Tablet of Netbook

Brianqpr on 13/06/2012 - 09:32

We are going to Europe for a month later this year and my wife has started banging on about buying an ipad so that we can get online at wireless hotspots etc.

I can appreciate that being able to get online while on the road is useful for planning etc and also that small phone screens are not always ideal for this sort of thing. However, I do not believe the expense of an ipad is warranted.

I'm sure there are netbooks or non apple tablets that will do wireless net surfing more than adequately and at a much lower cost. It won't get much use beyond that so no real bells and whistles needed. A decent processor that will allow for a reasonable surfing experience should be fine.

Any suggestions?

I have considered the option of getting an ipad and selling it afterwards which could recover most of the outlay. However, once she has it, she probably won't want to let it go! Also, the thought of her not even having to get off the lounge to online shop fills me with dread…

Find Me A Bargain

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[Deactivated] on 13/06/2012 - 09:56

+2

Dont be mean. She wants an ipad, if you buy her something else it will probably cost you more than you save. :)

And this isnt a ipad vs other comment, its a male vs female thing you are dealing with.

Why not get an used ipad1. Its still capable of everything you want to do, as per your usage indication. And you can sell it on return if you need to and lose less than you would on newer unit.

ipad1's still use current IOS and can be jailbreaked if you find there is a need.
sane on 13/06/2012 - 10:23

Wait for the Google Nexus 7 Tablet - which should come in at ~$200

If you want to dissuade from the ipad - point out its difficult to hold and use for long periods (particularly for reading) as its too heavy. 7" tabs are more practical for sticking in a bag or pocket.
ozhunter on 13/06/2012 - 10:48

We are going to Europe for a month later this year

If it's mainly for your wife and she wants an ipad, I'd just get the ipad now as it holds its value well.

Android tablets drop down in value faster so I'd wait and get it just before you leave. Also may be able to get the GST back depending on where you get it from.
ESEMCE on 13/06/2012 - 11:16

+1

you're right, get a netbook.
It's actually a computer so you can, you know, DO stuff on it.
iPad and other tablets are just toys. They have the capability to be a useful computer if you carry a wireless keyboard around with you, but then, why not have a netbook with a proper OS and proper applications?
If you have the money and have a "need" for a Laptop upgrade, consider a 13" Ultrabook..
- scrimshaw on 13/06/2012 - 11:26
  
  Downside of a netbook is that you can't charge it in a car (unless you buy a special car charger) and you need to actually sit down at a desk or chair to use the device.
  
  A tablet has the advantage of being a mapping / navigation device (GPS and Google Maps suppport), and also doubles as a travel guide. (e.g Lonely Planet guides on iPad )
  
  It's actually a computer so you can, you know, DO stuff on it.
  
  You're assuming that they're going to use the device for officework…. which they probably aren't. They're on holidays!
  - ESEMCE on 13/06/2012 - 13:26
    
    A smartphone can fulfil the travel app and GPS needs.
    
    Netbooks have hours of battery life, so charging in-car is not necessary unless you forget to charge overnight.
    
    and I actually imagined that they'd be browsing for places to go and to book tickets and sending emails back home..
    ie having a keyboard you can use without getting annoyed is going to be essential.
    - [Deactivated] on 13/06/2012 - 16:18
      
      SC. I know your Avatar shows lovely locks, but you are still thinking like a man.
      
      I battled my wife for 20 years to use the computer. Whereas she took to the ipad from day1.
      
      Thats really much of the issue. Those into computers think like a computer person, they only now are just getting a tablet, mostly a cheap one at that, and they use it to supplement their computer usage. Thats why they evaluate tablets based on mips Mhz etc etc
      
      Women love swiping, its inbreed from using rolling pin's on errant husbands. A well placed swipe, out does any power thing a man has….
      
      EDIT BTW I think you miss the point with battery life. Netbooks at best will probably get only 8 hours vs 10 for an iPad. But lets not quibble, lets say they are even equal, then your point here doesnt offer any advantage, so the op cant use that as an excuse
    - scrimshaw on 13/06/2012 - 18:05
      
      Hell hath no fury like a woman deprived of her iPad.
StewBalls on 13/06/2012 - 11:37

+3

Words of advice from a married man…if she wants the iPad just get it, you will save yourself a lot of grief! Ozpete nailed it, it's a gender thing; chicks just dig iAnything!!!

You will also save yourself the added aggravation of having to support the android tab, and any questions that you don't wanna field with iOS can be deftly sidestepped by directing her to the 'geniuses' at the Apple store! ;)
- Choc0 on 13/06/2012 - 13:49
  
  +2
  
  Good call mate, iDevices are great for girls, children, pensioners, and the feeble minded. If she wants an iPad, get her an iPad.
georgedeka on 13/06/2012 - 13:56

Buy it in europe, most likley cheaper after you take apple tax into account
- [Deactivated] on 13/06/2012 - 15:52
  
  Please dont let a personal bias on a product mislead the OP.
  
  Where in Europe is it cheaper than here? If you know where help out by indicating this.
  
  Those in Europe complain that prices are often higher than in the US and we arent that far of the US prices when you take taxes into account and now the dollar is at parity.
  
  Plus there is the exchange rate fees and the inability to set it up before they leave.
  
  Ipad3 prices used as a guide
  
  399GBP = 624AUD where here its 539AUD for same unit. (inc GST)
  479Eur = 601AUD
  
  Even in the US$499 = $502AUD (note their price does not include local US taxes)

Tablet of Netbook

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