Okay, I know all the excitement surrounds the iPad Pro since WWDC - and it is a really awesome device - technically superior to the iPad 2017 as it should be, being the Pro choice, but let me share some of my experience this summer on my iPad 2017 that might be of interest to you all!
I bought the iPad 2017 from the Apple Store. It's replacing a ThinkPad E series, which originally replaced my Mid-2012 MacBook Pro and I just couldn't get used to Windows. So I decided to sell it, and as money was an object I couldn't just afford to get a new MacBook! This was around the time of WWDC and the iOS 11 announcement and just like many of you, I was in awe of how mature the iOS experience was looking! The new Files app is my most anticipated feature as I always used iCloud Drive on my Mac for all my content - my love and preference for the Apple ecosystem is one of the reasons I disliked Windows btw, it was okay but obviouly couldn't satisfy an Apple fan's lust for Apple.
The 2017 iPad gave me enough storage at 128GB to really house my over 10GB of photos from over the years, a significant amount of downloaded album from Apple Music and convenient ways to import my online accounts and data - most importantly my calendars going back to 2010 and well organised iCloud Phot Library. Taking all the Apple specific comfort into account, and bar a Mac, the iPad was the only choice.
I debated with myself about the need for full desktop apps, full file compatibility and other fruits of a full desktop OS (you know, things like Torrents etc!). Sure, those things are important. I have friends who use a lot of obscure Windows only programmes professional and that was their reason to never buy a Mac - thats fine. And I see a lot of people on here who will seemingly never consider an iPad ever good enough to replace their Mac.
It came down to my real world workflow. What did I use my MacBook for over the past few years? Here's what:
Safari Browsing - well, we've got good choices for browsing on iOS. I was concerned some movie and tv show sites wouldnt' work due to lack of flash. Turns out, even those dodgy sites are now on modern HTML5 standards.
Mail - simple enough, I've always liked the iOS client and it doesn't lack any features I use. I can have all my accounts and attachments handled through it.
Calendar - iOS just works with Apple's iCloud Calendar and that's what I've used for 7 years now. I spent a lot of time keeping this organised and depending on it for meetings, study times, work times etc and balancing personal life with it and it's important to me this be kept and maintained.
Minecraft - the glorious time sink I've spent hours building stuff on. Minecraft on iOS is good, not 100% the same but playable and enjoyable to me and now shared multiplayer with Windows and Xbox it's still there for me. Though I cant use my old worlds, they're safely stored away on iCloud Drive.
File Management - Since I stopped using Time Machine on my Mac I kept everything on iCloud Drive. Documents and pictures that didnt belong in Photos were all kept here. Scans of hundreds of documents too. All accessible from everywhere were never needed on my Macs hard drive. The same applies to iPad, it's all seamlessly here. And I Can't wait for Files to further manage this on iOS.
Photos - this is a huge personal one. I've got 10000 photos on my iCloud Photo Library all organised perfectly with accurate metadata, GPS, albums and everything. When I moved this to Windows I couldn't find a good organiser and nothing I did put them back into order despite metadata being correct!
Microsoft Office - the most important productivity wise computing task. I can work on university projects entirely on Office and whilst I'm acutely aware iOS has some limitations vs. The full Windows version none of those features are actually deal breakers for me. And when I worked in accounting practices, their use of Excel was so simple that yes, iPad Excel could do the job! They used Sage, which would not be on iPad, but let me note.. they did NOT let anyone take client files home anyway nor expect anyone to work from home on software like that. So I dont consider it a problem as an employee.
SketchUp - It's been years since I made complex models on SketchUp. My life isn't going the direction of using this for career or professional aspects and just like Minecraft, this time sink has gradually stopped being something I did on my MacBook Pro naturally. But I have almost 100 invaluable files and models stored on iCloud. And I can use the SketchUp official viewing app to enjoy them fully if I ever need to look back at them. I'm aware that if I did go back to 3D it'd be the next step to use a more serious program like AutoCAD in general so this isn't much of a problem as a finance student!
So, as for workflow the iPad allows me to organise my life how I've always done, get university work done with no compromises, communicate and enjoy personal media like photos and files.
But since I've been on iPad, I've actually evolved my computing experience.
Scanner Pro has meant scanning tonnes of paperwork files fast and fun. I've gotten rid of so much clutter in favour of digital files. Ready to email in seconds and annotate, even convert to full searchable text. It's amazing how easy this was. I'd have had to spend a weekend using an actual scanner for this. Looking forward to this year of university when I get handouts etc just scanning them and not having to grow so much paper clutter.
