iPad as a laptop replacement

[prospervic]

As much as I would like to disagree with you, Sidecar and the new Universal Control features are primary reason that the iPad run in parallel roads.


I'm hoping that's the case.. similar to how iPad users received mouse support in a 13.x release.


And this is my gripe with Apple… the necessity of trying to get consumers to buy into having two devices. No shade to you, but this is exactly what Apple wants. Exactly what was shown in the demo (Universal Control)…. When I would rather have only an iPad, nope… Apple wants to provide ways to buy multiple devices (iMac, MacBook AND iPad).

Apple never intended the iPad to be a MacBook replacement. They see it mainly as:
1. An alternative computer that’s easier to use for consumers who don’t want the complexity of a full desktop/laptop system (and there are VASTLY more of them than there are ‘power users”.)
2. An adjunct computer for Mac owners who would also like to use a lightweight, yet powerful touchscreen and stylus device running iOS for creativity and/or consumption.

Note: both 1 and 2 include “Pro” users, meaning professionals in many in fields (medicine, law, art, photography, real estate, management, etc.), and not just “tech pros”.

I’m in category 2 because I enjoy using both macOS and iOS. So, I don’t mind having both devices.

And you don’t have to break the bank to do so. Apole sells lower-spec versions of iPads and MacBooks, and there usually great deals to be found on the Apple Certified Refurbished page.

 

[Ludatyk]

Apple never intended the iPad to be a MacBook replacement. They see it mainly as:
1. An alternative computer that’s easier to use for consumers who don’t want the complexity of a full desktop/laptop system (and there are VASTLY more of them than there are ‘power users”.)
2. An adjunct computer for Mac owners who would also like to use a lightweight, yet powerful touchscreen and stylus device running iOS for creativity and/or consumption.

I agree that Apple never intended the iPad to be a MacBook replacement, but the way it has evolved.. Apple has attempted and encouraged consumers to take the leap with “What is a Computer?” marketing campaign.

As such… there’s a vast majority that can get by with using their iPad as their primary computing device, there’s this stigma surrounding the iPad as this “tablet” and nothing more but a consumption device. That was the reasoning behind ”What is a Computer” campaign. This idea that we need to have an iPad in conjunction with a MacBook has caused people to pigeonhole the iPad to only a consumption device.

I’m fully aware that some Mac/PC owners are unable to switch due to apps unavailable on the iPad… or they demand more strenuous set of task. But, I use the iPad as my primary computing device transitioned from the Mac (user since ‘08), but I gradually discovered that the day to day task I do… the iPad can cover it. And I do have a desktop PC, but I use it as server.

 

[secretk]

I agree that Apple never intended the iPad to be a MacBook replacement, but the way it has evolved.. Apple has attempted and encouraged consumers to take the leap with “What is a Computer?” marketing campaign.

That campaign did provoke people like me to be honest because at certain price point, for me the iPad lags behind a traditional laptop. However that is a personal point of view and preference.

As such… there’s a vast majority that can get by with using their iPad as their primary computing device, there’s this stigma surrounding the iPad as this “tablet” and nothing more but a consumption device. That was the reasoning behind ”What is a Computer” campaign. This idea that we need to have an iPad in conjunction with a MacBook has caused people to pigeonhole the iPad to only a consumption device.

I know what you mean but just to play devil's advocate - to be fair most people use their computer as consumption device as well. So I can see how for them the iPad works and I don't think that they even stop to think if this device is a computer or tablet.

I’m fully aware that some Mac/PC owners are unable to switch due to apps unavailable on the iPad… or they demand more strenuous set of task. But, I use the iPad as my primary computing device transitioned from the Mac (user since ‘08), but I gradually discovered that the day to day task I do… the iPad can cover it. And I do have a desktop PC, but I use it as server.

So cool that you can rely on the iPad mostly . I still consider my laptop as my primary device. To be fair most of the stuff I am doing on the laptop can be done on an iPad (youtube watching, browsing in Internet, typing in forums like this one) but I enjoy the experience on the laptop more - bigger display for youtube, bigger keyboard for typing experience, better RAM management (less reloading).

Of course when I travel I so carry around only my iPad. It is definitely more portable and for 3-4 days it definitely can work.

