# Can an iPad Replace a Laptop?

Can an iPad replace a laptop? What capabilities do other tablets have? Do any tablets have <span class="caps">USB</span> ports? How do I get connectivity and how much does that cost? Can I get connectivity abroad?

[Can an iPad Replace a Laptop? A Hands-on Review](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-magid/can-an-ipad-replace-a-lap_b_524318.html "Can an iPad Replace a Laptop? Hands-on Review")  
Probably not, but it may prove to be an alternative or niche device. You can print (using AirPrint with specific wireless printers), use a keyboard dock or bluetooth keyboard for input, use Wifi or a 3G cellular carrier (if you have a 3G capable iPad) for connectivity, but you are still tethered to iTunes for some functions. Nor does it play nicely with existing peripherals as it lacks a <span class="caps">USB</span> port; a deliberate sin of omission by Apple. It can be used with a HD TV or data projector with the right cables.

The $9.99 app Pages can serve as a word processor although interface differs from usual menu or ribbon driven layout. It can, purportedly, export and import word docs.

Review of various tablets and current capabilities. This changes daily.  
[http://www.tabletleader.com/tablet-comparison/](http://www.tabletleader.com/tablet-comparison/)

[http://www.pcworld.com/article/220763/xoom\_vs\_ipad\_the\_real\_tablet\_wars\_begin.html](http://www.pcworld.com/article/220763/xoom_vs_ipad_the_real_tablet_wars_begin.html)

Connectivity:   
Anywhere you can get Wifi, you can get connectivity. If you have a 3G capable iPad you can use some 3G carriers (including some abroad – though you have to swap out the micro sim). An example for the U.S. is Verizon’s plan below.

Starts at $20/1 GB a month for a month to month contract.

[http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&amp;action=viewPhoneDetail&amp;selectedPhoneId=5545](http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=5545)