Ipad vs. Airbook

[SrirachaGirl]

My beloved Apple laptop is dying . I've had for ages so it's getting to the point where it's beyond repair. I really only use it for internet and storing photos and music so I'm thinking of replacing it with an ipad and wireless keyboard rather than getting another laptop as it would give me a bit more flexibility and portability. Any thoughts?

TIA

Portability yes, but for flexibility I'd have thought a laptop could still win.

I have limited Apple exposure (G5, G4, G3 and an Intel iMac, rather than the portable stuff) but to me a laptop with USB ports is a lot more versatile.

Someone will probably point to the cost being significantly more but I'd say you are getting something more robust (and that you'd likely take more care of) with a proper keyboard.

I'd hold out for the Microsoft Surface coming out shortly. Has the benefits of a tablet, whilst incorporating a roll out keyboard and running Windows 8. Rumour has it that MS will be selling them for £200 each (well below what they are worth to get the Windows 8 user base up), so significantly cheaper than a MacBook (with the benefit of not running iOS!) .

Alternatively, on the tablet side, you could go for the Asus Transformer TF300 which is an Android tablet with a detachable keyboard dock (so like a net book with a removable screen) which is much better than an iPad in basically every category.

Thanks for your reply NetworkGuy. Our desktop apple (which belongs to the kids) has a wireless keyboard and it's pretty robust...it's been dropped, spilled on etc., so I'm not too worried about that. I have the budget for either but not both, nor could I countenance having overlapping technology (I do have an iphone but it's not great for internet surfing). I suppose I'm mainly thinking of being able to MN and e-mail both at home and when out-and-about with DCs (ballet, swimming lessons etc.).

Thanks for your reply too, Pedro. I've just googled the MS Surface...that sounds just the ticket, even though I've always thought of myself as an apple girl. One hesitation I've had about the ipad is the flash animation problem (ie; I'd sometimes like to let the kids play games etc. when we're out), so this might be the answer. I'm going to research the Android one too...Thank you so much for all the info .