Since the launch of the iPad 2, my husband and I have had ongoing conversations about whether or not to buy one. We would always reason that we did not need it and that we could do the same things on our computers or phones. Basically, we’d feel materialistic if we bought one. Period.
At one point we even tried to allay our want by getting an Amazon Kindle for FAR less (never leave your husband and daughter for together time – they may come home with new electronics…). We really liked it but found that it was not our cup of tea. While it was much more sanitary than borrowing books from the library, it was certainly more expensive as books to download were on par with prices to own a hard copy. Several of the items we wanted to read were not available in this format and took extra time to convert to the right one. Plus, the plain e-ink display was clear but painfully boring. At first days, then weeks, our Kindle sat unused in it’s very cool green cover. It was evident that, even with the lower price, this e-reader was not a worthy investment for us.
With the upcoming release of the Kindle Fire, we again revisited the tablet discussion. After weighing several pros and cons including apps available, usage needs, and size vs. functionality we decided that the iPad could actually be an asset in our household.
One condition in buying an iPad was that we first sold our Kindle to use those funds toward the new purchase. Fortunately, for us, we were able to sell the Kindle for very close to the price we originally paid before the ‘new’ price for the Kindle dropped a couple of weeks later (sorry to the buyer but thank you).
Verdict? We love our iPad 2 and use it daily. Well, not so much me as it is with my husband and daughter. My husband watches the news and comedy skits, reads online magazines, checks email, does research, studies articles, keeps in touch with family and close friends, etc. My daughter does her math homework on the iPad, looks up definitions while reading, plays games, draws, and more. I will periodically refer to weekly ads, pull up driving directions, or jot down blogging notes. All in all this has proved to be a wise purchase for us. Since we bought the iPad the use of our laptop is close to null, though we still need it when traveling.
6 comments
I really want an iPad. I am saving my Amazon gift certificates now so I can spoil myself with one next year.
Hopefully you’ll get it when they are running some kind of a discount! You’ll love it 🙂
My daughter (before me!) bought herself one for Christmas…she’s in love!
Did she really? Your girl is sure to lead the Silicon Valley pack in a decade or so!
I was lucky enough to win an iPad 2, so it’s difficult to say whether I ever would have spent the money…but, it’s proven pretty indispensable. I had always felt they were over-hyped, but it is so sleek and easy to use right out of the box. I also love the fact that there are so many apps for my son to use. I’ve never been one to enjoy reading for any length of time on a computer screen, but I love reading books on my iPad. The absence of Flash is a downer, but other than that I can’t really say anything bad about it. I suspect that if I had spent less money on something “similar”, I would have ended up wishing I had just saved up for the real thing, as I usually do when I try to get away with a cheaper option. I think it’s definitely worth the money if you have it.
Wow, that’s great you won it! The iPad has definitely proven its worth to us. It’s not a laptop replacement but no other tablets can’t come close to its full functionality. And, yes, the appeal to even young kids awesome. Even though my daughter is 10, one of her favorite ‘apps’ is Mr. Morris Lessmore which she has gone through at least three times because it’s just so enjoyable.
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