My journey started with the 2015 12.9” iPad Pro… upgraded to the 2017 12.9” iPad Pro.. then came the 2018 12.9” iPad Pro, but I skipped the 2020 generation.
Upgraded to the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9”, but skipped 2022… now I’m on the current model.
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iPad as a laptop replacement
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Upgraded to the 2021 iPad Pro 12.9”, but skipped 2022… now I’m on the current model.
I don’t think there’s an iPad app for WhatsApp. I’ve found using WhatsApp web works pretty well. Just add your iPad as a linked device on WhatsApp and you should be good to go.
I use the 11” model. I like the smaller footprint and nicer portability. Technically some of the multi-windowing experience is better on a 13”, but I use Stage Manager on my 11” iPad and never turn it off. I’d say it’s a good experience on the 11” as well as the 13”, especially with the More Space setting enabled. I think it ultimately depends on your preferences. Perhaps you could find a display model of both at a store like Best Buy, and see which works better for you. 👍🏻. But I would definitely be good recommending the 11” for most people.
While I technically do own a Mac Mini, the only thing I use it for primarily is managing some storage drives so that I can remotely connect to them with my iPad, like my own private cloud storage. I’ve emulated some Windows games, but I’m thinking I will get a console for gaming. And most of the games I like to play are available on my iPad as well. And one of the primary reasons I have a Mac Mini is because I’m a content creator, but it isn’t for the reason you’d think in that regard. I create mostly iPad-centric content since my workflow is iPad-centric. I like to be able to compare software features between the iPad and Mac so I can have a more informed opinion about the potential future trajectory of the iPad, as well as being able to compare softwares and features on both platforms to test things like if they’re close to feature parity, whether I like the iPad version more than the Mac version, etc. By having a current up-to-date Mac, I can do more comparisons with direct experience. So that’s one of the biggest reasons why I keep a Mac on hand, besides it also adding the benefit of being able to remotely access my native storage drives. 👍🏻
If you’re interested, you can check out my SubStack at this link (it’s called ByteBits):
ByteBits | Kaleb Cadle | Substack
Tech and App Reviews & Thoughts. Click to read ByteBits, by Kaleb Cadle, a Substack publication. Launched 7 months ago.
kalebcadle.substack.com
I could be mistaken, but I think you can use the iPhone version of WhatsApp on the iPad. I don’t really use WhatsApp anymore, so I don’t really know for sure. 👍🏻
Puffin browser was the only one able to load computer version on my iphone no matter what. Give it a try on ipad.
I figured this piece I wrote may be useful for those who want some accessory recommendations/ideas for their iPad. And since we’re heading into New Years, it seems fitting to look back on my favorite accessories this year. I recently added some new accessories to my arsenal and I’ll probably write about some of those accessories next year. 👍🏻
kalebcadle.substack.com
My Favorite iPad Accessories in 2024
The accessories that enhance my iPad every day.
kalebcadle.substack.com
I’ve found some post here talking about backups for who uses only the iPad. I’ve made a post also asking for feedback about using one app called Sync Folders. I’ve tested that one and others and I’ve came to the conclusion that the best one is simply FileBrowser!
I’ve set this app to do automatic backups to my external SSD, and also to Storj (backup cloud and zero knowledge encryption). This way I have all my files stored locally in my iPad, plus a backup to my SSD and cloud.
I’ve set this app to do automatic backups to my external SSD, and also to Storj (backup cloud and zero knowledge encryption). This way I have all my files stored locally in my iPad, plus a backup to my SSD and cloud.
Good stuff young Padawan! There are a few of us here that like and use File Browser Pro. Best 3rd party solution I've found for file management on iPhone and iPad.😊
I know this app is well known here, just wanted to share some feedback 😉
I’m using the Go version, trial for 14 days and maybe gonna subscribe for some more. The Pro version is expensive, do they lower the price sometimes?
That's what this place is for. We learn from each other. AFAIC this is the best tech site/community on the web. As far as the price of FBP, I've had it for years and don't remember what it cost. I do know they have sales at the app store. Just have to keep a watch out. I would much rather pay a one time fee than a subscription.😊
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May be pricey but it's been one of the best app investments I've made.
Maybe I’ll buy it, since there is other member in our Apple Family that will use it. Thanks for the feedback!
Is there other software you think is also a great investment?
