iPad as a laptop replacement

[jazz1]

Well this discussion has made me break out my Logitech Combo Touch which I haven’t used for a couple of months. I do have and more frequently use an Apple Magic Keyboard folio. BTW I did try out the Brydge keyboard folio. I returned it as the BT connection was finicky.

I hate to admit it, but I‘ve been trying to turn my iPad Pro 12.9” into more of a laptop as far as keyboard functionality goes. The iOS vs. OS is another matter, but for my mostly consumption purposes even today’s iOS is effective, but is it efficient enough I ask myself? Though I look forward to trying out iOS 16. Though I doubt it will be as easy to use as OS. I’m more of a big screen guy, as I do run multiple apps on my M1 MacMini with two 27” LCD screens. But of course it isn’t potable, but that is where my mindset tends to be.

The small trackpad, and lack of function keys on the Apple Magic keyboard really slows me down unless it it deskbound vs. placement directly on the lap. It is less comfortable to use than the Logitech Combo Touch’s larger trackpad.

However, the Logitech keyboard seems heavier/thicker, and takes up more space and is someting I can use on my lap due the back flap like stand. It also seems a little glitchy as the cursor freezes every one in awhile, the spacebar is a bit stiff, and I have to take care to push it down with more force. That tends to slow me down vs. the Apple Magic Keyboard folio easier to engage.

I’ve invested a lot of money into my iPad Pro 12.9” with 16GB of memory and 1TB SSD. Not to mention the accessories, sleeves, and bags

Other than additional cost of buying a Macbook laptop, I think I would truly miss the cellular service I have on my iPadPro. I have yet to ever try using my iPhone to provide WiFi to any device.

In the end I’ll probably be switching between the Apple Magic Keyboard and the Logitech Combo depending on my needs and use environment. iOS 16 my further make my iPad Pro even more usable.

In the meantime I’ll start saving up for a MacBook just in case iOS16 doesn’t scratch my itch.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Just because you used the iPad as your main device doesn’t mean that your philosophy align with it. The way you explain your frustrations is due to the fact you are more of a Mac user.

This is the way I felt about the guy that was the “well known” Mac to iPad guy that went back to Mac. When he provided his list of things he felt he was missing on the iPad, it was pretty much things that the Mac is particularly better at, few, if any, of which an average user would be interested in. Which is a pretty huge market.

Um.. I choose the iPad because it’s refreshing. The ability to go from touch input to mouse and keyboard is interesting for me. Being able to pick up the iPad… use the Apple Pencil to get some notes down or tweak some design. And when it comes down to traveling... having cellular capability which means I’m always connected.

As I was saying, there are some that will pick up the iPad and just “get it”. If you’re one of those people, then great! Some don’t get it yet, some never will.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Everyone wanted to switch within months.

How old were you then? An age where, perhaps, you were more open to change? If you read the articles from the older folks of those times, EVERYONE didn’t want to switch. There were more than a few bemoaning the new “toy” that the kids were all over when everyone knows you get work done on a REAL computer with a spreadsheet application (which the Mac didn’t have upon introduction), SLOTS that let you make it what you want, and plentiful software covering the range from games to education, to business, to niche stuff like banner making. The Mac was locked down, non-user upgradable, no color, no software, etc. And, you can bet that there were folks that never ever clicked with Mac and the last computer they bought was maybe a IIGS. There will be people that are never comfortable with the iPad, and as long as Apple’s making Macs, that’s fine, they have the device that they prefer available for them.

 

[sparksd]

How old were you then? An age where, perhaps, you were more open to change? If you read the articles from the older folks of those times, EVERYONE didn’t want to switch. There were more than a few bemoaning the new “toy” that the kids were all over when everyone knows you get work done on a REAL computer with a spreadsheet application (which the Mac didn’t have upon introduction), SLOTS that let you make it what you want, and plentiful software covering the range from games to education, to business, to niche stuff like banner making. The Mac was locked down, non-user upgradable, no color, no software, etc. And, you can bet that there were folks that never ever clicked with Mac and the last computer they bought was maybe a IIGS. There will be people that are never comfortable with the iPad, and as long as Apple’s making Macs, that’s fine, they have the device that they prefer available for them.

