iPad as a laptop replacement

[Yoms]

Those basic tasks are understandable. I don’t see disk utility being a priority for Apple with iPadOS, tbh. Adding your own music to iTunes library… should be simple to implement. But there are plenty of 3rd party players that can handle those types of task.

Disk Utility is simply mandatory, it's beyond priority. Simple, say you have an external SSD that you need to format for whatever reason, how do you do it without disk utility? Adding music from an external drive to the Music is, of course, simple to implement. But that's beyond the point; fact is Apple has never done it. So, will they? I don't know. And seeing that after more than 10 years, we still need to plug an iPad to PC/Mac with iTunes to do it kinda tells me: "don't hold your breath!".
And again, I just gave a short list of things that we need to replace what a laptop can do. Never have I written this was exhaustive.

For me, the iPad serves a laptop “replacement.” However, I don’t solely rely on the iPad. I have a PC desktop… but it’s an old one.. it serves as a Plex server and gets me by with certain task that the iPad cannot do

OK, the way I understood this thread's title is, specifically the word "replacement" is: having but just an iPad and no computers. That's why my answers may seem more "radical".

 

[rui no onna]

It only takes VMWare or Parallels to come to 2021 iPad Pro. I think Steve Troughton-Smith… a guy who is known for looking at code. He mention that the roadblocks are there for Apple to bring virtualization to iPadOS very soon.

Did you mean building blocks? Roadblocks are things that would either prevent or make it challenging to do something.

 

[Yoms]

I cannot base a purchase decision on something that might come. We don't know if Microsoft is planing to make the Office iPad version the same as the desktop one. Currently it is a completely different development branch. Such changes take a lot of time and if this ever happens, when it happens there will probably be a newer iPad to buy.

Sure, I can understand that. You're right, we have no idea when that happens and there may be a newer iPad when that happens. Notice that I only write "when" and not "if". That's where I slightly disagree with you. To me, there's no "if it happens". It definitely will, because it's more cost effective. That's something Microsoft will not pass on and it's also one of the main reason Apple switched to a unified architecture (not just because of boredom as regards Intel).

I don't believe that in the lifetime of the 2021 iPad Pro we will see desktop class quality apps come to the platform. At least not Microsoft Office. I don't believe it.

Safe to precise at least not Microsoft because I wouldn't be surprise to see FCP/Logic announced at the WWDC, even if in Beta.

 

[Yoms]

It only takes VMWare or Parallels to come to 2021 iPad Pro. I think Steve Troughton-Smith… a guy who is known for looking at code. He mention that the roadblocks are there for Apple to bring virtualization to iPadOS very soon.

Yeah, that would be a dream.

One can dream...

Also, will Apple provide macOS for free to people who only bought an iPad Pro and installed VMWare or Parallels because we still need the OS, right? And will VMWare or Parallels be a one-time purchase? I can't imagine VMWare or Parallels CEO's face like this ? just thinking of a monthly subscription (either I'll pass if that's the case, but if I don't I'll be happy knowing Apple takes 30% out of their pockets).

 

[subjonas]

But I'm really worried about iPadOS though. Apple can rework multitasking, redesign the home screen, so on and so forth, nonetheless really basic stuffs are still missing. That forces you to rely on another computer: no disk utility to format/partition an external SSD, you cannot put your own music in your iTunes library, you cannot locally back up your data (Time Machine), and let's not even dive into files management...

So what? Do I have to buy a cheap computer along an iPad just to install my own music, backup my iPad from time to time, etc. That's not the definition I have of "replacement".

As far as Apple’s intentions, I think they intend the iPad to replace a laptop only for people who don’t have anything local and just rely on cloud subscriptions for all their media, file storage/transfer, and backup. This is not me either, so while I enjoy my iPad for certain things, I think Apple intends that people like us have a Mac(book) with the iPad being supplementary.

 

[petvas]

Sure, I can understand that. You're right, we have no idea when that happens and there may be a newer iPad when that happens. Notice that I only write "when" and not "if". That's where I slightly disagree with you. To me, there's no "if it happens". It definitely will, because it's more cost effective. That's something Microsoft will not pass on and it's also one of the main reason Apple switched to a unified architecture (not just because of boredom as regards Intel).



Safe to precise at least not Microsoft because I wouldn't be surprise to see FCP/Logic announced at the WWDC, even if in Beta.

I believe that the Apple Pro apps will come to the iPad. I don't know if they will be full featured like the desktop apps, but they are coming.

 

[Digitalguy]

I believe that the Apple Pro apps will come to the iPad. I don't know if they will be full featured like the desktop apps, but they are coming.

