Is an ipad right for me?

[tcf69]

I am considering buying an ipad as I head back to school, but I want to be sure it's right for me. Basically, I need to be able to do the following: download articles, write papers, research, email and social media. My biggest concern is compatability with Word/PC.

I've read/heard that documents can be emailed to the ipad and worked on in that manner. What app would I need?

I've also read that there may be some format changes in the document. Are they that big of a hurdle?

What else do I need to consider? Input and suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[KevinJS]

Pages should work for you. It costs $10 from the app store.

It is nothing like as feature packed as Word but has file compatibility. I recommend it.

I'm pretty sure members are going to jump in and suggest Goodreader. I don't use it, so I can't comment, but it is very popular on this forum.

 

[DrHouse]

You have to keep in mind that the iPad is not a full blown PC with all the bells and whistles.

Basically, it's a great tool to do some light work. I used it a lot for writing and doing some designs . Pages/Number is a must for serious document formatting. It's not as powerful as Word/Excel, but close enough.

For reading, it's perfect, be it PDF or ePub files using iBooks or GoodReader. Safari is great for searching the internet, and Chrome just got released.

Don't expect plugins in Safari, they are not supported...

What you'll need:

Pages: 10$
Numbers: 10$ (may be handy...)
An external bluetooth keyboard: around 50$ (easier and faster when writing long documents...)
Dropbox/Box.net account: Free (For exchanging files easily between the iPad and the PC

Other handy apps for working: Skype, GoToMeeting, SimpleMind+, Organize, iDisplay (A Must as you can use your iPad as a second monitor on a PC)

Essentially, "There's an app for that!" for whatever you want to do. Also take time to search this forum as a lot of subjects have already been covered,

If you don't expect to code or do some graphic design (CAD), the iPad will make you discover new ways to be productive.

 

[leelai]

Hi and welcome to the Forum!

My daughter uses hers in uni and loves it. Goodreader is her favourite app.

The IPad Forum is a community of members from all walks of life and from all over the world coming together to share our experiences and to help each other learn about this wonderful piece of technology the Ipad. There is a wealth of information already here in the many threads we have so doing some searches will answer most of the questions you have. If then you cannot find the answer you are seeking then by all means post your question. There are many friendly and informed members here only too willing to help you.

We also have our own App - It is a very simple app to navigate.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/discussion-forum-for-ipad/id412896524?mt=8
Reading the IPad manual is a great place to start so please download a copy of these.
http://www.support.apple.com/manuals/ipad/
2 very informative threads from which you will learn many tips and shortcuts for the IPad.
http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-general-discussions/21590-tips-tricks-those-us-who-dont-know.html
http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-os/49581-ios5-tips-tricks.html
We have rules like any Community so please read these also
http://www.ipadforums.net/forum-rul...um-rules-everybody-please-read.html#post14697

Once again we welcome you here and are so pleased you have joined us!

iPad 2 3G 64gb

 

[smalltowngirl13]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Good luck on your decision ...

 

[tcf69]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I purchased an ipad today and am loving it! I will be using a laptop for my main writing purposes, but wanted to have the ipad for ease of portability and use as I travel. Thanks again! I'll be checking out more forums!