iPad as a laptop replacement

[bondr006]

until then it's still just an iPad.

Just an iPad that can fulfill the computing needs and even replace the laptop for a large minority of people. Just like the laptop replaced the desktop for the majority of computer users, the tablet computer will replace the laptop in the near future for an increasing number of computer users. My M1 iPad Pro 11 replaced my MacBook Pro for my real estate businesses easily, and in the process reduced my workflow, reduced the number of devices I need in the field, and most importantly, made my work and personal computing use fun again.

The iPad is just as much a computer as the laptop or desktop. Just because it doesn't run MacOS or Windows does not change that fact. iPadOS may not be as advanced as its predecessors but it is a very capable OS developed for tablet computers just as it stands. Yes, it is still evolving as all computer OS's have, and still are, but has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Combined with the app store and the imagination and creativity of its users, the iPad has become so much more than even Steve Jobs could ever have predicted.

Makes me wonder in the 21st century how there are still people, especially in a tech community like this, who can't or won't admit that tablets and even smartphones are computers when the overwhelming evidence plainly proves otherwise. I can appreciate old farts like me who are stubborn, stuck in the past, and intimidated by new technology and the way it is used, but the world and tech just keeps on progressing and moving on with or without us.

A.) From Techopedia.com

A computer like anything else consists of the components that makes it what it is. In the case of a modern computer the list consists of:

1. CPU
2. GPU
3. Motherboard
4. Memory(RAM)
5. Storage
6. Power Supply
7. I/O - USB, SD and Micro SD cards, external HD's and SSD's
8. The ability to use keyboard and mouse
9. Operating System

Computer

This definition explains the meaning of Computer and why it matters.

www.techopedia.com

B.) From Dictionary.com

Computer

1. a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of computers.

Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words

The world's leading online dictionary: English definitions, synonyms, word origins, example sentences, word games, and more. A trusted authority for 25+ years!

www.dictionary.com

C.) From Wikipedia.org

Smartphones and tablets run on a variety of operating systems and recently became the dominant computing device on the market.

Computer - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

D.) From Techtarget.com

From their list of computer types.

Smartphone - a cellular telephone designed with an integrated computer
Tablet Computer (tablet PC) - a wireless personal computer with a touch screen

What is computer? | Definition from TechTarget

The modern computer began as a machine the size of a room that used vacuum tubes, punched cards and magnetic drums to generate an output, and has since evolved into a collection of devices ranging from the tablet PC to the smartphone to the quantum computer.

www.techtarget.com

E.) From gcfglobal.org

Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet.

Computer Basics: What is a Computer?

After reading this Computer Basics lesson, you will be able to answer the question, what is a computer?

edu.gcfglobal.org

Doesn't take much more than cursory search on Google to find out that the iPad is 100% beyond the shadow of a doubt.....a computer. Now, come join the rest of us in the 21st century.

 

[grmlin]

@bondr006 iPads replaced the laptops we used in our family for everyday tasks years ago. I still need a desktop for photo editing, but that's about it.

I love my 12.9"

 

[bondr006]

@bondr006 iPads replaced the laptops we used in our family for everyday tasks years ago. I still need a desktop for photo editing, but that's about it.

I love my 12.9"

My rant was not exclusively channeled towards you, and apparently does not even apply to you. I apologize. But, I am sure you have been around here long enough to know there are actually people here that won't admit or acknowledge the fact that smartphones and tablets now easily fit within the definition of what a computer is. I and others have been in many debates of this nature, and it can be frustrating and tiring for sure. I know the iPad cannot do the same for others that it has for me, but there are a lot of people that just don't know the iPad's full potential yet. Heck, I don't know its full potential yet, but I have a good idea that as iPadOS and the apps that run on it evolves, more people like me and others will be increasingly replacing their laptops and desktops with an iPad or other tablet computer. Until I replaced my MBP with my iPad and bought a Mac Mini, my MBP was my desktop computer.

