iPad as a laptop replacement

[AudreyV]

Initial report back on using my 9.7 iPad Pro to drive a Brother scanner. (As said earlier, I do everything except my magazine scanning projects with my iPad. I’ve been wondering if I can drop my cheap laptop out of the scanning equation. If so, when I upgrade later this month, I’d opt for a higher gb Pro, and possibly the bigger screen.) So I borrowed a friend’s new model Brother to pair with my 9.7. Downloaded the Brother app and saw the scan option immediately. There is no scan preview option in the app, so I just started scanning. After scanning the pages for the first magazine, edited them by cropping to size and saved to a new photo album, one album for each magazine.

There were a few minor things I liked better about the iPad scanning process, a few things that I didn’t like as much, but nothing to deter my plan to upgrade and use the iPad instead of a laptop for scanning, until....

The app crashed. I had scanned and saved two magazines successfully, and I was working on a third. I finished scanning it, cropped the photos to fit the magazine pages, tapped the save arrow, and the app crashed, taking a couple dozen scanned pages with it. No way to recover, they were lost. The first time, I wondered if I had done something wrong. Scanned in another, no problem, then another crash on the next one. I wonder if any of the improvements in the new iPad Pro will make a difference. I think I’ll get a higher end one to try out, but if it keeps crashing, I’ll return it for the cheapest 11, and keep using the laptop for scanning.

 

[akash.nu]

@AudreyV the crashes are down to the app really, not an issue with the iPad at all. I know it doesn’t fix your issue but just pointing out that the app developer is to blame here.

 

[ascender]

I’ve seen quite a few comments mentioning the more upright of the two positions available on the Smart Keyboard folio and how its a bit pointless. Turns out its perfect for video conferencing as the other position tends to give a perfect view of your head and the ceiling...

 

[AudreyV]

@AudreyV the crashes are down to the app really, not an issue with the iPad at all. I know it doesn’t fix your issue but just pointing out that the app developer is to blame here.

Thanks! I did not realize that. Perhaps the app can’t handle so many pages at a time, might try saving every 10 pages instead of the whole magazine. Anyway, I much appreciate your answer, that will help me decide.

 

[booksbooks]

I work in software. Work with lots of different people: Designers, Engineers, Analysts, Managers, Execs, etc. Big applications (off the shelf) and custom applications.

Of the hundreds of employees, not one uses an iPad. Zero. All MacBooks, MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros, and then windows along with everyone having dual monitors on their desks. The iPad is not productive enough due to its relatively small screen, form factor, touch input, lack of external monitor support, simplistic operating system with simplistic, stripped down applications, lack of a robust file system, etc.

It's not like people aren't smart enough to understand what the device is: all software professionals. If it was better, everyone would use it.

 

[richpjr]

I work in software. Work with lots of different people: Designers, Engineers, Analysts, Managers, Execs, etc. Big applications (off the shelf) and custom applications.

Of the hundreds of employees, not one uses an iPad. Zero. All MacBooks, MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros, and then windows along with everyone having dual monitors on their desks. The iPad is not productive enough due to its relatively small screen, form factor, touch input, lack of external monitor support, simplistic operating system with simplistic, stripped down applications, lack of a robust file system, etc.

It's not like people aren't smart enough to understand what the device is: all software professionals. If it was better, everyone would use it.

Same situation here. I also work at a software company (ironically a couple of are apps are cross platform mobile apps) and it's all Windows or Mac laptops. The iPad Pro hardware is certainly powerful enough to handle it if the operating system was.

 

[sparksd]

Same situation here. I also work at a software company (ironically a couple of are apps are cross platform mobile apps) and it's all Windows or Mac laptops. The iPad Pro hardware is certainly powerful enough to handle it if the operating system was.

I'm retired now but in my last position I was the System Architect with 175 developers working on a multi-million SLOC system - no iPads there except for outside personal use. Just not the right environment/application for them.

 

[kodos]

Typing this on my new 11” iPad Pro. I bought it as an expensive personal note taking and writing tool. Also, for web browsing and reading.

It is great for that. It is also VERY EXPENSIVE. I am not planning on using it for anything more than a light, easily portable machine for doing study. For taking to meetings and jotting down notes. For using to review PDFs and other documents.

It cannot replace a real laptop, however. It is crazy the kinds of gymnastics people are subjecting themselves to in order to do stuff that is super easy on a “real” computer. I cannot even open a Word Doc with another Word Doc as reference. I cannot create new styles in Word (though that’s on Microsoft). The web browser doesn’t play well with all sites. One of my clients has an intranet web portal that doesn’t allow me to clock in and clock out correctly because it is not formatted right on mobile Safari. “Chrome” is not Chrome at all in the App Store.

But for a portable computer that can do inking and is really beautiful - it is a nice device. These kinds of limitations when you are paying > $1,000 for a machine are shocking, however.

