iPad as a laptop replacement

[Mainsail]

We are 141 pages into this thread and I am still confused about something. When we say “replace” do we mean get rid of our traditional computer all together and going iPad only, or are we allowing for the person that might have “replaced” their laptop and now is working effectively with say an iPad + iMac combo?

If the later, I think there are tons of people that could be very effective using an iPad as their mobile solution (after-all the OS is based on a mobile operating system) and a desktop computer for heavy lifting back at their desk/workstation. You can avoid a lot of frustration this way. The iPad excels at reading, reviewing, and marking up documents and photos. It is also great for taking notes. This is all stuff people do in meetings and when mobile. If you can save the more complex content creation and multi-tasking activities for your desktop computer, then the iPad can easily replace the need to own a laptop.

 

[Digitalguy]

I never talked about the market share of iPads. I said that there is no alternative if you want an iPad like device. Unless Samsung ported all the apps from iOS that make the iPad special to their store, but I doubt that.

Apple is indeed ahead in terms of apps (while Samsung OneUI is ahead of iPadOS), but as I detailed in this post where I compare categories of apps ( https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-ipad-is-not-for-traditional-mac-users.2342700/post-31064958 ) how much the app lead matters depends on what apps you use. For instance, if you cannot draw it, the drawing apps don't matter. So I would not generalize...

 

[grmlin]

Apple is indeed ahead in terms of apps (while Samsung OneUI is ahead of iPadOS), but as I detailed in this post where I compare categories of apps ( https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/the-ipad-is-not-for-traditional-mac-users.2342700/post-31064958 ) how much the app lead matters depends on what apps you use. For instance, if you cannot draw it, the drawing apps don't matter. So I would not generalize...

I actually never understood why Google stopped caring for tablets, after their HUGE success with the Nexus 7 back in the day.

They are really weird sometimes.

Good if Samsung is trying to fix that, do they care for legacy devices these days? Or is a security update still the most you can hope for in terms of updates compared to Apple?

 

[Digitalguy]

I actually never understood why Google stopped caring for tablets, after their HUGE success with the Nexus 7 back in the day.

They are really weird sometimes.

Good if Samsung is trying to fix that, do they care for legacy devices these days? Or is a security update still the most you can hope for in terms of updates compared to Apple?

They are way ahead of anybody else in the Android world and getting close to Apple. I don't know about Amazon, but Lenovo only gives you 1 OS update, that's all, they have never given more for any Android tablet, not even their flagships. Now Samaung guarantees 4 OS upgrade and 5 years of securities. Apple is still better, but they don't guarantee updates and many, for instance, expect the 2017 iPad to be cut from updates just like the air 2, which would mean 5 years of updates in total.
Also, there is one latest episode in the Google & tablets saga that you apparently missed. They started caring again. Why? Because they are launching a Pixel fold. They are making Android 12L, an upgrade to the currenty Android 12 optimized for tablets (basically what Apple did with iPadOS). And Android 13 will support virtualization (and some people are already running Windows on Arm on their pixel with Android 13 beta...)

 

[grmlin]

They are way ahead of anybody else in the Android world and getting close to Apple. I don't know about Amazon, but Lenovo only gives you 1 OS update, that's all, they have never given more for any Android tablet, not even their flagships. Now Samaung guarantees 4 OS upgrade and 5 years of securities. Apple is still better, but they don't guarantee updates and many, for instance, expect the 2017 iPad to be cut from updates just like the air 2, which would mean 5 years of updates in total.
Also, there is one latest episode in the Google & tablets saga that you apparently missed. They started caring again. Why? Because they are launching a Pixel fold. They are making Android 12L, an upgrade to the currenty Android 12 optimized for tablets (basically what Apple did with iPadOS). And Android 13 will support virtualization (and some people are already running Windows on Arm on their pixel with Android 13 beta...)

ah, good to know. thanks!

 

[Digitalguy]

We are 141 pages into this thread and I am still confused about something. When we say “replace” do we mean get rid of our traditional computer all together and going iPad only, or are we allowing for the person that might have “replaced” their laptop and now is working effectively with say an iPad + iMac combo?

If the later, I think there are tons of people that could be very effective using an iPad as their mobile solution (after-all the OS is based on a mobile operating system) and a desktop computer for heavy lifting back at their desk/workstation. You can avoid a lot of frustration this way. The iPad excels at reading, reviewing, and marking up documents and photos. It is also great for taking notes. This is all stuff people do in meetings and when mobile. If you can save the more complex content creation and multi-tasking activities for your desktop computer, then the iPad can easily replace the need to own a laptop.

