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iPad as a laptop replacement
- Thread starter Omar Comin' Yo
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I’m still following this thread in case there is finally some movement on the software side that would justify a move to the M4 13 iPad Pro from my 2018 12.9 3.Gen…
So far I’m happy with the improvements
Made with iOS/iPadOS 18 ( cloud and format) but my gripe was never with the OS itself but the lack of Software, esp. 3rd Party.
As Photographer the IPad and PenPro is awesome a far more natural to use edit photos. But then you are stuck with the software limitations. For LR the DeNoise Ai is missing, no stacking for HDR or Panostiching and then the total
Lack of Topaz DeNoise/Sharpen/Gigapixel and the likes of NIK (esp. SilverEffects)… ( and it is very similar for Audio and Video)
Really this is the limit of the iPad Pro and I’m really surprised that there isn’t more pressure on the Developers which is badly needed…
B
So far I’m happy with the improvements
Made with iOS/iPadOS 18 ( cloud and format) but my gripe was never with the OS itself but the lack of Software, esp. 3rd Party.
As Photographer the IPad and PenPro is awesome a far more natural to use edit photos. But then you are stuck with the software limitations. For LR the DeNoise Ai is missing, no stacking for HDR or Panostiching and then the total
Lack of Topaz DeNoise/Sharpen/Gigapixel and the likes of NIK (esp. SilverEffects)… ( and it is very similar for Audio and Video)
Really this is the limit of the iPad Pro and I’m really surprised that there isn’t more pressure on the Developers which is badly needed…
B
Yeah, I’ve heard similar things from other photographers, the OS itself is fine, it’s mostly the lack of some certain softwares like Topaz, and the limited feature set of others like Lightroom. I think we are starting to see more pressure on third-party developers to deliver more functional apps. I somewhat suspect that beyond improving the AI functionality on the iPad, Apple added the M4 chip into the iPad before the Mac to nudge developers to improve their iPad apps to take advantage of it. Pro apps were a big part of the iPad Pro release event, and even in the documentation for developing for iPadOS 18, the top line talks about delivering desktop-class apps for the iPad.
I strongly disliked the highly reflective display and also found that I didn't care to go back to Android (I've owned 6 Android tablets and a multitude of phones).
Since I got the S9 Ultra, I will be using that as my laptop replacement. Proper file management system, way better aspect ratio, true multi-tasking, full mouse support etc. There is no going back. Decided to take off the Combo Touch case for my ipad Pro 11 and put my thin clear case back on. Wow it's so nice to cut all the extra weight. It's now a true 1lb device in hand.
I will be selling my Combo Touch case now and my Apple keyboard, as I now plan on using the ipad a lot more handheld (something that wasn't pleasant with the case as it got heavy fast). Won't be missing the kickstand as I won't be using the ipad propped up anymore. That S9 U now does that job.
I was quickly reminded just how useful and fun it is to use the ipad 11" handheld. It's a whole new experience.
I will be selling my Combo Touch case now and my Apple keyboard, as I now plan on using the ipad a lot more handheld (something that wasn't pleasant with the case as it got heavy fast). Won't be missing the kickstand as I won't be using the ipad propped up anymore. That S9 U now does that job.
I was quickly reminded just how useful and fun it is to use the ipad 11" handheld. It's a whole new experience.
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This is the first post of yours I’ve seen that actually includes a bit of iPad praise! Amazing progress!!
Guessing I'm gonna shock some people here. After being an Apple user for 30 years, and using my M1 iPad Pro 11 exclusively for the mobile aspect of my real estate business for over 2 years, I am adding Android to my repertoire. I tried Android(Samsung One UI and DeX) on a Galaxy Tab A9+ I got on sale for $229.00 at BestBuy a couple weeks ago. The hardware is no match for my M1 iPad Pro, but I like the software experience much better with the One UI and DeX. On my Tab A9+ with DeX enabled, I now have a true desktop environment to work on. Hard to believe, I know...but I will, like @DeepSix, be using a Samsung device for my real estate work now. Probably be getting a Tab S9 Ultra/S10 Ultra, and a Galaxy S24/S25 Ultra. My wife already wants my Tab A9+ to replace her iPad, and a S24 to replace her iPhone. Yes, the phones can also provide the same desktop environment attached to external monitor, mouse, and keyboard with DeX. Let's see you do that iPhone.
