iPad as a laptop replacement

[loybond]

I wanted to use the iPad as more of a computer replacement, and was really stoked with the hardware changes like many of you. Yeah I'm disappointed by dub dub, but at least I'm clear on a couple of things. Apple has made it clear that they don't want the iPad to be a computer replacement, otherwise there's certain basic functionality we would have seen, such as a proper desktop browser (Chromebooks have this, because web apps are just that important), and a properly functioning files app. Those are fundamental to computer use. They showed its place; next to a Mac.

So as much as I wanted the iPad to be more, I'm just gonna let that idea go, and go back to seeing and using it as I always used an iPad.

I'm also exchanging my 12.9 for an 11, because in my usage I found that the 12.9 lends itself to desk use more, and might be better for multitasking, but at that point, I may as well be using a Mac and having the added benefit of not being limited. The 11 only weighs around 450 g, is easy to handle, and is exactly the experience I want from a handheld tablet.

 

[Ludatyk]

Don’t get me wrong, as I said, I think many things have still room for growth and improvement, flexibility and compatibility, but I understand that the road Apple has prepared for the iPad, doesn’t cross the mac road. They just run in parallel roads.

As much as I would like to disagree with you, Sidecar and the new Universal Control features are primary reason that the iPad run in parallel roads.

I think many of the features we just saw yesterday, are iOS 14 features that got delayed (that’s why I say this feels more like iOS 14.5), because some iOS 13 features got delayed last year as well, and implemented on iOS 14. So... I think next year could be the big year for iOS/iPadOS. But we’ll see.

I'm hoping that's the case.. similar to how iPad users received mouse support in a 13.x release.

The iPad Pro is a great machine! I may pick up an 11" to use as a dedicated tablet (without the magic KB) and keep my M1 Air as my primary Laptop.. I just don't think it's ready to be a Laptop replacement and it may never be, by intended design...

And this is my gripe with Apple… the necessity of trying to get consumers to buy into having two devices. No shade to you, but this is exactly what Apple wants. Exactly what was shown in the demo (Universal Control)…. When I would rather have only an iPad, nope… Apple wants to provide ways to buy multiple devices (iMac, MacBook AND iPad).

 

[rui no onna]

And this is my gripe with Apple… the necessity of trying to get consumers to buy into having two devices. No shade to you, but this is exactly what Apple wants. Exactly what was shown in the demo (Universal Control)…. When I would rather have only an iPad, nope… Apple wants to provide ways to buy multiple devices (iMac, MacBook AND iPad).

Yeah, well, I'm not buying. iPhone-iPad is all the integration I need. I can live with Windows for the stuff I can't do on iPad.

Don't need a Mac for the following and memory and storage upgrades and repair are much cheaper and easier on the PC side.

Calibre ebook management and DeDRM
HTTP + PHP server
Blu-ray ripping
jailbreaking Kindles and customizing Kobo
backup and DFU restore of other iOS devices
automated backups
console emulation
etc.

 

[jrichards1408]

You are right. They won’t be changing this year or probably next year, either. Farther out than that Apple could pivot.

I hope they change it

 

[Slartibart]

otherwise there's certain basic functionality we would have seen, such as a proper desktop browser (Chromebooks have this, because web apps are just that important), and a properly functioning files app.

just for the protocol: the Files app has apparently undergone a revision in iPadOS 15. Apple simply didn’t talk about it. Wether the most annoying bugs are fixed or mayor gripes are addressed remains to be seen. But so far the 15 beta seems to be promising.

 

[richpjr]

just for the protocol: the Files app has apparently undergone a revision in iPadOS 15. Apple simply didn’t talk about it. Wether the most annoying bugs are fixed or mayor gripes are addressed remains to be seen. But so far the 15 beta seems to be promising.

A progress indicator and NTFS (read only) support are welcome. If they increase the stability, it’s a start.

 

[rui no onna]

A progress indicator and NTFS (read only) support are welcome. If they increase the stability, it’s a start.

