I have replaced my MBP with an M1 iPad Pro 11 for my real estate business. I am curious. How are you using an M2 iPad Pro? They do not exist yet. In fact, there are no Apple products with an M2 yet. Was that maybe a typo?
Last edited:
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
I many times tried iPad only/primary device. But every time I failed after initial euphoria.
Since I have got the MacBook Air M1 I nearly completely lost interest in the iPad.
I gave away my iPad Pro to my wife and now even considering getting rid of my iPad mini (5).
The MacBook Air is so light and compact, has a enormous battery life and so much power.
And on top of it it stays completely silent and cool. For me, it is the best Laptop ever built.
The only fact I what would be nice to have is 120 hz screen, but I find it not so important as it is for iOS devices.
For ultra mobility I have an iPhone 13 Pro and for reading I much prefer my kindle Voyage.
Sidenote: Many say iPad is much better for couch or bed. Here I completely disagree. Because the MacBook is balanced whereas the iPad (with Magic Keyboard) is not. I can watch movies without iPad is falling on its back and it can holds much better on my lap.
I take my MacBook Air also for work, where I plugin an external Monitor.
My Need for an iPad has reached an all-time low.
Since I have got the MacBook Air M1 I nearly completely lost interest in the iPad.
I gave away my iPad Pro to my wife and now even considering getting rid of my iPad mini (5).
The MacBook Air is so light and compact, has a enormous battery life and so much power.
And on top of it it stays completely silent and cool. For me, it is the best Laptop ever built.
The only fact I what would be nice to have is 120 hz screen, but I find it not so important as it is for iOS devices.
For ultra mobility I have an iPhone 13 Pro and for reading I much prefer my kindle Voyage.
Sidenote: Many say iPad is much better for couch or bed. Here I completely disagree. Because the MacBook is balanced whereas the iPad (with Magic Keyboard) is not. I can watch movies without iPad is falling on its back and it can holds much better on my lap.
I take my MacBook Air also for work, where I plugin an external Monitor.
My Need for an iPad has reached an all-time low.
I had the M1 13” MBP. I started slowly letting it sit on my desk unopened for days at a time. I eventually sold it in November 21’. I just sprung for the Air 5 with the Folio Touch Combo and Apple Pencil. I have since been able to do everything I did on my MBP. Obviously I don’t use it for work as I have a work issued computer. For my personal use it has replaced the computer for me. I am quite happy as I don’t have to lug a laptop around everywhere. Plus as I type this I am using a cellular connection something I wish the Mac would have had.
I seldom use my old MBP anymore and decided today to make an iPad upgrade from the iPad 8 to the Air 5. As a lot of people have struggled with, deciding between Air 5 256 and just moving up to a Pro was making the decision really annoying. It really seems like Apple was wanting to push more people towards Pro with this pricing and storage hierarchy. Regardless, I decided the Air 5 gave me what I wanted for the money (plus a price match less $70).
Going Air 5 with the MKB, as well as a Smart Folio, really does make this feel like a worthy laptop replacement. None of my personal computer work is complicated anymore, and I have a powerful M1 Max MBP from work that I can use in a pinch for personal use (only examples I think of are accessing finance sites that don’t play with iPad/iPhone.
The typing experience and trackpad on the MKB is genuinely Mac-level quality, which makes swallowing the cost a bit easier. While my old 16 MBP was good at times for having the screen real estate and power, the i7 on that thing ran crazy hot doing simple tasks. Downsizing to a silent and speedy machine just feels like the next step.
This should be a really cool transition. If it works out, great! If not, I‘ll probably snag a used M1 Mini for a few hundred dollars and just have that as my “sometimes I really need a computer” computer.
Going Air 5 with the MKB, as well as a Smart Folio, really does make this feel like a worthy laptop replacement. None of my personal computer work is complicated anymore, and I have a powerful M1 Max MBP from work that I can use in a pinch for personal use (only examples I think of are accessing finance sites that don’t play with iPad/iPhone.
The typing experience and trackpad on the MKB is genuinely Mac-level quality, which makes swallowing the cost a bit easier. While my old 16 MBP was good at times for having the screen real estate and power, the i7 on that thing ran crazy hot doing simple tasks. Downsizing to a silent and speedy machine just feels like the next step.
