iPad as a laptop replacement

[Isamilis]

In last 2 months, I got MBA M2 13", and since then, I rarely use my iPad (iPP M1 11" + MK). It just make more sense for me to use MBA over iPad, with more powerful software (and hardware), similar weight, similar price, much better battery, bigger screen, better keyboard, bigger touch pad, more ports, etc. Especially on battery, it's quite funny experience, when I have to bring charger if I bring iPad out, while I can relax bring the MBA and just leave the charger at home.

So, in my case, the title is "Laptop as an iPad replacement", lol.

Add: I rarely use Apple pencil, also I didn't notice much difference on iPad's pro-motion display. My eyes are actually feel more comfortable to the MBA screen.

 

[GerritV]

In last 2 months, I got MBA M2 13", and since then, I rarely use my iPad (iPP M1 11" + MK). It just make more sense for me to use MBA over iPad, with more powerful software (and hardware), similar weight, similar price, much better battery, bigger screen, better keyboard, bigger touch pad, more ports, etc. Especially on battery, it's quite funny experience, when I have to bring charger if I bring iPad out, while I can relax bring the MBA and just leave the charger at home.

So, in my case, the title is "Laptop as an iPad replacement", lol.

Add: I rarely use Apple pencil, also I didn't notice much difference on iPad's pro-motion display. My eyes are actually feel more comfortable to the MBA screen.

Exactly the same here !
While in the past, I would use my iPad primarily as a notebook, I went to analog for that.

 

[BhaveshUK]

Exactly the same here !
While in the past, I would use my iPad primarily as a notebook, I went to analog for that.

I made the same decision. Going back to analog note taking has been refreshing, and it’s one more activity I can do away from screens.

 

[teh_hunterer]

In last 2 months, I got MBA M2 13", and since then, I rarely use my iPad (iPP M1 11" + MK). It just make more sense for me to use MBA over iPad, with more powerful software (and hardware), similar weight, similar price, much better battery, bigger screen, better keyboard, bigger touch pad, more ports, etc. Especially on battery, it's quite funny experience, when I have to bring charger if I bring iPad out, while I can relax bring the MBA and just leave the charger at home.

So, in my case, the title is "Laptop as an iPad replacement", lol.

I know the feeling. For me, I seem to flit between the two endlessly. I go back to the Mac and I love the bigger and better display, the flexibility and freedom of macOS, the efficiency of a more competent workflow, the better keyboard and trackpad, better external display support, and better battery life.

But then I go back to the iPad and I'm struck by the portability, the lightness, the ease and fun of iPadOS and touchscreen, the cellular, modularity between standalone tablet and Magic Keyboard, and "whippability" (the ability to just whip the thing out on a whim to do something, whereas getting out a 14" laptop is a bigger commitment).

I would really appreciate a hybrid device at this point as both platforms have such unique strengths, and I would love something that put as many of those strengths into one product as possible.

The one other consistent thing I can say about the iPad and the Mac, is that the iPad is the device I wish I could use, and the Mac is the device I end up using.

 

[Isamilis]

The one other consistent thing I can say about the iPad and the Mac, is that the iPad is the device I wish I could use, and the Mac is the device I end up using.

Well said.

 

[tarsins]

I've given up. Having bought a Magic Keyboard for my IPP 12 it was better but not "right". I've cut my losses and now bought a 13" MBA 2 and all is well in the world again.

 

[prospervic]

I've given up. Having bought a Magic Keyboard for my IPP 12 it was better but not "right". I've cut my losses and now bought a 13" MBA 2 and all is well in the world again.

Using my MacBook Pro as a laptop feels "just right" in a way that trying to do the same with the Magic Keyboard never did. Sold the MKB and use iPad Pro as a tablet (with typing assist, when needed, from my Smart Keyboard Folio).

 

[Jonr515]

I always want to use my IPP, but end up using my MBP instead, during the day I use the Ipad Mini more than the IPP.

 

[Surfsalot]

I have a 24” iMac in my home office and have always had a iPad for around the house and work/holiday travels, currently 11” M1, I tried the mgk but I just like a iPad as a iPad.
Just got a 15” air to try but still prefer my iPad lol.

 

[rillrill]

I have a 24” iMac in my home office and have always had a iPad for around the house and work/holiday travels, currently 11” M1, I tried the mgk but I just like a iPad as a iPad.
Just got a 15” air to try but still prefer my iPad lol.

That's my setup too. Although there are times where a MacBook would work better, I personally find having a desktop and laptop too redundant. Nevertheless, I'm not sure if I can stick with Apple's vision of their ecosystem - AKA buy all our stuff.