I don't know what most people mean by "replace" but the thing is what if you need your "complex content creation and multi-tasking" on the go or during a trip or even during your holidays? Are you going to pack you iMac and bring it with you?
My guess is that the point of this thread is whether the iPad can replace a device with a desktop OS or not...

 

[bondr006]

We are 141 pages into this thread and I am still confused about something. When we say “replace” do we mean get rid of our traditional computer all together and going iPad only, or are we allowing for the person that might have “replaced” their laptop and now is working effectively with say an iPad + iMac combo?

If the later, I think there are tons of people that could be very effective using an iPad as their mobile solution (after-all the OS is based on a mobile operating system) and a desktop computer for heavy lifting back at their desk/workstation. You can avoid a lot of frustration this way. The iPad excels at reading, reviewing, and marking up documents and photos. It is also great for taking notes. This is all stuff people do in meetings and when mobile. If you can save the more complex content creation and multi-tasking activities for your desktop computer, then the iPad can easily replace the need to own a laptop.

I don't know what most people mean by "replace" but the thing is what if you need your "complex content creation and multi-tasking" on the go or during a trip or even during your holidays? Are you going to pack you iMac and bring it with you?
My guess is that the point of this thread is whether the iPad can replace a device with a desktop OS or not...

When I say replaced, I mean my M1 iPP 11 literally replaced my MBP for all my Real Estate business needs. The iPad handles everything I need to do work wise better than my MBP did, so I sold the MBP. I take a lot of hand written notes and sketch house and property dimensions. I create, edit, and annotate contracts, pdf's, and documents. I use spreadsheets to keep track of business expenses and rent income along with other data bases. I take and edit a lot of photos and videos for listing ads and virtual showings. I use Safari for full desktop access to the local Multiple Listing Services (Paragon) to search listings and submit listings. My iPP does all these things easier and more intuitively with less steps than an Apple laptop, and some of the things, the MBP can’t even do. I do also have an M1 Mac Mini that I use for keeping all backups, surfing the internet, remote access of files and storage, listening to music and watching video, and other personal business. My iPad is truly the main computer for my Real Estate businesses, plus more. I really appreciate my iPad and have it with me most of the time. I realize that this is true for my use case scenario, but I do hope more and more people will be able to use their iPads for more also. My iPad Pro provides a very pleasant use experience for me, and things that I like or are useful to me, I most generally like to share with others.

 

[xxray]

After being majority iPad-only for 7 months, I've had the 16" MacBook Pro for the past 10 days. I still don't know whether to keep it or not. If I return it, I’ll have no traditional computer as a backup since I traded in my old MacBook Pro when I got the new one. The iPad can cover probably 97% of my needs, but there are some things I’m just finding better/easier on the MacBook Pro, like file management, photo management, multitasking, external display support, power of software, and control over the device. The larger screen is also nice to have, especially with how bad external monitor support is on iPad, and blooming is so much improved on the MBP over the iPP that it’s almost nonexistent. Even simple things like better internet browser flexibility, plugins, and choice and the fact that for Zoom, the camera is better and better placed on the MacBook Pro, and my video doesn’t turn off every time I use control center or open a new window like it does on the iPad are noticeable quality of life improvements.

However, it feels financially irresponsible and hard to justify these small quality of life improvements for something that cost around $2,500 when an iPad can basically cover my needs and I really have no significant need/use for the M1 Pro chip or desktop-class software like Final Cut Pro or Logic except for occasional hobby use.

I don’t want to say I regret the iPad over just getting the MacBook Pro, because the iPad is more portable, I still love using it as just a tablet, and the 11” iPad Pro still doesn’t have mini-LED or OLED. It’s also a better value for me for my use case. However, as others have pointed out, a lot of what made iPads attractive over Macs have now been fixed or added to the Mac. For instance, they don’t run hot anymore, they’re faster, no more fan noise, long battery life, ProMotion, high-contrast displays, have better integration and feature parity with iOS software. Really, the only thing that sets the iPad apart anymore is if you’re really dedicated to a tablet interface or iOS, having a 2-in-1 device, or the Apple Pencil. The software on MacOS is more flexible and powerful and reliable (meaning, you don’t have to worry if a website or app going to work properly on your iPad), and now the Mac hardware quality matches the iPad hardware quality.

