Modern Vespa

I am leaving on Thursday for Toronto and then leave Toronto on September 7 for Rome!

I need to stay in touch with my office (daily) through email while I am away. Rather than lugging around my laptop, a friend suggested I get an ipad.

Before anyone suggests it, I don't want an iphone. I hate phones and don't want my assistant to be able to call me any time the mood strikes.

I need internet access
email
photo uploading and storage capability
I want to be able to read books on it.
Music would be great but not immediately necessary.
Maps would be terrific for our trip!
I also like some games like crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles ... that sort of thing. Not looking for the ninja warrior stuff.

So to all you tech savy folks who know about this device, what else could I use on my trip that you can get with the ipad?

Keep in mind that I live in the Caribbean and haven't actually seen one of these things. I am not at all tech savy and don't have a clue how these things work. I only just learned what bluetooth is ... though I don't really understand it.

BTW ... what is 3G and do I need it?

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It comes with 16, 32 or 64GB. I don't really understand what that means but I think it has something to do with disc space? If that is correct, will I need the 64GB for photos?

TJ i JUST bought the 3g -64gb one. You can for $15 a month in the USA get coverage for internet without WiFi. No contracts etc. Got it for my mainland trips when i won't be near any WiFi. You can skype on it (no visual with WiFi) from overseas also. International you'll have to be in a WiFi place but that's not hard. Most places have WiFi even in SA i could find some if i wanted. I don't have to lug books around anymore and can download and send my pics directly from the ipad. Only weighs 1 1/2lbs. I went for the 64/3gb. The 3gb costs a bit more but worth it for a just in case i ever want to use it. I'm like you no iphone because i don't want it. Have my computer, now ipad and my phone is internet capable when i need something. Get it you won't regret it. Edited for the right info.

Thanks a bunch Judy! Not to sound too dumb ... but is 3gb the same thing as 3G? I will be buying it in Canada and hope they have the same thing there where you can connect anywhere without WiFi. Hopefully, I will be able to use it at my property which does not yet have a cottage built on it!

You mentioned you can use skype on it. Do you need headphones and does Apple sell those or do I need to go to a different store? The headphones I have for my computer are clunky and would likely be pretty annoying to have to carry around. What do you use?

No, 3 gb is 3 gigabytes of storage and I expect she meant 32 gb. This is an indication of how much storage the iPad has. I always thought the easy way to explain a computer's storage is that the computer was like a desk. The RAM memory is the size of the work surface. It defines how many things things you can work on at a single time or how many applications you can use at a time. The Storage of a computer is link the file drawers in the desk. Like you have all the file folders in the desk, the hard drive of you computer hold all the files in you computer in "virtual" folders. The larger your hard drive, the more files/music/photos... you can put into the computer. 32 GB is fine for an iPad unless you like a lot of video. If you are doing music/photos/ and internet browsing... 32 is fine. If you plan on having a lot of video, you will need more.

3G is the marketing name of the cellular phone/radio technology used. You will need to determine if you will have cell phone service available where you are going or if there will be WiFi there. 3G is a cellular thing... like a cell phone. WiFi is another type of wireless and it only works for short distances... but it is faster than 3G (AKA cellular data service). If you plan on using cellular service there, you will need to make sure the service provider can offer data (not voice) services and what "technology" they are using there.

I suggest you find a true phone/computer geek that is not financially interested in your purchase and won't make money from your decision... meaning..don't trust a salesman... except maybe at the Apple Store. and then take a smart geek/nerd friend to the store with you.


Sorry, I didn't mean to bore you with the details. I just want you to be able to do what you want, when you want and not regret your purchase.

Like TECH said the 3G is the network capability other than WiFi. I wrote it wrong because i have 64gb and the 3G one. See what options you'll have in Canada because it might not be the same as the USA regarding the 3G network. You might have something better. Believe it or not no headphones Jobs is getting cheap. Any headphone will do. i have a pair of Bang-Olfasun i use on all my stuff. No front facing camera so skype will be done without visual. I got the max of everything which i might not of needed but i like to be able to have a lot of room for books,movies and all my pics when traveling. Hope this helps. Oh and i plan on using it around the house, especially downstairs. I run mac so it will all interface well.

