iPad Pro Has anyone taken them plunge and replaced their MacBook with an iPad?

[tomthumb17]

So I've currently got a mid 2014, 13" MacBook Pro, I've lost count how many Apple computers I've had over the last 17 or so years but I've started to notice recently that the way I use my eco-system is changing:

I use Spotify for music
I use Netflix for films/TV
I use iCloud Photo Library....and so on.

Ive also got a first generation iPad mini so it's SSLLLOOOWWWW and can't even install iOS 10 so it needs upgrading but I can't afford to just buy an iPad Pro.

It got me thinking whether I should sell my MacBook Pro to pay for a 9.7" iPad Pro. If I'm honest, I don't use my MacBook anywhere near enough anymore to justify having it. I may only use it a few times a week for the internet and a few other general bits, including importing photos from my Nikon camera.

I've also used a 9.7" iPad Pro with the Logitech create keyboard and also with the pencil and I love it so I'm thinking this is the combination I'd go for (with an SD-lightning adapter). With the keyboard, Microsoft office apps, Evernote and so on I think I can do most things on the iPad now which historically you couldn't before.

I've also seen the WD wifi passport with a USB slot so could mount external drives that way and as an absolute contingency I could buy a Mac mini to leave at home so I've still got an actual computer.

The main thing that scares me is that in nearly 20 years I've never not had an actual computer and I'm interested to hear if anyone has made the change and what experiences they've had. Do you regret it or was it the right decision?

 

[teralpar]

I have had an iPad since 2012 (iPad 2, iPad Mini 1 & 2, and currently an iPad Pro 9.7") and I use my iPad as my main computer for the most part. I had a MacBook Pro back in 2014 but only kept it for less than a year before I sold it. I also have a Mac Mini for anything that can't be done on my iPad but I hardly ever use the Mac Mini.

 

[AndyJoeshow]

Had an 8 year old MacBook. Replaced it in November with a 12.9 pro.

No regrets. This thing is amazing. It has replaced my need for a laptop. Love it. Super happy.

 

[DMVillain]

"It's okay, buy I miss my computer."

Over the span of three weeks in late Feb/early March, my 2012 rMPB and iPad Air 2 both crapped out. I had to get something, so despite the buyers guide, last weekend I bought an iPad Pro 12.9 - hoping to replace both devices. In one week, what I've found is that the iPad just isn't the "everything" device Apple wants to be.

1- iTunes. I very rarely used iTunes on my Mac. A few days ago, I went to the Apple Store to help a family member deal with the Geniuses. After I told them the reason for coming in, they, with attitude, asked why I didn't just use iTunes to restore the device. They scoffed when I said I don't have a computer. Contradictions with Apple's "better than a computer" promo aside, it would have been nice to have that day.

2- Apps. Because the iPhone and iPad share an OS, iPad apps tend to be watered down. For example, I'm considering changing password managers, but can only export via .csv from my current manager with the desktop app or browser extension. I could go on, but even apps touted as "pro", like Excel, are heavily lacking.

Several more issues without a computer, but ultimately, I may return the iPad Pro before my 14 day window is up (I'm waiting to see if Apple announces an event this week). If I return it, I'll probably get a MacBook (12in) and iPad mini. If I don't, I'll get a Mac mini to supplement the iPad Pro. Regardless, I still need a computer.

 

[brendu]

I have completely switched to my iPad Air 2 as my home computer. Pretty much been that way since I got it in 2014. I almost never touch my old MacBook. It's there if I need it but I'm increasingly finding I really don't need it anymore. Since new macs are so crazy expensive and I don't need the extra power and input, the iPad is absolutely the future of my personal computing.

 

[Woodstockie]

My mom only has her 16GB iPad Air 1, did away her laptop. Recently I picked up an iPad Pro 9.7 128GB with LTE, keyboard and pencil to replace my Air 1. Want to use it mainly for portability for when I am away from home as my 2012 13" non-retina is 'heavy'. Already had a Kensington backlit keyboard from the Air 1, so if I want more (function-)keys than the Apple smart keyboard it is there to use. All in all, I think a great setup to leave a computer home, but cannot go completely computer free yet.

 

[RiderX]

There are many things you cannot do with an iPad. That's why I have a Mac Mini which is also my server. While the Mini is used only sparingly, and the iPad is my main device, I'd never give up the Mini.

 

[Foggydog]

I replaced my 2009 mbp with a 12.9. Never going to look back. As a note, I don't need a computer like the MacBook style anymore. But there is really a lot I could use this for if I needed to.
One thing I don't really love is my virtual keyboard. For some reason the touch response is sometimes kinda funky. I also don't like that I cannot double tap the space bar and get a period .

 

[KohPhiPhi]

2- Apps. Because the iPhone and iPad share an OS, iPad apps tend to be watered down. For example, I'm considering changing password managers, but can only export via .csv from my current manager with the desktop app or browser extension. I could go on, but even apps touted as "pro", like Excel, are heavily lacking.

That is the "problem" with the iPad Pro: it has the same OS as the iPhone.

