iPad If you have a Macbook, iPhone, and an iPad ... what do you use the iPad for?

[leifp]

Turns out the person who said because I have a MacBook and iPhone I wouldn’t use my iPad all that much was very wrong. I’m using it the most out of all three devices. It’s just so convenient to use, for one thing, it has a larger screen than an iPhone yet more portable than a Macbook. For most things I do, all I need is the iPad.

Edit: kicking myself for not getting the 256GB size, however.

Return it for the larger size. You’re still in the two week return window if I’m not mistaken…

 

[CharlesShaw]

Edit: kicking myself for not getting the 256GB size, however.

Unless you now plan to get rid of your MacBook, I think you’ll be fine with 64 GB.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Unless you now plan to get rid of your MacBook, I think you’ll be fine with 64 GB.

I guess it depends on what they want to use it for. However I have a 256GB iPad Pro and I only use about 30GB of it. Also have a Mac. So when I got my iPad mini I just went got 64GB. Had it for over a year now and no issues with storage. Still using the same 30GB lol

 

[BigMcGuire]

I guess it depends on what they want to use it for. However I have a 256GB iPad Pro and I only use about 30GB of it. Also have a Mac. So when I got my iPad mini I just went got 64GB. Had it for over a year now and no issues with storage. Still using the same 30GB lol

Yep, I could make 64GB work. I have 46.5GB used on my 256GB iPad right now. Optimized photo storage turned on. Probably could have saved some $ had I went with the 64GB. Lol.

 

[slplss]

Using them internets on it in bed and at breakfast, most of time. Making quick projects in LumaFusion/DaVinci Resolve. Burning my retinas with HDR content at night (XDR). Checking sent mail is sent. Checking for new mail. I tried working on it (Office, PDFs), but I found even the 12.9" too smol (wen 15-16" iPad?).

 

[berkdmrc]

iPad is my primary multimedia device at home to watch, read and research.

My MacBook is always on my desk, connected to the second monitor. I prefer to avoid constantly plugging and unplugging these connections (DisplayPort, Charge, USB-C Hub etc.).

Of course, I take my MacBook with me when I need to work outside. (Or when I need to use more powerful or complex apps at home.) But when I'm tired of sitting at the desk, I spend time with the iPad in bed.

iPhone is small for reading and watching, and its battery life's poor than the iPad. MacBook is huge for a bed. And, sometimes, I can fall asleep watching something. (Dangerous for expensive gadgets like a MacBook and iPhone.)

Also, the apps I use on my digital piano are incompatible with the MacBook or iPhone.

iPhone cannot be connected to the piano via USB-C. Even if connected, the screen is small. MacBook does not support the app. Even if supported, the size is large for placing on the piano.

 

[Skeptical.me]

I may give my MacBook away at this rate, I’m rarely picking it up.

 

[jm31828]

This my neurosis, and let me know if anyone else feels this way, I hate redundant technology. I also have a sense of guilt if I have too many overlapping devices. So, I go back and forth on the iPad. Sometimes I think it’s the best computer Apple offers. Other times I am frustrated by iPadOS’s limitations. I will want a MacBook. Then I miss using the iPad for reading or drawing, so I will want an iPad. I hate the idea of owning both - they are both portable computers, but each are better in their own ways.

So at the moment I have an old iMac for traditional computing tasks. I do genuinely work faster on macOS, but I long for iPadOS to replace my needs for a Mac altogether. The 11” is the sweet spot for a “laptop” replacement, but it’s a clunky iPad.

I currently have the iPad mini 6, and it’s ok. I don’t love it. I feel like an iPhone Max would be close enough for me, it just needs to be a lot lighter - fingers crossed for that rumored titanium Max.

I also would love a cellular MacBook. Overall, none of Apple’s current lineup is overly enticing. If I could switch to a Galaxy Fold, I would…but I’ll be damned if Apple’s hooks aren’t deep in me.

You just described me with that neurosis! I HATE wasting money on devices that overlap, and having a nice device that collects dust as a result.