I like the 3G - wifi iPad with 32 gigs of memory. The 3G service is inexpensive if you need it. Plus the 3G iPad has the gps chip built in which is a benefit if you are using maps. Check out the App section in the iTunes store to see all the uses for your iPad.

I love mine - same as Aloha Judy's - 64gb /3G

Your Questions:
3G is the wireless capability that allows you to have cellular internet access via AT&T (basically mobile broadband). This is VERY nice if you do not have access to WIFI, such as when traveling or someone like me that lives out in the sticks and do not have broadband available, but can get a cellular signal. AT&T has 2 plans - one for 15.00 a month with limited access and an unlimited monthly access plan for 30.00 a month. Plans are very nice for the occassional traveler who usually has WIFI at home of work, but when on vacation, etc. needs internet access - you just activate it when you need it and it is good for 30 days (you can't get less than 30 days). It will automatically renew at the end of 30 days if you do not log onto your profile settings on the iPad "desktop" and deactivate cellular service.

3gb means 3 gigabytes of memory - thus not relevant to the iPad, you must be confusing it with something else.

Internet and email are super easy on iPad. Internet is via Apple Safari browser. I do not believe there is a Firefox option. If you use a Mac at home, everything will be intuitive to you. If you are only use to PC's, you will still quickly get use to iPad, iTunes and App. store - all access via the ipad via WIFI or 3G.

If you are buying at an Apple Retail store directly (as opposed to Best Buy or another Apple re-seller) - HIGHLY recommended, plan on spending some time and they will go over the iPad with you in great detail showing you how to use it. It is best to go online prior and go to Apple.com and then the store you plan to visit and you will see a "concierge" service that will allow you to reserve a time to shop where you will be guaranteed to have a informed salesperson their to give you undivided attention and help you get set up and educated. They will setup your email too.
If you run into problems once you have your iPad - you can walk into any Apple store and they will help you sort it out - their telephone tech support has been great too. I moved to Macs a few years ago and have had zero problems (3 mac computers, iPod Touch, iPad ect.) But I did run into configuration problems early on and had to refer to tech support once or twice - almost a pleasant experience (when compared to Dell at least).

Photos - can sync from your computer and with an adapter from Apple store you can download directly from your camera and then when you sync to your computer you can move the pictures to your computer too if you
wish.
Music - If you have a cd music collection, you can load them onto your computer and then sync with the iPad and have the music on there too.
Your iPad will come pre-loaded with iTunes, App Store, iBooks, Videos, YouTube, Maps, Contacts, Calendar, Notes (among many other things).

iTunes is where you go to purchase music, movies (for purchase or rental), tv shows, audiobooks, ect.. You must set up an iTunes account.

App Store is where you go to purchase applications such as books, dictionaries, calculators, games, newspapers, translators, educational tools, business/productivity tools, ect. As the tv commercials say "there is an App for everything" and they are not kidding. there are millions but Apple has organized them well and allows a very good store search so you can find the type of program , App., that you want very quickly.

iBooks - this is the online Apple bookstore - from this program, you can purchase books and they are stored on a "bookshelf". This is pretty cool but only searches the Apple bookstore which is not yet as well stocked as the Amazon Kindle bookstore. Still you can download a Kindle App. and purchase and store Kindle books there. Someone here on MV showed how to download and store the Vespa manuals yesterday - I tried it, it worked perfectly and loaded them into my iBook "bookshelf".

Videos is where your movies, tv shows and podcasts will be automatically stored after you download them via iTunes.

Maps is also preloaded but if you want to use as a GPS you will need AT&T 3G if you want it to update while you drive, like a Garmin. Otherwise, you can load your route/map while at home or hotspot via WIFI.