PDF Expert is awesome for annotating and editing PDFs. I actually got a part time job from an application that started as an annotated PDF on my iPad. Sure it can be done on PC but a portrait iPad feels more natural and even without an Apple Pencil it's so natural.
iMovie was never an app I've used much before on the Mac, but it's so simple on iPad to group together footage taken from days out and make them to movies. I've enjoyed using it way more on iPad - because I never did on the Mac.
Deep Integration with iPhone - this was a HUGE productivity booster - more than I ever would have imagined. Before my iPhone and Mac synced well as you know from Apple's ecosystem. But now, my iPad - main computer - is literally cloned - on my iPhone like for like almost. My files ALWAYS with me, always where I left them - one single interface. It's always in sync with no effort from me. Never any complications. I can literally work on a Keynote presentation now, be interrupted, set the iPad down and when I'm out and about can access it where I left on my iPhone for reference.
Copy and Paste between devices is also amazing. I can spend ages finding a page or image to share with someone on the iPad, copy it, then Whatsapp is on my iPhone without needing to send it to myself.
The portability of the iPad in an Apple Smart Cover makes it the most portable computer I've ever had. And my MacBook Pro, although heavy always had a sleek and sexy profile that always fitted in any backpack. With the iPad, I dont even feel it in the bag. It fits in the door bin on my car so it can easily be set down there for quick get in and go situations. Sounds novel, but makes a big difference. I'm not as afraid of setting down the back pack anymore like I would with a laptop in it. The iPad takes knocks and bumps with grace like an iPhone.
A Logitech K380 keyboard is a constant companion to the iPad. Just like the case that stands it upright. This Bluetooth keyboard can go back and forward between my iPhone and iPad. So here I am, with MacRumors on the left side of the screen, another app on the right and my iPhone with iMessage propped up next to it. When iOS 11 drops, with the third app on top - that'll make a total of four apps at a time I can use side by side. More than I need. The keyboard has hot keys to switch device at a glance and is quite handy.
And here's something you never expected to hear, but it's the most ergonomic computing experience I've ever had. But before you complain, let me explain why. Using an £8 360 iPad holder to adjust the height and position of the iPad means I'm never bending my neck down, I can always have it the right distance and height for my neck to be straight and eyes to not be straining. Meanwhilst my keyboard is flat on the table or arm of the chair at 90 degrees flat. The MacBook Pro or any laptop involved looking down at a hunchback enduring angle over years - something I always worried about.
I was also planning a new desk setup, which was going to be costly. But instead I bought a bed table called KLIPSK from Ikea (£7) - using this in bed keeps the iPad propped up again in front of me and at the right height whilst I use the keyboard with my arms all conforming to ergonomic rules for comfort. And there's room for paperwork, food, you name it! No need for a desk anymore.
I totally get the criticism of lifting your arms up to use the touchscreen vs. A trackpad and comfortable mouse support. But when you use the iPad like me - in total comfort - and your arms are 90 degrees,flat and supported, you lift your hands up and your elbow is still fully resting on the table or bed.. therefore you arent extending and lifting the whole arm and it's much less tiring. I know how tiring lifting your entire arm repeatedly is! That's why Apple haven't made a touch screen iMac, and to be honest I'm glad of it!
And when I think back to when I bought some nice Macs of the years, I used to plan things like RAM upgrades, SSD upgrades, new accessories and backup drives. A printer maybe. That's all gone now with the iPad - I dont need to keep up with SSDs, RAM or other fun but expensive upgrades. From the £430 I spent, then the £25 on my keyboard and other cheap accessories I've got a totally modern and capable computer that handles my workflow and data perfectly. I can use it almost anywhere in a few more situations than a laptop. It never dies out on me, nor do I have to use it tethered to a power outlet - and the Macs were never bad at that, but the iPad actually outdoes them in that regard.
Now, there's some small imperfections, but not many come to mind. Just things like editing Excel cells with the on screen keyboard, or positioning objects on screen precisely using touch on Keynote etc - but admittedly, using a keyboard fixes both situations. Even selecting text on screen with arrow keys and Copy and Paste with shortcuts is a million times more productive. With a keyboard, the iPad doesn't even suck in that regard but I do recognise it's an example of how it's not 100% for everyone.
Like many people, I dont use specialist movie or programming software and never will. So my mainstream needs are met just fine with iPad.
But all things considered, it's working out fantastically. iOS 11 can only add to the experience and I'd like to imagine iOS 12 will continue that trend. And this is me using a 2017 iPad - non Pro. The Apple Pencil and extra features, if you have the money, would also only add to the experience. But you dont necessarily need it if you feel like you can get by like me!