My R&D org got a Mac for evaluation when they first came available in '84. We found them to be too limited in capabilities and too expensive for broader organizational use and we kept our purchase at the one unit (and we were a very large company, and our group had a significant budget). We did however find it useful for our own investigations in UI concepts.

 

[Ludatyk]

Other than additional cost of buying a Macbook laptop, I think I would truly miss the cellular service I have on my iPadPro. I have yet to ever try using my iPhone to provide WiFi to any device.

In bold is the main reason why I refuse to give up the iPad… I think I would really consider a Macbook if Apple allowed cellular capabilities.

In the meantime I’ll start saving up for a MacBook just in case iOS16 doesn’t scratch my itch.

Not sure if you tried iPadOS 16… but this latest beta has been really smooth. If your not into the idea of floating windows or attaching the iPad to an external display then perhaps iPadOS 16 won’t satisfy you.

Because I’ve been on the beta train since released and I get the main criticism with Stage Manager… which is resizing is jarring (but it’s not bad) and moving them around the screen can seem strange. I had watched MKBHD latest video about it and he was spot on detailing Stage Manager for the iPad is the antithesis of Mac.

Because the thought process is that Apple does not want the iPad to be a Mac and it tries hard to make that distinction. That’s why I think Mac users who try Stage Manager won’t really get behind it. Because it’s something they have to get accustomed to.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Here's what it comes down to. Apple has put in gamepad support, mouse and keyboard support, and extended display support. These things are actually in the iPad right now - but in each case they're not yet where they should be.

You’re right, they’re not where they should be for anyone that’s looking first and foremost for Mac parity. It’s possible that Mac parity is not even on their roadmap. For anyone that needs gamepad support as a make or break feature, I’d say get a Mac.

 

[teh_hunterer]

It's been about 2 years since Apple officially supported keyboard and mouse... And I'm not taking issue with Apple's design philosophy because they are adding tools and features for developers to add value to their app, but it does take time for developers to implement those features.

Yet you were trying to say earlier that the core functionality of the iPad is touch centric design, and if I want to use a mouse and keyboard I'm not aligned with what the iPad is. So which is it?

Is it that I'm impatient for the features that will come, or is it that am I not aligned with what the iPad is?

And if not, I'm curious... what then? My point is... if there's an operating system that supports the things you like doing why go against it.

I use plenty of devices. The main one was the iPad because I think the iPad is the coolest piece of tech at the moment. So thin and light, so powerful, passively cooled, so versatile and so simple. The cellular connectivity, the 11" form factor, it's like the gameboy of computers. But the exciting features that cause people to consider using it as a primary device are simply still years away, despite a lot of tech hype about the iPad being so close.

 

[teh_hunterer]

You’re right, they’re not where they should be for anyone that’s looking first and foremost for Mac parity. It’s possible that Mac parity is not even on their roadmap. For anyone that needs gamepad support as a make or break feature, I’d say get a Mac.

I get what you mean. For me, my needs are covered by the many devices I have. I, along with many tech enthusiasts are simply interested in the iPad becoming more and more capable, and enjoy using it as more of a main device as that becomes possible. There is a drum beat surrounding the iPad becoming more capable, and a lot of hype each time the iPad inches towards that future. This hype makes it seem like this future we're all looking forward to is right around the corner, but the truth is that these things take more time than most of us would initially think.

What I'm saying is I'm done with the hype and the disappointments for now. I'll let the iPad take a back seat in my setup as a pure tablet for a few years while it cooks a bit more, because it's clear that Apple and developers are going take a while.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

How old were you then? An age where, perhaps, you were more open to change? If you read the articles from the older folks of those times, EVERYONE didn’t want to switch. There were more than a few bemoaning the new “toy” that the kids were all over when everyone knows you get work done on a REAL computer with a spreadsheet application (which the Mac didn’t have upon introduction), SLOTS that let you make it what you want, and plentiful software covering the range from games to education, to business, to niche stuff like banner making. The Mac was locked down, non-user upgradable, no color, no software, etc. And, you can bet that there were folks that never ever clicked with Mac and the last computer they bought was maybe a IIGS. There will be people that are never comfortable with the iPad, and as long as Apple’s making Macs, that’s fine, they have the device that they prefer available for them.

Let's say that everything you say is true (and that people on Apple devices cared about spreadsheets--they didn't, those people used IBM PCs), it still shows what I said. That within a short period of time the functionality of the second device gained all the functionality of the older device and took over.

