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Apple_Robert

Contributor
Sep 21, 2012
35,645
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In a van down by the river
I’ve been meaning to ask this question for a while now but do people not get given a laptop from their workplace? Every place I’ve worked a laptop has been issued to me. So the Do you need a laptop argument never made sense to me. There’s no reason to have anything other than an iPad surely?

I know some people are self employed which is fine. I’m fine with my phone and iPad and the work laptop can be used for anything more. It doesnt make sense to buy a 2nd laptop.
Never mix personal and work, even if your employer (verbally) says you can use a work device any way you want. Too many bad things can happen to a person when mixing the two.
 

richpjr

macrumors 68040
May 9, 2006
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Same with me. However, I think the question was if your heavy lifting is done on your work issued computer, why do you need anything more than an iPad for personal stuff?

The reason I continue to own a MBA after retirement is that my personal stuff requires spreadsheets and productivity apps, and I find the MBA much better for these purposes than an iPad.
Same boat here - I am one of the people that does heavy lifting on my personal computer (a Mac Studio, not a laptop).
 

Aka757

macrumors 6502
Sep 22, 2016
302
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Houston
I’ve never had a personal laptop that I’ve used for work, always been issued a company laptop (in fact, right now I have 2 as I have one from my employer and one from a client that I’m working on). That being said, I can see someone having a need for a personal laptop if an iPad won’t suffice for personal use (for example, if someone does video / photo editing in their free time)
 

Seanm87

macrumors 68020
Oct 10, 2014
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I meant why do you need anything other than an iPad then when you have a work issued laptop? Not use your laptop for personal use. Use laptop for work and iPad for personal. Laptop for personal is overkill. iPad is good enough.
 

Kal Madda

macrumors 68020
Nov 2, 2022
2,013
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I meant why do you need anything other than an iPad then when you have a work issued laptop? Not use your laptop for personal use. Use laptop for work and iPad for personal. Laptop for personal is overkill. iPad is good enough.
Different people have different preferences. While I agree that for most an iPad could probably be sufficient for their personal use, some prefer the laptop form factor more. And for gaming, a lot of people either use a gaming laptop or a gaming desktop. The iPad has a great selection of games, but not as many as you have with a gaming PC. Of course, you could always use a console for gaming as well. I think it mostly depends on people’s preferences.
 
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Mainsail

macrumors 68020
Sep 19, 2010
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Interestingly, I worked at a secure government funded facility for years, and they had an incidental use policy that allowed some personal usage on government owned computers. This did not include running an outside business, day trading, or doing anything for profit, but it might include sending an email to your kid's soccer team or getting a grocery list from a spouse. Of course, all of the normal work use restrictions still applied (adult content etc..). At this facility, I basically assumed that every keystroke was monitored and tracked, which they had a perfect right to do on their computers and servers. So, if I ever did use my computer for personal, I thought of it like the cyber security department head was in my office looking over my shoulder. Never had a problem.

BTW - Eventually, the facility allowed folks to bring their own devices to the office. Mainly, folks brought personal iPhones and iPads, since they didn't plan on doing anything of a personal nature that was very time consuming or required a personal laptop whilst at work.
 

sparksd

macrumors G3
Jun 7, 2015
9,988
34,224
Seattle WA
Interestingly, I worked at a secure government funded facility for years, and they had an incidental use policy that allowed some personal usage on government owned computers. This did not include running an outside business, day trading, or doing anything for profit, but it might include sending an email to your kid's soccer team or getting a grocery list from a spouse. Of course, all of the normal work use restrictions still applied (adult content etc..). At this facility, I basically assumed that every keystroke was monitored and tracked, which they had a perfect right to do on their computers and servers. So, if I ever did use my computer for personal, I thought of it like the cyber security department head was in my office looking over my shoulder. Never had a problem.

BTW - Eventually, the facility allowed folks to bring their own devices to the office. Mainly, folks brought personal iPhones and iPads, since they didn't plan on doing anything of a personal nature that was very time consuming whilst at work.