This should be a really cool transition. If it works out, great! If not, I‘ll probably snag a used M1 Mini for a few hundred dollars and just have that as my “sometimes I really need a computer” computer.
I did this and it killed me to do so, but I had too much friction with the 11” 2018 Pro. I tried the keyboard thing on the iPad, but ultimately, its not as easy for me to work with compared to a mac. Ultimately, my job dictated the need to go back to the mac - its all about the software, apple. Apple needs to make the iPadOS better. I loved having cellular and the easy and simplicity of ipad. BUT, it needs some way to multitask or have a desktop option if needed.
I actually disagree of your take on perceived ‘limitations’ being based on habits.
I fully understand Apple’s vision for iPad and it’s roots (The navigator) and how it’s evolved. If you’ve grown up during the personal computer era or revolution or very shortly soon after you’ll understand the limitations.
I’m a FULL believer that certain apps or data should be ‘silo’d’ into an area on device or linked to cloud storage etc based on the apps that need to access such data.
Example:
Photos.
Doesn’t matter the file extension, usually phoots are: Taken, shared (messaging apps, forums, email, etc), stored, reviewed, edited/remastered/filtered, and basically just that. You choose the app to do with the photos as you please but usually there is but 1 default native app on your platform of choice: macOS/iOS/iPadOS/Linux/Windows/Solaris/etc all have had a DEFAULT app that curates photos, every other app is the add-on. regardless of the source of the photo - what you do with it hasn’t really changed since 1982 - we have MORE choices but what we do is essentially somewhat grown or the same. Photos on Apple OS‘ takes care of the rudimentary basics. other apps really let your imagination fly or give you more choices.
Now in terms of limitations:
Photos on iOS/iPadOS and MacOS likes to keep 1 big database for ALL pictures stored. If you make albums the photos within are alias, not originals nor duplicates. If you DELETE a pic in photos the original is gone, you have to specifically remove from album to essentially do just that. Personally I want a picture in my Favourites Album or ’Family’ album to be there ONLY, removed from the entire library.
On a computer‘s OS i can do this. Right now this IS a limitation across the board: macOS included BUT you can copy and move photos from Photos Library into anywhere on macOS.
If I want to move or copy photos or rename a number of them on my iPhone or M1 iPad (or any iPad) I cannot, not natively i have to use another app (possibly pay for it).
perceived limitation is a real limitation:
I used to loath hearing ‘I want terminal on iPadOS‘ but with such the above example I get it now.
here is a funny example.
Ever watch the movie Snowden?
There is a scene in that secure area where ‘Snowden‘ is copying files - in windows (why the NSA would use Windows is beyond me really) and copying so many files using windows explorer on the PC to a microSD card. Just weeks before watching on release day in North America my former supervisor showed me Robocopy (DOS cmd line) to move entire folders and the contents and sub-folders within. the advantage is
a) hidden files and folders/sub-folders are also copied,
b) Windows XP-10 has a default limitation of 256-characters from file path and including file name. This is especially limiting when you have a Windows OS that is licensed yet has a language/regional setting for another language (English to say Russian) where the character length limitation isn’t so easily understood of you don’t understand the other language (like for me Russian, Ble-atz spelled wrong of course). Using Windows Explorer to move content you’d miss a LOT of data, not to mention all of those terrible windows open. If you cancel windows explorer NO Data is copied before it completes. Robocopy stops where it last left off. Run it again: same command and path it’ll rapidly check first what is copied and valid then continue where it left off = VERY efficient and fast.
I stupidly and nerdily shouted out ‘Robocopy’ and like 10 people out of 60 in the theatre said YEAH! Lol. Yeah I disturbed others in the movie, even if briefly and was not happy about it.
There are real world use cases for more powerful solutions that shouldn’t be covered in an application or cannot be used system wide by an application.
Literary having the M1 processing power under utilized other than TB3 connectivity and more RAM is a huge eye-sore and a What in the actual > by Apple’s OS software team vs hardware team.
Don’t get me wrong I LOVE my iPad Pro - it’s currently still my only Apple computing device beyond my iPhone … but there is just things I should or could do without the limitations that macOS provides (or any OS) and having a desktop/mobile computing chip capable of what we want and that fun ‘what’s a computer commercial’ I think Apple is doing a disservice to current and potential users. Yes I know apple moves in small=but BIG steps because it likes to fully refine things before release but not an excuse for iPadOS since v12.