Does MacOS even have NTFS support? I seem to recall plugging in an NTFS-formatted drive to the M1 MBA and learning it’s a very convoluted process to add NTFS support. Needless to say, I’ve just stuck with exFAT.

 

[sparksd]

Does MacOS even have NTFS support? I seem to recall plugging in an NTFS-formatted drive to the M1 MBA and learning it’s a very convoluted process to add NTFS support. Needless to say, I’ve just stuck with exFAT.

I thought it did as read-only. I, too, have to stick with exFAT.

 

[richpjr]

Does MacOS even have NTFS support? I seem to recall plugging in an NTFS-formatted drive to the M1 MBA and learning it’s a very convoluted process to add NTFS support. Needless to say, I’ve just stuck with exFAT.

It supports read only out of the box, with 3rd party support for read-write.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

I've had my IPP + MK for 3 days and it's working out perfectly fine as a laptop replacement for my needs: My Python IDE Juno and cloud productivity Office 365 are running smoothly.

A lot of the hand-wringing about "no pro apps" has been focused exclusively on those apps that online content creators use on their Macs, ignoring that the IP does indeed have pro apps, just not their particular pro apps (eg FCP etc). It's perfectly ok for them to feel disappointed but the rest of the world is doing different things other than making YouTube vids.

I'm also enjoying the tablet experience for video content and games.

 

[Expos of 1969]

I've had my IPP + MK for 3 days and it's working out perfectly fine as a laptop replacement for my needs: My Python IDE Juno and cloud productivity Office 365 are running smoothly.

A lot of the hand-wringing about "no pro apps" has been focused exclusively on those apps that online content creators use on their Macs, ignoring that the IP does indeed have pro apps, just not their particular pro apps (eg FCP etc). It's perfectly ok for them to feel disappointed but the rest of the world is doing different things other than making YouTube vids.

I'm also enjoying the tablet experience for video content and games.

Sounds good so far. Interesting to get your views after perhaps three months.

 

[LordVic]

Alright Friends!

I'm at the point its time for a new device. My fist gen iPad Air is just unusable anymore. (though still in excellent shape).

My Laptop doesn't hold a charge much either anymore. 2-3 hours tops (late 2017 Razer Stealth with the i7-7200u)


Both are secondary devices and not relied upon for my work / gaming. I have a high end desktop for that, and RDP to it when i need the power.

So I'm debating between the two:

1. iPad Pro 11" with Magic Keyboard and Pencil
2. M1 MacBook Air

Both will be the lowest tier as I don't need the local storage, and won't be used for much other than chat, web browsing and Remote access (ssh tools and RDP)

I'm leaning towards the iPad solution because I like the touch screens and I enjoy using a stylis when doing Lightroom work (been using my surface pro 2 still for the occasional ligthroom work on the couch)

my big concern:

if I go iPad Pro, and get the new magic keyboard that has USB-C port. Can I use that to connect a second monitor as a second display? or a USB-C based dock for keyboard/mouse usage as well? Simialr to a laptop docking? considering the hardware between the iPad and the MacBooks are nearly identical. it's just software and form factor, I am hopeful that this is the case.

second concern: Lapability of the keyboard dock. one of the reasons the surface pro lineup doesn't work for me is the floppiness and inability to lay down on the couch with it on my knees without flopping closed. is the keyboard stand stiff enough that I can lay down with it propped up on my knees and stay open? Similar to the clamshell of a laptop?

 

[sparksd]

In reply to LordVic:

The port on the keyboard is charge-only but it frees up the iPad's port for use connecting to a monitor, hub, etc., just as with no keyboard. Note that the iPad still only mirrors to a second display and retains the 4:3 aspect ratio on that monitor.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Alright Friends!

I'm at the point its time for a new device. My fist gen iPad Air is just unusable anymore. (though still in excellent shape).

My Laptop doesn't hold a charge much either anymore. 2-3 hours tops (late 2017 Razer Stealth with the i7-7200u)


Both are secondary devices and not relied upon for my work / gaming. I have a high end desktop for that, and RDP to it when i need the power.

