Anyone Using iPad Pro as Main Device?

[Badrottie]

Out of curiosity, what do you find the ipad doesn't do for you that you still need a laptop for?

Doing heavy duty like Final Cut Pro X and keynote for use with FCPX.

 

[M. Gustave]

Why should I pick iOS instead of macOS or Windows?

Do we really need to explain to you the benefits of a secure, focused, optimized, touch-input-based operating system on a tablet? The merits and limitations of iOS are very well known and widely discussed here.

 

[Outdoorsben]

First of all, some great conversations going on here. Here is my background/experience in the matter.

For two or three years now I have been exploring the options and limitations for moving to an iOS only workflow. I am also an Apple Engineer for a fortune 100 company using jamf pro as an MDM so I am have been testing and messing at an enterprise or at least part of an enterprise.

First let's start with the enterprise. Unless a company has just started, it will be impossible to migrate to an all iOS only platform. Every enterprise will have legacy systems that haven't been updated or homegrown applications that were built before iOS really came out. However, the flip side of that coin is running a VDI for those legacy applications. There are mice that work with VMWare Horizon and the Jump apps. That's right, you read that correctly. The swiftpoint GT mouse and the Citrix 1x mouse both deliver mouse capability from a handful of remote apps. I can't say which one works better because I haven't finished my testing. I will say that the switpoint mouse is EXTREMELY small and it feels very odd.

Now let's get to the personal use. I believe it's very possible for MOST people to use it as their primary device. If you edit video and you're serious about it, there is no way. I haven't found even a moderately good video editing app compared to the heavy hitters in the macOS arena.

With all that said, i've been using my iPhone as my primary PERSONAL device. I haven't tried to use my iPhone as my primary work device just yet. From a personal level I have an HDMI dongle I can use to plug into a monitor and i've got a dongle that goes USB to ethernet so I can get ethernet connections when I want. With a bluetooth keyboard, as i'm typing on now, I cover almost all my bases. I have a flip traveling keyboard I got off Amazon for $17 but the Apple keyboard is probably a better choice as it's a standard key layout.

In 2017 I will be testing my iPhone for a primary work device but due to the NEED for macOS in my job i'll probably remote into a Mac Pro at my desk so I can troubleshoot, test, package, etc...

Sorry for such the long response but i'm a big fan of this "theory".

 

[Ghost31]

Doing heavy duty like Final Cut Pro X and keynote for use with FCPX.

I really wish Apple could just bring a totally non watered down version of final cut x to iOS. Imagine it. Bring it and other pro apps to iOS and then the entire conversation about tablets as tools would disappear. I bet it would perform even BETTER on an iPad Pro than some macbooks. Now take this idea further...Apple announces final cut x for iPad AND releases an elegant docking station that would hook up to a external display, keyboard and some type of touch pad device

 

[Kostas3000]

First of all, some great conversations going on here. Here is my background/experience in the matter.

For two or three years now I have been exploring the options and limitations for moving to an iOS only workflow. I am also an Apple Engineer for a fortune 100 company using jamf pro as an MDM so I am have been testing and messing at an enterprise or at least part of an enterprise.

First let's start with the enterprise. Unless a company has just started, it will be impossible to migrate to an all iOS only platform. Every enterprise will have legacy systems that haven't been updated or homegrown applications that were built before iOS really came out. However, the flip side of that coin is running a VDI for those legacy applications. There are mice that work with VMWare Horizon and the Jump apps. That's right, you read that correctly. The swiftpoint GT mouse and the Citrix 1x mouse both deliver mouse capability from a handful of remote apps. I can't say which one works better because I haven't finished my testing. I will say that the switpoint mouse is EXTREMELY small and it feels very odd.

Now let's get to the personal use. I believe it's very possible for MOST people to use it as their primary device. If you edit video and you're serious about it, there is no way. I haven't found even a moderately good video editing app compared to the heavy hitters in the macOS arena.

With all that said, i've been using my iPhone as my primary PERSONAL device. I haven't tried to use my iPhone as my primary work device just yet. From a personal level I have an HDMI dongle I can use to plug into a monitor and i've got a dongle that goes USB to ethernet so I can get ethernet connections when I want. With a bluetooth keyboard, as i'm typing on now, I cover almost all my bases. I have a flip traveling keyboard I got off Amazon for $17 but the Apple keyboard is probably a better choice as it's a standard key layout.

