Why I’m NOT getting an iPad 2!

Yes, today, March 11th, 2011, is launch day for Apple’s new iPad, the iPad 2.

I pre-ordered the iPad 1 and eagerly awaited the Fedex guy to deliver my oversized iPhone. I’ve loved using my iPad since them, HOWEVER, I’m NOT getting the new one. Don’t get me wrong it is another magical device and how can I go against David Pogue of the NY Times and CNet.Guess what, I’m actually going in the other direction. I officially handed over my iPad 1, 64GB to my wife and she loves it! I have a big screen iMac for work, however I need a device that can travel with me. So, I’ve done lots of thinking and research and I’m opting for the 11″ MacBook Air.

11" MacBook Air vs 13" MacBook Air

Surprised, here are my reasons:

1. I need a real keyboard. The keyboard on the iPad is great, but it takes up half the screen. You also cannot rest your figures on the keyboard. I also don’t want to lug around a wireless keyboard. MacBookAir: 1, iPad: 0.
2. I want (not need) a very small and light device to carry with me. MacBookAir: 1, iPad: 1.
3. It must be cool. MacBookAir: 1, iPad: 1.
4. I use logmein for my hosting business, ClickHOST.com. I need access to my servers and cloud-based software and yes, you can do it with the iPad, but I found it cumbersome. Logmein on the MacBook Air is as if you are working on your desktop computer. Although a much smaller version :-). MacBookAir: 1, iPad: 0.5.
5. I need to see 2 windows at one time. MacBookAir: 1, iPad: 0.
6. I don’t want the device to be a barrier when I’m meeting somebody. The iPad is awesome in this regard, and a full laptop is bad. The MBA 11″ is a good compromise. MacBookAir: 0.5, iPad: 1.
7. The iPad has an awesome battery, over 10 hours. That should last you a day. I’ve really enjoyed NOT having to carry a charger with me. The MacBook Air’s battery is ok at 5 hours. It should get me thru most of my day. MacBookAir: 0.5, iPad: 2.
8. Backup for my iMac. I can also quickly connect my USB backup drive to my MacBookAir if my iMac had a problem. MacBookAir: 1, iPad: 0.
9. Streaming movies, access to my favorite websites, iTunes, etc: MacBookAir: 1, iPad: 1.
10. Instant on/off. MacBookAir: 1, iPad: 1.
11. Not having to clean the screen — priceless!

In summary: I’m getting a 11″ MacBookAir and my wife’s getting the iPad.PS: My son is buying his own iPad 2 today. He sold his iPad 1 yesterday.Question: What do you think? Did I make the right decision?