The desire is to have the ability to change the cursor across the interface, not in a single app which you may or may not use (I have Affinity but don't use it, preferring Lightroom). That would make it better than it already is for those of us who desire the option.
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iPad as a laptop replacement
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The desire is to have the ability to change the cursor across the interface, not in a single app which you may or may not use (I have Affinity but don't use it, preferring Lightroom). That would make it better than it already is for those of us who desire the option.
Again, I was just telling the other commenter about that behavior in Affinity because they were specifically talking about Affinity, and I thought it might be helpful to them. I was saying that I wouldn’t let fear of the current cursor not working well enough to dissuade them from using Affinity if they haven’t used it yet. I wasn’t saying there shouldn’t be any cursor customization options. I’ve repeatedly said that I’m for that, just that I’m not upset with the current setup.
Because I can read, and when I read your original reply to @yabeweb...none of the things you are explaining now were mentioned. Maybe you intended it to mean what you explained, but it looked more like,
"it already does that in Affinity, and I don't see why you would want to change it anyway. It won't make it better."
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And I’ve already explained like 3 times now that that’s not what I was meaning by it. Sorry if it came across that way, but I was simply wanting to clarify that the cursor changes in Affinity and so that might help the other commenter, so he shouldn’t let the cursor stop him from trying Affinity on the iPad if he hadn’t already. Apparently I didn’t communicate this clearly enough, but I have clarified now several times, so please understand it wasn’t my intention to challenge his opinion or question it. I was talking about the current behavior in Affinity, mostly to encourage him to try it if he hadn’t yet, and to not let the cursor discourage him because the Affinity apps currently change the cursor for most of the tools. This is a fact I was unaware of before I tried Affinity on the iPad, so I thought it might be helpful to know.
In Affinity, where/how does the cursor change? I'm trying it out now and don't see a change.
I’ve already said multiple times that I’m fine with a customization option for the cursor on iPadOS. I don’t think I’d personally use it, and it isn’t at the top of my wishlist. But I have no problem with an option like this being added.
Simultaneously, I disagree with the people who claim that the current round cursor in iPadOS is useless, or worse than the arrow cursor on macOS. Someone in the past even went so far as to argue that you could select a point 1 line on a document in macOS with the arrow pointer, but couldn’t with the round cursor on iPadOS. I personally tested this and had zero issues selecting a point 1 line with the round cursor on iPadOS (in fact, I even selected a .25 point line perfectly fine as well). I think the idea that one is less capable than the other is partially psychological, and isn’t actually supported by data. I’ve never had a problem with precision tasks on iPadOS with the cursor. From my tests, there is no difference in functionality.
That said, again, as a preference, I completely understand why people prefer the arrow cursor, because that’s what they’ve used for years on other computers, and is what they’re familiar with. I have no issue with people liking other cursor shapes more. The only thing I would take issue with is people claiming that the circle cursor is useless or less functional than the Mac arrow cursor, when clearly it isn’t and is simply a matter of user preference. Someone may prefer one over the other, but that doesn’t make one objectively worse than the other.
Simultaneously, I disagree with the people who claim that the current round cursor in iPadOS is useless, or worse than the arrow cursor on macOS. Someone in the past even went so far as to argue that you could select a point 1 line on a document in macOS with the arrow pointer, but couldn’t with the round cursor on iPadOS. I personally tested this and had zero issues selecting a point 1 line with the round cursor on iPadOS (in fact, I even selected a .25 point line perfectly fine as well). I think the idea that one is less capable than the other is partially psychological, and isn’t actually supported by data. I’ve never had a problem with precision tasks on iPadOS with the cursor. From my tests, there is no difference in functionality.
That said, again, as a preference, I completely understand why people prefer the arrow cursor, because that’s what they’ve used for years on other computers, and is what they’re familiar with. I have no issue with people liking other cursor shapes more. The only thing I would take issue with is people claiming that the circle cursor is useless or less functional than the Mac arrow cursor, when clearly it isn’t and is simply a matter of user preference. Someone may prefer one over the other, but that doesn’t make one objectively worse than the other.
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It depends on the tool you select. Tools like the selection lasso tool, etc. have a different cursor shape. The View and Move tools use the circle cursor, but I believe everything else has a different cursor shape. For sure, all of the manual selection tools do, and so do the shape tools.
A big dot is different than a pointy arrow, when you re talking almost pixel precision it makes a huge difference…but hey it’s just my preference, I worked with it so far, it would just make my life that much easier.
i use affinity daily, the iPad is my only device, no, the cursor does not changes always, many tool( like the pen tool wich begs for either a cross or an arrow ) have a smaller dot than the default,it sure is on Affinity to make the chance in this case, but it would be nice to change systemwide the pointer if wished.
so changin it as you see oils make it better in affinity too, but affinity is just 1 ..well 3 apps, there is a plethora of them you can’t just take one and pretend all do.