I keep thinking I’m just going to return the MacBook Pro and go iPad-only officially. Financially, it’s just too hard to justify keeping it. However, the MBP is just SUCH a good device. It’s hard to let go.

 

[Mainsail]

I don't know what most people mean by "replace" but the thing is what if you need your "complex content creation and multi-tasking" on the go or during a trip or even during your holidays? Are you going to pack you iMac and bring it with you?
My guess is that the point of this thread is whether the iPad can replace a device with a desktop OS or not...

Well, it Sounds like you are saying the point is Not whether the iPad can replace a device (namely a laptop) with desktop OS but all of your devices with desktop OS. In other words, can you go iPad only (plus a phone). That is probably more of a niche use case, since most working professionals need access to a traditional computer for some of their workflow. If you are correct, perhaps the thread should have had a different title rather than “laptop replacement”.

In any event, I have had various senior level positions and I would have no problem telling my office that I am not dragging along my work laptop on holiday. If there is an emergency and they need to reach me right away, they can call me on my phone or send me a document that I can review on my iPad. But, I would discourage it unless absolutely necessary. As a manager, it is my job to create an organization that can function with some degree of autonomy and succession planning. If I have micromanaged things to the extent that I need to carry around a laptop on vacation, then I screwed up. That’s my personal view and I realize others might not share it, but for me, there needs to be some boundaries between personal and professional life.

 

[Mark Stone]

I’ve had my new iPad Air 5 (2022 M1) for about a week now, and if asked the question “Is your iPad a replacement for your laptop?” I would have to say definitely “Maybe!” For me personally, I would have to say Yes, but I can picture that for many people the answer would be “no”.

The two most important abilities it has that make me say Yes is that it runs Excel Spreadsheets easily, using the Google Sheets app, and the PC versions of many programs are available, like Facebook and the Forums I participate in. My spreadsheets are small and run easily on Giggle Sheets, but I think a huge spreadsheet would be a problem without paying for an Office365 subscription. When browsing websites and doing research for my architectural history studies (see link in sig), it does excellently because I don’t see the “mobile” versions of sites like newspapers dot com.

Without getting into too much detail, the iPad Air with the M1 and 256 Gigs actually makes my HP Pavilion laptop redundant. One thing: in my application of computers, this M1 is much, much faster than the Pavilion’s i5.

 

[prospervic]

After being majority iPad-only for 7 months, I've had the 16" MacBook Pro for the past 10 days. I still don't know whether to keep it or not. If I return it, I’ll have no traditional computer as a backup since I traded in my old MacBook Pro when I got the new one. The iPad can cover probably 97% of my needs, but there are some things I’m just finding better/easier on the MacBook Pro, like file management, photo management, multitasking, external display support, power of software, and control over the device. The larger screen is also nice to have, especially with how bad external monitor support is on iPad, and blooming is so much improved on the MBP over the iPP that it’s almost nonexistent. Even simple things like better internet browser flexibility, plugins, and choice and the fact that for Zoom, the camera is better and better placed on the MacBook Pro, and my video doesn’t turn off every time I use control center or open a new window like it does on the iPad are noticeable quality of life improvements.

However, it feels financially irresponsible and hard to justify these small quality of life improvements for something that cost around $2,500 when an iPad can basically cover my needs and I really have no significant need/use for the M1 Pro chip or desktop-class software like Final Cut Pro or Logic except for occasional hobby use.

I don’t want to say I regret the iPad over just getting the MacBook Pro, because the iPad is more portable, I still love using it as just a tablet, and the 11” iPad Pro still doesn’t have mini-LED or OLED. It’s also a better value for me for my use case. However, as others have pointed out, a lot of what made iPads attractive over Macs have now been fixed or added to the Mac. For instance, they don’t run hot anymore, they’re faster, no more fan noise, long battery life, ProMotion, high-contrast displays, have better integration and feature parity with iOS software. Really, the only thing that sets the iPad apart anymore is if you’re really dedicated to a tablet interface or iOS, having a 2-in-1 device, or the Apple Pencil. The software on MacOS is more flexible and powerful and reliable (meaning, you don’t have to worry if a website or app going to work properly on your iPad), and now the Mac hardware quality matches the iPad hardware quality.