 

[prospervic]

So cool that you can rely on the iPad mostly . I still consider my laptop as my primary device. To be fair most of the stuff I am doing on the laptop can be done on an iPad (youtube watching, browsing in Internet, typing in forums like this one) but I enjoy the experience on the laptop more - bigger display for youtube, bigger keyboard for typing experience, better RAM management (less reloading).

Of course when I travel I so carry around only my iPad. It is definitely more portable and for 3-4 days it definitely can work.

The 8gb/16gb RAM amounts on the new M1 iPad Pros solve the app reloading problem (that's been my experience so far).

 

[prospervic]

As such… there’s a vast majority that can get by with using their iPad as their primary computing device, there’s this stigma surrounding the iPad as this “tablet” and nothing more but a consumption device. That was the reasoning behind ”What is a Computer” campaign. This idea that we need to have an iPad in conjunction with a MacBook has caused people to pigeonhole the iPad to only a consumption device.

I’m fully aware that some Mac/PC owners are unable to switch due to apps unavailable on the iPad… or they demand more strenuous set of task. But, I use the iPad as my primary computing device transitioned from the Mac (user since ‘08), but I gradually discovered that the day to day task I do… the iPad can cover it. And I do have a desktop PC, but I use it as server.

If my job didn't require Zoom screen sharing to teach classes (especially lessons on using Mac and PC) I could probably go iPad Pro only. I say "probably" because, 1. I still enjoy macOS, and 2. iPadOS still doesn't properly support external displays.

But, who am I kidding? I still occasionally import CDs into Apple Music, as well as edit the metadata of my tracks. So, until iPadOS can do all the above, I'll happily keep using both platforms.

 

[Basic75]

The iPad still completely fails at some very basic tasks.

For example I just got a new iPad but I didn't want to backup/restore from my old iPad because sometimes a fresh start is good to remove all the clutter.

Now there's a game or two whose saved state I would like to copy to the new iPad. However there is absolutely no way to get this done.

The Files app on the iPad doesn't show anything from these games, and neither does iTunes when I connect to the Mac. Even with iMazing I can see a Documents folder, but I'm not allowed to enter and look at my own fracking files.

That's a hard fail, and nobody should ever try telling me an iPad can replace a real computer until basics like these are possible and easily so. I need to be able to copy my own files whenever and wherever I want.

I mean, this isn't even a power user or uber nerd feature, it's not like I'm trying to compile the latest version of gcc in the terminal on my iPad, I just want to transfer a game state!

 

[Six0Four]

Safari on the iPad won't even let me import my Chrome bookmarks html file lol. There is literally no import feature.

 

[Digitalguy]

Safari on the iPad won't even let me import my Chrome bookmarks html file lol. There is literally no import feature.

I managed to do this by importing in my Mac, and then sycing with iPad, but it's a complicated process that shouldn't be necessary....

 

[Six0Four]

I managed to do this by importing in my Mac, and then sycing with iPad, but it's a complicated process that shouldn't be necessary....

Ya, Unfortunately, I don't have a Mac.

 

[jeremiah256]

The iPad still completely fails at some very basic tasks.

For example I just got a new iPad but I didn't want to backup/restore from my old iPad because sometimes a fresh start is good to remove all the clutter.

Now there's a game or two whose saved state I would like to copy to the new iPad. However there is absolutely no way to get this done.

The Files app on the iPad doesn't show anything from these games, and neither does iTunes when I connect to the Mac. Even with iMazing I can see a Documents folder, but I'm not allowed to enter and look at my own fracking files.

That's a hard fail, and nobody should ever try telling me an iPad can replace a real computer until basics like these are possible and easily so. I need to be able to copy my own files whenever and wherever I want.

I mean, this isn't even a power user or uber nerd feature, it's not like I'm trying to compile the latest version of gcc in the terminal on my iPad, I just want to transfer a game state!

In this case (saved states), I'd say that is 100% on the developer.

 

[secretk]

The 8gb/16gb RAM amounts on the new M1 iPad Pros solve the app reloading problem (that's been my experience so far).

That's true but it is cheaper for me to add more RAM to my current laptop (it handles up to 32 GB RAM, I am with 8 currently) than to buy M1 iPP. Also Windows has superior RAM management for my needs (supports swaps so I have less reloads with 8 GB RAM and more apps and tabs).