Thanks for your message, I will reply to a few lines, and give a conclusion at the end. Before I start let me tell you I completley understand where you are coming from, and overall agree with your point of view, if not 100%, as I still think a lot of ipad friction is due to either not being aware of some of the modern features of the ipad , or not wanting/realising to change some habits formed.
iPad is for sure a different system, almost a new computing paradigm, than what PC’s were in the 1995 2000 2005
I dont think you can do this on MacOS either.
You select pictures you want and drag them to Files app, to folder you want to put them to.
BTW. what you described can actually be done using the ipad and iSH and using the linux terminal program that does exactly the same.. cant remember what was the name of it but I used it a few times on my iPad copying stuff around. It also can stop and restart and it effectively syncs the whole Dir with all the hidden files, but not only that it will sync file permissions and other settings too like metadata. Oh, was the name rsync?
But, having said all that - I understand where are you coming form, and I agree with the overall sentiment 100%. iPad CAN and SHOULD be a more powerfull device - and thats mostly software wise.
Apple can probbably do a much much better job at educating developers on how to make more pro apps for ipad, on swaying pro app studios to come to iPad and make full fledged apps (Like Affinity is doing, but not Adobe), and also Apple should probbably open more of the full MacOS APIs to developers to use, and thus make porting existing apps from MacOS to iPadOS much easier if not completley effortles.
Even if, I still think most of the noise comes from either people not being infromed about some of theese amazing powertools ipad has, or - just sticking to old habits, I agree iPad still has a lot of room for improvement and growth. And I hope Apple will soon make it the device it should be.
One of the biggest issues I personally have with iPadOS, is constant reloading of apps - that seems to be a hardware problem (more ram needed) and maybe a software probblem (better management of app states), other than some of the Pro apps and Pro tools not yet existing for iPadOS.
So, its not perfect yet, but, it has come a very very long way, and I think it has so much potential, and even more potential than a ‘classic OS’, as well as it is allready much more capable than most people realise.
I did, also!
iPad is for sure a different system, almost a new computing paradigm, than what PC’s were in the 1995 2000 2005
But Why?
I dont think you can do this on MacOS either.
Yes you can. Are you not aware of this?
You select pictures you want and drag them to Files app, to folder you want to put them to.
iSH is your terminal. What is preventing you from using it, or even writing a bash script to do some of the stuff you want done? Maybe you were not aware of this app existing…? I think there is a lot of theese awearness problems concerning iPad usage. Seems that a lot of powerusers are not aware lots of powertools indeed exist for the iPad.
Are you russian? Спасиба!
I understand what you mean, and more powerfull software is needed for the iPad. I will 100% agree to that. iPad lacks pro tools, and really needs many many many more pro apps and pro tools to come to iPadOS!!
BTW. what you described can actually be done using the ipad and iSH and using the linux terminal program that does exactly the same.. cant remember what was the name of it but I used it a few times on my iPad copying stuff around. It also can stop and restart and it effectively syncs the whole Dir with all the hidden files, but not only that it will sync file permissions and other settings too like metadata. Oh, was the name rsync?
I will tell you that I think its mostly on the developers part - developers of the iPad apps need to make more powerfull apps, not so much system to be differetnt. iPadOS is mostly fine. Its a good operating system. It just lacks more powerfull tools, and I oftetimes look for apps from this genre, and am very happy when I find a new powerfull one.
You have said it all. Apple does seem to move in small but BIG steps, and I personally find this to be really awe inspiring and I respect it a lot. I respect Apple way a lot.
But, having said all that - I understand where are you coming form, and I agree with the overall sentiment 100%. iPad CAN and SHOULD be a more powerfull device - and thats mostly software wise.
Apple can probbably do a much much better job at educating developers on how to make more pro apps for ipad, on swaying pro app studios to come to iPad and make full fledged apps (Like Affinity is doing, but not Adobe), and also Apple should probbably open more of the full MacOS APIs to developers to use, and thus make porting existing apps from MacOS to iPadOS much easier if not completley effortles.
Even if, I still think most of the noise comes from either people not being infromed about some of theese amazing powertools ipad has, or - just sticking to old habits, I agree iPad still has a lot of room for improvement and growth. And I hope Apple will soon make it the device it should be.