Apple Mac apps are only a small part of the story to make the iPad a laptop replacement. It's basically videoeditors, people who use Logic for music (many people use other good softwares including on iPad) and xCode (which is the least likely of the 3 to come to iPad)
A much larger number of people would need full desktop browsers and full Office to even start considering iPad as a laptop replacement. And of course, full external monitor support.
I don't agree that Microsoft is looking forward to make an iPad version of full Office. Office is huge and the current iPad version has nothing to do with the full one (it would need to be thrown away and totally rewritten). I doubt full Office will ever come to iPad.
I believe it's more likely that Apple makes a Mac mode for iPad for external monitors than full Office or full Chrome ever come to iPad...
As for Parallels, it's up to Apple to allow virtualization on iPadOS in the first place. If they don't think it a good idea they won't allow it in the first place... And I doubt that they would allow it without first making some kind Mac mode.

 

[gsal]

I need 3 things before switching completely to iPad from Mac.

- Pro desktop grade Apps
- Apps to continue running in the background until closed
- extended display when using external monitors

If they can deliver this at WWDC then I'll trade in my M1 MBA for a maxed out 12.9" M1 iPad Pro.

A clam shell iPad Pro with the hardware in the keyboard and a swivel screen running an advanced version of iPad OS should be the end goal for this product IMO. It will solve a lot of the problems with the current implementation.

 

[Ludatyk]

Did you mean building blocks? Roadblocks are things that would either prevent or make it challenging to do something.

My apologies.. my wording was off. Thanks.

 

[JayMysterio]

I need 3 things before switching completely to iPad from Mac.

- Pro desktop grade Apps
- Apps to continue running in the background until closed
- extended display when using external monitors

If they can deliver this at WWDC then I'll trade in my M1 MBA for a maxed out 12.9" M1 iPad Pro.

A clam shell iPad Pro with the hardware in the keyboard and a swivel screen running an advanced version of iPad OS should be the end goal for this product IMO. It will solve a lot of the problems with the current implementation.

Isn't it possible that Apple doesn't want to lose you as a MBA customer?

Thus those things MAY never come to iPad OS, if they detrimentally affect the OS. So what you require out of a computing device will remain with Macs, while others use iPads for other reasons.

What you described at the end wasn't an iPP anymore, but a MBA with a reversible lid. Apple doesn't seem to have made the commitment of making their products completely interchangeable, but just more compatible & complimentary. The iPP may always be a device for a large enough niche group that doesn't require all that a Macbook offers, but is a large enough niche group to be profitable from. A group that Apple reaches ( the art tablet market for instance, those desiring smaller footprint PoS, etc ) that they ordinarily may not.

The iPP may not be the literal laptop replacement that so many keep saying, but actually the laptop alternative that so many of us wanted & already have.

 

[Ludatyk]

OK, the way I understood this thread's title is, specifically the word "replacement" is: having but just an iPad and no computers. That's why my answers may seem more "radical".

Yeah, the thread can be up to anyone's mindset. And I totally understand those who prefer a laptop to iPad, because of basic tasks like disk utility or needing to insert a disc. Tasks that the iPad simply cannot do. Or needing to run some desktop-class software. I've been a proponent of having a desktop along with an iPad. But having only an iPad with nothing else, that's something I can't commit to.

I don't agree that Microsoft is looking forward to make an iPad version of full Office. Office is huge and the current iPad version has nothing to do with the full one (it would need to be thrown away and totally rewritten). I doubt full Office will ever come to iPad.

IMO, I believe full windows will come to iPadOS. They have the foundation in place for a touch input interface, I'm not sure if it needs to be rewritten. I just think desktop-level features will be added over time. And it's going to end up being a situation.. some features will be limited to certain iPads.

Adobe had to rewrite Photoshop from the ground up... because Photoshop UI wasn't touch friendly.

 

[jeremiah256]

Isn't it possible that Apple doesn't want to lose you as a MBA customer?

If you actually need a 13” MBA, you aren't going to switch. The larger form factor of the Air will always allow better extended performance with the M1.

But, make iPadOS more capable (which does not mean a clone of macOS) and they may gain the customers that gravitated toward the discontinued 11” MBA and the 12” MacBook.

Edit: Forgot to add, and if you’re on the border between needing a MBA or could use an iPad Pro, there’s more potential earnings selling you the iPad Pro.

