Can iPad Pro replace a laptop?

[Night Spring]

Yes, these threads all need to be consolidated in one place. Contrariwise, perhaps one of the site's authors can write up an Authoritative Guide to serve as a center-point everyone can refer people to, and update it as needed? Site Admins please take note.

Some of the subforums have wiki threads stickies at the top -- for instance, see https://forums.macrumors.com/forums/ios-10-beta.194/.

So my guess is that the mods consider that wiki/stickied posts aren't needed for the iPad subforum. Though if you have ideas for specific topics you'd like to see stickied or wiki'd, you could contact the mods.
https://forums.macrumors.com/misc/contact/

 

[Badrottie]

It all depends on what you use a laptop for and what you want the iPad to do. If you are talking about an iPad vs laptop-as-desktop-replacement then probably not, but if you are talking iPad vs laptop-as-meeting-and-travel-device then perhaps.

I use a desktop computer at work and an iPad for working away from my desk and for taking notes and accessing information in meetings. We are a Microsoft Office 365 shop, and there are apps for just about anything I need to do in Office 365. I can access and edit my cloud-based documents and spreadsheets, email, OneNote, tasks, Office 365 groups, etc. My employer offered to buy me a laptop (like the Surface Pro) this year, but I opted to upgrade to the 9.7 iPad Pro instead. I use iOS as a general productivity and communication platform, so the iPad just feels like it completes the system I have going with my iPhone and Apple Watch. My Windows 10 desktop computer is more of a specialty system for more intensive content creation and multi-tasking. That said I'm able to do more and more from the iPad all the time. My need for a full desktop OS is less now than it was a few years ago. I still wouldn't want to work from an iPad all the time, but when I'm not at my desk there is very little I can't accomplish when using it. And for those few things I can remote into my Windows desktop in a pinch.

You need to make a list of what you need to be able to do, and then for each item you need to ask yourself if 1) You can do it from the iPad, and 2) Will you enjoy doing it from the iPad or would it be easier from a Macbook or Windows laptop?

Sean

You can give up your Windows PC and get yourself a new iMac for for specialty system

 

[Michael Goff]

"Can an iPad Pro replace a laptop"

I don't know, ask former Microsoft head of Windows Steven Sinofsky

 

[M. Gustave]

"Can an iPad Pro replace a laptop"

I don't know, ask former Microsoft head of Windows Steven Sinofsky

Great article, thanks for posting!

“Unlike many “use a product for month” tests this is not an experiment. For me this is a deeply held belief that the rise of smartphones (specifically starting when the iPhone launched) would have a profound impact on the way we all use “computers”.”

And he touches on most of the points brought up in this thread.

 

[Michael Goff]

Great article, thanks for posting!

“Unlike many “use a product for month” tests this is not an experiment. For me this is a deeply held belief that the rise of smartphones (specifically starting when the iPhone launched) would have a profound impact on the way we all use “computers”.”

And he touches on most of the points brought up in this thread.

No problem. I was going to post this as a thread on its own, but felt it added something to this.

 

[Vivian125]

I think Ipad is still far from replacing a laptop, any review that think they speak it on Youtube.

to edit text, just text you get the Ipad, but editing text with spreadsheets is virtually impossible because you have to use the mouse too. To do something like save something, it's 3 steps on Ipad and PC you can be faster.

This is fact, Ipad can not compete with a PC, puts a person on the PC and other noIpad to do the same things, let's see who will be faster.

but Ipad for navigation, watch videos and read PDF, of course it's better, it was created by Jobs for that.


Cook is just looking to sell their fish and wanting to put in people's minds that it is a fish.

