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

[Pezimak]

@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?

Nope, text is bigger on the iPad then my iPhone and the keyboard text is obviously much larger too. Or are you referring to the Max?

 

[jagolden]

That’s a tiny iMac.

😂😂😂 27”

 

[muzzy996]

@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?

Nope, text is bigger on the iPad then my iPhone and the keyboard text is obviously much larger too. Or are you referring to the Max?

When comparing side by side the font size is slightly smaller on my iPhone 13 Pro Max vs my iPP 12.9. I have the UI set the same on both, with font size slider in the middle and no special zoom settings for the pages i'm comparing fonts on (like MacRumors).

 

[mystery hill]

Or are you referring to the Max?

I was referring to the iPad.

 

[Pezimak]

I was referring to the iPad.

Then my point still stand, the text in my iPad IS bigger then my iPhone. And that’s with them both at the same settings, apart from zoomed screen mode on the iPad as it doesn’t have that. My iPad is way easier on my eyes to use.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I have an iPhone 13 pro max and I’ve had every generation of large iphone since the 6+. I have an iPad mini 6 and iPad Pro 11. I use my iPhone on the go and in bed. I also take my mini 6 with me and use it when I’m reading or need a bigger screen to watch content. I leave my iPad Pro 11 at home. I tend to use my iPads when I’m at home. The mini 6 mostly on the couch and round the house for casual things. The ipad pro for more intensive tasks such as filling out documents, scanning documents, replying to important emails etc.

 

[danb1979]

M1 iPad Pro 11" for the likes of reading books/magazines and playing certain games etc. Great for Youtube, browsing various forums and iTunes too

iPhone 13 Pro Max for calls/texts/WhatsApp and photos etc - and the usual stuff when it's to hand; other than that it sits on my desk when at home...

M1 MBA for my work and for any serious typing stuff (lengthy replies to forum posts; uploading pics etc) and managing my iTunes account (connected to external HDD)

 

[klasma]

I was briefly considering buying an iPhone 14 Plus for use as a mini iPad mini at home (I use an iPhone mini on the go), but comparing the screen sizes it is really still too small:

 

[babyexercise]

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?

Cheaper smaller size iPhone for going out with an iPad an home would be cheaper than a new Max.

 

[BhaveshUK]

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?

The iPad is dropping significantly in value for me over time. Where it once was used as my daily driver, I now find most tasks I need to achieve are better accomplished on my iPhone or iMac.

For consumption, the iPhone has taken the space the iPad used to occupy. Whenever I reach for the iPad, I always think “I can just do this on my phone”. For work, the iMac achieves what I need to accomplish more efficiently.

The last hold out was drawing with the Apple Pencil. Recently, I’ve purchased a Wacom Intuos for the iMac — the ergonomics are much better for my neck over long stretches of work and it was much more inexpensive in comparison to an iPad. In addition, having to only think about 2 devices (iPhone and iMac) rather than 3 means less hassle and money saved.

With all this, I’m keeping my current iPad in a drawer rather than selling it for that just in case moment. But I am finding it hard to envision ever buying another iPad again at this point unless Apple do something quite extraordinary with it.

 

[42545]

Maybe it's a matter of habit. You can also edit a video on iPhone, iPad and Computer. However, the practicality level will be Computer>iPad>iPhone. It is possible to shoot and edit with iPhone, it is more possible to quickly transfer to others and edit. iPad and iPhone are devices that require different usage habits. First and foremost is the screen width. I think the screen is narrow after switching from iPad to iPhone.

 

[tkmyzw]

I use my iPhone(12 PM) as camera, phone, and NFC reader(for a government-issued ID card), also as a computer and wallet when I go outside. iPad is for everything else, as a laptop when I'm inside, reading, browsing, documenting, note taking. I accept compromises using iPad as a laptop replacement because I don't do complex stuff.

 

[ackmondual]

I'm multiplatform, but the gist of the topic should still be there...

I have a 1) Windows desktop, 2) Chromebook, 3) 9th gen iPad, and 4) Pixel 6 (has a 6.4" screen, so I think that qualifies as a "large phone"?).

For #1, that's for PC games, but I also end up doing a lot of streaming, basic internet stuff, and productivity stuff there since I have a nice 27" monitor.

For #2, this gets used a lot when I travel, but that's rare these days. Still, it was only $200, so I dare say I still got more than my $$'s worth out of it! If I need to replace it, I will since it's such a joy to use for internet stuff and web browsing!