What Samsung has done with DeX is what I wish Apple would do with the iPad and iPhone. Tablet or phone when unattached, and desktop environment when using with external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. As you can see, I changed my avatar, and after being hard core Apple for 30 years, there is no need to try and convince me that I'm committing Apple heresy, or that I'm wrong about my experience. I am purely a tech enthusiast that appreciates any tech that is useful to my needs, and Samsung is the new tech in my experience that I feel will really do all I've been trying to accomplish with my iPad Pro for over two years now. I have the same excitement for this new journey as I did when I started using my iPad Pro exclusively for my mobile needs. Two weeks, and I know Android with Samsung's One UI and DeX already almost as well as iPad OS, and like it just as well, if not better.
Imho, if you really want a tablet with an OS that has a great desktop work environment, Galaxy Tabs with One UI and DeX have you covered.
My next acquisitions...
Just to be clear, no need to be sad for me, as I am not leaving Apple....Just adding some new tech tools to my geek/nerd tech toolbox.
Forgot to mention that an S-Pen is included with the Tab S9 Ultra, as well as an MicroSD card slot for easy expansion.
Both with 1TB and 16GB ram. Tab S9 Ultra comes with pen and 14.6" Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. $129.00 extra for Apple Pencil. Huge price difference!
What Samsung has done with DeX is what I wish Apple would do with the iPad and iPhone. Tablet or phone when unattached, and desktop environment when using with external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. As you can see, I changed my avatar, and after being hard core Apple for 30 years, there is no need to try and convince me that I'm committing Apple heresy, or that I'm wrong about my experience. I am purely a tech enthusiast that appreciates any tech that is useful to my needs, and Samsung is the new tech in my experience that I feel will really do all I've been trying to accomplish with my iPad Pro for over two years now. I have the same excitement for this new journey as I did when I started using my iPad Pro exclusively for my mobile needs. Two weeks, and I know Android with Samsung's One UI and DeX already almost as well as iPad OS, and like it just as well, if not better.
Imho, if you really want a tablet with an OS that has a great desktop work environment, Galaxy Tabs with One UI and DeX have you covered.
My next acquisitions...
Just to be clear, no need to be sad for me, as I am not leaving Apple....Just adding some new tech tools to my geek/nerd tech toolbox.
Forgot to mention that an S-Pen is included with the Tab S9 Ultra, as well as an MicroSD card slot for easy expansion.
Both with 1TB and 16GB ram. Tab S9 Ultra comes with pen and 14.6" Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. $129.00 extra for Apple Pencil. Huge price difference!
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Guessing I'm gonna shock some people here. After being an Apple user for 30 years, and using my M1 iPad Pro 11 exclusively for the mobile aspect of my real estate business for over 2 years, I am adding Android to my repertoire. I tried Android(Samsung One UI and DeX) on a Galaxy Tab A9+ I got on sale for $229.00 at BestBuy a couple weeks ago. The hardware is no match for my M1 iPad Pro, but I like the software experience much better with the One UI and DeX. On my Tab A9+ with DeX enabled, I now have a true desktop environment to work on. Hard to believe, I know...but I will, like @DeepSix, be using a Samsung device for my real estate work now. Probably be getting a Tab S9 Ultra/S10 Ultra, and a Galaxy S24/S25 Ultra. My wife already wants my Tab A9+ to replace her iPad, and a S24 to replace her iPhone. Yes, the phones can also provide the same desktop environment with DeX attached to external monitor, mouse, and keyboard. Let's see you do that iPhone.
What Samsung has done with DeX is what I wish Apple would do with the iPad and iPhone. Tablet or phone when unattached, and desktop environment when using with external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. As you can see, I changed my avatar, and after being hard core Apple for 30 years, there is no need to convince me that I'm wrong about this. I am purely a tech enthusiast that appreciates any tech that is useful to my needs, and Samsung is the new tech in my experience that can now really do what I've been trying to accomplish with my iPad Pro for over two years now. I have the same excitement for this new journey as I did when I started using my iPad Pro exclusively for my mobile needs. Two weeks, and I know Android with Samsung's One UI and DeX already almost as well as iPad OS, and like it just as well, if not better.
Imho, if you really want a tablet with an OS that can replace your laptop, Galaxy Tabs have it very well covered.
My nt acquisitions... View attachment 2393066
Just to be clear, I am not leaving Apple....Just adding some new tech to my experience.
