Originally Posted by
cindyb
I am not a computer geek and I'm needing to replace this old lap top computer. Every time I see computers on TV shows or news casts, I see the Apple logo. I think they are more popular on the West coast (?) because only a couple of people I know have one. Is there anyone that loves their laptop (or tablet) for the ease of getting around in it and also the ease of printing out patterns. Any recommendations for retired and not wanting to get into more technology people like me?
A lot depends on how you intend to use it. I personally don't like laptops, but my dh has two (both android). I have a Windows 10 computer I love and use a lot. However, for sitting in front of the tv, I love my iPad. My dh has a Samsung tablet, but I don't think you can beat an iPad for ease of use and just plain fun. I have never tried to print from my iPad, but I know it can be done. iPads are pricier, but they are the easiest to use. Issues I have noticed with android tablets is that (1) there are often compatibility issues with other devices, and (2) apps seem to be better for iPad. For one thing, quite a few apps are available for Apple IOS but not android. I noticed this especially for voice apps (because I had to research voice readers for my dyslexic daughter) and other apps for the disabled. Also, the voice translation qualifies of Apple are far superior to android (both text-to-speech and speech-to-text). Maybe that is why there are more and better voice apps for Apple products. This is probably not a big issue for many people, but if you are vision-impaired and want to utilize text-to-speech readers, Apple is definitely the way to go.
Be aware that if you want to use GPS on a tablet, the wi-fi only version (which is about $100 less expensive) will not be good for that. You need to get "cellular network capability" and hook the tablet up to your cell phone account. What this does is allow your tablet to access data from your cell network while on the road. With wi-fi only, your tablet will only connect to local wi-fi as you travel which means your GPS will not work well. Also, if you want to use your tablet in a restaurant while you are on the road, it is nice to have that cellular network capability so your tablet isn't a brick while you are sitting at the table (waiting to find out how to log in to the restaurant's wi-fi network). If you have an iPhone, though, you can hard-wire your iPhone to your iPad to allow your wi-fi only iPad to use your iPhone's cellular network.
Hope this wasn't too much information for you!
I have tried laptops, but I just hate the keyboards, balancing them on my lap, etc. If you are thinking about getting a laptop instead of a tablet, I would definitely advise going to Best Buy and having someone show you how a MacBook Air works. My daughter loves the MacBook Air; it is one of the best laptops for non-STEM college students. However, there is a huge learning curve when switching from Windows to a Mac laptop. EVERYTHING -- file system, access, settings -- is different than Windows. Once you learn it, you love it. However, it can be very frustrating to learn when you are already very used to Windows.
My recommendation is definitely for an iPad if you are looking for a tablet that is easy to use. I love mine and would never replace it with an android tablet. If you are looking for a laptop, the MacBook Air is great but can take time to learn. For me, the difference in tablets is huge; the difference in laptops, not so much.
Edit: OMG. Didn't mean to run on so long. Guess I need more coffee. I wanted to add that you should probably plan a few trips to Best Buy to learn more. They are great nowadays. The people are well-trained and they do *not* work on commission so will spend as much time as you need explaining things. Also, if you purchase there, they offer free group classes to help get you started on your new device.