iPad as a laptop replacement

[sparksd]

Wow, so many helpful suggestions… 🙄. Come on, many people actually really like the Logitech keyboard case, and would not call it “rubbish”…. I personally use the Magic Keyboard Case from Apple, but the Logitech is a solid option.

I certainly wouldn't call it rubbish, either. I used it for quite some time with the M1 12.9 before switching to the MKB.

 

[elmoss]

I am in the same business coincidently. What are the things that iPad does better than MBP for running a real estate business?

Doubt many real REA would be using a iPad only, good for out of office use, then maybe those that do don't have office which I would be dubious of.

 

[RomaeusTheGreat]

Several things. Communications...including texting...video meetings, Photographs on the go for posting to MLS, Video presentation walkthroughs, PDF's on the fly, creating...filling, and signing documents and contracts, scanning documents, jotting down notes with the Apple pencil(no separate pad of paper required), etc...

No more need for a still or video camera, no more need for a scanner, no more need for pad of paper...

All this and more are just more intuitive and quicker with the iPad. Has cut my workflow and amount of devices dramatically.

Edit: You'd also be surprised at how far the Files app on the iPad has come. I do a lot of my file management with that now, along with FileBrowser Pro. Talking to my Mac Mini, external storage, and PC's is really easy with either app.

Yes I can clearly see the advantages there of the iPad. Essentially I do most of those tasks too but have to use my phone in conjuction with my Macbook.

 

[Kal Madda]

Doubt many real REA would be using a iPad only, good for out of office use, then maybe those that do don't have office which I would be dubious of.

Yeah, because no “real” REA or pro could possibly have a different preference than you do and use a different tool to get work done… 🙄

 

[sparksd]

Doubt many real REA would be using a iPad only, good for out of office use, then maybe those that do don't have office which I would be dubious of.

What do you base that on?

 

[elmoss]

Some defensive ones in here same 3 though lol
I do have a 11" M4 iPad cellular.

Just because you swapped from a old laptop to a iPad doesn't mean it's a laptop replacement, far from it.
Rare one would replace a M1-M4 mpr with a iPad.

 

[sparksd]

Some defensive ones in here same 3 though lol
I do have a 11" M4 iPad cellular.

Just because you swapped from a old laptop to a iPad doesn't mean it's a laptop replacement, far from it.
Rare one would replace a M1-M4 mpr with a iPad.

Not defensive. I just wondered if your comment was based on experience as a real estate pro. It seemed worded as a cheap shot at the poster, questioning whether they are a "real" agent.

 

[bondr006]

Doubt many real REA would be using a iPad only, good for out of office use, then maybe those that do don't have office which I would be dubious of.

I don't know what your problem is but I never said I only use an iPad for my work. I did plainly say I have been using one in place of a MBP for my mobile purposes for the past 3 years. You didn't take the time to look through my 100's of previous posts on this subject because you've only been here for two whole minutes. Just a few posts ago, and 100's of other posts, I plainly mentioned my Mac Mini and PC's. Literacy is your friend.

 

[bondr006]

Some defensive ones in here same 3 though lol
I do have a 11" M4 iPad cellular.

Just because you swapped from a old laptop to a iPad doesn't mean it's a laptop replacement, far from it.
Rare one would replace a M1-M4 mpr with a iPad.

If you took the time to actually read through this thread, which btw is talking about those who have replaced their MBP's with an iPad or would like to, you'd see several have done so or are trying to. My MBP I replaced with my iPad Pro was not old. It was a 2019 16" i9 that cost more than my iPad and Mac Mini together, and only a couple years old when I made the switch. I have made very clear why the iPad works better for me over the past 3 years I've had it, and been talking about it here. If you'd been here for more than two minutes, you'd understand why others are speaking up. You come in here being offensive with subjective opinions and expect no one to challenge them?

 

[Kal Madda]

If you took the time to actually read through this thread, which btw is talking about those who have replaced their MBP's with an iPad or would like to, you'd see several have done so or are trying to. My MBP I replaced with my iPad Pro was not old. It was a 2019 16" i9 that cost more than my iPad and Mac Mini together, and only a couple years old when I made the switch. I have made very clear why the iPad works better for me over the past 3 years I've had it, and been talking about it here. If you'd been here for more than two minutes, you'd understand why others are speaking up. You come in here with subjective opinions and expect no one to challenge them?