I keep thinking I’m just going to return the MacBook Pro and go iPad-only officially. Financially, it’s just too hard to justify keeping it. However, the MBP is just SUCH a good device. It’s hard to let go.

I wrestled with the same dilemma after getting my 16" M1 Pro, except I'm thinking of going the other way and selling my expensive M1 12.9 iPad Pro 1 with 16 gb RAM and 1TB of storage (talk about redundancy!), plus cellular connectivity. It's not so much buyer's remorse as buyer's guilt for, as you said, being financially irresponsible.

But is it really? In my case I have two distinct use cases for theses devices. I won't be carrying the MBP outside much (so heavy!), so my portability needs are using it in different rooms and not being tied to one spot (as with a desktop Mac). However, while on-the-go I still prefer using a powerful computer with a decent (for me) sized screen for photo and video editing, as well as general productivity tasks. Hence, the 12.9 iPP.

I came to the realization I was thinking about this wrong. Rather than feeling bad for spending the money ("I don't deserve this, most people in this world can't even afford a Chromebook") I asked myself "how can I justify owning both devices?" The answer, for me, at least, is to tie both to generating income. Whether it's writing an article, editing someone else's writing, photography for a client, recording a YouTube video with the intent of gaining views and ad revenue, tutoring someone online, etc. Heck, even performing tasks myself that I would normally pay someone else to do counts. Whether I bring in $500 or $50, in my mind I'm paying back the opportunity costs of making this expenditure, and this removes all feelings of guilt. And if you use your Mac in connection with your job, this is even easier.

Maybe instead of going all-or-nothing with your MBP, have you considered exchanging it for a less-expensive 14" model?

 

[SteveJUAE]

No, it’s not. Windows Tablets are totally different beasts and Android tablets were abandoned by Google a long time ago.
There is nothing like an iPad if you want a mature tablet that’s a tablet first and doesn’t want to be 10 times at once.

That’s also why it can’t replace a laptop for everyone. Unlike something like a Surface, that’s a full blown Windows PC but not a tablet in the first place

Again your getting mixed up with preference

We have 2 fine examples from @bondr006 and @Abazigal where their preference of an Ipad fits their workflow and there is nothing wrong with that. However it does not mean there are equally or more competent alternatives

The fact that many get a KB/Trackpad for their Ipad shows that the tablet experience is secondary/poor for many tasks before we even mention limitations of IOS

Samsung have been doing a fine job maturing the Tab range and like many other OEMs releasing tablets/360's/2 in 1 etc

The more you wish for your iPad to be a Mac laptop replacement the less relevant the iPad tablet UI becomes in many instances

 

[xxray]

I wrestled with the same dilemma after getting my 16" M1 Pro, except I'm thinking of going the other way and selling my expensive M1 12.9 iPad Pro 1 with 16 gb RAM and 1TB of storage (talk about redundancy!), plus cellular connectivity. It's not so much buyer's remorse as buyer's guilt for, as you said, being financially irresponsible.

But is it really? In my case I have two distinct use cases for theses devices. I won't be carrying the MBP outside much (so heavy!), so my portability needs are using it in different rooms and not being tied to one spot (as with a desktop Mac). However, while on-the-go I still prefer using a powerful computer with a decent (for me) sized screen for photo and video editing, as well as general productivity tasks. Hence, the 12.9 iPP.

I came to the realization I was thinking about this wrong. Rather than feeling bad for spending the money ("I don't deserve this, most people in this world can't even afford a Chromebook") I asked myself "how can I justify owning both devices?" The answer, for me, at least, is to tie both to generating income. Whether it's writing an article, editing someone else's writing, photography for a client, recording a YouTube video with the intent of gaining views and ad revenue, tutoring someone online, etc. Heck, even performing tasks myself that I would normally pay someone else to do counts. Whether I bring in $500 or $50, in my mind I'm paying back the opportunity costs of making this expenditure, and this removes all feelings of guilt. And if your Mac in connection with your job, this is even easier.

Maybe instead of going all-or-nothing with your MBP, have you considered exchanging it for a less-expensive 14" model?

Thanks for your response, and I’m glad I’m not the only one facing the same dilemma. I wish I could justify the cost in relation to production of income, but neither of my devices are used for work besides email. I think I would have no issues with keeping it if I could use it for work.