One huge plus is USB-C. Unlike with my 12.9” iPP, I can take ONE charger for my iPad and MacBook Pro. Waiting for the iPhone refresh that will use it too!

 

[Momof9]

- So for MOST people, an iPad can be the go to computer for almost anything. However, if you are using an iPad as your ONLY device (no work issued computer, no laptop or desktop), my guess is that it will fall short in some areas of getting work done. Again, going back to Apple's vision of an iPad falling in between a phone and computer.
- Yes, the marketing for the iPad pro touts it as a powerful computer. And it certainly is. However, Apple has never marketed it as the only device you need. It should be noted that they debuted the new iPad pro on the same day they debuted the new MacBook Air and Mac Mini.

Let me know your thoughts....

I am sort of in this boat. I do NOT have a computer right now. I gave it to my son. I do have 2 12.9” iPPs now. Just got my new one. It has been a busy week - I have done some ok things on it....

Things you cannot do on an iPad Pro only....

set up a new printer
Set up a hard drive
easily work with files - there is a work around
Flash based website (private log in - for business)


The first 3 I borrowed a computer to do these. The last one, is something I will be needing often. So not practical to keep borrowing a computer. I am considering a small laptop, or something like the mac mini. I don’t want to spend a lot, because I will be treating it like a server (sort of).

With the amount I spent on the new 1 TB iPP - I need it to be my “computer”. I am a graphic designer and really like using it. There are a few things that are a bit more difficult in Affinity Photo - some of it is I am a new user. I can’t wait until Photoshop comes out!!!

I think they will need to address the file system issue soon - especially by the time PS comes out!

 

[IowaLynn]

Like the above in terms of use, light word, web (Edge, not Chrome), creating PDF files, spreadsheets (Apple Pencil is not spreadsheet friendle, not Numbers). Have the $399 Surface Go (4/64) sitting in shopping cart (hoping for black Friday). I know from using the RT basically what to expect and not. I was tempted on new IPP and reading pists here and elsewhere.

 

[Works4Me]

I like my iPad and use it quite a bit for marking up student assignments in PDF pro using a pencil. And people can do things on it that they can't on a desktop or laptop. But, today, just for fun I was reading the Apple description on "Why iPad Pro" and the text says. "iPad Pro does what a computer does, but in more intuitive ways." Maybe some things, but not selecting, copying and pasting text! Seriously, it's so much faster for me to do that on my iMac or Macbook Pro than on my iPad. Until Apple fixes that, it will never be a laptop replacement for me. Well, that and a whole bunch of things that others have already mentioned. And don't get me started on not being able to have even two Word docs open at the same time!

 

[charpi]

Hello, the previous iPad pro keyboard had a problem with arrow keys with Overleaf (http://support.overleaf.com/forums/...ions/3592470-arrow-key-functionality-for-ipad). Was wondering if anyone who has the latest iPad Pro and Keyboard folio have tried it with Overleaf, and whether this problem is still present?

Was thinking of getting the new Pro for writing formal documents, and this can be a deal-maker or breaker.

Thanks

 

[nicho]

I cannot even open a Word Doc with another Word Doc as reference.

Technically Microsoft could also fix this one within their app rather than the more obvious “allow two instances of the same app” to run solution.

Depending on your file storage method you could open the reference document in “files”.

 

[GBNova]

I'm not sure why Apple or it's iPad users are trying to turn the iPad into a computer. It's a device meant to fill a very specific purpose (media consumption, simple gaming, and creative works) and I don't see it filling the role of a computer/laptop. By the time you add all the peripherals required to allow it to function as a computer, I don't see the advantage over a laptop from a portability and functionality standpoint. Why would Apple allow their MacBook lineup to essentially become redundant and unmarketable?

 

[Brammy]

I'm not sure why Apple or it's iPad users are trying to turn the iPad into a computer. It's a device meant to fill a very specific purpose (media consumption, simple gaming, and creative works) and I don't see it filling the role of a computer/laptop. By the time you add all the peripherals required to allow it to function as a computer, I don't see the advantage over a laptop from a portability and functionality standpoint. Why would Apple allow their MacBook lineup to essentially become redundant and unmarketable?

I was listening to Gui Rambo's podcast today and Rene Ritchie was the guest. Rene coined a phrase I like called "laptop alternative."

I don't want my Mac to become an iPad, nor do I want my iPad to become a Mac. I am a creative person and the iPad removes a lot of barriers to creating my art. It is worth it for that alone. That said, I do want iOS to become more powerful, and apps to be better.

 

[booksbooks]

The iPad Pro, a small screened mobile device where a User can't even put two Pages or Word documents side-by-side. Not a laptop replacement.

The defence rests.

 

[bnmcj1]

The iPad Pro, a small screened mobile device where a User can't even put two Pages or Word documents side-by-side. Not a laptop replacement.

The defence rests.