Apple has literally had over a decade with the iPad and it is completely (and always will be) an uncanny valley situation where the closer they get to the mac, the more noticeable the distance becomes.

 

[Ludatyk]

Yet you were trying to say earlier that the core functionality of the iPad is touch centric design, and if I want to use a mouse and keyboard I'm not aligned with what the iPad is. So which is it?

I stand by that. The core functionality of the iPad is touch centric and you actually disagree with that? And yes… if you highly value mouse and keyboard input as far as an operating system then you are not align with the iPad. I understand that there is mouse and keyboard support for the iPad, but not to the degree on the Mac/PC.

And I understand, you would like to wait for that support… but who’s to say that kind of support will happen. It’s been decades and the debate on gaming versus a Mac or Windows is no contest. If I was to advise someone who wants to game on a computer… I would tell them get a Windows PC easily.

The main one was the iPad because I think the iPad is the coolest piece of tech at the moment. So thin and light, so powerful, passively cooled, so versatile and so simple. The cellular connectivity, the 11" form factor, it's like the gameboy of computers. But the exciting features that cause people to consider using it as a primary device are simply still years away, despite a lot of tech hype about the iPad being so close.

And we are agreement there… I believe it’s the coolest piece of tech as well. But if I am a gamer that‘s into mouse and keyboard input… I wouldn’t dare consider doing it on a iPad.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

I stand by that. The core functionality of the iPad is touch centric and you actually disagree with that? And yes… if you highly value mouse and keyboard input as far as an operating system then you are not align with the iPad. I understand that there is mouse and keyboard support for the iPad, but not to the degree on the Mac/PC.

And I understand, you would like to wait for that support… but who’s to say that kind of support will happen. It’s been decades and the debate on gaming versus a Mac or Windows is no contest. If I was to advise someone who wants to game on a computer… I would tell them get a Windows PC easily.

And we are agreement there… I believe it’s the coolest piece of tech as well. But if I am a gamer that‘s into mouse and keyboard input… I wouldn’t dare consider doing it on a iPad.

Guilty as charged, for all my talk about how much I love my M1 MBA, I still have a gaming PC with a 3060Ti and a 5600x AMD processor. Gotta game!

 

[teh_hunterer]

I stand by that. The core functionality of the iPad is touch centric and you actually disagree with that? And yes… if you highly value mouse and keyboard input as far as an operating system then you are not align with the iPad. I understand that there is mouse and keyboard support for the iPad, but not to the degree on the Mac/PC.

You better tell Apple they should stop putting in mouse and keyboard support, gamepad support, external monitor support, and Stage Manager then because it's not in alignment with the iPad and anyone who wants to use it that way apparently isn't an iPad user and should buy a different device.

And I understand, you would like to wait for that support… but who’s to say that kind of support will happen. It’s been decades and the debate on gaming versus a Mac or Windows is no contest. If I was to advise someone who wants to game on a computer… I would tell them get a Windows PC easily.

And we are agreement there… I believe it’s the coolest piece of tech as well. But if I am a gamer that‘s into mouse and keyboard input… I wouldn’t dare consider doing it on a iPad.

Again, this response of "if x feature of the iPad isn't perfect (yet) then you should just use a different device" is sort of a classic Apple fan knee-jerk reaction. I'm an Apple fan, too, but the response of "if you don't like it you're doing it wrong" is so predictable in the face of any criticism.

I already have a Windows gaming PC. I already have a Mac. I already have an iPad. I have devices for all my needs. I want to use the iPad for as much as possible because I like the iPad a lot, but the sad fact is that it's a few years at least off from fulfilling its potential.

If we all had the attitude that anything an iPad currently can't do isn't something the iPad should do, it would never improve as a product.

 

[Ludatyk]

You better tell Apple they should stop putting in mouse and keyboard support, gamepad support, external monitor support, and Stage Manager then because it's not in alignment with the iPad and anyone who wants to use it that way apparently isn't an iPad user and should buy a different device.

That’s a good one.

Never said Apple should stop adding support.. because I know it adds value to the iPad, but I’m only acknowledging the fact you value mouse and keyboard support for gaming and if that’s the case the iPad doesn’t fit it necessarily. I don’t understand the back and forth.

