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Tablet PC's and iPad for mobile learning - Hudzon - 2011-02-02

Hey guys, this is my first post so I apologize if this topic has been discussed before.

My old laptop has finally broke a few days ago and I have about 200-300£ to spend on a replacement. However I realized that I don't really *need* a laptop per se and could perhaps go with something more portable like a tablet PC, or an iPad.

The main selling point of these devices for me is their portability. Compared to tablet PC's even the 9'' netbooks are big and clunky. The main disadvantage however is the lack of keyboard - after a few years of using a tiny netbook keyboard i am more or less used to it now, though I am feeling a bit hesitant to switch to an even slower and more uncomfortable typing method as I do end up writing quite a bit in my day to day life.

Now, the main purpose that I want to use the device for is learning. By that I mean activities such as reading books, taking notes, and most importantly studying anki. Do you think an iPad would be suitable for such a purpose and what would be its drawbacks?


Tablet PC's and iPad for mobile learning - mafried - 2011-02-02

Do you have another laptop/PC, of any kind? Before people chime in to say how wonderful tablets are for reading, anki reviews, etc. (they are), remember this: text manipulation sucks, on both iOS and Android. I shudder at the thought of entering/editing anki cards on a tablet, and even just copy and paste can be a pain in the @$&. When I use my Android I keep a running list of things I need to do on my full-size laptop, things that would be incredibly painful to do on a touch screen.

(Speaking of pain, after typing for hours on a tablet you'll feel some actual pain too. Not having a physical keyboard is bad ergonomics. Just something to think about.)

A mobile device complements a laptop/desktop. But one does not replace the other. If you had to choose, for that budget I would get a reasonably sized netbook, then a tablet or smartphone when you can afford it.


Tablet PC's and iPad for mobile learning - ファブリス - 2011-02-02

Ipod Touch Applications - Which Do you Use?

Android apps

The Podcast Thread (iTunes makes both audio and video podcasts a no-brainer on iOS devices)

iPad manga/short novel anthology magazine

CES devices


Tablet PC's and iPad for mobile learning - nest0r - 2011-02-02

The HP TouchSmart tm2 is my new favourite thing in this world, but it's a convertible tablet and costs slightly more than the most expensive iPad, so.

For your price range, the only thing I can think of is an iPod Touch? Or one of those Asus EEE netvertibles, perhaps. We have many informative threads on this, as Fabrice pointed out.

Edit: n/m, I see the cheapest iPad is right around your upper price limit.