I very much like the concept and design of the folio but I can't justify that kind of price for what is essentially a rubber keyboard. The thing should be $19.99 tops. The combo touch is pretty hard to beat for quality. It did have to get used to it but I did a typing test the other day and was over 70km/h with 99% accuracy.
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iPad as a laptop replacement
- Thread starter Omar Comin' Yo
- WikiPost WikiPost
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Hi everybody.
I’ve been using my new iPad Pro M2 since 2 months, more or less. Previously I had an iPad Pro 9.7’’ since it was launched. This last one has been my main device (almost my only device) for 3-4 years, since my Windows laptop from that time was used only for encoding my dvd collection (iPads still doesn’t have dvd bays 😅). I could go even more years ago, when i buyed my other iPad, the 1st gen, as soon as it was launched. I was one of that crazy people that search for many ways to use the 1st iPad as a computer even being so limited.
I buyed the 9.7 iPad Pro with the Pencil and the SmartKeyboard, and I have to say that loved that keyboard. I liked the low keys, was very fast typing in it. The only problem was that everybody with it knows: after some time, it starts to not connecting to the iPad, and you have to put it off and on several times to get it connected.
Now with the Pro M2 I have the Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, and it’s even more my main computer. I do almost everything in it. I am a Math teacher in Highschool, and all my work is done in it. And I mean all my work.
I still use my previous iPad Pro for watching vídeos and reading comics, and even the 1st gen iPad (the battery in that device is absolutely crazy, even after soooo many years) for reading comics too.
For me, the only issue with using the iPad as my only device is something I don’t know why Apple hasn’t fix now, since it’s a relic from the iPod era: using the Mac as the multimedia center. You still cannot change the author of a book you have in Apple Books, you cannot add mp3 to Music, etc. If they change that, for me there would not be any need of a laptop. Apart from these uses, I only use my MacBook Pro for the big screen (it’s the last 16’’ Intel one). I loved that big chunk, and I know it‘s gonna be with me for many years, since it has more than enough power for my needs and the screen is fantastic, but I can do everything I do (except that relic issue) with the iPad.
So yes, the iPad can be my main computer, it is now (that issue I have mentioned is for something I do so few times that could be whitout fixing - although it would be great Apple do its work in this).
I understand it isn’t the same for everyone, and there are a lot of people that have other needs and the iPad is not enough, but for others the iPad is fantastic. For me, it is the realization of the idea that surged in my mind the first time I saw a TabletPC.
I’ve been using my new iPad Pro M2 since 2 months, more or less. Previously I had an iPad Pro 9.7’’ since it was launched. This last one has been my main device (almost my only device) for 3-4 years, since my Windows laptop from that time was used only for encoding my dvd collection (iPads still doesn’t have dvd bays 😅). I could go even more years ago, when i buyed my other iPad, the 1st gen, as soon as it was launched. I was one of that crazy people that search for many ways to use the 1st iPad as a computer even being so limited.
I buyed the 9.7 iPad Pro with the Pencil and the SmartKeyboard, and I have to say that loved that keyboard. I liked the low keys, was very fast typing in it. The only problem was that everybody with it knows: after some time, it starts to not connecting to the iPad, and you have to put it off and on several times to get it connected.
Now with the Pro M2 I have the Pencil and the Magic Keyboard, and it’s even more my main computer. I do almost everything in it. I am a Math teacher in Highschool, and all my work is done in it. And I mean all my work.
I still use my previous iPad Pro for watching vídeos and reading comics, and even the 1st gen iPad (the battery in that device is absolutely crazy, even after soooo many years) for reading comics too.
For me, the only issue with using the iPad as my only device is something I don’t know why Apple hasn’t fix now, since it’s a relic from the iPod era: using the Mac as the multimedia center. You still cannot change the author of a book you have in Apple Books, you cannot add mp3 to Music, etc. If they change that, for me there would not be any need of a laptop. Apart from these uses, I only use my MacBook Pro for the big screen (it’s the last 16’’ Intel one). I loved that big chunk, and I know it‘s gonna be with me for many years, since it has more than enough power for my needs and the screen is fantastic, but I can do everything I do (except that relic issue) with the iPad.
So yes, the iPad can be my main computer, it is now (that issue I have mentioned is for something I do so few times that could be whitout fixing - although it would be great Apple do its work in this).
I understand it isn’t the same for everyone, and there are a lot of people that have other needs and the iPad is not enough, but for others the iPad is fantastic. For me, it is the realization of the idea that surged in my mind the first time I saw a TabletPC.
I would say the Smart Keyboard Folio is definitely worth more than $20 but yeah Apple stuff is expensive. Though they're higher quality, the downsides for the Combo Touch and MKB 12.9 are the weight and that's a huge negative for me. At 3+ lbs I'd rather just use and tote around a MacBook. The Smart Keyboard keeps the combined weight down to 2.3 pounds and to me it's noticeably and appreciatively lighter - which in turn allows me to replace my laptop (the point of this thread).
Absolutely with you on the weight. At 3lbs and laptop size, it's less portable than a MacBook Air.
The only reason the 11" with Magic Keyboard is more portable than any Macs is because at 2.4lbs it's the lightest laptop-ish device they sell since getting rid of the 2lb 12" MacBook.