If anyone has any questions about the iOS lifestyle let me know and I'll give you my opinion or advice on it. I'd recommend it.
I bought the iPad 2017 from the Apple Store. It's replacing a ThinkPad E series, which originally replaced my Mid-2012 MacBook Pro and I just couldn't get used to Windows. So I decided to sell it, and as money was an object I couldn't just afford to get a new MacBook! This was around the time of WWDC and the iOS 11 announcement and just like many of you, I was in awe of how mature the iOS experience was looking! The new Files app is my most anticipated feature as I always used iCloud Drive on my Mac for all my content - my love and preference for the Apple ecosystem is one of the reasons I disliked Windows btw, it was okay but obviouly couldn't satisfy an Apple fan's lust for Apple.
The 2017 iPad gave me enough storage at 128GB to really house my over 10GB of photos from over the years, a significant amount of downloaded album from Apple Music and convenient ways to import my online accounts and data - most importantly my calendars going back to 2010 and well organised iCloud Phot Library. Taking all the Apple specific comfort into account, and bar a Mac, the iPad was the only choice.
I debated with myself about the need for full desktop apps, full file compatibility and other fruits of a full desktop OS (you know, things like Torrents etc!). Sure, those things are important. I have friends who use a lot of obscure Windows only programmes professional and that was their reason to never buy a Mac - thats fine. And I see a lot of people on here who will seemingly never consider an iPad ever good enough to replace their Mac.
It came down to my real world workflow. What did I use my MacBook for over the past few years? Here's what:
Safari Browsing - well, we've got good choices for browsing on iOS. I was concerned some movie and tv show sites wouldnt' work due to lack of flash. Turns out, even those dodgy sites are now on modern HTML5 standards.
Mail - simple enough, I've always liked the iOS client and it doesn't lack any features I use. I can have all my accounts and attachments handled through it.
Calendar - iOS just works with Apple's iCloud Calendar and that's what I've used for 7 years now. I spent a lot of time keeping this organised and depending on it for meetings, study times, work times etc and balancing personal life with it and it's important to me this be kept and maintained.
Minecraft - the glorious time sink I've spent hours building stuff on. Minecraft on iOS is good, not 100% the same but playable and enjoyable to me and now shared multiplayer with Windows and Xbox it's still there for me. Though I cant use my old worlds, they're safely stored away on iCloud Drive.
File Management - Since I stopped using Time Machine on my Mac I kept everything on iCloud Drive. Documents and pictures that didnt belong in Photos were all kept here. Scans of hundreds of documents too. All accessible from everywhere were never needed on my Macs hard drive. The same applies to iPad, it's all seamlessly here. And I Can't wait for Files to further manage this on iOS.
Photos - this is a huge personal one. I've got 10000 photos on my iCloud Photo Library all organised perfectly with accurate metadata, GPS, albums and everything. When I moved this to Windows I couldn't find a good organiser and nothing I did put them back into order despite metadata being correct!
Microsoft Office - the most important productivity wise computing task. I can work on university projects entirely on Office and whilst I'm acutely aware iOS has some limitations vs. The full Windows version none of those features are actually deal breakers for me. And when I worked in accounting practices, their use of Excel was so simple that yes, iPad Excel could do the job! They used Sage, which would not be on iPad, but let me note.. they did NOT let anyone take client files home anyway nor expect anyone to work from home on software like that. So I dont consider it a problem as an employee.
SketchUp - It's been years since I made complex models on SketchUp. My life isn't going the direction of using this for career or professional aspects and just like Minecraft, this time sink has gradually stopped being something I did on my MacBook Pro naturally. But I have almost 100 invaluable files and models stored on iCloud. And I can use the SketchUp official viewing app to enjoy them fully if I ever need to look back at them. I'm aware that if I did go back to 3D it'd be the next step to use a more serious program like AutoCAD in general so this isn't much of a problem as a finance student!
So, as for workflow the iPad allows me to organise my life how I've always done, get university work done with no compromises, communicate and enjoy personal media like photos and files.
But since I've been on iPad, I've actually evolved my computing experience.
Scanner Pro has meant scanning tonnes of paperwork files fast and fun. I've gotten rid of so much clutter in favour of digital files. Ready to email in seconds and annotate, even convert to full searchable text. It's amazing how easy this was. I'd have had to spend a weekend using an actual scanner for this. Looking forward to this year of university when I get handouts etc just scanning them and not having to grow so much paper clutter.