I have a Magic Keyboard… in addition to that I have K2 Keychron keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2, so I use keyboard and mouse quite a bit. But as far as gaming…. I have a gamepad, because I believe that’s more suited for the iPad.

Again, this response of "if x feature of the iPad isn't perfect (yet) then you should just use a different device" is sort of a classic Apple fan knee-jerk reaction. I'm an Apple fan, too, but the response of "if you don't like it you're doing it wrong" is so predictable in the face of any criticism.

I’m just being realistic here. It’s not about the iPad not being perfect… it’s the idea you are seeking support for something that possibly will never meet your expectations.

I already have a Windows gaming PC. I already have a Mac. I already have an iPad. I have devices for all my needs. I want to use the iPad for as much as possible because I like the iPad a lot, but the sad fact is that it's a few years at least off from fulfilling its potential.

The sad fact is… you have a Windows gaming PC and you are frustrated that the iPad can’t function the same way. It would be one thing if you were without a Windows gaming PC, but you have one… why are concerned with the iPad fulfilling it’s potential? I’m genuinely curious… Do you want to use the iPad as your only device?

If we all had the attitude that anything an iPad currently can't do isn't something the iPad should do, it would never improve as a product.

And I don’t have an attitude at all. I’m not saying you can’t game using a mouse and keyboard on an iPad… but the experience is better on the Mac/PC with decades of support behind it.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Let's say that everything you say is true (and that people on Apple devices cared about spreadsheets--they didn't, those people used IBM PCs), it still shows what I said. That within a short period of time the functionality of the second device gained all the functionality of the older device and took over.

Apple has literally had over a decade with the iPad and it is completely (and always will be) an uncanny valley situation where the closer they get to the mac, the more noticeable the distance becomes.

Make no mistake…
“The first spreadsheet program was VisiCalc, written for the Apple II computer in 1979. For many users, this application most vividly showed the utility of personal computers for small businesses—in some cases turning a 20-hour-per-week bookkeeping chore into a few minutes of data entry.”
People on Apple devices very MUCH cared about spreadsheets seeing as how the first spreadsheet program was written FOR Apple devices. It was one of THE reasons to own a computer for business.

The Mac gained “most” of the functionality of the Apple II, in some cases by the same companies that were shipping Apple II applications, in some cases by companies seeing where the market was headed and jumped in. But not all. In the same way that the iPad has gained “most” of the functionality of the Mac, but not all. Were there millions of folks tied to Apple II software and hardware and couldn’t make the migration? Absolutely. But, that didn’t keep those who weren’t tied to any of the old stuff from buying a Mac brand new and enjoying it fully… blissfully unaware of the lack of a free on-board BASIC interpreter, for example. Were there millions that just never “got” the mouse? Assuredly, just as sure as there are millions that will never get touch interfaces, while millions and millions of others (iPads sell twice as many units as Macs) are enjoying their iPads unaware of the fact that they can’t modify system files.

Apple sells Macs because people buy Macs. There will come a time, though, when the majority of folks in the computing device purchasing marketplace will have grown up with touch interfaces and will be delighted by nothing less than a touch interface. That will be the time when folks will stop buying Macs in enough volume to make them profitable… and Apple will do with the Mac what they did with the Apple II before it.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Again, this response of "if x feature of the iPad isn't perfect (yet) then you should just use a different device" is sort of a classic Apple fan knee-jerk reaction. I'm an Apple fan, too, but the response of "if you don't like it you're doing it wrong" is so predictable in the face of any criticism.

I’m guessing for some, it could be like me where I’ve personal experience with trying to do things MY way and then, when I just try to do things the way Apple intends them, I find that… yeah, it’s generally the better way. I become so accustomed to it that I wonder why I was fighting against it in the first place. After a few of those situations, you realize that, as trite as it sounds, it’s pretty solid advice. It reminds me of a friend that didn’t like that Apple removed the home button and I helped them to enable the “psudo button” through accessibility so that their new phone worked more like their old one. At some point, it clicked with them how the phones software takes care of most of the differences such that you don’t really need a home button anymore and they deactivated it and found their phone experience greatly improved.

The people saying “you’re doing it wrong” could be saying “you’re doing it wrong, trust me, I know, I was doing it wrong, too.”