One of the biggest issues I personally have with iPadOS, is constant reloading of apps - that seems to be a hardware problem (more ram needed) and maybe a software probblem (better management of app states), other than some of the Pro apps and Pro tools not yet existing for iPadOS.
So, its not perfect yet, but, it has come a very very long way, and I think it has so much potential, and even more potential than a ‘classic OS’, as well as it is allready much more capable than most people realise.
I agree on everything with you @XIO[-]OIX
Everyone here pretty much knows my feelings for my iPad Pro.🥰 Pretty much the same people having this discussion across several similar threads. The device has totally changed the way I view computing and has added so many positive aspects to how I work and use a computer. As you said, there is room for growth or evolution if you will on Apple's side of the iPadOS, but also imo, mostly on the developers side. They need to give us more of the popular and power user/professional apps from the other existing OS's that will work on iPadOS. There are popular programs that cross platform between MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Why not iPadOS also? iPadOS is not a lesser OS than the others. It is just a newer but very capable OS designed for tablet computers. It is currently my favorite and most used OS. Having said all that, there are still a few things on Apple's side of the iPadOS developement that I'd like to see them continue to improve.
1. Real external monitor support that includes a real desktop type environment similar to the Samsung DeX mode.
2. Keep improving the multitasking experience. This goes hand in hand with #1.
3. Keep improving the Files App. It is very good now, but still needs a little work, as does Safari and Notes.
4. I'd like to see a little more flexibility with the home screen icons, folders, and widgets.
5. Would like to see interactive widgets with some basic functions that don't need to open in the app.
6. The onscreen keyboard needs work for sure. Auto correct just plain sucks....
7. I think settings is a mess and needs a lot of work.
8. We need the ability to sign in to multiple accounts so families can share the device.
9. Add some more native apps like calculator and weather, and the ability to change more of the default apps.
10. Not OS but needed imo. Put the front camera on the top landscape/horizontal edge.
I have 1 or 2 more but can't think of them right now. All OS's need to keep improving, and as good as it is right now, this includes iPadOS.
Everyone here pretty much knows my feelings for my iPad Pro.🥰 Pretty much the same people having this discussion across several similar threads. The device has totally changed the way I view computing and has added so many positive aspects to how I work and use a computer. As you said, there is room for growth or evolution if you will on Apple's side of the iPadOS, but also imo, mostly on the developers side. They need to give us more of the popular and power user/professional apps from the other existing OS's that will work on iPadOS. There are popular programs that cross platform between MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Why not iPadOS also? iPadOS is not a lesser OS than the others. It is just a newer but very capable OS designed for tablet computers. It is currently my favorite and most used OS. Having said all that, there are still a few things on Apple's side of the iPadOS developement that I'd like to see them continue to improve.
1. Real external monitor support that includes a real desktop type environment similar to the Samsung DeX mode.
2. Keep improving the multitasking experience. This goes hand in hand with #1.
3. Keep improving the Files App. It is very good now, but still needs a little work, as does Safari and Notes.
4. I'd like to see a little more flexibility with the home screen icons, folders, and widgets.
5. Would like to see interactive widgets with some basic functions that don't need to open in the app.
6. The onscreen keyboard needs work for sure. Auto correct just plain sucks....
7. I think settings is a mess and needs a lot of work.
8. We need the ability to sign in to multiple accounts so families can share the device.
9. Add some more native apps like calculator and weather, and the ability to change more of the default apps.
10. Not OS but needed imo. Put the front camera on the top landscape/horizontal edge.
I have 1 or 2 more but can't think of them right now. All OS's need to keep improving, and as good as it is right now, this includes iPadOS.
Last edited:
Great reply.
On macOS in Photos app - it runs and works exactly the same.
Yes I can copy or use the share sheet to move photos out of the Photo Libray/Photos app, I think I alluded to this, BUT within the Photos app you cannot separate the main library photo into any album or the favourites album (default) and still remove it from the main library. Like I said the main photo library picture is the source, in any other album within Photos app its’ a copy/alias.
Yes I can ’move’ pics out of Photos app - but they still remain, unless deleted from the library. I do This in Files app since it dawned. But its a copy, I actually want to manage SOME pictures into Photos - this allows me rapid sharing in:
browser such as posts on macrumors, sharing on MMS/iMessage or other chat apps, etc - just with 1 step. Going to Files app can work almost as quick (just an alternative step) but copying to say Mega.NZ app seems to somehow crash or have limitations of 6 photos (used to before iOS 12 I think) but still a limitation with larger videos.