 

[Digitalguy]

Just an iPad that can fulfill the computing needs and even replace the laptop for a large minority of people. Just like the laptop replaced the desktop for the majority of computer users, the tablet computer will replace the laptop in the near future for the majority of computer users. My M1 iPad Pro 11 replaced my MacBook Pro for my real estate businesses easily, and in the process reduced my workflow, reduced the number of devices I need in the field, and most importantly, made my work and personal computing use fun again.

The iPad is just as much a computer as the laptop or desktop. Just because it doesn't run MacOS or Windows does not change that fact. iPadOS may not be as advanced as its predecessors but it is a very capable OS developed for tablet computers just as it stands. Yes, it is still evolving as all computer OS's have, and still are, but has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Combined with the app store and the imagination and creativity of its users, the iPad has become so much more than even Steve Jobs could ever have predicted.

Makes me wonder in the 21st century how there are still people, especially in a tech community like this, who can't or won't admit that tablets and even smartphones are computers when the overwhelming evidence plainly proves otherwise. I can appreciate old farts like me who are stubborn, stuck in the past, and intimidated by new technology and the way it is used, but the world and tech just keeps on progressing and moving on with or without us.

A.) From Techopedia.com

A computer like anything else consists of the components that makes it what it is. In the case of a modern computer the list consists of:

1. CPU
2. GPU
3. Motherboard
4. Memory(RAM)
5. Storage
6. Power Supply
7. I/O - USB, SD and Micro SD cards, external HD's and SSD's
8. The ability to use keyboard and mouse
9. Operating System

Computer

This definition explains the meaning of Computer and why it matters.

www.techopedia.com

B.) From Dictionary.com

Computer

1. a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of computers.

Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words

The world's leading online dictionary: English definitions, synonyms, word origins, example sentences, word games, and more. A trusted authority for 25+ years!

www.dictionary.com

C.) From Wikipedia.org

Smartphones and tablets run on a variety of operating systems and recently became the dominant computing device on the market.

Computer - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

D.) From Techtarget.com

From their list of computer types.

Smartphone - a cellular telephone designed with an integrated computer
Tablet Computer (tablet PC) - a wireless personal computer with a touch screen

What is computer? | Definition from TechTarget

The modern computer began as a machine the size of a room that used vacuum tubes, punched cards and magnetic drums to generate an output, and has since evolved into a collection of devices ranging from the tablet PC to the smartphone to the quantum computer.

www.techtarget.com

E.) From gcfglobal.org

Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The iPad is an example of a tablet.

Computer Basics: What is a Computer?

After reading this Computer Basics lesson, you will be able to answer the question, what is a computer?

edu.gcfglobal.org

Doesn't take much more than cursory search on Google to find out that the iPad is 100% beyond the shadow of a doubt.....a computer. Now, come join the rest of us in the 21st century.

I do agree with almost everything. iPads and even smartphones are computer, and iPad is more similar to a traditional computer than a smartphone. And what's more it's a fun computer too, which is a great asset.
The only prediction that I would not make at this point is "the tablet computer will replace the laptop in the near future for the majority of computer users".
This will really depends on how iPadOS evolves and on third party developers too.
Without going outside the Apple world, my guess is that both MacBook and iPads will coexist for many years to come as that's more profitable for Apple.
But we will see. If Apple pushes the iPad more than I expect to the point where most people don't need a Macbook anymore, I'll be more than glad ?

 

[grmlin]

The only prediction that I would not make at this point is "the tablet computer will replace the laptop in the near future for the majority of computer users".
This will really depends on how iPadOS evolves and on third party developers too.

This is so true. The iPads with an M1 chip are fast enough to replace pretty much any traditional computer currently in use, but they just can't replace one in all use cases.

