iPad as a laptop replacement

[xxray]

Your response is brilliant. I don’t know why @ArchebaldDiv is being quite aggressive to everyone on this thread. But in his response to you and your response back, I noticed something for myself. Those workarounds are fine if you’re using iPad or your devices for fun and consumption. But I’m not.

I’m using my devices for professional workflows. I don’t have time for funky workarounds. Having to take additional steps to do something as simple as save an image into the files app is not helpful. It’s a headache when I’m trying to focus on the actual work.

Taking an example you used of building a website — it’s technically possible on iPad — but it’s not something I would encourage anyone try. The number of loops you have to go through is absolutely grinding. Moreover, simple things like video calls on Zoom, when I’m with a client and my video turns off because I went on split-screen, its not cute. It looks unprofessional (and don’t get me started on the iPads camera placement). These are the type of things which place iPad firmly in the supplementary device category rather than a desktop or laptop replacement.

Thank you. That’s exactly it! Just because it’s possible on the iPad doesn’t mean the iPad way is how it should be done. Like yes, technically, I’ve been able to replace my laptop with my iPad for the last 8 months. But the longer I use it, the more frustrated I become because the more I have to deal with workarounds, small but repetitive annoyances, inefficiencies, or just straight up impossibilities, and some are for very basic features/tasks. Like you said, it’s very grinding over time. And yes, the Zoom camera issues look unprofessional and are just annoying even in more casual settings.

 

[Macalicious2011]

Some simple things that make using an iPad as a laptop replacement in 2022 still frustrating:

• Can’t play two audios at once
• Can’t mute internet browser tabs
• Can’t safely eject any external storage
• Zoom will automatically turn your camera off if you move mouse to control center, notifications, and dock area
• Can’t add local music to Apple Music or Spotify or manage music library
• Can’t view play counts of songs on Spotify
• Most video streaming apps won’t play 4K or any quality higher than 1080p even when you have a higher than 1080p screen and are paying for 4K quality
• You can’t easily download an image from Safari without adding it entire your entire Photos library
  • In other words, you can’t quickly download an image into your Files app or the designated downloads folder in the Files app
  • On a Mac, you right click, then Save Image
  • On an iPad, you must save to Photo Library, then close out of your app, open Photo Library, open the image, hit share, then finally… save to Files

This is why I’m buying a MacBook Pro soon and why iPadOS 16 still doesn’t solve a lot of problems for me. External monitor support is a big improvement, but it still won’t fix all these tiny issues that seem like they shouldn’t even be issues in the first place. I mean these are basic features that I think the very large majority of normal Windows/macOS users know how to use, use, and expect to use on a computer.

The issues don’t make the iPad impossible to use as a laptop replacement. You can do without, as I’ve been doing for the last 8 months, but they’re enough to make me anxious to get a MacBook and to get me to never want to try this experiment again.

Great summary. It’s the little things that matter. However I expect them to be resolved as Apple continues to add OSX features to iPadOS.

The clincher is workflow. A Mac can replace a pc and vice verse but workflow and the type of work we do dictate our preference. The same is true for the iPad. No matter how competent the hardware and software become, some users will struggle to adjust to a different workflow.

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

I dont think boomers get the iPad sight 😪

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

Apple simply chose to give the version of iOS running on iPads a different name.

sure bud. iPhones also have virtual swap, stage manager, slideover, multiple windows, and multiple instances.
but, I guess calling it by the same name makes you feel powerfull or something… its just weird, but alas, call it whatever you want I just wanted to point out you are very wrong there All the best

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

Some websites play sounds that make the entire system audio stop, and you can’t disable it, and so then you can’t stream any other audio. Muting tabs would be useful.



2021 12.9” iPad Pro. Happens to me every time.



You can’t edit metadata or artwork and can’t add local files in Apple Music like you can on Mac. If adding/removing songs to your library and rearranging playlists is enough library management for you, then lucky for you.


I’m talking Netflix, HBO Max, Prime, etc. Obviously, I can’t just download their content in 4K and watch it in whatever player I want. The player isn’t the issue anyways. It’s the fact that the developers haven’t put in the effort to stream 4K on iPad. And yes, I know the iPad doesn’t have a 4K display, but 4K video has a higher bitrate and more pixels will show on the larger screen resolution of the iPad (since the resolution is higher than 1080p), and it does make a difference in video quality.

