iPad as a laptop replacement

[DougFNJ]

I’m not sure if I’m fully understanding the issue you’re running into, but I personally use Apple’s Pages app for my word processing needs. It either has the full desktop functionality or very close to it. I hope that might be helpful for you.

Thanks Kal,

Basically, when I print shipping labels, I use the ones with the adhesive with 2 halves. Normally, most labels I can just print to it, and it prints on the top or bottom half. One vendor I use that sends me labels has it dead center on the page, So I rotate, crop, and move to fill half the page to print out the label. Usually PDF Expert makes it super easy on the Mac, I’m seeing the app is less capable in some areas, and more capable in others on the iPad.

I’m going to play around with Pages a little deeper and see if that may work it a little easier.

Edit: Just opened that PDF in Pages, and I wish I tried that sooner. Worked quicker than PDF Expert. Thanks again! I will be using Pages more often.

So, if I’m following you correctly… there’s a PDF and you want to crop it.. right? Then print it. I’d suggest giving GoodReader a try. It does allow for me to crop a PDF and gave the option to print it afterwards.

‎GoodReader PDF Editor & Viewer

‎First released in 2009, GoodReader® is truly a veteran of the App Store. In the modern app business, it's not easy to stay relevant that long. We're proud to say that after 13 years and counting, we've been delivering wonderful updates with extraordinary new features. And we're going to keep...

apps.apple.com

I’m also going to give that a try. So glad this thread exists, if this works out as I am hoping understanding these are the small hurdles I will figure out, my work life will be a bit more efficient.

 

[Kal Madda]

Thanks Kal,

Basically, when I print shipping labels, I use the ones with the adhesive with 2 halves. Normally, most labels I can just print to it, and it prints on the top or bottom half. One vendor I use that sends me labels has it dead center on the page, So I rotate, crop, and move to fill half the page to print out the label. Usually PDF Expert makes it super easy on the Mac, I’m seeing the app is less capable in some areas, and more capable in others on the iPad.

I’m going to play around with Pages a little deeper and see if that may work it a little easier.



I’m also going to give that a try. So glad this thread exists, if this works out as I am hoping understanding these are the small hurdles I will figure out, my work life will be a bit more efficient.

Thanks, glad I could be helpful! 👍🏻 Also, another thing you could try is taking a screenshot of the label, and using the editor to crop that. I don’t know if that would be harder or easier for your use case, but then you could probably insert the cropped image into your template document. 👍🏻

I’m definitely glad for this thread as well, I just recently discovered it, and there is a lot of really useful tips and information here! 👍🏻

 

[richpjr]

Macworld's take on the state of the iPad:

Apple still has no idea what to do with the iPad | Macworld

 

[Ludatyk]

I would be curious to know how many 11" and 13" upgraders would still have upgraded without purchasing the MKB. And if some did, do you still find yourself using the iPad more than your MB or MBP?

Well, for me… the MKB was a packaged deal. As soon as I upgraded… the MKB was purchased as well, I kind of regretted going at it soon. Could have found one open boxed at BB (that’s beside the point), the experience of having the MKB enhancing the use of the iPad Pro.

So, for me… it was a no brainer! And I like the changes with the new MKB… initially I was extremely frustrated by Apple designing the new iPad Pro speciifically for it. But after a month use of this whole setup….Even though, I don’t fully like the decision by Apple. I could have easily kept my current MKB, but there’s no doubt about it… I do like it.

 

[Kal Madda]

Macworld's take on the state of the iPad:

Apple still has no idea what to do with the iPad | Macworld

So to translate this article into plain English: “BiG mEaNy AppLe DiDn’T aDd macOS on iPad, sO tHeY hAvE nO iDeA wHaT tO dO wItH tHe iPad…”

 

[Webcat86]

Macworld's take on the state of the iPad:

Apple still has no idea what to do with the iPad | Macworld

My favourite part of this article is when the author admits Apple has done multiple things with the iPad and faces certain challenges in trying to please the loud voices, but doesn’t have the awareness to notice that’s what he’s said.

 

[richpjr]

My favourite part of this article is when the author admits Apple has done multiple things with the iPad and faces certain challenges in trying to please the loud voices, but doesn’t have the awareness to notice that’s what he’s said.

Not really - I think this sums up their point: "the operating system isn’t suitable for more advanced applications."

