iPad Word/Excel/PowerPoint Apps

[gadgetgeek]

I am debating whether to get an iPad or Laptop. Are there any apps which are compatible with Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint in order that I can transfer data between my iPad n PC? Or shud I just get a laptop for the £400 mark? Thk u.

[woofgang]

iwork will read and can use windows docs but windows won't use them afterwards :-(

[gadgetgeek]

This woofgang. Shame it doesn't work both ways. Mayb just easier to get a laptop after all!

[TTG]

The ipad is great for showing off what technology can do. In reality though, a laptop is far more useful.

[gadgetgeek]

Thanks. Right, I need to find a laptop for £400!

[rojash]

"The ipad is great for showing off what technology can do"

You've go that the wrong way round: A laptop is great for showing off what technology can do; an iPad shows what happens when you leave half the bits out.

[gingejbee]

geek: try the Computeractive website for lots of impartial advice, specs and recommendations.

[gadgetgeek]

Go idea Gingejbee. Will look this evening. Thanks

[fever28]

dont give in so easily.

Ipad is fine for doing word and excel i use it for this every day on the train

personally i use docs to go, and google docs for working with office.

I have laptops, given to kids now ipad does everything "I" need

I edit and publish web sites
create and edit word docs and excel
I can log on to pc at home remotley
watch films wither locally or streamed
listen to music
read books
I have a bout 200 refrence manuals from unix to powershell lot easy than carrying a round .

I can print to printers at work or at home whilst out

I think the lap top is the limited device not the ipad hence the swap.

[ChuckFickens]

"I think the lap top is the limited device"

Could you explain that? what are you not able to do on a laptop that you can do on an iPad?

[society]

"I edit and publish web sites
create and edit word docs and excel
I can log on to pc at home remotley
watch films wither locally or streamed
listen to music
read books
I have a bout 200 refrence manuals from unix to powershell lot easy than carrying a round .

I can print to printers at work or at home whilst out

I think the lap top is the limited device not the ipad hence the swap."


The laptop could do all those things you mentioned above. I don't understand your last sentence.

[Gromit]

If you intend to work a lot on Word/Excel/Powerpoint then a cheap laptop is the best option. But if you do not intend the iPad to be your primary machine, it is worth looking at. Contrary to what is written above, the iPad apps, Pages, Numbers and Keynote can be saved as Word, Excel and Powerpoint documents. They can also open them.

http://www.apple.com/...features/keynote.html

http://www.apple.com/...d/features/pages.html

http://www.apple.com/...features/numbers.html

Don't just dismiss it out of hand. There are demos at your local Apple Store. Best to go see what it can do for you, then decide

[Gromit]

PS

The 3 equivalents to Microsoft Office listed above are £5.99 each.

[fever28]

lap top is the limited device is a bit of an exageration

but what i meant in spirit,

quick boot up
no chance of mal ware (yet)
quicker aside form typing, software loads quicker
easier to carry round, its more portable than a net book, tougher too no hinges to break.
The touch screen is a god send for people like me, it just suites me better than track pads and mice.

I have nothing against lap tops, I have my work one (ipads not allowed at work :-( )
I have a couple of laptops at home, my gf has a net book and a full size
they all get use. I would not attempt to write a novel on an ipad.