You can do some mild work on an iPad Pro (writing docs, amateur video editing, minor photo editing, etc), but it is not a "pro" device... and I dont even think Apple ever meant it to be! If they truly did, they wouldnt have the iPad Pro share the operating system with the iPhone. How could a true "laptop replacement" be powered by the same operating system as a phone?! it is nonsense.

So, as long as you dont really need a true laptop replacement, the iPad is an amazing device. It you do actually need a laptop in its full meaning for word, then do yourself a favor and buy a real laptop/

 

[TheRealAlex]

So I've currently got a mid 2014, 13" MacBook Pro, I've lost count how many Apple computers I've had over the last 17 or so years but I've started to notice recently that the way I use my eco-system is changing:

I use Spotify for music
I use Netflix for films/TV
I use iCloud Photo Library....and so on.

Ive also got a first generation iPad mini so it's SSLLLOOOWWWW and can't even install iOS 10 so it needs upgrading but I can't afford to just buy an iPad Pro.

It got me thinking whether I should sell my MacBook Pro to pay for a 9.7" iPad Pro. If I'm honest, I don't use my MacBook anywhere near enough anymore to justify having it. I may only use it a few times a week for the internet and a few other general bits, including importing photos from my Nikon camera.

I've also used a 9.7" iPad Pro with the Logitech create keyboard and also with the pencil and I love it so I'm thinking this is the combination I'd go for (with an SD-lightning adapter). With the keyboard, Microsoft office apps, Evernote and so on I think I can do most things on the iPad now which historically you couldn't before.

I've also seen the WD wifi passport with a USB slot so could mount external drives that way and as an absolute contingency I could buy a Mac mini to leave at home so I've still got an actual computer.

The main thing that scares me is that in nearly 20 years I've never not had an actual computer and I'm interested to hear if anyone has made the change and what experiences they've had. Do you regret it or was it the right decision?

Sold my 2012 Retina $1,400 cash for a MacBook Pro With Touchbar, realized it was Garbage Retruned it.

My 9.7" iPad Pro LTE 32GB $529 (special price $200 Sprint Verizon price match)
And my 2013 MacMini yes MacMini have been doing everything I need (2013 was the last year you could get a 4 Core i7 model 2014 the only option was a 2 Core i5 pretty dumb Apple)

On the Go the 9.7" Pro does everything and much more than a Laptop can because Customers can Legally Sign PDFs with the Apple Pencil and I can Scan Documents with the new Camera by Taking a Picture and it's Literally better quality than a Scanner. A Laptop just not gonna do that.

For Home use MacMini does the rest and my Gaming PC does everything else.

I have no Laptop period.

Looking for a Laptop with HDMI 2.1 and HDR capabilities and USB- C ports currently none exists.

I am Not a Youtuber, so I have little to No Need to Edit 1080p or 4K video.

Still waiting for a $1,000 Camera that can Record 4K 60FPS in 10-bit HDR.

 

[Freakonomics101]

I have an 11" MacBook Air and an iPad Pro 9.7. I love and use both devices. There are some things you just can't do on an iPad. For me, typing on a Mac is easier vs typing on a tiny iPad keyboard. My MacBook is very lightweight so it's not an issue to carry around. I have a leather cover on it so it isn't so easy to drop vs not having a cover. My iPad has a smart case and that's good to watch videos on.

My MacBook isn't used as much as it used to be now that I replaced my iPad Air with the Pro. The Air lagged a bit and it got on my nerves. The Pro is speedy fast and very convenient for basic browsing. Gives me desktop versions, which is very nice.

 

[gc15]

Sold my 2012 Retina $1,400 cash for a MacBook Pro With Touchbar, realized it was Garbage Retruned it.

My 9.7" iPad Pro LTE 32GB $529 (special price $200 Sprint Verizon price match)
And my 2013 MacMini yes MacMini have been doing everything I need (2013 was the last year you could get a 4 Core i7 model 2014 the only option was a 2 Core i5 pretty dumb Apple)

On the Go the 9.7" Pro does everything and much more than a Laptop can because Customers can Legally Sign PDFs with the Apple Pencil and I can Scan Documents with the new Camera by Taking a Picture and it's Literally better quality than a Scanner. A Laptop just not gonna do that.

For Home use MacMini does the rest and my Gaming PC does everything else.

I have no Laptop period.

Looking for a Laptop with HDMI 2.1 and HDR capabilities and USB- C ports currently none exists.

I am Not a Youtuber, so I have little to No Need to Edit 1080p or 4K video.

Still waiting for a $1,000 Camera that can Record 4K 60FPS in 10-bit HDR.

I am kinda in the same position. My gaming pc does everything I need when I'm home and my laptop (MacBook Pro 2011) crapped out on me almost a year ago. I want something lightweight and moble to replace my laptop with, but my iPhone 6s has been doing that job for me for now.

I was thinking about purchasing an ipad or chromebook for browsing/viewing pdfs since my phone is usually almost dead by time I get home from a long day at work.

 

[kingkoopakoopa]

The day that iPad Pro becomes more "pro" is the day I might sale my 13" 2011 mbp, my mbp still runs like a champ after upgrading a few of its internals.

