iPad Pro iPad has become quite useless and I regret purchasing it

[tranceking26]

I sold both of my old iPads, mainly because I'm more of a laptop guy. You just have to find what works best for you.

 

[Zest28]

I like both.

iPad Pro. = Personal Computer
16” M1 Max MacBook Pro = Workstation (also acts as a server for the iPad Pro).
All other Mac’s & PC = servers for the iPad & 16” M1 Max MacBook Pro

 

[MajorFubar]

But this endless argument about “can an iPad replace a Mac” can in many ways be traced to Tim Cook’s unfortunate comment: “why would you ever buy a PC?”

100% agree but his comment was driven by (probably) consumer research which showed most people who buy a low-cost PC are using it for tasks which an iPad would be superior. But it also unfortunately got took onboard by tech heads (like me) who absolutely do need the power of a full-blown desktop-class OS and the desktop-class apps that go with it, and so the confusion started.

What he really meant is Joe Average who uses his £300 Asus to go on Google Docs, answer emails and watch videos on YouTube can do it just as well on an iPad. And don't forget drawing pretty pictures with a pencil.

 

[prisoner54]

Yeah, you would think Apple had time to work out the details… but back in 2007 the concept was design for the Mac. You might not remember, but back iOS 9 Apple introduced SplitScreen… it was strangely odd when it first started. With the method of having to pick an app was clunky, having to go through several apps to get the app to use for SplitScreen.

And M1 iPad was announced in 2021… I have a feeling the wheels were in motion a few months before, but trying to implement something that never existed on an iPad can be somewhat challenging when considering we all were dealing with COVID restrictions.

This is an enlightening thread, e.g. going back to prior iOS instantiations of multi window (@Slartibart and @sparksd). But @Ludatyk you seem to be making all kinds of excuses for Apple's glacially slow handling of multitasking on an iPad *that has the same chip* as its desktop and laptop computers!

Yes, I've been following the development of the iPad since its inception, and bought and returned/sold several over the years. Stage Manager has been the first time I'm seriously interested again. But you know what? I got tired of Apple deliberately hampering its capable iPad hardware, and bought a Windows tablet instead. From the get go, with Win 10 and now Win 11, I can simply run the same programs I need, without having to get special 'apps'. It just plugs into my monitor, mouse and keyboard, or I can take it away and be mobile. No need for a laptop and an iPad combination. It does both.

By the way, the tablet I'm currently using has a very low power arm64 chip, far - *far* - weaker than the M1. But it multitasks and splitscreens like a champ. Better than macOS in fact. Apple saying you need an M1 or above for Stage Manager is BS - it is *so* frustrating! Stage Manager is too little, too late, and its requirements are way too high.

 

[Ludatyk]

This is an enlightening thread, e.g. going back to prior iOS instantiations of multi window (@Slartibart and @sparksd). But @Ludatyk you seem to be making all kinds of excuses for Apple's glacially slow handling of multitasking on an iPad *that has the same chip* as its desktop and laptop computers!

Not sure how I’m coming off as giving Apple an excuse… just trying to see it from a different perspective. Yes, they have the same M1 chip that’s in their Macs… but Apple have consistently strived to approach everything differently when it comes to the iPad.

Because macOS is different from iPadOS... one is more mouse-keyboard driven while the other one is not. One is more for portability use while the other one is not. They both have their strengths and weaknesses... the Mac caters to people who have a more complex workflow. And the iPad is more of a single-task oriented device whereas together they work seamlessly.

Yes, I've been following the development of the iPad since its inception, and bought and returned/sold several over the years. Stage Manager has been the first time I'm seriously interested again. But you know what? I got tired of Apple deliberately hampering its capable iPad hardware, and bought a Windows tablet instead. From the get go, with Win 10 and now Win 11, I can simply run the same programs I need, without having to get special 'apps'. It just plugs into my monitor, mouse and keyboard, or I can take it away and be mobile. No need for a laptop and an iPad combination. It does both.

I understand your frustration with the iPad hardware and I had similar thoughts as well... which is Apple should be doing more in terms of software. And those thoughts dissuaded you from choosing the iPad again, which completely makes sense.

I like what Microsoft has done with Windows... especially Windows 11, I use that daily. I recently recommended a family member to get a Surface X because of its versality.

By the way, the tablet I'm currently using has a very low power arm64 chip, far - *far* - weaker than the M1. But it multitasks and splitscreens like a champ. Better than macOS in fact. Apple saying you need an M1 or above for Stage Manager is BS - it is *so* frustrating! Stage Manager is too little, too late, and its requirements are way too high.

Well, according to these betas... I can understand the reason behind it. They are applying animations and using a lot of resources when dragging apps onto the "stage."

And then there's the fact that... iPadOS 16 is rumored to be delayed and my guess is because Stage Manager needs a lot of work.

