ipad

How to Easily Use an iPad as a Laptop

Carrie Kirby — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 10:00:31 +0000

If you own an iPad, you probably didn't buy it as a productivity tool. Out of the box, tablets are best for viewing video, reading, and playing games. Most people would prefer a laptop for writing reports or creating spreadsheets.

The good news is, you don't necessarily need both a tablet and a laptop. You can easily make your iPad do double duty as a laptop substitute. In my case, I already had a laptop for work when we got an iPad for the family, but when the laptop started to get old and cranky, instead of replacing it, I figured out how to make my iPad do the chores I used to do with my laptop. After working out a few kinks, I found that I love using my iPad for work. In many ways, I like it even more than I liked working on the laptop. (See also: 11 Cool Uses for a Tablet Computer)

Keep in mind that using new equipment and software almost always involves a learning curve. The first few times I tried doing my regular job as a freelance reporter on my iPad, I felt frustrated because I didn't yet know how to cut and paste (having a keyboard makes this easier) and I wasn't used to quickly switching between email, documents and the Web browser. But I quickly got used to these things, and now I can work using the iPad almost as intuitively as I do with my desktop computer.

Tools and Accessories

To use your iPad like a laptop, you first need to buy a couple of tools.

1. Bluetooth Keyboard

After trying a couple less expensive models, I purchased a full-size Logitech bluetooth keyboard, which I found to have a good, steady bluetooth connection and long battery life. A friend loves her Apple Wireless Keyboard, which has the advantage of being interchangeable with other Apple products, so you could also use it for a Mac desktop, if you wanted to.

2. A Stand or Case That Props Your Tablet

I'm currently using a Speck HandyShell, which I received free for a review, and which I love. My Logitech keyboard also came with an iPad stand. (See also: Double-Duty Protection: Multipurpose iPad 2 Cases)

Apps and Software

Next, you need to install some productivity apps on your iPad. (See also: 5 Apps for Business Owners on the Go)

1. PlainText

Cost: Free

Type articles, papers, etc with PlainText, and email them to a computer where you can paste them into Word.

2. OnLive Desktop

Cost: Free or $4.99 for Plus

Turn your iPad into a pseudo Windows desktop with OnLive Desktop, complete with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 2GB of file storage. I haven't tried this yet, but it looks intriguing.

3. Super Note

Cost: $2.99

Super Note is super handy for recording meetings or interviews and taking notes on them at the same time.

4. A Blogging App

Cost: Free

I use the Wordpress app to upload blog posts and photos directly from my iPad. Blogsy also comes highly recommended for working with several different blog platforms.

5. A Printing App

Cost: Free or $8.99 for PrintCentral

If you have an AirPrint-enabled printer, Apple's troubleshooting guide can help you connect your iPad to it. If you don't, you'll need an app like PrintCentral or, if you have a Mac computer, HandyPrint (free). I haven't tried any of these personally because I just email anything I need to print to my desktop PC.

Tablet Advantages

Once I got used to working using my iPad — for me, mostly word processing — I realized that my tablet actually has advantages as a productivity tool over a laptop in the same price range.

Weight

I barely know the iPad is in my purse or bag because it's so light. (See also: 6 Ways to Get More Done on Airplanes)

Speed

The response time of most apps on iPad is shorter than it is on low-end Windows laptops. There is pretty much no lag when switching between applications.

Photography

If you blog or need to take photos as part of your work for any reason, it's just that much easier to take the pictures with the device you're working on.

Tablet Disadvantages

There are of course disadvantages to using an iPad instead of a conventional laptop, too.

Apps Aren't Full-Sized

The apps you're using might not be exactly the same as those of the people you're working with, so sometimes you might need to email yourself a document to open on a desktop computer and convert to a different format.

Some Webpages and Forms Aren't Mobile Ready

Some Web forms might not appear the same or work on the iPad's Safari browser as they would on a computer-based browser. I have trouble filling out some Web forms I need for work.

Tablets Attract Thieves

A tablet may be more likely to be stolen than a laptop. On the other hand, the iPad is so light and portable, it's easy to bring it with me to the bathroom or the coffee counter if I'm working in a public place.

