iPad as a laptop replacement

[JayMysterio]

I use both. To me they are still two different animals / devices that complement one another. With an app on both devices you get an art tablet that you can draw on while using desktop level applications. The iPad Pro is creeping up on laptop replacement status but it's done with certain accommodations. If you're able why not use both and get the best of both worlds. Procreate is a must own.

 

[Dave-Z]

This is a big deal for me too, but seeing that Apple's higher spec laptops don't even have escape keys any more I'm not optimistic.

Ugg.. gosh I know.

 

[unobtainium]

Currently I'm using my IPP as if it were my main computer, but the truth is I still have my 2013 MBP. It has a bad battery (so it's chained to the desk) and some keyboard issues that make it unbearable to use. So I use the iPP most of the time, yet I still wouldn't want to be without that old MacBook for backup. Occasionally you just come across things that are really difficult to do on a mobile OS.

 

[pdaholic]

I use my IPP 10.5 as my primary device. I have a 13 inch MBP which handles the few things that the IPP can’t, like transferring music files to my iPhone so they can sync with my Apple Watch. Come to think of it, the only other thing I use my MBP for is for backing up files and transferring to my NAS.

I highly recommend Readdle’s Documents app for a better file system and for downloading items from the internet. It has made iOS actually usable.

My only regret is not getting the 12.9 inch IPP!

 

[Puonti]

My 12.9" has definitely become my primary computing device at home. Since 2010 I've had an iMac and was super close to getting a MacBook to replace it, but the various reported quality control issues made me cautious. While waiting for "that one generation that just fixes all of it" I ended up getting the bigger iPad and it's been great.

Now I'm pondering if I could just sidestep all the MacBook issues by buying a new iMac and sticking with the iPad for when I don't want to be tied to a desk. I still want a Mac for properly managing my data and making backups; that's just not possible in a satisfactory manner on an iPad (Time Machine, ARQ, external drives). Some image manipulation tasks are also way easier with Mac software.

 

[The_Interloper]

This video kind of sums it all up but the last 30 secs really nail it (wish Apple would make something like a Surface Pro).

 

[The Game 161]

I have to use both personally

 

[rillrill]

Quick question for peeps that use the Apple Pencil. Can you use it to edit spreadsheets? Like clicking into a cell with a mouse?

 

[sracer]

Quick question for peeps that use the Apple Pencil. Can you use it to edit spreadsheets? Like clicking into a cell with a mouse?

Yes you can. (though sometimes it gets picked up as scrolling rather than highlighting a range) I've tried it thinking that it would be a viable alternative to a mouse. It isn't. More movements required than when using a mouse. Unlike a mouse that just lays there, place hand on it and move it, the Pencil has to be picked up and then moved, then put back down.

But others might find it acceptable.

 

[ThunderSkunk]

It's 7:30am, and I have a presentation coming up. Here is a glimpse at the endless string of limitations you run into trying to get an iPad to work as your only computer, encountered in just one morning.

-No way around iTunes DRM telling you you're not authorized to play it
-Can't extend your workstations display onto it without Duet melting
-Can't play a movie on screen but export the audio to your iMacs big speakers
-Can't play a movie on mute and listen to music at the same time
-Or play an audio book and put a little music on in the background
-Or play any two audio or video sources at once
-Can't Import and edit films not shot on the device
-Recognize your Skype Number as your phone service, and enable the phone functionality of iOS still included but hidden on the iPad.
-Apple Maps still can't plan an efficient multi-destination route
-Still drops its maps if you go off route and then gives you a blank screen to navigate from after that
-Once you're out of town and it drops cellular, it reports "No Service" indefinitely until you reboot the device in range of a connection.
-Push Email that doesn't update for days until you manually fetch it.
-Podcasts that don't download until you manually refresh them the minute you're running out the door
-Still no even basic 3D Modeling apps
-iPad Pro + Pencil = Still too laggy to draw in vector format any better than a pogo stylus.

When you choose an iPad, you are choosing to only do certain kinds of tasks, in the manner that Apple may or may not have completely laid out for you to do them in. So far I have yet to find anything that an iPad actually does without some problem or severe limitation. I keep trying though.

 

[sracer]

It's 7:30am, and I have a presentation coming up. Here is a glimpse at the endless string of limitations you run into trying to get an iPad to work as your only computer, encountered in just one morning.

-No way around iTunes DRM telling you you're not authorized to play it
-Can't extend your workstations display onto it without Duet melting
-Can't play a movie on screen but export the audio to your iMacs big speakers
-Can't play a movie on mute and listen to music at the same time
-Or play an audio book and put a little music on in the background
-Or play any two audio or video sources at once
-Can't Import and edit films not shot on the device
-Recognize your Skype Number as your phone service, and enable the phone functionality of iOS still included but hidden on the iPad.
-Apple Maps still can't plan an efficient multi-destination route
-Still drops its maps if you go off route and then gives you a blank screen to navigate from after that
-Once you're out of town and it drops cellular, it reports "No Service" indefinitely until you reboot the device in range of a connection.
-Push Email that doesn't update for days until you manually fetch it.
-Podcasts that don't download until you manually refresh them the minute you're running out the door
-Still no even basic 3D Modeling apps
-iPad Pro + Pencil = Still too laggy to draw in vector format any better than a pogo stylus.