I'm a pretty enthusiastic photographer, it's a hobby. Developers treat the iPad like it's a toy. If I want to do everything, I simply need a Mac or Windows PC. It's called Lightroom maybe, but it's not the same. It's a stripped down version that's nice to have on a vacation maybe, but in the end it's simply not the full deal compared to the desktop app.

Apple can only fix that by adding some sort of pro mode running MacOS apps when you connect a mouse|trackpad and keyboard to the iPad.
Oh, and they have to fix the support of external monitors, which is hilariously terrible right now.

 

[bondr006]

I do agree with almost everything. iPads and even smartphones are computer, and iPad is more similar to a traditional computer than a smartphone. And what's more it's a fun computer too, which is a great asset.
The only prediction that I would not make at this point is "the tablet computer will replace the laptop in the near future for the majority of computer users".
This will really depends on how iPadOS evolves and on third party developers too.
Without going outside the Apple world, my guess is that both MacBook and iPads will coexist for many years to come as that's more profitable for Apple.
But we will see. If Apple pushes the iPad more than I expect to the point where most people don't need a Macbook anymore, I'll be more than glad ?

Yeah, I agree with you. I edited that sentence to say,

"the tablet computer will replace the laptop in the near future for an increasing number of computer users"

I do however, believe imo that tablets will overtake the spot as the main mobile computer device before much longer though. Hardware wise, they are certainly capable enough. I did read somewhere recently that technically, smartphones already fill the number 1 spot for mobile computing.

 

[rui no onna]

I do however, believe imo that tablets will overtake the spot as the main mobile computer device before much longer though. Hardware wise, they are certainly capable enough. I did read somewhere recently that technically, smartphones already fill the number 1 spot for mobile computing.

I don’t. I think smartphones will remain number 1 for most. A lot of people I know consider tablets a luxury expenditure. Meanwhile, smartphones have become a necessity.

 

[sparksd]

I don’t. I think smartphones will remain number 1 for most. A lot of people I know consider tablets a luxury expenditure. Meanwhile, smartphones have become a necessity.

I agree. It seems most peoples' everyday mobile needs center around social media, email, phone (voice) - staying connected.

 

[bondr006]

I don’t. I think smartphones will remain number 1 for most.

Definitely agree with that. By sheer number, the smartphones win. I guess I should clarify. I believe imo tablets will take the place of laptops, like laptops for the most part have replaced desktops. When I think of the phrase "mobile computers" as compared to the phrase "mobile computing devices", I still think of laptops and tablets for people on the go.

 

[Digitalguy]

Yeah, I agree with you. I edited that sentence to say,

"the tablet computer will replace the laptop in the near future for an increasing number of computer users"

I do however, believe imo that tablets will overtake the spot as the main mobile computer device before much longer though. Hardware wise, they are certainly capable enough. I did read somewhere recently that technically, smartphones already fill the number 1 spot for mobile computing.

I think nothing is going to move smarphones from number 1, as for tablets replacing laptops I think it's all a matter of software. And I see some hurdles there, which I will specify in a reply to grmlin

 

[rui no onna]

Definitely agree with that. By sheer number, the smartphones win. I guess I should clarify. I believe imo tablets will take the place of laptops, like laptops for the most part have replaced desktops. When I think of the phrase "mobile computers" as compared to the phrase "mobile computing devices", I still think of laptops and tablets for people on the go.

Just basing on my co-workers, I kinda feel like most folks have realized they don’t need desktops/laptops/tablets for their personal computing needs (web browsing, online banking, email, social media, streaming, etc).

Tablets have the advantage of a larger display but it seems to me most folks’ needs are already well served by smartphones. When manufacturers fix the issues with foldable smartphones and lower cost so they become de rigueur, there’d be an even smaller market for tablets.

 

[Digitalguy]

This is so true. The iPads with an M1 chip are fast enough to replace pretty much any traditional computer currently in use, but they just can't replace one in all use cases.

