Tablet computers

I was computer illiterate and phobic and a Luddite!
Then I discovered iPad!
My life changed!

Apple iPad is the gold standard. Simple. Have fun choosing!

Sounds like it will be an ipad then. One each for me and OH, so a bit of saving up required first! Thanks for the words of wisdom

Mind you, if I hadn't found iPad, I wouldn't now be addicted to GN!

I have a Motorola Xoom - similar to iPad, quality of screen not quite so clear but it's a fraction of the price and it's Android so you're not tied in to Apple for apps

I have an Acer Iconia 500 its got all sorts of wonderful functions a good sized screen and very easy to use but I do tend to use my lap-top more as I like to use a key board.

Questions for i-pad users ...
what makes it better to use than a note book or laptop?
can you word process with one? print from it?
is it just a weight issue?

I just need a device that allows me to send/receive e-mails and surf the net. I never download music or films. My 3-year old laptop is fine, but it is heavy to carry to New Zealand. (There are at least three computers in my daughter's house, but they always seem to be in use, and I like to have my own 'Favourites' available'
As a fast touch typist, I also like to use a keyboard, but I could manage with a touch screen for my travels. I will be buying in the UK, when I visit, because they are much cheaper than in France.
Would an i-pad meet my needs, and is there anything cheaper that is reliable?
(I think a tablet is just a small laptop with a 10" screen - is that right?)

I looked up the Motorola - Amazon has one for £240 but it is the Motorola 1 and I see there is a Motorola 2 which I presume is the new version
I also looked up the Acer Iconia but it is too expensive.
Is it worth buying second hand - I know young people trade up constantly?

jacey, personal answers to your questions. Apple design is the best and in fifteen years of using macs I've never had a computer virus.

Yes, one can word process on an iPad. I use Pages and save documents I receive to that or iBooks (pdfs etc as well as books). Spreadsheets go to iNumbers.

Can't print directly from it but can via the 'house' mac.

There is certainly a weight issue involved: it's smaller, lighter, more convenient and hugely more elegant than most if not all laptops.

Possible problems: you can't download photos directly from camera. You can buy a piece of hardware that enables you to do this though. I haven't got that as we have the big comp for that stuff and I can sync that with my iPad.

I have been thinking about it too and found that you can have a keyboard + docking station.
I like the idea of being able to Skype from it.

Like jeni my iPad has really, truly changed my IT life!

Thank you Bags

First off let me say that I'm not very computer literate. I have just bought an I pad. The other night a very I was playing a general knowledge quiz ( I have played this often on my laptop) on iPad when some very disturbing pornografic immagis came up.
I live in a flat and I think that someone is piggy backing onto my provider. I know that I need some sort of programme to stop someone doing this but I don't know what it is called. Can anyone advise. Petra

I don't want to scare you, but when I Googled "Ipad security" this came up top of the list.
http://www.necn.com/09/04/12/iPhone-iPad-security-breach-claimed/landing_business.html?blockID=767923&feedID=11126

But I would imagine that it is more likely that you have an unlocked wifi connection. Does yours have a password? If not, get one onto it pronto - and be prepared to change it if your randy neighbour can still access your supplier.

If you don't know how to check the connection, then contact whoever sold you the ipad and get advice from them.

Should have blued that. www.necn.com/09/04/12/iPhone-iPad-security-breach-claimed/landing_business.html?blockID=767923&feedID=11126

I bought an ipad a week ago and am really getting into it now. Took a bit of getting used to as I've never had a touch screen anything before.

I'm a fast touch typist too and find with a bit of practice I can do this on the screen keyboard on the ipad.

I've downloaded quite a few free apps already.

Watched some films as well.

I've downloaded free iplayer apps from BBC and itv.

I'd definitely go for Apple.