I'm a current grad student and am looking for something to replace the Macbook I sold a few months ago. I've been considering tablets lately and have a few questions regarding the iPad.
My needs:
1. Basic word processing. I like writing for fun and of course I'd need to do some writing on it for classes. However, I work in a campus computer lab so I have access to computers for final editing and more extensive word processing/PowerPoints. It'd mostly be a page or two here or there at home/on the go.
2. Entertainment. I currently get all my TV needs from Hulu/Hulu+, HBO Go, and Netflix. What are these like on iPad? Is it possible to watch shows in the browser on iPad that aren't run on one of these apps by using third party flash apps? (Example- I watch a lot of British shows that aren't offered anywhere so I usually just use random video sites to watch them.)
3. Wireless connectivity- I don't have internet at home so I was thinking of getting the iPad Wi-fi +3g. However, I've seen some people use the Mi-Fi instead. This appeals to me because I could theoretically save on the up-front purchase cost of buying an iPad by just getting an iPad Wi-fi. What would be a better option? Either way I'm going to be stuck paying for some sort of cell carrier data plan.
4. Decent storage- I have no idea what size is the best for me. Sure, 64gb sounds nice, but do I really want to spend that much more? I don't download shows/movies, I don't store pictures, and I unfortunately lost all my music when my Macbook and external HD crashed at the same time so I now just use Pandora for music. I also don't download many apps. I tend to download a few and swap out as I go along. I do however like downloading e-books. What size would you suggest?
5. Note taking/drawing- I'd like to be able to use a stylus for handwritten notes and sketching. Does anybody have experience with that?
Finally, the iPad vs iPad 2. I'm leaning towards the original iPad...any extremely important reason I should choose the iPad 2 instead? I know I won't use the cameras or facechat or anything. I'd like to use this as my main on the go entertainment/light work device until I graduate in 2 or so years. Would the original iPad still be viable by that point?
Thanks for the advice!
My needs:
1. Basic word processing. I like writing for fun and of course I'd need to do some writing on it for classes. However, I work in a campus computer lab so I have access to computers for final editing and more extensive word processing/PowerPoints. It'd mostly be a page or two here or there at home/on the go.
2. Entertainment. I currently get all my TV needs from Hulu/Hulu+, HBO Go, and Netflix. What are these like on iPad? Is it possible to watch shows in the browser on iPad that aren't run on one of these apps by using third party flash apps? (Example- I watch a lot of British shows that aren't offered anywhere so I usually just use random video sites to watch them.)
3. Wireless connectivity- I don't have internet at home so I was thinking of getting the iPad Wi-fi +3g. However, I've seen some people use the Mi-Fi instead. This appeals to me because I could theoretically save on the up-front purchase cost of buying an iPad by just getting an iPad Wi-fi. What would be a better option? Either way I'm going to be stuck paying for some sort of cell carrier data plan.
4. Decent storage- I have no idea what size is the best for me. Sure, 64gb sounds nice, but do I really want to spend that much more? I don't download shows/movies, I don't store pictures, and I unfortunately lost all my music when my Macbook and external HD crashed at the same time so I now just use Pandora for music. I also don't download many apps. I tend to download a few and swap out as I go along. I do however like downloading e-books. What size would you suggest?
5. Note taking/drawing- I'd like to be able to use a stylus for handwritten notes and sketching. Does anybody have experience with that?
Finally, the iPad vs iPad 2. I'm leaning towards the original iPad...any extremely important reason I should choose the iPad 2 instead? I know I won't use the cameras or facechat or anything. I'd like to use this as my main on the go entertainment/light work device until I graduate in 2 or so years. Would the original iPad still be viable by that point?
Thanks for the advice!