iPad as a laptop replacement

[JamesMay82]

You can plug any USB storage device into an iPad just as you can a Mac. It’ll show up in the “Files” app exactly as you’d expect it.

You can’t do Time Machine backups, granted, but that’s not the only backup option.

Besides … almost everybody has photos stored in iCloud, which, while not a true backup, is a thousand times a better backup than what almost everybody did before iCloud.

(Note: “almost.” Those who made real backups, such as to tape that got sent offsite, are a practically non-existent minority. Even those who just made copies on Zip drives to stash in a closet … within rounding, didn’t exist.)

b&

That Was my point that you can’t do a Time Machine back up of the photos. You also can’t download From the cloud and keep on the external drive. You would have to manually in blocks download and save to files which would take ages.

you also can’t import music into an iPad and move it to the music app.

For those reasons it should be used as a secondary device unless you aren’t bothered about backing up your photos.

 

[sparksd]

Sure, let me back up my iPad with Time Machine. Or with rsync(1) in Terminal.app. Wait...

Point being that there are possibilities.

 

[darngooddesign]

That Was my point that you can’t do a Time Machine back up of the photos. You also can’t download From the cloud and keep on the external drive. You would have to manually in blocks download and save to files which would take ages.

you also can’t import music into an iPad and move it to the music app.

For those reasons it should be used as a secondary device unless you aren’t bothered about backing up your photos.

I agree. Your MacBook should be used as a secondary device.

 

[Ludatyk]

I seldom encounter auto playing videos, probably because I have an ad blocker and I don’t visit sites like the Daily Mail. But I really wish Apple would allow simultaneous multimedia sources; its a hold-over from early iOS days.

It was rumored to come in a iPadOS 17 update during the use of Stage Manager, but apparently didn’t make the list.

Given the introduction of Stage Manager, being able to have mutliple active windows on the screen.. I envision simultaneous audio streams coming very soon.

 

[cflem]

For me the deal breaker isn’t iPad OS - but its the screen size… with stage manger on - it really “shrinks” the usable space on the desktop.

I think the sweet spot is a 16x10 15” iPad…

If they do that its going to be big and will hurt MacBook sales… but it will be the future for sure…

 

[sracer]

Point being that that are possibilities.

Exactly. And it is more than just that there are possibilities.

This scenario of using rsync(1) in Terminal is the typical way most people look at their workflows. They are invested in HOW they do things and don’t take a step back to “Think Different” and see WHAT they need to get done and adjust those workflows to be more compatible with the device these tasks are performed on. This results in user frustration because X is behaving like X and not like Y.

I’m currently on a week long trip where I took my 9th gen iPad w/Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case instead of my old reliable Lenovo Yoga 6 notebook. With this combination, I am able to perform some tasks in a similar manner as I would back at home on my M2 Mac Mini.

I was a bit pleasantly surprised by that. Other tasks required a unique approach that is more compatible with the iPad. Which were a bit off-putting at first, but I was able to quickly adapt to the differences that an iPad OS device presents.

No iPad… Pro or not, could replace my devices running general purpose desktop operating systems. And they don’t need to. But this trip has confirmed to me that an iPad+keyboard/touchpad case can replace my chromebooks. Chromebooks no longer serve an important role in my hardware portfolio. That’s a bit sad for me because I really enjoy my C13 ThinkPad Chromebook.

 

[Macalicious2011]

No iPad… Pro or not, could replace my devices running general purpose desktop operating systems. And they don’t need to. But this trip has confirmed to me that an iPad+keyboard/touchpad case can replace my chromebooks. Chromebooks no longer serve an important role in my hardware portfolio. That’s a bit sad for me because I really enjoy my C13 ThinkPad Chromebook.

I have had a Logi Combo Touch for over a year. Since I purchased one for my GF, she hasn’t used her Chromebook at all but left it for her kids.

For every day, non-professional computing, iPad + Keyboard is fine. My M1 MAcbook is for the most part, plugged into my USB monitor upstairs. I won’t sell it anytime soon because I used it for amateur video editing. That’s a task for which the iPad doesn’t cut the mustard because:
-Final Cut Pro for iPad is too dumped down.
-Can’t use a Samsung T7 as an editing drive for temporary file.
-The cursor on the iPad feels clumsy at times.

Basically on the iPad at times, I would spend more time trying to make thing work and circumvent short comings, than cracking on with the work and completing it.

