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iPad as a laptop replacement
- Thread starter Omar Comin' Yo
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When using a keyboard with the iPad as the display, I prefer to use a mouse. That's really the only time I'd like mouse support, just giving us that option over bluetooth doesn't seem like a big deal. Just have a mouse cursor pop up when bluetooth detects an external mouse.
I updated my iPad Pro 9.7 to 11 and five minutes later, put it back in the drawer where it's been for the past two months or so. It's just more of the same in my opinion.
For me it has not...
Available apps are too limited, e.g. MS Office. I use PPT a lot and while opening existing files mostly works, starting a new file from scratch is impossible, you cannot even create A4 formats on the iPad. Same for the Adobe stuff, for me it's a mess and I never know which of the many apps is supposed to do what...
File handling (as many have pointed out): I have to download images from various sources, then retouch, then paste into my PPT file - this is too complicated on an iPad at this point.
But my main issue is the wasted opportunity of the pencil - I don't get why Apple is not turning the iPad into the perfect note taking device, using the form factor and the excellent hardware, by introducing a system wide handwriting recognition... I want to "write" my PPT slides with the pencil, edit text and all... Instead we need this clumsy keyboard and can use the pencil for doodles...
So for me the hardware is there pretty much there, it's simply not properly thought through from my point of view (an issue I have a lot with Apple since a few years, from general philosophy over usability to product line...). At this point the iPad pro is a lovely and somewhat overpriced media consumption device...
Available apps are too limited, e.g. MS Office. I use PPT a lot and while opening existing files mostly works, starting a new file from scratch is impossible, you cannot even create A4 formats on the iPad. Same for the Adobe stuff, for me it's a mess and I never know which of the many apps is supposed to do what...
File handling (as many have pointed out): I have to download images from various sources, then retouch, then paste into my PPT file - this is too complicated on an iPad at this point.
But my main issue is the wasted opportunity of the pencil - I don't get why Apple is not turning the iPad into the perfect note taking device, using the form factor and the excellent hardware, by introducing a system wide handwriting recognition... I want to "write" my PPT slides with the pencil, edit text and all... Instead we need this clumsy keyboard and can use the pencil for doodles...
So for me the hardware is there pretty much there, it's simply not properly thought through from my point of view (an issue I have a lot with Apple since a few years, from general philosophy over usability to product line...). At this point the iPad pro is a lovely and somewhat overpriced media consumption device...
I strongly agree with your points.
Much of the iPad disadvantages are simply due to apps still not having the same functionality as their desktop counterparts.
And reliance on the keyboard (which ultimately requires you to turn your tablet into a laptop, putting it down to type with two hands) undermines the strength of the iPad and its form factor. To truly make use of the tablet form factor for productivity, a tablet-tailored text input method like system-wide handwriting recognition needs to exist.
The reason we haven't seen iOS handwriting recognition yet is probably because 1) it's hard to pull off well, and 2) the iPad was originally envisioned as a touch-only device. Now with the Pencil, it's a touch-first device. So I think it's possible handwriting could be added alongside the keyboard in the future. Hoping for it.
And this is the main question here - does Apple and do the software companies like MS or Adobe really want to turn the iPad into a productivity platform? (I'm ignoring the fact that for many people the iPad is fine as is, this is just my highly subjective point of view here...)
My suspicion is - no, they don't. Simply because the pricing structure of software for iPad apps is too different compared to desktop versions, risk is too high, it would be too much hassle to offer the full range of functions on iOS - with unclear return of investment...
I hope I'm wrong but I don't see the iPad to be a true laptop replacement for my professional needs in the near future...
... like Android has had for years and working quite well.
I've been pushing the limits of the iPad Pro as my mobile solution (hoping to replace my 11" MBA + iPad Mini 4) but have once again hit the limits of iOS. Even with the added functions of iOS 11, it really didn't allow me to do MORE. It does some things BETTER than before, and a few new things, but still far far away from where I need it to be.
Surprisingly, I'm finding that the latest wave of convertible chromebooks (with Android app support) offer the missing pieces... an exposed file system, optional support for pointing devices, dual monitor support that goes beyond simply mirroring displays, support for USB peripherals (like presentation remote controls), as well as support for removable storage.
I'd much prefer that Apple make such a device.
I agree, from what I read, the App Store's pricing structure (no free trials, no paid upgrades, etc) is likely a key issue. And I imagine customers' unwillingness to pay Mac application prices (perceived low value of iOS apps) and the (I believe) lower volume of customers who prefer iPad over Mac for productivity play a role as well. All of it creates an unconvincing ROI. Plenty of startup companies are willing to take the risk, but established companies with established software (that professionals have come to rely on) not so much it seems. Apparently subscription models are supposed to be the way forward to motivate companies to bring more powerful apps to iOS, which for this customer is sad news.