In 2017 I will be testing my iPhone for a primary work device but due to the NEED for macOS in my job i'll probably remote into a Mac Pro at my desk so I can troubleshoot, test, package, etc...

Sorry for such the long response but i'm a big fan of this "theory".

you write some very interesting ideas my friend, please keep us posted!

 

[Abazigal]

Why did they do that? There are plenty of tools for annotating pdf files on Mac and Windows too.

Our work issued laptops are admin-locked and so we can't install our own software. Applying to have a certain piece of software is a rather cumbersome process and it was just easier for me to use my own computer than jump through hoops for the approval process.

 

[Altis]

I do not think tablets or iPad are meant to be used for 8 hours straight like as you do a desktop. Surely, if you treat something like a desktop, it will not work better than the original invention. It is like using a sickle to hammer a nail.

When we say laptop/desktop replacement or using the iPad as a primary device, it does not mean that you have succeeded in using the iPad just like a desktop and have satisfactory results with it. Because you won't. For the growing number of iPad-first device owners, it is about having a shift in perspective/mindset in how to use a computer. For some people it will be natural, and for some it won't be but that is fine.

What I learned about using my iPad pro for the last 6 months, is you just use the best tool that you have in front of you, and that a computer can be anything. It can be a phone, a desktop, or a tablet, or a calculator. If it does the things that I want it to that I expect from a computer, then it is a computer.

Actually, the current discussion on ergonomics with a computer is around the optimal position that will allow a person to get the most use out of your workday if sitting down on your desk for 8 straight hours. But that is just one subset of work. If you are a journalist, doctor, construction worker, etc. you are not prescribed to the same ergonomic ideas of a programmer, etc.

So you cannot look an iPad and say it fails in ergonomics because it does not fit the ergonomic ideals of a desktop computer. It is like saying the paintbrush and canvas is not ergonomic, just because.

Ergonomics is about do you have the best tool for your use case that will allow you to get your work done efficiently, and safely?

I was replying to a particular post in which working 8 hours was mentioned.

I will say that iPads (tablets) are almost exclusively used in a way that causes the user's head to tilt forward. This is especially true when using the on-screen keyboard.

Ergonomics is about do you have the best tool for your use case that will allow you to get your work done efficiently, and safely?

Ergonomics is about making sure the objects you interact with aren't causing harm to your body. It's well known that tablet and even most laptop usage is far worse ergonomically than having a desk setup. Obviously this doesn't apply to cases where people walk around with them like a clipboard, but when you're sitting and using it (which is how it's mostly used).

Of course, intermittent use isn't nearly the problem that extended use is.

A bluetooth keyboard and a stand do help with the situation, but being a touch-based OS, that can be pretty inconvenient.

 

[Abazigal]

I was replying to a particular post in which working 8 hours was mentioned.

I will say that iPads (tablets) are almost exclusively used in a way that causes the user's head to tilt forward. This is especially true when using the on-screen keyboard.

Ergonomics is about do you have the best tool for your use case that will allow you to get your work done efficiently, and safely?

Ergonomics is about making sure the objects you interact with aren't causing harm to your body. It's well known that tablet and even most laptop usage is far worse ergonomically than having a desk setup. Obviously this doesn't apply to cases where people walk around with them like a clipboard, but when you're sitting and using it (which is how it's mostly used).

Of course, intermittent use isn't nearly the problem that extended use is.

A bluetooth keyboard and a stand do help with the situation, but being a touch-based OS, that can be pretty inconvenient.

Doesn't it stand to reason that if the input device changes, the working environment could change to suit the user as well. If I am working from an iPad which is more portable, has longer battery life and 4g connectivity, I wouldn't need to be tethered to my desk then. I could lounge on the sofa, or go to a cafe, or switch to some other posture which is more conducive to a tablet form factor.

 

[nfl46]

I am considering this. I don't play video games, edit graphics, or use my MacBook for any hardcore CPU purposes. I do watch a lot of flash content on my MacBook so that may why I can't 100% convert over quite yet. But, I am going to give it a test and try an iPad for a couple of weeks and try not to once pick up my MacBook.

 

[iPadDad]

I am considering this. I don't play video games, edit graphics, or use my MacBook for any hardcore CPU purposes. I do watch a lot of flash content on my MacBook so that may why I can't 100% convert over quite yet. But, I am going to give it a test and try an iPad for a couple of weeks and try not to once pick up my MacBook.