That's awesome that you got a Galaxy Tab too! Even without DEX, the Android UI smokes the ipad UI and it's not even close. I always assumed all this time that ipad was the far better tablet. The last time I used an Android tablet was at least 5 years ago. Boy was I wrong. Android has really caught up. Full mouse support just like a real computer, a real file management system (Drag and drop), a way better screen, expandable storage, true multi-tasking even without Dex, a better aspect ratio for just about everything and no more black bars and wasted space. I find Im always using split screen on the Tab. Love how quick and easy it is. Im still only on day 14 since getting the 9 Ultra but Im still blown away by this device. goes hand and hand with my S23 Ultra. I just wish I got this device much sooner. The Samsung ecosystem is pretty darn good.
And iPadOS offers a desktop-class experience with Stage Manager, and also has the apps to back it up. Android’s app selection is mostly blown-up Android phone apps. Even the browser shows giant sized mobile sites by default, where iPadOS gives us the desktop site by default. And the app selection for creatives on Android basically sucks. Affinity isn’t available on Android, nor are several great 3D apps like Valence, and video editing apps like Final Cut Pro, Davinci Resolve, etc. Even Photoshop isn’t available, except for little Photoshop “applets”. I’m glad that Android works for you, but I’d hardly say that Android is “more desktop like” or “a better laptop replacement”. I think that definitely depends on your needs (for creative workflows), and if they’re very minimal, than Android is probably fine.
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Shocked indeed! I’ll be interested to hear your opinions once the honeymoon phase has worn off. I used to love Samsung devices - at first. Then the performance worsened and the bloatware irritated me. But that was close to a decade ago, so I’m sure things have moved on by now.Guessing I'm gonna shock some people here. After being an Apple user for 30 years, and using my M1 iPad Pro 11 exclusively for the mobile aspect of my real estate business for over 2 years, I am adding Android to my repertoire. I tried Android(Samsung One UI and DeX) on a Galaxy Tab A9+ I got on sale for $229.00 at BestBuy a couple weeks ago. The hardware is no match for my M1 iPad Pro, but I like the software experience much better with the One UI and DeX. On my Tab A9+ with DeX enabled, I now have a true desktop environment to work on. Hard to believe, I know...but I will, like @DeepSix, be using a Samsung device for my real estate work now. Probably be getting a Tab S9 Ultra/S10 Ultra, and a Galaxy S24/S25 Ultra. My wife already wants my Tab A9+ to replace her iPad, and a S24 to replace her iPhone. Yes, the phones can also provide the same desktop environment attached to external monitor, mouse, and keyboard with DeX. Let's see you do that iPhone.
What Samsung has done with DeX is what I wish Apple would do with the iPad and iPhone. Tablet or phone when unattached, and desktop environment when using with external monitor, keyboard, and mouse. As you can see, I changed my avatar, and after being hard core Apple for 30 years, there is no need to try and convince me that I'm committing Apple heresy, or that I'm wrong about this. I am purely a tech enthusiast that appreciates any tech that is useful to my needs, and Samsung is the new tech in my experience that can now really do what I've been trying to accomplish with my iPad Pro for over two years now. I have the same excitement for this new journey as I did when I started using my iPad Pro exclusively for my mobile needs. Two weeks, and I know Android with Samsung's One UI and DeX already almost as well as iPad OS, and like it just as well, if not better.
Imho, if you really want a tablet with an OS that can replace your laptop, Galaxy Tabs have it very well covered.
View attachment 2393062 View attachment 2393061
My next acquisitions... View attachment 2393066
View attachment 2393065 View attachment 2393070
Just to be clear, no need to be sad for me, as I am not leaving Apple....Just adding some new tech tools to my geek/nerd tech toolbox.
Part of what would stop me considering a move is I don’t use Windows anymore, so any non-Apple device is going to be a third wheel as far as losing the functionality of Sidecar, Handover, Universal Control, AirDrop etc.
But I guess that’s less important to you as the iPad was your primary device to begin with.
Oh come now! Can't you just be happy for a techno nerd? Not trashing Apple. Just adding to my tech, and found something that works better for me with my real estate business. And, you must be talking about Android from years ago, because I get a desktop experience browsing with Chrome on my Tab A9+....Just like on my iPad Pro. And just so we are clear, DeX is very much a desktop like work environment that I like better than Stage Manager....at least in my experience...which is considerable btw. And, my needs are what any real estate pro and property management specialist needs. Clue, they are not minimalist needs.
I said “I’m glad Android works well for you”. And I wasn’t saying your needs were minimal, I was talking in regards to creative workflows such as mine. Perhaps I didn’t clarify that well enough. I wasn’t saying anything bad about you or your Android device. Sorry if you took it that way.
