iPad as a laptop replacement

[teh_hunterer]

This is the only truly correct answer. But I don’t think it will stop this thread from going another 174 pages. People like to justify their purchases by projecting their insecurity on everyone else.

I don't know why the discussion is infuriating. Tech is constantly changing, people change their setups all the time, and their needs change all the time. They may have the budget for just one device, or they may be wondering if it's worth splurging on two. Someone might have used an iPad for most things because they were sick of Apple's laptops, but now that the Macs have Apple Silicon and better designs, they may be tempted back to the Mac.

Apple designs their lineup so that you're kinda tempted to buy everything, so it can be difficult to pick a certain setup to settle on.

 

[Mainsail]

I don't know why the discussion is infuriating. Tech is constantly changing, people change their setups all the time, and their needs change all the time. They may have the budget for just one device, or they may be wondering if it's worth splurging on two. Someone might have used an iPad for most things because they were sick of Apple's laptops, but now that the Macs have Apple Silicon and better designs, they may be tempted back to the Mac.

Apple designs their lineup so that you're kinda tempted to buy everything, so it can be difficult to pick a certain setup to settle on.

I agree. I don't see what is so infuriating about having this discussion as long as people are respectful and not being snarky. I have tried numerous times to make the iPad replace my MBA, and it has not worked for me. But, that does not mean it won't work for others. Or, perhaps someday in the future, it will work for me. As you say, tech is continually changing, so it is helpful to hear how folks are using their technology as we move along this evolutionary process.

 

[teh_hunterer]

I agree. I don't see what is so infuriating about having this discussion as long as people are respectful and not being snarky. I have tried numerous times to make the iPad replace my MBA, and it has not worked for me. But, that does not mean it won't work for others. Or, perhaps someday in the future, it will work for me. As you say, tech is continually changing, so it is helpful to hear how folks are using their technology as we move along this evolutionary process.

Precisely. And the iPad really is in a state of flux right now. It started out with the same OS and hardware as the iPhone. Now it has Mac hardware and the OS is branching off. This is a big deal, because for the first time ever, the iPad has shipped with the same amount of RAM as the base Macs, and the same class of storage (with hardware on the chipset for Mac-class virtual memory swap). iPadOS for the first time is about to allow for virtual memory with the release of iPadOS16.

The iPad is undergoing a big shift from its roots, so the discussion is only going to ramp up going forward.

People kinda laughed when Apple said it was putting the Mac chip in the iPad - weren't they really putting the iPad chip in the Mac, since the M1 'is just an A14x with a different name'. But it really is the Mac chip being put in the iPad, because all the hardware needed to make the Mac the Mac, including the hardware on the chipset for virtual memory swap, thunderbolt controllers, the quality of the SSD, the amount of RAM, the (I guess redundant) hardware acceleration for Rosetta 2 - that is all stuff the iPad chips never got.

 

[spiderman0616]

I don't know why the discussion is infuriating. Tech is constantly changing, people change their setups all the time, and their needs change all the time. They may have the budget for just one device, or they may be wondering if it's worth splurging on two. Someone might have used an iPad for most things because they were sick of Apple's laptops, but now that the Macs have Apple Silicon and better designs, they may be tempted back to the Mac.

Apple designs their lineup so that you're kinda tempted to buy everything, so it can be difficult to pick a certain setup to settle on.

It’s not the topic in general that’s annoying, it’s the way people beat each other up for what they like to use. It’s the weird, judgy tribalism that’s annoying.

If you look back through all the pages of this thread, it’s mostly just people pontificating about why their own setup is the ideal one. There’s very little regard for what others might find useful. It’s mostly just blowhards saying they’re right and you’re wrong.

 

[teh_hunterer]

It’s not the topic in general that’s annoying, it’s the way people beat each other up for what they like to use. It’s the weird, judgy tribalism that’s annoying.

If you look back through all the pages of this thread, it’s mostly just people pontificating about why their own setup is the ideal one. There’s very little regard for what others might find useful. It’s mostly just blowhards saying they’re right and you’re wrong.

Can't honestly argue with that, having read this thread from time to time.

 

[outlawarth]

It’s not the topic in general that’s annoying, it’s the way people beat each other up for what they like to use. It’s the weird, judgy tribalism that’s annoying.

If you look back through all the pages of this thread, it’s mostly just people pontificating about why their own setup is the ideal one. There’s very little regard for what others might find useful. It’s mostly just blowhards saying they’re right and you’re wrong.