That is the best thing to do, I would however recommend doing this test on the iPad Pro

 

[Synergie]

The problem is "the new way" is rarely as good as "the old way". Any task except the most basic ones requires fighting with the limits of iOS and finding ways to deal with the lack of features of the available apps. When it takes a lot of time and patience to finally do something on iOS, that's not productive. Why should I pick iOS instead of macOS or Windows?



That's actually THE biggest issue with the iPad.

So as an example to switch between apps. On mac you had to swipe up and then see the app you wanted and then mouse to it and click. On iOS you double click and swipe sideways. I don't see how that is a limit. It's just different. So you feel limited because you have to do it a different way and not the old way? They are equally as fast to accomplish in the above example. It doesn't take me any longer on iOS than Mac.

Having only two open on the screen side by side obviously is less than having multiple windows open however I remember reading why they chose 2 instead of 4 (like in a 2x2 grid) the reason is that 99% of computer users who multi task do so between only two apps at one time. Usually to copy / paste or drag and drop etc. Otherwise vast majority of people stick to one app maximized. Besides you can actually have three open, I've had music playing in the background while browsing and having notes open at the same time in split screen.

I'm with you on the apps not being fully featured. We all need to collectively bug the developers. Like adobe. Please adobe. The iPad Pro especially the 12.9 with double RAM CAN handle the full apps.

 

[Altis]

Doesn't it stand to reason that if the input device changes, the working environment could change to suit the user as well. If I am working from an iPad which is more portable, has longer battery life and 4g connectivity, I wouldn't need to be tethered to my desk then. I could lounge on the sofa, or go to a cafe, or switch to some other posture which is more conducive to a tablet form factor.

Changing the places you use it doesn't make it automatically ergonomic. The ergonomic problem isn't being tethered to your desk, or portability.

If you lounge on the sofa or go to a cafe, you haven't solved the problem that you use the tablet by looking down at it because the screen is in the same place as your hands (as a result of it being touch-based).

You haven't addressed that main issue at all, and you're certainly no better off ergonomically than interacting with a computer at a desk setup until you have.

 

[Night Spring]

Changing the places you use it doesn't make it automatically ergonomic. The ergonomic problem isn't being tethered to your desk, or portability.

If you lounge on the sofa or go to a cafe, you haven't solved the problem that you use the tablet by looking down at it because the screen is in the same place as your hands (as a result of it being touch-based).

You haven't addressed that main issue at all, and you're certainly no better off ergonomically than interacting with a computer at a desk setup until you have.

But when lounging in a sofa, your entire body is more relaxed than when sitting at a desk.

A cafe offers a change of environment from sitting in the same room at your office/home, which can be beneficial to productivity.

In trains and buses, or when you are a passenger in a car, handling a tablet is often quicker and more comfortable than a laptop with a keyboard.

Yes, using a tablet requires you to angle your neck down. If you are thinking strictly about good posture, no it isn't very ergonomic. But for me, the advantages of tablets are worth the occasional kink in my neck.

 

[Altis]

But when lounging in a sofa, your entire body is more relaxed than when sitting at a desk.

This has nothing to do with being relaxed. It's about strain on your body, in particular, your neck/spine as a result of having to look quite far down at the small screen.

A cafe offers a change of environment from sitting in the same room at your office/home, which can be beneficial to productivity.

I'm strictly speaking of ergonomics, not productivity... although even then, the productivity argument is entirely subjective, and can be done with a laptop equally well.

In trains and buses, or when you are a passenger in a car, handling a tablet is often quicker and more comfortable than a laptop with a keyboard.

Absolutely agreed that it is in those situations, or like I said before, anyone walking around using it like a clipboard. Still doesn't make it ergonomic, just more so than alternatives.

Yes, using a tablet requires you to angle your neck down. If you are thinking strictly about good posture, no it isn't very ergonomic. But for me, the advantages of tablets are worth the occasional kink in my neck.

Again, please look at the original post I had quoted. My replies aren't about short uses of tablets on-the-go. It's more about using it for extended periods, and how it was claimed to be more ergonomic than laptops/desktops (since that's the whole point of this thread).

My point is that it is not for that use case, and no amount of fluffy talk of shifting your mindset and letting go of old ways gets around the very real stresses that are placed on your body by using an iPad for extended periods.

It would help if they could be docked to a desk setup (like a laptop or MS tablet can) since you could choose a far more ergonomic (and arguably productive) setup for more involved usage, while using it as a tablet when so desired.

