Can the iPad Replace my Laptop?

Not too long ago, I wrote a story about being able to work from my iPad instead of my netbook. Most of the people I know are still not using a netbook, they are using notebooks. I am asked all the time whether or not the iPad can replace a notebook.

The answer to that question is always maybe. The iPad can easily replace a netbook for most users and many users could easily replace a notebook with a netbook, ergo the iPad will work for many notebook users. However, it really depends on what kind of user you are and what sort of experience you are looking for.

A power user who does all sorts of image editing, video editing, or other tasks that need lots of processing power will not be able to replace their notebook with the iPad. This sort of user wasn't likely to adopt a netbook either. However, most users simply use their notebook to surf the web, check email, and watch the occasional video.

If you are this sort of notebook user, the iPad could certainly replace your notebook. There are some caveats that many people will need to seriously consider before tossing the notebook or even the average netbook in favor of the iPad. The OS the iPad uses is much more locked down than Windows and the software available from a business standpoint for the iPad is very lean. You can get word processing and spread sheet apps so if that's what you use most you might be fine.

If you are a Facebook addict like my wife who has to rush home to harvest crops in Farmville or serve up food form Café World, you will not want the iPad (or any Apple product for that matter) because the iPad lacks Flash support. I have heard that Farmville is coming as an app for the iPhone and the iPad at some point, which may remove this concern in the future. Right now, my wife doesn't want to take the iPad anywhere because of the lack of support for Farmville.

Other than those caveats, the iPad is fantastic for watching video, the onscreen keyboard is top notch, and the battery life is very good. The iPad is very portable, which is a big deal if you are moving around a lot and need to keep the thing on you.

If an onscreen keyboard isn’t your bag, you can get the accessory keyboard, but it is limited to portrait mode only hurting its usefulness in my opinion. In a nut shell, if you are the average computer user just wanting to check email, surf the web, and watch video who also wants something they can work on at home or school the iPad can certainly replace your laptop. Just be sure none of the software or sites you visit frequently need Flash to operate and you will be fine.

Read also my complete iPad Review.

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