I also won't be able to get rid of my laptop for a very long time. There is no app in the App Store even close to fulfilling my work needs, but then again my job is pretty niche.
-edit- Speaking of perceived low value of iOS apps, I'm wondering if Apple's decision to call them 'apps', a shortened version of 'applications'--implying a truncated version of the real thing--played a critical role in the formation of that perception.
-edit2- I also wonder if Apple had come out with the iPad first instead of the iPhone, as Steve intended, developers and customers would have had a different perception of iOS, as an ecosystem with as much potential for productivity (and therefore revenue) as that of Macs.
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For me, not quite, but very close. I travel extensively for work and sometimes bring only my 10.5 iPP. However, for extended trips or client meetings, I find that I still need to use my 2017 Surface Pro. Some of the office apps just aren't robust enough; compatibility with some projectors is not perfect; and the Surface Pro has a much better keyboard setup.
I will add that, just as the ipp is not quite a laptop replacement, the Surface Pro is NOT quite a tablet replacement. The ipp beats the Surface Pro easily in usability and fluidity when it comes to being used as a hand-held device.
Still lacks access to the file system. That would make it a real laptop replacement. Without it I’m afraid not.
Something tells me Apple doesn’t want it to be a true laptop replacement since it would eat into MacBook sales. Because, after all, they could easily create a finder-like app that would give you full access to the file system. The Files app is a sign they know how but are unwilling to do so.
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You’re right. But I also think the limits are also the strengths, because we all wants well-managed apps, and great notifications system on Mac like we have on iOS (that’s why we all looking forward to replacing the Mac)
But it’s clear now Apple will work on iPad to fill in the gaps. Not the other way around.
I don't think so, at least for me.
Major limitations:
- No mouse
- No external Monitors
- Lack of external drives support
- Files app too clunky, unstable and limited (renaming files is a slow pain in the rear, etc)
- Lack of key productivity Apps or the equivalent is too limited.
- Lack of alternatives to the App Store, which are sometimes needed for some key tasks.
Some people may not care about these points so...good for them. Please don't quote me to say "It's ready for me", I know.
I estimate that iPads are about three years away from replacing my Mac, if Apples moves fast and takes the right decisions.
Major limitations:
- No mouse
- No external Monitors
- Lack of external drives support
- Files app too clunky, unstable and limited (renaming files is a slow pain in the rear, etc)
- Lack of key productivity Apps or the equivalent is too limited.
- Lack of alternatives to the App Store, which are sometimes needed for some key tasks.
Some people may not care about these points so...good for them. Please don't quote me to say "It's ready for me", I know.
I estimate that iPads are about three years away from replacing my Mac, if Apples moves fast and takes the right decisions.
the new pixel book? man that thing is nice im an avid iPad Pro user but if there is something that makes me ditch my iPad + MBP combo its gonna be that
You do know fresh iOS are always buggy as hell. It will get better with updates. Ios10 was buggy as hell at first and was smooth out buy updates.
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Then iPad is just not for you. Stick to a laptop.
That’s silly. I have an iPad and I enjoy it. It cannot REPLACE my laptop, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless, or a nice toy for my free time or light work. Of course, if I HAD to choose, I would be forced to stick to my laptop. But I don’t have to.
Especially if the file manager is more limited thant 3rd party solutions on the app store
I’m totally not surprised an old tiny little iPad isn’t a modern day laptop replacement
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Um. It sounded like the person you replied to actually enjoys using their iPad though
The fact that it’s not a laptop replacement in this case has nothing to do with the iPad’s size or age. It’s the OS and the lack of file system access and the ability to choose your own sources for software..things that any laptop can do easily.
The second point is especially important, I cannot stress that enough. Depending on the will of a single company (which is not at all immune from external pressure from other companies and governments) is a crazy and dark idea. It’s ok and works well on a limited, complementary device. It has security advantages. But for our main computer? Look at all the software from Iranian developers: banned from the store from one day to the other, just BECAUSE they are Iranian people. Look at VPN software in China. A billion people lost the chance to access the free internet from their iOS devices, from one day to the other. Now, imagine if that was their only computer. The implications are profound, much more than iOS software limitations.
Hahahaha I cringed so much when they presented themAh, but you’re forgetting animojis!
But you are right this finally makes it a full computer