iPad If you also have a large iPhone, how do you use your iPad? Is it worth it?

[svish]

I have a 12 Pro Max and a 11" iPad Pro. Use my iPad extensively.

 

[Richard8655]

iPad always for me over iPhone or any laptop. It hits the sweet spot in screen size (9.7" in my case) and lightweight portability. iPhone always a struggle to clearly see detail (despite recent larger sizes) and laptop just too cumbersome with physical keyboard.

 

[The Game 161]

No I need an iPad along with my iPhone

hell I use my iPhone, iPad and mac fairly evenly and all have different use cases

I rarely watch much media on my pro max but it’s nice to have the option when it’s there

 

[rui no onna]

I used a body pillow to prop up my iPad Pro and Air 4 - I'm doing the same thing with my M1 when I do long reading stints.

But agreed, definitely depends on user preference. I think if I had the option I could definitely do an iPad for a main personal device. I did for the last few years. It's a nice change but there are drawbacks (pencil, ability to hold upright, some iOS apps I enjoy, etc).

For example: I'm going on a trip soon here and normally I'd take my iPad with me. I don't want to lug around my M1 ... so I'll just be bringing my iPhone. I do miss the iPad.

Yeah, but reading in bed, I can lay down on my side and I can rotate the iPad as needed. That's kinda problematic with clamshells, fanless or not.

The controls are also an issue. The fixed, physical keyboard always gets in my way. I prefer touchscreen + onscreen keyboard majority of the time.

If MacBooks had wider opening angle, like for example Thinkpads, it would be great.
I used to open my old Thinkpads up to ~180 degrees while laying in bed, aside from weight of those things, worked for me well.

I actually bought a 2lb ThinkPad X1 Nano just recently. It feels lighter than my 2017 iPad 12.9 with folio case. That said, I still find iPads more comfortable to use in couch or bed (particularly 9.7-11" models).

 

[firedept]

I use my iPad for watching movies and tv in bed. Also enjoy reading MacRumors on a large screen with my magic keyboard. Easy to post.

 

[Robbosan]

Same old thread again.
No my 12 pro max can't replace my 11" iPad pro.

No one i know between 16-30 have a iPad though, all use iPhones and MacBooks.

 

[Bodhitree]

I use my iPad Pro a lot while on the couch or in/on bed, but have a few things that I specifically go to my phone for, WhatsApp, listening to audiobooks. The iPad usually just about makes it through the day without a recharge, while the phone often still has 35% left.

Honestly the 12.9” IPP was overkill for me, and for an upgrade I will probably go to a normal iPad. I don’t need the processing power or the screen size.

 

[ChloeXianah]

To me, the "value" of an iPad has decreased over the years as the larger iPhone has ably replaced many of the things I used to do with an iPad. As I look at possibly getting, then, one of the now much cheaper iPads (~$350), I'm still left wondering whether I will really use it. The use cases I see are music and reading--essentially the things that I think might benefit from a larger screen.

However, the larger screen comes with downsides, too, primarily related to how the larger form factor itself makes the device less comfortable to hold and less portable. I'm suspecting that after the initial curiosity of having a new device, the iPad will mostly just sit around, unused.

And I hate wasting money on stuff that sits around.

So how do you use your iPad? Worth it? Does it mostly sit around?

I have an iphone 6s+ that i bought brand new in 2018. I rarely ever use it. It was my first smartphone. Im not a phone addict, cant stand people that walk around with their noses in their phones to tell the truth. But I do love my ipad pro, i use it pretty much all day. I am going to buy the 2021 12.9 ipad pro when it eventually launches.

 

[linkgx1]

Yes, probably will get a smaller iPhone next time. iPad is great for surfing and overall media consumption.

 

[Gandek]

I always hated having a big phone after a while most recently a OnePlus 7 Pro. In general use when Im out and about there’s really no point in me having a bigger phone other than the better battery life bigger phones (usually) get. With the iPhone 11 Pro I have now it’s compact AND gets amazing battery life so it’s a win win for me. iPad gets used the most in the house for anything that a bigger screen comes in handy for.

 

[Yebubbleman]

To me, the "value" of an iPad has decreased over the years as the larger iPhone has ably replaced many of the things I used to do with an iPad. As I look at possibly getting, then, one of the now much cheaper iPads (~$350), I'm still left wondering whether I will really use it. The use cases I see are music and reading--essentially the things that I think might benefit from a larger screen.

However, the larger screen comes with downsides, too, primarily related to how the larger form factor itself makes the device less comfortable to hold and less portable. I'm suspecting that after the initial curiosity of having a new device, the iPad will mostly just sit around, unused.

And I hate wasting money on stuff that sits around.

So how do you use your iPad? Worth it? Does it mostly sit around?

Web browsing on an iPad is a night and day different experience compared to doing so on an iPhone. Same for reading books, playing games, and watching video longer than a quick 30 minute TV show episode.

I'd even go so far as to say that each size of iPad has things that they're better at than other sizes of iPad. For instance, the iPad mini is the best for reading books and equipping with cellular (as you'll actually want to take it to the kinds of places where you won't be likely to have Wi-Fi access). The 12.9" iPad Pro is the best iPad for typing (as the keyboard is actually comfortably spaced for typing for long periods at a time. In fact, I've never used any kind of medium (technological or otherwise) that is as easy for note-taking as a 12.9" iPad Pro and a Smart Keyboard of some sort. The 9.7"-11" size range is good for all around use and/or for those that have needs that extend beyond that of the iPad mini's strengths, but don't want the 12.9" iPad Pro for it being too large. It's also the best mix of decent screen size for video consumption while still being reasonably portable outside of a dedicated bag.

