Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad as a laptop replacement
- Thread starter Omar Comin' Yo
- WikiPost WikiPost
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
- Status
I think the idea is to not have to move one’s hand off the keyboard. If one is already using the keyboard, it’s faster and more ergonomic to do everything with the keyboard, granted the keyboard shortcuts are there and one is proficient with them. But looks like the gesture is currently the fastest way.
Ah yes.. my delete key on the MK deletes email messages but I can not multi select.
Oh you can delete? Are you two using the same email app? My stock mail app isn’t set up so I can’t test it. I just use the gmail app, and I don’t have a MK, but on my BT keyboard the delete key doesn’t seem to do anything.
This is using the default mail app with the iPad. I can use the Google Mail app with the keyboard if I activate full keyboard access. Not as good as you have use the space bar to select (but can multi select) and then use arrows keys to move to the trash icon and then use the space bar again to activate.
I am a big GMail user (as it is our business app) and prefer the browser version over the iPad app, I have a 12.9" IPP so the screen is big enough to use the gmail side bar and I haven't found a way to easily move/label in the iPad app (I have a lot of labels) without having to scroll a lot, browser version I can start typing to filter.
I’m an online high school teacher. After 9 months of using the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9”, I can attest that it has replaced my Mac for everything except actual teaching – but it is absolutely indispensable for that, too, since I show PowerPoint slides and scribble on them with the Apple Pencil, sharing my iPad’s screen to a Zoom meeting on my iMac.
I literally have not used my iMac for anything EXCEPT when I am in a Zoom meeting, and even then, I’m using the iPad at the same time.
All word processing, grading of papers (marking them up with the Apple Pencil in Canvas!), email, social media, spreadsheets, and reading of PDFs and ePubs happens on my iPad.
I gave my MacBook Air to my kids. I won’t be getting another laptop, ever.
I literally have not used my iMac for anything EXCEPT when I am in a Zoom meeting, and even then, I’m using the iPad at the same time.
All word processing, grading of papers (marking them up with the Apple Pencil in Canvas!), email, social media, spreadsheets, and reading of PDFs and ePubs happens on my iPad.
I gave my MacBook Air to my kids. I won’t be getting another laptop, ever.
Is the google mail app different from the gmail app? I forgot we can hold cmd to see the available keyboard shortcuts. Here they are for the gmail app:
I tested and it’s pretty fast+easy to select conversations and delete etc. by using arrows and x then #. I need to start using these shortcuts when my keyboard is attached. I wish there was a shortcut for snooze though.
Update: I recently started using Spark email and it achieves the intended effect. No way to multi-select, but it’s a lot better, I can just delete emails with the delete key.
I’ve been using my iPad Air with magic keyboard for the past week and honestly my MacBook pro has been collecting dust.
Hello all, looking for some advice. I am contemplating getting an iPad Air or MBA for daily use. I tend to surf the net, watch media, read news/books, organise files, basic photo editing, word processing, email, edit PDF docs, going to a coffee shop with it, facetiming and play online chess. I have had iPads in the past and was always trying to use it like a laptop by buying a bluetooth keyboard or mouse. At the same time, I used to have access to a MBA so I could use this when typing up documents which was a joy to use. I would even use it for websites which I wanted to view on a larger screen. I mostly tend to use the device on a sofa/bed and a desk.
I want to buy a device which will last me at least 5 years and will be used for everything. I have contemplated buying the iPad Air as I think it will fit my needs and getting the Logitech Folio keyboard case (don't want to spend £300 on the Apple case), but the iPad and case would weigh the same as the MBA. At the same time I have doubts as I use external encrypted WD Passport HDDs and I have tried it on a friend's iPad Air and it wouldn't detect it. When I connect it to a MBA, the process is seamless (enter password, unlock drive and then access all files). I like the MBA as I can open lots of tabs, folders, split screens easily. I feel with an iPad I would always have to adjust the way I work to make it fit my needs and buy additional things (investing in compatible HDD for example, screen protector, stylus). All iPads mirror onto an external monitor which seems bizarre, but with the MBA you can extend your screens which I like. I don't get the camera placement on the iPad either. Small things like this bother me a lot. I do have the education store access so I can get the MBA at a cheaper price. Either way, I know I love having access to a keyboard and mouse as it makes the experience so much smoother, but I know when watching Netflix there is no need for a KB. I work in IT, love computers and am interested in coding as a hobby too (emphasis on the word hobby, not full time). Even installing Python apps on the iPad seems like it won't be straightforward.
