To buy an ipad?

[nellyjelly]

We are fairly skint (2 kids, both in nursery so paying a kings ransom in fees every month). This situation won't be forever thank god - when they start school we will be much better off.

Anyway - we need tons of stuff. Big things= new kitchen and bathroom. Small things=a new bed for me and DH and possibly a washer, if the current one packs in soon.

BUT we also could do with a new computer/laptop/pc. The current one is on it's last legs and we definately need net access - just to be vaguely living in the 21st century. Use it alot for shopping, banking, mumsnet of course. Kids play games on computer etc. So it's not like some form of computer is not needed. I want an ipad though - small, portable and easy for kids to use. I know it's limitations but it would really suit our small house too!

So........in view of our restricted finances and all the other stuff we need, is it madness to buy an ipad? Should I save the cash for something more useful? Even when we have a huge list of stuff we need?

[Gumby]

Save it

Kids in nursery don't need iPads!

[olimpia]

Buy a used laptop or pc on eBay instead

[Makingmama]

We have one and it is brilliant for all the things you mentioned (not good for typing documents etc) great for e-mails, Internet, games - particularly kids, kindle books, iTunes, movies, photos, ebaying etc etc, can't do my online shop on it though (my only downside). I would always want one now!

My dc are 4, 3 and 15mo and they can all use it, yes the baby too! It's quite amazing to see. You can ge lots of fun learning apps etc...the best tool for dc!

[Makingmama]

Oh and we haven't used the computer since having ours as w just haven't needed too. We can take it with us anywhere so always have access to it to keep the kids amused during appointments etc.

[iwantbrie]

Netbook maybe?
Ipad's are fab, I got one for my birthday but they are bloody pricey.. I strongly suspect that DH managed a deal through work to get me one cheaper (I would never ask and however he got it I really appreciate it).
Btw, id it's the apps you're thinking about, most of them you can just link to or bookmark to something similar on the web x

[nellyjelly]

Hmmmmmmmm have bad experiences of used laptops. Not that cheap either.

We need something, ipad not the most expensive option but guess a netbook cheaper. Not that much though.

[NettoSuperstar]

Stick with what you have.
What makes you think you need an IPad?
What are you posting on now?

[Passmethecrisps]

Go for it. You can get one as cheaply as a netbook and they are pretty indistructable if there are kids around. The only semi-issue is that you will need to choose your printer carefully to ensure it is compatible.

There are loads of educational apps for free or very cheap as well. Seems a lot of money but if you get one I bet you will soon wonder how you did without.

[itdoesnthurttohavemanners]

Madness! But it's totally up to you :)

Personally, I would make do or get a cheap second hand pc off ebay :)

[emsyj]

We've got an iPad and it was used constantly for about 3 weeks but now has been abandoned and is gathering dust.

If you don't mind typing on a touch keypad it's fine, but I can't stand it (I like touch typing on a real keyboard). I wouldn't buy one tbh. I'd get a laptop.

[nellyjelly]

I am posting on my mum's pc - staying here for the weekend. We have a laptop at home but is is nearly 10 years old really on it's way out. Lots of stuff doesn't work and we have been told there is no point in trying to repair as it's so old.

[landofsoapandglory]

Save it.

I'm getting one, but only because we have just had a substantial pay out from a PP refund. We have savings to pay for new appliances etc should they go wrong.

In your situation, beng "fairly skint" I would be looking at much cheaper options. My netbook, for example, was less than £200!

[Doilooklikeatourist]

I love my iPad !
and it hasn't left my lap since I had it for Christmas 2011

[WhereMyMilk]

Tbh I'd rather make sure I had a decent bed! I am saying this as I mums net on my iPad.

Yes it is great. Yes apps are great and very educational. But it has no flash player so certain things can't be seen, you need specific printers and no Word! Thus a normal laptop would be more useful IMHO

[Betsy71]

Bit of a toy really. Good for media and games, not so good for work stuff. Not worth the money!

[WhereMyMilk]

Just saw you need a washing machine too! That also would be higher up my priority list.

[iwantbrie]

passmethechips we need a new printer, what should we be looking for?
Sorry for hijack OP, I can just add though:
It's fab to use one handed, am feeding the baby as I type,
In my ignorance I did't know you can use it like a pc, I just thought it was an entertainment thing. It isn't.
It's mildly addictive....

[OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos]

Milk, you can get pages instead of word, and it's better!

I would start saving for an iPad, but keep your old computer going as long as you can. That way you won't feel guilty for prioritising the iPad, you will get one when you need it, and the iPad 2 will probably be significantly cheaper by the time you have saved.

[nellyjelly]

No washing machine still Ok (touchwood) but making a funny noise! So anything can happen.

I just want to buy something nice for a change! Sick of bloody scrimping and it's something we can all use.

[Joolyjoolyjoo]

I'm watching this thread, as dd has a fair bit of money saved and has been on about an ipad. She is 8. We have a pc and an old, crappy laptop, but the kids fight over the computer all the time. My main worries about an Ipad are:

• we don't have wifi in the house, so would presumably have to switch (not really sure I want to, tbh) or get her a dongle (which I'm assuming means a monthly fee??)
  
• not convinced she won't drop/ break it- have heard that they can break quite easily if dropped?
  
• Its a lot of money! She made a fair bit at her First Communion last week, and I'd like her to do something useful with it. DH is going to the gulf in a week or so, and says he can get them cheaper there, but it's STILL a lot of money!
  

But, no room really for another computer, and would probably still need to get wifi etc for a netbook/ laptop (wouldn't I?) Not sure!

[ilikeyoursleeves]

I just bought an iPad and I am typing on it now, despite hearing that it's hard to type on its dead easy :)

I got the cheapest one though, an iPad 2 16gb. I justified it cos my laptop has nearly completely packed in and I needed a new computer of sorts. I absolutely love my iPad and it's so handy for apps, watching tv (you can watch it when in the bath!), the radio, letting the kids watch pingu in the car (I squash it between the two front seats), books etc.

Go on you know you want to!

[emsyj]

Do you touch type Ilikeyoursleeves? I can't touch type on an iPad but if you can maybe you can give me some tips?

[Betsy71]

Quite handy for DH to watch sky sports on though! Some good education apps for kids as well.

[Hulababy]

I love my iPad and use it daily BUT I would always go for a laptop over an iPad if I was only going to have one of them.

[ilikeyoursleeves]

What is touch typing?