Anyone Using iPad Pro as Main Device?

[apolloa]

Unintentionally, but since I got my 9.7" Pro a few months ago now, I've used my computer less and less and less, but it is an old computer, however I will buy a new one at some point, but I don't need one as soon as I would off without having an iPad Pro.

I think the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil are the most innovative thing Apple has launched in the last two years... and that includes the new MacBook Pros..

I have been thinking of dabbling in 3D animation though, I'm a total novice and was winderung if their are any apps out there for the Pro that can do this with the Pencil?

 

[Synergie]

I have a surface but I don't like windows.

I write about the limitations of iOS and I suggest improvements. Why is this bothering you?

"In fact most people don't need to use those apps on a Daily basis." : we obviously disagree here.
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the last time I checked iOS is Apple software, not Microsoft

Because you are ripping on iOS when it's Microsoft that needs to implement it. The API is there in the SDK they can write the apps with that capability. Blame Microsoft instead of Apple.

 

[Channan]

Real work!!!

I am the GM for a 20 year old company with 14 employees, I work solely on iPad Air 2 and iPhone 6 I think the work I do is real.

Nope. You get work done on your iPad but it's just plain "work", not "real work".

At least, I think that's what the argument is?

 

[kalex]

Because you are ripping on iOS when it's Microsoft that needs to implement it. The API is there in the SDK they can write the apps with that capability. Blame Microsoft instead of Apple.

Of course blame everybody except Appple. Perfect. How about Apple allow multiple instances of an app to run? Oh no that's not what Apple envisioned

 

[soulreaver99]

Real work!!!

I am the GM for a 20 year old company with 14 employees, I work solely on iPad Air 2 and iPhone 6 I think the work I do is real.

I am the regional director for the nation's second largest cable company and I manage 60 employees. Our work issued computers are crap so I usually use my own computers.

When my Macbook was being repaired at Apple, I was able to manage my business with an iPad Pro. Yes it is very possible but painful at the same time. When I got my Macbook back I learned to really appreciate how efficient it was working with a desktop based OS even more.

It is possible using the iPad Pro as the main device... but why would you want to if you don't have to? Of course everyone's needs are different so I guess it depends.

 

[M. Gustave]

When my Macbook was being repaired at Apple, I was able to manage my business with an iPad Pro. Yes it is very possible but painful at the same time. When I got my Macbook back I learned to really appreciate how efficient it was working with a desktop based OS even more.

If you don't change your workflow, methods, and mindset - yes, the old system you're already adapted to will seem more "efficient". And of course it's possible that legacy software and/or peripherals you need to get your particular job done aren't available on a modern device like an iPad.

But if you were approaching both systems for the first time, with no preconceived notions, it's obvious to me which one most people would call "efficient"... and it sure isn't the MacBook.

 

[kalex]

If you don't change your workflow, methods, and mindset - yes, the old system you're already adapted to will seem more "efficient". And of course it's possible that legacy software and/or peripherals you need to get your particular job done aren't available on a modern device like an iPad.

But if you were approaching both systems for the first time, with no preconceived notions, it's obvious to me which one most people would call "efficient"... and it sure isn't the MacBook.

This is hilarious. So basically you have to bend over backwards and adapt to "modern" device to concoct it to do what you want it to do. Ah yes I forgot we are talking about legacy. IOS/Ipad are far from efficient. I would say workflow will be more efficient for the user on macbook

 

[M. Gustave]

This is hilarious. So basically you have to bend over backwards and adapt to "modern" device to concoct it to do what you want it to do.

I've never once had to "bend over backwards" to do anything on my iPad. However I did spend the time to educate myself about the hardware, and how to get the most out of iOS, unlike most of the Mac holy warriors here.

 

[marc55]

My wife and I could if the iPad allowed multi users like the MBP
M

 

[Channan]

The difference between a tablet and a laptop is one uses touch input on the display and the other uses touch input on a separate surface with a cursor to show what you're manipulating on the display. Which one honestly sounds more efficient?

The only reason many people find a traditional computer more efficient is because either they won't bother finding alternative applications that work great for touch screens, or developers simply haven't designed the applications they need with full features for touch screens.