I'm not a fan of the built-in photos app and have two I like - HashPhotos for interfacing and working with the on-board Photo Library and Photo Manager for managing and displaying my photos I load onto the iPad.
Interesting. I actually like the new Photos app… once I took the time to customize it to my liking, it has worked well for me.
Umm… I’m big on having a clipboard manager, I currently use Copied (it has been discontinued now). But another good one to use is Gladys. And OutPlayer is a good video player app (especially for external monitor support)… but NPlayer has more features.
Not sure if you are into installing Fonts… I use iFont, pretty straightforward process when it comes to installing font on the iPad. Preview Mini is a good app for resizing photos.
I second the iFont recommendation. That’s the way I install fonts for my design work on my iPad. I actually wrote a piece about it a bit ago. 👍🏻. It’s pretty similar to the Font Book app on macOS. I do hope though that Font Book eventually comes to iPadOS, or at least a better built-in way to install fonts from the web. 👍🏻
Installing font on macOS is easier.. for sure. But when Apple started doing font installation on the iPad... it was rough. Had to install each one by one... and it was a tedious process just to install ONE, but it's a lot easier now.
We can install them in batches... that's how I do mine.
Yeah, that’s what I do in iFont. I batch install them. 👍🏻. Overall, iFont is very similar to Font Book on macOS, the UI is just a little less refined and some of the icons look old. But other than that, it works out really well. 👍🏻
I switched over to using my Apple Vision Pro for my iPad use in the past couple weeks, but i have been big on using iPad as one of my main computing devices since the iPad Pro came out in 2015. I remember in 2018 I even went back and tried to go back to a Mac but I ended up just getting bored with it and feeling like it was antiquated and came right back to iPad.
Seeing iPad go from “just a big iPhone” to what it is now has been absolutely amazing
Seeing iPad go from “just a big iPhone” to what it is now has been absolutely amazing
I think eventually I’d transition over to the Vision Pro from the iPad… they both share the same characteristics in terms of apps, my current issue is I’d lose out on cellular capabilities.
I don’t plan on moving away from Android anytime soon, enjoy having a foldable phone. And a cellular iPad is an alternative iPhone (for me) in which it allows access to Apple Ecosystem on-the-go. I’ve been avoiding doing the demo for the Vision Pro… because I know it won’t do me any good lol.
If Apple adds cellular capabilities to the Vision Pro… I’d give it a go (definitely be something I take anywhere). But if Apple creates a foldable iPad or some hybrid foldable Mac/iPad (according to the rumors), then I’m not sure what I’ll do.
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Might be worth a shot! I have used mine tethered to my iPhone and it works great. But only you can know how you would actually use it. Or you could just keep both and since Apple Vision Pro act as a receiver, you could mirror your iPad into the Vision Pro
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I already imagine how the Vision Pro would be used... my super ultra-wide monitor would have to go along with the portable one. Probably opt for a smaller desk... presently have an L-shaped desk, but the Vision Pro would act as a monitor for my MBP when used at the desk and utilized around the house (as well as on-the-go).
I personally wouldn't keep the iPad... if I owned a Vision Pro, the redundancy would be an issue for me. I'm alright with my current setup... 13" iPad Pro, Galaxy Fold 6 and 14" MBP. I do have a Mini-PC... but that's for server purposes.
Do you take yours anywhere? There's one thing I'm kind of wary about... the watchful gaze of the public. I mean, I get an occasional look when I use my Galaxy Fold in public... but I'd expect it would be much different with something attached to my head.
The retired people I know have swapped to iPads from desktops/laptops.
Budget ones.
Budget ones.
Not here. I'm retired 10+ years now - M4 13", laptop, & desktop.
I’ve taken mine a couple places. I expected it to be a conversation starter or that someone would say something about it, but nobody said anything. Went to work. A coworker asked about it and said it’s cool. Went to a couple public places. Was at an appointment with my wife waiting in the lobby forever for her to get done. Had my Vision Pro on watching stuff. Nobody even looked at me let alone said anything.
Probably gonna be like AirPods 1 all over again. I remember people said they looked ridiculous. Like toothpicks in your ears. “Who would wear those?” Then people got used to it and now it ain’t no thang. I’m older now so I don’t really care what people think anyway.
I put my iPad on offer up. I haven’t used it since I got my avp except to try out mirroring. I have my iPad apps on my Vision Pro like Reddit and lose it and twitter so iPad feels pretty useless to me now