A Tablet and Keyboard Is Not Convenient

An iPad/keyboard combination doesn't easily sit on your lap like a laptop does. The only time I've felt my iPad was inconvenient compared to a conventional laptop is when I was taking notes in places where I couldn't access a table to set it on. It can be difficult to balance both a keyboard and an iPad on a stand on one's lap comfortably, and if I set the iPad on a nearby chair or the floor, it causes a lot of uncomfortable neck craning. If this was something I needed to do every day, I might look for a good keyboard that attaches to the iPad to create more of a normal laptop feel.

If you worry about the workability of using your iPad as a laptop, though, you might be best off with an inexpensive netbook, such as the Samsung Chromebook.

Do you use your iPad as a laptop replacement? If so, what works well for you, and what doesn't?

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This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Best and Worst Things to Buy in September 2012

Dealnews — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 10:24:41 +0000

September marks the end of summer, as well as our countdown to November, Black Friday, and the holiday season. (Yes, we're already thinking about it.) But September has its own deal virtues — including Labor Day sales — so we've mined the extensive dealnews archives of sales, coupons, and individual products from the past few summers to find out what are the best and worst things to buy in September. Here's what we found. (See also: Shopping Calendar: The Best Time to Buy Anything)

Cozy Up to Bedding Deals

For the past two years, home good deals have been rather strong in September, specifically for bedding, towels, and the like. We saw a large number of Editors' Choice options for bedding sets this time last year in particular. Keep an eye out for a variety of discounted home items from the likes of JCPenney, Macy's, Sears, Designer Living, and Kohl's. Notably, be on the look out for stacking coupons at Kohl's, and a mattress sale at Sears that beats its summer-month offerings. (Keep in mind however, that last year we saw excellent discounts on mattresses around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, too. So, in case you miss these sales, you'll have another opportunity to cash in on strong deals later in the year.)

Tangled Up in Blue Jeans

We've made it through the height of Back to School shopping season, which means you can start taking advantage of clearance sales for the student staple of denim. However, while we'll see modest discounts this month at about 40% off, these sales will continue into October, and will likely grow stronger. Also in November, many jeans specialists like Levi's could offer their best coupons of the year around Black Friday. Now is a good time to start looking at discounted jeans styles for a wider selection, but if you're not particular, next month will see steeper cuts.

SSD Storage Deals Are Solid

We've mentioned before that Solid State Drives (SSDs) are on a constant downward price trajectory, but this trend really ramped up this summer. The number of Editors' Choice deals nearly doubled each month since the spring, and we continue to see new all-time low prices for both specific models and overall drive capacities. newegg is overwhelmingly the store to go to for such deals, but Micro Center, Amazon, TigerDirect, and Buy.com have all also had strong offerings.

Get Your Caffeine Fix for Free

Are you a devout coffee drinker? Then make sure to mark September 29 in your calendar, as several food chains will offer a free cup o' Joe in honor of National Coffee Day. Last year, Krispy Kreme, Waffle House, 7-11, and Caribou Coffee all offered a special promotion to celebrate, and it's possible that other chains and local cafes will do the same.

New Price Points for the iPhone

Supposedly, the newest Apple iPhone will be announced on September 12, making it very likely that the company will slice prices on its older models. If the newest iPhone pricing mimics that of its siblings-made-obsolete, then the iPhone 4S could drop to $99. And the iPhone 4 will possibly stick around as an even more affordable model — a need that the iPhone 3GS will likely leave open as it is expected to be discontinued.

A Slew of iPhone Accessories, New and Old

Supposedly the iPhone 5 will feature a completely new dock connector, which means all existing iPhone accessories will become outdated overnight. Old accessories will then see aggressive deals as stores try to clear their shelves for brand new, full-price replacements. If you're upgrading to the iPhone 5, consider at least waiting a few months to add to your collection of dock accessories so that you can avoid paying retail price.

Rock-Bottom Airfare Rates

The cheapest airfare deals we saw throughout all of last year came in late September, when both Vision Airlines and Spirit Airlines offered 1-way fares for a whopping $1. Not a fan of those budget airlines? JetBlue also offered one of its best sales in September, dropping rates to just $29 each way. (However, we have seen JetBlue fares at this price at various other times in the year.) Of course, in order to take advantage of these rock-bottom prices, you have to be a lucky or flexible flyer to make use of the restricted routes and times.