Ever since iOS 9 even iPhone replace desktop and it completely replace 90% of what windows or mac desktop can do.
Because i have perfect eyesight UNLIKE OTHERS is that needs glasses

I have iPhone SE and iPhone 7 Plus and i write my documents on my 7 Plus and read pdf file on my iPhone SE and then print my Save Files

So in the end iPhone replaces both iPad and desktop for some thesis if you have a good eyesight like me

 

[AttilaTheHun]

Ever since iOS 9 even iPhone replace desktop and it completely replace 90% of what windows or mac desktop can do.
Because i have perfect eyesight UNLIKE OTHERS is that needs glasses

I have iPhone SE and iPhone 7 Plus and i write my documents on my 7 Plus and read pdf file on my iPhone SE and then print my Save Files

So in the end iPhone replaces both iPad and desktop for some thesis if you have a good eyesight like me

For me i like to use the iPad as a tablet only no keyboard just as is with the pencil, My MacBook pro is my second love and i dont want to give up none of them

 

[sean000]

Last year my boss offered to buy me a laptop to replace my aging iPad 3 (the one with the 30-pin connector). He wasn't offering a Macbook Pro, but rather a Surface or Lenovo Thinkpad. I use a Windows 10 desktop when I'm at my desk. I also have Windows 10 at home. However I mostly live by my iOS apps. My iPhone and Apple Watch apps keep me on task, on time, and so much more. Some of them have Web interfaces so I can access them from my Windows desktop (e.g., TickTick for tasks), but others do not.

I opted to stay with the iPad and got a new 10.5 inch iPad Pro last year. It's great! So light that I can carry it to any meeting or field call I need to attend. Battery is never an issue. I mostly need access to content from meetings, so I mostly use the iPad for consuming content.. but sometimes I also use it for creating it. We are an Office 365 shop and the Office 365 apps for iOS are excellent. Sometimes I use a wireless keyboard (I don't have the pencil or the smart keyboard), but mostly of the time I use the on-screen keyboard. Works fine.

I see a lot of coworkers hauling laptops to meetings. Some of them are thin and light (including some Macbook Pros and Airs, Surfaces, etc.), but many are not. They are great on a meeting table, but some of our meetings are held in rooms with chairs but no desk. I also do some work standing up or working in a location where there are no easily accessible surfaces for a laptop. The iPad is much easier to use standing up or when sitting in a chair with no desk.

There are very few things I ever need to do from the iPad that I am not able to do. In those cases I remote into my desktop computer from the iPad. I wouldn't want to work in a remote access app for too long, but these are usually brief tasks.

Can a laptop replace a desktop? Can an iPad replace a laptop or a desktop? It all depends on how and where you work, what applications you need, how much display(s) you want, and how much power/speed you need to drive your applications. I'm pretty happy with a small form factor desktop computer running a couple of large displays (including a 34 inch curved display), and an iPad Pro when I'm on the go (or just my iPhone and Apple Watch).

I've been using mobile devices (laptops, PalmPilots, etc.) since the mid-1990's and we have come a long way in 20 years. There are so many options today, and it's much easier to work between multiple operating systems. You just have to figure out the combination of tools that work well for you.

Sean

 

[alex2792]

If you only use your computer for email, Facebook and cat videos then yes. If you want to do actual work then no.

 

[OneSon]

If what you do is watch youtube videos of monkeys throwing poo at humans then yes.

 

[rui no onna]

If what you do is watch youtube videos of monkeys throwing poo at humans then yes.

OT

Seven to Eternity (avatar)?

 

[Osty]

If you only use your computer for email, Facebook and cat videos then yes. If you want to do actual work then no.

Ah, this old chestnut. Plenty of writers, educators, presenters, medical professionals, artists and executives would disagree with that statement.

Anyway, what the hell is real work and who are you to say what that is?

Is your job, what ever that is, your only definition of real work work? Or do you invalidate all forms of work that can be done on an iPad just because your tasks either can't be done on a iPad or you simply prefer the desktop metaphor more traditional input methods?

Surely there are degrees of work in the knowledge and services industries that don't need C-compilers, 1000s of Cuda cores or daisy-chained 5K monitors.

 

[Vivian125]

I have macbook pro 15 inch ever since i got the iPhone 4s and from where Word and Powerpoint on iOS becomes available, my iPhone 4s completely replace my Macbook Pro

Because my iPhone 4S can do 90% what my Macbook does, i do take notes on my 4s unless people is extremely nearsighted or needed glasses then migh as well get an Macbook or iPad duh...
[doublepost=1499733847][/doublepost]I think the Macbook Pro and iPad/Tablet sales or other windows pc is going downhill because why??

