Mark:
I have an ipad and have been disappointed with the word processing
capabilities. It is about the only thing I have been disappointed with
though. Without a USB port, no easy way to print without an extra step
(like something like drop box)
Honestly I think you would be better served with any form of netbook. It is
cheaper than an ipad, has a USB port to make moving things around easier,
can handle most printers and is lighter than most laptops. A netbook is
probably a couple of hundred bucks. What is a mac book going for these
days??? 12 to 13 hundred or so?? Big difference if all you need is word
processing.
I'll second Mark's suggestion.
Even second hand netbooks purchased from ebay would do the job extremely
well. Most have solid state drives and embedded operating systems which
means they're almost impossible to corrupt (i'd avoid anything carrying the
bloated windows7 OS). they're light with usually good battery life.
Writing doesn't require speedy processors after all..
I recall the prolific Piers Anthony saying his family had bought him a
laptop to help him write his novels and he'd tried ever so hard to use the
thing.. but he felt if you couldn't chase one of the children with it tucked
under the arm, it was never going to replace his pencil and paper notepad
;)
I know another writer who wrote on a little HP LX200. He favoured it as it
ran for 30-40 hours before he needed to switch the AA batteries ;) Mind
you, these things can now cost more than the origianl sales price. Files
are moved on and off via a CF or SD card. There's an infinite number of
devices out there with usable integrated keyboards, palm to notebook sized
which can cost very little and for single purpose would do the job extremely
well without having to resort to anything cutting edge.
Not to leave apple enthusiasts out, I bought an Emate for an apple using
friend from Ebay just for fun. He fell in love withe the retro device and
actually uses it to write his lectures
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMate_300 There's a couple on ebay now (but
don't buy the $8000 dollar one !)
hmm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_netbooks doesn't show many
of the early embedded system netbooks. Maybe I was thinking more of the
EeePC's here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_subnotebooks - the
list is far from extensive