Keep an Eye Out for Hot Sunglasses Sales

If you managed to make it through the summer without buying a new pair of sunglasses, you're about to be rewarded; according to our deals last year, the best storewide sunglasses sales popped up in September, as well as in November and December. For September in particular, look to Oakley Vault, Sunglass Hut, REI, 6pm, and Endless.com for discounted styles. Last September, Oakley Vault's sunglasses sale was the best the merchant offered all year.

Patio Furniture Deals Are Sitting Pretty

Finally, it's a great month to buy patio furniture! September will see an increase in the sheer number of outdoor furniture sales and deals that discount the seasonal outdoor items. October will see an uptick in the level of Editors' Choice caliber prices. But since several patio sets and gardening items from Sears, Amazon, and other merchants hit their lowest prices in October — and will be priced significantly lower than we had seen them over the summer —what's another few weeks of waiting?

Wait and See With Tablets

We're on a path toward seeing a very interesting, competitive budget-friendly tablet market in the coming weeks and months. It would benefit the consumer to hold off on purchases at the moment; increased competition could likely yield deals that either cut prices or bundle devices with useful media credits or gift cards. Amazon is rumored to be debuting the Kindle Fire 2 in a few days, resulting in a new lower price on the original Kindle, and come mid-month Apple may announce an "iPad mini".

Big Screen 3D HDTVs Show Some Promise

Fall will soon be upon us and if you can refrain from any HDTV purchases over the next two months, you're bound to see the year's best HDTV deals come November. However, if you're in dire need of a new HDTV, you'll want to look at name-brand 55" 3D LCD HDTVs, as those are seeing the most action these days in terms of deals.

Over the summer, 55" 3D HDTVs dipped under the $1,000 mark, a price we had't seen since Black Friday 2011. Then, in early August, prices hit an all-time low, as we saw the 2012 LG 55LM7600 hit $949. While we still recommend waiting for the holidays, shoppers who can't wait until Black Friday should look at 55" 3D LCD HDTVs under $1,000.

Ivy Bridge Laptops on the Move Again

Although back to school sales have generally come to an end, Ivy Bridge-based laptops are in a price free-fall. Whereas 15" Ivy Bridge systems debuted at $1,000 in April, they closed out August at $480 — a price drop of over 50%. We expect to see even more aggressive deals as Microsoft preps systems for its Windows 8 launch in late October; shoppers would be wise to wait a few more weeks to see the best laptop deals.

Again, if you can't wait, looks for 15" Ivy Bridge systems between $480 and $550. Anything under $480 and you'll know you're buying a machine at an all-time low.

Meanwhile, Mac fans who live near a Fry's Electronics store are in luck as the electronics retailer has been offering Apple's 13" MacBook Air (Ivy Bridge model) for $999 with in-store pickup. That's $200 under Apple's retail price and the lowest price we've seen this summer for the 13" model. Don't live near a Fry's? Best Buy, Amazon, and B&H Photo Video have each listed the 13" Air at $1,099 (which is $100 under Apple's price).

This is a guest post by Dealnews.

What end-of-summer deals will you snag this month? Read through for the best and worst things to buy in September.

This article is from Dealnews of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

11 Cool Uses for a Tablet Computer

Carlos Portocarrero — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:48:13 +0000

Tablets have taken the world by storm, and it seems like everybody wants one. And why wouldn’t they? They’re sleek, they're cool, and you can take them anywhere. It’s a great way to carry around your music, pictures, and videos.

But other than that, how else are you going to use a tablet? Are you really going to drop $200–$500 for just another screen to stare at between commercial breaks? If you’re dead set on buying a tablet (or just trying to convince yourself it’ll be worth it), here are 15 cool ways to use it. (See also: Frugal Advice for the Gadget Addicted)

1. Second Monitor

Instead of spending an another $130 to get a second monitor, hook up your tablet. Adding another display is a great way to become more productive at home or at work — plus using a tablet as a monitor is easy.

2. Remote Control

It depends on the way you’re set up at home, but it's likely you can find an app that will let you control your TV and your sound system from your tablet. It’s already going to be on your lap, so why not take advantage?