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I’m not pretending all do. I already said multiple times now that I’m perfectly fine with Apple adding an option for cursor customization, it’s just not at the top of my priority list. I use Affinity on my iPad nearly every day as well for my graphic design work. I don’t even notice the cursor shape when it changes between tools anymore because I’m so focused on the project itself. I’m sorry the wording of my original comment led you to believe I was saying your opinion was wrong. It seemed to me like maybe you hadn’t used Affinity on the iPad yet, and so I was trying to be helpful by telling you about the cursor behavior in Affinity. To me, the cursor shape doesn’t really matter, and I’ve never had a problem with my precision work with the circle cursor. I understand why you’d prefer the arrow cursor, and again, I’m not opposed to cursor customization options being added in iPadOS.
Still the same stuff. Me, me, me, I, I, I. So nice you are perfectly fine with, and not opposed to Apple adding the option, while at the same time defending why you don't see the need. I don't see anyone asking you to defend your viewpoint when they express their own. I guess the part I'm having a hard time understanding, is your need to comment on someone else's preferences, and then defend your own unsolicited viewpoint.
Of course there’s some “I”s and “me”s involved, because I’m clarifying my position to explain that I’m not opposing theirs. People keep saying that I’m challenging their position when I’m not. So I’m clarifying that while I personally think the cursor is currently fine, I’m not challenging or opposing their position by believing so. I can think something is good in its current form and also be okay with more additional options that would benefit others. Those two things are not at odds. I really don’t understand why people are making such a big deal over this. I’ve already tried to explain several times that my intention wasn’t to challenge or oppose their position, and it feels like I’m on trial or something. I’ll say this again, I have no problem with people having different preferences, and I am not saying it’s wrong or bad to want cursor customization on iPadOS. I was just trying to be helpful to someone I thought may have been under the same impression I was before I tried Affinity on the iPad.
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I have nothing against your post or you, I was just sharing my experience and my need, wich apparently are not my own only.
no need to be sorry, we are all adult an we can understand that a post can be interpreted in different ways ways.
Affinity is partially doing what I need but they could do a little more, who knows may be in the next updates they will, but the thing is, a system wide thing would be better and easier I guess.
Thanks, I’m glad to hear you didn’t take offense. 👍🏻. I hope they add a cursor customization option at some point so that you can change it to your liking. 👍🏻
Wow, this thread still going strong 10 years later lol
If not for my personal finance app, Quicken, that requires MacOS to install, I could be iPad only. I have a MBP for work that is provided by work that I can use for personal. I have a personal iPad Pro 12.9 5th Generation cellular version. I haven't had a need to buy a personal laptop and I game on consoles. Stopped PC gaming years ago.
My partner has my 12.9 3rd gen wi-fi version and a windows laptop. She rarely uses her windows laptop since I gifted her my iPad a couple of years ago and I don't even turn her laptop on anymore to do updates. She does her taxes and everything on it. I still do taxes on my MBP. Probably been 6 months at least since she last used it and since she got her iPad a couple of years ago, maybe a handful of times.
I've thought about getting her a MBP or MBA but since she doesn't use a laptop now and uses her iPad/iPhone exclusively, no need to get her a laptop.
So it really depends on use and your needs. If you email, internet browse, shop and heavily app based, which a lot of developers are pushing these days, then an iPad would be more than capable. Also, apps are getting better like Microsoft 365 Apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.) are getting so much better. Unless you're an accountant, gamer, engineer, designer, then you can probably get buy with an iPad only.
edit: I'm in IT and can do 90% of my job on an iPad. I've traveled a lot without my MBP and iPad Pro only. It has been more than up to the task multiple times.
If not for my personal finance app, Quicken, that requires MacOS to install, I could be iPad only. I have a MBP for work that is provided by work that I can use for personal. I have a personal iPad Pro 12.9 5th Generation cellular version. I haven't had a need to buy a personal laptop and I game on consoles. Stopped PC gaming years ago.
My partner has my 12.9 3rd gen wi-fi version and a windows laptop. She rarely uses her windows laptop since I gifted her my iPad a couple of years ago and I don't even turn her laptop on anymore to do updates. She does her taxes and everything on it. I still do taxes on my MBP. Probably been 6 months at least since she last used it and since she got her iPad a couple of years ago, maybe a handful of times.
I've thought about getting her a MBP or MBA but since she doesn't use a laptop now and uses her iPad/iPhone exclusively, no need to get her a laptop.
