iPad as a laptop replacement

[Zest28]

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 don’t think you own a M1 12.9 iPad pro at all. There is nothing sharp about it.

 

[The point and shoot pro]

I don’t think you own a M1 12.9 iPad pro at all. There is nothing sharp about it.

I agree. There is nothing "sharp" about any iPad. Now, the connection between the screen and body of the watch ultra, that is a little on the scratchy side if you see some videos out there of people running their fingernails on the edge and it scrapes them.

 

[Macalicious2011]

I own a M1 13 inch MacBook Pro and an M1 11 inch iPad Pro. Let me share my perspective on this debate.

The iPad was developed to offer a different experience to a desktop, the same way the iPhone offered a different experience to PDAs and blackberries.

Whether the iPad is a desktop replacement depends on your use case e.g:
-Personal
-Student
-Gaming
-Professionally

For the first one, the answer is simply yes. For the others it depends on your edge cases, how often they occur and whether you have access to a computer for executing them.

I should also point out that my iPad has a Logitech combo touch case. It's by far the best accessory you can buy for an iPad, it transforms it into a mini computer whilst retaining the flexibility of an iPad for casual use. I regret not buying one sooner. It's so good that I purchased one for my GF and she's not used her laptop since. Keys and track pad feel as good as on my MacBook and the case doesn't need charging.

Here are some of the issues that I have encountered whilst using the iPad as a laptop replacement.
-Word processing and creating presentations can be fiddly as the cursor is less precise compared with a desktop.
-Some apps have a reduced experience e.g tool bar is smaller or some desktop features are missing.
-Accessories like stream deck and some wired peripherals are not supported.
-USB dongles are a headache, some work and others don't. Sure there's official one with HDMI but if plugged in to a monitor, you cannot use the built in speakers on the iPad.

For general usage the iPad is brilliant and for gaming it's actually better than a Mac as you can jump into COD and play online is less than a minute. However, for advance or professional use, there is a risk that you might spend too much trying to make things work than being productive.

As for myself, I use both devices and consider them complementary rather than outright rivals. IMO, the best combination is an M1/M2 MPB and a 2-5 year old iPad with a Logi Combo Touch case.

 

[rillrill]

I own a M1 13 inch MacBook Pro and an M1 11 inch iPad Pro. Let me share my perspective on this debate.

The iPad was developed to offer a different experience to a desktop, the same way the iPhone offered a different experience to PDAs and blackberries.

Whether the iPad is a desktop replacement depends on your use case e.g:
-Personal
-Student
-Gaming
-Professionally

For the first one, the answer is simply yes. For the others it depends on your edge cases, how often they occur and whether you have access to a computer for executing them.

I should also point out that my iPad has a Logitech combo touch case. It's by far the best accessory you can buy for an iPad, it transforms it into a mini computer whilst retaining the flexibility of an iPad for casual use. I regret not buying one sooner. It's so good that I purchased one for my GF and she's not used her laptop since. Keys and track pad feel as good as on my MacBook and the case doesn't need charging.

Here are some of the issues that I have encountered whilst using the iPad as a laptop replacement.
-Word processing and creating presentations can be fiddly as the cursor is less precise compared with a desktop.
-Some apps have a reduced experience e.g tool bar is smaller or some desktop features are missing.
-Accessories like stream deck and some wired peripherals are not supported.
-USB dongles are a headache, some work and others don't. Sure there's official one with HDMI but if plugged in to a monitor, you cannot use the built in speakers on the iPad.

For general usage the iPad is brilliant and for gaming it's actually better than a Mac as you can jump into COD and play online is less than a minute. However, for advance or professional use, there is a risk that you might spend too much trying to make things work than being productive.

As for myself, I use both devices and consider them complementary rather than outright rivals. IMO, the best combination is an M1/M2 MPB and a 2-5 year old iPad with a Logi Combo Touch case.

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Totally agree with the cursor thing on iPad. I applaud Apple for trying to think of new ways for a pointer to work, but I’d prefer a traditional mouse pointer if we could get it.

