After much deliberation, I’ve decided to purchase a personal mobile device alongside my work BlackBerry to keep my work and personal life separate. Especially with my site, Yakezie.com, going live, I need to stay connected with my readers throughout the day. Currently, I’m using a three-year-old MacBook which is performing well, and I hope it lasts another five years at least. Now, I’m caught in the tech dilemma of choosing between an iPad 3G and an iPhone 4.
Here’s a quick breakdown of their benefits and drawbacks:
iPad 3G Pros:
– Slim and lightweight with a large screen, perfect for reading.
– Could potentially replace your laptop or netbook.
– Better for watching movies and typing out long texts.
iPad 3G Cons:
– Expensive, costing around $700 before taxes.
– Lacks phone and video capabilities.
– Not as portable as other devices, can’t bring it everywhere like clubs.
iPhone 4 Pros:
– Combines phone, video, and camera functions.
– More portable and affordable at $199 for the 16GB version.
– Matches all of iPad’s functions and then some.
iPhone 4 Cons:
– Typing can be challenging.
– Smaller screen makes reading difficult.
– Higher tax due to its unsubsidized price and shorter battery life.
Given that I’m quite satisfied with my current laptop, it seems unnecessary to get an iPad, especially when I already own a MacBook. The iPhone 4, being cheaper and more portable while offering more features than the iPad 3G, appears to be a smarter choice. It’s especially appealing considering I’ve never owned an iPhone before.
Ultimately, unless you don’t have a computer at all, the iPad seems more like a luxury than a necessity. With over three million units sold, it’s clear it has its market, but you can expect Apple to release a new version with more integrated features like phone and camera soon, which makes the current iPad seem like just a larger iPhone.
For those trying to stay connected throughout the day, unless you’re a hardcore reader who doesn’t mind the iPad’s limitations and price, the iPhone 4 is likely a more practical and economic choice.
