For people with iPad Pro's (12.9 in.) as laptop replacements, how has it been so far?

[Conutz]

I've had a 12.9 for the last year and while I still use my 15" rMBP for Windows programming, I find the 12.9 very capable - and that's with iOS 10 (iOS 11 will be even better).

If you're going to use an iPad Pro (12.9) as your primary device, you'll need to be prepared to work in a slightly different way to traditional computers: it is a different take on a computing device. IMO, if you can deal with the following couple of points you'll be good.

1. It is *not* a Mac or PC, so don't expect it to be one. It doesn't support a mouse as it has a touch interface for that. The SKB provides a host of keyboard shortcuts though, both app- and OS-specific.
2. It supports (human) multitasking, but it limits you to two active apps. I view this as a good thing - we humans not effective at multitasking, lots of research proves this. Translated: it forces you to focus and work with greater focus. I enjoy this.
3. Files reside within apps and can be shared between apps via the Share Sheet/Share Extension. This may sometimes require a couple of additional steps in a workflow, but IMO so does navigating and saving to a directory Ina traditional OS, I.e. Very similar effort required.

Learning to use my 12.9 as a productivity device reminded me somewhat of learning to use OSX back in 2011 - both required a different mindset.

These are the major adjustments I've had to make and I'm very happy at this point, my V1 12.9 was undoubtedly a good purchase. Looking forward to many years with it!

PS check out the Workflow app, it adds some additional power to iOS!

 

[SideStepSociety]

I've been really considering this, especially since full blown OS' are really only a remote connection away. I think the only thing keeping me from doing this would be the inability to use a mouse.

I feel like reaching to touch the screen when highlighting/selecting is required is pretty counterproductive. Anyone have any comments on this? e.g. Is this process less intrusive when paired with an Apple Pencil?

 

[eviljack]

Having been using my 12.9" Pro lately running the latest public beta as my main device around the house for the last 2 weeks, I still don't think it is ready to replace my laptop or desktop.

The web browsing experience is crippled with most websites and pages rendering too large and scaled too high, effectively limiting the amount of information you can have on a single page with a lot more scrolling required. It kinda feels like I'm browsing on a 1024x768 window but with a higher resolution. Most similar sized laptop screens display way more on a lower resolution. There is nowhere to change the scaling either.

The lack of browser extensions (RES in particular) and the prevalence of ads everywhere (Namely using Chrome) really leaves me wanting more from the device.

 

[Conutz]

I feel like reaching to touch the screen when highlighting/selecting is required is pretty counterproductive. Anyone have any comments on this? e.g. Is this process less intrusive when paired with an Apple Pencil?

If you're using the ASK or similar, you can used arrow and Shift keys in combination with Option or Command key to select a word at a time or the entire line (on a traditional computer, this is also a far more efficient method of text selection than using the mouse). If you're using the iPP without a keyboard, the Pencil will do a good job a la traditional paper notebook & pen.

 

[richpjr]

I've been really considering this, especially since full blown OS' are really only a remote connection away. I think the only thing keeping me from doing this would be the inability to use a mouse.

I feel like reaching to touch the screen when highlighting/selecting is required is pretty counterproductive. Anyone have any comments on this? e.g. Is this process less intrusive when paired with an Apple Pencil?

No it's not less intrusive and is a huge negative for the way I need to work as it prevents me from going all in on my iPad. It doesn't seem to be a problem for some, but is a show stopper for me.

 

[44267547]

I've been really considering this, especially since full blown OS' are really only a remote connection away. I think the only thing keeping me from doing this would be the inability to use a mouse.

I feel like reaching to touch the screen when highlighting/selecting is required is pretty counterproductive. Anyone have any comments on this? e.g. Is this process less intrusive when paired with an Apple Pencil?

Most want to see a trackpad or mouse to help with the productivity from reaching across the display. But knowing how Apple does things in a different realm than most would like, I find out that I have adjusted to touching the display with no issue. But that's also likely in part because that's all I have ever been subjected to with the iPad as it is now.