I wouldn’t necessarily assume Apple’s accessories are higher quality. Their earphones and chargers have always been more expensive but of poorer quality than some third party offerings for example. iPhone cases like the silicone and leather versions aren’t anywhere near as good as dedicated manufacturers who make better quality products. Looking at some of the complaints about the keyboard edges peeling suggests the quality hasn’t improved since I owned an Apple folio case some years ago as I experienced the same quality issue back then.
Heh, when I played around with the 11” with the SmartKeyboard Folio, it weighed in at 1.67 lbs, and noticeably lighter than my 12” MacBook. Unfortunately, I found the 11” too small to replace my laptop.
Most are the same with that, just too small. So close though. I still have the 12" MacBook and loved it when in use. So it's got to be the 12.9" which I also find a little big
For me the 11" is not too small and I have the Smart Keyboard, but for me the main issue is lappability, that keyboard, contrary to the Magic Keyboard does not work on your lap....
Most are the same with that, just too small. So close though. I still have the 12" MacBook and loved it when in use. So it's got to be the 12.9" which I also find a little big
Not only is it big, but as someone who watches a lot of video on my laptops and tablets, there is so much wasted space from the black bars from the square aspect ratio of the 12.9".
The 12.9" is already pushing it in terms of tablet size, but then you've got the heavier than a laptop weight with the Magic Keyboard, and then you tell me a lot of the size and heft is from space that's wasted for my usage, and you factor in the price... It just didn't add up in any way for me and that's why I returned it.
These days I use my 11" iPad almost purely in its folio case (the one with no keyboard) as a tablet.
Most are the same with that, just too small. So close though. I still have the 12" MacBook and loved it when in use. So it's got to be the 12.9" which I also find a little big
I really like the 12.9" display size and I'll never buy another smaller iPad (had the Air 2 & 10.5"). I don't find the combined weight with the Magic Keyboard to be a problem in the least. I also prefer the aspect ratio over the myriad of Android tablets I've owned (and still have but never use). But we're talking personal preferences and there is no right or wrong, just what works best for the individual.
What drove home the fact the 12.9" really wasn't for me was I had the opportunity to compare it side by side with the 14" MacBook Pro for a week or so.
I found that the iPad wasn't any more portable than the 14". In any situation it made sense to use the 12.9" iPad, it made just as much sense as the 14". And since video is so much better on the 14" due to the more suitable aspect ratio, always preferred the MacBook.
I would be up for a 12" iPad with the same aspect ratio as the current 11". I think that would be a sweet spot.
I would really love to see what a 12" MacBook looks like next to an 11" iPad with Magic Keyboard. Since the MacBook has a bigger screen and even still is .4lbs lighter, it's an interesting comparison.
I found that the iPad wasn't any more portable than the 14". In any situation it made sense to use the 12.9" iPad, it made just as much sense as the 14". And since video is so much better on the 14" due to the more suitable aspect ratio, always preferred the MacBook.
I would be up for a 12" iPad with the same aspect ratio as the current 11". I think that would be a sweet spot.
I would really love to see what a 12" MacBook looks like next to an 11" iPad with Magic Keyboard. Since the MacBook has a bigger screen and even still is .4lbs lighter, it's an interesting comparison.
A big reason why the ipad isn't good to use without a case is because the edges on the ipad are razor sharp. You can easily cut yourself and not sure why anyone would want to use it without a case. Very uncomfortable to use without a case as the edges dig into your hands. Apple needs to fix this.
iPad becomes advantageous if there's a need for pen input. However, the MacBook Air M1 is such good value (and lighter than a 12.9 + Magic Keyboard) that without a need for pen input, it probably makes more sense to go with a MacBook. On top of that you don't have to worry whether your device has the capabilities to achieve what you need to.
Been a 12.9" user since Apple introduced it back in 2015 and I can't see myself going any smaller. Similar to your thoughts.. I don't have a problem with the weight combined with the Magic Keyboard (both travels with me when I'm on the go).
I like the bigger size iPad... primarily for the multitasking aspect of it. If a 14" iPad were announced... I would certainly be a day one user.
I literally spent a minute rubbing my finger back and forth along the edges of my iPad… no cuts.
lol - did the same after reading that.
Maybe Sharp Electronics made Deep’s iPad. 🤣No cuts here
It’s still razor sharp. Apple should go back to the rounded edges of the older ipad designs. Those ones were comfortable to use without a case and without scraping up your hands.
I have a MBA M1 and an IPP (2020 and a 2017 MBP) and I always go for my IPP when I can - work has some weird security policies that cause issues on the IPP which mean I have to use the MBA.
Why? I just much prefer the form factor, it’s more “tactile” so a difference experience to a laptop. Yes, I do use the pencil too - as I love a mind map and collaborating on virtual whiteboards is so much better. It takes up less space on my lap on the sofa in the evening - the screen is great for moves (and the speakers).
The MBA is a nice laptop and I would happily use it all the time, it’s not perfect tho. Only drives one external screen and sometimes it can take 30+ seconds just to open an app e.g Excel/Word - which drives me mad as it’s super powerful. (I got bored of trying to sort it out) - Teams every few days throws a wobbly - but that is probably Microsoft’s fault no the laptop.
Yeah I don't know about that one. Nobody is scraping up their hands using an iPad Pro.
The edges of the iPad Pro are rounded. I have used it while resting the sides on my tummy and I haven’t had any issues.
I have the M1 12.9 and yes, the edges are definitely rounded.