iPad vs laptop vs smart phone?

[Old Salt]

I have never used an iPad or smart phone.

I recently switched from desktop to a Dell 17 inch laptop and it does what I need for internet, e-mail, letter writing, photo editing and research. I also use a Kindle for books, magazines and newspapers. I have a Nokia 6303 Classic, mobile phone thas serves me well.

But, I keep hearing everyone rave about their iPad and smart phone?

At my age I find a 17 inch screen is just about the smallest I can tolerate. That is the only thing I miss about the old desktop, I had a great 22 inch flat screen. the laptop only has three USB ports so my printer, wireless k/b+mouse, and external drive take those.

I would be very interested to hear what other people think. Also, seems to me the iPad and smart phones are pretty expensive and have small keyboards.

Thanks for any feedback
Old Salt

[hc4361]

You don't need either, save your money. If you are struggling with a 17" screen you have no chance of getting on with a smartphone or tablet.
You may find the on screen keyboard tricky too.

[LeMarchand]

Don't feel peer-pressured into getting an iPad or smartphone. I'm sure that a high percentage of people that have them get them because they are the thing to have, rather than the thing they need (or even use more than a small percentage of the capabilities of).

I'm surprised that your laptop doesn't have a vga or hdmi port that you could use to connect your old screen (if you still have it). If you set the laptop to stay on with the screen closed you even could stick it out of the way until such time as you want to use it as a portable device.

[beso]

A smart phone or even an iPad is no substitute for a computer. The iPad sits between a Kindle and a Netbook computer. It is great for viewing stuff but not really meant for creating content.

The iPad and phones have an onscreen keyboard and they are definitely not ergonomically suited to typing. An extrenal keyboard dock is available for the iPad but it is still not ergonomic.

[Old Salt]

I suspected as much hc4361
I have some ports that I have no idea about their use LeMarchand, but will take a look when I have time to see if they are okay for my 22" screen
After reading the replies to my question beso, I shall continue with my current setup, which works.

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to reply. You have been a great help
An extremely grateful,
Old Salt

[CarlJenners]

IMO you've answered you're own question there, friend:

"it does what I need"

Stick with it. If you can't see a desperate need for anything else, don't spend all that money. Those things are "pretty expensive" for a reason; people that 'need' them are prepared to pay the premium. If you don't, then don't ;)

[Old Salt]

Sounds like a plan, CarlJenners

Thanks for the reply

OS

[Old_Geezer]

I recently managed to get the smart phone I bought unlocked and useable. I use the word loosely, since these touch screens are a pain in the ... neck. I now have to stop and concentrate, using both hands, to produce a text now. And it involves umpteen retries to get a word in correctly as the phone makes out a different key to the one pressed, was pressed. It's driving me around the bend, I may go back to my cheap temporary handset. It's not like I wish to spend a fortune on WAP access anyway. And if near a PC then I'm sure a data cable would allow the downloading I might want.