When you choose an iPad, you are choosing to only do certain kinds of tasks, in the manner that Apple may or may not have completely laid out for you to do them in. So far I have yet to find anything that an iPad actually does without some problem or severe limitation. I keep trying though.

I've bolded what sets iOS and Apple from their competition. If one can manage to adjust their workflows to conform to the "happy path" then things work pretty good. For the alternatives, one has to forge their own path. For some people, working within a limited but defined scope is better than taking the time to create a setup that is optimized for what they need to get done.

You've said that you keep trying in spite of the limitations and hurdles you've experienced. THAT is to Apple's credit. They've made it so that you see value in their products even though it isn't a great fit.

I'm a bit beyond that stage. After a prolonged (since day-1, gen-1 iPad) and extensive effort, I am now no longer trying. Apple has made it clear how far (or not) they are willing to go toward expanding the capabilities of iOS/iPad. I accept it for what it is. An enjoyable device for casual computing needs. That's how I use them. I am redirecting my attention to other options where there is greater potential for a mobile device that can accomplish the things I need to do in a non-conventional device (ie. not a traditional laptop w/desktop OS).

 

[garelon]

I sold my mbp, bought an ipad pro 12.9 a year ago. After few months I started missing the cursor too much. Especially for word processing and editing and decided to buy a chromebook. I’m waiting for ios 12 to see if some mouse support will be implemented, even in app. If not I’ll sell both and switch to a more performing chromebook.

I like the idea of light and simple os, and I’d definitely stick with ios with mouse support...

 

[sracer]

I sold my mbp, bought an ipad pro 12.9 a year ago. After few months I started missing the cursor too much. Especially for word processing and editing and decided to buy a chromebook. I’m waiting for ios 12 to see if some mouse support will be implemented, even in app. If not I’ll sell both and switch to a more performing chromebook.

I like the idea of light and simple os, and I’d definitely stick with ios with mouse support...

After doing some serious experimenting with a cheap convertible chromebook (Acer R11), I've concluded that the platform (convertible chromebook) could be a real winner for my needs... I've got my eye on the Samsung Chromebook Plus (or Pro) and waiting for a killer sale. Until then, the Lenovo Yoga Book (Android version) is a fine placeholder.

 

[kp98077]

This video kind of sums it all up but the last 30 secs really nail it (wish Apple would make something like a Surface Pro).

They do, it’s called the air.. the surface crashes all the time! Lol

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Quick question for peeps that use the Apple Pencil. Can you use it to edit spreadsheets? Like clicking into a cell with a mouse?

I do use it for that purpose. It gives me more precision than my finger on the screen.

 

[csurfr]

They do, it’s called the air.. the surface crashes all the time! Lol

There is absolutely nothing in the Apple lineup that directly competes with the Surface line, as @Queen6 and others would be happy to tell you.

I owned the same Surface Laptop that is shown on that screen cap and never did I have an issue with it. Battery life was fantastic, the OS was smooth, and the keyboard was great. The only reason I got rid of it was because I no longer needed Visual Studio for .net.

 

[kp98077]

There is absolutely nothing in the Apple lineup that directly competes with the Surface line, as @Queen6 and others would be happy to tell you.

I owned the same Surface Laptop that is shown on that screen cap and never did I have an issue with it. Battery life was fantastic, the OS was smooth, and the keyboard was great. The only reason I got rid of it was because I no longer needed Visual Studio for .net.

Yes, and apple I believe doesn’t care about competing in any way regarding the surface.. have you used one? When I did I thought it was awful frankly.....sounds like maybe you should just go back to the surface then? yeah I see there are software limitations but that is totally different! That and IOS vs. PC platform..
[doublepost=1521918889][/doublepost]

It's 7:30am, and I have a presentation coming up. Here is a glimpse at the endless string of limitations you run into trying to get an iPad to work as your only computer, encountered in just one morning.

-No way around iTunes DRM telling you you're not authorized to play it
-Can't extend your workstations display onto it without Duet melting
-Can't play a movie on screen but export the audio to your iMacs big speakers
-Can't play a movie on mute and listen to music at the same time
-Or play an audio book and put a little music on in the background
-Or play any two audio or video sources at once
-Can't Import and edit films not shot on the device
-Recognize your Skype Number as your phone service, and enable the phone functionality of iOS still included but hidden on the iPad.
-Apple Maps still can't plan an efficient multi-destination route
-Still drops its maps if you go off route and then gives you a blank screen to navigate from after that
-Once you're out of town and it drops cellular, it reports "No Service" indefinitely until you reboot the device in range of a connection.
-Push Email that doesn't update for days until you manually fetch it.
-Podcasts that don't download until you manually refresh them the minute you're running out the door
-Still no even basic 3D Modeling apps
-iPad Pro + Pencil = Still too laggy to draw in vector format any better than a pogo stylus.