I see your point and if RAM was my only issue, it can be solved by buying M1 1 or 2 TB iPP. However it is not. I find the browsing and typing experience more enjoyable on my laptop - bigger screen, bigger keyboard, more lappable in bed. I also like the fact that I can use youtube in the background via browser. I also like the fact that I can add occasionally second screen.

 

[secretk]

In this case (saved states), I'd say that is 100% on the developer.

Agree. There are ways to achieve this by assigning account for the user when playing the game. This way the state of the game is stored not on device level but on account level. This way state can be even shared between say iPad and iPhone.

 

[macsound1]

That's true but it is cheaper for me to add more RAM to my current laptop (it handles up to 32 GB RAM, I am with 8 currently) than to buy M1 iPP. Also Windows has superior RAM management for my needs (supports swaps so I have less reloads with 8 GB RAM and more apps and tabs).

I see your point and if RAM was my only issue, it can be solved by buying M1 1 or 2 TB iPP. However it is not. I find the browsing and typing experience more enjoyable on my laptop - bigger screen, bigger keyboard, more lappable in bed. I also like the fact that I can use youtube in the background via browser. I also like the fact that I can add occasionally second screen.

Even simple browser use is my biggest reason an iPad couldn't be a "real" computer for me.

I just planned a trip for the first time in 18 months and remembered my ideal way to shop for hotels is to have 20 tabs open to compare all of them.

Even opening a 2nd tab in safari on an iPad with expedia or Hilton.com (granted because the website is a memory hog) will totally kill the tab in the background.
And switching back and forth between tabs on an iPad, even if they don't have to reload, is far from as simple as with a trackpad or mouse.

Now add the iOS complexity of having a website LITERALLY force you to the app, even if you just want it to load the website. That really kills me.

 

[secretk]

Even simple browser use is my biggest reason an iPad couldn't be a "real" computer for me.

I just planned a trip for the first time in 18 months and remembered my ideal way to shop for hotels is to have 20 tabs open to compare all of them.

I tend to open a lot of apps as well.

Even opening a 2nd tab in safari on an iPad with expedia or Hilton.com (granted because the website is a memory hog) will totally kill the tab in the background.

This is interesting. If you don't mind asking which iPad are you using? I am asking because while I have had apps and tabs reloads, it was not just with two tabs. That being said I have not used hilton website.

And switching back and forth between tabs on an iPad, even if they don't have to reload, is far from as simple as with a trackpad or mouse.

Yeah, that is a bit annoying because site bar is getting hidden and you need to activate first before switching between tabs. It is a bit annoying as it does not activate as fast as I want it to be.

Now add the iOS complexity of having a website LITERALLY force you to the app, even if you just want it to load the website. That really kills me.

Websites need to remember our choices and not ask us multiple times the same thing .

 

[rui no onna]

Even simple browser use is my biggest reason an iPad couldn't be a "real" computer for me.

I just planned a trip for the first time in 18 months and remembered my ideal way to shop for hotels is to have 20 tabs open to compare all of them.

Even opening a 2nd tab in safari on an iPad with expedia or Hilton.com (granted because the website is a memory hog) will totally kill the tab in the background.
And switching back and forth between tabs on an iPad, even if they don't have to reload, is far from as simple as with a trackpad or mouse.

Now add the iOS complexity of having a website LITERALLY force you to the app, even if you just want it to load the website. That really kills me.

This hasn't been an issue for me thus far on 16GB (was checking Marriott and Hilton this morning).

The apps, as long as you don't have the app installed, it gives up asking.

 

[UBS28]

I was actually running Windows 10 on my iPad Pro and it is literally a laptop (ok, it wasn’t running Windows 10 natively, I logged remotely to an other computer). It has got a keyboard, trackpad and external mouse support. And the Apple pencil works great with Windows 10 actually.

So there is no reason why the iPad pro cannot have Bootcamp (dual boot option) for OS X.

 

[sparksd]

Lot of missing info here. Are we to assume you're running over a remote desktop connection, e.g., Jump Desktop?

 

[AutomaticApple]

I was actually running Windows 10 on my iPad Pro and it is literally a laptop (ok, it wasn’t running Windows 10 natively, I logged remotetly to an other computer). It has got a keyboard, trackpad and external mouse support. And the Apple pencil works great with Windows 10 actually.

