iPad as a laptop replacement

[JTK Awesome]

I'm about to put my iPad-as-only-computer experience to good use... My 2-week-old Mac Mini needs repair (Ethernet port crapped out unexpectedly).

One day in and I’m quickly reminded why I gave up on this experiment.

The biggest problem is that, with the M1 iPad Air, the ASD is almost as buggy as the LG Ultrafine 5K. Random behavior includes:

• the display won’t turn on, but the iPad will recognize some or all (also random) of the peripherals connected to the monitor’s built-in USB hub
• the display will stubbornly stay on mirroring the iPad instead of extending it, sometimes (also random) not letting me change this in iPadOS Settings
• the display ignores the brightness control in Control Center
• the display goes black for a few seconds
• the pointer jumps about while using the trackpad
• the iPad locks itself while in use

I’m using my M1 iPad Air with an IF-certified 10gbps USB-C cable between the display and iPad. (And I’ve replaced this cable while troubleshooting… it’s not the cable. It’s not the peripherals either.) Furthermore, the ASD and its hub work flawlessly when driven by my M2 Pro Mini.

A distant second on my list of grievances is that Stage Manage is a PITA. This is subjective of course, but I’ve tried it on both MacOS and iPadOS several times, and it’s frustrating at best.

Finally, 3rd party iPadOS apps are still awkward on an extended display. YouTube is the worst offender.

(And of course, the iPad can’t update the ASD, nor use its built-in camera.)

 

[gangzoom]

A few weeks in and I have to say am loving my iPad Pro experience. I still have various work laptops docked at multiple locations (I work across 3 different physical sites + from home at times).

Got hold of some cheapo (but very efficitive) ANC headphones. Paried with the iPad Pro it turned an otherwise unproductive few hours at the local kids play centre into a really useful few hours of getting comments done on some work papers, and all without the faff of a laptop.

Stage manager with external displays is flaky though, but it plays nicely with all the HP docks+displays at work.

Mine is massively improved my productivity away from the desk(s), which in my book is invaluable. The ability to work efficiently anywhere enables me to spend more time with my family, even if its just saving the commute times etc.

The hardware is really powerful, software is OK for my use of work managed Office suite + OneDrive.

 

[teh_hunterer]

I'm a multi-device person too. I just find changing keyboards all the time for one device to be too much work. And if one paid regular price for these keyboard cases, they would easily spend 1K just on keyboard cases. More than what most spend on their ipad.

Hardly anyone is "changing keyboards all the time". I have my iPad Pro on the Smart Folio when I don't need a keyboard (most of the time), and on the Magic Keyboard when I want to go full keyboard/trackpad. Swapping between them takes no time at all and is done rarely. That's two cases, hardly $1000.

 

[DeepSix]

Hardly anyone is "changing keyboards all the time". I have my iPad Pro on the Smart Folio when I don't need a keyboard (most of the time), and on the Magic Keyboard when I want to go full keyboard/trackpad. Swapping between them takes no time at all and is done rarely. That's two cases, hardly $1000.

Well what about for those who are changing keyboards like every hour or half hour? We don't even change our underwear that often.

 

[Digitalguy]

Well what about for those who are changing keyboards like every hour or half hour? We don't even change our underwear that often.

You really like to bring back your underwear joke
Joking aside, I don't see the point of making extreme and unrealistic scenarios. If you are happy with your Combo Touch that's all that matters. Some people prefer magnetic keyboards/cases and that's fine too and their arguments are pretty solid too. It's a matter of priorities, there is no right or wrong.

 

[CharlesShaw]

I don‘t need a trackpad, and all my iPad typing is at the same table, so a dedicated Mac Magic Keyboard works well for me. I love having media control keys and it won’t be obsolete when I inevitably upgrade my 2017 iPad Pro.

 

[Ludatyk]

One day in and I’m quickly reminded why I gave up on this experiment.

The biggest problem is that, with the M1 iPad Air, the ASD is almost as buggy as the LG Ultrafine 5K. Random behavior includes:

• the display won’t turn on, but the iPad will recognize some or all (also random) of the peripherals connected to the monitor’s built-in USB hub
• the display will stubbornly stay on mirroring the iPad instead of extending it, sometimes (also random) not letting me change this in iPadOS Settings
• the display ignores the brightness control in Control Center
• the display goes black for a few seconds
• the pointer jumps about while using the trackpad
• the iPad locks itself while in use

Fortunately, I haven't had these problems you listed when using the iPad on an external display (except the lack of brightness controls)... my only gripe with it is not being able to get better resolution options.