Pointing out this this is the fault of app developers does nothing to help me. It is the app developer’s fault, yes, but that doesn’t change the fact that I still have a poor user experience that I can’t control and am having features that I’m paying for wasted because I’m using an iPad.



To each his own, but I don’t see how having every single photo in one place whether you want it there or not is tidy.



“You just don’t know how” “Especially hard on older - boomer -type people..” “It didn’t even occur to you”

Is there a reason that the fact that the iPad isn’t working the best for my use case is making you so condescending? Why does my experience with the iPad make you that bitter? Yes, I’m aware that I can hold an image and drag it to the files app to save it. Let me make another comparison:

• On a Mac, you right click, then Save Image
• On an iPad, you hold the image down, exit your Safari, open files, then save the image
  • This is still much less efficient the two-step Mac process, and it’s not ergonomic either. You don’t always have two hands free when working on an iPad. You could be holding the iPad with one hand. Other times, you‘re majority working from an external keyboard and mouse, and now you have to go put two hands on a screen just to save an image to the folder you want.

By the way, I’m Gen Z, and I taught myself how to build my own websites and use professional photo and video editing software before I even hit puberty lol. I’m not some tech-illiterate boomer, and even if it was, that doesn’t change the fact that the iPad has certain quirks for basic features that are inefficient and frustrating [in my experience].

- Well I want to enjoy my music not be a mechanic…

- I use a nice thing called “Albums” and “Folders” in Photos app. its super convinient and tidy. and 1 tap away system wide

- I dont. on a mac I drag the image to the folder I want. This is the fastest way


So if you are gen Z why are you having trouble with the iPad? I dont get it? You should still be young enought to learn new tricks - and you kinda have to with the iPad it seems…

I didnt man to sound condesending btw, I am just baffeled by some of the “issues” people are facing…
As I face none of them

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

Thank you. That’s exactly it! Just because it’s possible on the iPad doesn’t mean the iPad way is how it should be done. Like yes, technically, I’ve been able to replace my laptop with my iPad for the last 8 months. But the longer I use it, the more frustrated I become because the more I have to deal with workarounds, small but repetitive annoyances, inefficiencies, or just straight up impossibilities, and some are for very basic features/tasks. Like you said, it’s very grinding over time. And yes, the Zoom camera issues look unprofessional and are just annoying even in more casual settings.

My experience significally differs from yours. Its more convinient / faster / more comfy / better in every way.

But to each its own

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

Great summary. It’s the little things that matter. However I expect them to be resolved as Apple continues to add OSX features to iPadOS.

The clincher is workflow. A Mac can replace a pc and vice verse but workflow and the type of work we do dictate our preference. The same is true for the iPad. No matter how competent the hardware and software become, some users will struggle to adjust to a different workflow.

I agree.

Struggle to adjust are the key words here.

 

[Macalicious2011]

I agree.

Struggle to adjust are the key words here.

In reality I think a good number of ipad, iPhone and Mac users just seamlessly seitchbeteeen all three devices depending on which device is charged, is nearest or the task at hand.

Best of all worlds

 

[bondr006]

I dont think boomers get the iPad sight 😪

I am a "boomer" and I get the iPadOS. I love the iPadOS. In fact, my M1 iPad Pro 11 has totally replaced my MBP for all things related to my real estate businesses. Throwing a broad claim about boomers across the board just makes you look immature and silly.

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

In reality I think a good number of ipad, iPhone and Mac users just seamlessly seitchbeteeen all three devices depending on which device is charged, is nearest or the task at hand.

Best of all worlds

yeah, and they seem to be moving in that direction too even further

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

I am a "boomer" and I get the iPadOS. I love the iPadOS. In fact, my M1 iPad Pro 11 has totally replaced my MBP for all things related to my real estate businesses. Throwing a broad claim about boomers across the board just makes you look immature and silly.

I am sorry if that came put wrong. I have a lot of respect for your handling of iPad!

