If this was your use case, WWYD?

[Mainsail]

It sounds like the only thing that OP can’t do easily is make photo books. Otherwise, the iPad does everything the OP needs.

It would be difficult for me to recommend spending over $1,000 on a Mac for a singular purpose........well, I guess it depends on how often the OP makes photo books......but, for me it would not be worth it.

 

[mr_jomo]

A Mac mini with 256 gig ssd might be a good option
https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/...rocessor-with-turbo-boost-up-to-4.1ghz-256gb#

Or even take it down a notch to the core i3 model at $799,-. That model should cover OP’s purposes very nicely.

 

[kazmac]

I have a similar situation. I use my aging iMac to write and convert videos for blogging and as art reference.

I using mom’s 2018 iPad for most everything else, but I need the storage, bigger screen, tactile keyboard, and file system. I cannot use laptops (trackpads are a health issue) and honestly do not want to fork over thousands for a 2019 iMac when I use the iPad more. I probably will get a 2019 iMac on sale eventually unless the iPads get a file system and are more reliable in their build quality etc. I’d go Mac Mini if that wasn’t plagued with issues (unless the audio, Bluetooth etc have been sorted out).

So, OP, as you have business, I’d consider a desktop too. What desktop? That I cannot answer. If I were in your shoes that is what I would do.

 

[ssledoux]

It sounds like the only thing that OP can’t do easily is make photo books. Otherwise, the iPad does everything the OP needs.

It would be difficult for me to recommend spending over $1,000 on a Mac for a singular purpose........well, I guess it depends on how often the OP makes photo books......but, for me it would not be worth it.

The thing is, though the photo books are the only thing I can't do on my iPad, if I had a desktop, I'd likely do more of my work on it. I can certainly type and create documents on my iPad, but if I had a desktop I'd likely do it there because formatting, fonts, etc., are easier to change, and there are more options as well.

I would also access the websites needed for work from the desktop because I'd get full versions instead of mobile, which, in some instances, would make my job(s) easier.

Also, although I have had zero issues reading the forums from my iPad, I'm not gonna lie it's been nice even doing this with a bigger screen since hooking up my daughter's old iMac.

All in all, the more I think about it, the more I think having a desktop again might be a smart move. Now if I can just decide between that darn SSD and a fusion. Do I want fast, or do I want big?
[doublepost=1556628378][/doublepost]

Or even take it down a notch to the core i3 model at $799,-. That model should cover OP’s purposes very nicely.

If I do this, I'm doing an iMac vs a mini because I'd have to buy a screen either way, and I'd prefer to spend a little more and have it all in one nice, neat package.

 

[Mainsail]

The thing is, though the photo books are the only thing I can't do on my iPad, if I had a desktop, I'd likely do more of my work on it. I can certainly type and create documents on my iPad, but if I had a desktop I'd likely do it there because formatting, fonts, etc., are easier to change, and there are more options as well.

I would also access the websites needed for work from the desktop because I'd get full versions instead of mobile, which, in some instances, would make my job(s) easier.

Also, although I have had zero issues reading the forums from my iPad, I'm not gonna lie it's been nice even doing this with a bigger screen since hooking up my daughter's old iMac.

All in all, the more I think about it, the more I think having a desktop again might be a smart move. Now if I can just decide between that darn SSD and a fusion. Do I want fast, or do I want big?
[doublepost=1556628378][/doublepost]

If I do this, I'm doing an iMac vs a mini because I'd have to buy a screen either way, and I'd prefer to spend a little more and have it all in one nice, neat package.

Well, if you think you will get frequent use from the Mac, then go for it. An iMac plus iPad make a great combination.

In our house, we can probably get by with one Mac desktop to share between my wife and me. But, we are retired and soon to be empty nesters. We both have iPads. I can do over 90% of my productivity (family real estate business and community volunteer work) on the iPad, so it is rare that there is overlap.

 

[ssledoux]

Well, if you think you will get frequent use from the Mac, then go for it. An iMac plus iPad make a great combination.

I haven't felt I needed one for a long time, but with taking on another job from home, and having the potential to do more from home for my other job if I have access to full websites, I think I have enough reasons.