 

[petvas]

Apple Mac apps are only a small part of the story to make the iPad a laptop replacement. It's basically videoeditors, people who use Logic for music (many people use other good softwares including on iPad) and xCode (which is the least likely of the 3 to come to iPad)
A much larger number of people would need full desktop browsers and full Office to even start considering iPad as a laptop replacement. And of course, full external monitor support.
I don't agree that Microsoft is looking forward to make an iPad version of full Office. Office is huge and the current iPad version has nothing to do with the full one (it would need to be thrown away and totally rewritten). I doubt full Office will ever come to iPad.
I believe it's more likely that Apple makes a Mac mode for iPad for external monitors than full Office or full Chrome ever come to iPad...
As for Parallels, it's up to Apple to allow virtualization on iPadOS in the first place. If they don't think it a good idea they won't allow it in the first place... And I doubt that they would allow it without first making some kind Mac mode.

I agree. Office is not coming to the iPad so soon. The only way I think that this can happen is if Apple allows macOS apps to run on iPadOS..

 

[JayMysterio]

If you actually need a 13” MBA, you aren't going to switch. The larger form factor of the Air will always allow better extended performance with the M1.

But, make iPadOS more capable (which does not mean a clone of macOS) and they may gain the customers that gravitated toward the discontinued 11” MBA and the 12” MacBook.

Edit: Forgot to add, and if you’re on the border between needing a MBA or could use an iPad Pro, there’s more potential earnings selling you the iPad Pro.

That's what I am getting at. I think what some customers may see as a more capable iPadOS isn't the OS they will be getting. Some people as this thread title says, think of an iPad as laptop replacement. While I myself think of it as more an alternative. Many of the things people keep asking for from iPadOS for myself aren't things I'd require, because if I did I would just go to something that has MacOS.

I just haven't seen any indications where Apple has intended to make the iPP a more attractive option over any Macbook or vice versa. On the other hand with the addition of Sidecar the two do make great compliments to one another as a workstation.

If there is a choice between one or the other, I imagine if you are interacting with more conventional programs & applications a Macbook of any kind is the wisest first choice. As more & more programs are made into apps, and transitions to iPadOS would be much easier.

 

[jeremiah256]

That's what I am getting at. I think what some customers may see as a more capable iPadOS isn't the OS they will be getting. Some people as this thread title says, think of an iPad as laptop replacement. While I myself think of it as more an alternative. Many of the things people keep asking for from iPadOS for myself aren't things I'd require, because if I did I would just go to something that has MacOS.

I just haven't seen any indications where Apple has intended to make the iPP a more attractive option over any Macbook or vice versa. On the other hand with the addition of Sidecar the two do make great compliments to one another as a workstation.

If there is a choice between one or the other, I imagine if you are interacting with more conventional programs & applications a Macbook of any kind is the wisest first choice. As more & more programs are made into apps, and transitions to iPadOS would be much easier.

Speaking only for myself, the attractiveness is in the form factor. I prefer a laptop over a desktop, and a tablet over a laptop. It's as simple as that.

As for using the devices conventionally, I'm one of those people that leans toward smaller devices that, when I need to, I can leverage by attaching an external screen(s), keyboard, and mouse. So, I already use my 12" MacBook (when it's not docked) the same way I use my iPad: one or two windows (maximum) on the screen, and multiple screens available with different apps/views only a swipe away. Except for the types of apps available, which I hope will be solved with WWDC, macOS and iPadOS are (again, for me) the same with both devices having the M1 chip.

 

[grmlin]

I agree. Office is not coming to the iPad so soon. The only way I think that this can happen is if Apple allows macOS apps to run on iPadOS..

I mean, I have no idea what Apple is planning, but I don't see a reason not to allow MacOS apps to run on an iPad if you use a keyboard and mouse/trackpad with it.

 

[mrklaw]

I mean, I have no idea what Apple is planning, but I don't see a reason not to allow MacOS apps to run on an iPad if you use a keyboard and mouse/trackpad with it.

Agree. That would be a limitation due to non-touch optimised icons etc but could work and upsell magic keyboards etc if you value that feature.

 

[Digitalguy]

I mean, I have no idea what Apple is planning, but I don't see a reason not to allow MacOS apps to run on an iPad if you use a keyboard and mouse/trackpad with it.

It wouldn't work like that. Then what do you when you disconnect the keyboard? Leave non touch MacOS with a touch screen? Reboot into iPadOS? Apple will not allow it, as they don't allow touchscreens on Macs. As I have said many times, this could be done with a connection to an external monitor which would activate (probably manually or less likely automatically) a sort of MacOS mode on the monitor and still leave iPadOS on the tablet. MacOS mode would not be a full MacOS installation, but a more restricted version of it. It could go in standby when you disconnect the monitor, without the tablet part being interrupted or broken by it....

 

[grmlin]

It wouldn't work like that. Then what do you when you disconnect the keyboard? Leave non touch MacOS with a touch screen? Reboot into iPadOS? Apple will not allow it, as they don't allow touchscreens on Macs. As I have said many times, this could be done with a connection to an external monitor which would activate (probably manually or less likely automatically) a sort of MacOS mode on the monitor and still leave iPadOS on the tablet. MacOS mode would not be a full MacOS installation, but a more restricted version of it. It could go in standby when you disconnect the monitor, without the tablet part being interrupted or broken by it....