But I don't really use that much peripherals with the iPad... I connect the iPad to an external display while using the Magic Keyboard.

A distant second on my list of grievances is that Stage Manage is a PITA. This is subjective of course, but I’ve tried it on both MacOS and iPadOS several times, and it’s frustrating at best.

Finally, 3rd party iPadOS apps are still awkward on an extended display. YouTube is the worst offender.

I'm glad you mention it's all subjective... because I don't believe Stage Manager is a PITA. Now I do agree Youtube needs to be updated to support Stage Manager window sizing, but its not egregious nor is the app unusable.

 

[rillrill]

I just did it, picked up a mini 6 in purple. Looks like I'm keeping the combo touch now.

Having had a mini 6 before, the biggest advantage the mini has over any of the larger iPads when used purely as a tablet and tablet only, is the on screen keyboard. Because of the minis size you can easily two hand thumb type on the mini 6 like you would a phone and it's far more comfortable to do than on a larger iPad because the larger iPads on screen keyboards are just too big and unless you have dinosaur hands the device is too big to hand hold it like you can with the mini.

I'll see how I find this combo and if I can't find it justified I have 14 days to return the mini.

I had the mini, but ultimately replaced it with the 11" M1 Pro. It is a truly good tablet/pseudo phablet - a great content reader/viewer. However, I like working in desktop mode - and if the mini could get external monitor support it would be perfect for my work. Until then, I'll have to stick with the smallest M1.

 

[teh_hunterer]

I had the mini, but ultimately replaced it with the 11" M1 Pro. It is a truly good tablet/pseudo phablet - a great content reader/viewer. However, I like working in desktop mode - and if the mini could get external monitor support it would be perfect for my work. Until then, I'll have to stick with the smallest M1.

It's annoying isn't it. Apple could make the tiniest most portable computer ever if they wanted to. Imagine being able to dock an iPad Mini to a monitor/mouse/kb and use it as a desktop.

 

[bondr006]

It's annoying isn't it. Apple could make the tiniest most portable computer ever if they wanted to. Imagine being able to dock an iPad Mini to a monitor/mouse/kb and use it as a desktop.

I'd like my iPhone 13PM be able to do that. The Samsung phones can run a desktop type environment connected to an external monitor. Why not an iPhone. My 13PM and the 14PM's have 6gb ram so it should be no problem.

 

[teh_hunterer]

I'd like my iPhone 13PM be able to do that. The Samsung phones can run a desktop type environment connected to an external monitor. Why not an iPhone. My 13PM and the 14PM's have 6gb ram so it should be no problem.

You'd think it surely has to go that way some day. My understanding is that the lack of proper memory swap in the non-M1 chips is the reason the non-M1 iPads didn't get external monitor support with Stage Manager - however that's because it wasn't able to run 8 apps side by side (4 on the iPad screen + 4 on the external monitor). The iPhone wouldn't have this problem though, because you would only have a maximum of 4 apps on the external monitor and 1 on the iPhone screen.

Perhaps the lightning connector at USB speeds is the only major issue preventing it from being a thing with the current phones.

Man... imagine if all you needed to carry to and from was your phone. I carry a 3.5 laptop at the moment...

 

[Digitalguy]

You'd think it surely has to go that way some day. My understanding is that the lack of proper memory swap in the non-M1 chips is the reason the non-M1 iPads didn't get external monitor support with Stage Manager - however that's because it wasn't able to run 8 apps side by side (4 on the iPad screen + 4 on the external monitor). The iPhone wouldn't have this problem though, because you would only have a maximum of 4 apps on the external monitor and 1 on the iPhone screen.

Perhaps the lightning connector at USB speeds is the only major issue preventing it from being a thing with the current phones.

Man... imagine if all you needed to carry to and from was your phone. I carry a 3.5 laptop at the moment...

Air 5 64GB does not have memory swap and still has Stage Manager.
As for the iPhone using Stage Manager on an external display, it wouldn't change much. It's already possible on Android, for instance with DEX and the truth is that very few people use it instead of a laptop desktop, simply because you either need a laptop dock (and then it's better to have a laptop with a proper OS) or monitor, keyboard and mouse, and if you have all that you probably already have a computer too (again with a much more capable OS). It's a very niche use case that will definitely not replace a laptop for the vast majority of users.

