iPad as a laptop replacement

[secretk]

The problem here is that dev's don't want to invest in iPad apps as it's a strain on their teams and network (having to keep up with 'another' platform) and Apple has no interest thus far to open up Safari so that 'real-work' can be done on it, like you know, with how people in this day and age use a computer for. Squarespace used to have an app a few year ago I believe but then they ended development for it. I would say its one of the main areas in which the iPad is held back for me because I constantly need to edit portfolios and make changes to clients websites on the move and thus I can not carry about an iPad solely - as much as I would love to.

I agree with you that it seems that Devs are not always motivated to work on iOS apps. It is a strain I agree. I wonder though how they can be motivated to do more you know. I do have Development background but I have not worked with iOS as it requires Mac machine and I don't own one. That is one restriction though. Like if you want to develop apps for iOS you need to have Mac. Now in USA I assume this might not be that hard, but it's definitely not the case in my country or Europe in general. Macs are expensive so they don't buy ones. Only designers or iOS developers (which are for mobile apps only though) work on Macs.

There is a lot of outsourcing when it comes to Development. Business. People prefer to establish their Development centers in countries where salaries are lower and the standard is lower. When the standard is lower though, people do not work on Macs.

I am not sure what's more disappointing, the fact that Apple haven't opened up Safari for all these years or that it will keep us waiting for the supposed iPad OS update 13 in summer - and by the time it's released, new iPad Pros will be round the corner - putting all that power to waste.

You never know they might skip introducing new iPad Pro next year .

 

[xxray]

As a student, an iPad can’t even be a laptop replacement or alternative for me. Here are two examples why:

I have an online homework assignment. I need that open in a Safari window. In another Safari window, I need a formula sheet open. In OneNote, I need my notes to reference. In another OneNote window, I need a blank page to do my work on. Even if there was multi-window capability within the same apps, there wouldn’t be enough screen space to do it.

I have an exam to study for. I need one Safari window open to have a study guide open and reference it. I need a OneNote window to reference my notes. I need another OneNote window to fill out my study guide. Again, I can’t do multi-tasking within the same app, there isn’t enough space, and it just isn’t intuitive enough to work well anyways. I also don’t have room to type and view my notes without moving around a lot even if I could narrow it down to two windows.

Situations like these are why people say it’s hard to be productive on the iPad. Don’t get me wrong, you can get work done. But these are not CPU or GPU intensive tasks. They’re simple referencing, research, and typing tasks that I can’t get done on the device.

 

[Abazigal]

Here's proof that Pro in iPad Pro stands for Profit$. This is why Tim Cook wants the iPad to replace Macs.

Cost of Clip Studio Paint Pro for MacOS is $25 one time cost while it's $25/year subscription for iPad and it's a lesser stripped down version with worse workflow.

https://www.clipstudio.net/en/purchase

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clip-studio-paint-ex-for-manga/id1262985592

I can think of several counter-examples. iOS apps are generally cheaper than their desktop counterparts. Lumafusion and Affinity Photo, for example, are one-time $20 purchases, unlike Adobe, who is still on a monthly subscription model. Apps like Todoist are subscription-based, but their apps are available on all platforms, and you can subscribe directly through their website.

Apple is focusing on the iPad because it's what allows for computing to be made more personal, more than you ever could on a conventional PC form factor.

That company you mentioned likely has their own reasons for wanting to charge more for their iPad app, but I don't see the link between that and Apple pushing for iPads as PC replacements.

 

[Momof9]

I am interested in how you like the Surface laptop. Do we have such thread in the other OS and devices forum?

I had a really really bad experience with a Surface Pro 3.

You know the best what you need and what you want and it's your money so please don't take this the wrong way. Are you sure that you need mac mini if your only usage will be to backup your iPad. Like I said it's up to you and I do see why you need another machine considering that iTunes is not available for Chromebooks, I just find it weird to have not one but two additional machines aside your new iPad Pro to cover your workflow. Especially if you plan to use that third machine only for backing up your iPad. To me it sounds extreme, but it's up to you and it's your money so in the end of they day you do what you want to do.

If I get a mac mini, I would return the Chrome book, which I just bought. I did watch some interesting videos on using the Mac mini with the Luna Display adapter and the iPad Pro. Kind of a game changer.