But yeah, iPads are awesome. The only unfortunate thing about them is that it's hard to sell someone on their use before they actually sit down to use it. I bought each new size category of iPad thinking it was an unnecessary toy (first with the original iPad, then with the mini, and then with the 12.9" Pro) and it wasn't until I used them and realized how useful each one was that they became indispensable.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Web browsing on an iPad is a night and day different experience compared to doing so on an iPhone.

I would've agreed with that statement back when websites were optimized for desktop only and when phones had tiny screens, but things are different now. Web browsing is fine on most mobile phones, especially larger ones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

 

[rui no onna]

I would've agreed with that statement back when websites were optimized for desktop only and when phones had tiny screens, but things are different now. Web browsing is fine on most mobile phones, especially larger ones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

For me, it's still not unless one is willing to deal with tiny fonts.

 

[AutomaticApple]

For me, it's still not unless one is willing to deal with tiny fonts.

You can change the size of the fonts in settings.

 

[rui no onna]

You can change the size of the fonts in settings.

Then the layout's gonna be off. The iPad allows pretty much desktop layout with a lot more content displayed onscreen while maintaining readable font sizes.

 

[muzzy996]

For me, it's still not unless one is willing to deal with tiny fonts.

You can change the size of the fonts in settings.

The experience is totally different though. I mean I get it, the experience is fine for some but it surely is different, no? That was the statement Yebubbleman was making and there should be no question that one can fit more text on a larger display when the text is displayed such that the font size is physically the same size on each display being compared.

I can and do browse on my phone, but I don't prefer to - I'd much rather do so on a tablet or PC.

Edit: No right or wrong answer here, all subjective. I definitely like the direction phones took on getting larger displays over the years - I need reading glasses so I prefer large display phones and tablets.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I would've agreed with that statement back when websites were optimized for desktop only and when phones had tiny screens, but things are different now. Web browsing is fine on most mobile phones, especially larger ones like the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Websites on a phone (even the iPhone 12 Pro Max) still automatically format to use a mobile site. You usually have to manually change that preference on a site by site basis (which is annoying and far from convenient). This isn't the case on any current iPad.

 

[Seanm87]

Personally I believe this chart of ideal use cases from the original iPad’s introduction still holds true today

Its actually quite interesting looking at that today. Some things I think go better in another category though.

Browsing: Probably better on a laptop in all honesty
Email: Much better on a laptop
Photos: Yeah agree iPad is best
Video: Could go iPad or laptop
Music: No this is the iPhones territory
Games: Hmm maybe. I prefer a keyboard to touch for games though so I'd actually say laptop is better
ebooks: yeah absolutely no contest here, iPad clear winner

 

[Vivian125]

For me, Even i have an iPad and iPhone, i use them equally. On a Coffee table or desktop where my iPad Sits most of the time, but for casual use i use my iPhone all times which is essential from day to day use.

Still, the iPhone 13 Pro Max has so much SMALLER Screen than an iPad, which makes the browsing experience or even reading the email is such a pain in the eyes, and requires a lot of scrolling.

On iPad the screen size is so big (even bigger than MacBook 13 Inch) or not to far from Laptop or Small iMac Size, its like a detachable monitor without keyboard where watching movie, and doing some serious work can make things a lot easier and its more productive to work on iPad than an iPhone because of Screen size.

iPhone is only Great at Whatsapp, Music, Calling, Gaming.
iPad is Great at Editing Videos, Reading, Watching Netflix, and also Gaming.

Still the iPhone cannot completely replace the iPad, since iPhone will always be smaller than an iPad. Smaller screen Less Productive. Wasting time just to scroll reading emails.

 

[jagolden]

They are two completely different items. Especially where screen size is concerned.
Even the largest iPhone can’t compare to an iPad Mini.
Do people REALLY want to watch a movie or tv show/read a book on their phone unless stuck in a airport, doctors office or similar situations.
And ultimately, there are apps available for iPads that are not available for the iPhone.
Pencil or stylus support?
I use an 11 Pro Max, iPad Mini 5, iPP 12.9”, and 2” iMac.

 

[Geekbabe]

I was always a big phone fan…then I got cancer. Sitting at my desk for hours on my Mac wasn’t comfortable much of the time. My phone was okay when I went to treatment but the real star of the show became my iPad. I could take it to bed & rest, I quickly got comfortable with the virtual keyboard & watching content was a joy.

Each device has it’s uses in my life but I have to say I use iPad the most

 

[Pezimak]

Well all iPhones are large now if you consider they start at 6.1". I use my iPad 11" constantly at home die robots screen size and performance. My eyes really really appreciate it. I will be buying a new phone and may get the Max but that's as typing and viewing will be easier in it, but it'll still only be used outside the home. At home I will still be using my iPad 11".

 

[mystery hill]

My eyes really really appreciate it.

@muzzy996

Images and video would be larger on the iPad, but text would be the same size — you would just see more without have to scroll. Do you pinch to zoom to enlarge text, or do you have the iPad zoomed in using the accessibility options?

I’m curious how it’s easier on your eyes?

 

[mystery hill]

and 2” iMac.

That’s a tiny iMac.

 

[1BadManVan]

I dont use my iPad as much as I thought I would, I have a 13 pro max and an 11" m1 pro. I now have an m2 MacBook Air that use much more. If I had the MacBook first, I probably wouldn't have bought the iPad to be honest.

My iPad ends up in my kitchen more now to watch shows while im cooking and use it a lot while camping. I do use it more while im travelling for work, which is why I got the cellular version of it. So while I wouldn't sell it anytime soon, I could have gotten by with a base model as I just dont feel the iPad can properly replace a laptop. but thats ok, now I have one of each lol