Contacts and Calendar are exactly the same as those that come on a Mac computer and thus everything syncs automatically - not sure about a PC, but even as a stand-alone app just on the iPad, they are very useful and nicely done.
Notes - is basically a yellow legal notepad that you can write on - a keyboard automatically pops up for your typing with each page of notes you make being saved automatically. Again a very handy and polished simple program.
If If you are familiar with Apple's iWorks - word processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs, there is an iPad version that lets you work on your iPad and then move back and forth to you computer when you sync. - again, with PC- I'm not sure.

Earphones: not mandatory as there is a small speaker in the iPad but if you are on a plane and listening to a movie ect.. some earphones certainly come in handy. You can purchase all that at the Apple store too - but they do not have to be apple brand - choose whatever has the best sound and comfort to you - can be expensive Bose or the basic Apple ear buds - they all work (if you arre traveling with someone on a plane ect. you might want to get a seperat splitter/adapter, so you can each plug a pair of earphones in.

No matter how much memory (GB's) you choose - 16gb, 32gb or the 64gb, the 3G feature will cost you another 100.00. All iPads have WIFI, so you just have to decide if you need, even occassionally, access to cellular based internet are are willing to pay the 15.00 (or 30.00 for unlimited) that it will cost to get 30 days of AT&T mobile internet service. Apparently the WIFI plus 3G iPads are much more popular with the consumers. For memory, you have to decide how much you might store on youriPad.
As a reference, I currently have 650 songs, 32 videos(2 full length movies, the rest tv shows), 84 pictures, 60 applications and approx. 900 pages worth of books and have used/filled 15 GB of memory. But, I have an iPod Touch with 32gb and somehow I filled that right up. I would say the 16GB is too small simply because once you get into it, you can be really surprised how quickly it can fill up but 64gb is currently seeming like overkill. It really just depends on what you like - video and pictures is where most memory gets sucked up. The Apps., such as your puzzles, maps, ect. don't seem to take up much memory space.


Wow, now I have forgotten what your question was... anyway - no matter which one you choose, it is a great device - especially for traveling. Enjoy.
P.S. I do not even own Apple stock - I jus like them, also, I am not tech savvy at all - another reason I like them.

BEAGLE thanks for explaining it better than i did You know the second generation ipods had the download from camera feature and i don't know why they removed it. I still have my original adapter and it looks like it would fit. I'll see in the next few days when i try it out. I went with the extra just because i take a zillion photo's and want plenty of books and movies etc on it. Nice too have and if i don't use it all up at least i know i can.

Great breakdown of iPad features ScooterBeagle. We are find more and more uses for our. I found than the two digital download movies we have averaged about 2 gigs each. We like Netflix on the iPad. We also enjoying Words with friends.

My wife just went through this calculation. She got the 32 gig size, and originally got the 3g with the intent of not turning it on, just getting it for good luck. She turned it on at the last minute for unlimited data, but I really don't think that was necessary for her level of usage. Get the most you can afford, and the 3g if you think you will ever need it. You can turn it on and off from "the field" a month at a time without a long term contract, I think.

Just get the basic iPad with 3G..... You don't have to hook up the 3G but it's good to have just in case you change your mind.... Most of the apps , 99% you will never use or need..... The best features are , wifi with surfing ability..... Just my .02$.......

Well, apparently Aloha Judy and I are twins - I too have the Bang - Olafson earphones - purchased at the Apple store. I got the 64gb / 3G for the same reasons... I managed to fill up a Mac Air and iTouch so thought I may as well get largest storage capacity available.

Traffic - there is no such thing as "connecting without WIFI" In order to connect to the internet, email iTunes, updates, anything online or in the "virtual world" you need to connect somehow. With an iPad, you do so either with WIFI or 3G service - mobile / cellular connection. For an iPad to function as intended, you must be able to connect at least occasionally to the online world. You do not, however need to be connected all the time - example - once you completely download your book or movie or email, you can read / view them at anytime without needing a WIFI or AT&T connection, but if you need to check email or update your NewYork Times to today's paper, you must connect long enough for the download to take place. If you already have WIFI in your home, the iPad will pick it right up and refresh everything. You have a button on your iPad to turn WIFI on and of (same for the Wireless 3G connection).
Also - Battery life = Fantastic. Lasts hours and hours. You will also be well served to get a padded case, especially if traveling.