 

[Macalicious2011]

Totally agree with the cursor thing on iPad. I applaud Apple for trying to think of new ways for a pointer to work, but I’d prefer a traditional mouse pointer if we could get it.

I think they should offer choice. Either way, even offering mouse support was a HUUUUUGE step forward for the iPad.

 

[FletchTopper]

Am looking to getting an M1 Pro as my laptop replacement in the next couple of months but am not sure what storage to go for: I'm between 256 and 512. I had a 256 macbook and it never really came close to getting full, but that was a device I didn't have to worry about having apps for (I'd just always use the browser version for netflix, HBO Max, any games, etc.)

Did anyone have one then trade in for the other or get one and regret not getting the other?

 

[prospervic]

Am looking to getting an M1 Pro as my laptop replacement in the next couple of months but am not sure what storage to go for: I'm between 256 and 512. I had a 256 macbook and it never really came close to getting full, but that was a device I didn't have to worry about having apps for (I'd just always use the browser version for netflix, HBO Max, any games, etc.)

Did anyone have one then trade in for the other or get one and regret not getting the other?

Many times I have regretted not buying enough storage, but only once regretted buying too much. This was the case with my 1tb M1 iPad Pro 12.9. But over two years I've used nearly 70% of the storage, so maybe it was a good decision after all.

However, now that Apple has released Final Cut Pro for iPad I'm excited to get back to video editing on my 12.9, and am wondering if I should have gone for the 2tb model? (Nah!)

As for HBO Max and Netflix, using their apps allows you to download movies for offline viewing (great for while traveling). You might want to go for the 512gb if you want to have enough space for this.

 

[Surfsalot]

I own a M1 13 inch MacBook Pro and an M1 11 inch iPad Pro. Let me share my perspective on this debate.

The iPad was developed to offer a different experience to a desktop, the same way the iPhone offered a different experience to PDAs and blackberries.

Whether the iPad is a desktop replacement depends on your use case e.g:
-Personal
-Student
-Gaming
-Professionally

For the first one, the answer is simply yes. For the others it depends on your edge cases, how often they occur and whether you have access to a computer for executing them.

I should also point out that my iPad has a Logitech combo touch case. It's by far the best accessory you can buy for an iPad, it transforms it into a mini computer whilst retaining the flexibility of an iPad for casual use. I regret not buying one sooner. It's so good that I purchased one for my GF and she's not used her laptop since. Keys and track pad feel as good as on my MacBook and the case doesn't need charging.

Here are some of the issues that I have encountered whilst using the iPad as a laptop replacement.
-Word processing and creating presentations can be fiddly as the cursor is less precise compared with a desktop.
-Some apps have a reduced experience e.g tool bar is smaller or some desktop features are missing.
-Accessories like stream deck and some wired peripherals are not supported.
-USB dongles are a headache, some work and others don't. Sure there's official one with HDMI but if plugged in to a monitor, you cannot use the built in speakers on the iPad.

For general usage the iPad is brilliant and for gaming it's actually better than a Mac as you can jump into COD and play online is less than a minute. However, for advance or professional use, there is a risk that you might spend too much trying to make things work than being productive.

As for myself, I use both devices and consider them complementary rather than outright rivals. IMO, the best combination is an M1/M2 MPB and a 2-5 year old iPad with a Logi Combo Touch case.

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Opposite here much prefer the 11" MGK, got it similar price to logitech which I have tried so that helps. Takes up way less space, can pick the whole thing up one handed without closing it, better on the lap, not as heavy, lifts the iPad up higher for better viewing, types better, track pad feels as good as my iMac trackpad, no cheap rubber around the sides, (can see your's lifting top left in photo, and wavy on the sides),and the best thing can just grab the iPad off and have a light tablet when needed.

Works on a stand too.

 

[DeepSix]

I don’t think you own a M1 12.9 iPad pro at all. There is nothing sharp about it.

I own the 11" ipad pro. If I didn't have the combo touch case on mine, I would wear gloves everytime I use the ipad because the ipads sharp edges digging into my skin on my hands is very uncomfortable.

