How well does the iPad work for word processing?

[mattygmk]

I'm in the market for a nice, light netbook, and I've been wondering if it might be worth spending the extra money on an iPad instead. What I'd be using it for mostly is writing, though. I use Google Docs anyway, so I don't need a full-featured word processor, and of course I'd get a plug-in physical keyboard.

So my question is, how well does Google Docs work on the iPad? Is it as quick and easy to use as on a PC?

 

[wytey]

I'm in the market for a nice, light netbook, and I've been wondering if it might be worth spending the extra money on an iPad instead. What I'd be using it for mostly is writing, though. I use Google Docs anyway, so I don't need a full-featured word processor, and of course I'd get a plug-in physical keyboard.

So my question is, how well does Google Docs work on the iPad? Is it as quick and easy to use as on a PC?

even with a keyboard attachment, you will be missing some keys etc, plus without a mouse, navigating will be slightly slower, but once you get fully used to it, you will be able to type etc pretty quick

I rarely do stuff on the MacBook or laptop nowadays.

 

[Hayles66]

even with a keyboard attachment, you will be missing some keys etc, plus without a mouse, navigating will be slightly slower, but once you get fully used to it, you will be able to type etc pretty quick

I rarely do stuff on the MacBook or laptop nowadays.

Same here, I'm a typist and I find the more you use the keyboard the faster you get but if you really miss your keyboard, I have an Apple Bluetooth keyboard which I use if I have a lot of typing to do.

from Somerset UK on my iPad using IPF app

 

[Tuschness]

Docs to go and pages are good options as well. Plus with an iPad you can do so much more

 

[Pingles]

I write quite a bit on the iPad, mostly on the go. So I use the onscreen keyboard and have gotten quite used to it.

I am using Pages so I do not know how well Google Docs works.

 

[treker]

Word Processing...Get a Netbook

I have both. If I had to write a term paper or long report with footnotes, etc...there is no choice. Netbook all the way. I don't believe an iPad does MORE than a netbook as some have written. It is fun. Lots of neat apps. But it is no word processor. And netbooks are going for $219 Acer One at Target. $199 Gateway at BestBuy. At these prices, why not buy both an iPad and Netbook!

 

[cypress]

u may find it beneficial to purchas the bluetooth keyboard if ur gona do alot of word processing. right now i have a netbook and i dont even use it anymore almost collecting dust. although i dont have an Ipad just yet i been using my friends alot lately and i know that when i get it, i will use it more than the netbook. put some money towards the keyboard and see where it takes you.

 

[DM51]

The iPad is unbeatable as an ultra-portable research/reference tool and as a display, but for volume inputting such as writing you would do better to use a laptop or equivalent.

 

[mobi1]

Get a netbook

A decent netbook will cost less than an iPad.

iPad is good for content consumption but not at content creation.

If your documents are usually less than 5-10 pages (and mostly text), you probably manage ok with iPad. Anything more than that, consider a device with proper keyboard.

Also note the point that none of iPad word processor (paid ones) are 100% compatible with Microsoft Office.

You will always find that you're tweaking formatting on desktop later.

 

[AlCho]

I agree, iPad is amazing but for document editing you might want to consider a laptop

 

[Tim SPRACKLEN]

An iPad Forum member undertook an assessment of iPad Office apps for his company and he posted his findings in this thread....


http://www.ipadforums.net/new-member-introductions-site-assistance/22431-hi-all.html

Tim

 

[mtsant21]

An iPad Forum member undertook an assessment of iPad Office apps for his company and he posted his findings in this thread....


http://www.ipadforums.net/new-member-introductions-site-assistance/22431-hi-all.html

Tim

Thumbs up!

 

[Wolfpuppies3]

Pages and Apple bluetooth keyboard work fine

BUT now you have something as large as a netbook. Why not get a netbook to begin with?

 

[Hayles66]

BUT now you have something as large as a netbook. Why not get a netbook to begin with?

Ahh! I'm sure OP won't be writing all the time, you are forgetting addiction!

from Somerset UK on my iPad using IPF app

 

[AlunReynolds]

If you want to produce simple documents, letters, even brochures, fine. Pages is pretty, if a bit unintuitive. Documents to go, Quickoffice and Office2 HD are all ok for opening and editing relatively simple documents. As a business tool where, inevitably you will be trying to work with Microsoft documents forget it. And for anything longer than this post a keyboard is a must. The apple Bluetooth keyboard is superb. No until google docs or Microsoft docs work on it this is not a great business tool.