I don't get the whole iPad 3 craze.

[riderinthestorm]

136. Thanks. We're in the market for a new computer

and trying all brands to try to figure it out.

My desktop handles all of our bookkeeping/word processing/marketing needs. My daughter does most of her homework there. The Sony Vaio laptop does the travelling and operates as a backup work system but it's "old" (6 years) and cumbersome. My husband was impressed with a clients' Ipad at the last competition and we decided to explore it but after decades as a horseman, his hands are very large, powerful, with impressively thick fingers. The dexterity for a small keyboard is difficult. The IPad was fantastic to travel - light and compact - but even after we got the Bluetooth keyboard, he still couldn't easily type. Honestly, he has trouble with even the Sony laptop keyboard and prefers the desktop, but reality dictates that he must have our work systems with him when he hits the road (we have archives of competition notes, jump courses, course designs etc plus our billing system for clients who hire him at the last moment and we need to bill on the spot).

I'm hunting for a Macbook to borrow next. I like the technology but now I know we absolutely need a full-size keyboard. We really do like the Sony Vaio but are trying to keep an open mind. The Apple products have a great reputation but I'm not about to sacrifice serviceability, even for a beautiful product like a tablet.