cannot create separate user accounts.

If you don't think this through carefully you just might end up buying several iPads for all the members of your family.

The Verdict

So, to answer the question - need vs want - well, that is up to you.

If you can - head over to one of the Mac Store locations near you and check one out first hand before making your decision.

Already Have One?

Find some great iPad Accessories here.

Here is my list of the best iPad Apps - what are yours?

Couple an iPad car mount with a useful GPS app for a quick and easy navigation system. Or use an iPad car mount in place of a backseat entertainment system.

iPad Cases

There are several ways to dress up your iPad. Here are some of my favorites:

For the iPad 2 nothing beats the novelty and functionality of the new magnetic iPad covers.

Check out the DODOcase iPad Case - handmade and classic.

The original Apple iPad Case is the best option for a first generation device.

iSkin iPad case - either Solo Smart Cover or the Vu

Tell Us About Your Experience

What are your favorite apps and accessories?

Has this device replaced your laptop?

How has it changed the way you operate?

I want to hear your stories. Please share them here.

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