So I'm debating between the two:

1. iPad Pro 11" with Magic Keyboard and Pencil
2. M1 MacBook Air

Both will be the lowest tier as I don't need the local storage, and won't be used for much other than chat, web browsing and Remote access (ssh tools and RDP)

I'm leaning towards the iPad solution because I like the touch screens and I enjoy using a stylis when doing Lightroom work (been using my surface pro 2 still for the occasional ligthroom work on the couch)

my big concern:

if I go iPad Pro, and get the new magic keyboard that has USB-C port. Can I use that to connect a second monitor as a second display? or a USB-C based dock for keyboard/mouse usage as well? Simialr to a laptop docking? considering the hardware between the iPad and the MacBooks are nearly identical. it's just software and form factor, I am hopeful that this is the case.

second concern: Lapability of the keyboard dock. one of the reasons the surface pro lineup doesn't work for me is the floppiness and inability to lay down on the couch with it on my knees without flopping closed. is the keyboard stand stiff enough that I can lay down with it propped up on my knees and stay open? Similar to the clamshell of a laptop?

Lapability is very good with the MK, IMO. Completely different than Surface, because it doesn’t have a kickstand— more similar to a laptop.

I’m like you— have a desktop I use for my business (though even that is a base model Mac mini for me because I just Zoom, open PDFs, do very basic spreadsheets to keep track of my accounting, etc.). I’m super happy with iPads for all of my personal computing.

 

[LordVic]

In reply to LordVic:

The port on the keyboard is charge-only but it frees up the iPad's port for use connecting to a monitor, hub, etc., just as with no keyboard. Note that the iPad still only mirrors to a second display and retains the 4:3 aspect ratio on that monitor.

ok, thats important to know. using the iPads USB-C port instead of the dock is fine. as long as there's a port

the screen resolution though? that's a bit of an issue considering all my displays are 16:9 Ultrawides.

 

[sparksd]

ok, thats important to know. using the iPads USB-C port instead of the dock is fine. as long as there's a port

the screen resolution though? that's a bit of an issue considering all my displays are 16:9 Ultrawides.

Yep, that's the reality of the iPad and external monitors.

 

[richpjr]

ok, thats important to know. using the iPads USB-C port instead of the dock is fine. as long as there's a port

the screen resolution though? that's a bit of an issue considering all my displays are 16:9 Ultrawides.

Yes, the lack of proper external monitor support really limits certain tasks for me. Well, limits is the wrong word - I simply can't use it for them and have to fire up my MBP.

 

[LordVic]

Yes, the lack of proper external monitor support really limits certain tasks for me. Well, limits is the wrong word - I simply can't use it for them and have to fire up my MBP.

thanks for the informationt hough. that is a critical thing for me. I use external monitors constantly. I'm not worried about casting to the TV's I have (they all have Apple TV built in). But if I want to sit at my desk and work on it, I have 2 x 34" Ultra-Wides. not being able to fully take advantage of that as second display is.. troubling lack of foresight by Apple

 

[mainelyme]

thanks for the informationt hough. that is a critical thing for me. I use external monitors constantly. I'm not worried about casting to the TV's I have (they all have Apple TV built in). But if I want to sit at my desk and work on it, I have 2 x 34" Ultra-Wides. not being able to fully take advantage of that as second display is.. troubling lack of foresight by Apple

Certain apps like Jump Desktop for remote access will use your external display's native aspect ratio and resolution. You just have to keep it open on your iPad, even in split screen. Don't know if it can do two monitors though.

 

[Scott Sherman]

In the frenzy of WWDC disappointment raves on the web, I think that we seem to be forgetting why the iPad exists. We don't really need a laptop replacement. We have great laptops for all purposes and at several price points and portabliity sizes and they are getting better and better. The iPad was created, (about 10 years ago) to replace "Netbook" which was basically a cheap windows notebook computer to surf the web, read emails, books, watch videos share pictures etc.

Now every Windows laptop has touchscreen and is trying to be some sort of hybrid laptop and notebook.