 

[DeepSix]

I have had a Logi Combo Touch for over a year. Since I purchased one for my GF, she hasn’t used her Chromebook at all but left it for her kids.

For every day, non-professional computing, iPad + Keyboard is fine. My M1 MAcbook is for the most part, plugged into my USB monitor upstairs. I won’t sell it anytime soon because I used it for amateur video editing. That’s a task for which the iPad doesn’t cut the mustard because:
-Final Cut Pro for iPad is too dumped down.
-Can’t use a Samsung T7 as an editing drive for temporary file.
-The cursor on the iPad feels clumsy at times.

Basically on the iPad at times, I would spend more time trying to make thing work and circumvent short comings, than cracking on with the work and completing it.

Chromebooks are a thing of the past, at least to me. I did consider buying one last year but then I just ended up buying a logitech combo touch and there was no looking back.

From all my research and reading reviews, Chromebooks just have inferior screens, so so battery life and average specs unless someone is willing to pay $600 for a top of the line Chromebook. But at that point why bother, just pay more and get an iPad and keyboard or an ultra book.

 

[sracer]

Just returned from my trip using the 9th gen iPad + Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case as my only "computer". The experiment was a success. I was able to do everything with this combination that I needed to do that I would do with a notebook (with a desktop OS) while on such a trip.

The only criticism I have of the keyboard case is the added bulk and weight. I'm accustomed to using the iPad with a smartcover or smartcover keyboard. There's nothing that is thinner and lighter than those. So the differences between those and the Combo Touch is quite significant. For those who use a more typical case for the iPad the differences won't be as dramatic.

For anyone who is looking for a Chromebook to be an internet appliance of sorts (and not anything that is Chromebook-specific) I highly recommend that they consider this combination... with the 9th gen iPad regularly on sale for around $279 and the Combo Touch $104, one could get a type of ruggedized alternative at a competitive price that offers more functionality.

 

[StoneJack]

I had to use iPad mini 6 with keyboard/touchpad as a Macbook air replacement for two weeks.
My productivity was nearly zero due to various reasons (though bag was much lighter).
When I got my Macbook air, I was productive again. Since then I use my Ipad only for content consumption.

Work: business, emails, reports, spreadsheets, MS Teams.

 

[Zest28]

Yeah this is particularly what I find so intriguing about the iPad, the way it can transform itself into several forms in the span of seconds.
From a thin tablet that's comfortable to hold while reading/web surfing/watching videos, to a great tool for journaling with the pencil, to a laptop-like experience with the MKB, to a desktop-like computer when docked on the table.

Some PC devices do come close, that's no doubt, such as the Thinkpad you mentioned. And they'll be better at laptop/desktop usage scenarios on average. But they are usually larger and still not as portable - weight is not the only factor, having to take a larger bag to fit the device also deserves consideration. Then if you want to use your device as a tablet, it's limited by Windows being a terrible OS for touch-first usage... and it's not as comfortable to use a 13" screen with a (potentially undetachable?) keyboard in tablet mode, for reading/journaling/drawing etc

It depends on what you're into and how many of these forms you can appreciate your device taking, but I'd still say on average, something like a 11" iPad Pro + MKB + Pencil is the most versatile computing device out there.

Typing on the 11” is horrible. It is one of the main reasons why the 12.9 is superior as the keys are of the exact same dimensions as regular computers.

I would basically have to bring an additonal bluetooth keyboard that is regular sized.

 

[fw85]

Typing on the 11” is horrible. It is one of the main reasons why the 12.9 is superior as the keys are of the exact same dimensions as regular computers.

I would basically have to bring an additonal bluetooth keyboard that is regular sized.

Personal preference, my typing speed is exactly the same on it as it is on larger keyboards

 

[Digitalguy]

Typing on the 11” is horrible. It is one of the main reasons why the 12.9 is superior as the keys are of the exact same dimensions as regular computers.

I would basically have to bring an additonal bluetooth keyboard that is regular sized.

I disagree, the 11" Magic keyboard is almost as good as the 12.9". And it's far from horrible IMO, it's one of the best typing experience on a small device.

 

[ps866mker]

Yes but you don’t have the ability to back up your photos with a iPad like you can with a mac.

For me iPad was great when macs didn’t have the instant on of an SSD but now they do i find the iPad a little redundant.

This is my only use for my mac. If somehow IpadOS can have the photos app with its database on an external SSD.

