iPad as a laptop replacement

[Stackin]

Is there any way to backup my iCloud Photos to an external hard disk?

On the Mac i can backup my photos using time machine. But on the iPad there is only the possibility to back them up manually (selecting every photo) and copy them to an external hard disk.

This can be done with additional software. I use FileBrowser for Business and this provides many features that turn the basic file capability of the iPad into desktop class file handling. For instance it can access your photos and you can create a backup job to copy to external media. When this job is run subsequently, it will only copy the changes, thus saving time.

I’ve been using FB for Business for a few weeks now and once you get over the initial learning curve, it’s my go to App whenever I use the iOS file system. It’s worth mentioning that the speed of copying data from the iPad Pro to external media is very slow. This is an iOS fault that Apple needs to address and is discussed here in other threads.

I hope this helps.

 

[sparksd]

This can be done with additional software. I use FileBrowser for Business and this provides many features that turn the basic file capability of the iPad into desktop class file handling. For instance it can access your photos and you can create a backup job to copy to external media. When this job is run subsequently, it will only copy the changes, thus saving time.

I’ve been using FB for Business for a few weeks now and once you get over the initial learning curve, it’s my go to App whenever I use the iOS file system. It’s worth mentioning that the speed of copying data from the iPad Pro to external media is very slow. This is an iOS fault that Apple needs to address and is discussed here in other threads.

I hope this helps.

Same here, one of my favorite apps. I use it not just for local file management but for access to other devices on my network and also attached external storage. I never use Files.

 

[Tech198]

I've had a MacBook Pro Retina for a year now, and quite frankly, its simply overkill for what I used the computer for on a daily basis. I would have been fine with a MacBook Air, but elected to spend the extra cash for a nice screen.

I use writing intensive programs (Final Draft, Pages, etc), but outside from that, just do regular web browsing, music, and etc.

I was curious of if anyone on here had replaced their laptop with an iPad, because I am considering doing that. I'm just curious about how the keyboards work with the iPad.

I dunno about most, but 90% of my stuff can easily do from iPad. I've attempted several times over 6 months, to try and not reach for my MBA, but its always managed to be the first i go for..

I guess you get used to something long enough, but determined..... Most of my habits are web browsing and emailing, so no excuse not to... a bit of VM'ing here and there. I came close a few times, but no avail.

I guess its mostly the "remapping how the mind saves things" (eg instead of saving heaps of stuff on iPad and or the lack of external hard drive,, instead using icloud. (or NAS if you have one)

 

[Suspenders]

This can be done with additional software. I use FileBrowser for Business and this provides many features that turn the basic file capability of the iPad into desktop class file handling. For instance it can access your photos and you can create a backup job to copy to external media. When this job is run subsequently, it will only copy the changes, thus saving time.

I’ve been using FB for Business for a few weeks now and once you get over the initial learning curve, it’s my go to App whenever I use the iOS file system. It’s worth mentioning that the speed of copying data from the iPad Pro to external media is very slow. This is an iOS fault that Apple needs to address and is discussed here in other threads.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for this!

I'm a photographer and I was trying to figure out a way to upload multiple files from my iPad Pro over to Google Drive or Dropbox to share with clients.

This app seems to have solved that issue as I can create a folder on my iPad and then move it over to Google Drive via FileBrowser with relative ease. (Testing it out as we speak and it's working).

For whatever reason, the Google Drive app on iOS will only allow me to upload one file at a time (assuming I exported the pictures to "files" and not to my photos album).

 

[0128672]

I started out trying the basic FileBrowser, but after realizing it didn't include the backup and sync functions, went with FileBrowserGo. I didn't need all of the extras of FileBrowser for Business. The Go product is a subscription (after a 14-day trial), but it's only $4.49/year. Being able to easily backup my Photos alone to me is worth that small price.

 

[Apple_Robert]

If iMazing had an iOS app, and the iPad Pro afforded me the ability to delete and reformat an external drive, I wouldn’t have need to use my Mac mini, even though it is used for such small remedial tasks.

I contacted iMazing over the weekend asking if they had any plans for an iOS device, and they said, no. Rather disappointing but, I understand.

FileBrowser is definitely a must have app.

 

[NastyMatt]

To set the scene - I have a MB Pro (13") and now an iPad Pro 12.9 (2020). Magic KB and pen. I am not technical (anymore) so most apps are gsuite type apps.

Can the iPad replace the MB? Yes.