Exactly, even that creepy guy in IT is looking over your shoulder. I worked at a small company for a while with that guy. He stopped by a female co-worker's desk and inquired if she was planning on moving - using his admin privileges, he saw in her work machine's browsing history that she was perusing realty sites at lunchtime. I told her to report him to mgmt.
 

Mainsail

macrumors 68020
Sep 19, 2010
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Exactly, even that creepy guy in IT is looking over your shoulder. I worked at a small company for a while with that guy. He stopped by a female co-worker's desk and inquired if she was planning on moving - using his admin privileges, he saw in her work machine's browsing history that she was perusing realty sites at lunchtime. I told her to report him to mgmt.
I agree. Organizations have every right to monitor computer usage on their equipment and servers, but that isn't a license to snoop on people's personal lives, especially for the creepy purpose of initiating a romance or whatever this dude was doing.
 
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Macalicious2011

macrumors 68000
May 15, 2011
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IMG_1635.jpeg
IMG_1640.jpeg
I do 80% of my computing including work on this exact setup. My GF got me the lap desk for Christmas to support my startup endeavours. It's tranformed my life. Using it on the couch is ergonomically superior to sitting at a desk - at least for myself. It's also portable enabling me to work comfortably as my GF's house where I don't have a desk and office chair.
 

richpjr

macrumors 68040
May 9, 2006
3,763
2,594
I meant why do you need anything other than an iPad then when you have a work issued laptop? Not use your laptop for personal use. Use laptop for work and iPad for personal. Laptop for personal is overkill. iPad is good enough.
Yes, there are things I need a Mac for that the iPad just can't do or is too clunky to do. It all depends on your use case. I have very specific things I do on my iPad and others on my Mac.
 

Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,960
5,130
Texas
I do 80% of my computing including work on this exact setup. My GF got me the lap desk for Christmas to support my startup endeavours. It's tranformed my life. Using it on the couch is ergonomically superior to sitting at a desk - at least for myself. It's also portable enabling me to work comfortably as my GF's house where I don't have a desk and office chair.
Do you like using that MX Master 3 on the iPad? I have a MX mouse and the strolling is no-go for me... actually prefer using the Magic Mouse with the iPad.

I keep the MX mouse tied to the desk, I occasionally use it with the Galaxy Fold (maybe with DeX)... since some of the mouse buttons works unlike on iPadOS.
 

bondr006

macrumors 68030
Jun 8, 2010
2,901
16,817
Cary, NC - My Name is Rob Bond
Do you like using that MX Master 3 on the iPad? I have a MX mouse and the strolling is no-go for me... actually prefer using the Magic Mouse with the iPad.

I keep the MX mouse tied to the desk, I occasionally use it with the Galaxy Fold (maybe with DeX)... since some of the mouse buttons works unlike on iPadOS.
You might want to consider the Magic Trackpad 2. I can't stand using any mouse with my iPad Pro, but the MTP2 just feels so natural with the iPad. Using a touch device to control a touch device and have all the gestures available is by far the best option in my experience.:)

iPad Desktop Setup 8-25-2023.jpg
 
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richpjr

macrumors 68040
May 9, 2006
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Do you like using that MX Master 3 on the iPad? I have a MX mouse and the strolling is no-go for me... actually prefer using the Magic Mouse with the iPad.

I keep the MX mouse tied to the desk, I occasionally use it with the Galaxy Fold (maybe with DeX)... since some of the mouse buttons works unlike on iPadOS.
I have an MX Master 3 and REALLY wish they would add support for the buttons on it. That and give us a mouse cursor that isn't a circle.
 

bondr006

macrumors 68030
Jun 8, 2010
2,901
16,817
Cary, NC - My Name is Rob Bond
View attachment 2404947 View attachment 2404946 I do 80% of my computing including work on this exact setup. My GF got me the lap desk for Christmas to support my startup endeavours. It's tranformed my life. Using it on the couch is ergonomically superior to sitting at a desk - at least for myself. It's also portable enabling me to work comfortably as my GF's house where I don't have a desk and office chair.
I love my Logitech Combo Touch. Perfect case for on the go, and home. I use the trackpad on it when it's in the case, and the Magic Trackpad 2 when in desktop mode. I really like that lap desk. Do you know where your gf got it? There are a ton of them on Amazon....of course. I have the MX Anywhere 3S, and had a 2S before that that I use with my desktop pc. Been one of my favorites.
 