I have a 2017 iMac an an iPhone 13 mini. I want the iPad Air 5, not just for web browsing and social media, but to photo editing and some light video editing.
The problem is, I have my phone for couch time surfing the web snd social media, and my iMac for photo editing- and my app of choice for that is not available on the iPad…
But he I have this desire to get the iPad and use it for a primary device as much as possible. I just fear reality is it’ll make my phone irrelevant while making my computer like tasks (photo editing) more frustrating…

 

[culo77]

I may give my MacBook away at this rate, I’m rarely picking it up.

Give it a few months, you are experiencing new toy syndrome right now.

 

[callihan_44]

You just described me with that neurosis! I HATE wasting money on devices that overlap, and having a nice device that collects dust as a result.

I have a 2017 iMac an an iPhone 13 mini. I want the iPad Air 5, not just for web browsing and social media, but to photo editing and some light video editing.
The problem is, I have my phone for couch time surfing the web snd social media, and my iMac for photo editing- and my app of choice for that is not available on the iPad…
But he I have this desire to get the iPad and use it for a primary device as much as possible. I just fear reality is it’ll make my phone irrelevant while making my computer like tasks (photo editing) more frustrating…

I am the same, I could use my laptop for everything yet I have a desktop that mostly sits unused and now an ipad, but I work in tech and convinced myself that if I stuck myself with only one device it would probably die on me leaving me scrambling to replace it. My brain requires me to justify the purchase , otherwise Im pretty much a minimalist

 

[rui no onna]

I may give my MacBook away at this rate, I’m rarely picking it up.

Bad idea.

I use my laptop maybe once every 1-2 months but when I need it, I need it.

 

[Skeptical.me]

Give it a few months, you are experiencing new toy syndrome right now.

Definitely lol … It’s “my precious” at this point!

 

[Nathan576]

Might be controversial here, but a kindle is definitely the best device for reading books in my opinion. You just can’t beat e-ink for reading books, and there are no distractions. But, for pdfs, news, articles, forums, graphic novels, textbooks, etc, an iPad is better for reading.

Yep, I could make 64GB work. I have 46.5GB used on my 256GB iPad right now. Optimized photo storage turned on. Probably could have saved some $ had I went with the 64GB. Lol.

I think 128gb on the base pro is the sweat spot.

 

[Skeptical.me]

Another thing I’m using the iPad for over the Macbook and iPhone is using the app Nebo to markup Pdf files and take notes with a cheap ESR Digital Pencil, an Apple Pencil rip-off... it does the job well. It's much more user-friendly marking up pdf's on the iPad than the Macbook.

 

[KPOM]

Ever since my employer adopted OneDrive for Business my iPad is now my main device while traveling. I can review and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents and share them with colleagues while traveling. My iPad is a “managed device” so my employer can install our VPN, etc onto it and sandbox corporate apps. We don’t support Macs as managed devices so advantage iPad there.

 

[KPOM]

Might be controversial here, but a kindle is definitely the best device for reading books in my opinion. You just can’t beat e-ink for reading books, and there are no distractions. But, for pdfs, news, articles, forums, graphic novels, textbooks, etc, an iPad is better for reading.


I think 128gb on the base pro is the sweat spot.

128GB would be nice but I’ve had no issues with 64GB on my iPad Air 5 even though I have about 10GB of data synched with my work PC through OneDrive for Business.

 

[Isamilis]

Bad idea.

I use my laptop maybe once every 1-2 months but when I need it, I need it.

I am going back to use my MBA for last few weeks, and guess… I forgot my iPad, never use it except for copying some books / documents in there. It seems in my case, laptop and iPad are both served similar purposes.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Another thing I’m using the iPad for over the Macbook and iPhone is using the app Nebo to markup Pdf files and take notes with a cheap ESR Digital Pencil, an Apple Pencil rip-off... it does the job well. It's much more user-friendly marking up pdf's on the iPad than the Macbook.

Yeah, I recently got an iPad and I'm trying to fit it into my daily workflow and for me.... as someone who works at home, an iPad is a perfect device to relax and read so comfortably, I can plow through books, articles, etc for hours. After spending all day on my MBP for work, the last thing I want to do is be on my MBP. So I'll go to another room and read for a few hours.