 

[PeterJP]

The issue with the using the iPP at the desk only is I’m wondering if I really NEED my portable device to be a pro model, when now I’ll use a desktop for all the things I’m currently using my pro for, and more.

Well, one of the main problems of living today is choice anxiety. I'm a typical victim of that. We see all the possibilities and we start wondering if what we have is ideal.

I try to counter it by just trying to be happy with what I have. You know, there's no guarantee that you'll be satisfied after the change. So that doesn't really change anything. So why not just stick with what you have?

Perhaps somebody can suggest a way to upload photos to that photo album site you mention? Then you could stick to your current setup and use the iPad for that as well.

Edit: Forgot to mention: In iOS 13, the iPads would request the full versions of websites instead of the mobile ones, so that would also help.

 

[EssModelsRule]

Sounds like there are work efficiencies to be gained with a desktop OS, so time saved can help justify the purchase. The extra capabilities, both personal use and potential extra income generating, further help the cause. Not sure iOS 13 is going to move the needle enough to make all this a wash.

 

[ssledoux]

Well, one of the main problems of living today is choice anxiety. I'm a typical victim of that. We see all the possibilities and we start wondering if what we have is ideal.

I try to counter it by just trying to be happy with what I have. You know, there's no guarantee that you'll be satisfied after the change. So that doesn't really change anything. So why not just stick with what you have?

Perhaps somebody can suggest a way to upload photos to that photo album site you mention? Then you could stick to your current setup and use the iPad for that as well.

Edit: Forgot to mention: In iOS 13, the iPads would request the full versions of websites instead of the mobile ones, so that would also help.

I can get the pictures uploaded now; just can't do anything with them once they're uploaded. IDK if that would ever be possible without mouse support.

Certainly getting full versions of websites would make a difference for me though, so that's a plus!

 

[DNichter]

Personally, I would upgrade to a 12.9 Pro and adapt fully to iOS. If you absolutely need macOS, I would buy a Mac mini and use Luna Display. I don't see any point in moving back to macOS.

 

[QCassidy352]

Personally, I would upgrade to a 12.9 Pro and adapt fully to iOS. If you absolutely need macOS, I would buy a Mac mini and use Luna Display. I don't see any point in moving back to macOS.

OP has a use case that iOS cannot handle (photo books), so that would be the point.

You’ve stated many times on these forums that you are happy being iOS-only, and that’s great for you. but a great many people need to do things that iOS simply cannot, so I’d be careful about being too quick to recommend iOS-only to people with different needs.

 

[ssledoux]

Personally, I would upgrade to a 12.9 Pro and adapt fully to iOS. If you absolutely need macOS, I would buy a Mac mini and use Luna Display. I don't see any point in moving back to macOS.

I've been iOS only for 3 years now, and I love so many things about it, but the workaround to use my iPP for doing photo books is likely going to be a lot more hassle than its worth, if it's even possible.

Not sure what Luna Display is, but I'd rather have an iMac with a larger display than use a mac mini and my 11" ipad (if that's what Luna can do), for making books.

There are several other ways in which I'd benefit from a desktop if I had one, even though none of those were "make it or break it" deals for me.

Honestly, the photo book thing isn't necessarily a must, if I could do it somewhere else, but I can't always count on that.

 

[mollyc]

I also think a MacBook of some sort could help you but since you have ruled that out, I’d go with an iMac. I also digital scrapbook and can’t imagine doing it only on iOS unless you are using something like the Becky Higgins app. It’s much easier to do on a full computer.

 

[Dave-Z]

If this were me, I'd just build a cheap PC for about $500 to do the few things in a desktop web browser that I need and then call it a day. But I understand not everyone likes to tinker with hardware.

I'm going to suggest getting a Mac Mini and using remote software like Luna (as @DNichter) recommended, or the Jump Desktop app. You can set the screen resolution on the Mini to match the iPad's and it will honestly be like your iPad is a small Mac. I did this for a year with my 12.9" iPad and a Linux desktop; it works incredibly well.

