I would like to purchase either an ipad with wifi + 3 or 4G but I really like using a keyboard and am wondering if the mac air
would be better. Would I still be able to access wifi while travelling throughout Canada?
MacBook Air
The Air is fully WiFi capable so that is not an issue.
The iPad and Air are very different concepts...the only apps you can put on the iPad are those from the app store or certain other sources. The apps such as Pages while compatible with MS Word, are much more limited in capbility than those you can install on the Air. The iPad is very portable in comparison, though the Air is itself very portable.
The Air can have any Mac OS X compatible software installed. The Air has a normal keyboard which is much easier to type on than the virtual keyboard. The Air has a larger screen and can attach to peripherals.
The Air costs more, is larger and heavier, but has much more capability and flexibility.
Depending on your full usage, and is this your only computer, if so the Air would be a better choice.
Thank you for the info - a further question though, with the ipad I would be able to connect with the internet through the wireless cellular network anywhere - i.e. travelling in the car, remote places, etc. Would I be able to do that with the Mac Air? I have a laptop now, very heavy, quite old and it would not be easy to cart around on my trip to Newfoundland this summer, I rarely use a cell phone and I find it difficult to use my fingers on an ipad - yes, I'm from the "old school", keyboard, mouse kind of gal.
The MBA does not come equiped with 3G cellular access capability. You can buy USB port adapters from some carriers that will permit access to their cell systems and access that way in addition to WiFi when you are at a location with WiFi.
I am not sure of cellular access throughout Canada, there aer bound to be areas without coverage just like you find in other countries...I know there are areas on the East Coast of the US where connection is difficult with some carriers.
The iPad, with an appropriate data plan, would give coverage anytime there is a signal from your carrier. The MBA can do that but you need an extra addon to do so.
You might also contact your carrier and see what coverage they have where you are going or if you have to make arrangements with a Canadian carrier.
Hope that helps explain it a little.
What is the purpose of the device? You've talked about your connectivity needs but not the actual needs of the device. Are you web surfing? Document composition? Gaming? Filming video? Taking photos? Is the sole qualifying factor for the purpose of this purchase based off of its connectivity?
I am looking for portability, wifi access while I travel, taking videos and pictures and access to my itunes collection. I use google.ca, sympatico.ca & hotmail. I am not a gamer unless you count being addicted to
Spider solitare (medium level). I am 61 and just enjoy surfing, asking questions and doing online banking, etc. I don't need a computer for business anymore. I like using a keyboard and "horrors" a mouse.
An iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard would definitely satisfy your needs in all category but one it sounds like.
iTunes Management
The music player interface on the iPad (and iPhone for that matter) is nowhere near as robust as iTunes for Mac/PC. Not to mention if you've got a lot of content, like myself, I can't fit even 1/28th of my iTunes library on the largest iPad.
So if managing your music "on the go" is important, the iPad isn't going to be the best fit for that.
should i buy an ipad or an mac air