 

[bondr006]

Man... imagine if all you needed to carry to and from was your phone. I carry a 3.5 laptop at the moment...

One can only hope, because that would definitely be the convenience bomb. And, very appreciated by the minimalist.

Alright, now you have my curiosity piqued. 3.5 laptop? Time to spill the beans.

 

[bondr006]

Air 5 64GB does not have memory swap and still has Stage Manager.
As for the iPhone using Stage Manager on an external display, it wouldn't change much. It's already possible on Android, for instance with DEX and the truth is that very few people use it instead of a laptop desktop, simply because you either need a laptop dock (and then it's better to have a laptop with a proper OS) or monitor, keyboard and mouse, and if you have all that you probably already have a computer too (again with a much more capable OS). It's a very niche use case that will definitely not replace a laptop for the vast majority of users.

Yes, that is true, but those that already like being able to do it with their iPads, would enjoy it....including me.😊

 

[Digitalguy]

Yes, that is true, but those that already like being able to do it with their iPads, would enjoy it....including me.😊

Sure there would be a group of users that really likes the possibility, just as many praise Dex, but for the vast majority of users it would be something that would be used very rarely or never, because again you need the same hardware that you need to run a desktop OS but without the advatanges of a desktop OS (which are still critical for most people that are not fine with just their phone already)
The iPad does not need a keyboard and monitor to be used instead of a laptop so it's different...

 

[teh_hunterer]

One can only hope, because that would definitely be the convenience bomb. And, very appreciated by the minimalist.

Alright, now you have my curiosity piqued. 3.5 laptop? Time to spill the beans.
View attachment 2189468

Oh just the 14" MacBook Pro (M1 Pro). It's a work provided device. 3.5lbs

 

[teh_hunterer]

Air 5 64GB does not have memory swap and still has Stage Manager.

I believe this is a very common misunderstanding. The 64GB Air does not allow apps to utilise memory swap to use more RAM than normal, however memory swap is almost certainly still available to the OS, and this is what it uses to run 8 apps side by side in Stage Manager.

 

[Ludatyk]

Sure there would be a group of users that really likes the possibility, just as many praise Dex, but for the vast majority of users it would be something that would be used very rarely or never,

I think what you are neglecting is Samsung doesn’t market DeX as they should… DeX users are critical about Samsung missing the opportunity of making it more mainstream. Some DeX capable (smartphone) users doesn’t know their phone has the ability to have a desktop environment when plugged into a TV or monitor.

The iPad does not need a keyboard and monitor to be used instead of a laptop so it's different...

Well, the smartphone does not need a keyboard and monitor to be used. You are focusing on the vast majority of users... whereas I think there's not many user plugging their iPad to a monitor to be used as a desktop yet Apple made that a reality.

So, I think the principle still applies... at the end of the day its all about having a feature rich product. An iPhone that can be plugged into a monitor that results in a desktop environment... why disapprove this?

 

[bondr006]

Oh just the 14" MacBook Pro (M1 Pro). It's a work provided device. 3.5lbs

Oh, I see. For some reason, I thought you meant a 3.5 inch laptop.

 

[teh_hunterer]

As for the iPhone using Stage Manager on an external display, it wouldn't change much. It's already possible on Android, for instance with DEX and the truth is that very few people use it instead of a laptop desktop, simply because you either need a laptop dock (and then it's better to have a laptop with a proper OS) or monitor, keyboard and mouse, and if you have all that you probably already have a computer too (again with a much more capable OS). It's a very niche use case that will definitely not replace a laptop for the vast majority of users.

Who says it has to fully replace a laptop for most people? It would be nice to have in a pinch though. The way things are going, each desk in offices and eventually homes is going to have a monitor or dock where the device plugs in via USB-C/thunderbolt, and being able to fall back on plugging in a phone or iPad in a pinch would be great. I wouldn't necessarily do it every day, but the option would be cool.

99%+ desks at the institution I work at have a USB-C dock+multi monitor setup already, where the staff plug in their laptop.

Also, you'd be surprised how quickly some organisations would want to save money by not providing laptops. And there's also the fact you could use it if your laptop is broken - in business settings laptops break all the time and having to source a spare for the 2-3 days it's going to take to repair that is a constant annoyance. Having multiple devices be capable of replacing a desktop for standard work even if it's just tiding you over for a bit is cool even if it doesn't mean you throw your laptop away tomorrow.