I'm a pretty enthusiastic photographer, it's a hobby. Developers treat the iPad like it's a toy. If I want to do everything, I simply need a Mac or Windows PC. It's called Lightroom maybe, but it's not the same. It's a stripped down version that's nice to have on a vacation maybe, but in the end it's simply not the full deal compared to the desktop app.

Apple can only fix that by adding some sort of pro mode running MacOS apps when you connect a mouse|trackpad and keyboard to the iPad.
Oh, and they have to fix the support of external monitors, which is hilariously terrible right now.

I think that there is a conflit of interest between Apple and developers. Apple does not want MacOS apps on the iPad, since that way they cannot earn their 30% cut. And developers do not want to pay 30% to Apple to make their desktop software work on iPad (with the additional investment of making it touch friendly). So they make "dumbed down" versions of apps, which require less investment, and advanced users still need to buy their desktop apps. You mention Lightroom, I can add Microsoft Office. Also Photoshop. And a lot of music creation apps too.
And many simply don't even make an iPad version for the same reasons.
And the fact that iPadOS still lacks some features like extended monitor support and that even Apple hasn't made their Final cut and Logic apps available on iPad does not help.
So if your work requires some of those desktop apps or external monitors, iPad is not really an option.
And Apple seems to be fine with that... as they can sell iPads and Macbooks at the same time and to the same people....

 

[Digitalguy]

Just basing on my co-workers, I kinda feel like most folks have realized they don’t need desktops/laptops/tablets for their personal computing needs (web browsing, online banking, email, social media, streaming, etc).

Tablets have the advantage of a larger display but it seems to me most folks’ needs are already well served by smartphones. When manufacturers fix the issues with foldable smartphones and lower cost so they become de rigueur, there’d be an even smaller market for tablets.

I think what he meant is more a computer than you can carry with you, whether for personal computing or for work, not just personal computing. But I do agree that for personal computing tablets are not really eating into the smartphone market, but additing to it as an additional device.
As for foldables, I think we are still years away from them becoming mainstream, but it might happen at some point

 

[bondr006]

I think what he meant is more a computer than you can carry with you, whether for personal computing or for work, not just personal computing. But I do agree that for personal computing tablets are not really eating into the smartphone market, but additing to it as an additional device.
As for foldables, I think we are still years away from them becoming mainstream, but it might happen at some point

Exactly what I meant. Yes, smartphones are convenient for many of our computing needs but have a ways to go before they can become our everything computing device. Tablet computers are closer to laptops in this regard because of their screen size. I long for the day that our pocket devices just plug in to monitor, keyboard, and mouse and become our full work and personal computing devices also. Microsoft was working on "Windows Continuum" and I had high hopes for it at the time.

Experience the Power of AI with Windows 11 OS, Computers, & Apps | Microsoft Windows

Experience the latest Microsoft Windows 11 features. Learn how our latest Windows OS gives you more ways to work, play, and create.

www.microsoft.com

 

[Expos of 1969]

I think what he meant is more a computer than you can carry with you, whether for personal computing or for work, not just personal computing. But I do agree that for personal computing tablets are not really eating into the smartphone market, but additing to it as an additional device.
As for foldables, I think we are still years away from them becoming mainstream, but it might happen at some point

The number of people who have a smart phone as their only device is huge. This is due to economic, age and perhaps to a lesser extent cultural differences. I have no problem with this trend other than it unfortunately causes Apple, Samsung etc. to focus on large screen phones as that is what most people want who only have the phone as their one device. By choice and fortunately by having a bit of disposable cash, I have a laptop, basic iPad and a phone. I could get rid of either the iPad or laptop and keep the phone. But I want a easily pocketable phone such as the iPhone SE original. Perfect size. I don't need or want to watch videos on my phone. I want to send texts, visit a few websites, respond to the required messages from banking and other services, make and receive calls and take some decent photos AND be able to go on a 10 KM walk in my shorts and carry my phone without feeling like there is a brick in my pocket.