Mega.NZ if I copy pictures using the Files app connection or directly via the share sheet it’s finicky - not a bug per se but it just odd. Same with Dropbox/Box.net and many others. The major issue with Files is there is not notification/timeline to show you its progress: on iPhone at least for most actions, on iPadOS I’ve noticed this on the M1 but my previous 2018 iPad Pro that I gave to my sister on early iOS 14 or early iOS 15 it did not. Even currently still doesn’t which is bizarre.
Terminal : I haven’t tried any so I may need a PM or pointer to one that works (I‘m more proficient in windows vs *Nix) but I recall reading full functionality for Terminal on iPadOS everything is in its own sandbox you don’t get the full power.
- the issue with the App store is there is no full explanation of what you CAN do with an app, due to limited space in the developers page to market it. Usually just the high level bells and whistles is shown. An example of this is many file browser apps state connectivity to SMB or windows files shares - yet NONE specifically state examples/instructions how to connect to windows domain over a VPN and push in domain+credentials, SMB file path and go with that you need to do. it‘s infuriating at times because I’m not shelling $ to find out what I need is not possible, after the fact.
Just an example so unless there is a good thread here for terminal with lots of ideas/commentary etc - I’ve not found on e, many threads are just for a certain question, answered or not - then it dies. “I’m trying really hard ringo” to avoid thread jacking lol. (I just had to use that line lol). I’ll have look into RSync - thanks for the tip, much appreciated.
I’m definitely NOT Russian, even though I grew up in a heavily influence Russian-Jewish hood. If I was it would give a real good definition for a ‘Black Russian’ at drinking nights lol, Blade 1 style. I did have to migrate 650GB of data over SMB network to another domain computer using Robocopy (DOS).
Great post BTW much appreciated.
I think:
A great thread or a few covering more of what’s possible would be great - similar to this but the main post to be more structured and allowing a wiki-style for contributions? Does one exist and I’m just unaware?
I’ve said it before, but Apple’s original vision of the iPad was decades before and everything right down to the AI (envisioned in 1987 btw ppl) came to fruition and much more, and thankfully in a LOT better package
Apple does make some very odd, even if small, decisions that leave me shaking:
Fitness in iPadOS why is it so different from iOS’ version? Nothing I can do or track on iOS’ Fitness is possible on iPadOS’ Fitness app because you need to pay to use Fitness+ and even them I’m not sure the functionality we get from iOS is possible on Fitness on iPadOS. I use other workout methods and apps that suite my needs BUT I’d love to use an AR app to track range of motion when lifting weights from my iPad at home. I’ll have to wait and see.
BUT you’ve reminded me the joy of using iPad. But in a few short months I’m still buying a MBP
Well, I think I might officially be replacing my laptop with my iPad Pro. I’m thinking about trading in my 2018 15” MacBook Pro that I’ve had lying around since I got the 12.9” iPad Pro 6 months ago. If I trade it in, I would have no modern traditional desktop/laptop computer available.
I figure it’s better to get the trade-in money than just having the Mac sitting around just in case I need it, especially because it’s Intel, Apple will likely be releasing new MacBooks soon (that might decrease trade-in value), and I generally don‘t like the experience when I do use my MacBook Pro anymore (gets too hot too easily, poor battery life, 60Hz low-contrast screen, glitchy temperamental butterfly keyboard, loud fans, hate the touch bar).
I might eventually get a 2021 16” MacBook Pro to replace it, but right now, I’m having a hard time justifying it for my needs. There are some things I miss about the Mac and some things I can only do on the Mac, but they aren’t essential for me anymore.
I figure it’s better to get the trade-in money than just having the Mac sitting around just in case I need it, especially because it’s Intel, Apple will likely be releasing new MacBooks soon (that might decrease trade-in value), and I generally don‘t like the experience when I do use my MacBook Pro anymore (gets too hot too easily, poor battery life, 60Hz low-contrast screen, glitchy temperamental butterfly keyboard, loud fans, hate the touch bar).