No iPad of any kind can't operate photoshop/lightroom. Not sure if you shoot in RAW with your Nikon, if you do you have take that in consideration.

 

[fate0311]

If Cengage, and MyMathLab worked on an iPad Pro I would consider getting one. Completely useless to the modern day student right now.

 

[dsr2]

So I pretty much have replaced my macbook by default. I have a large and a small pro and I don't really create context, just consume. I just find myself reaching for my large pro at my desk and my smaller on on the go. Just works for me.

 

[Neonblue]

My two year old MacBook Air broke last Summer and I managed to get by with just an iPhone until last month, yet all that time I was debating if I should get a MacBook Pro or not. In the end last month I took the plunge and bought the iPad Pro 12.9, which was my first iPad, and it really was the best decision I've made.

The iPad does everything I need; I mostly used the MacBook Air for media consumption with minor word processing after I finished university. I love the screen size of the iPad 12.9, how mobile it is, how fast it is, and that I can still use it for word processing if needed - I find the on screen keyboard even easier to use than a convential one. It would be difficult to get me to go back to a laptop now.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

I got my first iPad in 2010, three days after the first generation release. Within three months I'd retired my PowerBook, and haven't felt the need for a laptop since.

My use of iPad is definitely "professional." I'm a writer and photographer, and use my iPad when I'm traveling for research or to cover a story. My workflow is adapted to the tool, and simplicity has its virtues. Since I do a lot of walking/hiking about when I work, size and weight is a definite plus. I do carry a separate keyboard (currently, it's the 12.9" Pro with Smart Keyboard), so weight savings aren't as dramatic as they might be.

 

[Newtons Apple]

The iPad could never replace my computer.

 

[kingkoopakoopa]

My use of iPad is definitely "professional." I'm a writer and photographer

How do you edit your photos in your iPad?

 

[ApfelKuchen]

How do you edit your photos in your iPad?

Usually, Photos. For my immediate needs (web publication), it's quit capable. Heavy-duty editing is going to be done when I get back to the office.

 

[utilitas]

The day that iPad Pro becomes more "pro" is the day I might sale my 13" 2011 mbp, my mbp still runs like a champ after upgrading a few of its internals.

No iPad of any kind can't operate photoshop/lightroom. Not sure if you shoot in RAW with your Nikon, if you do you have take that in consideration.

Thats why I go for a home workstation plus iPad

 

[RudySnow]

Replaced my MacBook Pro one month after I bought the iPad Pro 12.9. Very, very happy with that decision. I take this beast everywhere with me. I have all the apps I need and then some. My reason? I was SO sick and tired of dealing with macOS and the "tech troubleshooting" that comes with it that I greatly appreciate the simplicity of iOS on an iPad. I will admit that not using a mouse takes some getting used to, but the Apple Pencil can fill most of the needs that I could've otherwise had with a mouse. Very happy with my 12.9. And my iPad.

 

[dingclancy23]

The writing is on the wall for Apple. They are pushing the iPad.

I have a Macbook Air 2011, and while I still use it heavily for work, the question becomes, if you have a set limited budget, would I go for a premium iPad, or a premium Mac experience?

For example if I want to do personal consumption and light work, the iPad is the better experience. While if you want to do heavy work, the Mac is the better experience. But the way I have mine setup, everything in iPad make it look like the main device for me, and the Mac despite being my main work computer, only has the barebones apps to get work done. I do not bother with Photos or iTunes on the mac, I use web mail, and I prefer watching Netflix and Youtube on the iPad.

So more and more the Mac is becoming a barebones setup, where I just need to open it to do work. It is like a work-issued computer to get things done.

But as a more personal computer where you can also do work, the iPad seems to better option for me.

With the prices of new Macbook Pros, I cannot justify paying for that experience because I value the premium iPad experience more.

I would probably end up buying the cheapest Macbook available when it is time to upgrade as I still need a desktop computer. The fact that Macs can last 7-8 years actually helps me pay for the premium iPad experience.

That will give me more money to buy the latest iPad Pro.

 

[Coolpher]

I replaced my 2009 mbp with a 12.9. Never going to look back. As a note, I don't need a computer like the MacBook style anymore. But there is really a lot I could use this for if I needed to.
One thing I don't really love is my virtual keyboard. For some reason the touch response is sometimes kinda funky. I also don't like that I cannot double tap the space bar and get a period .

I don't know what you mean. It works for me with 12.9 iPad Pro see.

 

[alecgold]

It's so personal, depending on preferences and worn in routines (which can be changed!!).
But I for one am so happy with a 12.9 iPP and an 9.7 iPP.
Both with keyboard and with pencil.
I read books on the 9.7 and make notes on the 12.9
Or I use the 12.9 for reading badly scanned documents.
Just imagine reading in portrait on a MacBook Pro...?!

For all private stuff and 95% of my university law study I can use the 12.9. If pushed I could use it for 100% of my study.
For work there are a only few things I still can't do with iOS. (Scanning OCR on huge PDF's and working on large excel files). And it can be more productive to have two 27" screens side by side, when reading from an email, filling a web form on a website and having two word documents at the same time, all the while chatting with a co-worker about the changes in the document you're both working on.