 

[Mainsail]

There has been a fair amount of discussion about typical users and how the iPad might be a good match for people with simple requirements. I pretty much fit into that category, so this is how it works for me. My three devices are:

• MBA 2020: $900, on sale
• iPad Air 4 + Smart Keyboard + Pencil: $550 + $175 + $125 = $850
• iPhone 13: $800, not including trade-in promotion from carrier

Interestingly, they all cost about the same +/- 10%, and they each have their purposes:

• The MBA is for productivity apps and multi-tasking.
• The iPad is for reading, notes, and mark-ups.
• The iPhone is a pocket computer with a nice camera.

If I generally keep them in their lanes, all is well. When I move out of their lanes, I start to get frustrated. The devices are really not the problem. My expectations of what tasks the devices will do well are the problem.

There are common apps that work reasonably well on all three platforms: Mail, Messages, Calendar, Contacts, Safari, Notes, Files/Finder*, FaceTime, Photos, and TV/Video. If I am doing something simple that does not require rapidly referencing multiple documents, then iWork is fine on the iPad. Otherwise, I pretty much stick to the MBA for productivity apps, such as iWork and Office. I should also mention that using the iPad in conjunction with the MBA via Sidecar or Universal Control can really boost productivity when you need to work seamlessly between multiple documents.

Anyway, this is my experience with my requirements, which are admittedly pretty simple, so of course, YMMV.

*I understand that some folks are not crazy about the Files app on iPhone/iPad, but it works ok for me. I keep almost everything in the cloud, and I don’t do much local file storage with backups.

Edit: BTW, if I were on a tight budget and could only afford two devices, I would buy an M1 MBA and an iPhone SE, and I would drop the iPad. But, I can afford to splurge a bit on tech, so I chose to have three devices.

 

[Lakersfan74]

I use my iPad to stream twitch when I'm on my windows computer browsing / playing games or stream something in bed for background noise as I go to sleep. My MBP 13 is the device I use less now it's mainly for to put music onto my phone.

 

[Beefbowl]

I’ve found the most recent iteration of the Files app to be a considerable improvement and I’m looking forward to what iPadOS 16 brings to it.

One thing that I’ve been making a little use of is finder automations on the Mac side, so I drop a file into an iCloud folder and the Mac does Mac-only things to it and drops it back into another iCloud folder where the iPad can get to it. It’s been helpful because I make a fair bit of use of shell scripts to massage data and obv I can’t run a shell script on the iPad itself. The Mac is still part of the process here, but I’m not having to switch back and forth between the two devices nearly as often.

*edit: Of course, I could do without the mysterious “Error —51” that likes to pop up whenever I am copying files from the Mac to the iPad. Fixing that would be nice for iPadOS 16.

 

[Ludatyk]

The iPhone is a pocket computer with a nice camera.

Classifying the iPhone as a computer? The hostility that would follow if using that word in the same context as an iPad.

 

[Mainsail]

Classifying the iPhone as a computer? The hostility that would follow if using that word in the same context as an iPad.

I hear ya. Hopefully, most people understand what I mean…but, I guess folks can take offense to just about anything.

edit: maybe I should have called it a pocket communicator…like Star Trek…yeah, I like that better. It makes me feel like a member of Star Fleet!

 

[sparksd]

Classifying the iPhone as a computer? The hostility that would follow if using that word in the same context as an iPad.

Please, please do not take us down the what-is-a-computer road!

 

[prospervic]

Obviously, a larger screen is better to edit photos and 4k videos. But it’s not as if you CANNOT use the base iPad to do those tasks.

You are paying for a better experience and you have every right to do so, that’s all I’m trying to explain

All depends on the individual’s perceived needs and what they’re willing to pay for.

 

[prospervic]

Yep… if stage manger was dismissed in the past, it begs the question what necromancer sorcery makes Apple think now, that this is better than plain "extendable desktop"-mode for the display?

You probably find some “argument” for it - but it looks/feels/is something which carries the flair of "no idea. Did we have something… anything?… from the past? let’s see wether it sticks."


EDIT: to be clear, I don’t hate Stage Manager. But it’s not even close to the "best" solution - which I expect from Apple - it’s just… okay-ish… it’s like the Netflix app supporting chrome cast and airplay… make the Files app identical to the Finder - yeah, without Sockets if you must - but some form of universal extended display, as well as "mirrored", please.

We should keep in mind that this is just a BETA of the FIRST version of Stage Manager. Just like when primitive multitasking was introduced in iOS 9, Stage Manager probably has a few years of iteration before it reaches its full potential.

 

[spiderman0616]

We should remember that this is just a BETA of the FIRST iteration of Stage Manager. Just like when primitive multitasking was introduced in iOS 9, Stage Manager probably has a few years of iteration before it reaches its full potential.

This is the MacRumors forums. If the sky isn't falling, you aren't paying attention.

 

[OneSon]

I initially bought an iPad Air 2020 and did wonder if it could replace a laptop. I quickly decided it couldn't however I still use it today for a limited range of tasks.

- Annotating PDF files with the Apple Pencil (at this it is superb)
- Reading PDF files and taking some notes
- General media consumption

I also own an M1 Macbook Air and an iMac. I must say if I was forced to lose one device, it would be the iPad.

 

[Mackilroy]

I have a powerful desktop, an MBP, and an iPad. I'd lose the MBP first, it offers nothing unique over the other two devices.