 

[Precursor]

Personally I'm having a bit of a dilemma, I currently have the first generation 12.9 iPad Pro, I'm going to be upgrading to the second generation next month, however I can't decide between the 12.9" or the 10.5" I like the look of the 10.5" as it's smaller and more portable, I've not seen one in person yet (my nearest Apple Store is miles away) my buggiest concern with getting the 10.5" is if it's enough screen estate to get things done. My usage is as follows:

Apple Pencil for taking notes with Notability

Affinity photo for photo editing

A few adult colouring book apps (they are really relaxing)

Watching movies and TV shows

Multitasking and split view - Pages and safari mainly.

Has anyone moved from the 12.9" to the 10.5" and is happy with the screen estate? Is it enough to get your work done?

Don't!!!
I moved from first gen 12.9" to 10.5" only because I didn't want to wait 3-4 weeks for second gen 12.9" delivery and went for the 10.5". I am regretting big time now. Especially when watching videos, reading, writing on goodnotes etc. Once you get used to the screen estate it's very hard to adjust to a smaller size. I can't return the 10.5" either as I am now abroad
I am contemplating giving my 10.5" away to a family member when I get back home and buy 2nd gen 12.9". Just hoping it becomes available in store by then.

 

[Dave245]

Don't!!!
I moved from first gen 12.9" to 10.5" only because I didn't want to wait 3-4 weeks for second gen 12.9" delivery and went for the 10.5". I am regretting big time now. Especially when watching videos, reading, writing on goodnotes etc. Once you get used to the screen estate it's very hard to adjust to a smaller size. I can't return the 10.5" either as I am now abroad
I am contemplating giving my 10.5" away to a family member when I get back home and buy 2nd gen 12.9". Just hoping it becomes available in store by then.

Thank you for the advice, i think i will stick with the 12.9" i prefer the bigger screen for watching videos and so on. Plus i'm thinking of picking up the Apple Smart Keyboard with it and see if it will help replace my old 2011 MacBook Pro, if it does then i won't need to buy a new one. I still use an iMac as my main desktop tho as i love MacOS.

It sucks that you don't like the 10.5" at least now you know for future reference tho.

 

[akash.nu]

I actually didn't realise so many people watch stuff on their iPads on a regular basis. I feel any screen is too small for extensive viewing for me. Especially to really appreciate the bigger screen. For me it's convenience of being able to do tasks that I necessarily don't need my mac for.

 

[Precursor]

I actually didn't realise so many people watch stuff on their iPads on a regular basis. I feel any screen is too small for extensive viewing for me. Especially to really appreciate the bigger screen. For me it's convenience of being able to do tasks that I necessarily don't need my mac for.

I travel a lot and being able to watch Netflix on a 12.9" ipad has become a necessity for me like food and water. With my 10.5" now, I am starving

 

[akash.nu]

I travel a lot and being able to watch Netflix on a 12.9" ipad has become a necessity for me like food and water. With my 10.5" now, I am starving

I guess if you travel so much and carrying it is not a problem then I see your weakness there.

 

[Precursor]

I guess if you travel so much and carrying it is not a problem then I see your weakness there.

Traveling as in flying to different countries, staying in hotels etc
Carrying a 12.9" has never been an issue for me, been carrying laptops since before laptops became popular. Boy, were they heavy!

 

[akash.nu]

Traveling as in flying to different countries, staying in hotels etc
Carrying a 12.9" has never been an issue for me, been carrying laptops since before laptops became popular. Boy, were they heavy!

Ah that makes sense. I guess for me it's a bit different usage. I use iPad for mostly work related stuff and when I'm travelling I don't mind the 9.7 screen to occasionally watch a movie or some YouTube video. As you can tell I'm not really someone who likes to watch stuff on smaller screen.

Having upgraded to the iPad 2017 recently I'm seriously considering to not carry my MacBook anymore either and instead remotely access it all the time when I'm out and about either within the country or outside. Hopefully that setup will work out for me. Fingers crossed.

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

I travel a lot...betwixt the office and my home on a weekday basis...