 

[FletchTopper]

There is a thread here 200+ pages discussing this. For some of us yes it can for others no. My work supplies a Mac and I use that for work. For home usage Im fine with just an iPad.

"For home usage, I'm fine with just an iPad." This should be the tagline for this thread.

I'm about a month into owning my iPad Pro, which I got to be a laptop replacement. It's doing laptop replacement things but I find myself using it more as a tablet than I anticipated.

Which a) is fine! and b) taught me that I really don't need an at-home laptop for my personal use cases. I do some sports blogging, which the IPP has been great for, but I've done a lot more Netflixing/YouTubing, comics reading and journaling than I have typing on my magic keyboard.

Yes, the typical caveat - some folks might be looking for a device to do more (I, personally, am going to start rev'ing up for a job search and am interested in how things like running job applications will be) and others might do even less than I do.

But I think I agree with the overall "yes, it's not a replacement" sentiment. I used my previous iPad way more than my MacBook (which technically still works but is running on it's last life) and it does all the functions but it still feels very distinct - if that makes sense.

I'm not upset with my decision to go IPP over any flavor of MacBook and, for what I was hoping to do, I've yet to run into anything I'm unable to do.

 

[teh_hunterer]

For me the deal breaker isn’t iPad OS - but its the screen size… with stage manger on - it really “shrinks” the usable space on the desktop.

I think the sweet spot is a 16x10 15” iPad…

Same, and it depends on what you're trying to do. For my day job, where it's stretching my intelligence and technical ability to their limits, I need a lot of screen real estate.

For music, where my focus and creativity is what's being stretched, 11" is surprisingly usable.

 

[Populus]

I enjoy using my M2 iPad Pro, however I don’t expect it to be a laptop or a mac replacement anymore. I’m done with that fight already, and I don’t even plug my monitor because I find iPadOS user interface too cumbersome for that. No, I don’t like Stage Manager, although I will have to give it another oportunity when I update my iPP to iPadOS 17 next year.

 

[sracer]

I enjoy using my M2 iPad Pro, however I don’t expect it to be a laptop or a mac replacement anymore. I’m done with that fight already, and I don’t even plug my monitor because I find iPadOS user interface too cumbersome for that. No, I don’t like Stage Manager, although I will have to give it another oportunity when I update my iPP to iPadOS 17 next year.

short response:


longer response:
I reached that point a while ago. When I concluded that the iPad could NOT replace my Macbook Air, that changed my outlook on how the iPad fits into my hardware landscape. And as a result, my purchasing decisions.

When I had to replace my iPad Pro, I replaced it with a base model. I can do nearly all of what I used my Pad Pro for, at about 1/3 the cost with that base model. With adjusted expectations comes an increase in satisfaction. The savings and satisfaction were magnified by the lower cost and greater portability of the peripherals.

But Apple would want their customers to continue to purse that holy grail of the iPad replacing a notebook

 

[fuchsdh]

short response:
View attachment 2284397

longer response:
I reached that point a while ago. When I concluded that the iPad could NOT replace my Macbook Air, that changed my outlook on how the iPad fits into my hardware landscape. And as a result, my purchasing decisions.

When I had to replace my iPad Pro, I replaced it with a base model. I can do nearly all of what I used my Pad Pro for, at about 1/3 the cost with that base model. With adjusted expectations comes an increase in satisfaction. The savings and satisfaction were magnified by the lower cost and greater portability of the peripherals.

But Apple would want their customers to continue to purse that holy grail of the iPad replacing a notebook

To be fair, there are plenty of people for whom the iPad can replace a notebook. But the confluence point where you can seamlessly switch and most everyone can do so is likely never coming; the people who bought hardware with the expectation that the next iOS update would be the one that finally allowed them to switch definitely were (or are) chasing a pipe dream.

I agree that your strategy is probably a much more optimal approach to happiness with one's purchases.

 

[Populus]

short response:
View attachment 2284397

longer response:
I reached that point a while ago. When I concluded that the iPad could NOT replace my Macbook Air, that changed my outlook on how the iPad fits into my hardware landscape. And as a result, my purchasing decisions.

When I had to replace my iPad Pro, I replaced it with a base model. I can do nearly all of what I used my Pad Pro for, at about 1/3 the cost with that base model. With adjusted expectations comes an increase in satisfaction. The savings and satisfaction were magnified by the lower cost and greater portability of the peripherals.