 

[Digitalguy]

Exactly what I meant. Yes, smartphones are convenient for many of our computing needs but have a ways to go before they can become our mobile for work device. Tablet computers are closer to laptops in this regard because of their screen size. I long for the day that our pocket devices just plug in to monitor, keyboard, and mouse and become our full work and personal computing devices also. Microsoft was working on "Windows Continuum" and I had high hopes for it at the time.

Experience the Power of AI with Windows 11 OS, Computers, & Apps | Microsoft Windows

Experience the latest Microsoft Windows 11 features. Learn how our latest Windows OS gives you more ways to work, play, and create.

www.microsoft.com

Problem with Windows continuum is that it did not run full Windows, but it was more like Dex is now, a desktop mode.
Apple instead could run anything on their phones.
I read a rumor from a leaker, coming from insiders, that Apple had tested a similar feature on iPhone and it run MacOS when plugged into a monitor, and they were very excited about this...
Whether it will ever be a real product, who knows, I doubt it, for the same reasons I mentioned above...

 

[Digitalguy]

The number of people who have a smart phone as their only device is huge. This is due to economic, age and perhaps to a lesser extent cultural differences. I have no problem with this trend other than it unfortunately causes Apple, Samsung etc. to focus on large screen phones as that is what most people want who only have the phone as their one device. By choice and fortunately by having a bit of disposable cash, I have a laptop, basic iPad and a phone. I could get rid of either the iPad or laptop and keep the phone. But I want a easily pocketable phone such as the iPhone SE original. Perfect size. I don't need or want to watch videos on my phone. I want to send texts, visit a few websites, respond to the required messages from banking and other services, make and receive calls and take some decent photos AND be able to go on a 10 KM walk in my shorts and carry my phone without feeling like there is a brick in my pocket.

Same, my iPad is my smartphone replacement more than my laptop replacement. I don't watch videos and only rarely browse on my phone, I do everything on the iPad (or laptop, or desktop, depending on the situation). My phone is just for call, notifications, banking and other phone only things. Everything else, including social media, is done elsewhere

 

[bondr006]

Problem with Windows continuum is that it did not run full Windows, but it was more like Dex is now, a desktop mode.
Apple instead could run anything on their phones.
I read a rumor from a leaker, coming from insiders, that Apple had tested a similar feature on iPhone and it run MacOS when plugged into a monitor, and they were very excited about this...
Whether it will ever be a real product, who knows, I doubt it, for the same reasons I mentioned above...

The thought is exciting for sure. And true, like DEX, Windows Continuum ran a mobile OS that looked like a desktop. They both have a lot of potential though if they would just continue to develop them. Not only do I hope Samsung and Google continues to develop DEX and Android, but I really hope that Apple would continue to explore the possibilities also. With the iPhone already being their main source revenue, how could it hurt if they made the phone something that could also fully replace a laptop or desktop? Seems like the sales of such a device could more than make up for the loss their laptop and desktop hardware. It would certainly fit Steve Jobs "KISS" principle. I am by nature a minimalist edc type person and love the thought of a single computing device. How convenient would that be? I mean with the current Apple silicon, it seems doable to me....

 

[Digitalguy]

The thought is exciting for sure. And true, like DEX, Windows Continuum ran a mobile OS that looked like a desktop. They both have a lot of potential though if they would just continue to develop them. Not only do I hope Samsung and Google continues to develop DEX and Android, but I really hope that Apple would continue to explore the possibilities also. With the iPhone already being their main source revenue, how could it hurt if they made the phone something that could also fully replace a laptop or desktop? Seems like the sales of such a device could more than make up for the loss their laptop and desktop hardware. It would certainly fit Steve Jobs "KISS" principle. I am by nature a minimalist edc type person and love the thought of a single computing device. How convenient would that be? I mean with the current Apple silicon, it seems doable to me....