3. Play Old School Games

From old-school Nintendo games to Playstation and Nintendo 64 titles, emulators exist for just about any system you can think of. You’re supposed to own the games you download, so make sure you look into that first. Contra here we come!

4. TV in the Car for Kids

Kids get restless in the car, even if it’s just a 30 minute ride. Instead of buying a portable DVD player, just fasten the tablet to the back of a headrest and boom — they get some entertainment, and you get some peace and quiet.

5. Cash Register

If you own a portable business or are just trying to sell the junk in your garage, taking credit cards will make it easier to sell out. You can take credit-card payments from your phone too if you want, but why not go for the big screen? Happy selling!

6. Order at Restaurants

It’s only a matter of time before restaurants use tablets to take your order. That means they don’t have to run around as much, and your food comes out faster. If you run a food establishment, take note!

7. Make Music

GarageBand is one way to make music on your tablet, but it isn’t the only one — Audiotool Sketch for Android is also out there.

8. Recipe Stand

My wife and I bought one of those cheap plastic cookbook stands, and we never use it. Why? Most of our recipes come from AllRecipes or an email someone sent us. So why not use the tablet as a recipe stand? It’s portable, and we can take right into the kitchen. You can get a fancy stand or just slip it into a Ziploc bag.

9. Picture Frame

Load it up with pictures, set it down in the living room, and let it work its magic — just make sure you aren’t sharing any “personal” pics.

10. Place to Keep All Your Manuals

Manuals suck. I have them for everything I’ve ever bought, and it’s a hassle. Most are available online, but bringing them up on the computer and then going back and forth to the thermostat or whatever it is I’m fixing is a hassle. Instead, put them in a folder on a tablet and boom — you’re done.

11. Textbook

Apple just changed the game with iBooks Textbooks, and I’m thinking this is just the start. Forget about lugging around all those heavy books that don’t play videos or music — textbooks on your tablet are the future.

Tablets aren't cheap, but if you want a deal you can always find one. Keep an eye on the Cheapskate blog and sites like Techbargains for good deals.

Do you have any other interesting ways to use a tablet?

This article is from Carlos Portocarrero of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Double-Duty Protection: Multipurpose iPad 2 Cases

Mikey Rox — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 09:48:43 +0000

Gadgets and their accessories are expensive — that's why it’s in your best interest to take care of them as best you can.

In the world of iPad 2, there are lots of cases to choose from, but many of them don’t do anything more than keep the device safe from falls.

To get the most out of your iPad 2 case and the fee you forked over for it, consider a product that serves more than one purpose. Here are four from which to choose. (See also: Frugal Advice for the Gadget Addicted)

Griffin TechSafe Locking Case + Cable Lock

I fell in love with this case as soon as I saw it — especially since I like to travel with my iPad 2 (to the library, Starbucks, etc.) and I encounter a dilemma when I have to use the bathroom. Do I leave my device on the table and hope I’m surrounded by honest people, or do I pack up all my belongings and drag them to the john? With the Griffin TechSafe Locking Case + Cable Lock, which also includes a stand, that choice is easier. Like locking a bike to a rack, the combo lock component clamps the case shut on one end while the hardened-steel cable wraps around a secure table leg. Now I can relieve myself with the security of knowing that my iPad2 isn’t going anywhere.

booq pad Agenda

Similar to a portfolio, the Agenda iPad 2 case from booq pad features a fabric-covered exterior (made with more than 90% recycled PET fabrics and post-consumer materials) and an inside that safely stores the iPad and includes other compartments for a pen and doc storage. Also included is a 50-sheet notepad made from unbleached, acid-free, 30% minimum recycled post-consumer content. It goes without saying that this case is one of the greenest and most useful on the market.

Vogel’s RingO Universal Mounting System

Talk about getting what you paid for! This all-in-one pack for iPad 2 includes a holder, wall mount, car mount, and table stand for interchangeable versatility wherever you need it. Going on a road trip? Pop the case into the car mount to keep the kids occupied. Want to show off photos from the family reunion at holiday time? Use the stand to display the slideshow. And if you want to use your iPad 2 in the kitchen — for following a recipe, for instance — the wall mount is the perfect solution to keep the device visible but clean. The RingO UMS also comes with a free iPad app download for “WallTimes” just in case you want to turn your device into a large digital clock.

