[Closed] Ipad as only PC type device - 64 or 128? + NAS recommendations

I never filled my 64gb iPad1 but some people do with lots of music etc. I just got an Air 2 and I went for 64gb again. I would say a good external storage solution is more important than 64 vs 128 and in any case you will need a backup solution. I assume you will user your computer for that. When asked he iPad only question I always reply, no you need a computer too. If it's to be used for work etc you definitely need a proper machine for backup, the machine is too "nickable" not to. Personally I would look at dropbox/googledrive etc storage solutions rather than a 128 machine, also you need to check how easy it is to use the external storage with the apps on the iPad she will need. I think the iCloud storage is pricey but it does work well with the Apple apps and you can use the apps on a normal PC via iCloud.com.

I'm not convinced it's a laptop replacement personally. You can use a bluetooth keyboard though which makes typing a lot better. Have you looked at a Macbook Air?

In terms of storage, more is more IMO. 🙂

If it was not for the fact that I have to develop websites that require things like git and a local web and database server, I would swap over to iPad only tomorrow.

I can't think of anything else I do that can't be equally well done on an iPad now.

Definitely pay for iCloud storage and forget the NAS.

Rachel

Office 365 is great on iPad and comes with 1TB of onedrive storage.

an iPad is not really a replacement for a PC. It is terrible for things like excel and remember that any website that uses flash will not work on an iPad. As someone who uses an iPad everyday I find them terrible for any websites where you need to put lots of detail in or that has drop down boxes. e.g try booking a flight or holiday on a iPad, what fun you will have. Great from emails, browsing the web and watching videos but not a replacement for a PC.

If you want a tablet that works as a PC then have a look at a Microsoft Surface as the addition of a cursor and mouse makes things like excel so much easier.

@woody I would agree that an iPad is not a replacement but for different reasons, screen size and range of programmes mainly (definitely no good for anything but the most basic spreadhseets). I book most of my flights/hotels etc on my phone/tablet, the providers I use tend to have apps (BA/Easyjet/Eurostar/Booking.com ...). Not running flash is a godsend, IME it seems to be used mainly for adverts.

I did suggest a Mac air to her but tbh there is no point. All she does on excel is make a note of her locum work and then send an invoice written in word and then converted to PDF. Web browsing is mainly shopping and then some CPD as she's a vet and a tablet it better suited to that.

I'll take a look at the icloud and the 365 storage. I was under the impression that office was free now for iPads.

I am still not convinced on cloud storage for us though as our home internet is rubbish and I would like to get a new networked amp to stream from our storage. She doesn't really have much phone internet for tethering when out, I have unlimited but am normally on WiFi networks where I work so it could work for me but it am sticking with a proper laptop. I did show her the windows tablets like surface but I can see why she wants an iPad. But fore the air 2 came out the 64gb was a no brainer but she thinks she needs the 128 were as I think £80 is better spent on a nice BT keyboard and some form of remote backup

If it wasn't for the iTunes thing I'd say Chromebook. Faster, just as good on battery, instant on, blah blah.
I would hate to be stuck with just a tablet.

Depending on whether you intend to stream from itunes or another player and whether you're into the Apple ecosystem or not, then you could consider an ipad and a mac mini.

- Ipad to do as Mrs andyl needs, plus effectively a backup solution.
- Storage and streaming for you.

I'd kill myself if I had to use just a tablet. Tried and just could not cope without full fat apps.

Have you looked at something like the Acer Aspire Swtich - http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2628040.htm

Nearly got one myself. Had a good long play with it and it is very useable. Then get an iPad Mini 2 (not the 3) as they are going cheap at the moment for full on tablet duties.

We only had an ipad for a year or so - it was ace, then I bought a Mac book pro and hardly use the ipad these days - so much easier to do loads of stuff

@andy - I had a MacBook and a Mac Mini, when I got he iPad it was the MacBook I ditched. I am definitely of the view you need one proper computer

I can't live without windows or a proper keyboard so PC for me. I was going to get a Hudl2 for myself as cheap tablet but what I really need is a full HD 8/9" windows tablet with a decent CPU and ram so I can make up a mount for my thermal imaging camera to save me having to walk around with it plugged into the laptop.