I am not so convinced to be honest. While a tablet could fully replace a laptop just through software, a smartphone can't. You still need a keyboard and a monitor at the very least and at that point, it's probably better to have 2 devices (better battery life overall)

 

[bondr006]

I am not so convinced to be honest. While a tablet could fully replace a laptop just through software, a smartphone can't. You still need a keyboard and a monitor at the very least and at that point, it's probably better to have 2 devices (better battery life overall)

See, that's just it. I don't want my phone to replace my tablet either. For mobile purposes my phone would be the supplement to my tablet. I love my iPad and want to continue to be able to use it out in the field for my Real Estate work and other out and about stuff that I prefer a larger screen for, as well as for around the house. Just the feeling of being able to pick up my iPad and being able to do whatever I need to with it is exciting to me. My iPad has already replaced the laptop for me. What I would like in regards to computer replacement, is to be able to come home and dock my phone on my desk and turn it in to my full desktop experience with keyboard and mouse. Wouldn't have to worry about battery life with the docking solution, and todays mobile hardware capabilities (CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage, power supply, etc.) are more than enough for a full desktop experience.

 

[Mark Stone]

It would be for you but not for the other person who finds the Mini more usable for them. It's subjective.

Excellent response. It is indeed subjective.

 

[Charlie Carcinogen]

I’ve been thinking about something. As discussed over the last couple days, there are websites that will not show as desktop site on my iPad mini while they will show as desktop sites on peoples larger iPads. Most of those people had 11 inch or larger iPads.

I’m wondering if anyone knows if those websites would show up as desktop on the base model $329 iPad? If so, then it might make sense for me to buy one of those. It’s inexpensive and I could find use for it when I want something a little bit bigger than the iPad mini. I would still take the mini with me everywhere that I go since I use it for so much, but I could have the base model iPad at home for when I need to do some thing that isn’t possible on the mini.

 

[rui no onna]

I’ve been thinking about something. As discussed over the last couple days, there are websites that will not show as desktop site on my iPad mini while they will show as desktop sites on peoples larger iPads. Most of those people had 11 inch or larger iPads.

I’m wondering if anyone knows if those websites would show up as desktop on the base model $329 iPad? If so, then it might make sense for me to buy one of those. It’s inexpensive and I could find use for it when I want something a little bit bigger than the iPad mini. I would still take the mini with me everywhere that I go since I use it for so much, but I could have the base model iPad at home for when I need to do some thing that isn’t possible on the mini.

Do you have the link to the non-working sites? I've got 10.2" iPads I can test on.

So far, I haven't had any issues getting desktop versions on the 10.2" (used in landscape mode). What I have gotten are some outright bugs/incompatibilities.

 

[Digitalguy]

See, that's just it. I don't want my phone to replace my tablet either. For mobile purposes my phone would be the supplement to my tablet. I love my iPad and want to continue to be able to use it out in the field for my Real Estate work and other out and about stuff that I prefer a larger screen for, as well as for around the house. Just the feeling of being able to pick up my iPad and being able to do whatever I need to with it is exciting to me. My iPad has already replaced the laptop for me. What I would like in regards to computer replacement, is to be able to come home and dock my phone on my desk and turn it in to my full desktop experience with keyboard and mouse. Wouldn't have to worry about battery life with the docking solution, and todays mobile hardware capabilities (CPU, GPU, RAM, Storage, power supply, etc.) are more than enough for a full desktop experience.

I think an iPad would be more suitable than a phone for that. M1 would not have enough thermal headroom to run on a phone. If Apple allows a desktop mode on the iPad that would solve your issue, you could plug in your iPad pro and use it on the monitor in desktop mode. I still hope it will come with iPadOS 16 but I keep my expectations in check.

 

[XIO[-]OIX]

@bondr006 iPads replaced the laptops we used in our family for everyday tasks years ago. I still need a desktop for photo editing, but that's about it.

I love my 12.9"

Why do you need a desktop for photo editing, if I may ask? There is some amazing software for iPad for photo editing