Macbook screen dead, is it time for an iPad?

July 31, 2012 11:51 AM

I dropped my Macbook and now the screen is severely distorted. The computer itself still funs fine and can be used, if one works around the partially blacked out screen. Since it's a 2008 Macbook, it's a bit long in the tooth, so I'm thinking of just getting an iPad for every day usage and plugging the Macbook into an external monitor for the one or two desktop applications I need it for. But which iPad to get?

The laptop is used browsing the web, watching Netflix or other things online, listening to music, downloading art or photos from the web, light Photoshop usage (brightening pix or resizing) and running a budgeting application, YNAB.

My budgets is around $500. I ca get a refurbished iPad2 with 32 gig for that or the iPad 3 with better graphics and processor, but only 16 gig.

A) Is it worth to stick with the iPad2 at this point, for the larger hard drive space or is a 3 really going to be essential? I am aware of the supposed iPad mini and/or possible new iPad coming out in September, but can't wait 'till then, need a working computer or iPad ASAP.

B) Are there graphics apps similar to Photoshop that will enable me to load and manipulate and then save art to and from my Dropbox? Which app works best for doing that?

C) If I get the version with cellular service, do I have to sign up for that service immediately or for a contract? Or can I just buy service for a month at a time, when on vacation?

D) The YNAB iPad app vs the desktop version, what's the differences? Can the iPad version replace the desktop version for everyday usage?

posted by lynnshaze to computers & internet (5 answers total)

C) If I get the version with cellular service, do I have to sign up for that service immediately or for a contract? Or can I just buy service for a month at a time, when on vacation?

You don't have to sign up for cellular service at any time unless you want to. I have a Verizon iPad and have yet to sign up for any of the plans. The service is month-to-month and there are no contracts involved. So you're good to go for buying the service "one vacation at a time" so to speak. I assume there's a minimum block of service (30 days?) and you'll need to explicitly tell AT&T or Verizon when you want to stop (which I think can be done via switch flipping on the iPad itself) but no other typical contract obligations.

I can't offer much advice on your other specific questions or the larger question of which iPad to choose. One thing to consider - if you haven't already - is iCloud storage which may provide a bit of cushion if you decide to go with the 16 GB "new iPad".

I will say that I love my iPad 3 with retina display. I use it primarily for games, browsing, todo and watching videos & baseball. It's also quiet good for reading (Kindle, etc) even though it's not eInk.

Good luck and feel free to memail me if you have any questions.
posted by moxiequz at 12:09 PM on July 31, 2012

I have owned every iPad, and I literally cannot go back from the 3. I have an ipad2 around the house and reading text on that screen makes me want to vomit. The high resolution "retina" screens are the best thing to ever happen to screens
posted by Patbon at 12:24 PM on July 31, 2012

As a data point you can get the laptop screen repaired for about $400. I too would probably choose to sink that into a new product.

The budget you list is a bit off. You're at $629 if you go the cellular route and you're not counting in taxes and this for sure means you're not getting Applecare.

I plan to buy a iPad 3 with 16 gig without cellular. I will be going from a 32 gig model. To me the drive size is more-or-less irrelevant at this point. With iCloud I have no need to keep all my music and shows on the iPad, so I usually grab the shows as I go.
posted by cjorgensen at 12:47 PM on July 31, 2012

If you are comfortable taking things apart and have some tiny screwdrivers you can replace the screen. I got one on ebay. Make sure it's the right kind for your particular model of MacBook. I found these videos helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD_snbFa9Zg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD_snbFa9Zg
posted by thefool at 4:02 PM on July 31, 2012

Meant to include https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4LLOhLH20E
posted by thefool at 4:02 PM on July 31, 2012