The introduction of the iPad opens a new class of portable computers. Being appreciably more expansive than a PDA but not quite as large as a netbook, the iPad occupies a position all its own, and therefore can only actually be contrasted with computers in different classes. Because of this, this review shall compare the iPad to present laptop computers. Another great alternative is the Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W Home Theater System.

Laptop computers are primarily used to either complement or compltely take the place of desktop computers, and therefore ought to have equivalent operating systems. Recieving and sending emails, pdfs, and other media needs to be easy and quick. Whereas laptops don’t normally have the volume of RAM that desktops do, they generally top the storage and processing abilities of netbooks and PDAs. A person using a Laptop computer might generate, file, merge and deliver documents and videos. It may also link to alternative storage devices including USB memory sticks. A laptop could even hook up to a printer.

Having identified the requirements, let’s determine how the iPad rates. The general impression of everyone who has looked over the iPad is that it recieves and opens things immediately. Wicked fast, as a matter of fact. Because of this, web browsing abilities, email and file sharing are not a problem – assuming that you restrict your computer to the suitable software. The iPad can’t support Google Sync, and can’t export iWork files that have common MS Office file extensions. The implications are obvious: if your office is predominantly PC, you are going to be fairly constrained when importing and exporting documents with your office mates. Another good product to consider is the Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W Home Theater System.

The RAM of an iPad is comparable with a lot of netbooks and laptops, although there is one major drawback. The iPad has no USB ports and doesn’t even provide an SD card slot. If you tend to be appeased with web-based backup, or can manage by exporting records to yourself, that problem is easy to ignore, however in the typical business office this can be a huge problem.

Last but not least, you may find some document generation complications. After you get around the type of documents that you will and won’t be able to import, you’ll figure out that typing a document is very difficult. The keyboard is actually the screen, consequently it isn’t really accomodating. In portrait mode the keyboard is hard to employ, yet in landscape style the board takes up half the screen. If you primarily view documents and proofread them, this should not be an issue. On the other hand, if you need to type large word documents or spreadsheets at work, you should be planning to spend more time on your desktop computer.

If you spend most of your workday on a standard or laptop computer, the iPad will not be ready to be a substitute for either of those products. If you primarily rely on your computer for social networking, web research or video gaming, then an iPad might become your new favorite toy. Another nice option is the Sony BRAVIA DAV-HDX589W Home Theater System.