For #3, I knew it was going to be a glorified gaming device. I still have some apps from before that still work (have been updated), even though they're as old as from 13 years ago! O1H, 64 GB can get restrictive (I still have 40 GB left,), and Apple Arcade ended up being the wrench in the works with my planning. OTOH, this has gotten me to not renew AA when my free trial was over, and me using the iPad less and less has actually been a good thing! In the past, I overdid playing games on my previous iPad. Now, I play for 30 minutes a day, which is fine.

For #4, only use it to check txt messages, and phone stuff. Everything else, I prefer to do via #1.

I'm glad I did get my iPad, but my tempered expectations is what's really making it work. That, along with its relatively low $300 price tag.

 

[WinterWolf90]

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

Yup, I use my iPad for all of this. I’m making a recipe book on it too. I’ve never had a keyboard with it, but I’m not sure how much it would help. I use my Mac mostly for Citrix and it’s larger file size to store the majority of my photos. I can ALMOST replace my Mac, but for some things it’s just better, like opening several tabs to plan a vacation, storage and applications for medical record charting at work.

 

[Geekbabe]

I was recently gifted a refurbished 2021 12.9 inch iPad Pro & an Apple Pencil 2 ( my friends got them at Amazon for a great price) I have the 128gb base model & I just freaking love it! The screen is flat out gorgeous. scrolling is a joy,watching my favorite shows is wonderful and full screen YouTube is amazing.

 

[Zest28]

When I go travelling, I do fine with my iPhone 11 Pro Max as an iPad replacement. But it is not as “fun” to use as if I had my M1 12.9 iPad Pro with me.

 

[Mainsail]

I have an iPhone 13, iPad Air 4 (w/Pencil), and 2020 MBA. There is some overlap, since all three handle common apps pretty well: Mail, Messages, Calendar, Reminders, Contacts, Notes, Photos, Safari, FaceTime, Finder/Files, and Streaming Video. But, they definitely have their strengths and primary uses. Here is how it breaks down for me:

Primary Uses

• iPhone: communication, navigation and camera
• iPad: reading (books/PDFs), markups, and handwritten notes. Also, useful auxilary screen with Universal Control and Side Car.
• MacBook: productivity apps (iWork/Office) and multitasking.

If I had live without one of these devices, it would be the iPad. But, I would miss it.

Edit: I would just add that my son is a senior at university (Business Major, Spanish Minor), and he has been successful with just an iPhone and a MBA. He uses paper notebooks and hardcopy textbooks (when required). The readings for his classes are often on PDFs, and he uses the MBA to annotate them without much difficulty. When I ask him if needs an iPad, he just shakes his head and says he is fine with this simple setup. I am not implying that an iPad is not helpful for some students. It is just not essential in my son's case.

 

[ackmondual]

Oh, if you're going to use an iPad for any extended amount of time, highly recommend you get a tablet stand! I use the one below...

UGREEN Multi Angle Desk Tablet Stand

UGREEN Tablet Stand Holder Light and Wide Adjustable Angle Compatible for iPad 10.2 2019, iPad Pro 11 Inch 2020, iPad 9.7 2018, iPad Mini 5 4 3 2, iPad Air, Nintendo Switch, iPhone 11 Pro Max SE XS XR X

www.ugreen.com

.... it folds up and easily fits into your typical bag. Nice to prop it up on a desk.

 

[James Godfrey]

For me I currently have the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the 11 Inch iPad Pro M1 and M1 iMac.

iPhone is a great on the go computer for me, I get the majority of things done with it, I enjoy the pocketable larger screen size (however, I can live with the standard sized phone also, there isn’t a huge difference in usability IMO).

The iPad is great as a sort of sofa computer, I can do pretty much everything I do on my iPhone with my iPad but some things are far easier with the iPad just due to the larger screen size such as word processing, reading books, studying etc… (I went back and forth between 11” and 12.9” but ultimately the 11” was a good all rounder for me great as a tablet and also good as a laptop replacement, whereas the 12.9 is just bad as a tablet but great as a laptop replacement), my iPad is also great when travelling as a portable media device (watching movies on flights etc…) and with the Magic Keyboard it’s also great for typing up some documents etc too.

The iMac comes in handy when I have more intensive tasks such as music editing or when I am editing large vector files or editing websites etc… it’s also a shared family computer too, on top of this there is always going to be times when you need a Mac vs an iPad due to the software limitations the iPad is strangled with… if the iPad could dual boot into MacOS this would likely change but I doubt that’s coming anytime in the near future.

