iPad as a laptop replacement

[ApfelKuchen]

Great points. All of them true.

I think about markets where the iPad is going to be squeezed from both the low-end and the high-end and resign it to a second-class device.

Google Chromebooks will soon run Linux apps. This is the Netbook 2.0 assault that threatens Apple in education (early comp sci, especially) and the low-end.

At the high-end you have Microsoft and its Surface. There are lots of cases where it would be nice to have direct drawing input and run traditional laptop apps. Eventually, they will get touch input to a point that’s good enough to siphon away more users.

In both cases you have devices that are better suited for typing which is critical for a lot of users. A laptop with a built-keyboard is more portable and natural and productive to me than a detachable keyboard/case that sometimes offsets the space savings and simplicity of a tablet.

I get far more productivity out of a traditional laptop than from an iPad, but I get far better free-form inputs / diagraming out of an iPad with pencil than anything else. For me, the iPad is an input accessory to my Mac and is more convenient for viewing certain content, not a laptop-replacement. I recognize there are other markets and use cases where iPad is a better-than-laptop replacement (if most of your computing revolves around websites and light text input, certain creative uses, etc.) but can see these cases being encroached upon by competition.

I’d like to see Tim Cook’s iPad workflow and setup.

A good conversation. I'd quibble with "second-class device," as it implies sub-standard. I feel it'll always have a smaller market than iPhone, but the jury is still out when it comes to iPad vs. Mac for mobile use. So, maybe "niche" is the more accurate phrase.

While there will always be threats/competition to any platform, it's usually a two-way street, and I don't expect Apple will take the current situation lying down. I visited an urgent-care clinic the other day. As I was a new patient, they directed me to one of several iPad-based kiosks to provide my medical info. There was a card holder behind the iPad to scan both my drivers license and insurance card with the back camera, and a nice, touchscreen interface for supplementary data input.

Now, if your only Mac is a portable (used as a desktop as well as for mobile), then iPad has trouble competing. However, people are finding it easier and easier to use iPad (within the Apple ecosystem) as the portable adjunct to a desk-bound Mac. I've never been a fan of using a laptop as my primary PC - I'm much happier with separate desktop and mobile devices. I haven't felt the need to have a laptop since I got my first-gen iPad. I've always carried a physical keyboard to go with that iPad, as I am a touch typist.

And as to the whole Chromebook/Surface "threat" in education and business - the ecosystem is still an important mitigating factor, as are is ease of administration, security, durability/longevity, etc. While your mention of Linux apps may have meaning for higher education, that isn't a major factor in elementary and middle schools, where iOS/Android and web-based apps are already deeply embedded.

Overall, I believe iPad is here for the long haul. Whether it's the second-largest hardware segment for Apple after iPhone, or the third behind Mac isn't all that important - it may shift back and forth over time. However, Apple is clearly selling enough of them that they're not going away anytime soon.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I also would NEVER trust, solely, the cloud to back up my iPhone and iPads and will always have a computer to back them up. My desktops and laptops are not in jeopardy u til the iPad will do full AutoCad and QBPro.

 

[CharlesShaw]

... try quoting part of a post on here and iOS is infuriating - selecting what 'it' thinks you want regardless of where you move.

I agree and was very frustrated while selecting text until I remembered the new two-finger cursor control for the onscreen keyboard.

 

[Pangalactic]

No it cannot.
Something like a Surface Pro could, as it has a proper OS.
And Ipad Pro is literally a big Iphone with a few extra additions. If you can use it as a daily driver chances are you can use your iPhone for that as well.

 

[Mahasamatman]

No it cannot.

Yes it can.

Something like a Surface Pro could, as it has a proper OS.

Define a “proper OS” and show how iOS is not a proper OS.

And Ipad Pro is literally a big Iphone with a few extra additions. If you can use it as a daily driver chances are you can use your iPhone for that as well.

I guess not having an iPhone would stop me following that train of thought.

But then trying to use software like OmniGraffle. Lightroom and Affinity Photo on an iPhone is never going to end well...

 

[Jonathantuba]

It all depends on individual requirements. I know a lot of people on this forum require software and facilities that the iPad does not provide, but I believe the things that the majority of people undertake can be done on an iPad, although they may require adapting to a different method of working.

I personally manage my international business with no problem while 2-3 weeks away from the office with only my iPad Pro 12.9” to use. I back-up data to both iCloud and Dropbox, so feel it is quite secure from loss - and there I can access from any device I choose to use

I have an iMac in the office which is better for some tasks, but I can happily work fine with just the iPad for prolonged periods and even sometimes use in preference to the IMac in the office. My old MacBook Air has now not been used with any regularity for the last 2 years since the iPad Pro arrived. I just much prefer using and carrying the iPad.

 

[gnomeisland]

The current crop of iPad seem very capable hardware-wise. It seems to me that the biggest issues are a lack of equivalent software. I love working on an iPad but my three key software packages (Logic, iZotope RX, and Capture One) do not have iOS versions. But that may change. I’d love to Apple release one of their ‘Pro’ apps on iOS (most likely FCPX or Logic X) just to show the world it can be done.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

If the iPad had mouse/trackpad support I would ditch my MacBook Air in a heart beat.

 

[Jonathantuba]

If the iPad had mouse/trackpad support I would ditch my MacBook Air in a heart beat.

I am not sure why you want mouse, or trackpad when the iPad has a touch screen? If for more precise work, then use the Apple Pencil.

I find the touch screen better than a trackpad or mouse where I am always looking where the curser has gone. With touch screen I just touch where I want, which I find quicker and more intuitive. I would only ever consider buying another MacBook, if Apple adds touch screen.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

I am not sure why you want mouse, or trackpad when the iPad has a touch screen?