Also, taking notes and having those notes instantly accessible on all my devices is a huge plus whether they be thoughts, work notes, or things I wrote down throughout the day that I need to remember for later.

Makes a perfect Fitness+ device in the garage when I don't want to go running for a workout that results in more calories burned than a 2 mile run. lol.

When I don't want to take my 16' MBP - it connects to monitors and works with bluetooth keyboards/mice.

And yes, marking up documents - signing documents is much easier and professional (with an actual signature!).

 

[frankenhooker]

I do a lot of travelling and take my iPad with me everywhere, if I'm at home I predominantly use my MacBook. My phone is basically used as a phone, communication and listening to Apple Music. Everything has it's place.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I just ordered an iPad Air 5th Gen and someone mentioned that since I have an iPhone and MacBook I probably won't use an iPad that much. But I think I will as an eBook reader, surf social media and read the news.

You’re not asking the right question - what the right question (for me) would be, is “What do you use the iPhone and MacBook for?”

My iPads are my primary devices. 12.9” M1 Pro with Magic Keyboard, that I’m typing this post on, and iPad mini 6. I use one or the other for practically everything, including but not limited to:

• Email
• Messaging
• Web browser
• Shopping
• Watching videos
• TinkerCAD for my 3D printers
• Reading books

I use my iPhone for:

• Camera
• Listening to audiobooks/podcasts/music
• Running CarPlay in my car

And my Mac for:

• Those few things an iPad won’t do (e.g. 3D slicer)
• Work

 

[robbietop]

Laptop is mostly for spreadsheets and doing the heavy lifting work such as processing data, compiling the app we develop, and removing into servers to test features.

iPad I use at work to do remote work when I need to sit in front of the server and do maintenance, as well as handle all my email so I don't have too many full screen apps on my two Macs.

Then, when I get home, I buy things on it, track packages, control AppleTV, control Home accessories, read guides for games, and chat with friends.
At bed time it comes out of the Magic Keyboard and turns into a reddit scroller

 

[Mainsail]

For me, it breaks down like this:

Primary uses

• iPhone: communication, navigation, and photography
• iPad: reading, markups, and secondary screen (Universal Control/Side Car)
• MacBook: productivity (e.g. iWork/MS Office) and multi-tasking

Of course, there is some overlap between devices, but if I largely keep them in their respective lanes, I avoid a lot of frustration.

 

[Skeptical.me]

Laptop is mostly for spreadsheets and doing the heavy lifting work such as processing data, compiling the app we develop, and removing into servers to test features.

iPad I use at work to do remote work when I need to sit in front of the server and do maintenance, as well as handle all my email so I don't have too many full screen apps on my two Macs.

Then, when I get home, I buy things on it, track packages, control AppleTV, control Home accessories, read guides for games, and chat with friends.
At bed time it comes out of the Magic Keyboard and turns into a reddit scroller

I definitely use it for a Reddit scroller, as well as Twitter, at bed time.

 

[i4k20c]

I fall into this gap. I love the iPad. But the only one I’ve ever bought is the first iPad Air 9+ years ago. And with a 16” MBP (Intel currently) and iPhone Pro Max’s, I just don’t need an iPad. I want one, but every year I just end up not getting one. I know it wouldn’t get used very much. And I just hate to think of it sitting there wasting away.

same here, i wanted one for so long and got the base 9th gen on sale.

but i just never use it. my phone is always on me and the screen is big enough for reddit, forums, messaging, etc.

If i need more screen space, i have my laptop hooked up to two monitors.

 

[stanza.richi]

MacBook Pro 13” late 2013: playing Football Manager, adding quote with mendeley desktop.

iPad Pro 12.9 2018 64 gb WiFi: writing papers, reading books, studying scientific papers and handbook, video-editing, streaming, web surfing, mail management.

iPhone 14 Pro Max: whatsapp, message, instagram, linkedin, camera, web surfing and mail management on the way.