So there is no reason why the iPad pro cannot have Bootcamp (dual boot option) for OS X.

AKA... "I want the iPad Pro to be a laptop, but Apple has other plans."

 

[cygy2k]

No, it is a tablet that YOU USE as a LAPTOP. People need to remember that Apple designs and builds for the masses, not necessarily for you. It's your choice if you buy their products based on if they meet your needs. If they don't, that isn't Apple's fault, that's yours for believing they cater to you.

I can't get over how everybody thinks their workflow or usecase is some how what Apple needs to cater to. It's the same with all these "but they don't allow Pro apps to shine" crap. Ever think that you're in a niche market or minority use case from the 10 million iPads sold last year? I get it would be nice if we could all get what we want, but that's not how large corporations work - they only build to a big enough market to support the cost and effort. Or they trying being everything to everyone and go bankrupt.

Apple became a $2 Trillion company not because they tried to cover every use case, but because they strategically select markets and use cases they know will drive sales and revenue. Your use case is only one data point of tens of millions out there.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Another thread which is the same as all the others.
Apple isn’t stopping you using the iPad as as laptop, they’re letting you use an iPad as laptop.
If you want windows or macos or Linux or some other os that doesn’t run on an iPad then buy a fecking laptop.

 

[prospervic]

That's true but it is cheaper for me to add more RAM to my current laptop (it handles up to 32 GB RAM, I am with 8 currently) than to buy M1 iPP. Also Windows has superior RAM management for my needs (supports swaps so I have less reloads with 8 GB RAM and more apps and tabs).

I see your point and if RAM was my only issue, it can be solved by buying M1 1 or 2 TB iPP. However it is not. I find the browsing and typing experience more enjoyable on my laptop - bigger screen, bigger keyboard, more lappable in bed. I also like the fact that I can use youtube in the background via browser. I also like the fact that I can add occasionally second screen.

Precisely. The iPad is a computer for those whose needs it serves, while other's needs are served by a traditional desktop/laptop operating system. This doesn't make the iPad any less a"real" computer, just different.

BTW - YouTube premium subscribers can play videos in the background via the app.

 

[mdhaus72]

Fact: iPads are iPads. And MacBooks are MacBooks. And that's just fine! :)

Since the dawn of the iPads, there has been this huge push from fanboys (and some general fans) to insist that Apple should take the appropriate steps that would allow the iPad to replace the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. This is all despite Apple being clear that the iPad is designed to have...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[MandiMac]

...ok, it wasn’t running Windows 10 natively, I logged remotely to an other computer.
(...)
So there is no reason why the iPad pro cannot have Bootcamp (dual boot option) for OS X.

You could even log in remotely with a potato, that's not the problem.
The problem is that apps for macOS isn't really optimized for touch as they are optimized for big screens and a mouse.

 

[secretk]

Precisely. The iPad is a computer for those whose needs it serves, while other's needs are served by a traditional desktop/laptop operating system. This doesn't make the iPad any less a"real" computer, just different.

To be fair everything is sort of a computer nowadays. I mean the iPhone, the iPad, laptop, desktop, the control board in your car, the control boards in the planes. It is just a mater of your workflow and needs.

BTW - YouTube premium subscribers can play videos in the background via the app

This is true. However what I usually do is that I have multiple tabs open with different youtube links. I sometimes watch for example True Crime stuff. Those are quite often rather long (over an hour, sometimes over hour and half) and I don't always watch them all at once as the subject is sometimes rather tough. Being able to pause, watch something lighter and then go back to the video is something that I do often. That does not work on an iPad as a device that much which is usually one app at a time - you start something and you are expected to finish it before moving on to something else.

 

[iPadified]

I was actually running Windows 10 on my iPad Pro and it is literally a laptop (ok, it wasn’t running Windows 10 natively, I logged remotely to an other computer). It has got a keyboard, trackpad and external mouse support. And the Apple pencil works great with Windows 10 actually.

So there is no reason why the iPad pro cannot have Bootcamp (dual boot option) for OS X.

Nah, it is desktop. Having the keyboard/iPad in your lap is very wobbly.