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

I think when people come to a certain age - most dont want to learn and adapt to new ways, and thus - stagnate. My feeling is that most people that complain here are just boomers that have a hard time learning new tricks.

But as you have shown you are very profficient in your iPad usage, and that quite commendable, and on a broather level says you are ready to grow, learn and expand - which are best traits a human can posses.

Some people just like to throw the towel early I guess…

 

[dukebound85]

My experience significally differs from yours. Its more convinient / faster / more comfy / better in every way.

But to each its own

You’re surely kidding

as great the iPad is, it is simply not a replacement for a computer yet. The multi tasking is making strides but still has a lot of shortcomings

 

[bondr006]

You’re surely kidding

as great the iPad is, it is simply not a replacement for a computer yet. The multi tasking is making strides but still has a lot of shortcomings

Let me help you rephrase your comment as applies to you.

dukebound85 Says:
"as great the iPad is, it is simply not a replacement for a computer for me yet."

Yup. Works for me. In my case, my M1 iPad Pro 11 took the place of my MacBook Pro last 11/2021 for my real estate businesses. And like ArchibaldDiv. like it better than MacOS or Windows for its simplicity, intuitive ease of use, and just making work fun again. Now unlike my aforementioned friend, I will not say my use case is everybody else's. A lot of people can, and a lot more can't at this point. Happy for the one's who can, and hopeful for those that want to but can't yet. Whether you can or can't doesn't change the fact that iPads are great tablet devices for consumption and creativity, and getting better at productivity. For me, it is a productivity first device. Once I got iPadOS on my iPP and what it could do for real estate and other business needs, and most importantly...my personal needs, it just clicked with me. I really like the whole Apple ecosystem. Anyway, having fun is important. Having fun doing your work is priceless.

 

[sparksd]

I think when people come to a certain age - most dont want to learn and adapt to new ways, and thus - stagnate. My feeling is that most people that complain here are just boomers that have a hard time learning new tricks.

But as you have shown you are very profficient in your iPad usage, and that quite commendable, and on a broather level says you are ready to grow, learn and expand - which are best traits a human can posses.

Some people just like to throw the towel early I guess…

Nice slap in the face of a large part of the population, including me. You really don't know what you're talking about.

 

[Ludatyk]

You can’t easily download an image from Safari without adding it entire your entire Photos library

• In other words, you can’t quickly download an image into your Files app or the designated downloads folder in the Files app
• On a Mac, you right click, then Save Image
• On an iPad, you must save to Photo Library, then close out of your app, open Photo Library, open the image, hit share, then finally… save to Files

This is not true. Not sure if you really use the iPad, but you can easily download any file from Safari and it doesn't go toward the Photos library.

I tend to download images from Safari to tweak with Affinity Designer and use them for wallpapers... those images I download onto the iPad, I can move them elsewhere. So, I understand your frustration with the iPad as being limited... but this particular issue has been addressed with Apple for awhile now.

 

[xxray]

This is not true. Not sure if you really use the iPad, but you can easily download any file from Safari and it doesn't go toward the Photos library.

I tend to download images from Safari to tweak with Affinity Designer and use them for wallpapers... those images I download onto the iPad, I can move them elsewhere. So, I understand your frustration with the iPad as being limited... but this particular issue has been addressed with Apple for awhile now.

Files yes, photos no.

I literally walked through this step by step when I wrote this post. Try holding down an image to save it to any place other than photos library, and there’s no option to save to files once you hit share.

Try it with this image below. Try saving it to files. You can’t, you can only save it to photos library and then to files once it’s there.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Files yes, photos no.

I literally walked through this step by step when I wrote this post. Try holding down an image to save it to any place other than photos library, and there’s no option to save to files once you hit share.

Try it with this image below. Try saving it to files. You can’t, you can only save it to photos library and then to files once it’s there.