 

[Night Spring]

Again, please look at the original post I had quoted. My replies aren't about short uses of tablets on-the-go. It's more about using it for extended periods, and how it was claimed to be more ergonomic than laptops/desktops (since that's the whole point of this thread).

My point is that it is not for that use case, and no amount of fluffy talk of shifting your mindset and letting go of old ways gets around the very real stresses that are placed on your body by using an iPad for extended periods.

It would help if they could be docked to a desk setup (like a laptop or MS tablet can) since you could choose a far more ergonomic (and arguably productive) setup for more involved usage, while using it as a tablet when so desired.

I think you are assuming that everyone who uses a "main" computing device uses the device for extended periods of time, focused on their work. That's not my use case, and it's not the use case of many professionals who use the iPad as their main device. Many writers write for shortish bursts of time (like 20-30 minutes), then do other things for a while to recharge, then go back to write some more. If you have that kind of workflow, then the iPad works as a main device.

Or to put it another way, if you are the secretary at a law firm, I wouldn't recommend you use the iPad for work. You need to be sitting at a desk with proper keyboard and monitor, typing up those legal documents. If you are the lawyer, you can write up your draft on your iPad, and give it to your secretary to finalize. Or you can use your iPad to review and mark up your colleague's proposed drafts. Tim Cook probably does most of his work on an iPad. His secretary probably does most of their work on an iMac.

 

[Beavix]

So as an example to switch between apps. On mac you had to swipe up and then see the app you wanted and then mouse to it and click. On iOS you double click and swipe sideways. I don't see how that is a limit. It's just different. So you feel limited because you have to do it a different way and not the old way?

Since you brought this particular example into the discussion: on the Mac I actually hit Cmd-Tab to switch between apps. I never liked Mission Control, it's too cluttered to be useful.

(Cmd-Tab also works on the iPad but I don't use an external keyboard.)

 

[Synergie]

Since you brought this particular example into the discussion: on the Mac I actually hit Cmd-Tab to switch between apps. I never liked Mission Control, it's too cluttered to be useful.

(Cmd-Tab also works on the iPad but I don't use an external keyboard.)

Yes I remember using it with the apple BT magic keyboard with the IPP and it worked beautifully!

 

[Badrottie]

I really wish Apple could just bring a totally non watered down version of final cut x to iOS. Imagine it. Bring it and other pro apps to iOS and then the entire conversation about tablets as tools would disappear. I bet it would perform even BETTER on an iPad Pro than some macbooks. Now take this idea further...Apple announces final cut x for iPad AND releases an elegant docking station that would hook up to a external display, keyboard and some type of touch pad device

If this is the case then iPad Pro 12.9 would kill Mac line for sure. Look at Mac expensive price than iPad Pro 12.9. I pad iPad Pro 12.9 for almost $1300 last month compared to my base model 2012 rMBP for over $2000!

 

[JohnnyGo]

If this is the case then iPad Pro 12.9 would kill Mac line for sure. Look at Mac expensive price than iPad Pro 12.9. I pad iPad Pro 12.9 for almost $1300 last month compared to my base model 2012 rMBP for over $2000!

The iPad Pro is a direct competitor to the new Macbook line (rMB) not the new MBPs. The rMB are also fanless and have a similar weight/performance trade-off.

Apple gives us the touch OS sans keyboard and the traditional OS with keyboard sans touch. We choose which one best serves our workflow.

 

[Altis]

I think you are assuming that everyone who uses a "main" computing device uses the device for extended periods of time, focused on their work. That's not my use case, and it's not the use case of many professionals who use the iPad as their main device. Many writers write for shortish bursts of time (like 20-30 minutes), then do other things for a while to recharge, then go back to write some more. If you have that kind of workflow, then the iPad works as a main device.

Or to put it another way, if you are the secretary at a law firm, I wouldn't recommend you use the iPad for work. You need to be sitting at a desk with proper keyboard and monitor, typing up those legal documents. If you are the lawyer, you can write up your draft on your iPad, and give it to your secretary to finalize. Or you can use your iPad to review and mark up your colleague's proposed drafts. Tim Cook probably does most of his work on an iPad. His secretary probably does most of their work on an iMac.

Once again... all my posts are in relation to the one I had originally quoted, wherein extended periods of use was discussed. Start reading there. My content is specific to the topic within that post.

It goes without saying that the less you use it and the more conscious you are of the ergonomics of the device, the less affected you'll be.

With that said, given the content of this thread, it's absolutely a key consideration for someone who wants to use it as their sole computer as the iPad cannot be docked to a desk setup for extended use situations.