Oh, yeah, I wasn't clear. The app always runs, of course. Controls with touch are limited without a mouse/keyboard then, of course.
If the hackintosh community manages to add basic touchscreen support to MacOS with hacks etc. I don't see how Apple can't do the same for Mac apps running on an iPad

But I absolutely don't want two separate running systems on my iPad. I want a much improved iPad OS. Honestly, if they don't add that, I don't know why I should keep the 12.9" iPad Pro with an M1.


Another option would be an improved toolchain for developers, that makes it easy to port the mac app to iPad OS.

 

[Digitalguy]

Oh, yeah, I wasn't clear. The app always runs, of course. Controls with touch are limited without a mouse/keyboard then, of course.
If the hackintosh community manages to add basic touchscreen support to MacOS with hacks etc. I don't see how Apple can't do the same for Mac apps running on an iPad

But I absolutely don't want two separate running systems on my iPad. I want a much improved iPad OS. Honestly, if they don't add that, I don't know why I should keep the 12.9" iPad Pro with an M1.

Apple won't do that... Either they think touch is feasible with Macs too, or they won't allow it on iPads... They won't create an half-working experience. As much as some iPad users badly want it, and are fine with it, it's not happening, same as touch Macs are not happening...

 

[grmlin]

Apple won't do that... Either they think touch is feasible with Macs too, or they won't allow it on iPads... They won't create an half-working experience. As much as some iPad users badly want it, and are fine with it, it's not happening, same as touch Macs are not happening...

I edited my answer above: Another option would be an improved toolchain for developers, that makes it easy to port the mac app to iPad OS.

If they don't want to allow Mac apps on iPads (which I totally understand), at least give the developers tools to port the Mac apps without too much effort.
I mean, look at Catalyst, the apps that got released on MacOS were a total disaster in the beginning. Some still are. They just have to start somewhere.

PS: I'm convinced touch Macs are coming at some point. The stupid TouchBar isn't good enough. It's just stupid

 

[Digitalguy]

I edited my answer above: Another option would be an improved toolchain for developers, that makes it easy to port the mac app to iPad OS.

If they don't want to allow Mac apps on iPads (which I totally understand), at least give the developers tools to port the Mac apps without too much effort.
I mean, look at Catalyst, the apps that got released on MacOS were a total disaster in the beginning. Some still are. They just have to start somewhere.

PS: I'm convinced touch Macs are coming at some point. The stupid TouchBar isn't good enough. It's just stupid

I have said it already, I think earlier in this long thread.. This is indeed something that Apple might do, using their FCP and Logic Apps as an example. And trying to simplify porting to iPad (which means above all simplify making a touch version of the app, as the programming language is already the same). Microsoft did the same with their Universal Apps, but it didn't work well (the more you simplify the poorer the experience for the user...). Hope this time it will work better. But, even if the succeed to some extend, it will take years I am afraid...
PS Touch Macs, not in the next 5 years at least, if ever...

 

[Yoms]

But having only an iPad with nothing else, that's something I can't commit to.

Well, if we cannot use just but the iPad, then the answer to this thread is clearly NO, no debate. A complement cannot be called a replacement.

I still think the iPad as it is today is great, but if it cannot replace a laptop, i.e. without bringing drastic changes to iPadOS 15 / bringing macOS to the iPad / bringing VMware/Parallels to the iPad, I'd much prefer having an iMac when I'm sitting at my desk doing intensive/productive tasks, and then buy an non-PRO iPad to use while on the go, on the couch, for some touch-friendly apps, etc. Also, I can use macOS's sidecar feature if I want to access a touch interface while being working with a Mac.

That solution, to me, is OK and has the advantage to not rely on hope that iPadOS will ever change (or that Apple brings macOS to the iPad).

 

[Ludatyk]

Well, if we cannot use just but the iPad, then the answer to this thread is clearly NO, no debate. A complement cannot be called a replacement.

Well, for me. Let me back track that. If I honestly wanted to.. I can get by with using only an iPad. I can get a synology to replace my PC. Because I primarily use it for a Plex server, but I figured what’s the point in a synology when I have a PC that can serve as a Plex server.

 

[rui no onna]

I figured what’s the point in a synology when I have a PC that can serve as a Plex server.

Front loading 3.5" hot swap drive bays. I have no desire to go back to a Full ATX tower with internal drive bays.

I've got Plex Media Server running on the desktop but use the Synology NAS for bulk storage.