But Apple would want their customers to continue to purse that holy grail of the iPad replacing a notebook

Thank you. I expect my M2 to last many years, but honestly even using it as an iPad, the Pro is a great device I enjoy using. Would have I purchased this M2 iPad Pro if I had settled to stop purchasing that holy grial? Probably. But now I’m convinced of not purchasing another iPad in many, many years (except if Apple ships a convertible iPad with macOS boot, which is highly unlikely).

 

[sracer]

To be fair, there are plenty of people for whom the iPad can replace a notebook. But the confluence point where you can seamlessly switch and most everyone can do so is likely never coming; the people who bought hardware with the expectation that the next iOS update would be the one that finally allowed them to switch definitely were (or are) chasing a pipe dream.

I agree that your strategy is probably a much more optimal approach to happiness with one's purchases.

There is nothing to "be fair" about. My first-hand experiences are just that... mine. I didn't say nor imply that it was impossible for ANYONE to replace their notebook with an iPad.

If you have been able to replace a notebook with an iPad, I'd love to hear about your desktop OS workflows and how you managed to make adjustments so that they can be accomplished on a mobile platform.

 

[NastyMatt]

If you have been able to replace a notebook with an iPad, I'd love to hear about your desktop OS workflows and how you managed to make adjustments so that they can be accomplished on a mobile platform.

I have managed just that. Work I use Google Workspace (GSuite), Monday.com, Xero, Monzo and Confluence (plus MS Office, multiple finance apps). The native apps for Google Sheets/Slides/Docs are too restricted so I use a browser for them - Gmail/Calendar/Meet/News/Drive/Keep all are fine native. Monday.com native app is "ok" but I usually prefer the browser version, again - Confluence I prefer the browser version... and Xero I prefer the browser version. I know what you are thinking.. you could use the browser version of them on a Mac - which I did - I've had multiple MBA's and Pros. Even on them I made a conscious decision to be as browser focused as possible with my apps (most are SaaS now anyway).

Why? Well it means I am device agnostic - if I can access a browser I can do my work. On a new machine - generally - I just open all the previous windows and I am productive again instantly. My job? COO for a tech company (atm) - anywhere from 45-55 meetings a week and I travel(led) extensively.

Why go for an iPad tho? Have you ever tried doing a whiteboard session on a meeting using MBA (or even just jotting down ideas)? Don't even try. Travelling means taking films with me - I prefer media consumption on a iPad.

And then there is personal use. Media consumption is FAR better on an iPad (imo), Procreate, games and I also have some banking apps which are linked to a device. Everyone has their own workflows and I feel, on this forum, there is an assumption that you are either a techie or artist - I used to be technical and an iPad would not be appropriate but I do not assume that means it cannot function as a laptop for anyone.

 

[outlawarth]

There is nothing to "be fair" about. My first-hand experiences are just that... mine. I didn't say nor imply that it was impossible for ANYONE to replace their notebook with an iPad.

If you have been able to replace a notebook with an iPad, I'd love to hear about your desktop OS workflows and how you managed to make adjustments so that they can be accomplished on a mobile platform.

Happy to share. I am currently using a 12.9 IPP with a smart keyboard folio. Most of the daily things I work on for my company are cloud based. The majority of my day is spent reviewing and marking PDF documents, replying to emails (Outlook), attending MS Teams meetings with my colleagues and external clients, calls, reviewing the odd Excel spreadsheet.

There is the odd time when I need to access our company's certain Windows legacy applications. For this purpose I use Microsoft Remote Desktop to dial into the windows servers. This essentially turns the iPad into a Windows terminal (with full mouse and keyboard controls, etc.).

I am of course not suggesting this is the solution for everyone but for me the IPP works like a charm. I guess my company being 99% cloud based works to my advantage.

 

[Shaggymax]

iPad OS has come a looooong way, but still can't give up the full Mac experience.

 

[Mainsail]

The MBA can be purchased for less than the cost of most of the iPads with comparable storage + Apple keyboard case. If you shop around, you can get a new M2 MBA for $899. When use a keyboard case, the iPad almost weighs the same as the MBA....and the screen is smaller. For most office work, home and student requirements, the MBA is just better IMHO. My kids just finished college and the most essential tool was their base model MBAs. My son graduated in May, and he didn't even have or want an iPad. He read and marked all of his documents on the MBA. No problem whatsoever. So, the iPad wasn't essential for him. However, he would have really suffered without a good laptop.