Hatch & Co’s Skinny

Anybody with an iPad 2 knows that it’s great for games and surfing the Internet, but it can be cumbersome to take notes or write anything of length on it; all the finger action can start to hurt. Hatch & Co. has solved the problem with its Skinny keyboard case, which touts itself as the world’s slimmest iPad 2 case with a built-in keyboard. Available in black and white, Skinny features a special surface with textured keys to enhance the typing experience and a battery that lasts up to two weeks (six weeks on standby). As if that’s not enough, your iPad 2 will automatically wake up when you open the case and sleep when you close it, further preserving its power supply.

Disclosure: I received free iPad cases for review.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What's Your Favorite App Idea?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 17 May 2011 10:36:20 +0000

Editor's Note: Due to Facebook changing their promotions guideline rules, we had to select two winners from the comments and one from Twitter. Congratulations to Chris, NJJ, and 1bets1 for winning this week's contest!

For iPhone's alone, there are over 350,000 apps available for download. These days it really does seem like there is an app for everything! But have you ever come up with an idea for an app that wasn't already available for download?

Do you have a good idea for a mobile app? Have you ever wanted to do something with your phone or iPad but you couldn't find an app for it? Do you have an app on your phone to help you with your finances but wish that it had more features? If so, what other features would you like to see?

Feel free to share any app ideas you have. But of course, this being Wise Bread, we'd especially love to hear about apps that will help people save time and money!

Tell us about your favorite mobile app idea we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — one for random comments, one for random Facebook "Likes", and another one for random tweets.

Enter 1 of 3 Ways:

Post your answer in the comments below, or
Go to our Facebook page, "Like" us, then "Like" the update mentioning this giveaway (you can comment, as well — but you don't have to for entry), or
Tweet your answer. You have to be a follower of our @wisebread account. Include both "@wisebread" and "#WBAsk" in your tweet so we'll see it and count it.

If you're inspired to write a whole blog post OR you have a photo on flickr to share, please link to it in the comments or tweet it.

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, May 22nd at 11:59 pm Pacific. Winners will be announced after May 22nd on the original post and via Twitter. Winners will also be contacted via email, Facebook, and Twitter Direct Message.
You can enter all three drawings — once by leaving a comment, once by liking our Facebook update, and once by tweeting.
You must be 18 and US resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us about your favorite mobile app idea we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Apperang: Get Paid for Trying iPhone Apps

Xin Lu — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:11 +0000

Apperang is a service that pays iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users to try out applications from the iTunes store. I first signed up for Apperang a few months ago through an online ad, and it really sounded too good to be true. My first experience was quite disappointing because I logged in, there was nothing I could download, and therefore I couldn't get paid. So I logged out and forgot about it.

About a month later I received an email from Apperang telling me that the game Angry Birds was available and downloaders would be paid $0.25. This prompted me to log back into Apperang because Angry Birds was the most popular game in the iTunes store. Apperang then had a dozen apps that I could try, and I downloaded all the free apps I was interested in. There are also paid apps you can try, but you have to buy the app first, and then Apperang reimburses you for the cost of the app plus $0.25. (Basically, you get $0.25 for every app you try.)

This is how Apperang works:

Log into Apperang on the computer where you have your iTunes library.
Choose the app you want to download and install it from iTunes.
Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer.
Click "verify" on Apperang. Once you verify the download, your account is credited.
You can cash out to your PayPal account once you reach a balance of $1.00.

You can make this process faster if you download all the apps you want and then sync them all at once. Clicking verify on Apperang will verify all the apps you have installed and credit you for the entire amount. You have 48 hours to verify that the apps are on your device.

Why would these app developers pay you to use their apps? One big reason is that their apps rank higher in the iTunes store as more people download them. Higher visibility means that more people will organically download or buy their apps. Also, many free apps are supported by advertisements, so a bigger userbase means more income. Acquiring a long-term user for only 25 cents is a good proposition for them. Another reason is that some of these apps are meant to be trial apps and the developers hope that you will like their app enough to buy the full version. I have actually enjoyed many of the apps I tried and kept a good amount of them on the phone. I simply deleted the apps I did not like after I got paid, and there is no penalty for doing so.