Tap and hold
Swipe up to bring up the dock
Hover over the Files icon
Release

Or,
Swipe up to bring up the dock
drag Files into Split View
Open the path you’d like to save the files to
Tap and hold
Drag to Files

 

[xxray]

Tap and hold
Swipe up to bring up the dock
Hover over the Files icon
Release

Or,
Swipe up to bring up the dock
drag Files into Split View
Open the path you’d like to save the files to
Tap and hold
Drag to Files

Yes I know this is an option, but my point is it’s way less efficient and not ergonomic compared to the simple right-click and save on a Mac. refer to my previous post here:

Yes, I’m aware that I can hold an image and drag it to the files app to save it. Let me make another comparison:

• On a Mac, you right click, then Save Image
• On an iPad, you hold the image down, exit your Safari, open files, then save the image
  • This is still much less efficient the two-step Mac process, and it’s not ergonomic either. You don’t always have two hands free when working on an iPad. You could be holding the iPad with one hand. Other times, you‘re majority working from an external keyboard and mouse, and now you have to go put two hands on a screen just to save an image to the folder you want.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ipad-as-a-laptop-replacement.1937134/post-31198382

 

[Ludatyk]

Files yes, photos no.

I literally walked through this step by step when I wrote this post. Try holding down an image to save it to any place other than photos library, and there’s no option to save to files once you hit share.

Try it with this image below. Try saving it to files. You can’t, you can only save it to photos library and then to files once it’s there.

I think your wording was a bit off. I was thinking of strictly downloading an image, but you are correct that holding down on an image doesn’t give you an option to save it to files.

But @Unregistered 4U brought up a good point, dragging that image over to Files app can help avoiding adding to Photo Library. And yeah, it’s not as easy as it is on the Mac. But the proof is that it’s capable of doing so.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

I think your wording was a bit off. I was thinking of strictly downloading an image, but you are correct that holding down on an image doesn’t give you an option to save it to files.

Bit @Unregistered 4U brought up a good point, dragging that image over to Files app can help avoiding adding to Photo Library. And yeah, it’s not as easy as it is on the Mac. But the proof is that it’s capable of doing so.

For me, I don’t have a problem using Photos. Plus, images in Photos are easily available in any app. If I NEEDED to download an image somewhere else, I could, but I can’t see why I would. This could be one of those situations where folks, used to organizing their apps in sub-folders in OS9 attempted to do the same in the Applications folder in OSX. One learns the rules of new OS’s or just stick with the older ones.

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

You’re surely kidding

as great the iPad is, it is simply not a replacement for a computer yet. The multi tasking is making strides but still has a lot of shortcomings

No, no no… this might come as a surprise to you - but iPadOS is amazing on Air/Pro
In fact - its far better / more modern / more convinient / and more powerfull than traditional MacOS

.. sorry man

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

Files yes, photos no.

I literally walked through this step by step when I wrote this post. Try holding down an image to save it to any place other than photos library, and there’s no option to save to files once you hit share.

Try it with this image below. Try saving it to files. You can’t, you can only save it to photos library and then to files once it’s there.

dude man… you are really not getting theese modern OS concepts for a genZ-er.

just DRAG it. hold and drag where you want than release… havent you ever draged something on a computer before? 😲😵

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

Nice slap in the face of a large part of the population, including me. You really don't know what you're talking about.

I know, it’s false - thats why there is a well known saying that goes : “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” .. sorrry man. but its true 🤷‍♂️😔

 

[ArchebaldDiv.]

Let me help you rephrase your comment as applies to you.

dukebound85 Says:
"as great the iPad is, it is simply not a replacement for a computer for me yet."

Yup. Works for me. In my case, my M1 iPad Pro 11 took the place of my MacBook Pro last 11/2021 for my real estate businesses. And like ArchibaldDiv. like it better than MacOS or Windows for its simplicity, intuitive ease of use, and just making work fun again. Now unlike my aforementioned friend, I will not say my use case is everybody else's. A lot of people can, and a lot more can't at this point. Happy for the one's who can, and hopeful for those that want to but can't yet. Whether you can or can't doesn't change the fact that iPads are great tablet devices for consumption and creativity, and getting better at productivity. For me, it is a productivity first device. Once I got iPadOS on my iPP and what it could do for real estate and other business needs, and most importantly...my personal needs, it just clicked with me. I really like the whole Apple ecosystem. Anyway, having fun is important. Having fun doing your work is priceless.

I couldn’t agree more