I would happily use just the iPad. Safari is fully featured (turn on cross site tracking tho!!) so I can work like I do on the MB with the added benefit of the pen when I want to be 'creative' i.e marking up screen shots, white board sharing, signing docs - yes it can be done on the MB but not as easily.

Where does the MB trump the iPad for me? Multi screen use. In the office I run 2 external screens, one vertical for easy document review - the iPad simply mirrors not extend (in most apps).

Overall the iPad feels like it has features that make it 'special' - just play with Procreate!! The Magic Keyboard is better than my MB (MB is 2018) for travel/use. As others have said you do have retrain your brain for the iPad and sometimes it is better to use Safari than the dedicated app - i.e. Google Slides is not fully featured - just crazy - can not vertical align etc Safari allows multiple files open where as dedicated app is one file.

 

[bitsstrongbrands]

Maybe in 2030.

 

[petvas]

For me and after the WWDC announcements it is pretty clear that Apple isn't planning or seeing the iPad as a laptop replacement. The form factor and the ability to run certain apps will always make the difference. Personally I love the Mac and macOS and as long as I cannot run the apps I have on an iPad, I will never consider the iPad for anything else than fun.

 

[GGJstudios]

I know I'll always need a Mac for some things, but the iPad Pro is getting closer to qualifying as a MBP replacement for me. If Excel for iPad matched Excel for Mac in functionality, the iPad would meet more than 80% of my needs. With the hobbled version of Excel, it's still lacking too much. Maybe someday.

 

[UBS28]

I do Facebook, e-mail, twitter and some Word on my $50.000 Mac Pro. Seems that I can do the same on my 12.9 iPad Pro.

So the iPad Pro is a $50.000 Mac Pro replacement!!!!

 

[Russell5000]

———
I have both an iPad Pro 11” and a MacBook Pro 15” that are used for work (and the iPad is used outside of work as well); I have an architectural business with my partner and must have access to very intensive drawing programs that do not all function on the iOS platform. Therefore, we use our Macs for the majority of the daily drawing requirements, but I also use an iPad for many other tasks throughout each day including field work.

What software and apps are you using? Most of the architectural firms I know of are moving towards Revit (Windows only).

 

[AttilaTheHun]

I have both and no one replacing the other I love the MBP its my main one to use the iPad its an iPad and I use it as Job said with my finger or with the pencil only

 

[Jacobi]

I bought an 11" 2020 IPP with Magic Keyboard last week, in an attempt to replace my aging 2012 13" MBA. It didn't work out.

My challenges were: typing on the 11" MKB was too cramped and uncomfortable. My hand also hurt using the small trackpad for extended periods of time -- the spacing is just too awkward. Moreover, my fingers would hit the iPad itself if I used the number row of keys close to the top when typing quickly. ALSO, some websites just don't function quite right on it, even in the supposedly desktop-class Safari. It's also a pain that Google Chrome's iPad browser is still mobile-focused; my work uses Chrome a lot and it'd be nice to have the fully desktop version of that.

I need an iPad to use the Pencil, because I need to do some on-screen writing during COVID times. I also need a new laptop. My hope was to just get one new device, because I do also have a Mac mini desktop setup if I really need macOS. I'm wondering if maybe the 12.9 will be worth trying. The other option is getting a MacBook and a low-end iPad just to use for the pencil features.

 

[subjonas]

I bought an 11" 2020 IPP with Magic Keyboard last week, in an attempt to replace my aging 2012 13" MBA. It didn't work out.

My challenges were: typing on the 11" MKB was too cramped and uncomfortable. My hand also hurt using the small trackpad for extended periods of time -- the spacing is just too awkward. Moreover, my fingers would hit the iPad itself if I used the number row of keys close to the top when typing quickly. ALSO, some websites just don't function quite right on it, even in the supposedly desktop-class Safari. It's also a pain that Google Chrome's iPad browser is still mobile-focused; my work uses Chrome a lot and it'd be nice to have the fully desktop version of that.

I need an iPad to use the Pencil, because I need to do some on-screen writing during COVID times. I also need a new laptop. My hope was to just get one new device, because I do also have a Mac mini desktop setup if I really need macOS. I'm wondering if maybe the 12.9 will be worth trying. The other option is getting a MacBook and a low-end iPad just to use for the pencil features.

The 12.9 will have roomier keys and trackpad, but obviously you’ll still run into the same desktop browser issues, so overcoming those is the key issue. If you can’t, Macbook+cheap iPad will be the better option. Cost will probably be similar too, depending on which model Macbook you choose.