 

[iPadDad]

This is hilarious. So basically you have to bend over backwards and adapt to "modern" device to concoct it to do what you want it to do. Ah yes I forgot we are talking about legacy. IOS/Ipad are far from efficient. I would say workflow will be more efficient for the user on macbook

You should read this link below, it is very interesting, it will give you a very unbiased look at why iOS is more intuitive, continuously more progressive, and closer to the future of computing than OSX.

https://brooksreview.net/2016/03/ios-is-the-future/

 

[oftheheavens]

I know you said, "Exclusively" use the iPad but I wanted to weigh in. I traded in my MacBook air, which was solely for using during my bachelors degree (business management studies) for the ipp 9.7 with the smart keyboard thing. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I use the ipp for 90% of what I used my MacBook air for (the other 10% being really like gaming like wow on lowest settings or something similar that isn't graphic intensive at all, I guess). After a short adjustment period of maybe a few hours to a day max I was able to adjust to the smart keyboard and now actually prefer it over the air. Beyond that, I use the ipp for so much more than I did my air with such things like; watching netflix in bed now that my wife and I like to watch different shows to get ready to fall asleep, doing homework on the fly at things like my sons martial arts class (another slight learning adjustment to use the smart keyboard in your lap but totally adaptable with a couple minutes to get positioned just right in those crappy chairs), being easier to carry through the airport is a small bonus and a few other things but I'm sure you get the point. I started my MBA just recently and so far the ipp far exceeds anything I have needed to do. I can see subjects like statistics or any form of advanced courses being difficult to use the ipp for if you need specific software for like engineering or graphic design (but then you would already know that if you were in those fields).

I also used it for work briefly while waiting to start my MBA. I found a job as a financial and business operations manager that paid really well so I took it for what I knew was only going to be a couple months but I was able to use my ipp for every spread sheet thrown my way and now windows has made apps for the ipp that are actually rather good for work stuff as well. Side note, they provided me with a laptop and I just preferred to use my ipp for what I could over a pc basic laptop.

In summary, while I do have an iMac for playing games and around the house netflix marathons sometimes but for the most part you could go with just an ipp for almost anything that isn't to advanced that you would already know you do that involves needing a computer. As far as personal life, the only downside i see to only have an ipp is that you have nothing to sync your iPhone to except the cloud but if you listen to just spotify like I do and now this OTA updates it is becoming less necessary to need a computer for an iPhone. I connect mine to my iMac maybe 1 time a month if that.

Sorry for the long reply but got kinda into it lol.

 

[Abazigal]

This is hilarious. So basically you have to bend over backwards and adapt to "modern" device to concoct it to do what you want it to do. Ah yes I forgot we are talking about legacy. IOS/Ipad are far from efficient. I would say workflow will be more efficient for the user on macbook

Based on my experience, the iPad is like any other device or platform. What you want to get out of it ultimately depends on how much effort you are willing to put into mastering it.

Let me give you an example. iOS has a clipboard management app called "copied". It lets me save text snippets and paste them using a handy third party keyboard mechanic.

On a desktop, if I wanted to transfer several text snippets (say I want to quote multiple sentences in theverge, or paste multiple links in google classroom), I would need to copy one link, switch to another tab, paste, go back to the browser, rinse and repeat.

With copied, I select each link, save it to copied (which I have open in split screen mode), repeat until all links are copied, then scroll down, and paste them all in at one short straight from the keyboard.

It's a little weird at first because it completely flies in the face of what I am used to doing, but you get used to it after a while, and it can actually be faster because I am not scrolling and switching tabs ever so often.

Yes, there are some tasks I still turn to my iMac for, but there are also many tasks I am increasingly performing on my iPad because I do find it easier or more convenient to get done on a tablet. It's all about using the right tool for the job.

 

[GoldfishRT]

snip

That app seems like a lifesaver for a student like myself. Just wanted to thank you for that. 5 minutes of using it reveals it to be super useful. There really is an app for everything.

Otherwise, I think you hit the nail on the head. It's a completely different workflow to the mostly similar desktop GUI one that many people have used for a very, very long time. That's not to say that they're wrong but, there's been way more time to figure out making a traditional machine an efficient choice for all types of work. The modern tablet is still in its infancy. And look how far it has come. 6 years ago pretty much everybody signed off on the iPad as being a nice big iPhone for watching movies and, while it's far from ubiquitous, people are using iPads professionally, successfully and efficiently.