Obviously, you will not earn a lot of money from Apperang, but after a month I did earn enough to buy some songs and paid apps for my iPhone. If you are constantly trying apps, then Apperang is a good way to get paid a few bucks for doing something you do anyway.

Disclosure: This post contains my referral links to Apperang. You can also refer your own friends and earn 5% of their earnings for the first two years.

This article is from Xin Lu of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Never Pay for Another Book

Brooke Kaelin — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:00:09 +0000

If you have a computer, iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, or Android device, you can download more books than you will ever be able to read for free. Here's how:

Book publishers are finally beginning to move with the times and offer larger and larger selections of current and classic books in digital formats. Retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes list those offerings and make many of them free for a limited time.

Amazon's Free Book List

You can find recently-written digital versions of books for free in the business, finance, self help, romance, science fiction, fantasy, classic, and children's categories. These books are usually only free for a day or two before Amazon rotates them out and features something else. You can keep an eye on the top 100 free list (on the right side of the linked page) to see what's current, or you can subscribe to our daily deals list and get the current offerings delivered to your email each day.

To read the books for free, you will need to download Amazon's free Kindle Whispernet software for your chosen device. You can find the software next to the "Add to cart" button for any book you want to download.

Free Books from Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble released the "Nook" to compete with Amazon's Kindle. And, just like Amazon, they offer their software for free, so you don't need the device to take advantage of the free books. Scroll down on their Nook page a bit, and find the link on the right to download the free Nook app for the iPhone, iPad, Android, or PC. Then check out their huge selection of free books.

Free Books from iTunes

The iTunes App Store has thousands of classic and current books available for free. Just browse through the books section and download anything you like to your iPhone or iPad. Do double check the price before you download though; every now and then they sneak in a paid book app.

That's it! Easy-peasy, and you have access to enough free books to spend several years doing nothing but reading. Enjoy!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

This article is from Brooke Kaelin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Think the iPad Will Save You Money on Magazines? Think Again!

Linsey Knerl — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:00:05 +0000

Magazines, to many, are a luxury. For those who can’t seem to live without their favorite subscriptions, we’ve shared some tried-and-true tips for saving money on magazines. Among the many ways to keep costs down are digital subscriptions. They can be purchased for far less than traditional print and ink copies, and they can get you instant access without visiting a newsstand or waiting for your postman.

With the introduction of the iPad, many were hoping that the same companies that offered digital subscriptions and online single copies at a drastic discount would be doing the same for iPad viewing. (iPhones, after all are constantly being touted as a solution for shopping and saving money.) Unfortunately, this is just not the case.

A recent article in Ad Age magazine explains the reasoning behind the iPad’s magazine pricing scheme, which will not only NOT be offering a discount on print prices, it will — in most cases — be charging more.

There are some valid reasons for the shift (which has those of us spoiled by eReaders and discounted digital subscriptions in a bit of sticker shock.)

By charging 2-3 times more per digital issue on the iPad than your typical discounted print price on Amazon, for example, they can afford to compete in a small emerging market. (Keep in mind that compared to millions of traditional magazine subscribers, projected iPad owners for the year 2010 still remains well under 10 million in number — and not all will subscribe to every magazine.)

A higher price point leaves publishers free to lower costs later, which is impossible (if not just stupid) to do in reverse.

More dynamic content may be available via the iPad — something many enthusiasts may be willing to pay for. Interactive and bonus features have worked well for DVD’s (Blu-Ray is by default more expensive), so why not magazine content?

For the truly frugal, an iPad isn’t something many of us are even dealing with yet. And when the time comes that it is an affordable household staple on par with the iPhone, we may see prices for magazine offerings come way down. But if they don’t, I suppose it’s just another market setting a profitable margin from the outset. Only time will tell how many iPad users will pay the price.

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best of Personal Finance Roundup: What the iPad Is and Is Not

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:00:08 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best of Personal Finance roundup. Today, we go over what you can expect with a new Apple iPad, how to use up the leftover juice from your canned fruit, and twelve ways to get more reading done!