I might eventually get a 2021 16” MacBook Pro to replace it, but right now, I’m having a hard time justifying it for my needs. There are some things I miss about the Mac and some things I can only do on the Mac, but they aren’t essential for me anymore.
I tried. Really did.
I’ll concede the limitations are in my mind but more so I really need a Mac. I was hoping more than just Playgrounds would be available with M1 Pro - its been more than a year and nothing. So selling mine, regrettably but I’ll be getting the Mini 6 as that suits my needs more than this overpowered M1 Pro.
I’ll concede the limitations are in my mind but more so I really need a Mac. I was hoping more than just Playgrounds would be available with M1 Pro - its been more than a year and nothing. So selling mine, regrettably but I’ll be getting the Mini 6 as that suits my needs more than this overpowered M1 Pro.
I still have my 2020 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. I'm not sure I want to sell it but I really don't use it much anymore. Everything is on my iPad mini 6 now which I carry almost everywhere. I was attempting to use the iPad Pro as my main mobile device but with the release of the M1 MacBook Air, the need for the long lasting battery and speed of the iPad Pro became a lot less necessary. Now the iPad mini takes on any duties that aren't particularly suited for the MBA and the iPad Pro sits mostly idle.
MBA and iPad Mini seems like a great combo function-wise. Obviously it doesn’t work for people who want to have only one device, but since the two devices focus on opposing ends of the spectrum, the combo covers a ton of functionality and minimizes overlap. Functionally, the only thing it lacks really is being able to draw/write on a bigger screen.
I find the iPad mini 6 screen size adequate for taking notes. It is more problematic to draw but I'm not an artist and my drawing is mostly limited to diagrams and sketches. For notes and sketches apps like GoodNotes and Notability which allow you to zoom in and out helps a lot.
With Universal Clipboard & iCloud sync I use my iPad and iPhone together a lot, e.g research on the phone, copying text passages to iPad.
What I really miss is a backup solution like Time Machine. I’ve gone paperless for over a decade, and wouldn’t want to lose all the scanned documents. Playing around with (manually and periodically) copying files from iCloud to OneDrive, but that’s clunky and misses some data (like contacts…). So I’ll keep my Mac mini for backup purposes for the moment. Have a work issued windows machine for non-personal computing.
What I really miss is a backup solution like Time Machine. I’ve gone paperless for over a decade, and wouldn’t want to lose all the scanned documents. Playing around with (manually and periodically) copying files from iCloud to OneDrive, but that’s clunky and misses some data (like contacts…). So I’ll keep my Mac mini for backup purposes for the moment. Have a work issued windows machine for non-personal computing.
I have a Windows machine I use for work and Universal Clipboard may be the thing I miss most often. I use the iCloud website for Notes and the Keychain extension for Chrome as well as the Keychain for Windows application. It’s frustrating leaving the Apple ecosystem, but those take a lot of the sting out of it.
I mostly use iPad for personal stuff but I’ve also been keeping a Mac Mini running at home as a sort of file server, largely for Time Machine. All my files end up on the Mini. Going purely iPad-only isn’t really an option for me because I require a continuously running, local, versioned backup system. I also switch out the TM drive with an offsite drive every week or so.
I originally had a 12.9in and downsized to an 11 once the M1 models came out. I also have a 14in MBP. I’ve tried using my iPad Pro as a replacement several times, on several work trips. It just doesn't seem able to fill in completely.
With the additional .5 pounds vs. an 13in MBP, it would be super convenient to just bring the Ipad Pro as a combination content consumption device / work device when I travel. I’m a staunch single bag travel proponent. But the iPad falls just short in many ways-both large and small. Switching from OneNote and Teams is painful, and neither is well suited for split screen. Heck, I can’t even add my company’s logo to my email signature in either Mail or Outlook. Importing pics and videos into Keynote or PowerPoint is easily 50% more difficult with more steps than on the MBP.
I‘ll keep trying. Luckily I have an office staff that can do some of this stuff for me while I’m out of pocket. And the weight and streamlining benefit make the shortcomings a bit more bearable. And I absolutely love the cellular capabilities of the iPad. I’ll get by with the iPad as my single carry device, but should that really be the objective?
