Changing To Bt Infinity And I'm Thinking Of Changing My Laptop

[askyourgran]

My daughter says tablets are the thing now, ipads too, I like my laptop and I wonder if I can do the same on the tablet and ipad, storage etc. I have to say I'm not that keen on touch screen technology, dumped my last mobile for that reason. I've seen a Dell advertised on TV with a keyboard not sure what sort it is. My laptop is mostly used for emails. geneaology, letters, browsing and AB, sometimes I have it on for 10=12 hours. It's just the weight of it. Can anyone recommend anything ipad vs tablet vs new laptop? Thanks.

[CoffeeLounge]

Last year I had the dilemma do I buy a new laptop or an ipad2. I wasn't very excited about spending £300-£400 buying a new laptop as I knew it would do the same as the old one only a bit quicker. So I went to PCWorld/Comet & finally the Apple shop to fact find.
I knew what I wanted to use a device for and I needed portability. I had ruined 2 laptops carting them around.
I eventually went for the ipad2 with 3G. I can get on the net anywhere I go and it is so useful that I would not have got the same use from a laptop. In just over a year the only thing I have used my laptop for is doing updates. (You need a laptop to set you off on an iPad and for downloading your own cd music collection via iTunes).
I paid £500 for this device and in my opinion it has been well worth it. Again my opinion is that Apple operating systems are far superior than Microsoft. The touch screen Imhad my doubts about but I soon picked it up.
When I spoke to people about what I should buy I always got the same response "ah you can get cheaper than that".
I didn't want cheaper I wanted something that I would excited about using and learning new technology and being up to date. (I am late 40's).
If I had enough money at the moment and was going to buy a laptop I would definitely buy an apple but that is approx £1000. But when you weigh up that 15 years ago that was the price of a home PC.
The only thing I did incorrectly when I bought my ipad2 was that I bought the one with the smallest memory and knowing what I now know I should have gone for the biggest memory. This is only because I never knew how much this little toy is used and what it is used for.
Hope this helps.

[hc4361]

Stick with the laptop. A proper keyboard, good processor, large RAM and hard drive makes a laptop good for everything.
A tablet is a toy to buy as an addition if you can afford it

[Hopkirk]

I know tablets are popular, but I can't see why.

[askyourgran]

Thanks CoffeLounge, that has helped. There's nothing wrong with my laptop as such, it is heavy, sometimes slow and about 5 years old now. I don't often have to cart it about but I wanted something lighter I could take away with me, not too expensive though. I'll have to look around at PC world etc to have a closer look at them. Thanks.

[Buenchico]

Tablets (which include iPads) are OK if you're not going to be doing a lot of typing but touch screen keyboards simply aren't as good as 'the real thing' in my opinion.

In your position I'd go for a new laptop (if you actually need one) or, if portability is important, I'd go for a netbook. I've recently purchased an Acer Aspire netbook. There are two versions of the current model, which only differ in battery capacity. The longer-life version (about £30 dearer than the other one) has a typical battery life of 8 to 11 hours but, of course, you can also power it from the mains.

Chris

[askyourgran]

That's really why I asked Hopkirk. I couldn't see where all the memory could be hc, I like the idea of a portable pc and CoffeeLounge has given me some insight into it's use. I couldn't believe that I could have all my info onto a small tablet, but then my daughter uses her smartphone. I have to admit I didn't realise I would still need my PC for downloads etc.

[askyourgran]

Thanks chris, I'm not desperate for a new one but I was told that they were OK. I do like to type and the touch screen bugs me a little. The netbook sounds like a good option, and the ipad just an added luxury to take away.

[hc4361]

In my opinion a tablet is a mobile toy useful in addition to a pc or laptop especially if one is on the move a lot without a smart phone.
It is no replacement for a pc or laptop.

[hc4361]

I love my netbook, too. Fully portable, great keyboard, good screen and all the ports and connectivity you could wish for.
It is a true desktop replacement when I am away from home for long periods.
My smartphone is a great go between when I'm out and about for a day or two.

I lust after a tablet. They are sexy and 'now'. Truth is I can't justify needing one and I know fine well a better and cheaper one is on the horizon to tempt me

[bazwillrun]

"Stick with the laptop. A proper keyboard, good processor, large RAM and hard drive makes a laptop good for everything.
A tablet is a toy to buy as an addition if you can afford it "

exactly

but look at all the wonderful marketing that will tell you why you need a tablet.

the only tablet most people need are ones from the doctor to cure their delusional belief in how good these tablets are.

what serious work can you do on such small screens ?
they are seriously over priced over hyped toys for surfing and sending emails

Please dont make me laugh about how superior apples are, the only thing superior is their price, different to PC/windows yes, but superior ?...most definitely not

[askyourgran]

Ok baz no laughing matter. I understand now that the tablet is not a replacement for a netbook or laptop, only an additional portable extra. Maybe, if anyone is feeling generous I may get one to take on short trips. My HP laptop is feeling heavier than ever and my girl almost convinced me that I would dearly love a tablet. Thank you all for giving me your insights.