And now the countdown begins until it arrives in your hands! Not sure if you mentioned and I missed it.. but what are your plans for the M1 11” model?
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iPad as a laptop replacement
- Thread starter Omar Comin' Yo
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Yes, I’m looking forward to it! I will probably give my current M1 to a family member for a discount, so it will go to a good home and they’ll get some good use out of it. 👍🏻🙂
I got the Combo touch 12.9 recently for my M1 (I already had the 11" one) and honestly it takes a lot more space, making the iPad barely usable on your lap, to the point that I am using the combo 11" keyboard with the 12.9 case (it works). There is a lot of wasted space since the keyboard is essentially the same size, but the screen is larger and has a taller aspect ratio.
I took a picture to compare:
Maybe they improved things on the M4, by using that space for the trackpad, but this does not improve the lappability since the screen is the same...
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Hey DG! I appreciate you taking the time to make the comparison for me but I still intend to get the LCT. There are two things about the LCT that the Magic Keyboard imo can't do. One is, give the iPad protection even when detached from the keyboard. And the other is, giving it great protection with the keyboard on it. I have dropped my iPad 3X over the years with the LCT on, and it came out unscathed every time. I have no faith that the Magic Keyboard can give that kind of protection. I carry my iPad outside every day for my work, and I depend on that protection. Even the LCT took the falls well, with only minor scuffs. I am 100% going to get the LCT.
Again, I thank you for your thoughts! And....it is always good to see you Dg.😊
Indeed, no other keyboard case protect the iPad better than the combo touch and I use it when I know I could need that protection (for instance I am leaving on holidays next week and I'll take the combo instead of the Magic Keyboard). At home I tend to use the MK, but it's not as protective. Some people use AC+ to make up for it. That's an option too, but if you are ok with less than ideal lappability the combo touch is great.
Yeah, when I'm at home I don't usually have the keyboard attached. That is just for work out in the field. At home I pretty much use my iPad as a tablet for notes and sketches, occasionally using a keyboard and trackpad. When I have my iPad attached to a monitor, it is on a desk and used with a bluetooth keyboard and an Apple Magic Trackpad. iPad OS 26 makes that a little more exciting now.😊
Edit: Just to clarify, I use my iPad as a MacBook/Laptop replacement for work away from home. I use my Mac Mini or a Windows PC for my real estate and property management work at home....occasionally using the iPad desktop setup, well....just because it's fun. With iPad OS 26 and beyond, that could certainly change.
I'm sure everyone has seen the photo.
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Have you made any changes to this desk setup from this photo or is everything currently the same?
Yeah, that's an old photo. I still use the same monitor, keyboard, usb c hub, and trackpad but I have everything on a different desk now. Why do you ask?
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Just wanted to know if they were any changes… I’m constantly trying to make improvements to mine. Recently updated my main monitor to an OLED one… finally found one at a good discount (had to go for it). Upgraded my MX Master 3 to the 3S, never really thought that having a silent click mouse would make a difference… but I like it.
Don’t plan on upgrading my keyboard anytime soon… I like the NuPhy 75, but I’ve had this Keychron K2 atleast 3 years now and I could always add new keycaps to make it look fresher. And you mention iPadOS 26 makes your setup more exciting… could you elaborate on it?
Right, I thought you were doing it entirely from the iPad, I guess you need some desktop programs or file management.
I have some Windows only app that I couldn't work without. Plus I use MS Word a lot and it's too rudimentary on the iPad to work for what I need.
But I try to do use it (or rather them) as much as I can, because it's fun, as you say, but also useful.
For instance yesterday I had to compare to powerpoints and I used my M1 12.9 and my M4 on 2 stands, it allowed me to do it while standing, instead of sitting in front a monitor (I have some height adjustable stands) and to use the pencil.
Next week I am leaving on holidays and I will be taking my cellular thinkpad and my M1 12.9, which in addition to being my iPad, will be my external monitor via Genki Studio
Yes, I will update the monitor when I upgrade to a new iPad Pro. I really like the Magic Trackpad for use with the iPad. Just feels so natural using a touch device to control a touch device, so I will keep that. I may update to a new Apple keyboard. We'll see. I also may update the usb hub. This is the one I have now, and it works well. Definitely getting the new Apple Pencil Pro.
This is the monitor I will get with the new iPad Pro 13". Actually going to get two. One for my Mac Mini also.
Acer Nitro 34" QHD 3440 x 1440 1500R Curved PC Gaming Monitor AMD FreeSync Premium 165Hz Refresh 1ms (VRB) ZeroFrame Design 2 x Display Port 1.4 & 2 x HDMI 2.0 Ports XZ342CU Sbmiipphx,Black
Acer's Nitro XZ342CU 34" curved panel monitor with QHD resolution delivers the incredible. Through AMD FreeSync Premium technology, the game’s frame rate is determined by your graphics card, not the fixed refresh rate of the monitor, giving you a serious competitive edge. Smooth, tear-free gamepl...
www.amazon.com
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Nice monitors! Looks like they have good color range. And very large! I hope you enjoy them when you upgrade! 👍🏻Yes, I will update the monitor when I upgrade to a new iPad Pro. I really like the Magic Trackpad for use with the iPad. Just seems so natural using a touch device to control a touch device, so I will keep that. I may update to a new Apple keyboard. We'll see. I also may update the usb hub. This is the one I have now, and it works well. Definitely getting the new Apple Pencil Pro.