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A.R.E.A.M.

macrumors 6502
Nov 12, 2015
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Los Angeles, California
*shrug*
I onno... if I can grade, edit, audio sweet a 4K video using color wheels, a speed editor, a 2nd oled 16 inch monitor, a 4TB nvme drive, an mx master mouse and still be able to troll the internet on it at the same time to watch a video on how to add 3D shadows to 3d text because i forgot how, id say the ipad is preeeettyyyyyy clooosseeeeeeeeeeeee...... now i can use my macbook to watch cat videos and check email.. 🤓


by the by, i love the MX mouse with the ipad ( ive seen some of you here comment on it). i can slide right over to my macbook when i need to. dont have any issues with it. im an old PC guy at heart so some things are hard to give up ( plus i still have PCs too!).

IMG_1740.JPG
 

sparksd

macrumors G3
Jun 7, 2015
9,988
34,224
Seattle WA
*shrug*
I onno... if I can grade, edit, audio sweet a 4K video using color wheels, a speed editor, a 2nd oled 16 inch monitor, a 4TB nvme drive, an mx master mouse and still be able to troll the internet on it at the same time to watch a video on how to add 3D shadows to 3d text because i forgot how, id say the ipad is preeeettyyyyyy clooosseeeeeeeeeeeee...... now i can use my macbook to watch cat videos and check email.. 🤓


by the by, i love the MX mouse with the ipad ( ive seen some of you here comment on it). i can slide right over to my macbook when i need to. dont have any issues with it. im an old PC guy at heart so some things are hard to give up ( plus i still have PCs too!).

View attachment 2405201

I also like using the MX Master 3. Works well and so easy to switch among the 3 devices I use it with.
 
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Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,960
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Texas
You might want to try the Magic Trackpad 2. I can't stand using any mouse with my iPad Pro, but the MTP2 just feels so natural with the iPad. Using a touch device to control a touch device and have all the gestures available is by far the best option in my experience.:)
Umm... I had the Magic Trackpad 2, but with the bigger trackpad on the latest Magic Keyboards. Decided to sell it off.

I have an MX Master 3 and REALLY wish they would add support for the buttons on it. That and give us a mouse cursor that isn't a circle.
I really don't quite understand the need to change the mouse cursor... if it's not a circle, Apple will still have that same highlight functionality when clicking on a target on iPadOS.

But on Android the buttons are in the settings... Logitech and Apple have a good relationship, not sure why they haven't come together to get better support for the MX mouse series.
 

richpjr

macrumors 68040
May 9, 2006
3,763
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I really don't quite understand the need to change the mouse cursor... if it's not a circle, Apple will still have that same highlight functionality when clicking on a target on iPadOS.
Why not have consistency across products?
 

Macalicious2011

macrumors 68000
May 15, 2011
1,857
1,951
London
Do you like using that MX Master 3 on the iPad? I have a MX mouse and the strolling is no-go for me... actually prefer using the Magic Mouse with the iPad.

I keep the MX mouse tied to the desk, I occasionally use it with the Galaxy Fold (maybe with DeX)... since some of the mouse buttons works unlike on iPadOS.
I like the mx3 because i use it for my iPad, pc, and macbook. The ability to switch between easy three is fab. Scrolling is good but not annoying to the extent that I get frustrated. The reason why I use the mx is for ergonomic. Extended use of a track or other mice cause discomfort in my hand or wrist.

Are all the Magic Mouse features supported on the iPad?
 