 

[rui no onna]

If this were me, I'd just build a cheap PC for about $500 to do the few things in a desktop web browser that I need and then call it a day. But I understand not everyone likes to tinker with hardware.

Lol, for something even cheaper and off the shelf, 3-5 year old business refurbs are pretty capable and already comes with Windows license. Saw some Dell Optiplexes with i5-4590 for less than $200 after coupon on Dell's refurb site just last week.

Granted, it's no good if one absolutely requires macOS.

 

[tps3443]

If this were me, I'd just build a cheap PC for about $500 to do the few things in a desktop web browser that I need and then call it a day. But I understand not everyone likes to tinker with hardware.

I'm going to suggest getting a Mac Mini and using remote software like Luna (as @DNichter) recommended, or the Jump Desktop app. You can set the screen resolution on the Mini to match the iPad's and it will honestly be like your iPad is a small Mac. I did this for a year with my 12.9" iPad and a Linux desktop; it works incredibly well.

You can build a strong PC for $500 bucks. Especially if it is not used for gaming.

A Ryzen 1700X and 16GB of DDR4, cheap x370 motherboard and your done. It’ll burn up any Apple or Mac product from here to about $3,500?

 

[Dave-Z]

Lol, for something even cheaper and off the shelf, 3-5 year old business refurbs are pretty capable and already comes with Windows license.

You can build a strong PC for $500 bucks. Especially if it is not used for gaming.

A Ryzen 1700X and 16GB of DDR4, cheap x370 motherboard and your done. It’ll burn up any Apple or Mac product from here to about $3,500 lol

For sure. And you're both right. I'm thinking $500 because I'm partially considering what I would want at a bare minimum. But the OP could easily get away with what you (both) are saying.

 

[tps3443]

Ever since AMD changed the computer world back in 2016 with an incredible come back.. It turned intel on there heads. So, AMD was able to offer competitive, and powerful processors to the masses for very low cost. And it has forced intel to change there ways, and if it wasn't for AMD none of you guys would even have a 6 core Mac, or a 8 core MacBook Pro. Because intel would have loved to milk the 4 core 8 thread i7 concept for as long as they possibly could lol.

 

[rui no onna]

You can build a strong PC for $500 bucks. Especially if it is not used for gaming.

A Ryzen 1700X and 16GB of DDR4, cheap x370 motherboard and your done. It’ll burn up any Apple or Mac product from here to about $3,500?

Still need to get a separate cooler for the 1700X. Unless one overclocks, could always go for the cheaper 1700 with stock cooler. MB+CPU+RAM alone is around ~$340. You're probably still looking at $600 after adding a decent case, good quality PSU and a decent 500GB-1TB SSD (860 EVO, MX500, etc). I don't expect most people have extra parts they can reuse just laying around. Probably an extra $50-100 for Windows license if one doesn't go the Linux route.

[doublepost=1556658571][/doublepost]

Ever since AMD changed the computer world back in 2016 with an incredible come back.. It turned intel on there heads. So, AMD was able to offer competitive, and powerful processors to the masses for very low cost. And it has forced intel to change there ways, and if it wasn't for AMD none of you guys would even have a 6 core Mac, or a 8 core MacBook Pro. Because intel would have loved to milk the 4 core 8 thread i7 concept for as long as they possibly could lol.

Yeah, pretty much from 2011-2016, there was no advancement on Intel's part. Even sadder is $100-150 i3s being stuck in dual-core for the longest time. I still have fond memories of my Athlons. Good to see AMD being competitive again.

 

[tps3443]

Still need to get a separate cooler for the 1700X. Unless one overclocks, could always go for the cheaper 1700 with stock cooler. MB+CPU+RAM alone is around ~$340. You're probably still looking at $600 after adding a decent case, good quality PSU and a decent 500GB-1TB SSD (860 EVO, MX500, etc). I don't expect most people have extra parts they can reuse just laying around. Probably an extra $50-100 for Windows license if one doesn't go the Linux route.

