IBM Thinkpad T40

The latest trend in technology right now is Apple’s iPad. The lightweight, multipurpose device has left people wondering if it is possible to trade in a suddenly cumbersome IBM ThinkPad T40 laptop for the slim iPad. There are numerous advantages and disadvantages in making the switch when you want to replace your laptop with an iPad.

Size is a big reason you might want to replace your IBM ThinkPad T40 laptop with an iPad. The iPad weighs between 1.5 and 1.6 pounds with the heavier model including a 3G option for Internet access without WiFi. In comparison, a common 15-inch laptop weighs between 5 and 7 pounds. Even the smaller 13 inch models and netbooks (underpowered laptops with screens between 8 and 12 inches) will typically weigh more than an iPad. For people who frequently travel with a laptop and the weight is becoming a problem, the iPad is a product to consider. Unlike a laptop, the iPad can easily slide into most bags and be carried around all day without causing much strain on its owner. There is also a whole market segment dedicated to various iPad accessories.

Along with the convenient size comes a number of trade-offs in features that make laptops so popular. Laptops are full computers with a variety of ports for USB devices and flash memory cards (like the memory cards used in most digital cameras). Unfortunately, the iPad does not include either of these options. An iPad would not be a practical replacement for a laptop if it would need to allow input devices like external hard drives.

Another drawback when you replace your laptop with an iPad is that the iPad does not contain the tactile keyboard that most people are accustomed to using. While this is not a problem for everyone, it is something to be aware of when purchasing an iPad. There is also a selection of bluetooth keyboards for the iPad that will work in a pinch, but these tend to be subpar keyboards with strange layouts and feel. While many people find that they become accustomed to using the touch screen keyboard on the iPad rather quickly, others find that they would like a tactile keyboard. For people who do not plan on typing long documents on the iPad or have no problems typing on a touch screen, the lack of physical keyboard could be well worth the reduced weight and size in comparison to a laptop.

Ultimately, the decision to replace your laptop with an iPad comes down to what you need from the iPad. For access to Apple’s large selection of apps, surfing the internet, and checking email on the go, the iPad is a great device, but for a fully functional computer with a tactile keyboard and more processing power, the laptop is a better choice.

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