This. I don’t see a single important improvement for work related stuff made between iPad 1 and now, 8 years later, iPad Pro 2018... just the slightest tasks are so terribly workaround cumbersome and annoying to do on an iPad. I have an iPad Pro, but sad part is that it is a pretty expensive consumption device that my girlfriend however draws on, which is why we have it.

Never ever again am I buying an iPad, unless they are like surface pro with full os... and a stand.

 

[akash.nu]

I'm not sure why Apple or it's iPad users are trying to turn the iPad into a computer. It's a device meant to fill a very specific purpose (media consumption, simple gaming, and creative works) and I don't see it filling the role of a computer/laptop. By the time you add all the peripherals required to allow it to function as a computer, I don't see the advantage over a laptop from a portability and functionality standpoint. Why would Apple allow their MacBook lineup to essentially become redundant and unmarketable?

Because apple is not a computer manufacturing company in their DNA. Apple is a tech company that focuses on only one thing, how can existing or new tech be easily integrated in their customers life. If that means killing something to move forward, they’ll do it within a heartbeat.

Eg - Floppy drive, CD drive, iPod, headphone jacks, traditional disk based HDD is also being phased out from various devices.

The thing is apple understands that average users like us will not know what to expect or where to push the technology. As a company they decide where the future lies and pushes towards it. They have to keep beating themselves to be ahead of the game. Let’s just hope this time around it works out again for them and for all of us.

 

[Tenhauser]

until apple makes a desktop-class os for ipad it will remain just a big iphone

things that keep me from switching:

crippled filesystem
crippled itunes: impossible to download file from, say, soundcloud and import it to music library
crippled i/o: impossible to download/upload music files from flash drives
no trackpad in keyboard folio: when browsing in standing mode, absence of trackpad makes it uncomfortable experience as you should always lean your hand to touch the screen

 

[iccb]

I cannot even open a Word Doc with another Word Doc as reference.

Can you open second word file with Pages and use split screen?

 

[nviz22]

I tried the Surface Go for a few hrs here and there the last few days:

• The screen is very nice, especially with watching hockey games and Netflix.
• Not sure about battery life because haven't used it for a full cycle, but my expectations aren't that much due to the form factor needing a small battery with a fanless design.
• Boot speed isn't bad at all, especially since tablets are meant to do more basic stuff with ease.
• Tableau didn't lag so far with basic stuff like workbook files.
• I had trouble getting out of S Mode for a bit and that was due to software bugs.
• The weight is pretty nice and it's quite portable.
• I won't overload the thing and I hope it stays pretty consistent going forward since it's a long term purchase.
• Definitely will miss some aspects on the iPad like the apps and relatively basic OS when tablet things are concerned.

$250 iPad looks promising though, might pick one up to try tbh.

 

[Aluminum213]

I'm not sure why Apple or it's iPad users are trying to turn the iPad into a computer. It's a device meant to fill a very specific purpose (media consumption, simple gaming, and creative works) and I don't see it filling the role of a computer/laptop. By the time you add all the peripherals required to allow it to function as a computer, I don't see the advantage over a laptop from a portability and functionality standpoint. Why would Apple allow their MacBook lineup to essentially become redundant and unmarketable?

Basically, if you’re attaching a keyboard to an iPad, you’re using it wrong

 

[richpjr]

It's a device meant to fill a very specific purpose (media consumption, simple gaming, and creative works) .

That may be how you use it, but certainly not how others use it.

 

[840quadra]

I'm not sure why Apple or it's iPad users are trying to turn the iPad into a computer. It's a device meant to fill a very specific purpose (media consumption, simple gaming, and creative works) and I don't see it filling the role of a computer/laptop. By the time you add all the peripherals required to allow it to function as a computer, I don't see the advantage over a laptop from a portability and functionality standpoint. Why would Apple allow their MacBook lineup to essentially become redundant and unmarketable?

Glad my use case isn’t dictated by your criteria.

It’s been an awesome device, actually, I will say computer. The new model with USB-C has sped up my workload considerably, and i can get my work done faster overall without the need for a single adapter.

Have already shot, edited and billed 2 customers today for photos, and am about midway through editing a marketing video for a repeat client. All of my work over the past 2 years (for this freelance field) has been done on iPad.

 

[The Samurai]

Glad my use case isn’t dictated by your criteria.

It’s been an awesome device, actually, I will say computer. The new model with USB-C has sped up my workload considerably, and i can get my work done faster overall without the need for a single adapter.

Have already shot, edited and billed 2 customers today for photos, and am about midway through editing a marketing video for a repeat client. All of my work over the past 2 years (for this freelance field) has been done on iPad.

Glad i’m Not your client.

If I had a tender for a video marketing campaign and I had two people in front of me, one whom tells me the campaign will be made on an iPad, the other one tells me it’s a Mac (heck even Windows!), I know exactly whom i’d be choosing.