This is the monitor I will get with the new iPad Pro 13". Actually going to get two. One for my Mac Mini also.
Acer Nitro 34" QHD 3440 x 1440 1500R Curved PC Gaming Monitor AMD FreeSync Premium 165Hz Refresh 1ms (VRB) ZeroFrame Design 2 x Display Port 1.4 & 2 x HDMI 2.0 Ports XZ342CU Sbmiipphx,Black
Acer's Nitro XZ342CU 34" curved panel monitor with QHD resolution delivers the incredible. Through AMD FreeSync Premium technology, the game’s frame rate is determined by your graphics card, not the fixed refresh rate of the monitor, giving you a serious competitive edge. Smooth, tear-free gamepl...www.amazon.com
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Yeah, I agree with that. Using the Magic Trackpad is more ideal for the iPad (that's where the Magic Keyboard comes into play)... especially with all the gestures. I have a Magic Mouse... that I occasionally use with the iPad. But for the most part... I use the MX Master 3S for both the Mac and iPad (with Universal Control).
And I alternate using the MX mouse with Windows, Mac and the Galaxy Fold... customizable buttons, scroll wheel along with the horizontal scroll wheel is nice to use.
Good choice! I like ultra-wide monitors... started out with one and felt the urge to get a super ultra-wide monitor lol. How do you plan to set up the two monitors?
If I was going to set up my iPad on the same desk as my desktop I would choose #1. I actually have two desks in my office and have the iPad setup on its own desk and will leaving it that way when I get the new iPad. The desk that I have my Mac Mini on also has a mini PC set up on it, so I already have two 27" monitors on that desk. I am going to replace the 27" monitor I use with the Mac Mini with a new 34". With it being pretty crowded already, I decided the iPad, along with all its own accessories and peripherals, needed its own desktop/work area.
Awesome! That sounds like it will be a nice setup. 👍🏻. Out of curiosity, what desk accessories/peripherals beyond the monitor and keyboard do you plan on using with your iPad at the iPad desk? That would be interesting, because my desk setup is still somewhat in flux. 👍🏻
Here you go. There are some non tech decorative things also. A happy Buddha figurine, and a glass world globe.
1. Apple Magic Trackpad
2. Apple Pencil(which I will update to Pencil Pro)
3. iPad stand
4. USB C hub
5. Samsung T7 SSD
6. 2X JBL Flip 6 for sound
7. Combo wireless charging dock for my iPhone, Apple watch, and Airpods Pro 2's.
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Awesome! The JBL Flip looks like a nice speaker option. I’ve been considering eventually setting up some Bluetooth speakers at my desk. That could be a good option to consider. 👍🏻
Also, I really like Anker’s hubs and accessories, they’re very well built. I don’t know if this would be helpful or not, but I use a USB-C extension cable for my similar Belkin hub, and it’s really handy for providing more flexibility in where I place the iPad relative to my hub. 👍🏻. This is the extension cable I got:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08D9GP34...GN3UQO4L&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it
There are many other options out there, and you could also always use a coupler and other USB-C cable as well. 👍🏻. This one is strangely directional, so if I plug the USB-c plug into my hub one way it will work, and the other and it won’t. I believe it’s because they only have conductors on one side of the USB-C port. The other right-angle end of it works fine in any direction. But beyond that oddity, it’s worked out pretty well, and an extension cable really helps make it easier to dock my iPad at my desk with the way I have it setup. 👍🏻
It sounds like it will be a nice setup! My desk setup is still in flux a bit, so I may end up borrowing some ideas, like those speakers! And I also plan to upgrade to a Magic Trackpad and Keyboard at some point, though it’s a lower priority for me currently with just upgrading my iPad. 👍🏻
Also, on a note about my desk decoration, I don’t currently really have much decor beyond a miniature of the Razor Crest from The Mandalorian that I textured and weathered to look more realistic, but I have a little wood caddy with several shelves that I intend to turn into a backlit display cabinet, with some diorama’s I intend to 3D print. 👍🏻.
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These are all the cables I have...
USB C to USB Adapter with Type C Charging, 2 in 1 Type C 3.0 OTG Splitter with 60W PD Fast Charge Compatible with iPhone 16 15 Pro Max, Galaxy S24 S23 S22, Pixel 9 8 7, iPad Pro, Google TV 2020
● Color: Black ● Length: 12.5cm ● Characteristic: Charging + OTG ● Material: Aluminum Alloy+Nylon Braided 1.Please make sure your mobile phone or tablet supports OTG function, and for certain mobile phones, please go to phone’s setting menu and enable ’OTG function’. 2.The transmis...
www.amazon.com
These are the chargers I have. Two of each...