Very well said. Most people argue everything in absolute terms: it’s my way or the highway. How is that constructive in any way?

 

[spiderman0616]

Very well said. Most people argue everything in absolute terms: it’s my way or the highway. How is that constructive in any way?

I used to engage in it too. I didn't get my severe anxiety under control until later in life, but once I did, it was amazing how fast I stopped fretting about what others say/do. These days, of all the concerns I have in life, what other people think of my iPad use cases is not one of them. Some of this might have just come with age and perspective too. Life is too short to care what tech other people think I should or should not use.

I have a pretty hectic job. It's for a large company. I have a lot of meetings and phone calls every day, and I work with a team of people on very complicated projects. I can STILL do that job on my iPad if I have to. As far as getting my day to day work done, having a mini 6 with cellular has come in even more handy than my MacBook some days.

It just depends on the person, the day, the workload, etc. I'm not sure how it turned into a 175 page fight, but here I am adding to it. Again.

 

[GalileoSeven]

It’s not the topic in general that’s annoying, it’s the way people beat each other up for what they like to use. It’s the weird, judgy tribalism that’s annoying.

If you look back through all the pages of this thread, it’s mostly just people pontificating about why their own setup is the ideal one. There’s very little regard for what others might find useful. It’s mostly just blowhards saying they’re right and you’re wrong.

Maybe I haven't read enough of this thread, but I haven't seen any of that at all - just people who recognize YMMV as far as use cases go (the fact everyone's got a different use case and generally different thoughts on the subject is what makes this thread a good read IMO)

 

[spiderman0616]

Maybe I haven't read enough of this thread, but I haven't seen any of that at all - just people who recognize YMMV as far as use cases go (the fact everyone's got a different use case and generally different thoughts on the subject is what makes this thread a good read IMO)

The topic itself and the idea of the thread are good. Some of the comments are good. Some of the commenters seem like good, smart people. There are so so so many others though that like to make it their mission to tell others what "should" or "shouldn't" be used in certain scenarios. There are a lot of people on the Macrumors forums that think they're the gatekeepers on what you should buy/use for what tasks.

 

[outlawarth]

I used to engage in it too. I didn't get my severe anxiety under control until later in life, but once I did, it was amazing how fast I stopped fretting about what others say/do. These days, of all the concerns I have in life, what other people think of my iPad use cases is not one of them. Some of this might have just come with age and perspective too. Life is too short to care what tech other people think I should or should not use.

I have a pretty hectic job. It's for a large company. I have a lot of meetings and phone calls every day, and I work with a team of people on very complicated projects. I can STILL do that job on my iPad if I have to. As far as getting my day to day work done, having a mini 6 with cellular has come in even more handy than my MacBook some days.

It just depends on the person, the day, the workload, etc. I'm not sure how it turned into a 175 page fight, but here I am adding to it. Again.

I hear you. I also work for a large company and I actually have a Windows work laptop mandated by my employer just because of legacy windows systems we use. But most of my calls, teams meetings, emails, note taking, etc are all done on the iPad.

Like you said it totally depends on the person and what I don’t understand is this myopic view what works for me must work for everybody else.

 

[Digitalguy]

Definitely doesn't seem to me 175 pages of fight. There have been many different (sometime opposite views) but it's not always been a fight, many times these have been expressed in a very respectful and constructive way... Sure, not always, but as far as I can remember most of the time. A lot of posts here have been a very interesting read/exchange. Definitely worth following despite a few not so nice exchanges/attitudes every now and then.

 

[Mainsail]

I posted earlier that my youngest child is senior at University (Business Major, Spanish Minor), and he told me that he does not need an iPad. He uses his MBA and regular paper notebook, plus an iPhone...of course. Judging by his GPA, he seems to be doing just fine, and he will be graduating a semester early this Fall.

I just spoke with my older son, who is in his first year of a PHD in Economics. At this point, he is the only person in the program not using an iPad and Pencil. So, I am sending him my iPad Air 4 with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio. He can give it a try before purchasing something on his tight budget.

I don't use my iPad that much, so for the time being, I will be just fine with my MBA 2020 and iPhone 13. The point here is that we have three different use cases with different needs and requirements. I suspect the Econ PHD has lots of math and formulas, so note taking with Apple Pencil is pretty helpful. On the other hand, besides Stats, Finance and a few other classes, much of my younger son's notes are typed text on the MBA plus some handwritten notes in a paper notebook. I am retired and do some family real estate business, so the MBA alone is more than enough for me. I don't take a lot of meeting notes anymore.

