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?

I'd get a laptop - if only because you can watch DVDs on one.

I bought the latest ipad a few months ago but I would recommend getting a laptop. I mainly use it for surfing web so I dont have to drag out work laptop but its really no match for a laptop. Some of the apps for things like amazon and facebook are awful and I end up using the safari browser and just look at normal site. However the worst thing has been the ipad and my 3 yr od DS. He has gone mad for it. So it has ended up with me sitting on my laptop amd him decorating peppa pigs brthday cake. I would go for the laptop.

If you have an iPad then you really need a laptop as well unfortunately for updating etc, so given finances are limited no I don't think you should get an iPad.

iwantbrie you need one with AirPrint capability. Off the top of my head I think HP do a range.

Previously, iPads couldn't be used as a computer alternative as you needed a computer to sync. However, now you can update the software directly so they are pretty much standalone.

My mum and dad fancied a computer a couple of years ago but were total computer virgins - neither had even seen a website. We showed them my iPhone and the promo for the iPad and they were smitten. They have never looked back. They were very early adopters (ironically) so had to work through the early flash issues and syncing. I live 150 miles away but mum brings it with her when they visit and I used to sync it then just as a back up.

What really sells it is the total lack of maintainance - no viruses to worry about and an incredibly straightforward user interface.

Also, practically any website worth its salt now has a flash alternative or an app which resolves the issue. Having web access makes life cheaper - it's a fact.

Just realised what a fan-girl I sound like . . . Sorry!

ilikeyoursleeves touch typing is putting your fingers on certain keys so you use both hands and can type without looking at the keyboard. Wish I could do it but I can't!

I love my Ipad but it's not of much use without a 'proper' computer, so I would invest in a new laptop first.

No, that is well and truly a luxury item when you have other stuff to prioritise

the ipad won't work without a computer, so you will at least have to borrow one to set it up initially

I disagree that an iPad is not much use without a proper computer, it depends what you use it for. I have switched on my laptop once since I got an iPad, and that was only because I hadn't bought Pages for word processing at the time. Since then, I have used pages for everything I ever used word for, which is quite a lot. We don't have a air printer yet but I just email dh what I need printed and he either does it at work or from his laptop.

I've come across one website that needed flash so I couldn't view it properly, but for me it wasn't important. iPads don't need to be syncd or updated from a computer the way iPhones used to need.

I use it to wach I player, store photos, emailing, word processing, general Internet usage, Facebook, games, I make use of list apps, budgeting apps, other just for fun or interest apps. The thing is amazing and I LOVE it!

An expensive toy imo.

You can't use the Pottermore site on an iPad. That should surely decide it for you .

I wouldn't call them indestructible at all. Ds dropped mine and it cost £200 to fix !
They are fab though and we all love mine.

I had only an ipad for ages and ages and ages, but when you unpack it from its box it needs a computer or it is just a blank thing

You can get a colorful rubber attachment for it so if dc using it and they drop it doesn't matter as the rubber protects it.

Was that the first iPad Alameda? I have the 2 and it's never been anywhere near a computer.

Get a refurbished netbook off eBay - I got a great asus for £150 that has been great and very reliable.

An iPad is nice to have - I use it for twitter etc and to stream tv. The kids love the games and to watch stuff but without word/excel and flash, it could never be a substitute for a home computer. It's also very easy to spend money on it via iTunes/amazon etc.

It's a very expensive toy for someone who starts the thread by saying they are 'skint'. You could probably get a washing machine, a bed and a lap top for the price of an i-pad.

You don't need a computer to set up or run an iPad since the IOS 5.0 update.

Typing on an iPad (or iPhone) is not that great but you can always add a bluetooth keyboard.

However, if your skint keep your money for when the euro collapses!

I'd go for it; we got one last month and it was a great buy, wish we'd got one ages ago

Yes you ABU as you can't afford an iPad.

The cheapest ipad is only £329 so doubt I could get a bed, washing machine etc for that!

I think the issue for me is more what to buy, yes we need alot of things but need net access for a variety of reasons so when the laptop packs in which it will soon - something has to replace it. I am very wary of buying second hand - they are never as fast and efficient as a new computer so will buy new I thinkk.

Cheapest netbook I've seen is around £199 so for £100 more would get an ipad. Still unsure.

Thanks for your responses.

Get an iPad as long as you don't need to put films etc on your itunes, if you buy digital copies you have to put the disc in the laptop to load it but it's the only time we use our laptop. Our house is full of apple products they get used all the time so i think it's definitely worth it.

I've had my iPad for two weeks now - I love it!
You can write documents on it, with the quickoffice app - perfect for the letters etc I need to write.
Our computer was on its last legs, we've put that away and manage fine with just the iPad.

OnlY thing I'd like to know, if I get an AirPrint printer (one on amazon for £37) do I need a computer up and running to be able to install it?

Without wishing to be rude I think you need to go look at the 'you know when your skint' thread and then think about buying an iPad.

If you can even contemplate an iPad then you're not remotely skint in the slightest.

Is it your want of the lasted gadget to keep up with the Jones that is propelling this idea?

I'd make do, get old refurbished (not too expensive ESP if you go to a self employed person who does it from home - small biz are struggling and deals are there tone done).

IPad = fun toy and status, not a decent computer to replace a desktop or laptop OR washer / bed. IMHO

Where would you store all your photos and documents?

and you can't illegally download 23,549 episodes of octonauts onto an iPad