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I spent 6 months using an iPad as my only computer.  It could be the perfect answer, or not.  I felt as if in prison.

There are news reports of older folks just picking up an iPad and instantly using it.  No training required.  I've seen video footage of this.  They just get it.  Beautiful.

On the other hand, Apple lies when they say that the iPad is the Web.  It doesn't do Flash, which means half of the important video on the Web is not there for you.  And it doesn't have a file system anyone can discern.  Everything is tied to apps.

So it is possible, if her needs are constrained, the iPad could be perfect.  A friend explained it this way: if you know what a computer is, an iPad is your worst choice.  If you have no idea, it's your best.

/rich




On Wed, Jul 27, 2011 at 11:27 AM, Kramer, Jack <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
You could use a wifi router with a modem port to effectively tether the
iPad to a modem - the kind of router I'm thinking of will dial the modem
when a connection is needed or can also keep the line alive 24x7 if
there's a dedicated line available. Not sure if any have built in wifi but
I remember several ethernet ones and an ethernet network is only an access
point away from being a wifi network.

As far as using an iPad as a primary machine, you could get away with it
provided you don't need to juggle many windows at once for your browsing
experience (the tab implementation on mobile browsers, both iPad and
android, leaves quite a bit to be desired) and just plan on
sending/receiving simple emails. Major text editing on the device is an
unholy pain. They are, however, highly convenient to carry. Also, I would
recommend a VZW 3G equipped iPad if you do go that route as the UP's
coverage on other carriers is pretty much nonexistent.

Really though, if an ultralight is desired - why not an 11.6" Macbook Air?
Light, powerful, pretty easy to use, and 5hr+ battery life.
----
Jack Kramer
Manager of Information Technology
University Relations, Michigan State University
w: 517-884-1231 / c: 248-635-4955




On 7/26/11 4:08 PM, "John Valenti" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Pardon me for my dinosaur-ways, but I don't know anyone that is using a
>tablet as their primary computer...
>
>I'm trying to advise an MSU retiree. Her XP laptop is getting creaky, she
>is trying to decide how to replace it and wondering if a tablet might
>work. It would basically be used for MSU email and web browsing.
>(reserving the old laptop for word processing)
>
>Are there people that are using tablets as their main system, and what
>limitations does that involve?
>
>I think she is drawn to the tablet due to the light weight and ease of
>carrying around town.
>
>She spends some time in the UP, it is still a dialup world there ...
>anyway to connect a modem to an iPad?
>
>thanks for any comments!