Candice
Central Ohio USA
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Joined: 05/24/2004
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I have an iPad 2 with 3G. I recently retired from my job where I occasionally used my computer to backup and update my iPad. I do not have a computer at home, nor do I have any Internet. Is there any reason that I need a computer at home since I do not have any access to one any more? For me, I am happy with my iPad.
I do not have a printer at home either, but I haven't been able to find out if there is a way I can print directly from my iPad, and what kind of printer I need to get if I do not have a computer or Internet at home.
Does anyone else have only an iPad without a computer? Have you had any reason to need a computer also? How do you print, and what kind of printer do you have?
Thanks for any advice!
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elvisdonnelly
Lloyd, Florida
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Joined: 11/18/2011
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I dont think you need a computer at home if you have 3G on your iPad. although I'm not an expert, dont own one myself.
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kjburns
Prescott, AZ
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Joined: 07/13/2008
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This may have changed with the updates, but you did need a computer to connect to the iPad 2 to do the initial setup. The recent OS upgrades may have eliminated that requirement. Since you're already past the setup, you don't need a computer.
2011 Winnebago Tour 42QD
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MudChucker
Niverville Manitoba
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Joined: 03/07/2008
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I don't have a pc for my iPad...
I don't have any files on here, I only use it to surf and do email etc...
Cheers
2005 PILGRIM 274RL 5SS
2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD SLT 6.0
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DrBaker
Oklahoma
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I have both, but I have never connected the 2 for backups or anything else.
2011 Chevy 2500HD CC/SB 4x4 Victory Red
2003 Crossroads Cruiser CF27RL
Champion Screamer, Reese 16k, and a Blue Status Symbol
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paulcardoza
Southeastern Massachusetts
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The correct answer depends on how you plan to use the iPAD. If you are a power PC user, creating and working with lots of "office type" documents, using the iPAD alone will be a difficult experience. Yes, there are apps that will allow you to do most of it and printing setups for "compatible" printers.
If you are a light user, with mostly internet based tasks, there is no need for a computer. I would suggest subscribing to iCloud however, as a means to keep your info backed up.......
Paul & Sandra
New Bedford, MA
2003 Monaco Executive M43 DS2
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Davydd
Minnesota
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I expect and hope to see print to PDF to be built right into the Apple iOS in the future. Since you can't direct print to a printer you could then email it to yourself and your regular computer that could be set up to print directly without need of wifi. I don't know, is bluetooth printing possible? You can send photos from iPad to iPad or iPhone with bluetooth.
I think, even though Apple correctly guessed the use of a tablet that eluded Microsoft for a decade, that they underestimated its functionality and how quickly it would decimate the notebook market. The iOS could use more production functionality in file handling.
Davydd
2011 Great West Van Legend Sprinter B Camper Van
Visited states in an RV
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hitchup
Fulltiming and on the Road.
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Joined: 02/17/2005
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We gave away our PC and now use 2- laptops and 1- iPad2 (wifi only so far) for the 2 of us. I've found the iPad has many limitations. Some apps are good for checking balances, but can't do the same money transfers for bank that I can on the laptop. There's no Quicken software to track our money, either.
We can print photos from Print Magic app, but if I wanted to print emails, would have to pay extra for an upgrade. Some of the print apps require a specific brand printer or have very low ratings. HP has an app, but am just now downloading it (as I write) to see how it works with new wifi HP 5514.
But my quick answer, buy an inexpensive laptop to supplement the iPad.
2009 DRV Mobile Suite 38TKSB3 (38RSSB3)....our custom home w/2011 upgrades
2010 Ford F450 KR CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
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Tiger4x4RV
San Diego County, California
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Joined: 03/14/2007
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The PrintCentral app claims it enables saving to PDF on the iPad, but last week when I looked at its reviews they were not good. Apparently some recent update of IOS or app made the two not work together. I'll check back later, since as a power user I would really like this capability.
2006 Tiger CX 4x4, 8.1 L gas V-8, Allison 6-speed
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Davydd
Minnesota
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There are two two things you might desire if you opt not to have a computer. One is a bluetooth keyboard so you can type as you may be more used to or if you are going to do any kind of word processing including lengthy emails or participation in message boards like here in RV.net. The second is a printer. The iPad's lastest iOS has AirPrint and just about every new printer coming out on the market is coming out AirPrint capable. I just bought an Epson for $49 to do that. The only problem is you need wifi and that is not cheap to have in your home. There is no direct wire connection to printer with an iPad. With my computer I rarely print anymore. I use print to PDF and just store everything electronically. The iPad doesn't have that capability. 
Apple provides iCloud and an account for free with 5GB of storage. The 5GB seems more than enough since there is a lot of data that does not count against that storage. So you can backup your iPad to iCloud and not need a computer with iTunes to sync.
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