MOST OF THE SMARTPHONES TODAY CAN DO WHATEVER IPAD OR DESKTOP CAN DO ASIDE FROM BIGGERSCREEN AND IS MUCH PORTABLE

So in the end of the thread it should be titled as "Can iPhone replace iPad/desktop?"

 

[gobikerider]

Personally, I find the iPad more convenient than a laptop when sitting on bed, on sofa, bus, train... The fact that it doesn't have keyboard means it takes a lot less space on my lap. Of course, if you do a lot of typing, you might prefer to have a physical keyboard. It all depends on what you value more.

I also find working in iOS more convenient then the same tasks on MacOS, its preference but people need to stop saying one is clearly superior because they were both good for respective uses as MacOS obviously caters to a different audience then iOS and the people a iPad Pro caters to. "Different strokes for different folks"

 

[alex2792]

Ah, this old chestnut. Plenty of writers, educators, presenters, medical professionals, artists and executives would disagree with that statement.

Anyway, what the hell is real work and who are you to say what that is?

Is your job, what ever that is, your only definition of real work work? Or do you invalidate all forms of work that can be done on an iPad just because your tasks either can't be done on a iPad or you simply prefer the desktop metaphor more traditional input methods?

Surely there are degrees of work in the knowledge and services industries that don't need C-compilers, 1000s of Cuda cores or daisy-chained 5K monitors.

Ever tried using Excel on an iPad? Good times.

 

[Vivian125]

Seenzoned much?? I mean you only seen some message without giving opinion because they realize that even iPhone can also do excel, word, powerpoint presentation on classes or report on thesis.

People will always prefer to use an iPhone when presenting visual aids, than using a MacBook/iPad which can hurt your arms when your so Trying Hard to hold it in one hand unlike the iPhone. Bringing iPad or Macbook when you already have an iPhone is unecessary these days, because they are only good for watching movies and etc..

 

[throAU]

Ever tried using Excel on an iPad? Good times.

ever tried using a 15" notebook in economy?
ever tried referencing an excel spreadsheet while doing some other job, using a laptop? (e.g., re patching a server cabinet referencing an excel document)

just because ipad excel exists, doesn't mean it is intended for hard core data entry. not all users of excel need that, and even those that do may not need it all the time.

they may just need to open and review the documents, make minor edits, etc. and the ipad version is fine for that.

in fact the higher up the food chain you go, the less likely the upper management who actually make business decisions using the data (real work) will be to need to edit it.

 

[Vivian125]

ever tried using a 15" notebook in economy?
ever tried referencing an excel spreadsheet while doing some other job, using a laptop? (e.g., re patching a server cabinet referencing an excel document)

just because ipad excel exists, doesn't mean it is intended for hard core data entry. not all users of excel need that, and even those that do may not need it all the time.

they may just need to open and review the documents, make minor edits, etc. and the ipad version is fine for that.

in fact the higher up the food chain you go, the less likely the upper management who actually make business decisions using the data (real work) will be to need to edit it.

Is telling you need some glasses.

I can do excel on my iPhone, what more on iPad??
Is Just like, what i said even an iPhone nowadays ever since iOS 9 can do almost everything unless your programmer.
But now, using bluetooth 4.0 if you have microsoft excel or powerpoint on your iPhone then bringing an iPad or Macbook with you is unnecessary. Trying hard to see even someone eyesight is relatively poor enough to need glasses, why not wear glasses or contact lenses instead. Glad i have perfect EYESIGHT unlike OTHERS who needs a lot of EFFORT

#Were not in iOS 5 anymore

 

[Osty]

Ever tried using Excel on an iPad? Good times.

No I haven't. When I wan't to crunch data I use Python, which the iPad handles just fine. Personally, I wouldn't laud Excel, even on the desktop. I find it to be a tedious, bloated relic that hasn't adapted to the age of online web services and APIs.

Also you kind of made my point. You provided one data point - your dislike of Excel on the iPad - and somehow think that justifies writing off the iPad as a professional tool for all users and all use cases.