And i absolutely love the form factor and portability of the pro. Ive been laptop-less since November 2015 when i picked up a lunch day 12.9.

I do music production and with the wealth of pro style music apps avail to apple, it was a no brainer to invest in it.

I feel like i did when i "cut the cord" on cable television back in 2008! Liberating!!!!!

 

[JohnnyGo]

Traveling as in flying to different countries, staying in hotels etc
Carrying a 12.9" has never been an issue for me, been carrying laptops since before laptops became popular. Boy, were they heavy!

Same here. Carrying iPad Pro is a breeze. You can choose to go to meetings with the combo (iPad + keyboard) or iPad only. No need to carry a charger just a lightning cable. If you have a good battery pack, you can even charge your iPad inside your bag.

 

[Max Your Macs]

I've been bouncing around this same issue myself, trying to decide between keeping my first gen 12.9 or keep the 10.5 I recently bought. The larger one was no real problem to carry around to client meetings, work and around the house use but the smaller one is tons more convenient in the portability respect. The new ProMotion screen is ok I guess but to me, it's not been an earth shattering difference like so many other have said. Apple Pencil latency is a wee bit better but this comes with trade offs like compare apps in Split View and the smaller keyboard (software). The 12.9 works perfectly well and I'm thinking iOS 11 would really make it shine too, plus I already have all Apple accessories like ASK, Smart Cover and silicone rear cover and I would need to buy those all over for the 10.5. After I use the 10.5 for a day, it seems fine but when I get back to my 12.9 it is just like a breath of fresh air, having so much more room to type and work. Decisions, decisions?

Has anyone else been down this similar path and decided to keep their first gen IPP over the new 10.5?

 

[sracer]

I've been bouncing around this same issue myself, trying to decide between keeping my first gen 12.9 or keep the 10.5 I recently bought. The larger one was no real problem to carry around to client meetings, work and around the house use but the smaller one is tons more convenient in the portability respect. The new ProMotion screen is ok I guess but to me, it's not been an earth shattering difference like so many other have said. Apple Pencil latency is a wee bit better but this comes with trade offs like compare apps in Split View and the smaller keyboard (software). The 12.9 works perfectly well and I'm thinking iOS 11 would really make it shine too, plus I already have all Apple accessories like ASK, Smart Cover and silicone rear cover and I would need to buy those all over for the 10.5. After I use the 10.5 for a day, it seems fine but when I get back to my 12.9 it is just like a breath of fresh air, having so much more room to type and work. Decisions, decisions?

Has anyone else been down this similar path and decided to keep their first gen IPP over the new 10.5?

I've been considering changing from my 1st gen 12.9 to a 10.5... but I have decided to wait until iOS 11 hits the streets to see what it actually delivers and if it improves the user experience on the 12.9. If it doesn't, then I'll have less of a reason to stick with the larger form factor and trade in my 12.9 and Mini 4 for a 10.5 Pro.

 

[Max Your Macs]

I've been considering changing from my 1st gen 12.9 to a 10.5... but I have decided to wait until iOS 11 hits the streets to see what it actually delivers and if it improves the user experience on the 12.9. If it doesn't, then I'll have less of a reason to stick with the larger form factor and trade in my 12.9 and Mini 4 for a 10.5 Pro.

I think I'm right there with you on this. The 10.5 is super nice, no doubt, but the improvements for most uses is marginal and honestly, I don't think the hardware is being leveraged all that much on the first gen anyway, so we probably have lots to look forward to in iOS 11. Just now, I have been bouncing back and forth on some normal tasks like email, using an accounting app, etc and when I go back to the 10.5 it just seems sooooo small! Even if I do upgrade, I can see it being to a new gen 12.9 I think. Been a nice experiment and the 10.5 is excellent for those coming from a mini or 9.7 but man, do you miss that screen real estate by retro grading in size!

