Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad as a laptop replacement
- Thread starter Omar Comin' Yo
- WikiPost WikiPost
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
- Status
My iPad Pro is basically a laptop replacement. If I want to do accounting / reporting stuff, I prefer a desktop computer with a full numeric keyboard.
for everything non professional my iPad Pro is as good and more fun to use
for everything non professional my iPad Pro is as good and more fun to use
Just curious : why the Galaxy tab S7+ above the iPad Pro. I mean as a video viewer it’s definitely the best tablet out there but as a laptop replacement? I’ve played around with it a bit and I find the keyboard accessory sucks.
i assume it’s because of Dex?
iPad Pro is I think for those designers or artists who need the most powerful machine ever (M1 iPad Pro) to do complex designs or art pieces but want a touchscreen. That is who I think the only audience that suits the iPad Pro. I really hate that just because Apple Released the iPad Magic Keyboard doesn't mean it is going to f**king replace Mac Pro Studio setups or any high end machines in that case. I feel that maybe the iPad Pro's Magic Keyboard Case could be used for things like typing stuff on the go?Apple can end the iPad Pro line then, right? Just use a Mac.
The idea that Apple products are only used by designers and artists isn’t new of course. 15 years ago people said the exact same thing about the Mac. In practice we find iPad Pro in the hands of many people. It’s simply the nicest iPad money can buy.
As a bare minimum requirement I need a full desktop browser with uBlock Origin so rarely go below Lenovo Duet ChromeOS by itself. Other devices below that are usually companion devices and amongst those Android devices are better at consumption like YouTube Vanced, better file manager apps, more freedom to sideload Fortnite/run emulators/etc., better multitasking, 3rd party browsers aren't reskinned Safari with limitations, DeX, etc. iPad Pro isn't a productivity device so skipping getting the Magic Keyboard since it isn't as good as the Surface Pro X one while being heavier with worse ergonomics since fingers bump up against tablet when using top row keys and nearly double the cost.
My 15” MBP is a victim of flexgate. Since then, I’m using a 12.9 IPP (Gen 2) on iOS 14.x as a laptop replacement.
After a few weeks in, I’m surprised at how well I acclimated to iPad-only use. Most of my primary uses are covered by apps that function well on the iPad (e.g., productivity, financial, media and browser apps). The only times I found it critical to access by MBP (via an external monitor) was to access Microsoft products, complete an online form that did not load properly on the iPad, and for a few apps that are not native, or I have not purchase, on iOS.
The battery is performing well. I normally keep it charged but could probably go 12-16 hours between charges (note: the estimate is not indicative of continuous use). The performance has been acceptable but I typically shut down and restart the iPad at least once every 24-48 hours to boost performance.
I’ll purchase a 2021 12.9 IPP (M1) as a personal laptop replacement and purchase another Mac mini (M1 or the next iteration) as a personal computer and file server. Goodbye MBP ?
After a few weeks in, I’m surprised at how well I acclimated to iPad-only use. Most of my primary uses are covered by apps that function well on the iPad (e.g., productivity, financial, media and browser apps). The only times I found it critical to access by MBP (via an external monitor) was to access Microsoft products, complete an online form that did not load properly on the iPad, and for a few apps that are not native, or I have not purchase, on iOS.
The battery is performing well. I normally keep it charged but could probably go 12-16 hours between charges (note: the estimate is not indicative of continuous use). The performance has been acceptable but I typically shut down and restart the iPad at least once every 24-48 hours to boost performance.
I’ll purchase a 2021 12.9 IPP (M1) as a personal laptop replacement and purchase another Mac mini (M1 or the next iteration) as a personal computer and file server. Goodbye MBP ?
Last edited:
I recently got myself an iPad Air and I must say for the work that I do that’s emails, documents, presentations, meetings .. it just works very well. Find it little tough to use 2 apps or multitask, copy paste type of operations but the convenience of using a tablet is still fantastic.
so far happy with the move to tablet style of device.
so far happy with the move to tablet style of device.
iPadOS is a blown up phone os with split screen, that’s it, apple have shown they don’t want a computer out of it, there is no need for a separate iPadOS and ios they are the exact same, it’s a joke right about now, the iPad can just open apps like an iPhone it will never be a computer; the trackpad was a gimmick it’s meant to be a tablet for touchscreen as they say
iPhones, iPads, and Macs are all computers, just with different focuses. I agree though, iOS and ipadOS don’t really need separate names as they are still basically the same. The only real differences have to do with utilizing the larger screen, as has always been the difference. iOS even supports mouse just like ipadOS.
I agree the trackpad is not the ideal way to interact with a tablet. But then neither is a keyboard. The physical keyboard was only added because it was very necessary for productivity. We have yet to find a better way to input text than the tried and true physical keyboard. But adding it to the iPad basically reverts the form factor from a tablet back into a laptop (taking away the main advantage of a tablet). And just like on a laptop, you need a mouse or trackpad to use with the keyboard, as Apple believes touching the screen while using the keyboard is bad ergonomics. So due to Apple’s own words, the trackpad was an inevitability as soon as they had added the keyboard. So just like the keyboard, the trackpad was added as a non-ideal necessity, not so much a gimmick. Non-ideal because the UI is not designed for mouse, but Apple made do as best they could.
The trackpad is not a gimmick it’s the best keyboard out there if you want to use a keyboard with your iPad.
for many the iPad is being used as a laptop placement but for many it isn’t. Depends on the work you do.
If you care about display, smoothness and general apps the iPad is simply better but if you need pop up windows and work apps the mac is obviously the one to go for.
people need to realise there’s different types of pros out there
problem is people tend to look at things only from their limited point of view....
