Can the I-pad 4 replace your home computer?

Can the I-pad 4 replace your home computer?

The i-pad 4 was included in my new cell phone plan, so I decided to give it a try. It can do just about everything a computer can do these days, if you know where to find the apps, but I would hardly say it it replaces your trusty computer--although it might. It really depends on how you use your computer. As you may have observed from last seasons "ER," you would see that doctors are even using it for work. But they are going to shell out a pretty penny to do so. Fancy work programs are going to cost you.





Specs:

• 16 to 128 GB storage space--depending on your selection
• Wi-fi and Cellular capacity
• Bluetooth ability
• 1.46 lbs
• 9.5 x 7.31 inches--about the size of a standard sheet of paper
• U.S. carriers--Sprint, AT&T, Verizon
• 2048-by-1536 resolution at 264 pixels per inch (ppi)
• Retina display
• Dual-core a6x with quad-core graphics
• Photo and video features
• 5 mega pixel photos
• external buttons
• 10-hour battery life respectively
• Built in microphone
• Many built-in apps (clock, face time, calendar, app store, contacts, mail, photo booth, notes, music, etc.)

Here are my two bits in lay-man's terms:

The Good:

• Portable
• Light
• Many tabs can be opened at once
• You can use different search engines for the convenience of users
• Looooooong battery life--that means hours of web browsing
• Holds a few office programs--although you have to pay with them
• Photos are pretty good quality
• Apps almost seem endless--from video games to office programs. They even have medical programs for professional therapists and doctors.
• You can quickly read and edit documents on pdf if you have the app and fax/email that baby straight from the app. 
• Awesome apps for children and people with special needs--from learning games to autism tools.
• Great for downloading books and journal articles

The Bad:

• The key pad is not conducive to long projects, so you'll need an external keyboard if you want to type memos and documents quickly.
• Small display--Designers, it does not replace your large screen for close up details.
• Low memory in comparison to super-power computers
• The internet is slow at times or loses connection randomly
• They say it is finger print resistant, but my i-pad is riddled with every touch.

Verdict:

While I prefer to check e-mails, keep up with my Facebook habit, read pdf articles, and type quick memos on this gadget, it has ways to go before I can use it for design projects or writing. Students/professor, gamers, and designers: keep your computer. People who just surf the web, this is your new best friend.