[doublepost=1556658571][/doublepost]
Yeah, pretty much from 2011-2016, there was no advancement on Intel's part. Even sadder is $100-150 i3s being stuck in dual-core for the longest time. I still have fond memories of my Athlons. Good to see AMD being competitive again.

I’m not talking an extreme PC lol. We don’t need top of the line cases, and while I do believe in a quality power supply plenty of these $200-$300 PSU’s are on eBay for dirt cheap.

AMD 1700X $150.00
ASUS X370 motherboard $85.00
2x8GB DDR4 3200 $72.00
H212 cooler $30 “Not required”
Corsair TX750 PSU $38.00 shipped
Decent PC case $50 dollars
RX480 8GB $100 bucks.
PNY 128GB SSD $18.00
1TB SATA 6GBPS HDD $40

$553.00 without the H212, with a video card. You could easily cut corners too those were all parts I found on eBay without even searching for the best deal. Windows is free to download on there website and you get a 90 day trial then you could purchase a serial key.





Once the 3700X comes out, (or whatever it is called) hopefully AMD will have the IPC on par with intel. And maybe they can overclock as well too. But yes, I started in computers when I was 12 so, in “2002”. The Athlon XP was good. I had one running from 1.8Ghz to 2.5Ghz daily, AGP video cards were in full swing then too lol.

I’m kinda curious to build a new PC. I might next year. Threadripper is awesome.

 

[DNichter]

OP has a use case that iOS cannot handle (photo books), so that would be the point.

You’ve stated many times on these forums that you are happy being iOS-only, and that’s great for you. but a great many people need to do things that iOS simply cannot, so I’d be careful about being too quick to recommend iOS-only to people with different needs.

That’s why I suggested a Mac mini if you absolutely need macOS. I just find it hard to believe that there isn’t an app that can accomplish what the OP needs. I don’t need to be careful about giving my opinion, I’m sure the OP is capable of making an informed decision for themselves.
[doublepost=1556663096][/doublepost]

I've been iOS only for 3 years now, and I love so many things about it, but the workaround to use my iPP for doing photo books is likely going to be a lot more hassle than its worth, if it's even possible.

Not sure what Luna Display is, but I'd rather have an iMac with a larger display than use a mac mini and my 11" ipad (if that's what Luna can do), for making books.

There are several other ways in which I'd benefit from a desktop if I had one, even though none of those were "make it or break it" deals for me.

Honestly, the photo book thing isn't necessarily a must, if I could do it somewhere else, but I can't always count on that.

Yea I’m not sure on the photo book thing. I am sure you have done your research, but I have to believe there is an app that can meet your needs. I mentioned the Mac mini paired with the 12.9 iPad Pro as I feel like that would be the best of both worlds. If you end up going for the iMac, just make sure you get an SSD.

 

[rui no onna]

I’m not talking an extreme PC lol. We don’t need top of the line cases, and while I do believe in a quality power supply plenty of these $200-$300 PSU’s are on eBay for dirt cheap.

AMD 1700X $150.00
ASUS X370 motherboard $85.00
2x8GB DDR4 3200 $72.00
H212 cooler $30 “Not required”
Corsair TX750 PSU $38.00 shipped
Decent PC case $50 dollars
RX480 8GB $100 bucks.
PNY 128GB SSD $18.00
1TB SATA 6GBPS HDD $40

$553.00 without the H212, with a video card. You could easily cut corners too those were all parts I found on eBay without even searching for the best deal. Windows is free to download on there website and you get a 90 day trial then you could purchase a serial key.

Not talking about extreme builds either. I wouldn't go for PNY 128GB SSD though. Half of that 128GB would be taken up Windows 10 alone (likely more after updates). At current SSD prices, it makes more sense to just simplify with a 500GB-1TB SSD single drive config instead of messing with symlinks trying to move AppData and stuff to HDD to save space on the SSD.

Just ballpark figures.

• AMD 1700: ~$160 (1700X doesn't come with HSF, afaik and while you don't need something like the H212, you do need to have at least something)
• X370 MB: ~$100
• 2x8GB DDR4: ~$80
• PSU 400-500W: ~$50
• PC Case: ~$50
• SSD 1TB: ~$100-120

Reckon the price discrepancy stems from me looking at brand new with warranty from Amazon/Newegg rather than used from ebay and the larger SSD.

