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iPad: The Best Toy I Never Knew I Always Wanted

by Erika Torres
15 comments

ipadI never wanted an iPad. I sort of put it in that extravagant untouchable category, like a Mercedes convertible, or Christian Louboutins–you know, nice to have, but way out of my budget.

But Eric and I came to the conclusion that I would need a new computer for when graduate school starts. We have a laptop, but it’s mostly Eric’s computer and he takes it with him on his 24-hour shifts.

We settled on an IMac for its ginormous screen–it’s like a little TV! Considering I would be using it mostly for my online classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings–when everyone is online at the same time–I figured a big screen would be useful.

But what about on the days when I had to go to class in person (the first and last Saturday of each six-week-long class)? I wanted to have the flexibility of a laptop.

So the iPad, with a bluetooth keyboard, was chosen as the winner.

The total cost for everything plus AppleCare, came out to about $3300.

Thanks to a 0%-interest computer loan program at my work (I’m telling you, I have the best benefits!), instead of paying for it up front, a certain amount will be taken out of my paycheck for the next two years.

So basically, when I finish graduate school in two years, I’ll have no added debt because my company pays for 75% of my school, and I’ll also have a completely paid for iMac and iPad.

And now that I have an iPad? I absolutely LOVE it! It is so nice to be able to browse Pinterest, or play games, or read blogs without having to have a bulky laptop.

I never really wanted an iPad, but now that I have it, I can’t live without it! In my eyes, it seems like such an extravagant thing to have since its really just for convenience’s sake. But trust me when I say it is so, so convenient.

I heart my iPad.

Do you have an iPad? Do you own something that makes you really happy but that others would consider an extravagance?

15 comments

Teacher Girl February 25, 2013 - 7:15 pm

I got an iPad through work and I pretty much feel the same way about it. Didn’t need it before I got it, but now I can’t imagine life without it. It is SO awesome!! I watch TV, play games, use social media, look things up, and use it for a bunch of other things at work like presentations on my projector.

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Elizabeth @ Broke Professionals February 17, 2013 - 4:52 pm

I don’t have an iPad (or any other type of tablet), but my husband does. To be honest, the type of work I do couldn’t be done effectively or efficiently on a tablet, which is why I don’t have one; it would be purely recreational for me!

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Sarah Park February 17, 2013 - 11:10 am

My iPad is very useful to me to keep working even while I’m out. I won’t have to worry about going home right away to do my thing online.

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Cassi February 16, 2013 - 1:51 pm

I have an iPhone, so to me, an iPad is just a bigger iPhone, so I have 0 desire to own one. That being said, I love my iPhone and rarely let it leave my side.

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Bijee @ MyInnerB February 15, 2013 - 11:13 pm

I love my iPad. It is beyond convenient. I use it to follow along and take notes in church, do research, blog, manage my finances, read all my magazines at the point of an icon and the list goes on…unnecessary extragence for sure, but I love it!

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Judah February 15, 2013 - 3:44 pm

I’m with Jen above. Don’t get me wrong, I have both an iPad and an ultrabook (Asus Zenbook), but if I were trying to save money, I would probably have just gone with a Macbook Air or even Macbook Pro instead of an iMac and an iPad. $3300 is a ton to be spending if you’re trying to be frugal. At least Apple products hold their value really well. Did you consider going refurbished?

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Sonya February 15, 2013 - 3:26 pm

I actually got one for work this year and even though I figured it was something I’d want, I didn’t completely realize it until it was in my hands. So for Christmas we bought a 3rd gen refurbished because we needed lots of memory. We are also headed for a macbook because my laptop is about to give out and we like what mac offers us. To be honest I’d actually take an ipad mini to use specifically for reading that I could carry in my purse all the time and I wouldn’t have to use my school one at home when my hubby was using ours. Would that be too much? 🙂

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Jen February 15, 2013 - 2:30 pm

Not to be a aprty pooper, I would have bought a Macbook Air rather than an iMac and the iPad. The Macbook Air is much cheaper than the iMac and can be hooked up to an external monitor as well. I don’t know what you kinda classes you are going to be taking though, if it is something to do with graphic design then the iMac makes sense.

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Stevie February 15, 2013 - 1:08 pm

My husband and I both have Android tablets (Samsung Galaxy) and they are the BEST. I mostly use mine for games and reading (I love reading on the tablet!), but I have a bluetooth keyboard to go with it which is great for when I need to do work on it. It’s definitely not a necessity, but you’re right – now that I have it I don’t think I could live without it!

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Lisa @ Lisa the Vegetarian February 15, 2013 - 1:02 pm

Wow, you really do have some awesome benefits at your job! That seems like an awesome deal and a great way to make the most of what they’re giving you. I never thought I needed/wanted an iPad either, and then by stroke of luck, I won a contest at work last year and that was the prize. Now, just like you, I can’t imagine ever not having it!

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SavvyFinancialLatina February 15, 2013 - 8:36 am

We have a mini-Ipad, but I don’t really use it since I have a Macbook Air ( Ilove my Air!!!). My husband uses the Ipad Mini. He hasn’t opened his laptop in ages.

It’s pretty crazy how many connected devices we have at home.
-iPad Mini
– Macbook Air
-Toshiba laptop
-Work HP Laptop
– iPhone
-Samsung Galaxy II
-Xbox

We can also hookup our tv to the internet but we haven’t done it, since we have an xbox now.

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Budget & the Beach February 15, 2013 - 7:49 am

Well as you know my producer just got me one (well, ahem, I probably paid for it myself since right when were in the store he tell me then to not charge overtime on a project I was working on) sigh…whatever. But I love it. Had that situation not happened I’d never get one. I have a mac laptop for work, which is a need (or else I couldn’t make a living), but the ipad is just the coolest toy ever!

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Sara February 15, 2013 - 7:30 am

I really really want an iPad, but I’m trying to make myself wait until after graduation. By then my laptop and my e-reader will be pretty old technology, and I’m hoping to buy an iPad for internet use and as an e-reader, and then save my current laptop for when I really need a full computer

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Http://digging-my-way-out.blogspot.com February 15, 2013 - 6:54 am

I have an iPhone and I could never give it up! Since the iPad is just a bigger screen iPhone I can’t justify the purchase but iPads sure are nice!!!

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Michelle February 15, 2013 - 6:54 am

I have an iPad but I’ve only used it twice. I got it as a present from my boss, so I guess I’m not losing any money at least!

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