Some can live with iPadOS as is and others can't. It's kind of amusing to see the reaction of those who can vs those who can't - it's like someone said their baby is ugly.

 

[Ludatyk]

Not really - I think this sums up their point: "the operating system isn’t suitable for more advanced applications."

Again, it’s up to the devs to build advanced applications… the hardware is capable of it. You know what’s strange… critics claim “the iPad has M1 chip which means it can run macOS”… and “the iPad has M1 chip let me run macOS apps.”

So, if the M1 chip can do these things… why not bring devs into the discussion? lol

 

[richpjr]

Again, it’s up to the devs to build advanced applications… the hardware is capable of it. You know what’s strange… critics claim “the iPad has M1 chip which means it can run macOS”… and “the iPad has M1 chip let me run macOS apps.”

So, if the M1 chip can do these things… why not bring devs into the discussion? lol

I am not referring to apps (nor was the article), I am referring to limitations of iPadOS. If it works for you, then you are set! It's too painful for me to use for a lot of tasks so I have to use multiple devices.

 

[Ludatyk]

I am not referring to apps (nor was the article), I am referring to limitations of iPadOS. If it works for you, then you are set! It's too painful for me to use for a lot of tasks so I have to use multiple devices.

But you just stated, "more advanced application."

I think it's more to the point that you enjoy the familiarity of the Mac and that's perfectly okay... I like the Mac as well; but it seems as if you paint the iPad as useless (or maybe I'm wrong).

 

[Kal Madda]

Again, it’s up to the devs to build advanced applications… the hardware is capable of it. You know what’s strange… critics claim “the iPad has M1 chip which means it can run macOS”… and “the iPad has M1 chip let me run macOS apps.”

So, if the M1 chip can do these things… why not bring devs into the discussion? lol

Exactly. There’s no iPadOS limit preventing Microsoft from supporting really basic features like positioning options for centering images, and custom document templates. Too many developers seem to like to blame Apple for their lack of initiative… Instead of blaming Apple and the yearly articles hating on Apple for selling iPads with iPadOS, these writers and customers need to start putting more pressure on these developers to get their act together and deliver basic features.

But I think this thread is supposed to be more about helping people who are wanting advice, not debating about iPadOS limitations…

 

[RLRabb]

Exactly. There’s no iPadOS limit preventing Microsoft from supporting really basic features like positioning options for centering images, and custom document templates. Too many developers seem to like to blame Apple for their lack of initiative… Instead of blaming Apple and the yearly articles hating on Apple for selling iPads with iPadOS, these writers and customers need to start putting more pressure on these developers to get their act together and deliver basic features.

But I think this thread is supposed to be more about helping people who are wanting advice, not debating about iPadOS limitations…

In a more perfect world forum.

 

[rukind2]

But surely you close them?


It’s not really a comparison though is it. It’s a question of “will this particular device suit my needs to the extent that I don’t need that other device?”
And for some people the answer is yes, and for other people the answer is no. It’s not at all dissimilar to how some households don’t have printers and others couldn’t live without one. The fact is the actual “need” for computers is lower today than ever before, because our other devices are better than ever before. Some people do damn near everything from their phones, even. It doesn’t mean the phone is a decent comparison to a laptop, it just means it’s sufficient for those people to not need the laptop.

You raise some good points about the varying needs of users and how technology has evolved to meet those needs. I agree that for some, an iPad or even a smartphone might fulfill all their requirements, eliminating the need for a laptop.

However, my comment about the comparison being like “apples and oranges” still holds in a broader context. While it’s true that for certain tasks and users, an iPad can be sufficient, the inherent differences in functionality, versatility, and user experience between an iPad and a laptop make them fundamentally distinct categories of devices. Something which Apple has stressed. This distinction is important when considering the full range of use cases and needs that laptops traditionally fulfill, which might not be fully addressed by an iPad for everyone.

 

[richpjr]

But you just stated, "more advanced application."

I think it's more to the point that you enjoy the familiarity of the Mac and that's perfectly okay... I like the Mac as well; but it seems as if you paint the iPad as useless (or maybe I'm wrong).

It has nothing to do with familiarity with a Mac vs an iPad. I am the VP of Engineering at a software company that, among other things, develops mobile apps so I am intimately familiar with iPads and iPadOS, how multitasking works in iPadOS along with how it works in macOS.