Honestly, if Apple would make a foldable iPhone Max that turns in to a mini, I'd stick with their ecosystem, but I think I'm headed back to Android soon. The iPad is just annoying enough to not use it as a work device, and I don't use any heavy apps. However, there is just something about iPadOS Safari that doesn't work the same as MacOs Safari. Anyone know what that is? The mouse/cursor is not the same either. Just trying to edit text can be tedious. It will be hard to divorce myself fro Apple's world, but they need to step it up with their mobile OS's for me to use them as work devices.

 

[GalileoSeven]

I know the feeling. For me, I seem to flit between the two endlessly. I go back to the Mac and I love the bigger and better display, the flexibility and freedom of macOS, the efficiency of a more competent workflow, the better keyboard and trackpad, better external display support, and better battery life.

But then I go back to the iPad and I'm struck by the portability, the lightness, the ease and fun of iPadOS and touchscreen, the cellular, modularity between standalone tablet and Magic Keyboard, and "whippability" (the ability to just whip the thing out on a whim to do something, whereas getting out a 14" laptop is a bigger commitment).

I would really appreciate a hybrid device at this point as both platforms have such unique strengths, and I would love something that put as many of those strengths into one product as possible.

The one other consistent thing I can say about the iPad and the Mac, is that the iPad is the device I wish I could use, and the Mac is the device I end up using.

These are pretty much my sentiments as well. I replaced my 27” Retina 5K iMac with a M2 MBA + 4K monitor (reckoning that would be cheaper in the long run) and then got a 9th Gen iPad and used it with an old Apple Wireless keyboard.

For me, the multitasking was a bit too….clunky IMO. I’ve gotten used to doing the PiP thing - having a video playing while typing or using another app, but introducing a third process there……say writing while watching a video and then introducing a bit of web browsing just wasn't working for me. It was actually just a lot easier to plug in/unplug my MBA when I wanted to do stuff like that (so I ended up selling said iPad).

Now that MBA would be overkill for more casual stuff, say when I just want to read/write or if I'm 'couch surfing' and I got my dogs on my lap (where there wouldn't really be any room for it anyway lol). That right there is why I keep my old iPad Mini 5 around. It's smaller than the full-size iPads, yet bigger than my iPhone 13 Pro Max and despite what's been said about the RAM limitations of these older beasts, still handles safari, email, ibooks and such with aplomb.

 

[teh_hunterer]

Now that MBA would be overkill for more casual stuff, say when I just want to read/write or if I'm 'couch surfing' and I got my dogs on my lap (where there wouldn't really be any room for it anyway lol). That right there is why I keep my old iPad Mini 5 around. It's smaller than the full-size iPads, yet bigger than my iPhone 13 Pro Max and despite what's been said about the RAM limitations of these older beasts, still handles safari, email, ibooks and such with aplomb.

I'm somewhat interested in the iPad Mini for the same reasons you are, but I think the current one just has too poor of a screen for me to be truly interested. I've already moved to 120hz for all my other devices, and I'm not willing to go back to such a dull, 60hz display at this late stage.

I don't think there is a single best device in Apple's lineup at this point. I use one until I miss the strengths of the other, and I continue to swap between them constantly.

 

[culo77]

The one other consistent thing I can say about the iPad and the Mac, is that the iPad is the device I wish I could use, and the Mac is the device I end up using.

Well this sums it it up perfectly. well said!

 

[teh_hunterer]

Well this sums it it up perfectly. well said!

Cheers! Thinking about this a bit more, it is subject to change and depends on your lifestyle.

For me, the things I need a Mac for on the daily, that make me end up using the MacBook, are related to my day job. I really need a 14" screen, the ability to run Windows in a VM, the flexibility of a desktop OS to run obscure apps, the ability to connect to 2 external monitors. But my day job is a complicated IT job, and it's complicated in ways I don't necessarily like - but that I have to contend with. I truly need a laptop with a desktop OS to perform well at it.

The job I'm working towards long term, however, is related to music. And for that, with Logic Pro now on the iPad, I really could make a go of the iPad as laptop replacement. With none of the complications of my current line of work, and with the value coming from being creative, thinking clearly, performing music well, and recording music well, the iPad is far more viable as a main machine. It would be nice to be free from all the technical complication and busywork, and the iPad would be great for that.

I don't necessarily want to live my life online, glued to a screen and dealing with complicated workflows forever.

 

[Macalicious2011]

These are pretty much my sentiments as well. I replaced my 27” Retina 5K iMac with a M2 MBA + 4K monitor (reckoning that would be cheaper in the long run) and then got a 9th Gen iPad and used it with an old Apple Wireless keyboard.

For me, the multitasking was a bit too….clunky IMO. I’ve gotten used to doing the PiP thing - having a video playing while typing or using another app, but introducing a third process there……say writing while watching a video and then introducing a bit of web browsing just wasn't working for me. It was actually just a lot easier to plug in/unplug my MBA when I wanted to do stuff like that (so I ended up selling said iPad).