Anyway, just more anecdotal evidence that YMMV.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I posted earlier that my youngest child is senior at University (Business Major, Spanish Minor), and he told me that he does not need an iPad. He uses his MBA and regular paper notebook, plus an iPhone...of course. Judging by his GPA, he seems to be doing just fine, and he will be graduating a semester early this Fall.

I just spoke with my older son, who is in his first year of a PHD in Economics. At this point, he is the only person in the program not using an iPad and Pencil. So, I am sending him my iPad Air 4 with Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard Folio. He can give it a try before purchasing something on his tight budget.

I don't use my iPad that much, so for the time being, I will be just fine with my MBA 2020 and iPhone 13. The point here is that we have three different use cases with different needs and requirements. I suspect the Econ PHD has lots of math and formulas, so note taking with Apple Pencil is pretty helpful. On the other hand, besides Stats, Finance and a few other classes, much of my younger son's notes are typed text on the MBA plus some handwritten notes in a paper notebook. I am retired and do some family real estate business, so the MBA alone is more than enough for me. I don't take a lot of meeting notes anymore.

Anyway, just more anecdotal evidence that YMMV.

Yep my anecdotal evidence is way different

All my 3 went to Uni in UK and in fact they always had Apple products from 2002 onwards

They were the exception other than a few foreign students with Apple products and on occasion it was more of a hindrance as they had to run bootcamp. My middle son who did design engineering even took my iMac for his practical course work design, it was seldom used

Like many, 2 of them soon found once employed and out in the real working world Apple are almost non existent and soon grew tired of their Apple products they once enjoyed in their youth.

Although all my children cost me dearly on many Apple products over the years until most of them were in their late 20's. My middle son now with his own 2 children outrightly refuses to let his anywhere near an Ipad, which seems a growing trend.

My eldest who gained his PHD and is now a senior lecturer in a top Uni is the only one using an iPhone but he too has long ditched the MBA and Macbooks in favour of Windows. He did try (the only lecturer at his Uni) carrying an Ipad for his lecture notes but he noted it was limited and tiresome to use and ditched it in favour of a lightweight laptop with multiple ports for flexibility. Which was a shame after me supplying him with Apple stuff for over 18 years.

I have asked him several times over the years on his observations of students that use Apple products and he still notes its a rarity.

All his masters research students under his care only use windows PC's mainly as industry sponsors grants favor them

He also notes that there is no advantage or requirement for any student using high tech devices and all course requirements are achievable with pen and paper and occasional use of modest devices, now he tells me

 

[Mainsail]

Yep my anecdotal evidence is way different

All my 3 went to Uni in UK and in fact they always had Apple products from 2002 onwards

They were the exception other than a few foreign students with Apple products and on occasion it was more of a hindrance as they had to run bootcamp. My middle son who did design engineering even took my iMac for his practical course work design, it was seldom used

Like many, 2 of them soon found once employed and out in the real working world Apple are almost non existent and soon grew tired of their Apple products they once enjoyed in their youth.

Although all my children cost me dearly on many Apple products over the years until most of them were in their late 20's. My middle son now with his own 2 children outrightly refuses to let his anywhere near an Ipad, which seems a growing trend.

My eldest who gained his PHD and is now a senior lecturer in a top Uni is the only one using an iPhone but he too has long ditched the MBA and Macbooks in favour of Windows. He did try (the only lecturer at his Uni) carrying an Ipad for his lecture notes but he noted it was limited and tiresome to use and ditched it in favour of a lightweight laptop with multiple ports for flexibility. Which was a shame after me supplying him with Apple stuff for over 18 years.

I have asked him several times over the years on his observations of students that use Apple products and he still notes its a rarity.

All his masters research students under his care only use windows PC's mainly as industry sponsors grants favor them

He also notes that there is no advantage or requirement for any student using high tech devices and all course requirements are achievable with pen and paper and occasional use of modest devices, now he tells me

Not sure what to say. All three of my kids exclusively used MacBooks and other Apple products throughout their college experiences and have had no issues whatsoever. The oldest just finished her masters at John’s Hopkins. The middle is a PhD candidate at Columbia. And the youngest will be graduating a semester early from a small liberal arts college in the Pacific Northwestern.