My advise for anyone entering the Apple ecosystem… iPhone and Mac are gold standard but if you want something to compliment both devices get an iPad too, what size iPad is each to their own, but for me iPadOS just doesn’t take advantage of the screen real estate on anything larger than the 11”, coupled with the extra cost of the larger iPad just makes it too over priced for a complimentary device.

 

[Technerd108]

iPad is and should always be a consumption device. Bigger than a phone to use when streaming but not as big as a laptop.

However the M2 MBA is almost as good and in some ways better than an iPad. iPads are not as useful as they used to be due to the fact your laptop can start as fast or can be kept always on like the iPad.

Really it is more a convenient thing to have in addition to the phone and Mac or when you are going on a short trip and weight and size is a big factor. You can take it on a plane and use it like a laptop.

I don’t think an iPad can replace your phone or Mac but it is a nice to have in the in between moments.

Only the individual can determine if it is worth it.
For me a tablet should never cost more than $500 or so because it starts competing with the cost of a laptop. I have a base model air with 64gb and it is perfect for what I do with it. I would appreciate 128gb base storage but am unwilling to pay for the 256gb upgrade. An iPad Pro has more features I would like but for what I do with an iPad I just can’t justify the extra cost. I was able to get a rebate and discount on my iPad that made it more reasonable for me.

I love it so far and have no regrets. If I paid more or bought the Pro I would feel like I wasted my money as it is only a complimentary device.

 

[Rafterman]

A large iPhone is still no replacement for even a small iPad. The web browsing alone is night and day.

 

[GalileoSeven]

I've got 2 iPads - an OG Air and then a Mini (forget the gen. off hand).

While the size of my 13 Pro Max is nice, certain things--like working in Pages, writing emails and the like--are just better/easier for me on a bigger screen.

I would drag my M2 MBA out into the living room with me and do all that if I could when the mood struck. With three dogs (2x Chihuahuas, 1x Labradoodle) constantly demanding my attention, that's not exactly practical though (and is where they come in handy). 😂😂

Every now and then, when I want to go out to a coffee shop or somewhere else and write, I've found it's nice to switch it up and use one of those instead of my MBA (as I've found them to be less distracting).

YMMV

 

[JSteele]

For me I stopped upgrading my Phone because I use my iPad when I am home. Between Netflix, Gaming, Art, Emails etc everything just seems better on the iPad‘s bigger screen and keyboard / trackpad. I also use my iPad for an external monitor when I travel for work. I rarely use my phone now other then to check things on the go (which I try and avoid and be in the moment), and I got a nice point and shoot camera so I only use the phone camera when its spontaneous.

I am actually looking to downgrade to one of those minimalist phones so I don‘t have to be distracted.

TLDR: When im home or traveling its all iPad.

 

[ackmondual]

Only the individual can determine if it is worth it.
For me a tablet should never cost more than $500 or so because it starts competing with the cost of a laptop. I have a base model air with 64gb and it is perfect for what I do with it. I would appreciate 128gb base storage but am unwilling to pay for the 256gb upgrade. An iPad Pro has more features I would like but for what I do with an iPad I just can’t justify the extra cost. I was able to get a rebate and discount on my iPad that made it more reasonable for me.

That describes me! If there were an option to pay $50 to $75 more to get to 128 GB, I would've. But the only option was +$150 for an extra 192 GB Later on, there ended up being a sale such that that difference was only +$100. That's something I would've considered, but by then, I already made my purchase.

There's a bit of an "unwholesome" feeling when a smartwatch costs more than a phone, when a phone costs more than a tablet, when a laptop costs more than a laptop, and a laptop costs more than a desktop, but, there are markets for those. That's just not me. Hell, it took a decade to finally get me to up my budget for a new phone from $100 to $200 range, to $500. The main push to get me to get an iPad again was indeed that it was only $300. At that price, in new condition and the latest gen no less (my last iPad was a 1st gen Air, from 2013, 128 GB, used condition, for $400. No way I was going to pay in excess of $600 for one).

I know if I paid an extra $150 to $300 I'd get a far superior phone (and iPad for that matter), but I use it so little that bypassing those extras were justified.

 

[0924487]

The 12.9 inch iPad Pro has some values in productivity, especially for the Apple Pencil support. In Engineering, for example, things needs to be written down and drawn out, typing is not efficient.