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FDX: iPad vs Laptop

Old 12-02-2010, 11:02 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by 744driver View Post
In its current form, the ipad is not a stand alone device. It is too restrictive for most uses...I'll definitely get one if/when it becomes a laptop/netbook replacement.
Couldn't agree with you more. When it can run flash, has USB support, a fully functional OS, forward facing camera, etc, it'll become quite the slick device and a true contender for a netbook replacement. Personally, I'm not sure how long I can go on the touch keyboard though. I commute, and my goal is to carry as less crap as possible. Having to carry around a keyboard seem like a bit of a PITA.

Originally Posted by 744driver View Post
Disclaimer...I am a current 10.1" Asus Netbook owner, and love it. Don't miss the disk drive because of the 160gb solid state hard drive.
I had an original ACER 8.9", loved the potability of it, and ran LINUX as the OS. Sadly, the bios on it went and I could't fix it. Oh well, it was only $275 for 2 years worth of commuting wear and tear. I didn't know you could get an SSD in 160gb size. The boot up time is killer, my MB Air is about 15 seconds from power up to full use.

With Apple's current track record of product development (more like genius marketing), I'm sure the ipad concerns will be addressed on future models of the ipad, it's just a matter of time. Seems as if their phones are on a current 1 year schedule of "bigger and better", I'd expect the same from the ipad.

I "heard" that somebody did a teardown of an ipad, and sure enough, the current casings have the internal cutouts/housing for a forward facing camera. Whether that's true or not, I don't know, don't care.

Can you please tell Atlas to call me?
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Old 12-02-2010, 11:40 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by Pecan View Post
I'm currently an iPhone user with no laptop. Looking at getting an iPad or MacBook (air/pro/etc.) to simply life on the road: Bidding, LIDO flight planning, web surfing, email, CFM study etc.... I do not use Bid X because of my juniority. I also would like to get an iMac at some point and dump my PC desktop.

I love the portability of the iPad, but am wondering what most folks' experiences are with it. Please chime in!!
I sold my laptop and bought the 16GB 3G iPad back in June. I primarily use my device for email and internet. It works for me. Here are some FDX specific issues/workarounds I use:

Lack of Flash and a camera doesnt bother me. I don't video chat as the connection speed I typically get is too slow. Cannot do LMS on the iPad (needs Flash), but CBT works fine.

Cannot run BidX on the iPad. My workaround is to use LogMeIn to remotely access my home PC for my bid if I am on the road. Currently using the free service with the $30 app, but there are cheaper alternatives of the same thing.

<<Disregard. Discovered easier method; see my reply later in this thread>> Only program I have run across to allow direct download of LIDO to the iPad is iAnnotate. I think the free app iRead from the same publisher will also download LIDO. I use GoodReader to view PDFs.

Latest iOS update (4.2.1) seems to have broken ability to do expense reports. I get kicked out every time I try to access the reports. Haven't found a solution yet.

Bought ForeFlight subscription for $75/year. Nice to be able to view weather and NOTAMS on the fly. There are also less expensive alternatives.

Using TextNow and WhistlePhone for communication simply because they are free.

Have several educational apps and game for the kids. Makes long trips more fun for them and they were begging me to do math games over summer break.

I occasionally rent movies from iTunes to watch on long flights (i.e. Deadheads and Jumpseats). Can also download several free video podcasts.

I agree that the next gen iPad will be better, so if you can wait that is fine. But it sounds like you would like something now. If you do decide on a Mac product, I agree that you should get a refurb. Pretty much new quality with a full warranty. Good luck.

Last edited by Balut; 12-02-2010 at 06:38 PM. Reason: Clarification on when I watch movies
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Old 12-02-2010, 11:44 AM
  #13  
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Balut,

I've never done the Atomic browser for the iphone, but I heard it works good as an emulator to run things that need IE. Have you tried that app on the ipad for some of the things you need to do? Just curious.
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Old 12-02-2010, 12:48 PM
  #14  
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Looking for a MacBook? Try Macmall.com and Macconnection.com for deals better than the Apple store, even with our discount. They frequently come with software like Fusionware or Parallels to run Windows, free or with rebate. Their prices are as good or better than the refurbished models at Apple.com and have free shipping and no tax in most places.
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Old 12-02-2010, 12:50 PM
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I have Atomic browser also. I tried IE6 emulation for the expense reports, but it also kicked me off (closes the app). I will play around with it more and will post the solution if I find one.
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Old 12-02-2010, 01:31 PM
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3 words: Lido.....app.....soon
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Old 12-02-2010, 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by dojetdriver View Post
I didn't know you could get an SSD in 160gb size.

Can you please tell Atlas to call me?
Sorry, I should have said...2 x 80gb solid state HDD.

As for Atlas to call you...they read this and every other board out there, including the private sites!! They know you are interested and will be right with you!!

Just hang in there...good luck.
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Old 12-02-2010, 03:27 PM
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Default Ipad almost a laptop replacement...

I use the Ipad with Foreflight. I now have an EFB in the back seat.

Lido, download charts in Safari open in Good Reader then Save in my Charts folder. This applies to the FOM and all Aircraft manuals.

Email Just as good as my laptop.

Browsing almost as good. In all what I used to do on my laptop I wait to do when I get home but those things are few and far between. When the BidX app comes out that will eliminate one more Desktop specific item.

Lastly if you decide to buy an Ipad get a 3g one and pony up for the monthly subscription cost for Data. The data virtually doubles the Apps which you will find useful. ForeFlight and MotionX GPS Drive are two Apps which are definitely crippled without 3g.

The Camera version of the Ipad will make Conference Calling a reality for the masses.

Lastly if you have kids an Ipad totally changes a road trip. They can watch movies or shows, play educational games etc and keep them entertained.

Just my observations so far.
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Old 12-02-2010, 04:15 PM
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Base the decision on the software you are going to run. If it runs on the iPad, you're all set. Definitely get the 3G version, though. No subscription required from AT&T, so you can turn it on (and pay) only when you need it.

If you need more than will run on an iPad, or you need a camera, keyboard, whatever, you need to look elsewhere. Typical netbooks or the MacBook Air aren't much heavier and provide a lot more functionality. Only you can decide if you need it.

If you've got some geek in your blood, using an iPad as a client to control your home computer via LogMeIn or VNC can provide the ability to run any software you've got there, Mac, Windows, Linux, you name it.

As for iPad 2, I suspect that will be out around April. (One year upgrade cycle, like the iPhone.) Like any other tech, the one available soon is going to be better and cheaper than the one available now.
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Old 12-02-2010, 05:00 PM
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The other night in Osaka, the captain downloaded all the flight paperwork onto his Ipad before we left the hotel.

We were then able to easily look at it all during the taxi ride. Got to the cockpit with all that reading completed. Really speeds up the process over there.
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