mac book replacement, mainly for web browsing - ipad or....

[ErnestTheBavarian]

Our lap top (mac book) is on it's last legs. We have big computer with all photos and music on. Lap top mainly used for web browsing in front room, but used A LOT. We need to replace it, but with what?

(dh suggesed ipad, or is there a better prduct out there for web browsing?)

I'm not an expert and will be watching this with interest as I need a pc, but I'm sure I heard that you can't get Flashplayer on the ipad.

Hopefully someone who actually knows something will come along!

You can't get flash. This I know, but being rather dim, not sure if this is so bad?

Anyway, bump. What's the best thing to get for mainly surfing, checking opening times, mn, Reading news on BBC, ?

Well, being a bit dim and shallow myself, I use an itouch and often can't see the shopping links on MN S&B links.

Not sure if this is a good enough reason for a normal person not to buy an ipad.

Hmm. I'm using my iPhone now and see/get all the links. I think the instantness if it is what appealsost to me. If we have to buy a replacement anyway, having something that springs into action rather than taking 10 mins to boot up is v. appealing.

Maybe it's the Youtube links then.
I know I sometimes get the 'can't view this unless you download Flash' message.
Must be something else that causes the Lego pieces to appear in place of images on S&B links.

< reveals further depths of ignorance >

< wishes someone knowledgeable would come along soon >

as having the same dilemma.

Flash is getting less common, I have heard, so might not be such a big problem.

I am swithering at the moment between a Kindle and an iPad. Going to look in town tomorrow at the iPad.

Admittedly it was at the Google developer conference but the latest (v2.2) Android software (ie major competitor for Apple iPhone / iPad) has Flash 10.1 as standard for the mobile phones, the TV (Sony due out in 'Fall') and even a nice new nVidia tablet will support it.

There's quite a bit of "banter" (not all of it friendly) because the blog/article was by Jack Schofield and some think he has a bias against Apple.

Clear that the current market may ave lovely iPads available (2 friends get theirs soon, not sure how much delay they were told there would be) but as with the iPhone, I'd certainly consider waiting for the second or third generation, or {more likely} find something else more affordable in the meantime while waiting for 2G...

That's very useful to know.

< nods as if in comprehension >

Yes, obv 2nd gen will be better, but lap top is dying now, so need something within a month or so, don't really want to get crappy lap top then an ipad, have good big iMac as main computer anyway, so need s browsing solution now, I'm afraid I don't have the luxury of waiting till 2g comes along. So what'd'ya say now?

ML I have a kindle....

How do you like your kindle, Ernest?

You should get an iPad so that you can properly compare the two gadgets and tell me which is best.

Soupdragon has a thread going at the moment about her new iPad. She is in luuuurve.

"So what'd'ya say now?"

Not your preferred choice, no doubt, but you could have both of these... for about the cost of the cheapest iPad.

Samsung N130 netbook at Misco for a bit under 220 quid - order by 6pm Friday and it will be delivered on Saturday. LED backlit display, battery runs for 7+ hours. 1 GB RAM, 160 GB HD, 3x USB, SD,SDHC,MMC card reader.

and this X10 at Novatech for 190 (if you wouldn't mind linux, add 35 quid for Windows 7).

either should be good as a "browsing solution" even if you would put them lower on the scale than a "crappy lap top"

Thank you NWG - will investigate when return to civilisation.

Ml, the kindle is great apart from 1 thing which no one else (that I've seen) complains about but it REALLY bothers me - the ' next page' buttons click, not BBC load, but a definite 'click' which when reading in a quiet room, ESP in bed make me want to scream. I am v sensitive to irritating noises though, but I have to breathe deeplyand peactise serene thoughts when dh Reading his in bed, and I'm so concious if it it prevents me from doing so. Tbh I wouldn't have bought it if I'd known or had had a trial run. If blocky buttons don't bother, then I'd highly recommend.

Thanks, Ernest. I have decided to go for a Kindle rather than an iPad as I really do want it for reading and for that the Kindle is at present better, from all I have read. Clicky buttons notwithstanding.

Sorry, weird iPhone smart text - BBC load should read vvv loud, and blocky buttons are of course clicky buttons

"weird iPhone smart text" - thanks - given me a nice chuckle to start the day - I seem to often be on the receiving end of odd text messages from my sister, quickly followed by a 'correction'.

(Yes, she does have an iPhone but can you not just turn "daftness mode" off, like many ordinary mobiles ? I have disabled "T9" "smart" mode on phones costing a tenner.)

Dunno, never tried?

I just bought the iPad and I really like it. My friend has the kindle and it is better for reading. They need to to create an Ipad for surfing the net and an ereader for reading - then they need to put it into one package

It may take another 5-10 years before they pull that off.

My friend bought one of these:

tablettouch.com/choose-your-designer-kindle-cover

It is a designer purse-like clutch for her Kindle. It is very nice....I hope they make them for the iPad.