There are a whole slew of shiny new products one can find at the Apple retail stores. Whether it’s a gift, a self investment, or just an impulse buy — it can be difficult to know exactly which device will suit your needs.
For today, there are only two categories: iPad and Mac. Because really, that’s the big decision to make. Do I need a laptop? Could I get by with just a tablet? The answer is always the same -- it depends.
So here’s some help.
First — iPad
Currently there are three versions of the iPad ilk for consumers to choose form. The cheapest and also newest is the fun sized iPad mini, which surprisingly packs a lot of potential in such a small and well-crafted package. Then there is the iPad 2 which has remained on the market for some time (basically the same specifications as the mini with a 9.7” screen). The iPad with Retina Display packs the most power with a faster processor, stunning display of course, and a 128GB model. All come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB forms and theres potential for wi-fi connectivity if this will be the hub of your mobile life. It is a great choice for writers (this examiner uses a mini for coffee shop work of my novels and such, and even to jot down music), iPad is actually a great device for productivity at a basic level and certainly if most of your work is cloud-based.
For someone who needs a bit more power and for real serious detail work — there’s Mac.
There are enough powerful apps on Apple’s App Store to constitute making it any person’s primary mobile device. The large screen of the iMac is perfect for doing ‘desky’ type things like building web pages or editing large music files. Though an average user might not need those things.
If web-browsing and the creation of simple (and even fairly advanced) documents is what you need, then an iPad would definitely be the right choice. They are portable, reliable, fast and can sport a bluetooth keyboard to use as a desktop. Even serious writers can rely on iCloud to sync their documents safely in the cloud and have several options as far as creation applications to chose from. iPad can literally be a laptop with nothing more than a case and keyboard. High school and university students will find that an iPad might be all they need. A 64GB 1st-gen iPad can get a serious liberal arts student through two or three years of college—easily.
If iPad doesn’t do it for you, and you need some serious applications, then a Macbook would certainly give you the same portability. iMac will grant you more visual workroom, and Mac mini along with Mac Pro may also enhance your experience based on your needs. All have the power one would expect in any non-mobile operating system.
As for general opinion: a combination is the best bet. iPad allows for some powerful mobile computing, while Mac makes the finishing touches on any project splendid. A Macbook can be as portable as an iPad, and an iPad certainly has power enough to replace a laptop. If you’re on the go, one of these should be your choices. If you need that studio/desktop feel, then iMac or some other desktop incarnation would suit you but limit you in terms of mobility. Its recommended to pair a desktop with some sort of mobile device, even if that is just your iPhone.
So consider your personal needs.
iPad = Mobile and extremely useful
Mac Desktop = Spacious and powerful
Macbook = Mobile and powerful
iPad + Mac = Bliss.
Comments