 

[Brammy]

As a student, an iPad can’t even be a laptop replacement or alternative for me. Here are two examples why:

I have an online homework assignment. I need that open in a Safari window. In another Safari window, I need a formula sheet open. In OneNote, I need my notes to reference. In another OneNote window, I need a blank page to do my work on. Even if there was multi-window capability within the same apps, there wouldn’t be enough screen space to do it.

I have an exam to study for. I need one Safari window open to have a study guide open and reference it. I need a OneNote window to reference my notes. I need another OneNote window to fill out my study guide. Again, I can’t do multi-tasking within the same app, there isn’t enough space, and it just isn’t intuitive enough to work well anyways. I also don’t have room to type and view my notes without moving around a lot even if I could narrow it down to two windows.

Situations like these are why people say it’s hard to be productive on the iPad. Don’t get me wrong, you can get work done. But these are not CPU or GPU intensive tasks. They’re simple referencing, research, and typing tasks that I can’t get done on the device.

Even if there was multi-window capability within the same apps, there wouldn’t be enough screen space to do it.

I'm not being snarky, but holy cow with all those windows it sounds like you need an ultra-wide monitor or a couple of 27" monitors. A laptop screen wouldn't even work for you; much less an iPad.

 

[secretk]

I had a really really bad experience with a Surface Pro 3.

Ah sorry to read this. I assume you were able to return it?

If I get a mac mini, I would return the Chrome book, which I just bought. I did watch some interesting videos on using the Mac mini with the Luna Display adapter and the iPad Pro. Kind of a game changer.

Ah now it makes sense. Sorry for butting in I was just genuinely surprised that you would keep spend that much on this.

What was the use case you watched for Luna display, the iMac and the iPad Pro? I am interested.
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I'm not being snarky, but holy cow with all those windows it sounds like you need an ultra-wide monitor or a couple of 27" monitors. A laptop screen wouldn't even work for you; much less an iPad.

I understood it like two separate cases. The idea is that in both cases there is a need is for two monitors. One for each OneNote instance.

I do the same. I use two monitors at work. On each monitor I open separate files and thus work in parallel with both. I do have 24 inches monitors though. I have eyes issues though so for me it's not surprising that I need screen estate .

 

[AutomaticApple]

It’s not a laptop replacement, but it can replace a laptop for many people.

I can agree with that.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Can you have a group Skype conversation and record each person as a separate file for mixing during post-production?

I get what you're saying and I use my 12.9" iPad Pro (2nd gen) as a primary device, but it cannot do it all. I still need another system for some tasks. Just a few minutes ago I had to look up some drive firmware information on a manufacturer's web site and had to use my Linux desktop because their site wouldn't work in Safari. That's not Apple's fault, per se, but the point is that on a desktop I never say, "Aw man.. I gotta get my iPhone or iPad to do this." There is also no possible way for me to have a proper web inspector, test sites with different browser engines, etc. on an iPad; these are things I need to do at some point (not every day, but regularly).

The iPad really does do just about everything, but these new iPads are way over-powered for what iOS permits.

Now for my parents and my spouse, iPads are all they need. It handles web surfing, calendar, notes, etc. for them without missing a beat.

Did you miss the part where I still have a Mac desktop? Of course it can’t do every conceivable thing ever. I can’t export a novel from Scrivener into kindle format on the iPad, I can code html from Coda on the iPad, but I wouldn’t recommend doing it all day on there. It also doesn’t allow external monitors.

All that said, it is great as a MacBook replacement, and for things like digital painting, it is pretty much the only way to go without spending gobs of money.

I guess I am saying that I agree with you, it does most things surprisingly well, and for some people it can do everything they need. I am not one of the latter, but rather will always have a desktop to go with my iPad Pro.

 

[Brammy]

I understood it like two separate cases. The idea is that in both cases there is a need is for two monitors. One for each OneNote instance.

I do the same. I use two monitors at work. On each monitor I open separate files and thus work in parallel with both. I do have 24 inches monitors though. I have eyes issues though so for me it's not surprising that I need screen estate .

Yeah. It's one of those cases where the iPad can do the work, but once a preferred workflow is multi-screen, I'm not sure it's a fair dig against the iPad. I tend to equate the iPad (right now) to someone who uses a laptop, but not in a multi-display setup. Naturally, that could change with future iOS versions.

 

[secretk]

Yeah. It's one of those cases where the iPad can do the work, but once a preferred workflow is multi-screen, I'm not sure it's a fair dig against the iPad. I tend to equate the iPad (right now) to someone who uses a laptop, but not in a multi-display setup. Naturally, that could change with future iOS versions.