I did consider the 14” model, but it’s only like $200 less expensive than the 16” model, so it really wouldn’t solve the financial irresponsibility guilt. Plus, I think I’d feel the devices were even more redundant given how much closer in size the 14” model would be to the iPad. I’m not a fan of smaller laptops either, though I realize I did just praise the iPad’s portability. I just feel that with a laptop, I want to have as much screen real estate on the go as possible. With an iPad, I can’t do much with that real estate anyways, so the 12.9” size is sufficient. I appreciate the recommendation though.

I thought about taking the direction you did about selling the iPad instead, and I’m not entirely opposed to it yet. But I still would be spending at least $1,000 overall to keep the MBP and sell the iPad, and again, that feels like a lot of money when the iPad can cover 97% of my needs.

Sigh, first world problems. I feel bad just discussing this lol.

 

[grmlin]

Again your getting mixed up with preference

We have 2 fine examples from @bondr006 and @Abazigal where their preference of an Ipad fits their workflow and there is nothing wrong with that. However it does not mean there are equally or more competent alternatives

The fact that many get a KB/Trackpad for their Ipad shows that the tablet experience is secondary/poor for many tasks before we even mention limitations of IOS

Samsung have been doing a fine job maturing the Tab range and like many other OEMs releasing tablets/360's/2 in 1 etc

The more you wish for your iPad to be a Mac laptop replacement the less relevant the iPad tablet UI becomes in many instances

No no. I’m not saying an iPad is better than a Windows tablet. If you want to run a desktop class system like Windows on a tablet it’s obviously not!
But if you want a tablet first, build around touch with a huge amount of apps working best like that, an iPad simply has no competition. But as I learned today this is about to change with Samsung and Google finally caring for tablets again. Competition has always been good!

 

[bondr006]

After being majority iPad-only for 7 months, I've had the 16" MacBook Pro for the past 10 days. I still don't know whether to keep it or not. If I return it, I’ll have no traditional computer as a backup since I traded in my old MacBook Pro when I got the new one. The iPad can cover probably 97% of my needs, but there are some things I’m just finding better/easier on the MacBook Pro, like file management, photo management, multitasking, external display support, power of software, and control over the device. The larger screen is also nice to have, especially with how bad external monitor support is on iPad, and blooming is so much improved on the MBP over the iPP that it’s almost nonexistent. Even simple things like better internet browser flexibility, plugins, and choice and the fact that for Zoom, the camera is better and better placed on the MacBook Pro, and my video doesn’t turn off every time I use control center or open a new window like it does on the iPad are noticeable quality of life improvements.

However, it feels financially irresponsible and hard to justify these small quality of life improvements for something that cost around $2,500 when an iPad can basically cover my needs and I really have no significant need/use for the M1 Pro chip or desktop-class software like Final Cut Pro or Logic except for occasional hobby use.

I don’t want to say I regret the iPad over just getting the MacBook Pro, because the iPad is more portable, I still love using it as just a tablet, and the 11” iPad Pro still doesn’t have mini-LED or OLED. It’s also a better value for me for my use case. However, as others have pointed out, a lot of what made iPads attractive over Macs have now been fixed or added to the Mac. For instance, they don’t run hot anymore, they’re faster, no more fan noise, long battery life, ProMotion, high-contrast displays, have better integration and feature parity with iOS software. Really, the only thing that sets the iPad apart anymore is if you’re really dedicated to a tablet interface or iOS, having a 2-in-1 device, or the Apple Pencil. The software on MacOS is more flexible and powerful and reliable (meaning, you don’t have to worry if a website or app going to work properly on your iPad), and now the Mac hardware quality matches the iPad hardware quality.

I keep thinking I’m just going to return the MacBook Pro and go iPad-only officially. Financially, it’s just too hard to justify keeping it. However, the MBP is just SUCH a good device. It’s hard to let go.

I have the perfect solution for you. At least it works for me. I love both my M1 iPP 11 and my M1 Mac Mini. Under $1000.00. Really good Mac machine. Lets you keep the portability of the iPP and gain a heck of a Mac desktop. I love the combination!

 

[xxray]

I have the perfect solution for you. At least it works for me. I love both my M1 iPP 11 and my M1 Mac Mini. Under $1000.00. Really good Mac machine. Lets you keep the portability of the iPP and gain a heck of a Mac desktop. I love the combination!
View attachment 2000071

Thanks, that's not a bad idea. I always tend to go with laptops because I can have the portability when I need it but still can make it a desktop with an external monitor, but this isn't a bad idea for if I'm looking for a compromise.

