iPad as a laptop replacement

[Hater]

So it's a Microsoft Surface just way more convoluted, expensive and can't run any real apps?

 

[Freida]

Depends on what you are doing as a professional...

Graphic artists, Photographers etc can get by just fine. (Btw by training I am a graphic artist) I also do full video editing on here (using a 2 TB external hard drive) and the app I use (paid) allows me to do that using almost identical setup to the software I used at the local TV station to edit video. I think that qualifies as professional.

So - some - professional things might require a super advanced set up. Most people, professionals included can get by with a setup like this. I know a few people who even use their iPad Pro as a Remote Desktop and access their work computers (works even with a mouse) and do full MS Office stuff that way. Many stores and restaurants are now using IPads as their main POS system. Doctors are using them to store patient data and look up drug info, etc.

There’s far more that CAN be done (even professionally) than cant be done now... and most of that is due to lack of software... (like a good WYSIWYG web editor - but then, a good many sites are now using Wordpress anyway).

I can’t use Maya. That’s the end for me.
Also, Maya is so power hungry that this toy wouldn’t work. (I type on iPad from bed btw). Regardless, iPad is not ready to replace computer. It’s just extension at best. It will take few years before they can think about iPad as a computer

 

[cwosigns]

I had the first gen 12.9, keyboard cover, pencil, etc. It was okay; not sure I could get on with it as my primary device. I sold it and got the 10.5" iPad Pro. I probably have too many screens (two iPhone Xs, two Apple Watches, a 12" MacBook, 15" MacBook Pro, and a 10.5" iPad Pro. My iPP is a powerful computer in its own right, but I just use it to watch Golden Girls in bed.

 

[Mainsail]

I can’t use Maya. That’s the end for me.
Also, Maya is so power hungry that this toy wouldn’t work. (I type on iPad from bed btw). Regardless, iPad is not ready to replace computer. It’s just extension at best. It will take few years before they can think about iPad as a computer

I think part of the problem is defining “Pro” work. There are tons of Office workers that are managers and professionals that simply use productivity apps, notes, email and the like to review contracts, write memos, edit spreadsheets, and interface with clients. Some of these folks make big bucks. Are they professionals?

I am not knocking it, but what percentage of working professional use Maya? Probably very very few compared to the number of people doing routine office work.

Personally, I think the vast majority of people in the work world would do just fine with an iPad, Pencil, and a decent BT Keyboard. It took me a short while to adjust because I started my career with a traditional computer, but it is really not that difficult. The gap is closing everyday with new Apps added and improvements to iOS. Yes, there are some things that are more difficult on a tablet, but there are other things that are much easier....like handwritten notes and sketches made in the field.

It really depends on the type of work you do.

 

[Synergie]

I can’t use Maya. That’s the end for me.
Also, Maya is so power hungry that this toy wouldn’t work. (I type on iPad from bed btw). Regardless, iPad is not ready to replace computer. It’s just extension at best. It will take few years before they can think about iPad as a computer

Even quite a few laptops/desktops wouldn’t run maya properly... but they are still the main computers for many people... how many people need that powerful of a machine anyway? How many people do 3D animation? It’s a niche profession.
As the last poster also said, some professions are made easier by using iPads / or iPad Pro because of the ability to sketch or take hand written notes or signatures etc.
I’m not saying it can replace a traditional computer in ALL settings. There will be people who will benefit more by having an ultra portable device which has a touch screen and others who benefit from a powerful high end traditional setup because of the need for processing power and accelerated graphics... but ALL are computers by definition. Even our iPhones are now considered ‘computers’ Just look at the difference between an old IBM486 or Pentium and an iPhone...

 

[Freida]

I think part of the problem is defining “Pro” work. There are tons of Office workers that are managers and professionals that simply use productivity apps, notes, email and the like to review contracts, write memos, edit spreadsheets, and interface with clients. Some of these folks make big bucks. Are they professionals?

I am not knocking it, but what percentage of working professional use Maya? Probably very very few compared to the number of people doing routine office work.

Personally, I think the vast majority of people in the work world would do just fine with an iPad, Pencil, and a decent BT Keyboard. It took me a short while to adjust because I started my career with a traditional computer, but it is really not that difficult. The gap is closing everyday with new Apps added and improvements to iOS. Yes, there are some things that are more difficult on a tablet, but there are other things that are much easier....like handwritten notes and sketches made in the field.

It really depends on the type of work you do.

I agree, its all about definition. I wouldn't consider office workers as pros. Not to undermine their job, not at all, but I see pros as pretty much media content creators, those that do heavy calculations for research etc. Basically those that push the machines to their limits for their job. And that is not a small group of people. Sure, most people can use just iPad but those would not be considered pros in my definition (hence used Maya as an example).

