Each generation of Apple’s iPad has seen innovations and improvements that have increased its processing power and list of incredible features. As a result, many people have speculated that replacing all of the computers in your home with an iPad makes both practical and financial sense. But is such a drastic move feasible? Will consumers opt for an iPad over a laptop or desktop computer? Before you answer, let’s take a look at some of the perks and perils involved in making such a decision.
The Perks of Replacement:
When deciding whether or not all the computers in your home can be replaced by an iPad, the first thing you’ll want to explore are the perks. Here are a few notable ones:
- Mobility — The big advantage of the iPad for people on the go is its mobility. Although you can take a laptop with you, most models are much bigger than the iPad, making them more awkward to transport.
- Weight — This is another direct comparison with laptops. Even though there are lightweight laptops, very few are nearly as lightweight as the iPad. Again, that’s a real advantage for the iPad if you expect to travel a lot.
- Always at your fingertips — No matter what you’re doing, like watching TV or eating dinner, the size of the iPad allows you to multitask. If you want to search for something online or watch a clip during the adverts, you can simply pick up the iPad from your coffee table.
- Price — If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive alternative to a desktop or laptop, then the iPad is definitely an attractive device. It’s hard to argue that the iPad gives you your money’s worth with what it can do.
The Perils of Replacement:
Of course, nothing is without its disadvantages. It’s important that you also look at the perils of making the iPad your one and only computing device:
- Smaller Screen — The display on the iPad, especially the Retina display, looks gorgeous. Unfortunately, there’s a lot less of it. If you like to work on a big screen, you’ll most likely want to have a desktop. And thanks to the iPad Mini, the screens are getting even smaller.
- Less Power — Don’t get us wrong. For what they are, iPads are incredibly powerful devices. But given their size and functionality, they can’t compare to either desktops or laptops. This limits their functionality if you require the use of a much powerful processor.
- Less Storage Space — While there are cloud services that you can use for additional storage space, the storage capabilities may not be enough to handle everything you’d like to be able to access, especially when you consider that having a hard drive over one terabyte is becoming more common.
- Software Limitations — Although there are many software programs that have been ported over to the iPad that take advantage of its capabilities, a number of notable absences, such as Microsoft Word, may hinder certain users.
The Verdict:
Like most things, there are no absolutes as to whether an iPad could feasibly replace all of the computers in your home. If you’re the type of person who needs a big screen and the fastest processor available, a powerful desktop or laptop is more likely to be the better choice. A person who loves mobility and is trying to save a little money will probably get much better mileage out of an iPad. That being said, if you can afford to have both, this will give you the best of both worlds. And if you opt for an Apple desktop or laptop to complete the ensemble, the compatibility between the two devices will allow you to share a number of features and really take advantage of everything the machines have to offer.