Now that MBA would be overkill for more casual stuff, say when I just want to read/write or if I'm 'couch surfing' and I got my dogs on my lap (where there wouldn't really be any room for it anyway lol). That right there is why I keep my old iPad Mini 5 around. It's smaller than the full-size iPads, yet bigger than my iPhone 13 Pro Max and despite what's been said about the RAM limitations of these older beasts, still handles safari, email, ibooks and such with aplomb.

I have never considered an iPad mini. How and where do you use it instead or your phone?

 

[sparksd]

I have never considered an iPad mini. How and where do you use it instead or your phone?

Not that poster but I have a 14PM and cellular Mini 6. I use the Mini extensively for reading, browsing, email, some games, some video. I'll use it over the phone for a lot of functions. I use the PM for audio (books, music), camera (mainly video), some games, some email & browsing on the go.

 

[alecgold]

Not that poster but I have a 14PM and cellular Mini 6. I use the Mini extensively for reading, browsing, email, some games, some video. I'll use it over the phone for a lot of functions. I use the PM for audio (books, music), camera (mainly video), some games, some email & browsing on the go.

Just curious, but wouldn’t an iPhone mini with an iPad mini be a more logical combination?

 

[sparksd]

Just curious, but wouldn’t an iPhone mini with an iPad mini be a more logical combination?

No - I want the PM camera.

 

[Solomani]

I've had a MacBook Pro Retina for a year now, and quite frankly, its simply overkill for what I used the computer for on a daily basis. I would have been fine with a MacBook Air, but elected to spend the extra cash for a nice screen.

I use writing intensive programs (Final Draft, Pages, etc), but outside from that, just do regular web browsing, music, and etc.

I was curious if anyone on here had replaced their laptop with an iPad, because I am considering doing that. I'm just curious about how the keyboards work with the iPad.

iPad works fine for writing, but you will need to get a nice keyboard (it doesn't have to be the expensive Apple one). The one thing that does annoy me is how the MOUSE works on iPad.... it's essentially fixed as a large circular BLOB cursor, ugh. Not the refined precise arrow cursor that is standard for Macs/PCs for decades.

 

[alecgold]

iPad works fine for writing, but you will need to get a nice keyboard (it doesn't have to be the expensive Apple one). The one thing that does annoy me is how the MOUSE works on iPad.... it's essentially fixed as a large circular BLOB cursor, ugh. Not the refined precise arrow cursor that is standard for Macs/PCs for decades.

But the blob makes sense for a touch-first system?! I don’t like using a mouse on my iPad either. I prefer the magic touchpad. When I’m at my desk, I use a good keyboard, touchpad, external screen. And the iPad is flat on my desk, next to the touchpad as a notebook. When I’m in a train, (5G/LTE!) I read documents in portrait. At home om the couch I use it to read comics, a paper or watch something.
It’s the versatility of the iPad that makes it so brilliant.
But working with e.g. excel makes it moronic, with its dumbed down feature. The files app or how documents 5 work sometimes really is odd.
So it’s not a perfect device (mainly because of dumbed down software) but it’s so nice, and holds such a magnificent promise.

 

[Solomani]

But the blob makes sense for a touch-first system?!

It doesn’t make sense when you start using a mouse with iPad. The traditional arrow cursor is superior when you need to click precisely on a pinpoint area of the screen…. like in rapid and precise text editing of SMALL FONTS, precise copy and paste, and yes…. graphics and image editing on an iPad. That precise arrow pointer is a godsend.

And besides, when you do go back to finger touching the screen, the blob pointer quickly disappears.

 

[culo77]

Just curious, but wouldn’t an iPhone mini with an iPad mini be a more logical combination?

This my current set up. iPhone mini, iPad mini, and MacBook Air.

 

[serrada]

I'm somewhat interested in the iPad Mini for the same reasons you are, but I think the current one just has too poor of a screen for me to be truly interested. I've already moved to 120hz for all my other devices, and I'm not willing to go back to such a dull, 60hz display at this late stage.

I don't think there is a single best device in Apple's lineup at this point. I use one until I miss the strengths of the other, and I continue to swap between them constantly.

This is where I am at also. An iPad mini Pro or equiv. woud be ideal.

 

[antwon412]

I recently purchased a camper for my truck. I’ve been looking for a device that I can use to watch movies, browse the Internet, do some (very basic) video editing and use as an external monitor for my Nintendo switch.

It appears iOS 17 will allow me to use the iPad as a monitor so while expensive, a 512gb iPad Pro 12.9 with a good keyboard will be everything I require in one package.


Now to try and find some sale or deal! A 2021 version should be fine. Hopefully I can find one at a price I’m comfortable with.

 

[teh_hunterer]

use as an external monitor for my Nintendo switch.

How do you plan to do that? Some kind of thing where the iPad thinks the video input from the Switch is an external webcam? I can't imagine the quality would be very good?

For your other uses it sounds great though.