Because using a mouse cursor is a superior and more accurate form of input then touching. There are times when you really need to use a mouse/trackpad to get work done. If Apple wants the iPad to replace the traditional computer, then it needs to have the best thing about the traditional computers and that's mouse support.

The Apple Pencil isn't a suitable replacement for a mouse/trackpad. Using the Apple Pencil still has the same issue with constantly raising your arm and hand to interact with the screen. If the iPad had mouse/trackpad support, then it would allow the user to put in the least amount of energy and effort to get work done efficiently.

 

[akash.nu]

Because using a mouse cursor is a superior and more accurate form of input then touching. There are times when you really need to use a mouse/trackpad to get work done. If Apple wants the iPad to replace the traditional computer, then it needs to have the best thing about the traditional computers and that's mouse support.

The Apple Pencil isn't a suitable replacement for a mouse/trackpad. Using the Apple Pencil still has the same issue with constantly raising your arm and hand to interact with the screen. If the iPad had mouse/trackpad support, then it would allow the user to put in the least amount of energy and effort to get work done efficiently.

The iPad is not meant for a desktop setup. People seem to be missing the basic point.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

The iPad is not meant for a desktop setup. People seem to be missing the basic point.

Sure it's not, but that doesn't mean it can't be.

 

[akash.nu]

Sure it's not, but that doesn't mean it can't be.

That’s someone’s personal decision / choice. Doesn’t mean the general UX of a platform needs to be changed to support small group of users.

 

[CrazyForCashews]

Doesn’t mean the general UX of a platform needs to be changed to support small group of users.

It doesn't need to be changed at all.

 

[canesalato]

The iPad is not meant for a desktop setup. People seem to be missing the basic point.

they sell and promote the iPad with a keyboard that makes the screen go vertical. That kind of use seems pretty desktop. And not very comfortable for touch screen input.

 

[Mahasamatman]

they sell and promote the iPad with a keyboard that makes the screen go vertical. That kind of use seems pretty desktop. And not very comfortable for touch screen input.

It took me a moment to work out what you mean there - vertical, I’d translated that to portrait.

Anyway, while it’s perhaps less ideal, using a 10.5” IPP with the Smart Keyboard is less horrible that it would at first appear. Perhaps a mouse would be better, but it’s not a great hardship for me as I tend be either in prod the screen mode or type mode and transitions between the two.

Different ways of working for different people...

 

[canesalato]

It took me a moment to work out what you mean there - vertical, I’d translated that to portrait.

Anyway, while it’s perhaps less ideal, using a 10.5” IPP with the Smart Keyboard is less horrible that it would at first appear. Perhaps a mouse would be better, but it’s not a great hardship for me as I tend be either in prod the screen mode or type mode and transitions between the two.

Different ways of working for different people...

I guess so. I find it horrible, but it might also be because I'm on the 12.9 and I know some people are ok with it.
Like you said, different ways of working for different people. Hope one day even Apple realizes that and adds mouse support. =)

 

[Jonathantuba]

I

I guess so. I find it horrible, but it might also be because I'm on the 12.9 and I know some people are ok with it.
Like you said, different ways of working for different people. Hope one day even Apple realizes that and adds mouse support. =)

I find it fine using touch screen with keyboard on 12.9” (am always reaching for screen on rare occasion i use MacBook) but have no objection to Apple add mouse support for those that prefer, although would never use myself. They could add a USB-C port as well for connected device

 

[cinnabun814]

I think I could replace mine with an iPad Pro 12.9".

 

[PKoz]

It all depends on individual requirements. I know a lot of people on this forum require software and facilities that the iPad does not provide, but I believe the things that the majority of people undertake can be done on an iPad, although they may require adapting to a different method of working.

I personally manage my international business with no problem while 2-3 weeks away from the office with only my iPad Pro 12.9” to use. I back-up data to both iCloud and Dropbox, so feel it is quite secure from loss - and there I can access from any device I choose to use

I have an iMac in the office which is better for some tasks, but I can happily work fine with just the iPad for prolonged periods and even sometimes use in preference to the IMac in the office. My old MacBook Air has now not been used with any regularity for the last 2 years since the iPad Pro arrived. I just much prefer using and carrying the iPad.

I should have got the 12.9" pro. I got the 10.5" because I was so skeptical but now I love it. I'd love it more if I got the bigger one though.

Waiting for the next release and then I'll upgrade at that time.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

I should have got the 12.9" pro. I got the 10.5" because I was so skeptical but now I love it. I'd love it more if I got the bigger one though.

Waiting for the next release and then I'll upgrade at that time.

I have the 12.9" first gen and I really was skeptical, but now I don't think I can go smaller...

 

[CharlesShaw]

Not until it gets mouse/trackpad support.

Come the flip on Apple, what's wrong with giving people options?

I’d love the option to use my iPhone screen as a trackpad when iPad is connected to a keyboard.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I’d love the option to use my iPhone screen as a trackpad when iPad is connected to a keyboard.

THat would not only be awesome (for me) but also very Appley.
I like it.

Not the first time I have heard this suggestion either.

 

[Dodgeman]

I have an iPad Mini and I have a macbook as well.
I think the ipad has its place as a multimedia device and the mac is an actual computer.
The ipad can do some of the functions as a Mac book I am not 100% sure it could be a direct replacement.

 

[s2mikey]

If the iPad had mouse/trackpad support I would ditch my MacBook Air in a heart beat.

While I understand your desire to have mouse support, IMO it starts to tender the iPad not a tablet anymore if has to support all of these desktop PC add-ons and devices. Then, the OS has to be changed..... then other things start getting added making the iPad a worse tablet just so it can try to be a better laptop replacement. Something like that.

I still find tablets and laptops to be better when they just do their thing. Keep them separate. It’s the best way to let them both shine.