BEAGLE has weird/cool is that Don't you love the earphones? I went with the most because i too think once i really get into it i'll need it. Plus i can interact with my imac from downstairs which will be awesome. Nice hot day i'll be hanging out in my gravity chair soaking up the cool trade winds using my ipad. 8)

Yea Judy, I tend to try to look at the price, thinking the lesser one will be good enough and I often regret it later - hence I started with a Honda Met, then quickly wanted bigger and better - got an ET4 then just had to have the 250, which I should have just saved to have gotten from the beginning. I actually do like the earphone very much, but I was a bit put off by the cost. Mine have a hinged arm / loop, that goes over the top of your ear to hold the phones in place - main reason I decided on them is they were comfortable, light, sounded good and never fell out. I can run, bike, ski and gym in them and they stay put.
I envy your life - you gave me great travel advice 2 years ago when my, now, husband and I were going to Kauai and ever since it is the only place I want to be - would love to be soaking up those trade winds.

OK, now would someone provide Liane with the following info about a 3G Ipad:

1. The IPad will be purchased in Canada. Rogers Communication will be the 3G provider? Is it locked to that provider? How much is the contract with he Canadian Provider?

2. She will be using this IPad in Italy. Does Rogers offer service there, and is it at extra cost?

3. Then she goes home to Tortula. Will the 3G service provider locked to IPad in Canada be of value in Tortola?

4. In light of the above, would an IPad without 3G or a compact netbook be a better purchase?

Just some details.

Keep in mind that any and all "jailbreak" info would seem to be of little value, as she said she is not a technowhiz.

BTW, Liane, we found that WiFi service at the hotels we used in Italy cost 3 to 5 Euro per hour for WiFi access. A couple of places had no WiFi.

Jess may be able to tell you about the 3G connection issue. He brought an IPad with him on the Italy Rally.

iPads are not locked in Europe. Are they locked in North America? Get a 3G one as they also have GPS which the WiFi ones don't.

She would be purchasing it in Canada, Doug. I guess she could buy into a 3G service in Italy for the duration of her stay, if it's currently available. Would have to cut the SIM card down to micro size.

Or pay for a multi-country option from Rogers in Canada.

But then she goes home to Tortola - what service is available there?

In short, is the 3G worthwhile simply for 3 weeks in Italy?

Thanks so much for all the helpful info everyone!

But now I am thoroughly confused. Up until Al's post, it was all sounding pretty great!

I am not worried about using it in Tortola. I have my 30" iMac and my Macbook Pro laptop in Tortola. I have little need for anything else.

However, I recently bought property in Northern Ontario (Parry Sound) and I had hoped to use it there as well as in Italy ... or anywhere else I may travel. My property does not have WiFi in the area but it does have cellular coverage. And as soon as I put it in, it will also have electricity. Woohoo!

The plan is to build a log cottage in about 5 year's time. Next summer, I plan to have a very small, one bedroom log "bunkie" (or guest house) built so that I can use the property while I save to build the main cottage which will also be my summer home for 5 to 6 months a year once I retire. The rest of the time, I will live on Tortola.

Soooo ... if Jess could weigh in with his experiences in Italy with his Ipad, that would be greatly appreciated. If it doesn't work there or if it wasn't of much use, then I will probably wait to buy it and will probably buy a tiny laptop instead for the purpose of this trip.

I have to be able to connect with my office regularly. That is of paramount importance and downloading photos is very important to me as well. If nothing else, I really need those two abilities.

Jess? Anyone? Do you know if it works in Italy?

27 hours to wheels up (and counting) ... I am soooo excited!

3G will of course work in Italy. You will need to either enable roaming for data access from your local 3G provider or buy an Italian microSIM and data access. Most hotels have WiFi, although few offer it for free.