 

[Synergie]

All of this made me think.
Put the guts of a MBP in the screen instead of the keyboard. Make the keyboard removable. Have OSX adapt so that when keyboard is attached it defaults to desktop mode. When you remove the keyboard have it default to iOS as we know it how. Apps could have written into the code to work on both iOS and OXS and recognize which mode the laptop is in. Then you have basically best of both worlds where do I sign on Apples engineer team?

 

[rui no onna]

It's all about using the right tool for the job.

This pretty much. I reckon going iPad-only will probably work for majority of the population. However, given its reliance on the cloud and somewhat lacking support for peripherals, there are still use-cases where a traditional PC is needed.

That said, the iPad is relatively expensive. I don't know many right now who will opt for one when they can get a Windows PC/laptop for the same price or less. However, I see that changing once younger generations who grew up on mobile devices and are not entrenched in traditional PCs take the reins.

By the way, I have two-factor authentication enabled on my Paypal account. I guess there's something wrong with ebay/Paypal's website at the moment because it's forcing me to checkout via Paypal mobile site (requesting desktop site keeps redirecting to mobile page). The mobile site doesn't support 2FA and it's telling me to use a computer to pay for my items. Ugh. Until bugs like this stop happening, I don't think I'll be able to give up PCs completely.
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On a desktop, if I wanted to transfer several text snippets (say I want to quote multiple sentences in theverge, or paste multiple links in google classroom), I would need to copy one link, switch to another tab, paste, go back to the browser, rinse and repeat.

With copied, I select each link, save it to copied (which I have open in split screen mode), repeat until all links are copied, then scroll down, and paste them all in at one short straight from the keyboard.

There are actually several "sticky notes" programs available for Windows which stay in foreground so you can do the same thing. I'm sure something similar exists for Mac.

Alternately, have two web browser windows open side by side (or however you want to arrange them) and paste from one window to the other directly. I've got a dual-monitor setup so for me, this is actually nicer to do on the desktop since I'm not hampered by the tablet's small display.

 

[Night Spring]

All of this made me think.
Put the guts of a MBP in the screen instead of the keyboard. Make the keyboard removable. Have OSX adapt so that when keyboard is attached it defaults to desktop mode. When you remove the keyboard have it default to iOS as we know it how. Apps could have written into the code to work on both iOS and OXS and recognize which mode the laptop is in. Then you have basically best of both worlds where do I sign on Apples engineer team?

This is more or less what Microsoft tried to do with Windows 8 and the original Surface. You know how well that went. Instead of best of both worlds, it was a confusing mix of two worlds.

 

[soulreaver99]

All of this made me think.
Put the guts of a MBP in the screen instead of the keyboard. Make the keyboard removable. Have OSX adapt so that when keyboard is attached it defaults to desktop mode. When you remove the keyboard have it default to iOS as we know it how. Apps could have written into the code to work on both iOS and OXS and recognize which mode the laptop is in. Then you have basically best of both worlds where do I sign on Apples engineer team?

It's called a Surface Book / Surface Pro. Quite magical and courageous!

 

[Mr_Killjoy]

You must be doing some very simple work on the iPad, otherwise you would have come across the limitations of iOS.
The solution is to ask Apple to improve the iOS rather than making inaccurate claims about iOS capabilities.

Loving the pious, holier than thou attitude.

I started this thread as I began the process of moving to an iPad only setup. Now, you can shrug that off as me having "simple" work all you want. But the reality is that I'm running a worldwide business from an iPad and an iPhone. Just today, I've organized multiple client projects, future projects for main production, designed artwork, as well as a custom piece, organized shipment details, and have kept media playing in my studio. All from two iOS devices.

So preach away - spread the word that you need a now outrageously overpriced mac to do anything. Because I'll be sitting here, enjoying the smoothest workflow I have in years, on two devices I truly enjoy using, while literally seeing my business grow because of it. Not to mention that neat little pile of cash I got from selling my MBP.

Your problem is that you're arguing with the idea that no one can make this happen with real work. The flaw there is that you have evidence from multiple people in this thread, myself included, proving differently. No one here is saying that this is for everyone. It's not. But it is, and can be, for those that want it. Perhaps gain some perspective that not everyone has your exact needs, and that not everyone's work is dependent on your specifications.

 

[Synergie]

Loving the pious, holier than thou attitude.