 

[Slartibart]

Make no mistake…
“The first spreadsheet program was VisiCalc, written for the Apple II computer in 1979. For many users, this application most vividly showed the utility of personal computers for small businesses—in some cases turning a 20-hour-per-week bookkeeping chore into a few minutes of data entry.”

Can I throw in two words here… ? Informix Wingz 🤓

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Make no mistake…
“The first spreadsheet program was VisiCalc, written for the Apple II computer in 1979. For many users, this application most vividly showed the utility of personal computers for small businesses—in some cases turning a 20-hour-per-week bookkeeping chore into a few minutes of data entry.”
People on Apple devices very MUCH cared about spreadsheets seeing as how the first spreadsheet program was written FOR Apple devices. It was one of THE reasons to own a computer for business.

The Mac gained “most” of the functionality of the Apple II, in some cases by the same companies that were shipping Apple II applications, in some cases by companies seeing where the market was headed and jumped in. But not all. In the same way that the iPad has gained “most” of the functionality of the Mac, but not all. Were there millions of folks tied to Apple II software and hardware and couldn’t make the migration? Absolutely. But, that didn’t keep those who weren’t tied to any of the old stuff from buying a Mac brand new and enjoying it fully… blissfully unaware of the lack of a free on-board BASIC interpreter, for example. Were there millions that just never “got” the mouse? Assuredly, just as sure as there are millions that will never get touch interfaces, while millions and millions of others (iPads sell twice as many units as Macs) are enjoying their iPads unaware of the fact that they can’t modify system files.

Apple sells Macs because people buy Macs. There will come a time, though, when the majority of folks in the computing device purchasing marketplace will have grown up with touch interfaces and will be delighted by nothing less than a touch interface. That will be the time when folks will stop buying Macs in enough volume to make them profitable… and Apple will do with the Mac what they did with the Apple II before it.

That day is sooooooo far away. The Mac will be here forever. We haven't even brought up what happens when all of these iPad kids start needing ergonomics.

I stand corrected on Visicalc. That is true. I was thinking of Lotus 1,2,3

 

[arkitect]

Quick example… Let’s just say I’m an iPad user, been using an iPad since I was 4 so my entire computing life has been on an iPad.
1) I care little about external display support. For as long as I’ve had it, I’ve never connected it to an external display and the idea of connecting it to an external display seems kinda silly as I can’t touch the external display.
2) I’ve been playing using the touch joysticks on the screen ever since they were a thing and have never considered having to carry around a gamepad to be able to play my games. It’d actually be kinda limiting.
3) Considering I don’t have that PC/Console with me when I decide to take a little pause and play a game on my iPad, it doesn’t bother me that those versions are better, I can’t play them on my iPad. And, it’s possible my favorite game is some mobile title that hasn’t made the jump to PC/Console, so I doubly wouldn’t care that some cross platform title isn’t as good on the iPad… I’m not playing it!

OK.
Fair enough.
But in your example, this 4 year old now grown up without ever using a Mac, what does he or she actually do?

No, watching videos, playing games do not count.

What are they doing to earn a living (apart from the ubiquitous handwaving woowoo "Coding" that everyone is going to be doing.)

iPads are right now only devices made for consuming content.

Here is my real life example:
Last year I spent 6 months trying to convince myself that an iPad Pro 12" M1 can replace my Mac Mini setup.
I am an artist — not a digital artist — real paint and paper and canvas.
I use my Mac for correcting the scanned artwork and preparing the artwork for Giclée prints.

The iPad failed miserably. Yes, it was fast, yes, the screen was lovely. But the file system sucked major ass.
Photoshop "Lite" is no substitute for the full blown Mac version.

3D artwork? Forget it. There is no Rhino 3D or similar out there.

So here I am… back on a Mini hooked to a 27" Apple Display.
It. Just. Works. 🤷🏻‍♂️

It does have to do with you and your expectations of a computing device, and that’s part of what I was referring to regarding folks having a hard time. I’ve read stories of folks going having a REALLY hard time OS9/OSX. All their years and years and years of tips, tricks, troubleshooting, undone with one fell swoop. Because OSX didn’t really do things the same way, didn’t have the same games, didn’t have the same interface, some folks never felt comfortable with OSX and kept a nice friendly OS9 system around in order to REALLY get things done. I don’t see much different with the iPad. Those who learned it from the start are like “COOOL” and are simply oblivious to the things that OS9 could do that X couldn’t. Some things eventually came, some never did.