 

[tps3443]

Not talking about extreme builds either. I wouldn't go for PNY 128GB SSD though. Half of that 128GB would be taken up Windows 10 alone (likely more after updates). At current SSD prices, it makes more sense to just simplify with a 500GB-1TB SSD single drive config instead of messing with symlinks trying to move AppData and stuff to HDD to save space on the SSD.

Just ballpark figures.

• AMD 1700: ~$160 (1700X doesn't come with HSF, afaik and while you don't need something like the H212, you do need to have at least something)
• X370 MB: ~$100
• 2x8GB DDR4: ~$80
• PSU 400-500W: ~$50
• PC Case: ~$50
• SSD 1TB: ~$100-120

Reckon the price discrepancy stems from me looking at brand new with warranty from Amazon/Newegg rather than used from ebay and the larger SSD.

Best budget build, not really though! Haha

Intel 9980XE@4.9Ghz liquid metal, and custom loop ($2,000)
(2) RTX Titan’s in NVlink water blocks on each ($5,000)
4X8GB DDR4 4,500 “if it’ll run at that” (motherboard, and IMC limitations)
(2)x Samsung 970 Pro NVME 1TB in Raid (0)
ASUS 4K 144HZ G-Sync monitor ($2,000 alone)

I wish lol. ^^^ I dunno about you, but that would be fun to build, overclock, and benchmark, then game on!

 

[Ladybug]

My .02 cents... it sounds like you have your heart set on a desktop, the (iMac) I presume. Buy an iMac with an SSD for speed, sell your current iPad since your phone as you say is sufficient for your casual needs. Use the iPad money from the sale to help finance a better iMac with SSD. Should you find the need in the future for another iPad at some point, you can always get a non pro model.

 

[tps3443]

I have just been struggling with my “right” device setup. I have been iMac-less for 3-4 years, and currently have an iPP 11”. I was functioning just fine with the 2018 in between selling my 2nd gen 12.9, and purchasing my 11”. Granted, the 11” is a stunning device, and if iPad remains my main “computing” device, I’d definitely keep the pro. However, I’ve been thinking of going back to having a desktop.

When I went all in on iPP a few years back, we had a terrible satellite internet plan, and I went iPP so I could go data only. My only drawback then (and even now) was not having a place where I could store all my photos, load them into Shutterfly and make books/yearbooks.

FF to now; our LTE has actually gotten worse over the last year, and due to a work from home job, I got a new satellite internet plan that is actually working extremely well.

Add to the fact that with my iPP, I rarely move it from my desk unless I’m going out of town. I have it in a stand and use it with a full-size apple-like bluetooth keyboard. I’m basically using it as a desktop. When I go sit in my recliner, I rarely bring it - just wind up using my phone if I want to peruse instagram or Pinterest, or play the only couple of games I play.

In this situation, WWYD? The ONLY thing I’d love to do that my pro won’t do is make photo books easily (I’m sure I could find a way around it, but it definitely won’t allow me to do anything other than just load pics into some pre-made album). The other thing is not always being able to access full websites, which can occasionally be an issue with my Disney travel agent work (I can usually manage this okay though).

Would you go back to a desktop? (Laptop NOT an option - I just don’t like them at all) If so, would you then downgrade to a cheaper iPad, or just keep the pro? I’d love to do a mini and think I’d actually use it a bit more because of reading in bed, but I don’t know how well it would do with my digital planners and such (like actually writing on it).

If you’ve read through this, I appreciate it. I have an idea of what I think makes the most sense for me going forward, but I’d love others’ opinions in case there are things I’m not considering.

iOS13 should help you with a few of these issues. I also have satellite internet where I live, and It is just terrible! I sold my awesome PC, and went all in on a 1TB cellular unlocked iPad Pro 11” I use ATT prepaid data on it, and use around 80-160GB every month in data. My iPad is my computer. It works for me, and I’m looking forward to iOS 13, which should clear up the few hang ups I’m having right now.