Stage manager is a joke compared to Samsungs One UI. They're not even comparable. Apps aren't perfect on ipadOS. For instance Facebook on iPad OS doesn't even have a dark mode, yet on Android it does. Instagram on iPad OS is blown up and not even full res, whereas on Android it's much better and fills the entire screen.
If people need power, they shouldn't be using tablets, use a computer. But Samsung One UI and Dex are far closer to a laptop replacement than iPadOS is. Night and day difference. Then factor in a proper real file management system on Android and it just widens the gap. No more pulling my hair out just trying to transfer files to my iPad.
Don’t get me wrong, I think ipadOS is great but since taking off my heavy Combo touch case and now using it a lot more handheld, I’ll be using my iPad mostly handheld for now on and leave everything else to my Samsung.
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I totally disagree about Stage Manager. Stage Manager is much better in my opinion than my experience with display models using Dex on Android tablets. I wouldn’t call either a “joke”.
And calling Android’s file app a “real” filesystem vs iPad’s Files app is a non-starter. They’re both real file systems. And they’re both mostly the same in functionality. You move files around and organize them into folders. That’s true of both.
I’m glad that Android works for you and others. But saying iPadOS’s features are a “joke” or “not real” seems a bit too far.
I welcome you to make me a video of Stage Manager doing this. While I do like Stage Manager, DeX definitely has the better windowing implementation.
And here is Stage Manager on my M1 iPad Pro 11
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You raise an important point here. There’s a risk of tribal factions starting and it’s not necessary.
Both ipadOS and Android are mature, capable systems. The iPad is the market leader in the category for a reason, and that reason is clearly not because it’s a bad system.
One may be better for a given person’s needs but that does not make it poor or bad or inferior.
And what exactly makes that better (objectively and not subjectively based on personal preferences and workflow)? More app windows cluttering the screen at once? Dex doesn’t allow me to get the clean and organized experience I do with Stage Manager. I also can snap my app windows on a grid, so I can precisely center my windows on my screen. This doesn’t work on Dex. I can create groups of app windows for certain tasks with Stage Manager, this doesn’t work with Dex as far as I’m aware. Just because Stage Manager works differently doesn’t mean it’s inferior. Dex might be better for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s better for everyone. Again, I’m not saying that Dex or Android is a “joke” so I’d like to see the same courtesy extended to iPadOS and Stage Manager.
I agree. I don’t doubt that Android is the better choice for some people and different use-cases. I just take issue with this needless “your system isn’t “real” in this way or is a “joke” in that way” sentiment…
I never said Stage Manager, iPads, or Apple were jokes, but it's the difference between night and day to me when it comes to DeX and Stage Manager. I love Apple for 30 plus years now, and have had an iPad since the first one. I also love tech in general, and although I have found a new tech love to add to my collection, that does not lessen my affection for Apple and its products. I will now use Apple, MS, and Samsung/Android very happily in unison with each other. There are no camps in my home, we all sleep at the same campsite. Yes, I am enthusiastic about my new endeavor, and I will make comparisons and share my opinions. At the end of the day, everyone will use what suits them best and gets them through the day.
Steve Jobs is my business hero. He came back to a company that he created, and was about to fall off the edge of the Earth, and turned it into one of the most successful companies on the planet. I will always have a place for Apple in my tech life.
I guess perhaps I just misunderstood what you were trying to say, it seemed to me like you were saying that Stage Manager was a joke compared to Dex and that iPadOS doesn’t have a real file system. I can understand that Dex could be better for other people, and that some people prefer Android’s file app over the iPad’s (honestly, I don’t understand what the major difference is, because using both I think they’re basically very similar in most ways, and do the same things). It just seemed like you were kind of knocking on iPadOS. I’m glad to hear that that wasn’t your intention. 👍🏻
Someone here did call Stage Manager a joke. It just wasn't me. I haven't used the files app on DeX enough to have an opinion yet. Only been using this for two weeks compared to iPad for 14 years. I am not going to say any tech sucks because I love tech in general. Remember, I am a self proclaimed techno nerd/geek. Gets kind of tiring going around to all the individual forums to talk about individual devices, brands, and OS's, when I am a member of what I personally consider the best tech forum on the internet. I just wish my love of tech with no camps was relevant here.
Oooh! Looking forward to this...
www.macworld.com
Beta reveals powerful macOS disk formatting options coming to the iPad and iPhone
Report uncovers new storage options in iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
www.macworld.com
