Laptop Netbook or Ipad?
 

I am just about to begin my airline career and I am curious to know what other pilots take with then on the road to stay connected. I like the idea of a netbook for it's size and price. A laptop has alot more capablilities, but would be a little more bulky. Also, anybody have any thoughts about the ipad?

I brought a ridiculously bulky laptop with me because it is what I owned...

I do know that since the iPad doesn't have a dedicated keyboard it does not need to be taken out at security. That alone is very valuable.

I have a laptop and an iPad.

The iPad will NEVER replace a laptop, as others may say.

I absolutely hate netbooks. If I had to choose, I'd get a laptop over the other two.
I got my iPad as a Christmas gift from my boss but I really don't think I would ever buy one at the current price.

Neither does a regular laptop, if you buy a TSA-friendly case.

What's a TSA friendly case?

Depends on what you need to do with it. All of the above options are too bulky for me... just get a smartphone.

For me the Ipad is perfect for the road. It fits right in the flight case and doesn't get the beating that my laptop did when I carried it.

I am strictly an internet surfer though. Most hotels have business centers if I need a real computer for something.

I fly with guys that have high end laptops to play video games on, so if that is your style then obviously the iPad won't work.

With the new iPad on the way, you might be bale to get a used iPad for a decent price. In the coming weeks. I won't be upgrading to the new model as it most likely won't be a giant leap forward with new features.

If you need to do work on the road and utilize a keyboard and/or specialized software, get a regular laptop. If you're just reading email and surfing porn, iPad.

Also, when it comes to public accessible computers (hotel business centers etc.), I would never log into any personal account of my own (email, company, and especially BANKING) ... too many people out there sniffing passwords or recording key strokes. And I sure as hell wouldn't trust the hotel's software at trying to keep me safe when they can't even get wake up calls or alarm clocks that work.

IPad hands down. Bought it in April and haven't turned my laptop on since. I do use a workstation at home for the heavy lifting, but on the road the iPad is perfect.

Don't need a Kindle any more either -- just use the IPad app.