Macalicious2011

macrumors 68000
May 15, 2011
1,857
1,951
London
I love my Logitech Combo Touch. Perfect case for on the go, and home. I use the trackpad on it when it's in the case, and the Magic Trackpad 2 when in desktop mode. I really like that lap desk. Do you know where your gf got it? There are a ton of them on Amazon....of course. I have the MX Anywhere 3S, and had a 2S before that that I use with my desktop pc. Been one of my favorites.
Almost forgot to reply to your message. Sometimes I alternate between the track pad and mouse without thinking. Hahaha

I don’t know where the bought it from but I think it’s this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desire2-Computer-Cushions-Ergonomic-Accessory/dp/B0C59NL67S/

I thought it was going to be one of those accessories that are either flimsy or a novelty that you only use for a week and forget. However, I’m using it every day for over 7 months. I also use my 13 inch MacBook with it.
 
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DaniTheFox

macrumors regular
Nov 24, 2023
198
145
Switzerland
I’ve been meaning to ask this question for a while now but do people not get given a laptop from their workplace? Every place I’ve worked a laptop has been issued to me. So the Do you need a laptop argument never made sense to me. There’s no reason to have anything other than an iPad surely?

I know some people are self employed which is fine. I’m fine with my phone and iPad and the work laptop can be used for anything more. It doesnt make sense to buy a 2nd laptop.
I can have a Windows and/or a MacOS (13/14/15/16“ Air/Pro/Max 16+GB 1+TB) laptop from work. You have to find out what you need/fit. Additionaly an iPad (10th/Air/Pro). I have now given my Intel laptop back (like a starting jet fighter) and I use only my M1 iPad Pro 12.9“ with Magic Keyboard. They have also given me a 34“ monitor for home as an iPad can only use one. I do no privat work on it. No iCloud.
And the iPhone Pro 15 is privat, exept for 2FA.
 
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Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
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Texas
Why not have consistency across products?
Seriously? I don't think consistency is important when it comes to a mouse symbol. I'm more confused why having an "arrow" is so important to you. You still get a text field mouse pointer when hovering over words.

I like the mx3 because i use it for my iPad, pc, and macbook. The ability to switch between easy three is fab. Scrolling is good but not annoying to the extent that I get frustrated. The reason why I use the mx is for ergonomic. Extended use of a track or other mice cause discomfort in my hand or wrist.
I keep the MX3 on my desk... use it with the Macbook, along with the iPad via Universal Control. But I don't have it paired to the iPad. The MX is paired to Android, PC and Mac... since it's better supported on those operating systems.

But now that you mentioned... comfort, then I can understand the move.

Are all the Magic Mouse features supported on the iPad?
Not really, only gesture that's supported is Swipe between pages. But it's one of those cases where... being accustomed to that kind of scrolling experience, especially when using the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard.
 

sparksd

macrumors G3
Jun 7, 2015
9,988
34,224
Seattle WA
Seriously? I don't think consistency is important when it comes to a mouse symbol. I'm more confused why having an "arrow" is so important to you. You still get a text field mouse pointer when hovering over words.


I keep the MX3 on my desk... use it with the Macbook, along with the iPad via Universal Control. But I don't have it paired to the iPad. The MX is paired to Android, PC and Mac... since it's better supported on those operating systems.

But now that you mentioned... comfort, then I can understand the move.


Not really, only gesture that's supported is Swipe between pages. But it's one of those cases where... being accustomed to that kind of scrolling experience, especially when using the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard.

I'd like the ability to change the cursor symbol - my preference is an arrow. And it's just a preference, nothing special about it. Again, make it selectable like you can in Windows - if you like the ball, you can keep it that way.
 

Ludatyk

macrumors 603
May 27, 2012
5,960
5,130
Texas
I'd like the ability to change the cursor symbol - my preference is an arrow. And it's just a preference, nothing special about it. Again, make it selectable like you can in Windows - if you like the ball, you can keep it that way.
Completely understand that it would be nice to change the cursor symbol... I'm not against the idea of having options because as you mention it's all about preferences.

But what I'm trying to understand... what will that gain? Since folks come in here repeatedly asking let's have a "real" mouse symbol. As if the circle is not a mouse symbol.
 
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