Don't get me wrong, I love my iPad and use it all the time, its just at work iPad for me is useless. Digital artists (and judging by the VFX movies that come out more and more often these days) you can bet that iPad is useless except for concept art.

 

[Acronyc]

That’s great it rocks for you! The iPad is versatile and can work in a lot of situations.

I’ve tried this before though but it never worked for me. It was too much of a hassle, I spent too much time trying to find workarounds that can easily be done with a Mac/PC, and mouse support is something I would need to even consider trying again.

For me the iPad is a fantastic consumption device capable of some work when I don’t have my Mac.

 

[spacebro]

This would work for most people but most people are not ready to give up their mouse.

 

[Mainsail]

I agree, its all about definition. I wouldn't consider office workers as pros. Not to undermine their job, not at all, but I see pros as pretty much media content creators, those that do heavy calculations for research etc. Basically those that push the machines to their limits for their job. And that is not a small group of people. Sure, most people can use just iPad but those would not be considered pros in my definition (hence used Maya as an example).

Don't get me wrong, I love my iPad and use it all the time, its just at work iPad for me is useless. Digital artists (and judging by the VFX movies that come out more and more often these days) you can bet that iPad is useless except for concept art.

I think we are on the same page. Not to put you on the spot, but if you agree that the vast majority of working folks could do just fine with an iPad, then a statement like “Regardless, iPad is not ready to replace computer. It’s just extension at best. It will take few years before they can think about iPad as a computer.” Might apply to your use case as a digital artist, but does not necessarily apply to the majority of computer users

 

[skaertus]

I think part of the problem is defining “Pro” work. There are tons of Office workers that are managers and professionals that simply use productivity apps, notes, email and the like to review contracts, write memos, edit spreadsheets, and interface with clients. Some of these folks make big bucks. Are they professionals?

I am not knocking it, but what percentage of working professional use Maya? Probably very very few compared to the number of people doing routine office work.

Personally, I think the vast majority of people in the work world would do just fine with an iPad, Pencil, and a decent BT Keyboard. It took me a short while to adjust because I started my career with a traditional computer, but it is really not that difficult. The gap is closing everyday with new Apps added and improvements to iOS. Yes, there are some things that are more difficult on a tablet, but there are other things that are much easier....like handwritten notes and sketches made in the field.

It really depends on the type of work you do.

I am basically an office worker (an attorney) and all I need the computer to do is to run productivity applications. I consider it professional use, as I rely in the computer and the applications to have the job done in time and with quality.

I could not get by with an iPad. No, not at all. My job requires some advanced use of Microsoft Office which I cannot do on the iPad. There is Microsoft Office for iPad, but it is a watered-down version, and not the real thing. There are of course alternatives to Microsoft Office, but I cannot rely on them to be used professionally.

And, honestly, even if I could use an iPad to get my job done, I would not. I like using the computer, and feel more comfortable using it. I do not see a transition to the iPad as a necessary evolution. I like a desktop computer, with a giant monitor, a comfortable keyboard, and all the ergonomics associated with it. Even if the iPad could do the job, I would only use it if required.
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I agree, its all about definition. I wouldn't consider office workers as pros. Not to undermine their job, not at all, but I see pros as pretty much media content creators, those that do heavy calculations for research etc. Basically those that push the machines to their limits for their job. And that is not a small group of people. Sure, most people can use just iPad but those would not be considered pros in my definition (hence used Maya as an example).

Don't get me wrong, I love my iPad and use it all the time, its just at work iPad for me is useless. Digital artists (and judging by the VFX movies that come out more and more often these days) you can bet that iPad is useless except for concept art.

I have to disagree. I consider office workers as professionals. Much like media creators, they rely on the computers and applications to have the job done. They need specific features that can only be found in certain software. They need the computer/tablet to have some features as well. And they need the job done in a fast and reliable way.

As an office worker, I do not demand heavy processing power, nor a dedicated video card. But, for example, I need a word processor with support for cross-references, and full compatibility with the word processor of all my clients. I cannot rely on something else; if I do, I may not be able to meet deadlines, or keep the quality of my work, for instance. I cannot just use an iPad.

 

[Momof9]

So I have been using my iPP as my computer for several weeks. There are some adjustments. I did connect a hard drive to my router the other day.

One issue I am having is screen size and height. I find myself bending closer to read on my 12.9, and my shoulders are killing me. Today I tore apart my desk, trying to come up with a better setup. I do have the single to connect to a monitor and apple tv. I can see why people would love mouse support though. I do love my pencil.

 

[Arcade]

I can’t give up my mouse...

 

[The Samurai]

O

nd my shoulders are killing me. Today I tore apart my desk, trying to come up with a better setup. I do have the single to connect to a monitor and apple tv. I can see why people would love mouse support though. I do love my pencil.

