Hello all

I have been researching the variety of products promised, on the market currently and of course, the desirable Ipad.

Not being an Apple user, I want to make sure that I make the right purchase and not just caught up in the hype.

My needs are to have mobile 3G internet access, so that I can keep working while on the move, but keep it cost efficient.

It appears that the 3g package with Apple is the cheapest, able to switch with ease between wireless and 3G and that the other packages are pricey and super expensive if you go over the limit - in fact, heard of a bill for a few thousand for a subscriber.

HP and a variety are bringing out products in the near future.

What is your experience or your preference for any of the 3G products - do you just use a regular laptop and subscribe, love the Ipad, or like me, waiting to see?

Thanks

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Classic Exec
Your Virtual Administrative Consultantwww.classicexec.com

I did a lot of research in June as I prepared for a 2 week 'vacation' to Maine in July. At first it looked to me like the iPad was the perfect choice because I wanted to have an e-book reader as well.
As much as I truly lusted after the iPad and was just looking for excuses to get one, when I really looked at what I could and could not do I ended up going with a netbook instead.
There were just too many limitations with the iPad, although I'm sure the longer it's out there additional apps will make it easier. One of the biggest issues for me was the fact that I would have to type directly on the screen or purchase an expensive keyboard add on. It really was just a larger version of my Palm Pre.
My netbook on the other hand allowed me to do anything while I was on the road that I could in my office, while still being smaller, lighter and easy to take anywhere.
(I ended up getting a Kindle too, and I'm glad I did, when I'm reading I'm not tempted to check e-mail or work!)

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

I would tend to think of the iPad not as a laptop but as a big iPhone. As my father-in-law just reported, it makes a fabulous vacation machine because you can check email, surf the web, and read ebooks but doing any real work is just too difficult.
For taking your work on the road I would still recommend a netbook or lightweight laptop.

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Bernat Virtual Assistance, I Make My Clients Shine!

Thanks for the response, I am sadly leaning that way too - oh well one day when there is more $$ for gadgets.

Now the next question I guess - are you using a netbook with a built in mobile broadband or just adding the device to have mobile access?

Carol

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Classic Exec
Your Virtual Administrative Consultantwww.classicexec.com

I didn't get built in mobile broadband because my Palm smartphone does double duty and works as a secure mobile hot spot as well. So when I'm on the road I can just turn on the hot spot and connect. If I hadn't had that option I would definitely have gotten mobile broadband built in rather than risk client info by logging onto public wifi.

__________________
~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School