Yeah, and for me, I even have a Mac Mini with the exact same M1 chip in it as my iPad, yet my iPad still replaces it…. Basically all I use my M1 Mac Mini for at this point is remote access to some storage drives with it, as well as comparing some features and software between the Mac and iPad so I can be informed about the current differences between them for my tech writing. Other than using it to access drives, I just don’t have much practical use for the Mac Mini in my workflow, I literally do all of my work on the iPad now. I’m a tech writer and freelance graphic designer, and I also have done 3D sculpting, 3D modeling, 3D printing, graphic design, writing, video editing, audio editing, and many other things all on my iPad. And for all of those things, I prefer using my iPad over using a Mac. A Mac with the same chip and the newest version of macOS just couldn’t replace my iPad for my workflow. There would be far too many problems I would run into. I totally respect those who prefer the Mac over the iPad, what I don’t appreciate is people telling those who are considering the iPad or are using the iPad to “just get a Mac”. Heck, I don’t even go around telling Mac users to “just get an iPad”. Different people have different use-cases, needs, and preferences. For many an iPad is a better fit. For others a Mac is a better fit. I’m really sick and tired of the argument “real pros use a Mac”. It’s silly. There are plenty of pros using iPads for many different things. I’m tired of people thinking they dictate what a “real pro” is or isn’t, or what computer “real pros” use…

 

[Kal Madda]

Some defensive ones in here same 3 though lol
I do have a 11" M4 iPad cellular.

Just because you swapped from a old laptop to a iPad doesn't mean it's a laptop replacement, far from it.
Rare one would replace a M1-M4 mpr with a iPad.

A. I am not defensive because you seem to prefer the Mac over the iPad. What I take issue with is the consistent trend of you inserting your preference/subjective opinion and acting as if it’s a matter of fact. You imply that someone who uses the iPad for their professional work is somehow not a “real pro”, and you also dismissed someone’s case recommendation as “rubbish”, while also telling the OP he shouldn’t consider an iPad but rather another Mac… Much of this is rude to other posters here, and others were in-asked for. The comenter asking for advice about the iPad didn’t say “I’m considering switching to another Mac”, he said “I’m considering switching to an iPad”… Nor was your subjective opinion dismissing someone else’s case recommendation asked for, and nor was implying people who use a computer you don’t prefer aren’t “real pros”…

B. By “MPR” I presume you mean MacBook Pro? I’ve seen several people transition from M1-M4 Macs (yes including MacBook Pros and Airs) to the iPad. There are several reasons several people do so. Many find the iPad to be a better option for many things. As someone who myself owns an M1 iPad and an M1 Mac, I would never replace my iPad with said Mac, and my M1 Mac sees very little use in my day-to-day workflow. All of my work happens on my iPad. I’ve already mentioned the limited ways in which I use my Mac in prior comments in this thread, it is hardly essential for my workflow. I respect those who have different preferences. You seem to prefer the Mac, that’s fine, I don’t believe anyone here in this thread would fault you for that. But for some reason you seem to treat the iPad and people who prefer the iPad with hostility, implying they’re lesser professionals or aren’t professionals because of their choice of computer. As I have said many times before, I don’t go around saying “real pros don’t use Macs”, and I don’t go around saying “just get an iPad” when people ask about recommendations for Macs. I don’t call other people’s preference of accessories like cases “rubbish”.

You do all of these things, and then accuse people who push back on it as being “defensive”…

 

[elmoss]

^Not reading that wall of texts.
Calm down guys it's all good.

 

[Mainsail]

I have a number of relatives in Real Estate, and I help manage some properties. Much of the business is done out in the field whilst mobile. I can totally see the advantages of an iPad for the mobile work. Quickly snapping photos and sending them to clients, along with some typed narrative describing how the property might meet their needs. It’s time consuming to do this on a laptop + phone while waiting for the photos to sync. Marking up and signing contracts with Apple Pencil…on the spot. Pretty useful. I am sure there are numerous other examples. In real estate, time is of the essence. My brother has won and lost deals that came down to contract responses that were literally a couple of minutes apart.