PDF Expert is awesome for annotating and editing PDFs. I actually got a part time job from an application that started as an annotated PDF on my iPad. Sure it can be done on PC but a portrait iPad feels more natural and even without an Apple Pencil it's so natural.
iMovie was never an app I've used much before on the Mac, but it's so simple on iPad to group together footage taken from days out and make them to movies. I've enjoyed using it way more on iPad - because I never did on the Mac.
Deep Integration with iPhone - this was a HUGE productivity booster - more than I ever would have imagined. Before my iPhone and Mac synced well as you know from Apple's ecosystem. But now, my iPad - main computer - is literally cloned - on my iPhone like for like almost. My files ALWAYS with me, always where I left them - one single interface. It's always in sync with no effort from me. Never any complications. I can literally work on a Keynote presentation now, be interrupted, set the iPad down and when I'm out and about can access it where I left on my iPhone for reference.
Copy and Paste between devices is also amazing. I can spend ages finding a page or image to share with someone on the iPad, copy it, then Whatsapp is on my iPhone without needing to send it to myself.
The portability of the iPad in an Apple Smart Cover makes it the most portable computer I've ever had. And my MacBook Pro, although heavy always had a sleek and sexy profile that always fitted in any backpack. With the iPad, I dont even feel it in the bag. It fits in the door bin on my car so it can easily be set down there for quick get in and go situations. Sounds novel, but makes a big difference. I'm not as afraid of setting down the back pack anymore like I would with a laptop in it. The iPad takes knocks and bumps with grace like an iPhone.
A Logitech K380 keyboard is a constant companion to the iPad. Just like the case that stands it upright. This Bluetooth keyboard can go back and forward between my iPhone and iPad. So here I am, with MacRumors on the left side of the screen, another app on the right and my iPhone with iMessage propped up next to it. When iOS 11 drops, with the third app on top - that'll make a total of four apps at a time I can use side by side. More than I need. The keyboard has hot keys to switch device at a glance and is quite handy.
And here's something you never expected to hear, but it's the most ergonomic computing experience I've ever had. But before you complain, let me explain why. Using an £8 360 iPad holder to adjust the height and position of the iPad means I'm never bending my neck down, I can always have it the right distance and height for my neck to be straight and eyes to not be straining. Meanwhilst my keyboard is flat on the table or arm of the chair at 90 degrees flat. The MacBook Pro or any laptop involved looking down at a hunchback enduring angle over years - something I always worried about.
I was also planning a new desk setup, which was going to be costly. But instead I bought a bed table called KLIPSK from Ikea (£7) - using this in bed keeps the iPad propped up again in front of me and at the right height whilst I use the keyboard with my arms all conforming to ergonomic rules for comfort. And there's room for paperwork, food, you name it! No need for a desk anymore.
I totally get the criticism of lifting your arms up to use the touchscreen vs. A trackpad and comfortable mouse support. But when you use the iPad like me - in total comfort - and your arms are 90 degrees,flat and supported, you lift your hands up and your elbow is still fully resting on the table or bed.. therefore you arent extending and lifting the whole arm and it's much less tiring. I know how tiring lifting your entire arm repeatedly is! That's why Apple haven't made a touch screen iMac, and to be honest I'm glad of it!
And when I think back to when I bought some nice Macs of the years, I used to plan things like RAM upgrades, SSD upgrades, new accessories and backup drives. A printer maybe. That's all gone now with the iPad - I dont need to keep up with SSDs, RAM or other fun but expensive upgrades. From the £430 I spent, then the £25 on my keyboard and other cheap accessories I've got a totally modern and capable computer that handles my workflow and data perfectly. I can use it almost anywhere in a few more situations than a laptop. It never dies out on me, nor do I have to use it tethered to a power outlet - and the Macs were never bad at that, but the iPad actually outdoes them in that regard.
Now, there's some small imperfections, but not many come to mind. Just things like editing Excel cells with the on screen keyboard, or positioning objects on screen precisely using touch on Keynote etc - but admittedly, using a keyboard fixes both situations. Even selecting text on screen with arrow keys and Copy and Paste with shortcuts is a million times more productive. With a keyboard, the iPad doesn't even suck in that regard but I do recognise it's an example of how it's not 100% for everyone.
Like many people, I dont use specialist movie or programming software and never will. So my mainstream needs are met just fine with iPad.
But all things considered, it's working out fantastically. iOS 11 can only add to the experience and I'd like to imagine iOS 12 will continue that trend. And this is me using a 2017 iPad - non Pro. The Apple Pencil and extra features, if you have the money, would also only add to the experience. But you dont necessarily need it if you feel like you can get by like me!
If anyone has any questions about the iOS lifestyle let me know and I'll give you my opinion or advice on it. I'd recommend it.