Ok, as a long term user of iPhone while traveling around Europe, I'll try to answer your questions in a not-too-techy way:

I need internet access
email
- This is not a problem with wi-fi internet in your hotel or free public wi-fi areas (like McDonald's ). When it comes to using 3G internet and you need to use it in Italy, you'll need a SIM card with some data allowance from an Italian provider. With a foreign SIM card, you'll pay LOTS of money for roaming charges, even if just checking your emails. We're talking about hundreds $s easily. I would exclude roaming as an option completely.

photo uploading and storage capability
- as far as I know, you can't upload photos from your camera into an iPad. You can download photos from the internet, you can upload them on the internet, but if you want to get them into the iPad from your camera, you need to do it through a computer (with iTunes installed).

I want to be able to read books on it.
- yes, excelent for reading books.

Music would be great but not immediately necessary.
- good for music.

Maps would be terrific for our trip!
- if you have your 3G sorted, than yes, it is terrific. But DON'T, I repeat DON'T load your maps with a foreign SIM card using roaming, they take a lot of data and you'll pay a lot of money.

I also like some games like crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles ... that sort of thing. Not looking for the ninja warrior stuff.
- yeah, iTunes Apps store is full of those.

If connecting to the internet and publishing the photos from your trip is your priority, I would consider a netbook - and saying that I like Apple gadgets - I just think that iPad might not be exactly the right gadget for what you need.

Whatever you choose, have fun!!! The best soultion I think would be to forget about the office and emails for few days!

Yes you can import photos directly from your camera - you have to buy the accessory Apple Camera Connection Kit for 30.00 and a USB cable for your camera if you don't already have one (almost all new cameras come with one, but if lost, they are usually easily/cheaply purchased at Best Buy type stores).

Since you are on Macs at home, you will find that the interface between all of your Macs and iPad ridiculously smooth. I have never had very good success when mixing PC's with Mac - such as when moving photos stored on a PC onto an iPod Touch. might want to consider how much intermingling you will do before choosing to go with a netbook etc. Being able to keep your emails, calendars, contacts, Pages, ect. looking just the same and being automatically updated on all devices is very nice.

iPad is not a full computer but it does a lot. If you have work files, like word processing documents that you want to take with you to read, edit, reference at a later time and away from your computer, just convert them to PDF format and sync your iPad to your Mac to load them. When I do it, my docs show up in my iBooks "bookshelf" (worked great for the pdf Vespa manuals too).

Given all the internet connection confusion for how you plan to use an iPad just call customer / tech service - 800-692-7753 (800-MY-APPLE) to find out how it would work and how much everything could potentially cost given all the different locations you foresee needing an internet connection.

Two quick cautions

The camera connection kit exists, but is scarce as hen's teeth. My wife has been waiting for months for one. The local Apple store will get two or three a week and they are gone immediately. On line availability is weeks and weeks of back order. they will be very useful whenever they appear.

If you arn't sure about the 3g in Europe or BVI you could run into some VERY expensive problems. If you don't really, really need it turn it off as completely as you can. I had a friend who carried a phone with him for a week in Europe and never used it for anything, not a single call, but just being on it was ringing up roaming charges to the tune of hundreds of dollars. There ought to be enough wifi around to do what you want to do.

Using an inexpensive netbook as a "throw away" computer is what several of my friends so. You have the full functionality of a Windows based computer in a very small package for well under $300 US, and if it gets broken - so what?

As far as the IPad as a GPS, that's great, but you won't want to mount it on the scooter, so it's a use at stops device. It's easier to buy a $60 Garmin plus their map of Italy.

Also, If you are going to do any work related tasks, a real keyboard is nice.

Yes, the IPad plays music, videos and games, but it's a LARGE MP3 player that can't be tucked in your pocket.

Lastly, there's the 3G costs. If you "roam" it could get expensive. If an Italian provider has a micro 3G SIM card, you can buy that and service. If there are no Italian micro SIM providers (as in Greece), you can cut down a regular 3G SIM.

It's your call.

True, true, but I hate Windows enough that I would break it on purpose just so that I COULD throw it away.