I see your point in a way. I equate it because I am allowed to hook up any external monitor to my laptop. I don't need to install anything at all. Though yeah we have to admit that cheap/old laptops might not support this, but in general laptops can be used as a portable device, but can be also connected to external monitors. In fact in my case I don't need to pay for anything at all. I have the monitor anyway (it's a given for multi screen setup), I have the HDMI cable, I have the HDMI connection (actually that is one requirement I had for buying my laptop - to have the option to connect it to other devices).

When it comes to the iPad even if I want to connect external monitor (though I don't want to because it would not cover my use case) not only I need to buy a dongle (around 90$ in my country) or an app (around 25 $ in my country) and that app works for Mac computers only. In comparison with my laptop I can use my HDMI cable that came with my monitor or buy one for 10 $. Not only it's cheaper but it works with any sort of monitor. I also have thunderbolt so if I want I could connect to such monitor either. I have the flexibility to go to work with my laptop and connect it to any external TV at work or projector with two types of connection without even paying or having to set up something.

I am pretty sure that I can connect external monitor to any sort of laptop (with Windows, MacOS or Linux) as long as I have the proper cable.

So yeah for me in that sense the iPad does not cover the laptop requirement as it just does not play nice with other devices. It's a closed system. The plus for me for laptops is exactly this - they play nice with other devices (external monitors, printers, Bluetooth phones). Itunes for music transfer is annoying. I send my music files via Bluetooth to my Android phone. Easy. No need to use cables at all.

For me this is the true aspect of the laptop. Yes a laptop cannot fully replace a desktop. Not because of restrictions on OS though, not because of lack of ports. It's because of thermals. And that is OK. With the iPad is vice versa. You have the power, you have the thermals, the GPU, the CPU but you don't have the the flexibility and the ports to do what you want.

 

[xxray]

I'm not being snarky, but holy cow with all those windows it sounds like you need an ultra-wide monitor or a couple of 27" monitors. A laptop screen wouldn't even work for you; much less an iPad.

My 15" laptop covers me well. It can get a bit tight but still very workable with 4 windows. The point that I was trying to make is that the iPad is often marketed as being a good laptop replacement for students, that you can put all of your textbooks, notes, homework, etc. on it, which you can, but when you need to reference multiple things and switch back and forth between each of these things when working, the iPad isn't as doable.

 

[Macintoshrumors]

My 15" laptop covers me well. It can get a bit tight but still very workable with 4 windows. The point that I was trying to make is that the iPad is often marketed as being a good laptop replacement for students, that you can put all of your textbooks, notes, homework, etc. on it, which you can, but when you need to reference multiple things and switch back and forth between each of these things when working, the iPad isn't as doable.

but its doable .

 

[Nugget]

but its doable .

It's doable (sometimes) but it's inefficient and difficult. iOS gets in the way of the task instead of enabling it.

 

[mk313]

It's doable (sometimes) but it's inefficient and difficult. iOS gets in the way of the task instead of enabling it.

I think that depends a lot on your usage. I used an iPad as my main computer while getting my MBA a few years ago & it worked fine, it did take a bit of getting used to at first, but it worked great for my needs. Once you get used to opening one document in Pages & another in Word (or numbers/excel, etc), it works pretty well, and this was before the iPad specific improvements in iOS 11. I wouldn't describe my experience as either inefficient or difficult. I think it worked a lot like switching computer OS's, where at first the workflow felt a bit clunky, but after using it for a few weeks it became second nature & worked great. The other aspects of the iPad (all-day battery life, always on internet connection, etc) were things that I needed that a MacBook couldn't offer, so i used the iPad & it was great. I did have a computer at home for times when I needed a more robust machine, but overall the iPad was the right choice for me for my needs at that time.

 

[Brammy]

My 15" laptop covers me well. It can get a bit tight but still very workable with 4 windows. The point that I was trying to make is that the iPad is often marketed as being a good laptop replacement for students, that you can put all of your textbooks, notes, homework, etc. on it, which you can, but when you need to reference multiple things and switch back and forth between each of these things when working, the iPad isn't as doable.

If that works for you, good on ya! The windows must be so small I'd have a hard time seeing them. I'd love to see a screenshot of this (seriously).

 

[steve dave]

It’s not a laptop replacement, but it can replace a laptop for many people.

The same could be said about any smart phone or garbage tablet... but you don't see ads or company officials touting those as laptop replacements.

