Ipad or a laptop, which one do you prefer?

A laptop is better because there's more you can do with it. Sure the iPad is easier to carry around, but you can't load programs onto it unless it's in the app store, and you can't use flash on it. However, some iPads can use the Internet without wifi and that's good. A laptop, is designed to do what you might need. Typing, printing, etc. Also, depending on the laptop, it may have a better battery life. Ultimately it's your decision but I believe a laptop is the better choice.