I like iPads and in fact just upgraded my M1 12.9 to an M4 13 with MKB and a pencil pro this afternoon to go along with my M2 11". I would just like some of the things that bother me (and a lot of other people since there are so many complaining about it) cleaned up. That list from the linked article highlights a lot of things that bother me. I'd love to be able to consolidate devices but can't for the way I use devices. So, I have a Mac Studio for heavy lifting, the 11" iPad for consumption and the 13 for editing photos and videos along with some light gaming. I'd love to get rid of the Mac Studio but honestly can't for my uses. But I could if Apple would enhance iPadOS - not that I'm holding my breath.

 

[KPOM]

Macworld's take on the state of the iPad:

Apple still has no idea what to do with the iPad | Macworld

Clickbait. Are there things that Apple could do to improve iPadOS? Absolutely. Do I think the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard is a very useful productive device? Absolutely.

 

[Webcat86]

Not really

Yes, really. How about this gem? "Apple can try to hit all of these different markets by selling multiple hardware variations (albeit at the risk of making the buying decision intimidatingly complex)"

or

"If Apple wants the iPad to replace the MacBook, it needs to bring iPadOS closer to macOS in scope and organizational structure. It’s not like the software department at Cupertino hasn’t tried"

or

"Conversely, turning iPadOS into a sophisticated desktop-style OS will shrink the iPad’s appeal for its current userbase, by taking away the simple qualities that they value."

or the real revelation:

"And there’s no easy way to make both groups happy."

Some can live with iPadOS as is and others can't.

Exactly. This is true of many computing areas.

It's kind of amusing to see the reaction of those who can vs those who can't - it's like someone said their baby is ugly.

It's more a case of these people being happier to acknowledge what the iPad is and isn't, coupled with a frustration at the "can't" group to rarely (not never) give sensible proposals.

For example, from your own link, is this turd of a paragraph: "the iPad is drifting around in commercial limbo, and something radical was needed to turn it around: not the needless addition of a ludicrously overpowered M4 chip, but a rethink of the software platform itself. And as exciting as WWDC 2024 was, it didn’t offer any real answers to the iPad question."

This is after the author has conceded that Apple would need to create a complex lineup to please each market, that it has tried to bring iPadOS and MacOS closer together, and going full-tilt to MacOS will shrink the iPad's appeal.

And yet, still, the author decides it's reasonable to end the article by saying Apple needed to "rethink" the iPad and give "real answers" while conveniently offering precisely SFA ideas of his own. It's cheap.

You raise some good points about the varying needs of users and how technology has evolved to meet those needs. I agree that for some, an iPad or even a smartphone might fulfill all their requirements, eliminating the need for a laptop.

However, my comment about the comparison being like “apples and oranges” still holds in a broader context. While it’s true that for certain tasks and users, an iPad can be sufficient, the inherent differences in functionality, versatility, and user experience between an iPad and a laptop make them fundamentally distinct categories of devices. Something which Apple has stressed. This distinction is important when considering the full range of use cases and needs that laptops traditionally fulfill, which might not be fully addressed by an iPad for everyone.

Certainly — I totally agree. And I think you've highlighted an important point: the problem isn't so much with the iPad itself as much as it's with a refusal to accept what it is and isn't, among certain groups. And, more and more, the more complex needs of a full desktop OS are used by fewer people while the simplicity-with-growing-capabilities of the iPad appeal to more people.

To repeat what I said previously, most people use home computers for non-work tasks. Because most people who work on computers are provided them by the company. They don't go home to Windows Vista/XP/7/10/11 to explore the complexities of the OS, they open Facebook and order their shopping and read emails and play Sims. And so most consumer computing equipment has been far too much for most people. Through this lens the appeal of the iPad is clearer, and it's easier to see how it's truly a "PC replacement" for those people.

 

[mandopicker101]

So to translate this article into plain English: “BiG mEaNy AppLe DiDn’T aDd macOS on iPad, sO tHeY hAvE nO iDeA wHaT tO dO wItH tHe iPad…”

Yes, really. How about this gem? "Apple can try to hit all of these different markets by selling multiple hardware variations (albeit at the risk of making the buying decision intimidatingly complex)"

or

"If Apple wants the iPad to replace the MacBook, it needs to bring iPadOS closer to macOS in scope and organizational structure. It’s not like the software department at Cupertino hasn’t tried"

or

"Conversely, turning iPadOS into a sophisticated desktop-style OS will shrink the iPad’s appeal for its current userbase, by taking away the simple qualities that they value."

or the real revelation:

"And there’s no easy way to make both groups happy."

