The touch pads are, today, a tool both leisure and work. That is why many users may come to think that with these computers it is possible to replace a traditional computer. But can they really replace a computer? The answer is yes and no. Everything will depend on the uses that each client gives to their equipment. But let's see in what environments we can cope with a tablet like the iPad 2 as a computer.
The iPad 2 - the most recent of the versions of the Apple tablet - - is a team with a multi-touch screen with a diagonal size that reaches 9.7 inches and has a powerful dual-core processor with a frequency of one GHz work. Also, it can be found in the market with different memory capacities: 16, 32 and 64 GB. But knowing the technical characteristics of a computer is not the answer to the main question.
The first thing to know is that since the last update to the iOS 5 icon system, the iPad 2 is self-sufficient. What does this mean? Well, once the equipment has been purchased in the store, the user can take it out of its box and start using it; nothing to do with what happened in previous versions, in which the activation of the device, connecting it to a computer via USB, was essential.
On the other hand, a computer like the iPad 2 will be completely valid to be able to watch movies, watch and take pictures, listen to music, and even be a tool for writing long texts. Although in the latter case, it will always be advisable to get an external keyboard that uses Bluetooth technology. And why Bluetooth? Here is one of the first drawbacks. IPad 2 does not have USB ports to connect external equipment such as a keyboard, mouse, or hard drive. Therefore, it will not be possible to use a wired accessory that is kept at home; you will have to pay extra money if you want to use the iPad 2 as an office tool.
But if you decide to pay this money, the customer should know that in the Apple application store there are different solutions - and very complete - to carry out long texts written entirely from the Apple tablet.
There is also the possibility of being able to answer e-mails or browse Internet pages. And here we find another setback. The iPad 2 can open Web pages. But beware, because if there is any Flash element in it, the Apple tablet is not compatible with this technology. Therefore, the user experience is not completely satisfactory.
On the other hand, there is the issue of storage: the iPad 2 lacks an expansion slot where you can place a memory card that helps increase the internal memory of the computer. Therefore, it will not be possible to store a large amount of information as it happens on a computer. Of course, you can always resort to having Internet-based storage. Apple, for example, offers five GigaBytes of free space in its iCloud servicewhere you can save documents, songs, videos, photos and downloaded applications; If you want more space, you should use an annual payment plan. In other words, paying a fee per year with which you would get extra space. This situation would not occur, for example, on a computer.
In addition, another of the situations to take into account is when you want to print any document from the iPad 2. Yes, the Apple tablet allows wireless printing with its AirPrint function. However, this function will only be valid with certain printers on the market that are compatible with wireless WiFi technology.
It is also possible to run video games. But it will have nothing to do with the titles that a gamer user can carry out on his desktop computer or a powerful laptop, where graphic power is essential.
Finally, if the user is a professional, a designer or an inveterate gamer, surely the tablet is more of a leisure center than of rough work. Therefore, always taking into account the limitations that we have counted and the use that will be made of the equipment —the iPad 2 in this case—, the tablet itself will be able to replace a computer.