If I'm disciplined, I'll probably end up returning the MacBook Pro, go iPad-only, and if I find I need a Mac, maybe I'll go Mac Mini.

Thank you!

 

[prospervic]

Thanks for your response, and I’m glad I’m not the only one facing the same dilemma. I wish I could justify the cost in relation to production of income, but neither of my devices are used for work besides email. I think I would have no issues with keeping it if I could use it for work.

I did consider the 14” model, but it’s only like $200 less expensive than the 16” model, so it really wouldn’t solve the financial irresponsibility guilt. Plus, I think I’d feel the devices were even more redundant given how much closer in size the 14” model would be to the iPad. I’m not a fan of smaller laptops either, though I realize I did just praise the iPad’s portability. I just feel that with a laptop, I want to have as much screen real estate on the go as possible. With an iPad, I can’t do much with that real estate anyways, so the 12.9” size is sufficient. I appreciate the recommendation though.

I thought about taking the direction you did about selling the iPad instead, and I’m not entirely opposed to it yet. But I still would be spending at least $1,000 overall to keep the MBP and sell the iPad, and again, that feels like a lot of money when the iPad can cover 97% of my needs.

Sigh, first world problems. I feel bad just discussing this lol.

First world problems, indeed!

I don't know what your return window is, but if possible, put one of your devices in the closet for a week (or even a few days) and only use the other. You'll have a better idea then which one you can't do without.

 

[prospervic]

Thanks, that's not a bad idea. I always tend to go with laptops because I can have the portability when I need it but still can make it a desktop with an external monitor, but this isn't a bad idea for if I'm looking for a compromise.

If I'm disciplined, I'll probably end up returning the MacBook Pro, go iPad-only, and if I find I need a Mac, maybe I'll go Mac Mini.

Thank you!

This could work if you only need occasional portability. And for those times Remote Desktop apps like Parallels Desktop and others may suffice.

 

[Digitalguy]

Well, it Sounds like you are saying the point is Not whether the iPad can replace a device (namely a laptop) with desktop OS but all of your devices with desktop OS. In other words, can you go iPad only (plus a phone). That is probably more of a niche use case, since most working professionals need access to a traditional computer for some of their workflow. If you are correct, perhaps the thread should have had a different title rather than “laptop replacement”.

In any event, I have had various senior level positions and I would have no problem telling my office that I am not dragging along my work laptop on holiday. If there is an emergency and they need to reach me right away, they can call me on my phone or send me a document that I can review on my iPad. But, I would discourage it unless absolutely necessary. As a manager, it is my job to create an organization that can function with some degree of autonomy and succession planning. If I have micromanaged things to the extent that I need to carry around a laptop on vacation, then I screwed up. That’s my personal view and I realize others might not share it, but for me, there needs to be some boundaries between personal and professional life.

I have always managed several businesses over the past 20 years even before I started teaching at university 12 years ago and I still do. So I am not a 9 to 5 person and while over time I have increased my use of "out of office" messages, I still like to be able to be reacheable and even help clients to some extent if they need. It can even just be making a quote for some large project I will work on when I am back from a trip, but even for that I need desktop only software.
I think most entrepreneurs and freelancers need to be able to work / do quotes / help a client on the go.
Or even just use "waiting time" do to some work outside home.
So, while I always work at my desktop at home, I would like to be able to use my desktop software on the go... For now the only way of doing it with the iPad has been via remote desktop, but sometimes I have found myself with poor connection and not able to remote into my desktop/laptop... If you have everything you need for your work on your iPad great, otherwise it cannot replace a laptop (even if you have a desktop).

 

[subjonas]

Well, it Sounds like you are saying the point is Not whether the iPad can replace a device (namely a laptop) with desktop OS but all of your devices with desktop OS. In other words, can you go iPad only (plus a phone). That is probably more of a niche use case, since most working professionals need access to a traditional computer for some of their workflow. If you are correct, perhaps the thread should have had a different title rather than “laptop replacement”.

I think there is also some added confusion because some people use their laptops as “desktop replacements” by plugging them into monitor(s). For them, the iPad would have to replace two levels of devices, which I don’t think Apple ever intended.