You really cannot compare going from OS9 to OSX to moving from a Mac to an iPad.

An iPad right now is a "dumb" device.

One day (hopefully soon) it will be what it can be.

But that day is not today.

 

[Ludatyk]

iPads are right now only devices made for consuming content.

Can we please quit with these absolutes.

The iPad might not be the device for your workflow… cool, great... salute! But no need to generalized and claim the iPad is only made for consuming content.

I’ll just direct you to this Post.

 

[Slartibart]

That day is sooooooo far away.

fun fact hypothesis: so is the day an iPad in any manner can replace a laptop functionwise¹.

¹ full disclaimer - I fully switched to an iPP in 2020 for a variety of reasons - however not because of some form of "promise in the future" but because it offered the best solution for what I wanted to do. Time passed, and I can simply acknowledge that there is an even better solution available now, M-series Macs.

I definitively do not care wether by any means I can do "in general" what I want to do with a device, any device - the important point for me is that I - "I" in MAJUSCULE - perceive the solution as the best one.

For quite some time till now, certain software and functionality simply isn’t available for iPadOS. For whatever reasons.
And this has nothing to do with “you have to walk the Apple/iPad-way”… the. programs/apps. are. not. available.
And again: for various - some probably for somewhat strange - reasons.

Regarding my knowledge about hard and software to solve a defined problem I consider myself to be in the upper 20% of all things related to iPad, Mac, Unix, Windows <11 for certain areas of hardware and computing - and this makes using or creating an iPadOS based solution, if at all possible, often feel like jumping through an unnecessary number of hoops.
Ad hominem attacks, non sequitur arguments, etc. as they are thrown around here, doesn’t change this referencable fact - IMHO these mandate only to long for 🍿. 🤓

Please understand and recognise (eventually after some deliberate thinking) - there is no »binary« differentiation to apply here, no "It is a sandal.... It is a shoe, it is a shoe!" you are either a member of the iPad- or you are a member of the Mac-tribe… if anything Apple killed that with the introduction of the M-series in their hardware branches. 👏👏👏💪🤜🤛

Even if you are deeply convinced of the iPad, you have to admit there are areas where it at best lacks… software support (right?)… again, for whatever reasons.
And some of these reasons, or that a solution is missing or isn’t implemented are… m.a.d.d.e.n.i.n.g., aren’t they?

Anyway, the machine has coughed up some new 🍿🍿🍿, friends are about to come over, so everyone: have a GRAND evening! carpe diem².

²probably the most important bit of this kind of opinionated outpouring in some written form. 🤪 Btw. any orthographic errors can be traced back to the undoubtly, improvable spelling correction on iPadOS 15 - it doesn’t like polyglot writing. 🤣🥹😇

 

[teh_hunterer]

Never said Apple should stop adding support.. because I know it adds value to the iPad, but I’m only acknowledging the fact you value mouse and keyboard support for gaming and if that’s the case the iPad doesn’t fit it necessarily. I don’t understand the back and forth.

I have a Magic Keyboard… in addition to that I have K2 Keychron keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2, so I use keyboard and mouse quite a bit. But as far as gaming…. I have a gamepad, because I believe that’s more suited for the iPad.

The thing you keep missing is the fact that the iPad lacks these things is purely a function of time. The feature is already there, it's just going to take a long time to be adopted by most things. The mouse and keyboard works just as well on the iPad version of Minecraft as it does on any other version of Minecraft. How is it "less suited" for that? The only problem with Minecraft on the iPad is the poor performance.

If I happen to be travelling with only my phone and iPad, why not play Minecraft with the mouse and keyboard?

I’m just being realistic here. It’s not about the iPad not being perfect… it’s the idea you are seeking support for something that possibly will never meet your expectations.

Where was I seeking support? Many of us here are people who enjoy technology, and experiment to find the setup we like best. Never asked you for help.

The sad fact is… you have a Windows gaming PC and you are frustrated that the iPad can’t function the same way. It would be one thing if you were without a Windows gaming PC, but you have one… why are concerned with the iPad fulfilling it’s potential? I’m genuinely curious… Do you want to use the iPad as your only device?