A good trackpad can be extremely useful if you use your iPad to remote desktop into Windows or Mac... But those that don't do that don't even think about it... You cannot properly do it from an iPhone, you need a larger screen, a good keyboard and, if on the go, a good trackpad...
The main reason why my iPad is my on the go device is precisely remote desktop, which allows me to keep on working with an LTE 11in pro and magic keyboard just like a regular laptop (and easily move from iPad apps to a desktop system on the same device)
I spend most of the day working From a windows laptop so I bought the 12.9 iPad Pro to use as my home laptop replacement.
I Use my ipad as a consumption device most of the time but sometimes I need to be on a laptop to run certain programs and also connect to my work laptop.
I now use jump desktop to connect to my windows laptop at home if I need to ( rarely ) and also can connect to my work laptop using team viewer if needed also.
I recently bought the M1 MacBook Air to try and replace the iPad but for me it felt awkward to use while sat in my chair and heavier than the iPad and plus the iPad feels like I’m not at work working.
I used the MacBook Air for 2 days to try and get used to it but the iPad was just a better experience in the end for me.
but as always what works for me might be a totally different experience for you.
The only way is to find out for yourself.
I Use my ipad as a consumption device most of the time but sometimes I need to be on a laptop to run certain programs and also connect to my work laptop.
I now use jump desktop to connect to my windows laptop at home if I need to ( rarely ) and also can connect to my work laptop using team viewer if needed also.
I recently bought the M1 MacBook Air to try and replace the iPad but for me it felt awkward to use while sat in my chair and heavier than the iPad and plus the iPad feels like I’m not at work working.
I used the MacBook Air for 2 days to try and get used to it but the iPad was just a better experience in the end for me.
but as always what works for me might be a totally different experience for you.
The only way is to find out for yourself.
Because 95% of iPad users will never need such a function.
Because their use cases are way too simple, even cheapest iPad is plenty in terms of performance and storage (128GB). They don’t need iPad Pro 12.9” to watch their random TikTok clips or home videos recorded using iPhone.
But realistically, how many people need to compile code on a home device? I'm a retired s/w engineer and in a 45 year career I never once compiled anything on a home device.
Likely because that’s such a niche use case that the majority of laptop users aren’t affected by that inability.
I agree. The only time I had to compile code on a "home" device was when I was in university. Given my degree, I had to work on some projects that of course would require compiling. Once I started working though, all of the compiling was done on work devices.
I honestly do not need the iPad to be able to compile code you know. This is not what I would need it for. It can shine in work environments but IMO it is more about pencil usage and collaboration during meetings given how portable it is.
I can’t wait to be able do some more development on the iPad: often I’d like to test an idea while I’m away from my MBP and can’t. Already being able to do some basics in Playgrounds has been great (e.g. convert C code to Swift), but we’ll soon be able to do more with the new Playgrounds. An iPad would be awesome for field commissioning…
I was using an iPad 6th generation just for browsing, streaming and typical light iPad stuff. I have a big working station for my work with davinci resolve and a old MBP mid 2012 that is still good enough for final cut and logic but I mainly use and keep it for final draft as part of my job.
Yesterday I just decided to do something crazy! I took my car and drove about 90 minutes to the next apple store and bought an M1 iPad Pro 12.9 with 512 gb and a pencil. So far I’m very happy. No significant blooming at night in bed, no dead pixels. Now I’m able to do all my Lightroom work on the iPad.
For my private usage I would say the iPad can replace the MacBook very well for most of my needs. Davinci resolve will never come to the iPad I guess… Hopefully final cut and logic will. And for my work with final draft I need a good keyboard. As long as the MKB will be soooooo expensive I won’t replace my old but gold MBP. The iPad Pro has enough power to replace a laptop but as long as the ipadOS stays the limiting factor, it won’t. (Sorry for my weird comma use.. I don’t remember the English rules..)
Yesterday I just decided to do something crazy! I took my car and drove about 90 minutes to the next apple store and bought an M1 iPad Pro 12.9 with 512 gb and a pencil. So far I’m very happy. No significant blooming at night in bed, no dead pixels. Now I’m able to do all my Lightroom work on the iPad.
For my private usage I would say the iPad can replace the MacBook very well for most of my needs. Davinci resolve will never come to the iPad I guess… Hopefully final cut and logic will. And for my work with final draft I need a good keyboard. As long as the MKB will be soooooo expensive I won’t replace my old but gold MBP. The iPad Pro has enough power to replace a laptop but as long as the ipadOS stays the limiting factor, it won’t. (Sorry for my weird comma use.. I don’t remember the English rules..)
Next to none, unless it’s for novelty sake or “compiling” is actually happening remotely, meaning iPad isn’t doing the real work anyways. iOS design means there’s gotta be a major shift in how modern coding would be before iPad becoming useful as-is, or open up iOS.
Have a look out for sales on the previous Magic Keyboard (for 3rd/4th gen). Here in the UK, it’s now half price or less pretty much everywhere and fits my M1 12.9 perfectly (even with a glass screen protector fitted).
Also, check out LumaFusion - it’s a real joy to use on an iPad and renders are very fast. It may not be ideal for very complex projects, but for most stuff it’s great.
I could get a brand new magic keyboard (for 5th gen.) for 300 Euro instead of the 399,-… I will test that out and see if it fits my needs. As a screenwriter a high quality keyboard with nice feeling is very important for me. I hope the combination of iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard and final draft app will be good enough to replace my MBP.
For me, the true Magic Keyboard, https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...dec09183e801f37e223f9f4334683d54ae9406bf72f07
is the one. $99 and can use iPad in Portrait mode which is better for Document creation as it matches the form factor. Also easier to move around in different angles and orientations.