iPad v Laptop to replace family desktop

[Needingthework]

Our desktop died about 4 months ago and we have since been 'surviving', using my netbook and DH's laptop from work, which he will have to return soon.

We need a device which will be able to manage our work and the DSs' school work, etc.

Is the iPad made for this or is it really just for surfing, watching films, playing games etc.

Thanks

The iPad won't be enough, IME. You can do it all from the iPad now, including Word, Excel, printing, etc, but I personally still need to sit down in front of the laptop or desktop once a week to do certain things.

And if you like to create and order photo books in iPhoto, you cannot do that from the iPad.

Laptop. Ipads are great devices but are frustrating when you need to manage work, and small to squint at for hours on end!

Not to mention typing on an ipad..grrr...

I use my ipad for reading, media, MN-ing, etc but for actual work/management/letters etc we always default to the imac.

laptop for proper computer work, definitely

I have an ipad mini which is great for fun - & as I also often use iphone for the same things, the mini seems massive to me - but still not big enough for doing Word docs etc

also I have the router connected to the laptop - it has to be connected to something, doesn't it, to get wifi in the rest of the house? can you connect a router to an ipad?

Laptop, definitely. We can't do the DC's homework on my iPad as they get set stuff on Education City which has Flash on it, so doesn't work on the iPad.

oh yes, I'd forgotten that, Piff - that affects me with eg paid surveys, which I have tried a couple of times on ipad, couldn't do due to lack of Flash or whatever, & lost the chance to do again on the laptop

The router doesn't have to be connected to a laptop/computer unless the device isn't wireless or your Internet isn't wireless

Laptop. I have both and get far more use out of my laptop. The iPad is good for when I go away and my mission to complete every level in Jewel mania Typing on it is a faff, though!

Ponders yes I have the same problem with surveys, I've given up on ipsos/mori as I was bailing out of every other survey I did halfway through due to Flash. I did email them to ask if they could flag up if the survey contained flash in the covering email bu they said no. So I no longer give them my extremely valuable opinions!

Thanks everyone.
Laptop it is, then