Home> iPad Column > Should I get an iPad or a macbook laptop?

Should I get an iPad or a macbook laptop?

Related Article

I'm in a dilemma here trying to figure out whether to getting an iPad or a macbook for myself as an early Christmas gift. I already have an hp laptop but I obviously wanted the macbook due it being a greatly superior device. However, would I be better off just getting an iPad? They seem to be able to do just about everything and I have seen that you can get keyboards, stands, and other things that would make it function just as a computer. Any opinions?

Should I get an iPad or a macbook laptop

Many people have considered buying an iPad instead of a MacBook. In fact my uncle did just that. The iPad suited his needs fine and he decided he didn’t need the MacBook. While the iPad might be able to replace a MacBook for some, it might not for others. Asking the following questions may help you to make the best decision.

What will I be using the computer for?

The iPad is small and portable. It's really meant for doing things on the go. The touch screen makes this an ideal product for watching DVD movies, viewing pictures, surfing some Web sites, playing games, accessing specialized applications, and reading books, magazines and newspapers.

The White MacBook and MacBook Air models, by contrast, have 13.3" 1280x800 LED-backlit glossy widescreen displays with traditional notebook keyboards and trackpads of varying capability. It's big and immobile, so it's something that will become a fixture in your home and not something you'd travel with or even take from room to room.

What functions do I need?

If you primarily use a computer to surf the web, writing documents, play music, present photos, and watch non-Flash videos, it is possible that the iPad would meet all of your needs. If you have more demanding computing needs, particularly those that require multitasking, then a Mac -- or an iPad and a Mac -- is a better choice.

What about the price?

Second, you have to figure out how much you are willing to spend. The iPad starts at $499, while a MacBook starts at $999. That is a big difference. However, that $499 for an iPad only gets you 16GB of storage, while the $999 MacBook will get you 250GB of storage. Again, a big difference. If you want to carry around a lot of music and a lot of video you need to consider the 64GB iPad model, or for a few hundred dollars more a MacBook.

What if I already own a laptop?

You said you already have a laptop. So you may not necessarily need the MacBook. Go for the iPad because it’s new, different, and fun. The only real difference an MacBook will provide for you is better performance, a larger screen, and non-portability, whereas the iPad will let you be magical. But if you're in need of better performance for photo editing, the MacBook might be a better way to go.

Those without a computer, however, may find that a MacBook makes a better first purchase than an iPad. The MacBook has virtually everything that a consumer needs, and will provide a broader package than the iPad for people who do not already have a computer.

How much storage space do I need?

If you like being able to install more memory into your computer the iPad is not for you. You are stuck with what it comes with. The MacBook, on the other hand, can be expanded with more memory as you outgrow what it came with and need more power. One of the best ways to speed up a MacBook is to add more memory. With that said, the iPad apps are designed to work with the iPad so speed and power should not be an issue.

Conclusion

This is the first time Apple really has two very different products in overlapping categories and there's really no best answer. What you want to do with them should be the deciding factor in which one you buy. But if you have the cash, just buy both!

Convert videos or Rip DVD movies for iPad/iPad 2

If you have got a iPad and would like to convert your holiday videos to iPad supported video, you may try iFunia iPad Video Converter for Mac.

If you would like to watch your DVD movies on your new iPad, just get iFunia DVD to iPad Converter to rip/convert holiday movies for iPad.

Get iFunia iPad Media Converter to convert media files to iPad friendly formats on Mac OS X Lion.