So it really depends on use and your needs. If you email, internet browse, shop and heavily app based, which a lot of developers are pushing these days, then an iPad would be more than capable. Also, apps are getting better like Microsoft 365 Apps (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.) are getting so much better. Unless you're an accountant, gamer, engineer, designer, then you can probably get buy with an iPad only.
edit: I'm in IT and can do 90% of my job on an iPad. I've traveled a lot without my MBP and iPad Pro only. It has been more than up to the task multiple times.
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It’s been a while since I last gave my 5ct on the matter.
Use the device you find the most useful.
But get the point that what works for you depends a lot on what you do and how capable you are to learn new ways.
Yes, working on the iPad is possible if the apps you need are either browser based or are available via an app. Something just work a little different. The day after iPadOS 16 beta 1 dropped I upgraded my A14 iPad Air to an M1 Pro. The day beta 2 dropped I jumped the gun on iPadOS 16 and I never looked back. Yes, it was a bit of a learning curve, but so is everything new. Once you understand how everything works and you have the same “muscle memorie“ in the OS like you had in the OS you used before it works fine.
It’s a lot like learning riding a bike. If you don’t keep doing it until you actually can you will never be able ride it properly and will resent doing it.
So what do I use my current iPad M2 Pro for?
About everything actually.
For context:
I’m a almost 40 y/o guy that works as an operational manager that studies Law on the side.
I hook my iPad up to a monitor on all my workplaces. That is the office or my homes.
My work consist of spreadsheets, browser based apps and email.
My study, in which I’m in my final year of my Bachelor degree consist of reading articles, and writing my thesis on labor and sports law. I mostly use PDF’s and Pages for that. And some minor use of IA images for visuals in my documents.
My leisure time I spent watching movies, shows and Playing games. (WARZONE mobile: Bravo3NL#4591115)
So to answer the question, can an iPad replace a traditional computer, the most lawyer answer I can give is:
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Totally agree on this one. 👍🏻. I think it depends on what you’re doing, but I think for most people’s use case, the iPad would definitely work. I think it kind of also depends on personal preference, because some people prefer the balance of the MacBook setup with the weight in the bottom over the iPad/Magic Keyboard Case combo with the weight in the “lid”. I think the Magic Keyboard case does a great job at mitigating this, but it is a difference that’s enough to make some people prefer the Mac for that reason. Also there is some compromise involved with ports and battery runtime. I’ve found all of these compromises to be well worth it for the added flexibility and utility of the iPad form factor. 👍🏻
Yeah, I think that after almost a decade (next October 30th this thread will be 10 years old LOL), we can all agree on the “it depends” answer. It can be your laptop replacement, especially after the introduction of Files app and the ability to use an external monitor independently. For some people it won’t, simply because they need macOS specific software or features. If Apple keeps “opening” the system, and refining the interface and file management, more people will be able to replace their laptop with the more convenient, lightweight iPad.
It is thanks to those changes, like being able to use a pointer device and an external keyboard, introduced back in iOS 13.4, that people like me started to see the iPad as something more than an expensive content consumption device. It was then, when I got my first iPad ever: the 2018 11” iPad Pro, a great device back then. For others, maybe it was the introduction of the Files app, or the ability to connect external drives, or using an external monitor. And the more Apple keeps expanding the iPad capabilities, the more people will replace their traditional computer… If they want.
I definitely wanted to replace my laptop for a lighter device. After the discontinuation of the 12” MacBook I was really waiting for a new light portable device. And it was during the iPadOS 13 announcement that I realized that an iPad with a USB-C port could be the answer to my needs. And the versatility of the platform has kept growing slowly, allowing us to work in different ways. To the point of replacing my Mac? No, just to replace my heavy 2010 MacBook Pro. I got a used Mac mini to leave in my desk and do the tasks I still need macOS for. But for the things I need to do on the go? It replaced my 2010 MacBook Pro perfectly, and now I carry a much lighter device. In kilograms (sorry Americans) My 2010 was 2,04Kg, my current M2 iPad Pro is just 0,466Kg, less than a quarter of the weight, and much thinner. As I’m usually carrying my device all day, this was a huge improvement.
Like I said, there are still tasks such as Handbrake to compress/transcode video files, gaming, torrenting apps, or external drive management that still require me to have a Mac.
It is thanks to those changes, like being able to use a pointer device and an external keyboard, introduced back in iOS 13.4, that people like me started to see the iPad as something more than an expensive content consumption device. It was then, when I got my first iPad ever: the 2018 11” iPad Pro, a great device back then. For others, maybe it was the introduction of the Files app, or the ability to connect external drives, or using an external monitor. And the more Apple keeps expanding the iPad capabilities, the more people will replace their traditional computer… If they want.