 

[The point and shoot pro]

Opposite here much prefer the 11" MGK, got it similar price to logitech which I have tried so that helps. Takes up way less space, can pick the whole thing up one handed without closing it, better on the lap, not as heavy, lifts the iPad up higher for better viewing, types better, track pad feels as good as my iMac trackpad, no cheap rubber around the sides, (can see your's lifting top left in photo, and wavy on the sides),and the best thing can just grab the iPad off and have a light tablet when needed.

Works on a stand too.

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If apple designed their keyboard for the 10th gen iPad like the magic keyboard for the pro, I would be using it, but they designed it like a surface. I could not justify the extra 150 dollars over the Logitech for exactly the same product.

 

[Surfsalot]

I own the 11" ipad pro. If I didn't have the combo touch case on mine, I would wear gloves everytime I use the ipad because the ipads sharp edges digging into my skin on my hands is very uncomfortable.

Lol, as I sit on the couch and the iPad rests on my legs, thumb on front rest of fingers behind, not sharp at all, better than holding it in that heavy chunk of plastic.

 

[DeepSix]

I own a M1 13 inch MacBook Pro and an M1 11 inch iPad Pro. Let me share my perspective on this debate.

The iPad was developed to offer a different experience to a desktop, the same way the iPhone offered a different experience to PDAs and blackberries.

Whether the iPad is a desktop replacement depends on your use case e.g:
-Personal
-Student
-Gaming
-Professionally

For the first one, the answer is simply yes. For the others it depends on your edge cases, how often they occur and whether you have access to a computer for executing them.

I should also point out that my iPad has a Logitech combo touch case. It's by far the best accessory you can buy for an iPad, it transforms it into a mini computer whilst retaining the flexibility of an iPad for casual use. I regret not buying one sooner. It's so good that I purchased one for my GF and she's not used her laptop since. Keys and track pad feel as good as on my MacBook and the case doesn't need charging.

Here are some of the issues that I have encountered whilst using the iPad as a laptop replacement.
-Word processing and creating presentations can be fiddly as the cursor is less precise compared with a desktop.
-Some apps have a reduced experience e.g tool bar is smaller or some desktop features are missing.
-Accessories like stream deck and some wired peripherals are not supported.
-USB dongles are a headache, some work and others don't. Sure there's official one with HDMI but if plugged in to a monitor, you cannot use the built in speakers on the iPad.

For general usage the iPad is brilliant and for gaming it's actually better than a Mac as you can jump into COD and play online is less than a minute. However, for advance or professional use, there is a risk that you might spend too much trying to make things work than being productive.

As for myself, I use both devices and consider them complementary rather than outright rivals. IMO, the best combination is an M1/M2 MPB and a 2-5 year old iPad with a Logi Combo Touch case.

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I have the Combo Touch too and it's the best. Adds a tiny bit of weight to the ipad but you get used to it over time. I love having the built-in kickstand at all times. Apple should be making ipads with built-in kickstands. Can't believe they don't.

 

[DeepSix]

Lol, as I sit on the couch and the iPad rests on my legs, thumb on front rest of fingers behind, not sharp at all, better than holding it in that heavy chunk of plastic.

Ipads are too thin and light out of the box. Sometimes adding weight makes it easier to use. But the combo touch isn't that heavy, sure it adds a few grams to the ipad but it is a lot more comfortable and easier to use.

 

[prospervic]

Ipads are too thin and light out of the box. Sometimes adding weight makes it easier to use. But the combo touch isn't that heavy, sure it adds a few grams to the ipad but it is a lot more comfortable and easier to use.

Have to disagree with you here. To me the added weight and bulk of the Logitech took away all the fun of using an iPad. I returned it.

Smart Keyboard Folio is my preferred option.

 

[Boil]

Magic Keyboard needs some improvements, especially if a 14" or 16" iPadStudio becomes a thing...

• Internal battery
• More ports
• Function keys
• Actual edge protection for tablet
• Apple Pencil storage in "hinge" area
• Optional internal storage

 

[ratspg]

Magic Keyboard needs some improvements, especially if a 14" or 16" iPadStudio becomes a thing...