Exactly. This is true of many computing areas.


It's more a case of these people being happier to acknowledge what the iPad is and isn't, coupled with a frustration at the "can't" group to rarely (not never) give sensible proposals.

For example, from your own link, is this turd of a paragraph: "the iPad is drifting around in commercial limbo, and something radical was needed to turn it around: not the needless addition of a ludicrously overpowered M4 chip, but a rethink of the software platform itself. And as exciting as WWDC 2024 was, it didn’t offer any real answers to the iPad question."

This is after the author has conceded that Apple would need to create a complex lineup to please each market, that it has tried to bring iPadOS and MacOS closer together, and going full-tilt to MacOS will shrink the iPad's appeal.

And yet, still, the author decides it's reasonable to end the article by saying Apple needed to "rethink" the iPad and give "real answers" while conveniently offering precisely SFA ideas of his own. It's cheap.



Certainly — I totally agree. And I think you've highlighted an important point: the problem isn't so much with the iPad itself as much as it's with a refusal to accept what it is and isn't, among certain groups. And, more and more, the more complex needs of a full desktop OS are used by fewer people while the simplicity-with-growing-capabilities of the iPad appeal to more people.

To repeat what I said previously, most people use home computers for non-work tasks. Because most people who work on computers are provided them by the company. They don't go home to Windows Vista/XP/7/10/11 to explore the complexities of the OS, they open Facebook and order their shopping and read emails and play Sims. And so most consumer computing equipment has been far too much for most people. Through this lens the appeal of the iPad is clearer, and it's easier to see how it's truly a "PC replacement" for those people.

Yes, really. How about this gem? "Apple can try to hit all of these different markets by selling multiple hardware variations (albeit at the risk of making the buying decision intimidatingly complex)"

or

"If Apple wants the iPad to replace the MacBook, it needs to bring iPadOS closer to macOS in scope and organizational structure. It’s not like the software department at Cupertino hasn’t tried"

or

"Conversely, turning iPadOS into a sophisticated desktop-style OS will shrink the iPad’s appeal for its current userbase, by taking away the simple qualities that they value."

or the real revelation:

"And there’s no easy way to make both groups happy."

Exactly. This is true of many computing areas.


It's more a case of these people being happier to acknowledge what the iPad is and isn't, coupled with a frustration at the "can't" group to rarely (not never) give sensible proposals.

For example, from your own link, is this turd of a paragraph: "the iPad is drifting around in commercial limbo, and something radical was needed to turn it around: not the needless addition of a ludicrously overpowered M4 chip, but a rethink of the software platform itself. And as exciting as WWDC 2024 was, it didn’t offer any real answers to the iPad question."

This is after the author has conceded that Apple would need to create a complex lineup to please each market, that it has tried to bring iPadOS and MacOS closer together, and going full-tilt to MacOS will shrink the iPad's appeal.

And yet, still, the author decides it's reasonable to end the article by saying Apple needed to "rethink" the iPad and give "real answers" while conveniently offering precisely SFA ideas of his own. It's cheap.



Certainly — I totally agree. And I think you've highlighted an important point: the problem isn't so much with the iPad itself as much as it's with a refusal to accept what it is and isn't, among certain groups. And, more and more, the more complex needs of a full desktop OS are used by fewer people while the simplicity-with-growing-capabilities of the iPad appeal to more people.

To repeat what I said previously, most people use home computers for non-work tasks. Because most people who work on computers are provided them by the company. They don't go home to Windows Vista/XP/7/10/11 to explore the complexities of the OS, they open Facebook and order their shopping and read emails and play Sims. And so most consumer computing equipment has been far too much for most people. Through this lens the appeal of the iPad is clearer, and it's easier to see how it's truly a "PC replacement" for those people.

Couldn’t agree more. My humble iPad 9 from my employer would almost suffice hooked to a monitor. Some legacy apps at work need a PC. An Air M1 would be even closer.

I use my office iPad more than most colleagues because I’m deaf and our tech guys lock down Bluetooth on laptops but not on Apple devices. Streaming audio to hearing aids becomes possible.

 

[vinsalducci]

I would be curious to know how many 11" and 13" upgraders would still have upgraded without purchasing the MKB. And if some did, do you still find yourself using the iPad more than your MB or MBP?