This is an Apple forum with a lot of tech enthusiasts. Can't we discuss the way Apple products and the industry are evolving and might evolve over time? We can't be enthusiastic about certain things and frustrated about other things? You seem to think that if anyone is frustrated with anything it's because they bought the wrong product. This isn't just for tech support and for you to point people to buy the tool you believe suits them. This is also a place to discuss ideas.

 

[i4k20c]

funny to weigh in on this thread - but i have been wanting an ipad for a long time. i finally got it and realizing, i don't really have any use for one.

i don't consume content in a modern way. it isn't comfortable enough to hold in bed while i am laying. there's no place to store my pencil and apple keyboard so i just don't use the pencil on my base ipad. surfing the web is much faster on my macbook pro and workflow is just easier.

i thought i could rely less on my phone and just use the ipad while at home, but i can't seem to message with android users on wifi.

i kind of am not understanding how everyone uses their ipad. i feel like i am missing something but can't capture it.

 

[Digitalguy]

funny to weigh in on this thread - but i have been wanting an ipad for a long time. i finally got it and realizing, i don't really have any use for one.

i don't consume content in a modern way. it isn't comfortable enough to hold in bed while i am laying. there's no place to store my pencil and apple keyboard so i just don't use the pencil on my base ipad. surfing the web is much faster on my macbook pro and workflow is just easier.

i thought i could rely less on my phone and just use the ipad while at home, but i can't seem to message with android users on wifi.

i kind of am not understanding how everyone uses their ipad. i feel like i am missing something but can't capture it.

Everyone has (very) different uses for the iPad, that's why you have all this different views here. Many people express their opinion from their point of view and can't understand how others can use the same thing different.
I can only give (briefly) my personal use case, but I think I am not part of the majority.
Probably the majority of people uses the iPad (especially the base one) as Jobs described it in 2010. Ad a couch device for browsing, watching videos, mail. That's not me at all. I never lay on a couch, unless I have guests and I don't use my iPad with guests.
Also, since the iPad got the pencil in 2015 it is also used for drawing and taking notes (I can't draw and I barely take any note).
I use the iPad (mainly 12.9 pro) for watching videos around the house (mainly youtube) while doing other things, as remote desktop clients for my PCs and Macs and as external monitor for my PCs and Macs. I also use them to annotate PDFs and Word documents (I am a university teacher). On the go I use my mid-sized iPads as a replacement for pen and paper. And I use my mini in bed (only in the morning, I strictly never use a device in bed before sleeping, as it impacts my sleep). Other uses are: viewing documents in portrait mode, including sheet music, using virtual instruments to play music, reading, editing occasional videos.
Most of my time is spent on Windows and to a lesser extent on MacOS, since they have software that I need to work and allow me to use external monitors (I also prefer browsing on larger monitors).

 

[Gherkin]

I think I could do iPad only with two things… Photoshop needs PDF as an export option (why does it not…wtf??) and if Apple would release even a FCP-lite or something along those lines. Adobe Premiere Rush is JUST QUITE not there… I need a way to keyframe audio tracks and some kind of warp stabilizer tool.

I suppose I could try Affinity Photo… but I have an illustration series that I’m constantly printing and creating new versions that uses a specific Adobe font. Guess that’s my fault… but maybe I can buy it separately.

Edit... I'm reading Adobe fonts can be used in Affinity?! One step closer...

 

[teh_hunterer]

funny to weigh in on this thread - but i have been wanting an ipad for a long time. i finally got it and realizing, i don't really have any use for one.

i don't consume content in a modern way. it isn't comfortable enough to hold in bed while i am laying. there's no place to store my pencil and apple keyboard so i just don't use the pencil on my base ipad. surfing the web is much faster on my macbook pro and workflow is just easier.

i thought i could rely less on my phone and just use the ipad while at home, but i can't seem to message with android users on wifi.

i kind of am not understanding how everyone uses their ipad. i feel like i am missing something but can't capture it.

You'd think iMessage would just work, but you'll likely have to go into the imessage settings on both the iPad and the iPhone and make sure they're enabled and forwarding is enabled.

I mostly watch YouTube on my iPad, but I also browse the web a fair bit. Do you have a folio case/cover for it so you can prop it up? I wouldn't bother using my iPad if I had to hold it the whole time.