Is It Practical to Convert an iPad into a Laptop?

I bought my wife a mini iPad 32gig and she loves it. So do I. My question: I currently own an iMac in my office but I have entertained the idea of getting an iPad or tablet or laptop for my bedroom. I'd like a keyboard option for writing. Is it practical to convert a pad or should I just spend $700 or so on an Asus or some other high rated laptop like this $500 8gig Toshiba?

Making the tablet option tempting, I found this article that gives 6 ways to convert your iPad into a laptop.

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Comments

[Ed S]

I'd say get a Mac laptop. Everything will inter connect well when you have all devices on the same operating system.

[Tom Welch]

Tablets are for consuming media not a productivity tool like a laptop.

[Tom Welch]

Here's a long discussion on the EDC Forum on this very issue. EDC = Every Day Carry

http://edcforums.com/threads/tablets-do-i-need-one.107205/

[nathanjr]

I would use my Asus transformer tablet with the keyboard dock for work, but in order to remote into our system I need a Windows computer. If all I was doinf was word processing and email it would be fine, but we have a document management system that everything needs to be filed in.
So my advice would be to make a list of everything you would use it for and make sure it can do all those things.

[RobRich]

Since you are already accustomed to using OS X via the iMac, have you considered a MacBook Air? Admittedly, it has the typical Apple Mac price premium markup, but there are also cost considerations associated with accessories, apps, etc. if going the iPad route.

[DanT]

It's probably best to listen to an expert on the subject: David Sparks. He is an attorney who wrote the top selling book "iPad At Work" He also has a blog called MacSparky and is a speaker at Macworld. I highly recommend his podcast "Mac Power Users" - specifically episode #125 "Essential iPad" http://5by5.tv/mpu/125