When you choose an iPad, you are choosing to only do certain kinds of tasks, in the manner that Apple may or may not have completely laid out for you to do them in. So far I have yet to find anything that an iPad actually does without some problem or severe limitation. I keep trying though.

Hmmmm interesting perspective, I agree you probably cant use it the iPad as a replacement but to say you have issues with everything it does? Interesting... I use it for email, web surfing, medical imaging review, anything medical related (lab text review) etc., texting, MS word and that’s 90 percent of what I do, so for me that works well, for others.. maybe not so good...

 

[csurfr]

Yes, and apple I believe doesn’t care about competing in any way regarding the surface.. have you used one? When I did I thought it was awful frankly.....sounds like maybe you should just go back to the surface then? yeah I see there are software limitations but that is totally different! That and IOS vs. PC platform..

You were the one comparing the surface to the air, not me. I stated that your comparison is wrong. And if you read my post you’d see that I did own a surface laptop (as well as a surface pro 4, and surface book 2 which I didn’t need to mention as they aren’t what you are comparing). And even if you were attempting to compare the iPad to the Surface....it doesn’t. They are completely different devices, with the commonality of a touchscreen.

 

[kp98077]

You were the one comparing the surface to the air, not me. I stated that your comparison is wrong. And if you read my post you’d see that I did own a surface laptop (as well as a surface pro 4, and surface book 2 which I didn’t need to mention as they aren’t what you are comparing). And even if you were attempting to compare the iPad to the Surface....it doesn’t. They are completely different devices, with the commonality of a touchscreen.

Good for you! Seems like you are in WRONG forum lol!!

 

[csurfr]

Good for you! Seems like you are in WRONG forum lol!!

I’m in the wrong forum because I replied to your comments? You got it.

 

[kp98077]

I’m in the wrong forum because I replied to your comments? You got it.

Anddddddddd your replied.. so yeah.. lol DUH

 

[mk313]

It's 7:30am, and I have a presentation coming up. Here is a glimpse at the endless string of limitations you run into trying to get an iPad to work as your only computer, encountered in just one morning.

-No way around iTunes DRM telling you you're not authorized to play it
-Can't extend your workstations display onto it without Duet melting
-Can't play a movie on screen but export the audio to your iMacs big speakers
-Can't play a movie on mute and listen to music at the same time
-Or play an audio book and put a little music on in the background
-Or play any two audio or video sources at once
-Can't Import and edit films not shot on the device
-Recognize your Skype Number as your phone service, and enable the phone functionality of iOS still included but hidden on the iPad.
-Apple Maps still can't plan an efficient multi-destination route
-Still drops its maps if you go off route and then gives you a blank screen to navigate from after that
-Once you're out of town and it drops cellular, it reports "No Service" indefinitely until you reboot the device in range of a connection.
-Push Email that doesn't update for days until you manually fetch it.
-Podcasts that don't download until you manually refresh them the minute you're running out the door
-Still no even basic 3D Modeling apps
-iPad Pro + Pencil = Still too laggy to draw in vector format any better than a pogo stylus.

I’m in the camp that agrees that using an iPad as your only computer is challenging, but I think that many of the issues you’ve experienced would not be issues for the majority of iPad users.

Playing an audio book, plus music at the same time or playing a movie on mute, but with music in the background are not issues that I've ever had or even heard of anyone else ever posting an issue with here on the forums since I've been reading them, so I think those might be pretty niche use cases.

iTunes DRM is certainly an issue if it's not working for you, but again that seems like an issue that most people don't have (at least based on the number of times I've seen the issue posted here on the forums) and is likely not an ongoing concern for most people.

Skype works on an iPad, but it won't work through the iPad's iOS phone functionality, but that's not really an issue that would go away if you used a regular computer instead of an iPad, which is what this post originally asked about.

I'm not sure on the editing film content not shot on the iPad, but I'm certain you can import films through iCloud, as I've done it myself several times.

Apple Maps and Podcasts issues are related to specific apps, not to the iPad in general. There are plenty of aftermarket apps for both functions that you can use to eliminate those issues.

 

[npolly0212]

Use the ipad for lounging around and just surfing stuff and mainly for taking notes and whatnot. My laptop is used for more serious surfing and work (web developer). So can't really have the ipad replace my macbook but it comes pretty close to it!

 

[macgeek18]

No. But the iPad is great for browsing the web in my chair. The triple monitor desktop does all the work I need and the laptop for on the go productivity. I can’t remote into work and be productive on the iPad.

 

[kagharaht]

This video kind of sums it all up but the last 30 secs really nail it (wish Apple would make something like a Surface Pro).

I almost bought an iPad PRO (Laughable). Not even close to qualifying as a Pro device. Instead I just bought 5th generation to replace my aging iPad 2nd generation.