iPad2 question...

[dbradford]

Hi all,

Is the iPad 2 a 'stand alone' system? What I mean is, can you now use the iPad 2 for pretty much all your computing needs, without having to have another Mac to synch with?

I'm wondering if my wife and I could use it just for basic needs, email, internet, chatting, movies (with an external drive). My Mac has died finally, and she's stuck with a Windows laptop that's gone 'Tilt". Ity's either that or getting a Macbook Air.

Dave in the Philippines

[AVService]

You could use an iPad by itself I suppose if you can stand its limitations?
First of all what does gone "Tilt" mean? That is a new one for me?
An iPad can Sync with a Mac or PC.
You can get external keyboards for the iPad which can go a long way towards helping them stand alone too.

I would have a tough time though using one as my only machine,an Air is a normal Mac in every way. It has Storage,Keyboard,I/O and is really more portable and practical to me.
If I could have just one machine though I think I would get the entry level MBP.
They are the same price as an Air and just More everything.

Ed

[tCook]

My understanding was that an iPad *had* to be synced with another device ... maybe The Google can help confirm?

[tCook]

Here's one article: http://gigaom.com/apple/why-do-you-need-a-computer-to-use-an-ipad/

[dbradford]

Thanks for the answers all. 'Tilt' is an old pinball term, meaning error, I think.

Dave in the Philippines

[pretzelb]

As of now you NEED a computer with iTunes to even activate the ipad2. It kind of sucks. But with the next release you supposedly can do without iTunes. So if you wait for that release you might be fine.

[rabergnc]

When Apple releases IOS5 for the iPad and iPhoe - maybe next week - you should no longer need a computer to activate the ipad.

[dbradford]

Ok, well, it won't be 'til 2012, Jan. or Feb., so I'll just wait and see what IOS 5 and Ipad 3 come out with. The Macbook Air should have a refresh too by then.

Dave in the Philippines

[pretzelb]

It's always better if you can wait. By 2012 there will probably be a few improvements.