The PhD student is the first to express an interest in using an iPad w/Pencil. So, we will see how that works for him, but he reports that all of the other candidates in the program are currently using iPads. To be clear, he is not replacing his MBP with the iPad. He will just be using it for certain situations….. I assume primarily note taking.

It’s not even like there is one correct solution for identical situations. Some people just don’t like using iPads for note taking because they don’t like writing on a glass surface. Others can not live without it. Or, at least, it has become an essential part of their work flow. YMMV.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Not sure what to say. All three of my kids exclusively used MacBooks and other Apple products throughout their college experiences and have had no issues whatsoever. The oldest just finished her masters at John’s Hopkins. The middle is a PhD candidate at Columbia. And the youngest will be graduating a semester early from a small liberal arts college in the Pacific Northwestern.

The PhD student is the first to express an interest in using an iPad w/Pencil. So, we will see how that works for him, but he reports that all of the other candidates in the program are currently using iPads. To be clear, he is not replacing his MBP with the iPad. He will just be using it for certain situations….. I assume primarily note taking.

It’s not even like there is one correct solution for identical situations. Some people just don’t like using iPads for note taking because they don’t like writing on a glass surface. Others can not live without it. Or, at least, it has become an essential part of their work flow. YMMV.

As you noted YMMV so there was no need for you to reply, our experience is not the same and that is the general thread throughout this topic

 

[dukebound85]

I'm pretty sure I'm way more advanced in Excel than any of you guys, I even wrote Excel plugins for others to use (which is probably still used today at the company I worked for back then).

But stick to your Microsoft Office if you think this is "good".

pretty bold claim bud. Many here are very proficient with Excel

 

[Zest28]

pretty bold claim bud. Many here are very proficient with Excel

The guy said I had little to no experience, which is kinda funny. If people are really pushing the limits of Excel, Excel would have pissed you off enough to use something else. So that is how I know.

But the thing is, I have access to the Windows version of Excel on my iPad. So if people strictly want to use Excel, there is a solution for that.

 

[grizzlified]

Used an 12.9 M1 iPad Pro for around a month for doing SAP development as I just RDP into Windows Server in AWS. I sold it and bought a 16" MBP base model as the MacOS interface and behavior feels better especially when i need to switch from RDP into another app such as Safari to look at the notes for the build. This is really depends on the person using but for me an iPad just can't hack it with the work I do.

 

[Zest28]

I don't think the iPad Pro should be your only computer, which seems alot of people are doing.

So in my case, the M2 MBA is clashing with my M1 12.9 iPad Pro, as both devices are my "travel devices". The M2 MBA doesn't get used a lot actually so I might end up returning that one due to the iPad Pro.

The 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro is my main machine I work on and the iPad Pro is not competing with that, they have clearly different use cases.

So in my case, the iPad Pro is a laptop replacement of the M2 MBA. But not for the 16" M1 Max.

 

[fakestrawberryflavor]

I prefer the mouse and keyboard interaction of a normal computer for almost every task, but I’m replacing my mobile experience with an iPad, since 100% of what I do is MS teams, outlook, Spotify, and safari browsing. The iPad is far more mobile and easier to jump into using, even if the multi tasking experience of having 3 monitors and a dozen windows open is lacking. Interesting to see how stage manager works in real life, and if it can provide even a half way better experience than current.

 

[Mocha314]

i think it’s crazy that this thread is almost 8 years old and still has new posts almost every day. It’s amazing.

 

[Abazigal]

i think it’s crazy that this thread is almost 8 years old and still has new posts almost every day. It’s amazing.

iPad productivity continues to be a very contentious topic no matter the era.

 

[ericwn]

i think it’s crazy that this thread is almost 8 years old and still has new posts almost every day. It’s amazing.

New users and new features coming along occasionally help and tons of other threads had to be merged into this one because people kept bringing the topic up over and over again.

 

[prospervic]

The 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro is my main machine I work on and the iPad Pro is not competing with that, they have clearly different use cases.

So in my case, the iPad Pro is a laptop replacement of the M2 MBA. But not for the 16" M1 Max.

I second this! iPads and MacBooks need not compete, but can be complimentary. Your use case and equipment is near-similar to mine (I have the 16" M1 Pro).

 

[Veilofsun]

Doe anyone use IPP M1 with Studio Display? Can IPP use Studio Display camera for videoconferencing or it defaults to buit-in camera?