Monday, September 27, 2010
Do the Apple iPad Features Make It A Better Option Than A Netbook?
One of the major criticisms of the Apple iPad features was that they weren’t really targeted to anyone in particular.
For portable computing with the need for a larger screen, we already have netbooks. For checking mail on the go, we already have smartphones. However, despite this observation by some critics, the iPad has gone on to become one of the biggest selling gadgets. If you’re still on the fence, then here’s a quick comparison between the iPad and netbooks.
Price
When it comes to price, choice is a huge factor. With the iPad, you only get to choose your hard drive capacity and whether you want added 3G. With netbooks, there are a huge range of manufacturers to choose from, and a huge range of prices. You can pick up netbooks for just a few hundred dollars, whereas prices for the iPad are $500 minimum.
Battery Life
The iPad is a great choice when it comes to battery life. The Apple iPad features list states that the battery will run for 10 hours, with the screen set to 75% brightness, Wi-Fi turned on, and working at full performance. Netbooks vary widely, and although some may claim a little over 10 hours, these claims generally do not include the netbook working at full performance while connected to the internet. The iPad is the clear winner when it comes to battery life.
Operating Systems
The operating system on the iPad is completely designed by Apple, though operating systems can vary depending on what you buy. Being forced to use a particular operating system may not be to everyone’s liking, though upgrading is generally easier and you will not need to use Anti-Virus software with the iPad.
Hardware
One major complaint of netbooks is that they can run slowly. Although you might experience some glitches on the iPad from time to time, software generally loads and runs quicker than on a netbook. However, some major drawbacks of the iPad include the fact that it doesn’t include a physical keyboard, doesn’t have any USB ports to add additional hardware, doesn’t allow you to add more space, and doesn’t include a webcam – which most netbooks do have. There are, however, accessories for the iPad, such as the keyboard dock.
Functions/ Apps
One major drawback of the iPad is that you can’t run more than one app at a time, so multitasking is a huge benefit of purchasing a netbook instead of an iPad. However, there are thousands of apps available for the iPad which all run well and perform a huge number of functions.
When it comes to functions, it all depends on which programs or apps you choose to use. There are many different programs available for netbooks, coming at a variety of prices. Some people may prefer the fact that they can still work with software they know well on a netbook, though others may prefer the simplicity and ease of use of apps on the iPad.
Style
Let’s face it, you can’t do a proper comparison without factoring in style and the “cool” factor for each of these gadgets. And this is a huge reason why everything Apple touches seems to turn to gold. The iPad is cool, plain and simple. It looks a loss more simple and a lot more stylish than your average netbook.
Conclusion
The Apple iPad features may be perfect for some users, and not for others. Netbooks are generally seen as portable computers (albeit usually slower than standard laptops), whereas iPads work in their own unique way, but can be perfect for business and entertainment. It really depends on which you’d prefer to work with!
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