I upgraded and did not get the MKB. I instead went with the Logitech Combo touch. It’s lighter, cheaper, and The keyboard is detachable. I also grabbed a cheap Arteck Bluetooth keyboard to use on the go when my iPad Pro is in my folio rather that the LT keyboard case.

Since I bought my iPad Pro, I find I use it more than my MBP about 10:1. The only thing I really use my MBB pro is for heavy lifting spreadsheet and slide building. For light stuff, the IPP is more than enough.

 

[Ludatyk]

I like iPads and in fact just upgraded my M1 12.9 to an M4 13 with MKB and a pencil pro this afternoon to go along with my M2 11". I would just like some of the things that bother me (and a lot of other people since there are so many complaining about it) cleaned up. That list from the linked article highlights a lot of things that bother me. I'd love to be able to consolidate devices but can't for the way I use devices..

You like iPads? You could have fool me...

And that's never been Apple strategy! Their business model is for you to buy into their ECOSYSTEM... I have both a Mac and iPad, but I don't see the point in wishing to combine the two... they are two different devices, with two different OS.

 

[richpjr]

You like iPads? You could have fool me...

And that's never been Apple strategy! Their business model is for you to buy into their ECOSYSTEM... I have both a Mac and iPad, but I don't see the point in wishing to combine the two... they are two different devices, with two different OS.

Yes, I like iPads. I have two of them that I use daily, an M2 11" and I just replaced an M1 12.9" with a 13" M4 this week. I understand the ecosystem and limitations of iPadOS quite well. Some people can live with the limitations in their workflow and are seemingly puzzled about how it doesn't work for others. With some tweaks to iPadOS that would not ruin it as a tablet first OS, it could be so much more and I could consolidate. Since that hasn't happened, I continue to use multiple devices as I'm not willing to fight the clunky parts of the OS to try and limp along.

 

[Mainsail]

Ok. After reading numerous threads on this subject, I have concluded there are three types of people:

1. Those that want an iPad largely for vacation and couch surfing. A recreational device that they might occasionally use for productivity to take notes, email, or annotate documents. For the most part, they do their mobile and office productivity on a laptop with perhaps an external monitor. For these folks, just about any iPad will do, and the $349 base iPad looks like a pretty good deal....probably get it on sale for $299.
2. Those that want to make the iPad their primary mobile computer and shed the laptop all together. These folks might have a very capable desktop computer (e.g. iMac) at home or office, so they use the iPad as their mobile productivity machine. When they have heavy lifting to do, they use the desktop and their workflow allows for this separation of duties between devices. For these folks, the iPad Pro or Air make the most sense. Of course, after they buy the pencil and MK, they are going to spend a minimum of $1,000 on their iPad. But, that's ok if the iPad is their best device for mobile productivity.....it may be worth it.
3. Those that are on a tight budget and can not afford a secondary device or are frustrated by the iPad and IPadOS. These people generally stick to a MacBook plus iPhone, and connect to a larger monitor when they have big projects. The MacBook is their mobile productivity device. This can be a very simple and economical setup because you can get a base M3 MBA on sale for $899 and add a decent 24" 1080P monitor for about $100. For many college students and office workers, this has been a reliably good way to go. So, if the iPad is not your thing, no problem. No need to haunt forums trying to convince others. Just stick with your trusty MacBook and iPhone combo.

BTW - I fit in the first category, and if my iPad were lost or damaged, I would not be in a rush to replace it. For me, it is definitely a "nice to have" device. Not essential. So, I could absolutely get by just fine in the third category.

 

[Kal Madda]

Ok. After reading numerous threads on this subject, I have concluded there are three types of people:

1. Those that want an iPad largely for vacation and couch surfing. A recreational device that they might occasionally use for productivity to take notes, email, or annotate documents. For the most part, they do their mobile and office productivity on a laptop with perhaps an external monitor. For these folks, just about any iPad will do, and the $349 base iPad looks like a pretty good deal....probably get it on sale for $299.
2. Those that want to make the iPad their primary mobile computer and shed the laptop all together. These folks might have a very capable desktop computer (e.g. iMac) at home or office, so they use the iPad as their mobile productivity machine. When they have heavy lifting to do, they use the desktop and their workflow allows for this separation of duties between devices. For these folks, the iPad Pro or Air make the most sense. Of course, after they buy the pencil and MK, they are going to spend a minimum of $1,000 on their iPad. But, that's ok if the iPad is their best device for mobile productivity.....it may be worth it.
3. Those that are on a tight budget and can not afford a secondary device or are frustrated by the iPad and IPadOS. These people generally stick to a MacBook plus iPhone, and connect to a larger monitor when they have big projects. The MacBook is their mobile productivity device. This can be a very simple and economical setup because you can get a base M3 MBA on sale for $899 and add a decent 24" 1080P monitor for about $100. For many college students and office workers, this has been a reliably good way to go. So, if the iPad is not your thing, no problem. No need to haunt forums trying to convince others. Just stick with your trusty MacBook and iPhone combo.

BTW - I fit in the first category, and if my iPad were lost or damaged, I would not be in a rush to replace it. For me, it is definitely a "nice to have" device. Not essential. So, I could absolutely get by just fine in the third category.

I think I mostly agree with that. I probably fall in the second category, though even though I do now have a Mac desktop, it’s not required for any part of my workflow. The main thing I use it for is saving local backups of my iPad. And I still enjoy tinkering with macOS occasionally, so it’s more of a luxury buy for me than a requirement for my workflow. I definitely am glad I went with the iPad Pro. When I first bought an iPad, I thought I would use it as a companion device more like the first category, but after using it, I realized I wouldn’t need a Mac anymore for my workflow, so I ended up replacing my MacBook with the iPad. I think the iPad and Mac Mini setup is ideal for my use case! 👍🏻

 

[Abazigal]

Ok. After reading numerous threads on this subject, I have concluded there are three types of people:

1. Those that want an iPad largely for vacation and couch surfing. A recreational device that they might occasionally use for productivity to take notes, email, or annotate documents. For the most part, they do their mobile and office productivity on a laptop with perhaps an external monitor. For these folks, just about any iPad will do, and the $349 base iPad looks like a pretty good deal....probably get it on sale for $299.
2. Those that want to make the iPad their primary mobile computer and shed the laptop all together. These folks might have a very capable desktop computer (e.g. iMac) at home or office, so they use the iPad as their mobile productivity machine. When they have heavy lifting to do, they use the desktop and their workflow allows for this separation of duties between devices. For these folks, the iPad Pro or Air make the most sense. Of course, after they buy the pencil and MK, they are going to spend a minimum of $1,000 on their iPad. But, that's ok if the iPad is their best device for mobile productivity.....it may be worth it.
3. Those that are on a tight budget and can not afford a secondary device or are frustrated by the iPad and IPadOS. These people generally stick to a MacBook plus iPhone, and connect to a larger monitor when they have big projects. The MacBook is their mobile productivity device. This can be a very simple and economical setup because you can get a base M3 MBA on sale for $899 and add a decent 24" 1080P monitor for about $100. For many college students and office workers, this has been a reliably good way to go. So, if the iPad is not your thing, no problem. No need to haunt forums trying to convince others. Just stick with your trusty MacBook and iPhone combo.

BTW - I fit in the first category, and if my iPad were lost or damaged, I would not be in a rush to replace it. For me, it is definitely a "nice to have" device. Not essential. So, I could absolutely get by just fine in the third category.

I would like to propose Group no.4.

I feel I belong to a group who are able to use their iPads in a productive manner. I am largely at peace with what the iPad is (to me). I have gone the distance in attempting to wring out as much functionality as I realistically can from my iPad (thanks in part to following MacStories early on in my iPad journey), so I am aware of what the iPad can and cannot do for me. At the same time, I don't try to force the iPad to be something it is not, in part because I know it's only going to be an exercise in frustration and futility.

For example, the iPad is a great device to present slides from, but I mainly create and edit my slides on my Mac, because that's where I am the most productive and I lack a means of reliably downloading YouTube videos on my iPad.

On a normal working day, I easily average several hours of screen time on my iPad, between using it in class, playing music / podcasts / YouTube videos while I mark assignments, reviewing documents in notability / office apps, light gaming (recently got back into Lords of Waterdeep, Grimvalor and Slay the Spire), email, light productivity (note-taking via notes, mindnode) and reading (Safari, various news apps). Most of these tasks can be done on either a phone or a Mac, and that's the niche the iPad fills for me. It has a bigger screen than the iPhone (better for gaming and reading), yet more convenient to access than the Mac (because I can detach the keyboard when I don't need it).