Whether it's a phone or something else isn't necessarily the thing that interests me though. What's annoying is in this new age of Apple silicon, the lightest and smallest device Apple sells that runs macOS is the 13" 2.7lbs MacBook Air. They used to sell a 12" 2lb laptop, and I just really wish they would sell something in that weight and size class again.

 

[Digitalguy]

I believe this is a very common misunderstanding. The 64GB Air does not allow apps to utilise memory swap to use more RAM than normal, however memory swap is almost certainly still available to the OS, and this is what it uses to run 8 apps side by side in Stage Manager.

Source?

 

[Digitalguy]

I think what you are neglecting is Samsung doesn’t market DeX as they should… DeX users are critical about Samsung missing the opportunity of making it more mainstream. Some DeX capable (smartphone) users doesn’t know their phone has the ability to have a desktop environment when plugged into a TV or monitor.

I think they market it enough for what it is. It's just not something most people would use regularly

Well, the smartphone does not need a keyboard and monitor to be used. You are focusing on the vast majority of users... whereas I think there's not many user plugging their iPad to a monitor to be used as a desktop yet Apple made that a reality.

So, I think the principle still applies... at the end of the day its all about having a feature rich product. An iPhone that can be plugged into a monitor that results in a desktop environment... why disapprove this?

Nobody disapproved it. I just said it's not a laptop replacement for most people and it's no revolution, just a useful feature in some situations

 

[Digitalguy]

Who says it has to fully replace a laptop for most people? It would be nice to have in a pinch though. The way things are going, each desk in offices and eventually homes is going to have a monitor or dock where the device plugs in via USB-C/thunderbolt, and being able to fall back on plugging in a phone or iPad in a pinch would be great. I wouldn't necessarily do it every day, but the option would be cool.

99%+ desks at the institution I work at have a USB-C dock+multi monitor setup already, where the staff plug in their laptop.

Also, you'd be surprised how quickly some organisations would want to save money by not providing laptops. And there's also the fact you could use it if your laptop is broken - in business settings laptops break all the time and having to source a spare for the 2-3 days it's going to take to repair that is a constant annoyance. Having multiple devices be capable of replacing a desktop for standard work even if it's just tiding you over for a bit is cool even if it doesn't mean you throw your laptop away tomorrow.

Whether it's a phone or something else isn't necessarily the thing that interests me though. What's annoying is in this new age of Apple silicon, the lightest and smallest device Apple sells that runs macOS is the 13" 2.7lbs MacBook Air. They used to sell a 12" 2lb laptop, and I just really wish they would sell something in that weight and size class again.

Agree, it's "nice to have in a pinch". I have used Dex a couple of times over the last couple of years.
As for 99% in your institution etc, as I said it doesn't matter most of the time, as there is already a more capable OS available.
And as a laptop replacement on the go, you need a laptop dock, which more "inconvenient" than an actual laptop.
As for replacing a broken laptop, yes, it's part of "in a pinch" and it's still a partial replacement.
The issue I have is when someone says "I could replace a 3.5 pounds laptop" with a phone. No, you would still need additional hardware on the go and on site you probably already have desktops available. And above all, there are all the missing software and features from a desktop OS.
And for the last point, I am the first person to ask for a 2lb MacBook. I refuse to buy any Apple Silicon MacBook over 1kg. I have 2 12" Macbooks and I still use them daily. Plus a 2lb cellular Thinkpad. So I am the first fan of ultraportables.
Dex or Stage Manager in a phone are no replacement for that.

 

[Ludatyk]

I think they market it enough for what it is. It's just not something most people would use regularly

I disagree. If it was marketed better and more people were aware of it... it would be used more than you think especially for people on a budget.

As much as I like DeX, my wish for Samsung is to replace DeX with ChromeOS... but I know that'll never happen.

I have 2 12" Macbooks and I still use them daily. Plus a 2lb cellular Thinkpad. So I am the first fan of ultraportables.

I understand you are a tech enthusiast with many devices at your disposal, but I'm curious in what cases are you daily using a 2017 Macbook?

 

[SteveJUAE]

I understand you are a tech enthusiast with many devices at your disposal, but I'm curious in what cases are you daily using a 2017 Macbook?

2017 ? The MB12 came out in 2015, I bought 4 of them for my family other than my youngest. I was a great supporter of the format, but boy did they fail to keep pace and even my wife with a very modest requirements of dailies soon had hers over heating, so she only got 4/5 years out of hers and an arm based Samsung Book that took over was like a breath of fresh air for her usage and lighter with well over 15 hours battery