 

[Digitalguy]

I think there is also some added confusion because some people use their laptops as “desktop replacements” by plugging them into monitor(s). For them, the iPad would have to replace two levels of devices, which I don’t think Apple ever intended.

I think most people in this thread really meant "laptop", not "desktop", but as I mentioned above, it would be a gross semplification to create a big separation between home / on the go, that is that people only need to do work at home but never on the go, so having a desktop at home would remove the need for a laptop and desktop + iPad would be enough. It's not just a matter of heavy lifting or not, it's a matter of having the software that you need with you or not.... (and if you do for your work, great, but some don't)
Just to give an example of why the iPad cannot work as a laptop replacement for me:
- I need backgroud syncing of cloud services (mainly dropbox, but I also have others), not possible with iPad...
- I need full access to whatsapp desktop to manage one of my business (sometimes I need to send hundreds of messages per day, yes in Europe whole businesses are managed via whatsapp, something unheard of in the US) and there is no app for iPad, and the experience with a browser is terrible on mobile devices
- I need access to some Windows only software even just to make a quote for some of my clients

Only laptops (Windows or MacOS) can do that at the moment... (and of course remote desktop, but if you are in a place where the is no/poor cellular signal you are out of luck, while with a laptop you can still keep on working and everything will sync / be sent once you are online)

 

[subjonas]

I doubt it. I think most people really meant "laptop", not "desktop", but as I mentioned above, it would be a gross semplification to create a big separation between home / on the go, that is that people only need to do work at home but never on the go, so having a desktop at home would remove the need for a laptop and desktop + iPad would be enough. It's not just a matter of heavy lifting or not, it's a matter of having the software that you need with you or not.... (and if you do for your work, great, but some don't)
Just to give an example of why the iPad cannot work as a laptop replacement for me:
- I need backgroud syncing of cloud services (mainly dropbox, but I also have others), not possible with iPad...
- I need full access to whatsapp desktop to manage one of my business (sometimes I need to send hundreds of messages per day, yes in Europe whole businesses are managed via whatsapp, something unheard of in the US) and there is no app for iPad, and the experience with a browser is terrible on mobile devices
- I need access to some Windows only software even just to make a quote for some of my clients

Only laptops (Windows or MacOS) can do that at the moment... (and of course remote desktop, but if you are in a place where the is no/poor cellular signal you are out of luck, while with a laptop you can still keep on working and everything will sync / be sent once you are online)

Huh? You doubt some people are wondering why the iPad isn't able to replace their laptop that also replaces their desktop? There are droves of people in MR who complain that the iPad doesn’t have proper external monitor support, so those are likely people who use their laptops as desktop replacements. I make no claim about “most”.
As far as people who need to do desktop OS work on the go, of course the iPad won’t suffice. I’m one of those people.

 

[Digitalguy]

Huh? You doubt some people are wondering why the iPad isn't able to replace their laptop that also replaces their desktop? There are droves of people in MR who complain that the iPad doesn’t have proper external monitor support, so those are likely people who use their laptops as desktop replacements. I make no claim about “most”.
As far as people who need to do desktop OS work on the go, of course the iPad won’t suffice. I’m one of those people.

My post was really an answer to the point made by the person you replied too, but the way I wrote might sound like it referred to that fact that some people use it as desktop replace. I have edited by post to remove some source of misundestanding.
Having said that, plugging it to a monitor is not just for desktop replacement. Portable monitor have gained a lot of traction lately (I have several), and personally I never do split screen on any device, if I need to do more complex stuff I always use a second monitor (or tablet as monitor) including on the go...

 

[subjonas]

My post was really an answer to the point made by the person you replied too, but the way I wrote might sound like it referred to that fact that some people use it as desktop replace. I have edited by post to remove some source of misundestanding.
Having said that, plugging it to a monitor is not just for desktop replacement. Portable monitor have gained a lot of traction lately (I have several), and personally I never do split screen on any device, if I need to do more complex stuff I always use a second monitor (or tablet as monitor) including on the go...

Oh ok.
Yeah I prefer separate screens too. That’s why I love that Apple implemented Sidecar, can make good use of my 12.9” iPad. It’s just sad I had to switch to a Windows machine for my work. I might look into third party options.

 

[George Dawes]

I was going to say the iPad is a toy then I realised my sister is md of a world famous animation company and does everything on an iPhone ( which is basically a small iPad ) maybe it’s just me being a boring out of touch old fart .