 

[nfl46]

That is the best thing to do, I would however recommend doing this test on the iPad Pro

Thanks! I picked up a 9.7 Pro today. Day 1 starts tomorrow.

 

[Channan]

After two weeks of trying to use just an iPad pro for my new job as a youth pastor I can say the iPad Pro doesn't cut it all the time. I'm copying and pasting a lot from a web based Bible to evernote and it's much faster to do on a laptop. Not to mention typing as much as I am now the keyboard doesn't work for me all the time. The laptop shines when I'm at my desk at home and at the church when I'm studying a lot. The iPad shines when I'm reviewing my notes on the couch or while teaching. The iPad shine's taking notes with the Apple pencil during staff meetings. That is my take after two weeks of trying to replace the heavy 15" mobile workstation as my main go to machine.

Typing on an iPad is just another thing you have to get used to. You can if you give it time. I can type around 80 wpm on my iPad, compared to around 90 on my MacBook Pro.

 

[Night Spring]

Once again... all my posts are in relation to the one I had originally quoted, wherein extended periods of use was discussed. Start reading there. My content is specific to the topic within that post.

As far as I can tell, the post that you first responded to concludes:

You know what is not ergonomic? Sitting at your desk for 8 hours straight!

So dingclancy23 was AGAINST working at your desk for 8 hours straight. They didn't mention working on your iPad for eight hours straight, and I kind of doubt they were advocating using your iPad that way.

I hope dingclancy23 can comment to clarify their position, but my take from that post was that it's a bad idea to sit stilll in any position for extended periods of time, and iPads allow us to move around and switch locations and positions as we work.

 

[dingclancy23]

As far as I can tell, the post that you first responded to concludes:


So dingclancy23 was AGAINST working at your desk for 8 hours straight. They didn't mention working on your iPad for eight hours straight, and I kind of doubt they were advocating using your iPad that way.

I hope dingclancy23 can comment to clarify their position, but my take from that post was that it's a bad idea to sit stilll in any position for extended periods of time, and iPads allow us to move around and switch locations and positions as we work.

I agree. Like I said, if you are working on your iPad as a desktop replacement, you will fail because the iPad is not designed to replace the desktop. The original invention wins.

To clarify, I am not against working on a desktop for 8 hours straight, it is just not what the IPad is for.

When I mean by changing mindset, I meant that the iPad is a different device that can be your MAIN device. Nothing about the iPad being a primary device meant it had to be a desktop replacement. So if it is not a desktop replacement, it is not constrained with the ergonomics of a desktop computer.

Like I said, the ideal ergonomics of a desktop takes into account the fact that you are seating and working on it for 8 hours straight. You can also work on an iPad for 8 hours as I am doing now. I am just not seating on a desk to use it for 8 hours straight. The use case is just different.

Here are some example of ergonomic things that are not related to desktop computing:
http://www.kaufmann-mercantile.com/story/16000180552/the-best-ergonomic-inventions

For fun, here is an "ergonomically-optimized" setup

I just do not prefer working that way.

I prefer working this way + moving around the house and wherever.

 

[iPadDad]

Thanks! I picked up a 9.7 Pro today. Day 1 starts tomorrow.

Awesome and congrats!!! please keep us posted on your journey, there a number of guys and gals on this forum who are passionate about iPad only workflow, we would love to help.
[doublepost=1481621828][/doublepost]

I agree. Like I said, if you are working on your iPad as a desktop replacement, you will fail because the iPad is not designed to replace the desktop. The original invention wins.

To clarify, I am not against working on a desktop for 8 hours straight, it is just not what the IPad is for.

When I mean by changing mindset, I meant that the iPad is a different device that can be your MAIN device. Nothing about the iPad being a primary device meant it had to be a desktop replacement. So if it is not a desktop replacement, it is not constrained with the ergonomics of a desktop computer.

Like I said, the ideal ergonomics of a desktop takes into account the fact that you are seating and working on it for 8 hours straight. You can also work on an iPad for 8 hours as I am doing now. I am just not seating on a desk to use it for 8 hours straight. The use case is just different.

Here are some example of ergonomic things that are not related to desktop computing:
http://www.kaufmann-mercantile.com/story/16000180552/the-best-ergonomic-inventions

For fun, here is an "ergonomically-optimized" setup

I just do not prefer working that way.

I prefer working this way + moving around the house and wherever.

Nice post, do you have the Smart Keyboard case or do you use a separate stand alone keyboard?