 

[sracer]

I think I'm right there with you on this. The 10.5 is super nice, no doubt, but the improvements for most uses is marginal and honestly, I don't think the hardware is being leveraged all that much on the first gen anyway, so we probably have lots to look forward to in iOS 11. Just now, I have been bouncing back and forth on some normal tasks like email, using an accounting app, etc and when I go back to the 10.5 it just seems sooooo small! Even if I do upgrade, I can see it being to a new gen 12.9 I think. Been a nice experiment and the 10.5 is excellent for those coming from a mini or 9.7 but man, do you miss that screen real estate by retro grading in size!

I currently switch between the 12.9 and Mini 4 (depending upon what I'm doing and where I'm doing it). There are a few (very few) instances where the 12.9 is too large to use comfortably (primarily on planes). I've not had any issues with any scenario using a 9.7 iPad... the 10.5 isn't large enough to cause any issues.

The current state of iOS and apps prevents me from further advancing to use the 12.9 Pro in more situations that I would usually use my Macbook Air. If iOS 11 fails to deliver, then I have no reason to continue to push forward on that front and simply back off to using the iPad as a simple but high quality tablet. I don't need a 12.9" screen for that.

 

[robjulo]

So far so good for me. My needs are pretty simple. I don't do any photo editing, video editing, spreadsheets and the like.

I was (and always have been) skeptical about not having a file repository and ability to dump to a thumb drive, but am finding that MS Word with one drive works really well for my needs.

I've gotten used to interacting with the screen instead of a mouse, which was also something I was skeptical of, which makes Tim Cook's argument (at least in my opinion) that a MB doesn't need a touchscreen pretty flawed.

I gave my old MBP to my daughter and have not yet had to go back and get it.

 

[unconaction]

I know the second Generation 12.9 iPad is fast and the display is amazing. But I primarily look forward to the potential with iOS 11 once it debuts this Fall. Especially
With the 12.9 iPad user interface, it will use better advantages of iOS 11.[
Yes. I have both and think iOS 11with files and modern multitasking may finally draw the "light" creation users towards it as being their primary device. Sports car metaphor that it has the horsepower now out of the box but needs iOS 11 to bring ont the handling.

 

[The Game 161]

As a new sky TV customer being able to watch sky on my TV then when I go to bed I can carry on watching in bed with my 12.9 pro on my bedside table it's ideal. Means I don't need A TV in my room. perfect for my box sets

 

[thadoggfather]

I've been really considering this, especially since full blown OS' are really only a remote connection away. I think the only thing keeping me from doing this would be the inability to use a mouse.

I feel like reaching to touch the screen when highlighting/selecting is required is pretty counterproductive. Anyone have any comments on this? e.g. Is this process less intrusive when paired with an Apple Pencil?

This would be for you or really anyone

If I want to remote to my nTB on Sierra over internet or lan what’s the best solution

 

[BWhaler]

I use the 10.5 with the occasional ask. Love it, and can't wait for iOS 11.

Agree with others that it is the software and iOS that is holding back the iPad platform.

For me, the lack of full features in iWork keeps me going to the Mac. How is iWork not a marque suite on why to use the iPad is beyond comprehension. Apple needs to get on the ball with its software.

 

[Hastings101]

I use a 10.5 instead of 12.9, but yes I've been using it as a laptop replacement for a few days now without much problem. I had the intention of replacing everything but my gaming computer with this iPad, and so far it's going great with a few frustrations. I use websites, email, work on documents in addition to the usual Netflix and other media things on it just fine.

My major complaints: No mouse support. I don't care what all the people who blab about touch think, editing documents and using some websites is so much more difficult if not impossible without a mouse.

Can't have two windows of same app (super useful for research)

No external file management for USB/SD, though this might come in iOS 11

Charges so slow
--
But yes, those complaints aside I don't ever think I'll need a laptop again. This thing is so fast, the Apple Pencil is awesome for writing and drawing for fun, very portable, and does everything a laptop could besides running some professional level software and games (and if you need to use that you shouldn't be doing so on most laptops in the first place imo) with a few limitations I already complained about. Also, no more Windows or MacOS random screw ups to deal with!

Forget replacing my laptop, this could be 90% people's main computer with mouse support and a keyboard.