 

[dontwalkhand]

I still keep a Mac around but do a lot with my iPad

 

[petvas]

I have tried many times to see my iPad as a replacement for my Macs, but for my needs, it is definitely not possible. I even prefer macOS for tasks where the iPad shines, like watching movies, browsing the Internet, or even taking notes. I just like macOS better but I am glad that we all have options.

 

[secretk]

I have tried many times to see my iPad as a replacement for my Macs, but for my needs, it is definitely not possible. I even prefer macOS for tasks where the iPad shines, like watching movies, browsing the Internet, or even taking notes. I just like macOS better but I am glad that we all have options.

I am similar to you (excluding taking notes where it is 50/50). I prefer to watch movies on my laptop as the screen is bigger and I can hook up external monitor that is even bigger. I prefer to browse on my laptop because of the iPadOS ram management (that just sucks). Browsing for me means lots of open tabs, switching between them and trying to find whatever I need. Those regular reloads that happen on an iPadOS makes me for the iPad impossible to be used for browsing (in terms of research).

As far as notes go if it is handwritten notes with pencil I obviously would use the iPad. If it is about typing notes though I prefer the laptop as the screen is bigger, the keyboard is bigger - ergonomics is just better. And realistically speaking 90 % of my notes are typed so in the end of the day I do use the laptop for taking notes more than the iPad.

 

[ascender]

I guess it still comes down to whether or not all your apps exist for iOS. If they do, then its worth considering as there are upsides to using an iPad and iPad OS compared to a Mac.

From the hardware (ProMotion Screen, no fan, FaceID, Pencil, 2-in-1, performance) to the software (choice, performance, reliability), its a nice place to work now and with every major release there’s good improvements now. Even for media consumption, the iPad has been a better experience than the Mac for me, whether its native or third party stuff via apps.

I’ve toyed with the idea since the very first iPad came out, but its not been until native cursor support (and to be honest, the Magic Keyboard) that its finally become something I could do without having to make various compromises. It no longer feels like I’m wading through treacle trying to do certain tasks on the iPad compared to the Mac.

There’s no easy answer and I get that some of the early adopters of the iPad as a main device can be a bit “preachy”, but its definitely worth checking out if you’ve not considered it.

 

[petvas]

Not only if they exist, but if they are on par with the desktop equivalents. In most cases iPad apps are subpar, lightweight and have no value at all.

 

[ascender]

Not only if they exist, but if they are on par with the desktop equivalents.

In most cases iPad apps are subpar, lightweight and have no value at all.

Totally agree with the first part.

I think the second part is extremely reductive though and on a par with people who just say that you “can’t get real work done on an iPad.”

 

[petvas]

Well, it is certainly true for many software that is available on both macOS and iPadOS. It doesn't reflect all software though. There is certainly good quality software out there for the iPad, but for my use cases none!

 

[Quackington]

So I’ve started to use my iPad Pro 11” more since I bought the MKB. I don’t think I’ll be able completely replace my laptop, but I feel like I’ll be fine with it until I replace my 2011 11” MBA.

Any tips for making iPad Pro use more desktop-like? I have an iPhone and use Safari on mobile just fine, but I’d love for Safari to be more desktop-like or more customisable for iPad. E.g. can I set it so I always see the tab bar? I don’t like it disappearing.

Is anyone in a similar position to me? How’s it going with Microsoft office? Is there an option to use it without Office 365? I’d rather pay for it outright than a subscription.

 

[0128672]

Any tips for making iPad Pro use more desktop-like? I have an iPhone and use Safari on mobile just fine, but I’d love for Safari to be more desktop-like or more customisable for iPad. E.g. can I set it so I always see the tab bar? I don’t like it disappearing.

There's a Safari setting for Show Tab Bar. Is that what you meant?

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

I don’t think I’ll be able completely replace my laptop, but I feel like I’ll be fine with it until I replace my 2011 11” MBA.

Any tips for making iPad Pro use more desktop-like?

That’s a common mistake, you shouldn’t expect your iPad to work exactly like a desktop, because it isn’t. It’s a tablet, a mobile device for other kind of users with different needs.

Is anyone in a similar position to me? How’s it going with Microsoft office? Is there an option to use it without Office 365? I’d rather pay for it outright than a subscription.

Unfortunately, we can only use it with Office 365.