Camera connection - I know I saw them locally at Apple store and Best Buy about 3 weeks ago but I have never tried to buy one, so don't really know if they are hard to find in stock - I just keep a few mem. cards for the camera when I travel and load them off on Mac once home then sync to iPad if I want.

Agree, GPS wise I would rather use a Garmin for convenience. Still, the iPad works just fine too but if you are traveling in remote area without cell service you are out of luck - heck, Garmin satellite drops signal enough.

If you already have a Mac wireless / bluetooth keyboard, it works/pairs perfectly on iPad. Holding your iPad horizontally, like landscape mode gives you a pretty big onscreen keyboard though too.

On your iPad "settings" screen you can be quickly and completely be certain that both (or whichever one you want) your WIFI and 3G settings are completely turned off. You also see from your home-screen immediately if one or both are activated.

Beagle-

For a short period use machine, the 3G IPad (16GB) plus keyboard runs about $700 US, and you still do not have all the basic computer functionality of the least capable netbook with a USB 3G. Lots of entertainment and gee-whiz stuff, but if you are talking about basic business use, the netbook provides all the bang you need for quite a few less bucks.

I'm not a Windows fan. Just tolerate it. Spent 7 years managing tech support for a software house that was Windows only products.

Just depends on whether or not you want to use the IPad a lot when the trip is over. Still gonna need a full computer for a lot of tasks.

Just so as to not confuse "Traffic" any more, you don't need a keyboard - iPad has a fully functioning built in keyboard (only one I ever use) but as an optional item you can use a Apple wireless keyboard (If your Macs are newer, you probably already have, otherwise the wireless on costs about 69.00 US).

Windows PC vs. Mac = a debate that will never be agreed on. But you are right, it is not a full on computer. iPad will do iWorks Pages, Numbers and Keynote, (all Microsofts equivalent of MS Works) and can do pdf files, but not Quicken, Peachtree ect. As a work travel companion iPad is often all I need.

Yes, there is the touch screen keyboard, and my comment about the wireless one was only in response to your mentioning it.

Personally, I would say it all boils down to what someone wants to spend on a travel appliance for a three week trip and possible subsequent use.

TRAFFIC just get one. Even if you have to pay a few euros for the connection you will have everything on the ipad at arms reach always. Should it get stolen i think it would be under your home owner's/renters insurance. Mine is. BTW my original camera adapter fro years ago does fit and work Had to find it tho and that took a while What's weird is how many "apple techies" at any apple store or best buy don't even know that apple even had this feature before now. I still have my second generation ipod and have used it over the years on some on my vacations for the picture feature. BEAGLE you come over here and visit. We have plenty of scooters to ride. Oh and i have the EXACT same headphones. I need to get a different pair for when i wear my ruby helmet. It's got so much padding that i get a headache when i wear the clunky B&O ones. AL i think she'll use it much more than just her Italy vacation. She's going back and forth to Canada and she runs mac at home. I bet she'll use the ipad more than her home computer once she gets the hang of it. It interfaces so well with the home mac that it's a pleasure to have it outside or with you .

I found the iPad to be very, very useful in Italy. That said, I might have been using it a bit differently.

I had the 3G model (which isn't locked to any carrier, and I think that applies worldwide) but didn't use it at all. The AT&T international roaming rates were unaffordable (for me) and obtaining a 3G SIM card was fairly difficult. I investigated a bit, but eventually gave up. The biggest complication is that the iPad takes the new, smaller MicroSIM card, not a regular SIM card. You can cut down a regular SIM to MicroSIM proportions if you have a vague idea what you're doing, but again I decided I would just rely on WiFi where possible. The one major argument in favor of the 3G version of the iPad is that it has a built-in GPS receiver, which the WiFi model does not.

Unfortunately, lots of hotels didn't have WiFi, and a few had it at a very steep price. I was able to use it in a few hotels for free or for a small price, and did so whenever possible.

The things I used the iPad in Italy for were, in order: maps, photo storage, movies, email, and web browsing. I hope that makes things a bit clearer.

