Apple has a spreadsheet equivalent to Excel, which is practically indistinguishable. It's been ported to the iOS, along with Pages, I believe.
I'm not sure about the other apps, but it appears as though there is a parallel application for everything, either already, or in development.
Yeah, its a closed ecosystem. Politcally problematic, just like practically everything else in high tech. Wood products are safer these days.
Joel
On Aug 22, 2011, at 4:57 PM, Wojtek S wrote:
> Joel: "I think techies to enjoy it for the tactile computing
> experience it affords them"
>
> [WS:] This is the aspect of the ipad that I hate the most - but then
> I have motor coordination issues. I cannot properly type, but with
> the regular keyboard the amount of "damage" due to accidental pressing
> of a wrong key is limited - basically mis-typed words which I can
> correct afterwords if I pay attention. With the multi-functionality
> of the touch screen, however, the amount of what can go wrong seems to
> grow exponentially. I never seem to feel fully in control of this
> device. I like its lightweight size, though.
>
> BTW - how do you run applications like Excel, SAS or SPSS on an ipad?
> How do you store large data sets on it? I thought Apple restricts
> what apps you can you on their devices, it is a pretty much closed
> shop, no?
>
> Wojtek
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Joel Schalit skype: jschalit +44 (0)780 964 7380 jschalit at gmail.com www.joelschalit.com