I have also seen a way to use an iPhone as a webcam on zoom calls but it involves installing an app on your phone and your computer and then plugging the phone into the computer. It seems something like this would not work with an iPhone and an iPad. Another advantage of having a MBA.
Is Microsoft Office free on the iPad Air? I read somewhere it is, only if your screen is up to a certain size. I am leaning towards an iPad as it gives more flexibility and for my need it SHOULD work, but just want to make the right decision. Also only looking at a 64GB hard drive, will this be enough do you think? Sorry for so many questions, I'm just so confused.
I want to buy a device which will last me at least 5 years and will be used for everything. I have contemplated buying the iPad Air as I think it will fit my needs and getting the Logitech Folio keyboard case (don't want to spend £300 on the Apple case), but the iPad and case would weigh the same as the MBA. At the same time I have doubts as I use external encrypted WD Passport HDDs and I have tried it on a friend's iPad Air and it wouldn't detect it. When I connect it to a MBA, the process is seamless (enter password, unlock drive and then access all files). I like the MBA as I can open lots of tabs, folders, split screens easily. I feel with an iPad I would always have to adjust the way I work to make it fit my needs and buy additional things (investing in compatible HDD for example, screen protector, stylus). All iPads mirror onto an external monitor which seems bizarre, but with the MBA you can extend your screens which I like. I don't get the camera placement on the iPad either. Small things like this bother me a lot. I do have the education store access so I can get the MBA at a cheaper price. Either way, I know I love having access to a keyboard and mouse as it makes the experience so much smoother, but I know when watching Netflix there is no need for a KB. I work in IT, love computers and am interested in coding as a hobby too (emphasis on the word hobby, not full time). Even installing Python apps on the iPad seems like it won't be straightforward.
I have also seen a way to use an iPhone as a webcam on zoom calls but it involves installing an app on your phone and your computer and then plugging the phone into the computer. It seems something like this would not work with an iPhone and an iPad. Another advantage of having a MBA.
Is Microsoft Office free on the iPad Air? I read somewhere it is, only if your screen is up to a certain size. I am leaning towards an iPad as it gives more flexibility and for my need it SHOULD work, but just want to make the right decision. Also only looking at a 64GB hard drive, will this be enough do you think? Sorry for so many questions, I'm just so confused.
Last edited:
I cannot change your mind or observations on those topics as I feel the same way. Most of the small things with the iPad that you have mentioned as concerning (considering points) are valid for me too. And I can live with that because I own both laptop and an iPad.
Indeed there is screen restriction - below 10 inch. In other words only the iPad mini and the ones that are 9.7 inch would be OK. iPad Air is above 10 inch so Microsoft Office won't be free. You will need a subscription. You can use Apple counterparts though - Numbers, Pages, Keynote for a workaround.
To be honest given how many constraints you mentioned with the iPad (and those are all true) I am wondering if the iPad is the correct choice for you.
I think you are spot on with your last statement. I don't think an iPad is in his best interest at this point. He would be better served with a M1 MBA, in my opinion.
Hey guys,
I asked this elsewhere but didn’t get much of a response. Are we able to download iTunes media to an external drive using iPad Pro yet or is this still a no go? I’d like to have a back up of all my TV shows and movies on an accessible drive in case they get pulled of iTunes. I no longer have a Mac or PC.
I asked this elsewhere but didn’t get much of a response. Are we able to download iTunes media to an external drive using iPad Pro yet or is this still a no go? I’d like to have a back up of all my TV shows and movies on an accessible drive in case they get pulled of iTunes. I no longer have a Mac or PC.
I don’t think that’s supported yet. Internal storage only in afraid.
Too many red flags for you. Get the MBA and a Gen 8, perfect for sofa and bed use. MBA not friendly in bed. Or, do as your doctor advises; no devices in bed.
Hopefully that’ll change soon!
Considering you need a device to be used “for everything”, right now I would strongly recommend a new MBA (M1). You will be able to do absolutely everything on it, except for pencil-based tasks (annotation/illustration). For typing, coding, watching things, having several windows open side-by-side, etc. MBA will give you a much smoother and more pleasant flow. I am a heavy iPad user and, regrettably, have to admit that its excellent hardware is still crippled by iPadOS limitations.
The person you’re quoting is already an experienced iPad owner. What red flags exactly do see that they don’t see themselves?
Thanks I suspected this was the caseHopefully that’ll change soon!
Same thoughts here but not sure this will come soon. Have plenty internal storage if you can is my advice for now. Those workflows with external drives isn’t on the same level as a Mac would be. Fingers crossed for sure!