• Internal battery
• More ports
• Function keys
• Actual edge protection for tablet
• Apple Pencil storage in "hinge" area
• Optional internal storage

Sounds like a MacBook with a touch screen.

 

[Boil]

Sounds like a MacBook with a touch screen.

Basically, but you would be able to flip the tablet and have it on top of the keyboard/trackpad for pure tablet mode, or just take it off of the keyboard section altogether...

The eventual merging of iPads & MacBooks is inevitable...?

 

[The point and shoot pro]

Have to disagree with you here. To me the added weight and bulk of the Logitech took away all the fun of using an iPad. I returned it.

Smart Keyboard Folio is my preferred option.

I just swap mine off and on as needed. The joy of Apple portable devices. Choice of accessories.

 

[Abazigal]

Have to disagree with you here. To me the added weight and bulk of the Logitech took away all the fun of using an iPad. I returned it.

Smart Keyboard Folio is my preferred option.

To each their own. I am with you in that I also prefer the Smart Keyboard and returned the keyboard folio but I have also seen people enjoying using them and I think that’s the fun aspect of the iPad being just a giant iPod touch. You get all these cool modular options that let you turn the iPad into whatever you want.

 

[prospervic]

To each their own. I am with you in that I also prefer the Smart Keyboard and returned the keyboard folio but I have also seen people enjoying using them and I think that’s the fun aspect of the iPad being just a giant iPod touch. You get all these cool modular options that let you turn the iPad into whatever you want.

I just swap mine off and on as needed. The joy of Apple portable devices. Choice of accessories.

Indeed! Much more flexible and adaptable than a standard laptop.

 

[sananda]

Overall, I’m pretty happy though. I think I’ll try it with an external monitor next.

My employers have provided my with a ThinkVision Mobile Monitor so I have the chance to experiment with using Stage Manager with an external display.

Generally it’s going pretty well and I’m only working on the iPad these days (leaving the Dell laptop switched off). The external monitor has made doing my job much easier.

There are some annoyances.

Teams is pretty weird: there‘s often some iPadOS icons over the the send button, it goes entirely blank sometimes, sometimes in a video call I’m sideways (the last two things only happen when I’m using the external monitor). When I try I press on “show all Windows“ when in Outlook, I get shown a Teams window but when I press on + I get an Outlook window. I find adding another window of already open app awkward

There‘s no button to move a group of apps from the iPad to the external monitor (but pressing the app icon of one of the apps displayed on the external monitor will achieve this).

 

[madat42]

This thread may become obsolete soon. Apple Vision Pro could also be a laptop *and* iPad replacement 😂. I’ve participated in these kind of threads but the reality is mixed computing environments are what the majority of folks can and will indulge in.

 

[Ludatyk]

This thread may become obsolete soon. Apple Vision Pro could also be a laptop *and* iPad replacement 😂. I’ve participated in these kind of threads but the reality is mixed computing environments are what the majority of folks can and will indulge in.

Soon? Vision Pro will not be as popular as the iPad anytime soon especially with its price tag…however, I am on board with it being a laptop and iPad replacement. Heck, it has me rethinking about whether or not I should buy the rumored 14” iPad to be released in 2024 (or the OLED iPad Pro).

 

[owidhh]

This thread may become obsolete soon. Apple Vision Pro could also be a laptop *and* iPad replacement 😂. I’ve participated in these kind of threads but the reality is mixed computing environments are what the majority of folks can and will indulge in.

iPad replacement perhaps, but not yet a laptop replacement - the demo showcased mirroring a laptop's display.. So the laptop is still required, and still needed to be physically present (and on the same iCloud account I'm assuming).

A monitor replacement, yes, definitely.

 

[The point and shoot pro]

This thread may become obsolete soon. Apple Vision Pro could also be a laptop *and* iPad replacement 😂. I’ve participated in these kind of threads but the reality is mixed computing environments are what the majority of folks can and will indulge in.

Not a chance. I will not be replacing any computer with a glorified vr unit. No thanks.