Ask Tech Support LJ/DW

[feuervogel]

Apropos my previous post, I have a decision to make on what to replace this laptop with. The options are all going to be Apple, so don't suggest I should buy a Dell, etc. I like OSX.

This is what I do with my computer:
1. Read gmail, LJ, DW, tumblr, and facebook.
2. Read twitter.
3. Follow links from any of the above.
4. Play stupid flash games.
5. Use Scrivener to write and edit manuscripts.
6. Use google docs.

These are the options I am considering.

A. Refurbished iPad 2 with keyboard (and mouse?) Approx $400
Pros: Tiny! Portable! Cheaper! Trendy!
Cons: No Scrivener (but can sync with existing iOS apps). No Flash. Tiny. Can't transfer entire iTunes library. No OpenOffice? (Maybe not)

I can't imagine it's any smaller than the tiny Vaio I used from 2001-2007 or your average netbook. I also can't use it to revise manuscripts.

B. Refurnished MacBook Air ($650-850)
Pros: Lightweight. Full computer. Can use Scrivener to heart's content.
Cons: Costs 50% more.

C. New MacBook Air (from $999)
Pros: see above.
Cons: Expensive.

I could get an iPad+keyboard as a stopgap measure until I get paid again, should that ever happen. My current laptop still functions; it's just annoyingly slow and its OS is deprecated. If I leave Firefox open for 3 hours, it eats all the RAM. (Firefox has always had memory leaks.)

I don't know how I feel about typing on a little keyboard all the time. I know someone who has this setup, and I could ask her if I can come over and try it out for a while.

Do any of you have experience using an iPad as a primary computer? Do any of you live closer to me than Raleigh and want to let me try it out? Should I just suck it up and get a real MacBook instead of the stopgap iPad?

Comments

[alchemist]

I've got all three - MacBook Pro, iPad3, and a (new) MacBook Air. For what you do, you'll need an AIR - there is no flash on the iPad, nor is there scrivener. That being said, The more I use the AIR, the more I kick myself for not getting one sooner. It's light, it's as powerful (maybe more so) than the fully loaded 2009 MPB 17" it replaced, and it's runs everything I've thrown at it - and that includes Diablo3 and my DJ/Mixing software. I opted for the 13" with all the bells and whistles, to get the extra SSD space.

My experience writing on the iPad is limited to doing blog posts, and you would do well to read Skalzi's review of using the iPad as his writing tool before going that route. http://whatever.scalzi.com/2012/09/22/my-tech-life-2012/

[feuervogel]

Scrivener for iPad is "in development," so there'll be something eventually. Maybe even this year. Until then, you can sync it with SimpleNote and Index Card (http://www.literatureandlatte.com/blog/?cat=5) Which I haven't looked at too closely, and I'm not sure if I can sync from Scrivener to SN and edit on Simplenote (the only info I can find is a video tutorial).

I saw Scalzi's post; I like the idea of the iPad for reading LJ/facebook/etc on the couch, but I'm not sure how I feel about using it to write on. (Assuming iOS Scrivener eventually exists.) (Also, OmniPlan for iOS is only $50, compared to the OSX version, which is $200. Is the iOS version less fully featured?)

I guess it depends on how much money I can raise by selling things, if anyone ever wants to buy things I've made. Hrm.

[alchemist]

I don't know - I've not gotten OmniPlan for iOS yet (payday is Friday, so maybe then), but OmniFocus for iOS is MUCH nicer than the desktop version in a lot of ways. OmniGroup is REALLY taking the time to leverage the devices when building apps, and making sure that not only do you get as many features as they can fit into the iOS version, but building the UI so it takes full advantage of the platform, and isn't just a "port" of the desktop version.

[princess]

AFAIK, when OmniFocus releases its next Major (OF2) for desktop, it's going to look a lot more like the iOS version, actually.

(That said, I do use desktop OF to do some power user set up things that are hard to do on the iPad, so YMMV.)

[alchemist]

I missed that in their blog stream. That major an update is enough to make me re-buy in the app store, and not just upgrade on their site.

[feuervogel]

Is everyone I know a project manager and they just didn't tell me?

If I'd known it was a career option 5 years ago, I'd be a PMP by now :P

[princess]

I use OF to correct for ADHD issues. (If I have a list, and I can trust the list, I know how to work through the list.)

[princess]

iPad has no mouse, which is the only thing that keeps me from transitioning to it as a full time "work" machine.

That said, if you go with it, I will rec you some good apps for writing and things. :)

(I would go with the refurbed Air, honestly.)

[feuervogel]

Yeah, lack of mouse makes it less useful. Though I guess I could get a bluetooth mouse or something.

I'll probably go with the Air, really; though nobody's expressed interest in buying things.

[princess]

No. I mean you cannot use a mouse with it. AFAIK Bluetooth mice do not work either. You HAVE to navigate by touch.

[feuervogel]

That ... is decidedly less useful.

[annathepiper]

I've used my iPad + keyboard as a writing mechanism, and while that worked acceptably as an interim measure before I could get back to my actual work machine, it's not something I'd want to do on a regular basis.

This is why: now that I'm working with an actual editor on my books, it's critical for me to have access to Microsoft Word's change tracking. Nothing on the iPad will do that yet to my knowledge. So while I can use the iPad + keyboard to write brand new material, it's not so useful when I need to go into edit mode.

On the other hand, I personally see no reason why you can't get a refurb Air rather than a brand new one, if that's what your budget would be more comfortable with. My current Macbook is a refurb model and it's been the most reliable machine I've ever owned--and it's five years old at this point.

[feuervogel]

*nods* Of course, the MacBook I'm replacing is a little over 5 years old, its keyboard sticks, and it's getting holes in the case. But I can get a year-old Air with pretty good specs for $850 at the Apple store...

(I also paid bills, and I have enough to pay for that in a savings account that earns shite interest.)