I started this thread as I began the process of moving to an iPad only setup. Now, you can shrug that off as me having "simple" work all you want. But the reality is that I'm running a worldwide business from an iPad and an iPhone. Just today, I've organized multiple client projects, future projects for main production, designed artwork, as well as a custom piece, organized shipment details, and have kept media playing in my studio. All from two iOS devices.

So preach away - spread the word that you need a now outrageously overpriced mac to do anything. Because I'll be sitting here, enjoying the smoothest workflow I have in years, on two devices I truly enjoy using, while literally seeing my business grow because of it. Not to mention that neat little pile of cash I got from selling my MBP.

Your problem is that you're arguing with the idea that no one can make this happen with real work. The flaw there is that you have evidence from multiple people in this thread, myself included, proving differently. No one here is saying that this is for everyone. It's not. But it is, and can be, for those that want it. Perhaps gain some perspective that not everyone has your exact needs, and that not everyone's work is dependent on your specifications.

I'm almost there with you. And so is my husband who is the CEO of a large NGO in India and an iPad is much more portable for bringing to the project sites. The only reason I am hesitant to sell the MBP is in case of the rare update gone wrong scenario where you need to put it in DFU mode for recovery and you can only do that through iTunes connected to a computer via USB.

 

[Mr_Killjoy]

I'm almost there with you. And so is my husband who is the CEO of a large NGO in India and an iPad is much more portable for bringing to the project sites. The only reason I am hesitant to sell the MBP is in case of the rare update gone wrong scenario where you need to put it in DFU mode for recovery and you can only do that through iTunes connected to a computer via USB.

That's a valid concern, and one that I understand.

Personally? I'll just be waiting a few days before actually upgrading. Once it all seems good, I'll take the plunge. Worst case scenario would just be borrowing a friend's computer for a few, or stopping into an apple store to get an update direct. Neither are really that devastating for options when you think of the rarity of an issue.

 

[Channan]

I'm almost there with you. And so is my husband who is the CEO of a large NGO in India and an iPad is much more portable for bringing to the project sites. The only reason I am hesitant to sell the MBP is in case of the rare update gone wrong scenario where you need to put it in DFU mode for recovery and you can only do that through iTunes connected to a computer via USB.

If you don't need the extra money, might as well keep your MacBook Pro for that. But you don't need a MacBook to restore an iOS device. A Windows computer can do that, too, and you can get a really cheap one that would be perfect for just backups.

 

[Mr_Killjoy]

If you don't need the extra money, might as well keep your MacBook Pro for that. But you don't need a MacBook to restore an iOS device. A Windows computer can do that, too, and you can get a really cheap one that would be perfect for just backups.

Or even getting something extra cheap - Surface 3s go for rock bottom prices on Swappa, and are decent devices on top of it.

 

[itsreakk]

I have always been a Windows user (laptops) and I'm also thinking about purchasing an iPad Pro 12.7 to use as main device.

Currently using a year and a half old Lenovo Z50 laptop which is working pretty good, but I'd like to get a more portable device, preferably Apple-made.

I'm using it around 2-3 hours a day for basic stuff such as web surfing, e-mails, YouTube, films, Word, etc.

I believe an Ipad Pro 12.7 with the keyboard would be the perfect substitute, but my only concern would be not to be able to use USBs and the fact that there are some websites that when you access directly redirect you to the phone version rather than the full version.

Does anybody know if there is any workaround for the last issue and if there is any adapter available in order to be able to connect USB devices to iPad Pro?

Thanks!

 

[Brammy]

I have always been a Windows user (laptops) and I'm also thinking about purchasing an iPad Pro 12.7 to use as main device.

Currently using a year and a half old Lenovo Z50 laptop which is working pretty good, but I'd like to get a more portable device, preferably Apple-made.

I'm using it around 2-3 hours a day for basic stuff such as web surfing, e-mails, YouTube, films, Word, etc.

I believe an Ipad Pro 12.7 with the keyboard would be the perfect substitute, but my only concern would be not to be able to use USBs and the fact that there are some websites that when you access directly redirect you to the phone version rather than the full version.

Does anybody know if there is any workaround for the last issue and if there is any adapter available in order to be able to connect USB devices to iPad Pro?

Thanks!

You can long-press on the refresh button in Safari and request a desktop site.

I don't know about the USB devices. There's been some discussion in this thread about using them, but I can't speak to them. I *think* natively iOS only support pulling video and images off a USB, but there may be an app for that.