I definitely wanted to replace my laptop for a lighter device. After the discontinuation of the 12” MacBook I was really waiting for a new light portable device. And it was during the iPadOS 13 announcement that I realized that an iPad with a USB-C port could be the answer to my needs. And the versatility of the platform has kept growing slowly, allowing us to work in different ways. To the point of replacing my Mac? No, just to replace my heavy 2010 MacBook Pro. I got a used Mac mini to leave in my desk and do the tasks I still need macOS for. But for the things I need to do on the go? It replaced my 2010 MacBook Pro perfectly, and now I carry a much lighter device. In kilograms (sorry Americans) My 2010 was 2,04Kg, my current M2 iPad Pro is just 0,466Kg, less than a quarter of the weight, and much thinner. As I’m usually carrying my device all day, this was a huge improvement.
Like I said, there are still tasks such as Handbrake to compress/transcode video files, gaming, torrenting apps, or external drive management that still require me to have a Mac.
I think for most people the iPad in combination with keyboard and mouse (or touchpad) can replace a MacBook or Windows laptop.
90% of users are not ‘high demanding power users’ that require specific apps or functionality. I even bet that for many people who are now so used to smartphones, a device like the iPad is easier to use than a laptop or desktop.
90% of users are not ‘high demanding power users’ that require specific apps or functionality. I even bet that for many people who are now so used to smartphones, a device like the iPad is easier to use than a laptop or desktop.
It is strange that with Apple’s push for connectivity and seamless transitions between devices (it just works!), Universal control can be a hit and miss. I find it particularly strange that if you have a magic keyboard case for an iPad, you can use the keyboard to type on a connected Mac, but the trackpad usually only works on the iPad itself and cannot cross over. You need a separate mouse/trackpad.
This always seemed like a really strange restriction to me. Why would they do that? It makes little sense. Strangely enough, some bug occurred today for me, and I was briefly able to mouse the trackpoint from my iPad to the Mac screen via the magic keyboard trackpad. It briefly acts just like it is supposed to - when it gets to the edge of the screen, it jumps over to the mac’s monitor and I can click and interact with the mac. However, after just a second or two, sometimes less or more, the cursor jumps back to the middle of the ipad screen.
It’s a really strange experience which suggests to me that there is some code that actively prevents using the trackpad like this, rather than this being a not yet implemented function. I think this because this bug clearly shows the hardware capability is there. It felt almost as if there was a sleepy security guard who is not paying attention suddenly realizes what I was doing and cut me off with ”no, no, no, you can’t do that, it’s not allowed”.
Do you think Apple is preventing using the trackpad like this intentionally and why?
This always seemed like a really strange restriction to me. Why would they do that? It makes little sense. Strangely enough, some bug occurred today for me, and I was briefly able to mouse the trackpoint from my iPad to the Mac screen via the magic keyboard trackpad. It briefly acts just like it is supposed to - when it gets to the edge of the screen, it jumps over to the mac’s monitor and I can click and interact with the mac. However, after just a second or two, sometimes less or more, the cursor jumps back to the middle of the ipad screen.
It’s a really strange experience which suggests to me that there is some code that actively prevents using the trackpad like this, rather than this being a not yet implemented function. I think this because this bug clearly shows the hardware capability is there. It felt almost as if there was a sleepy security guard who is not paying attention suddenly realizes what I was doing and cut me off with ”no, no, no, you can’t do that, it’s not allowed”.
Do you think Apple is preventing using the trackpad like this intentionally and why?
Or it could also mean it’s an incomplete feature that is being incorporated. Sometimes future features have popped up in a similar manner, and generally the performance is sporadic, just like you’re describing. 👍🏻
Turns out other posts I read that this feature is not possible were incorrect, or outdated. Suddenly it started working completely for me, although it doesn't support more than two finger gestures on the mac and scrolling is glitchy. Strangely yesterday when I tried it it didn't work at all, which is how I found other posts saying that it doesn't work
Can replace vs is an elegant replacement are vastly different things and vary greatly person to person. I can do 90% of the things I do on my Mac on my iPad Pro, but many of them are at a much slower pace filled with unnecessary steps and frustrating limitations. YMMV.
Yeah, like you said, YMMV. I bet for most people under 30, an iPad is more intuitive and they’d say a Mac is slower pace filled with unnecessary steps.
People generally stick to what they’re used to.
Yeah, I can attest that to me the Mac sometimes seems slower pace and filled with unnecessary steps vs my iPad for the work I do. I still like it, and that’s why I have and use a Mac, but my iPad Pro is my primary device because it’s more efficient for my workflow.Yeah, like you said, YMMV. I bet for most people under 30, an iPad is more intuitive and they’d say a Mac is slower pace filled with unnecessary steps.
People generally stick to what they’re used to.