I don't need the M4 chip for this, but I can afford to splurge here and there, and I am not regretting my new purchase one bit.

 

[Mainsail]

I would like to propose Group no.4.

I feel I belong to a group who are able to use their iPads in a productive manner. I am largely at peace with what the iPad is (to me). I have gone the distance in attempting to wring out as much functionality as I realistically can from my iPad (thanks in part to following MacStories early on in my iPad journey), so I am aware of what the iPad can and cannot do for me. At the same time, I don't try to force the iPad to be something it is not, in part because I know it's only going to be an exercise in frustration and futility.

For example, the iPad is a great device to present slides from, but I mainly create and edit my slides on my Mac, because that's where I am the most productive and I lack a means of reliably downloading YouTube videos on my iPad.

On a normal working day, I easily average several hours of screen time on my iPad, between using it in class, playing music / podcasts / YouTube videos while I mark assignments, reviewing documents in notability / office apps, light gaming (recently got back into Lords of Waterdeep, Grimvalor and Slay the Spire), email, light productivity (note-taking via notes, mindnode) and reading (Safari, various news apps). Most of these tasks can be done on either a phone or a Mac, and that's the niche the iPad fills for me. It has a bigger screen than the iPhone (better for gaming and reading), yet more convenient to access than the Mac (because I can detach the keyboard when I don't need it).

I don't need the M4 chip for this, but I can afford to splurge here and there, and I am not regretting my new purchase one bit.

I see what you are saying, but it kind of sounds like my second group to me. The idea is that you have found a special place for the iPad in your workflow, and this has largely replaced your need for a laptop when mobile. Nevertheless, you still have a Mac for the heavier productivity tasks. In your case, creating and editing slides. I would think the iPad plus iMac combo would be good for you, but maybe you still need a laptop from time to time whilst on the go.

 

[Abazigal]

I see what you are saying, but it kind of sounds like my second group to me. The idea is that you have found a special place for the iPad in your workflow, and this has largely replaced your need for a laptop when mobile. Nevertheless, you still have a Mac for the heavier productivity tasks. In your case, creating and editing slides. I would think the iPad plus iMac combo would be good for you, but maybe you still need a laptop from time to time whilst on the go.

Spot on observation. I actually have 4 computers.

I used to work from my 27" iMac, though that has largely been taken over by my dad now that he's semi-retired and spending more time at home (and on the iMac, which was always more of a communal household PC, just that I largely had it to myself because he used to work late nights). So you are right in that the iMac + iPad was indeed the ideal combo for me. The iMac (the 2017 5k model) also no longer receives software updates, which is a bit of a bummer, but the screen remains gorgeous.

Of course, there is the windows laptop issued to me by my school, which I cannot do away with, because I need it to access network drives, print documents at work and work-related emails. I guess windows isn't that bad now, in part because of a lot of my work can be done via the browser, with some light tasks (like pdf management or editing videos) that can wait till I am at home in front of my Mac. It suffices for work, though I don't particularly enjoy the OS. Stuff like not hibernating when it should sometimes (resulting in it chewing through battery life and heating up like an oven while in my bag), sometimes not connecting to wifi when I wake it up (necessitating a reboot) or having a blue screen when I start it up. I am not sure if this is windows, or a result of all the enterprise software loaded on it.

And well, office on windows feels better designed than on the Mac, and split-screen is pretty awesome. But I find macOS still comes with more functionality out of the box (like why do I have to open a pdf in edge in order to annotate on it, but I have to open it in adobe if I want to view it 2-pages at a time, vs the preview app on the Mac?)

I also bought an M1 MBA when it was released in 2020, which I mainly use now, and it suffices for my needs, 8gb ram and all.

On a typical work day, I bring my school laptop and my iPad to and fro with me. My laptop largely remains at my desk, and so I am using my iPad to teach in place of my school-issued laptop. While it's probably not very fair to compare a personal computing device to a locked down enterprise device, the iPad has indeed won me over with its combination of lightweight portability, long battery life (though the disparity is no longer as stark as before), inbuilt 5g (there are a few dead zones in my school) and ease of use. I probably can get similar functionality out of an android tablet as well, but I have come to love iPadOS for what it is, and accept what it isn't. So you can tell me that the iPad is crippled because it can't do this or that. I can acknowledge it, and I still love it regardless.