I have two of these batteries...
And this is my mini pc...Also added another 1TB internal Samsung SSD for a total of 2TB storage.
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Nice setup. I have the Anker 8-in-1 version of that hub - I use a right-angle adapter for attachment to my 13" M4 + MKB. I also have the older Flip 4 speakers - they're nice in that two can be connected for stereo sound.
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Yeah, I like the Flips. They sound really good, and like you said...connect for stereo sound. Perfect set of speakers imo, for an iPad desktop setup. Great for music, movies, and YouTube.😎
I’ve gone down this route today after receiving my M4 13” iPad Pro and Apple Magic Keyboard case etc
I’ve just been made redundant from my role with Meta (been there since April 2022) and will be sending my 15” MBA and ZF6 back to them on Tuesday
I have my M4 Mac Mini set up in my home office; but due to battling health issue currently, sitting at my desk is very uncomfortable internally, so the iPad/keyboard case will work brilliantly for me working from the sofa etc
I didn’t want another MacBook as wanted the portability of the iPad for my reading (Kindle, magazines etc) as well as being able to take it away with me - managed to get a brand new 5G/wifi one, fully sealed on eBay UK for £995 delivered; bought yesterday, delivered today with the Spigen Aramid case and Magic Keyboard (also new, sealed via eBay for £200)! Not a bad haul really…
I’m looking forward to the iPadOS 26 release having watched a few vids of it on YouTube etc - it’ll do everything I need of it whilst I’m looking for a new role; but also having just set up my own business in the interim (I ran my own company for 14 years before joining Meta, so it’s not new to me; but I wont be going down that route again; 14 years of stress and hardship was enough first time around) 😂
I’ve just been made redundant from my role with Meta (been there since April 2022) and will be sending my 15” MBA and ZF6 back to them on Tuesday
I have my M4 Mac Mini set up in my home office; but due to battling health issue currently, sitting at my desk is very uncomfortable internally, so the iPad/keyboard case will work brilliantly for me working from the sofa etc
I didn’t want another MacBook as wanted the portability of the iPad for my reading (Kindle, magazines etc) as well as being able to take it away with me - managed to get a brand new 5G/wifi one, fully sealed on eBay UK for £995 delivered; bought yesterday, delivered today with the Spigen Aramid case and Magic Keyboard (also new, sealed via eBay for £200)! Not a bad haul really…
I’m looking forward to the iPadOS 26 release having watched a few vids of it on YouTube etc - it’ll do everything I need of it whilst I’m looking for a new role; but also having just set up my own business in the interim (I ran my own company for 14 years before joining Meta, so it’s not new to me; but I wont be going down that route again; 14 years of stress and hardship was enough first time around) 😂
One thing I notice about using the iPad as a primary device… the accumulation of cables, since it only has one port. I do like the simplicity nature of it, but it can be annoying at times.These are all the cables I have...
USB C to USB Adapter with Type C Charging, 2 in 1 Type C 3.0 OTG Splitter with 60W PD Fast Charge Compatible with iPhone 16 15 Pro Max, Galaxy S24 S23 S22, Pixel 9 8 7, iPad Pro, Google TV 2020
● Color: Black ● Length: 12.5cm ● Characteristic: Charging + OTG ● Material: Aluminum Alloy+Nylon Braided 1.Please make sure your mobile phone or tablet supports OTG function, and for certain mobile phones, please go to phone’s setting menu and enable ’OTG function’. 2.The transmis...www.amazon.com
I currently carrying around my Belkin dock to use with my iPad when away from desk.
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Nice! 👍🏻. And it looks like you already have a better quality extension cable, which is awesome. And the Anker Nano is great, I have the smaller version. Also looks like a nice mini pc. I’ve heard good things about Minisforum. 👍🏻. Thanks for sharing, gives me some ideas for my workspace as I continue to improve it. 👍🏻These are all the cables I have...
USB C to USB Adapter with Type C Charging, 2 in 1 Type C 3.0 OTG Splitter with 60W PD Fast Charge Compatible with iPhone 16 15 Pro Max, Galaxy S24 S23 S22, Pixel 9 8 7, iPad Pro, Google TV 2020
● Color: Black ● Length: 12.5cm ● Characteristic: Charging + OTG ● Material: Aluminum Alloy+Nylon Braided 1.Please make sure your mobile phone or tablet supports OTG function, and for certain mobile phones, please go to phone’s setting menu and enable ’OTG function’. 2.The transmis...www.amazon.com
These are the chargers I have. Two of each...
I have two of these batteries...
And this is my mini pc...Also added another 1TB internal Samsung SSD for a total of 2TB storage.
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I have both 11" and 13". My 13 was used primarily as a monitor in my office and the 11 when out and about, however I've recently been using my 13" more and taking it on weekend breaks. Think now if I had to choose I'd pick the 13".