 

[AutomaticApple]

you don't see ads or company officials touting those as laptop replacements.

Yeah, that’s true.

 

[jlseattle]

The iPad cannot replace all the functionality of the laptop.

If you do email, word, browsing and other such things it can be an addon. But it's not going to replace a laptop and all it's capabilities.

 

[AutomaticApple]

A tablet can't even do anything...I need my laptop for work. Real work.

I’m not sure what you mean. A tablet can do plenty.

 

[Nugget]

I think that depends a lot on your usage.

In this context we weren’t talking about your usage or my usage. I was replying to a comment about xxray’s usage a few comments up thread.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I have an iPad rmini

Which one?

 

[Macintoshrumors]

It's doable (sometimes) but it's inefficient and difficult. iOS gets in the way of the task instead of enabling it.

Since when did everyone decided iOS was a limiting factor all at once? Bc a bunch of youtoobers told you what to think? It’s not a limiting factor based on what the core intention of the product is, a tablet. A tablet that is not a computer replacement for anyone here, but for the majority of the population that do basic task and the upcoming generations that are growing up using touchscreen decives

 

[richpjr]

Since when did everyone decided iOS was a limiting factor all at once? Bc a bunch of youtoobers told you what to think? It’s not a limiting factor based on what the core intention of the product is, a tablet. A tablet that is not a computer replacement for anyone here, but for the majority of the population that do basic task and the upcoming generations that are growing up using touchscreen decives

I didn't decide all at once, I've know it since I picked up the very first iPad that iOS was severely limiting my productivity. By your logic, Apple should never have needed to add any new features or enhancements to iOS since it was serving the purpose it was released for. Now we know that isn't true and it is slowly evolving. People are hoping that the improvements continue enough so that a device with hardware that is touted by Apple as more powerful than most computers can actually take advantage of it.

 

[Momof9]

Ah sorry to read this. I assume you were able to return it?

yes I had geek squad protection, it was overheating on the 1st 2, the 3rd replacement was bent out of the box. They gave me my money back and i ended up with my 1st iPad pro.

Ah now it makes sense. Sorry for butting in I was just genuinely surprised that you would keep spend that much on this.

What was the use case you watched for Luna display, the iMac and the iPad Pro? I am interested.

I saw it hooked up to the Mac mini, using the iPad Pro as a ‘touch’ display. It was also easy to switch from OS to iOS.

 

[secretk]

Since when did everyone decided iOS was a limiting factor all at once? Bc a bunch of youtoobers told you what to think? It’s not a limiting factor based on what the core intention of the product is, a tablet. A tablet that is not a computer replacement for anyone here, but for the majority of the population that do basic task and the upcoming generations that are growing up using touchscreen decives

I could answer you only for me personally. I bought my first ever Apple product (iOS as well) 2 months ago and it's the regular 2018 iPad. I did not like iOS from the start. I have Software Development background. In general I have no issues learning how new systems work and I had no issues learning Windows or Android. I cannot say this about iOS. Not only it's not intuitive at all, but it's also a chaotic mess and yes it's restrictive for me. I have Windows laptop and Android phone so I am used to have the freedom.

However let's forget the Windows experience as the iPad is a mobile device after all. Just comparing iOS with Android, Android wins. I cannot say what it used to be before (you know early stages in Android and iOS) but right now Android 8 is way better than iOS 12. Android is a mobile system that allows you to use touch, but still gives you the flexibility to operate as how you would do on your Windows laptop. I have access to all of my files on my Android phone. I can open any file with any app that I want. Android is even smart enough to ask me which app I prefer if there is more than one app capable of opening that file. It's not difficult to do it really.

I can send files to my Android phone from my laptop without using a cable just relying on Bluetooth. I can mirror my phone screen to any TV and not just Apple.

Those are the kind of things that matter to me. And most probably those youtubers that talk about this have used Android as well so they can compare the two operating systems.

iPad is a great device and honestly if you checked the app store you will see that there are better apps selection for iOS compared to Android. You will also see that those apps are better quality (not all of them of course, but you can find more quality apps there). And that is one thing I give Apple devices. But this is not about iOS itself. This is about the Developers that saw benefits (read business and money) to invest their time in providing iOS apps. The operating system (so iOS and what Apple did) is what I do not like. In fact this is why true tablets were never interesting to me (I bought the iPad for the pencil). Android tablets lack meaningful apps. iPads have iOS that on paper never sounded compelling enough to me.