Only a die hard would do this lol

 

[Macalicious2011]

You still own a 13 inch Macbook Pro and are therefore not desktop free.

It's like saying "I no longer eat junk food" but have a frozen pizza and a tub of B&J in the freeze ready for the next craving.

 

[sparksd]

I can’t give up my mouse...

Yeah, I have too much hand jitter to ever be able to operate efficiently with a touch device. I'll never be desktop/laptop free.

 

[ItWasNotMe]

Looks more like a home grown docking station to me
- Keyboard - Tick
- External Hard Drive - Tick
- Charging -Tick
- etc.

Maybe its just the choice of words, but 'survive' and 'get by' hardly suggest its truly a replacement

 

[Naramis]

The iPad Pro can do 95% of what I need, but for the other 5% I still need to have a real computer. So it's been kinda hard to justify my iPad... it feels like one device too many since I still need my laptop and, of course, my phone

 

[StellarVixen]

I do not need to torture myself like this...

 

[Greenmeenie]

Cool set up you got there. Totally doable. I agree, Lumafusion is an Awesome desktop level app for video editing on the ipad. Apple should really offer a version of final cut pro for their ipad pros. I think the software side will only keep improving. Adobe is coming out with a Full version of photoshop for the ipad pros next year. Next month can’t come soon enough. Gonna nab one of the new ipad pros for sure.

Seems a lot of posters here think switching to an ipad only setup is limiting. And that may be true...for them. But not everyone. And not for many professional artists & content creators. I am a professional artist and have been ipad only for nearly 3 years now. I don’t find it limiting at all! Quite the opposite.

* I sketch, draw & paint on it. No more need for piles of sketchbooks or a wacom tablet attached to a desktop. No more expensive paints and art supplies.
* I edit all my photos & videos on it. Editing 4k video, drone footage & photos at home & on the road is a breeze. It has truly liberated me and my workflow.

I can do all my creative work on an ipad as well as all the other daily activities like surfing the web, writing emails and watching movies. It’s all much easier and more intuitive than on a laptop or desktop. And lighter too for when i go mobile.

I just love it. For others, its not the answer, and thats cool. I am not anti anything. Use what works for you and enjoy. For some pros it may not be enough for them and what they do. But do not say the ipad is a toy or cannot under any circumstances ever be used as a serious tool for any pro content creator. That is such BS. It totally can. And I am not the only professional artist who thinks so.

 

[ericwn]

I can’t use Maya. That’s the end for me.
Also, Maya is so power hungry that this toy wouldn’t work. (I type on iPad from bed btw). Regardless, iPad is not ready to replace computer. It’s just extension at best. It will take few years before they can think about iPad as a computer

While it might not replace your computer workstation on some specific tasks it doesn’t mean the iPad (or any tablet) isn’t a computer.
For my private tasks it has most certainly replaced any other computer at home for me.

 

[spacebro]

While it might not replace your computer workstation on some specific tasks it doesn’t mean the iPad (or any tablet) isn’t a computer.
For my private tasks it has most certainly replaced any other computer at home for me.

In the future, Maya will run on a purpose built computer device, or on the cloud, and you will connect to and operate it from a tablet.

 

[sosumi99]

Good to see that the set up works for you. I think it's very cool though not one I would use. I just find it much easier to use a laptop for now.

 

[DNichter]

I like it. I use just an iPad Pro 10.5 to manage a team of 60 people and it's been perfect for me. I went a similar route as you and rely heavily on my own server at home (QNAP TS 251+) and it has been a huge help. My fiancee is a graphic designer also and uses her iPad primarily now. It's been very freeing making the change.

 

[fokmik]

"
iOS 12.1 Simulator Supports Virtualized 4K External Displays, Hinting at USB-C Port for iPad Pro"

 

[Synergie]

I like it. I use just an iPad Pro 10.5 to manage a team of 60 people and it's been perfect for me. I went a similar route as you and rely heavily on my own server at home (QNAP TS 251+) and it has been a huge help. My fiancee is a graphic designer also and uses her iPad primarily now. It's been very freeing making the change.

That MediaShair2 in my pic above and the 2 TB drive it’s sitting on, are small enough to sit in the palm of my hand. The MediaShair2 has its own battery so its portable. You can use it even without an internet connection just as a media server. Or even at Starbucks etc, you can pass through their WiFi (or hotel etc) through the MediaShair and access the net and your external storage at once. Bonus is, it gives another layer of protection when using a public WiFi network.

The whole thing fits in my handbag... LOL. You should see us at Starbucks when we set it up there haha.

I dont usually bring the Logi Base dock. When out I just use the Smart Cover as the stand, but the dock is quite small as well - I just wish it was collapsible like the back was moveable then you could also adjust the angle as well as collapse it to fit better in a bag.