They pointed them all out in a long thread and said they were confused. Did you read it? I was pushing them off the fence. What point is your comment to me?
Do I bother you? Block me if so.
I am very familiar with the discussion which is going on for a long time. I’d like to know what these red flags are in your opinion- as you made no effort of providing details- and everyone is different and the OP already seems experienced- like most of us are here.
It’s a forum.
Yup, been a member of this forum since 2009. And, have been on forums since the dial in BBS days. Read every message in this thread and commented on several. I'm an advocate for iPad replacement of older technologies. For single task workflow, for me, it has replaced much of my old legacy processes. There are a few where the iPad suffers.
A red flag is a warning of something that may indicate a problem. Let me piece together my response from OP.
*** Areas of Worry
Looking for some advice.
iPad Air or MBA for daily use.
EDIT PDF DOCS
Websites on larger Screen (Doesn't Like Mirror)
5 Year Device for everything.
External Drives
Split Screen
Doesn't like Camera Placement
Programing
iPhone as a web cam plugged to MacBook but not iPad
Worried about space
***
All of those are valid warnings (red flags) that full in for 5 years on an iPad is not going to be an ideal experience. Using a MBA with a perfectly capable Gen 8 iPad would be perfect. In my opinion, this is the advice I'd give a friend.
Could I have delved into each one, ya, but why, all of this is discussed in the 1,950 messages in this thread with more elaboration than I could add in one message.
If OP moves all current content to the cloud or various clouds, external drives and 64gb storage are not a concern. But y'all are experts and know that.
External monitor support is lacking. Camera placement is for Portrait and many folks use in landscape. You can program in Python on the iPad, but you have to jump through hoops to do it.
Thus, my advice, was what I said. An iPad is more capable in 2021 than many laptops that are out there, but if you continue to work in ways that require legacy processes, ie local storage, you have to jump through many more hoops. An iPad Gen 8 gives you the portability to surf, use a pencil, lay in bed and use with very minimal entry price.m. And the MBA would support better programing, external drives and external monitor support.
There is no "everything" computing device and definitely not for 5 years.
CONSUME CASUALLY?
If you want to read PDF's websites, watch videos etc, an Ipad is always going to be simple and easier than a laptop form factor. Especially so if it is a bigger tablet. Laptops are OK, but for me this is where the tablet form factor shines and cannot be beat.
INPUT HEAVILY?
If you want to do a heavy amount of data input or data editing, having the laptop form factor will be better optimised for that. Particularly if you need to have multiple windows open.
WEBCAM?
IMO an iphone is a much better and more convenient webcam than tablet or laptop. And you surely already have a phone. If you need to be working while conference calling, hell without video is better.
CHOICES:
I'd just decide what your priorities are, optimise for that and accept the less than optimal for what's not your priority.
Personally I ended getting a Mac Mini and an external LCD screen for when I want to do data input and editing ina heavy duty way. In such case you are better off sitting at a proper desk setup than hunching over a laptop. For the rest, and for light typing and light writing, I got a 12.9" ipad and the pen.
CONSUME CASUALLY?
If you want to read PDF's websites, watch videos etc, an Ipad is always going to be simple and easier than a laptop form factor. Especially so if it is a bigger tablet. Laptops are OK, but for me this is where the tablet form factor shines and cannot be beat.
INPUT HEAVILY?
If you want to do a heavy amount of data input or data editing, having the laptop form factor will be better optimised for that. Particularly if you need to have multiple windows open.
WEBCAM?
IMO an iphone is a much better and more convenient webcam than tablet or laptop. And you surely already have a phone. If you need to be working while conference calling, hell without video is better.
CHOICES:
I'd just decide what your priorities are, optimise for that and accept the less than optimal for what's not your priority.
Personally I ended getting a Mac Mini and an external LCD screen for when I want to do data input and editing ina heavy duty way. In such case you are better off sitting at a proper desk setup than hunching over a laptop. For the rest, and for light typing and light writing, I got a 12.9" ipad and the pen.
I was curious about tax filing on the iPad so I installed the TurboTax app and started inputting my data. The process was fairly similar to their desktop software.
Alas, I was reminded why I still keep desktops/laptops when I needed to get Form 1095-A and Form FTB 3895 from the Covered California website. The link to the forms just won't work on iOS. Had to dust off a 9-year old laptop just to download the forms.
Alas, I was reminded why I still keep desktops/laptops when I needed to get Form 1095-A and Form FTB 3895 from the Covered California website. The link to the forms just won't work on iOS. Had to dust off a 9-year old laptop just to download the forms.