Imac and ipad 2?? or laptop and larger monitor?

Question

I am planning to get a new computer (currently using a 6yr old imac PPC and an old 15" TPB, both running quite happily but unable to do some things I want ;-)  I am leaning towards a 21.5 imac and an ipad2.  The imac will obviously be my major work center for photo editing, quicken (which I know is an issue with Lion) documents, etc.
I have a few questions, and if in the end, I need to cut this email up and post in more than one place, I will.  But I thought I'd start here.
Currently I am using Microsoft office but considering going with pages and numbers.  I've heard Apple has improved how well they 'play' with microsoft documents so I hope that is true.  I live in Seattle so supporting Microsoft, a major employer in my area, is something I am ok with, to some degree, but I like the idea of using a native program with a new computer IF it works well.  This may be better in another forum, if so, just let me know.
I am wondering if anyone has this set up, the imac and the ipad for mobility and if so, are you happy with it?  I've played with the ipad in the store many times but that isn't the same as sitting on your couch or going to the library or coffee house (I said I live in Seattle ;-)  and using it.  Are they any things you find that you wish it did?
The other idea is getting a powerbook and a 2nd larger monitor so I can move the powerbook around.  But I know of a few people who get tired of unplugging the laptop so they don't move it as much as they thought they would. 
The imac - ipad set up seems like it gives me good options, but I wanted to check in here to see what other users might say?  Maybe this should get posted in the ipad forum.. but then I might be told to post here, as I ask about the imac.  LOL
So thanks for any thoughts you can give me and gentle directions if there is a better way to ask my related questions to different aspects of my planned purchase.
michelle

Answer 1

1) I use iWork for about 90% of my work and it is true that Office and iWork are compatible but that doesn't mean they are identical. The biggest problem is with lost formatting between Word and Pages documents and some incompatibilities between PowerPoint and KeyNote. If you do a good deal of sharing Office files with colleagues/friends then you may want to keep Office around - especially if your files aren't of the 'plain vanilla' variety.
2) I have an iMac (aging 24"), a newish 13" MBP, and an iPad 2. That iMac will probably be the last desktop I own. I use my MBP more than the iMac and with an external display, keyboard and mouse it is just as usable. There are times when sitting in a chair or on the couch with the notebook works just fine and there are other times when a desk works better. At a desk, at least for me, the display and keyboard aren't at the right height for comfort so I have no problem with plugging in the external display. The mouse and keyboard being BT just need to wake up.
3) Now for the hard/controversial part. Could you use an iPad instead of a notebook for mobility. For me the answer is a firm maybe . It is great for surfing, reading email, checking the news and so forth. I find the virtual keyboard so/so for writing. I'll answer a couple emails and take some notes with it. I'm not going to write a report with it. If I were answer your question with the iPad my answer would be much shorter. However, I have taken it instead of my MBP on a couple short business trips. It and a BT keyboard worked great at the hotel and it certainly was more convenient to lug around than the MBP. This is one of those YMMV things and you probably won't know the answer until you've bought the iPad and tried it.