Just looking at iCloud - I think they are missing a trick and should offer you the same storage as your largest apple device - ie if you buy a 64gb ipad they give you 64gb at a good rate when you buy the ipad. Big jump from 20 to 200gb there.

I do like the benefits of the icloud. I see you can get 15gb of MS onedrive for free now too but its obviously not got the apple integration which I think is worth it.

Any suggestions on the NAS? I quite like the look of the netgear 4 bay unit at dabs. Special offer with 1 free drive too. I would probably just put 2 in for now and see how it goes.

edit: the tablet as sole device is purely for her. I can't remember the last time I saw her do anything on her laptop she couldnt do on the ipad. It would be pointless her having an ipad and a laptop as the laptop would never get used and an ipad is much easier for her to stick in her bag when she goes on out of hours.

iPad as only device? Mmmm, nah, I really think you need a separate computer as well. I have the iPad/Mac Mini combo suggested above, which is ideal.
Capacity? Maximimum you can afford, more is always better; my iPad has around 6Gb left out of 64, if I can afford another next year it'll be 128Gb, same as my phone.

All she does on excel is make a note of her locum work and then send an invoice written in word and then converted to PDF.

Different people have different needs, but IMO only a [i]light[/i] PC user could adapt more easily to an iPad only environment.

Typing with my Logitech keyboard is still a chore because of i) the way everything defaults to lower case and ii) highlight, cut, copy and paste is just a bitch.

I reckon I use my Nexus 5 for more everyday stuff than my iPad these days.

You might not even need either on a tablet, there's bound to be some combined timekeeping/invoicing app that can do the job quicker/easier/better!

I reckon I use my Nexus 5 for more everyday stuff than my iPad these days

I find the same with my Nexus 4 vs PC. The only downside is the screen on the n4 is a bit of a chore for long emails.

NAS: I'm looking into this at the moment and I'd say that a 4-bay one is overkill for home use, unless you have a massive library of RAW photos and/or Photoshop files etc.

Personally, I'd go with a single-bay Synology DS114, which can take up to a 6tb disk, plus a portable usb drive for backing up (which I would leave off site). You could also backup using a cloud option as well.

I had a ReadyNAS and wouldn't recommend it, slow, not very easy to configure and very limited. I have a Synology NAS at work that is pretty good, but at £400+ it's quite a lot of money.

HP Microserver cost £100 (on offer) and is basically a PC/Server with a small PSU. Now this thing can do anything and everything! You will need to install an OS and set it up tho. I have running DLNA, uTorrent, Web Server, Logitech Media Server (sync'd music throughout house, poor mans Sonos), File Server, iTunes Server and probably more, but I haven't had my morning cuppa tea yet. 😉

HP Microserver uses about 35w of power (same as ReadyNAS Duo), which is now 50w as I have added another 2tb drive an extra 2gb ram and a decent soundcard for recording.

I've been looking into NAS drives for a while, but still not actually bought one (always something to spend my money on & I don't really NEED it).
Synology & QNAP seem to be the way to go if you want top-notch and don't mind spending the money.
I've been looking at the Zxyel NSA 325v2. It gets good reviews & the apps/interface that goes with it also seems to be well received. You can get the cabinet for £99 & then you just need to decide what drives to stick into it. I'd probably go for a 2Tb & then buy a 2Tb portable drive to use as a backup.

EDIT - with the tablet decision. Does it has to be Apple? My brother in law has got an ASUS transformer that works as a tablet and a mini laptop. Looks like a versatile option for people who perhaps still need to do 'laptop type stuff' on it.

Surface Pro 3 ticks all the boxes surely?

I've used the latest Surface Pro and while it's quite impressive in some ways, it's quite bulky and heavy IMO.