Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Carl_00]

I'll be heading to Korea in a couple of weeks and the laptop I was going to bring has come to an abrupt end . I only used it for the internet, sometimes Word and I'd likely get a camera in Korea so I'd need to be able to work with that too. I know the IPad has the internet covered but I'm not sure about the others...what d'you think?

[climber159]

I wouldn't use an iPad for my main computer.

Disadvantages:
- Can't connect USB flash drive or SD card
- Productivity software is limited
- Printing?...Not easily.
- Typing on a touchscreen stinks...or you could bust out some more cash for a real keyboard.
- You're subject to Apple's restrictions...whatever they may be in the future.
- Fingerprints

Advantages:
- Lightweight...but there are lightweight laptops/netbooks out there too.
- It might be a conversation starter...but do you really want to associate with people who are only interested in your gadgets?

[RMNC]

Absolutely a laptop. iPads are only good for conversation, and even Koreans will know that using one makes you look like you're starving for attention.

[jonpurdy]

[NYC_Gal]

Get a laptop. If you have the extra cash, get an iPad or Kindle for books.

[eamo]

I can't believe you're even considering an ipad as a replacement for a computer.

[zhanknight]

[shostahoosier]

[Captain Corea]

I use my iPad for my work.

-Creating documents.
-Emailing units.
-Creating MP3 files for listening sections.
-Showing videos.
-Creating and showing presentations.
-Creating spreadsheets to keep track of class attendance and such.


Personally, I would prefer to still have a main home computer, but at this point, I could do all that I need for work on my iPad.

[NYC_Gal]

Captain, have they made an app that allows direct transfer (not over wifi) of documents from an SD or USB? I haven't been following the Mac forums recently, and that would be great. Sooner or later a 3rd party will create an app that does this, but I'm not aware of one yet. Please do let me know if it's been done. For now, I've been emailing myself documents and viewing them over google docs, or reading pdfs straight from email. It's a pain. I have a laptop, but abhor carrying it around on a daily basis.

[Captain Corea]

Not sure. I create many docs on my iPad and export them as PDFs. for most of my receipients. Sometimes, I'll simply transfer docs when I sync.

It was the camera/image quote that was out to lunch.

[northway]

The iPad would be extremely limiting as your main machine. Get a laptop.

[jrwhite82]

If you are going to do anything with photos, where are you going to store them? Your Ipad will fill up quick and there is no card slots or USB to attach an external hard drive.

Get a 17" laptop and then buy the Ipad for portability. Or go with a 13"/15" for every thing.

[wishfullthinkng]

I will praise my iPad left and right and recommend it to people, but only if you plan on using it for certain reasons. I travel out of the country probably 5 out of every 7 days of the week and it is invaluable for that. I have stopped carrying my laptop with me as it just sits and home reminiscing of the old days.

However, the iPad does have its fair share of shortcomings for using as an actual "computer" whatever that might mean these days. If you are planning on actually spending the majority of your time stationary sitting at a the same desk while using your machine, a laptop is a no brainer. If you are rushing through Munich trying to retrieve your hotel information before your gate closes, well that's all iPad.

They both really do have their very strong and weak points and neither can be really recommended if you are making that choice until you figure out how you plan on using it and where. From the sounds of it, I think a laptop would be a better choice for you however.

[Captain Corea]