Now, when it comes to creating marketing materials etc.., this stuff is probably better done back at the office on a cozy computer where you have the time to iterate through various photos and property descriptions. But in the field, there is no time to waste when trying to close a deal.

 

[Kal Madda]

^Not reading that wall of texts.
Calm down guys it's all good.

Oh, I thought you weren’t reading “that wall of texts”. Now you’re just laugh reacting at them instead? How nice…

 

[bondr006]

Oh, I thought you weren’t reading “that wall of texts”. Now you’re just laugh reacting at them instead? How nice…

I have found this useful. Clears all the useless clutter from my screen, and allows me to concentrate on the topic at hand.😏

And

All annoyances gone!😉

 

[elmoss]

would be a long list lol

 

[elmoss]

only people I see that use iPads as laptops are older retired

 

[elmoss]

anyway enjoy your big iPhones I do

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

If AutoDesk were to do an iPadOS AutoCAD LT release I could easily see a nice 13" iPad replace my MacBook Pro. In the end, my MacBook Pro would remain as my games machine... 😆

 

[Kal Madda]

If AutoDesk were to do an iPadOS AutoCAD LT release I could easily see a nice 13" iPad replace my MacBook Pro. In the end, my MacBook Pro would remain as my games machine... 😆

I think there is an AutoCAD version for the iPad, or is that not what you’re talking about? What does the LT stand for? Is it a separate version of AutoCAD or something? I wouldn’t be shocked if AutoDesk did something like that though, a lot of developers are porting over more desktop apps now with the M-series chips. 👍🏻

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

AutoCAD LT is the 2D version of AutoCAD. The iOS/iPadOS/web version is a bit more limited than that is. It might be getting close enough now, I should actually check it out. If it is, I can save myself $500 a year!

I’m actually a bit excited about all this now!

 

[cflem]

I like my MacBook Pro. I like my iPad Pro... Both amazing technology and are great some of the same reasons... and great for some different ones too. So...

 

[Kal Madda]

AutoCAD LT is the 2D version of AutoCAD. The iOS/iPadOS/web version is a bit more limited than that is. It might be getting close enough now, I should actually check it out. If it is, I can save myself $500 a year!

I’m actually a bit excited about all this now!

Awesome! 👍🏻. I hope it works out for you! It would be interesting to see how it works for you compared to the other version you’re using. I’ve never used AutoCAD, but I have used some other 2D and 3D CAD apps before, and I’ve been thinking about trying some different 2D CAD apps for the iPad. I may have to give the iPad version of AutoCAD a try as well! 👍🏻

 

[Bungaree.Chubbins]

Awesome! 👍🏻. I hope it works out for you! It would be interesting to see how it works for you compared to the other version you’re using. I’ve never used AutoCAD, but I have used some other 2D and 3D CAD apps before, and I’ve been thinking about trying some different 2D CAD apps for the iPad. I may have to give the iPad version of AutoCAD a try as well! 👍🏻

It seems my current license includes it, so I'll see if it runs on my Air 2. 😆

 

[NastyMatt]

I have replaced my MBP and MBA with my M4 13” IPP. My MBA replaced my MBP in the first place - work hardware that I refresh when needed, I am not a developer or have requirements that mean I need the added power of a MBP over a MBA so I prefer the form factor of the MBA.

It’s the flexibility of the IPP I prefer (plus some added functionality). I do very office based type work and travel, I also do rent out several properties, I am a Treasurer for a charity and I have a small (consultancy) business. There is no one solution that is 100% perfect but the iPad is the closest. Here are some of the features the IPP does better (for me) than the MBA|P:

• Signing PDF’s with a pencil
• Scanning documents (M4 version even better now)
• Online banking (my browser version does not let you pay in cheques - iPad does)
• Taking photos and inserting into documents
• Downloading Netflix films and watching offline (with spatial audio) natively
• Spatial audio in most media apps
• Touching up photos with a pencil
• Playing games with a controller and having spatial audio
• Ability to write quick handwritten notes

None of these on their own make the iPad significantly better than my MBA but all added together it’s just a better experience. And I’d even go as far as to say some stuff just absolutely sucks on Apple hardware - every single Microsoft app - but I think that is Microsoft’s fault not Apple.

Plus the screen is amazing!!