I'm very excited atm at my upcoming trip in Switzerland where I will be taking my BASI 1 and 2 ski instructors course. I'll be there for eleven weeks away from family and friends and of course.... my scoot!

I was in the same predicament recently as to whether to buy;

- an iPad for ultra portability, easy interface and relatively good price.
- a 13 inch laptop (e.g. a macbook)
- a netbook which would be the cheapest option but not such a great build quality option.

Last weekend I visited my local Apple Store in Birmingham UK and was literally one step away from handing my bank card to the guy at the apple store for a 32GB Wifi iPad.
But then
it hit me...

Get a macbook!

It's got the best operating system in the world, it's really portable at 13inches and can be my full time computer as well as superb for travelling.

I ended up telling him to get me a macbook instead and I'm loving it. Best decision I've made and I can do video calls with friends and family and backup my camcorder and cameras photo's whilst on my travels.

Perfect. Just thought I'd give you an alternative in a way to an iPad. especially since the 64gb wifi and 3g one is almost the same price as a Macbook....

Well ... I will be leaving the house at 4:30 in the morning to be at the airport by 5:20 for a 7:00 flight to Toronto.

I am really very torn about getting an ipad. However, Al seems to think this would be for a 3 week trip. In fact, it would get a lot of use at my property in northern Ontario and THAT would be its' main use. I am only thinking about buying it earlier than I had planned ... so I can use it on this trip. And, I am not worried about carrying it in my pocket since I carry a purse plenty large enough to tuck the ipad in.

Not to be too much of a naysayer ... but I truly dislike PCs. I have been a Mac user for over 20 years and have never had much use for anything else. I just happen to like the way Macs work and I am totally used to them at this point.

I have a Macbook Pro 17" laptop which I use as a back up for my 30" imac. But obviously, the laptop is waaay too big and heavy to lug around Europe. I don't need or really want yet another laptop nor do I need this thing to be a full service computer.

BTW, I have three wireless keyboards so I wouldn't need to buy one in order to use it with an ipad. I always buy extra stuff for my computers. Thank God I do because I got my imac in May and have already gone through two (yes two) magic mice. I don't know if I was actually unlucky enough to get two duds ... but I think Apple has a problem with this particular mouse. I am not at all impressed with their longevity or battery life. My batteries last about two weeks and Apple claims they last about 4 months. So far, I don't have too many complimentary things to say about the Magic Mouse ... other than I love it - when it's working!

I really appreciate all your comments ... especially yours Jess. It looks as though it may not be very uselful for anything much more than reading books and uploading my photos. Having said that, those are two pretty important things to me. But email is a "must have" as I HAVE to be in touch with my office every day or at the very least, every other day. If that is difficult to achieve using the ipad in Italy, then I may have to rethink this plan.

I'll let y'all know what I end up doing if I am able to get something to suit my needs in Toronto.

Got to go finish packing and then get some sleep!

Thanks all ... and if you don't hear from me between now and early October ... you'll know why!

Arrivederci!

The iPad is quite capable as an email terminal. The key issue in Italy is availability of WiFi, which is the same issue as you'll have with any laptop. No better, no worse.

Most importantly:

Kalo Taxidi! (Bon Voyage)

Al

OK ... thanks Jess, Al Judy and everyone! Off I go!

Have a great visit to Canada Liane, maybe we'll see you up here in Toronto.

Have a fun and safe trip

This comparison with Jess' review convinced me....ordered mine today!

Portability - Email - and Viewing Photos should be full red circles (same for the viewing videos in my opinion)

From my experience in the apple store and jess review I agree!

Anyone use Zagg protection. Happy?

I struggled with a similar dilemma for my travels, and I finally took the Hackintosh route. A refurbished Dell 10v, latest version of Snow Leopard (family pack and upgraded my other Macs), and extra 1.5 hours for set-up, all for less than $275. The only thing missing for me was iPhoto, but Picasa does a fine job of photo management. It has crashed a few times, but that goes with the terrority; for a compact traveling netbook it's not too bad.