With the additional .5 pounds vs. an 13in MBP, it would be super convenient to just bring the Ipad Pro as a combination content consumption device / work device when I travel. I’m a staunch single bag travel proponent. But the iPad falls just short in many ways-both large and small. Switching from OneNote and Teams is painful, and neither is well suited for split screen. Heck, I can’t even add my company’s logo to my email signature in either Mail or Outlook. Importing pics and videos into Keynote or PowerPoint is easily 50% more difficult with more steps than on the MBP.
I‘ll keep trying. Luckily I have an office staff that can do some of this stuff for me while I’m out of pocket. And the weight and streamlining benefit make the shortcomings a bit more bearable. And I absolutely love the cellular capabilities of the iPad. I’ll get by with the iPad as my single carry device, but should that really be the objective?
I have intel MacBook Air which I use rarely after I got iPad 11” + MK. I still need intel Mac due to some specific apps and its intel compatibility (I use bootcamp).
Curious if this is a lack of extensions in Safari or all browsers?
Also is this a true lack of an extension(s) you need or they’re not really needed due to what is built into browsers??
Sell your iPad Pro to a young budding student whom wants to be an artist or make the great next comic book!
You give to the youth who. Will LOVE the device while not wasting its value to such a student when it’s idle at your home.
There are lighter and more compact options on the Windows side, most about a 1/2 lb lighter than the MBA. However the M1 MBA is quieter and runs cooler. But I think the display options (matte, blue light filter, etc.) are much better on the Windows side.
iPad as a laptop replacement is something I've been pondering for years now. Since I received the iPad 2, I've attempted to use the iPad for as much as I could. But in 2022, I'm reaching a more despondent perspective. The iPad's place in my device line up is something that's been weighing heavily on my mind these past weeks as I've considered my technological needs. For me, I think I've given up on the idea that the iPad can or should be a laptop replacement.
Let me begin by saying I bought the iPad Pro 12.9 2020 to be my laptop replacement. With the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, my belief was this could be everything I envisaged when I first used iPad 2. I really gave it a go, but limitations kept coming up. I can work within those limitations, but since owning an iMac 24-inch, I'm increasingly choosing not to.
WWDC 2021 changed my enthusiasm around what the iPad could be. I think that was the turning point for me. I left with the impression that Apple have every intention of making the iPad a supplement to the Mac, and will keep iPad OS limited in functionality. Similar to how the Apple Watch is a supplemental accessory to the iPhone is how I'm now seeing the iPad. I'm not expecting big things this year at WWDC either.
What is the iPad great at? That's the question I've been asking myself these past few days as I'm reassessing how I complete my work and how I use technology. For me, I see the iPad as having three core functions in my lifestyle.
A side note: whilst I can justify the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, I can't see myself ever buying the Magic Keyboard ever again. Using Universal Control over the past few days, I regret my Magic Keyboard purchase more than I already did. My perspective is that accessory is far too overpriced and I'd never consider buying another one given my current needs. Universal Control also reaffirms my view that Apple sees iPad as a supplemental accessory to the Mac.
Let me begin by saying I bought the iPad Pro 12.9 2020 to be my laptop replacement. With the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, my belief was this could be everything I envisaged when I first used iPad 2. I really gave it a go, but limitations kept coming up. I can work within those limitations, but since owning an iMac 24-inch, I'm increasingly choosing not to.
WWDC 2021 changed my enthusiasm around what the iPad could be. I think that was the turning point for me. I left with the impression that Apple have every intention of making the iPad a supplement to the Mac, and will keep iPad OS limited in functionality. Similar to how the Apple Watch is a supplemental accessory to the iPhone is how I'm now seeing the iPad. I'm not expecting big things this year at WWDC either.
What is the iPad great at? That's the question I've been asking myself these past few days as I'm reassessing how I complete my work and how I use technology. For me, I see the iPad as having three core functions in my lifestyle.
- It's a great second screen for my iMac with Sidecar.
- It's a great drawing tablet for my business needs.
- I have to travel to business meetings and to see my girlfriend - during those periods of travel, it's a great productivity device (albeit with a limited experience compared to Mac).
A side note: whilst I can justify the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, I can't see myself ever buying the Magic Keyboard ever again. Using Universal Control over the past few days, I regret my Magic Keyboard purchase more than I already did. My perspective is that accessory is far too overpriced and I'd never consider buying another one given my current needs. Universal Control also reaffirms my view that Apple sees iPad as a supplemental accessory to the Mac.