I say, let the iPad be what it was designed to be and enjoy it that way if you want, that is as a very convenient consumption device accessible to non technical folks who don't need to have layer upon layer of projects going on. There seems to be a demand for a device that bridges the gap between laptop and tablet. But it is so expensive and heavy and requires peripherals to compete, so why, just why?

If the iPad is now just another computer, it really has no reason to exist. Lets just call it what it is another MacBook with a detachable keyboard. I personally don't want a laptop. I just want to watch movies, read books and emails gaze at pictures of kids and dogs and share them with others.

 

[richpjr]

In the frenzy of WWDC disappointment raves on the web, I think that we seem to be forgetting why the iPad exists. We don't really need a laptop replacement. We have great laptops for all purposes and at several price points and portabliity sizes and they are getting better and better. The iPad was created, (about 10 years ago) to replace "Netbook" which was basically a cheap windows notebook computer to surf the web, read emails, books, watch videos share pictures etc.

Now every Windows laptop has touchscreen and is trying to be some sort of hybrid laptop and notebook.

I say, let the iPad be what it was designed to be and enjoy it that way if you want, that is as a very convenient consumption device accessible to non technical folks who don't need to have layer upon layer of projects going on. There seems to be a demand for a device that bridges the gap between laptop and tablet. But it is so expensive and heavy and requires peripherals to compete, so why, just why?

If the iPad is now just another computer, it really has no reason to exist. Lets just call it what it is another MacBook with a detachable keyboard. I personally don't want a laptop. I just want to watch movies, read books and emails gaze at pictures of kids and dogs and share them with others.

The problem is that Apple teases their customers by adding laptop like features like keyboard and mouse/trackpad support, a files app, rudimentary external monitor support, multitasking, etc. None of those are consumption activities. Add the dumb "What's a computer" ad which further muddies the picture and it's not clear what exactly Apple wants. Some people don't want to spend the money on or carry around multiple devices when an iPad could do it with some tweaks by Apple.

 

[Ludatyk]

The iPad was created, (about 10 years ago) to replace "Netbook" which was basically a cheap windows notebook computer to surf the web, read emails, books, watch videos share pictures etc.

You are not wrong. But devices evolve over time… that’s the beauty of technology. It doesn’t sit idle.. it‘s always changing.

There seems to be a demand for a device that bridges the gap between laptop and tablet. But it is so expensive and heavy and requires peripherals to compete, so why, just why?

As @richpjr mention… the problem has to do in large part with Apple. They provide this desire to do more with the iPad from commercials to marketing campaigns. So, when laptop users decide to transition their workflow to an iPad... it becomes a disconnect.

 

[TechGod]

This 12.9” iPad pro along with the magic keyboard and pencil is the closest yet towards a replacement. In fact it feels like it has actually replaced my macbook and that’s now regulated to a secondary device.

 

[jeremiah256]

This 12.9” iPad pro along with the magic keyboard and pencil is the closest yet towards a replacement. In fact it feels like it has actually replaced my macbook and that’s now regulated to a secondary device.

Which, in the past, is similar to what happened with me and several of my friends when our more powerful and more capable desktop computers were relegated to supporting our preferred device, the laptop. We had all been using both for years, but at a certain point, we flipped which was primary and which was the support device, when our laptop became not the most powerful device, but capable enough to be our primary devices.

The same is happening in my use case with laptops and tablets.

 

[rui no onna]

Which, in the past, is similar to what happened with me and several of my friends when our more powerful and more capable desktop computers were relegated to supporting our preferred device, the laptop. We had all been using both for years, but at a certain point, we flipped which was primary and which was the support device, when our laptop became not the most powerful device, but capable enough to be our primary devices.

The same is happening in my use case with laptops and tablets.

For home use, this happened for me circa 2016 with the iPad Pro 9.7 and iOS 9/10.

I expect even the $300 iPads are considered an unnecessary luxury by most. There was a sudden surge of computer and tablet purchases last year when work and study from home became widespread. This is likely because most people were just using their smartphones for everything before (plus a work-supplied or ancient personal computer for stuff the smartphone can't do).