Apple announced the iPad 2 today and in an email stated: “Thinner. Lighter. Faster. FaceTime. Smart Covers. 10-hour battery. Coming March 11” — my birthday! I’ve had “iPad envy” for awhile now and contemplated whether to buy an iPad or not. As a CPA and business owner, is it right for me? Would QuickBooks work on it? Or is it an expensive toy?As an accountant, I tend to analyze things (perhaps too much). When considering whether to purchase an iPad 2 or not, I have been considering the pros and cons.
Pros of buying the iPad 2:
- It’s cool & looks fun!
- I travel quite a bit a few months a year. With the small size and 10+ hour battery life, the iPad 2 would be great to use on the plane, in airports and hotels. Plus, I wouldn’t have to pay for internet access while traveling.
- We frequently go to the lake and it would be great to use the iPad since internet access isn’t always easily accessible. I enjoy writing and working while looking at the lake!
- As a consultant to small business owners, it is beneficial to use the latest technology so I can advise my clients and answer their questions.
- I could use it for business purposes.
- My business has sufficient cash flow.
- It’s cool & looks fun (worth repeating)!
Cons of buying the iPad 2:
- QuickBooks Pro, Premier or Enterprise will not run on the iPad. I could login remotely to access QuickBooks but that wouldn’t be sufficient due to the nature of my business.
- When traveling to present QuickBooks seminars, I would still need to bring my laptop.
- The majority of the time, I’m in my office and would use my laptop with the full keyboard, dual monitors, etc.
- FaceTime video — I’m not sure I want to use that feature at all.
- When considering needs vs. wants. I don’t actually need the iPad 2 — I just want an iPad really bad!
I’ve had people tell me to just buy the iPad and deduct it as a business expense. However, I tell my clients and small business owners they should not make a purchase simply because it may be tax deductible. It is still money you are spending even if it is tax deductible.
For me, an iPad would be another device and would not replace my laptop. Especially since QuickBooks will not run on the iPad, I guess I’m just too practical, but I can’t justify buying an iPad at this time. Besides isn’t the iPad 2 really just a larger version of the iPhone 4 (which I just purchased from Verizon)?
However, I can keep trying to win an iPad! There have been several online giveaways — who knows I just might get lucky! Or, if you were wondering what to get me for my birthday, which is March 11 — the day the iPad 2 is available……… 😉
What do you think — is the iPad really worth it (aside from the cool / fun factor) for accounting professionals, bookkeepers, tax professionals or CPAs?
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