For the record, I'm not defending one system over another. I use Mac, iOS and Linux daily and prefer to use the right tool for the job.
[doublepost=1499774781][/doublepost]

ever tried using a 15" notebook in economy?
ever tried referencing an excel spreadsheet while doing some other job, using a laptop? (e.g., re patching a server cabinet referencing an excel document)

just because ipad excel exists, doesn't mean it is intended for hard core data entry. not all users of excel need that, and even those that do may not need it all the time.

they may just need to open and review the documents, make minor edits, etc. and the ipad version is fine for that.

in fact the higher up the food chain you go, the less likely the upper management who actually make business decisions using the data (real work) will be to need to edit it.

Well said. All the senior management an executives in my company use iPads. 'Data' to them is a buzz word.

 

[Night Spring]

why not wear glasses or contact lenses instead.

Some eyesight problems can't be completely corrected with glasses.

Enjoy your perfect eyesight while you have it.

 

[AttilaTheHun]

I have macbook pro 15 inch ever since i got the iPhone 4s and from where Word and Powerpoint on iOS becomes available, my iPhone 4s completely replace my Macbook Pro

Because my iPhone 4S can do 90% what my Macbook does, i do take notes on my 4s unless people is extremely nearsighted or needed glasses then migh as well get an Macbook or iPad duh...
[doublepost=1499733847][/doublepost]I think the Macbook Pro and iPad/Tablet sales or other windows pc is going downhill because why??

MOST OF THE SMARTPHONES TODAY CAN DO WHATEVER IPAD OR DESKTOP CAN DO ASIDE FROM BIGGERSCREEN AND IS MUCH PORTABLE

So in the end of the thread it should be titled as "Can iPhone replace iPad/desktop?"

According to you we just need a cable to connect the iPhone to a big monitor and we are done,
Maybe you are right

 

[sparksd]

Seenzoned much?? I mean you only seen some message without giving opinion because they realize that even iPhone can also do excel, word, powerpoint presentation on classes or report on thesis.

People will always prefer to use an iPhone when presenting visual aids, than using a MacBook/iPad which can hurt your arms when your so Trying Hard to hold it in one hand unlike the iPhone. Bringing iPad or Macbook when you already have an iPhone is unecessary these days, because they are only good for watching movies and etc..

Irrespective of the power and capabilities of today's smartphones, I have zero interest in replacing the larger screen of a tablet with the screen of a phone for working with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, or a whole slew of other applications. Nor would I prefer to use a phone when presenting visual aids.

 

[Ghost31]

At this point, there's such an overflow of threads JUST LIKE THIS that when I see one of these now I feel like someone is just playing a joke on the forum. Like you can't be seriously asking this question while also having eyeballs perfectly capable of reading all the other threads about the exact same thing with a million patient people actually answering the question.

Short answer: maybe

Long answer: damn dude! There are so many long answers in all the other threads! Go read some!

 

[sean000]

Ever tried using Excel on an iPad? Good times.

I wouldn't want to do a lot of data entry or editing in Excel on the iPad, but I use the Excel app on my iPad multiple times a week in meetings. I usually just need to have some numbers in front of me, or be able to quickly show someone a chart. The iPad is great for how I use Excel in a meeting. I've occasionally resorted to some brief editing as well, but that's much more easily done on a desktop or laptop. That said an Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard might make it more bearable.

On the other hand I do a lot of editing in OneNote, Word, Outlook, Drupal, etc. from the iPad quite easily... even just using the touchscreen keyboard.

Sean

 

[throAU]

According to you we just need a cable to connect the iPhone to a big monitor and we are done,
Maybe you are right

this isn't far off.

some people may think you're joking, but unless you need a usable screen away from a desk, wireless display, charging, and input peripherals will make this a reality.

i'd still have an ipad though because whilst the phone would be fine at a desk with a larger display, work is moving away from being desk bound, so you need the larger ipad display or maybe some AR glasses.

and surprise surprise, apple are working on that; using ios with both ipad and iphone for AR.

the head gear is coming make no mistake. the traditional "do computer stuff at a desk" workflow is going to be phased out eventually.

the only real reason most people are desk bound is for data entry grunt work and the machines can do that better automatically (user just looks at whatever and the AR software sucks the data in for you) if we can get good enough sensors and software on them.