 

[Ludatyk]

I have a powerful desktop, an MBP, and an iPad. I'd lose the MBP first, it offers nothing unique over the other two devices.

Thats my thoughts. Cause you can always remote into the desktop from your iPad (especially with cellular capabilities).

 

[sparksd]

I initially bought an iPad Air 2020 and did wonder if it could replace a laptop. I quickly decided it couldn't however I still use it today for a limited range of tasks.

- Annotating PDF files with the Apple Pencil (at this it is superb)
- Reading PDF files and taking some notes
- General media consumption

I also own an M1 Macbook Air and an iMac. I must say if I was forced to lose one device, it would be the iPad.

I have an M1 12.9, Mini 6, 16GB i7 Surface Pro 7, and a desktop. The desktop would be the first to go, followed by the iPads if I had to choose.

 

[Mainsail]

I have a powerful desktop, an MBP, and an iPad. I'd lose the MBP first, it offers nothing unique over the other two devices.

I totally see that approach given the fact that you have a desktop. But, then you would still have three devices: Desktop, iPad, and Smartphone (I am assume that everyone...even middle schoolers these days....have smartphones). In my earlier post, I was thinking about someone on a tight budget (e.g. college student that is scrapping by each month) that could only afford two devices. One would be a smartphone. The other would be a laptop. In my view, the choice would be M1 MBA + iPhone SE.

 

[mlody]

As a family of 4, we had 4 iPad's at one point, but as we started using them, we quickly hit the limitations and started to ditch them. We are down to 1 which is used by our younger daughter. My wife, older daughter and I we got MacBooks and never looked back at iPad. I have a feeling that within the next 3-4 years we will retire the last iPad in our household and become 4x iPhone and 4x MacBook setup. Sorry Apple. but still iPad is a glorified iPhone after a decade long development which is pretty sad.

 

[JCCL]

By the way, the tablet I'm currently using has a very low power arm64 chip, far - *far* - weaker than the M1. But it multitasks and splitscreens like a champ. Better than macOS in fact. Apple saying you need an M1 or above for Stage Manager is BS - it is *so* frustrating! Stage Manager is too little, too late, and its requirements are way too high.

This sums it up pretty well. The hardware in a Surface Pro X is currently not in the same league in performance as an M1 iPad, but because of iPadOS limitations, the Pro X is a much more capable device. I have a Surface Pro 8 myself, and would never consider replacing it with any sort of iPad, the iPad in my eyes is nothing more than a big iPhone. Sure, I can get some work done in my Phone, but not in the optimal way. The Surface Pro 8 allows me to just plug it to a USB-C port replicator and use as a full PC, stick in the type cover and use as a laptop on the go, or do some light reading and browsing as a tablet in bed. Since I got the i7 variant I have very good performance, at the cost of abysmal battery life (there's no way around it, Surface battery life is still terrible!)

 

[prisoner54]

Since I got the i7 variant I have very good performance, at the cost of abysmal battery life (there's no way around it, Surface battery life is still terrible!)

Yeah, I seriously considered the Surface 8 Pro for the extra oomph (and the occasional game). But battery life on the Pro X is pretty stellar, especially with Windows 11 for some reason. And it's thinner.

Oh and I can still play Il-2 Sturmovik from time to time, but that's about it gaming-wise. I got 17 FPS on GTA IV and 10 FPS on X-plane 11, all low settings. Definitely a work not play machine.

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah, I seriously considered the Surface 8 Pro for the extra oomph (and the occasional game). But battery life on the Pro X is pretty stellar, especially with Windows 11 for some reason. And it's thinner.

Iirc, Surface Pro X has ARM which is better than x86 for battery life.

 

[Digitalguy]

I was tempted to get the pro x when I saw a maxed out one selling in mint conditions for $800 with keyboard and pen. But the problem is that it only makes sense when you want to have one device for everything. I have learnt over time that having more than 1 device allows me to have better devices. The surface pro x is heavier than the iPad pro 12.9, has worse battery life (much smaller battery that the pro 8 and similarly short battery life), and if you use it for browsing it's nowhere near. It's more like 2015 1st gen iPad pro speed.
A 2018 iPad pro runs circles around it, is smoother, has better speakers and better battery life.
And I am not even one of those who don't like Windows or is bothered by the touch experience on Windows, it's the hardware that is inferior.
And as a laptop it's pretty bad on the lap, and again, not a speed demon, more like 2015 era dual core laptop. The more I go on the more I realize that since I don't use them as tablets, these surface pro devices are actually compromised laptops. Something like my thinkpad nano is quite a bit lighter and works much better on my lap (and is much faster).

But things are changing. I am still convinced that once Qualcomm starts becomimng competitive with Apple silicon thanks to Nuvia, these Windows on arm devices are going to be very interesting for people like me who value silence and battery life. And they don't even need to catch with Apple current M series when they are ready in a year or 2. Even M1 speed will do it.
I don't think I'll buy x86 again. My next laptop in a few years will either be a MacBook (if they make one under 1kg, ideally with cellular) running MacOS and Parallels (I need to run some Windows software every day for work) or a Windows on Arm device.

 

[rui no onna]

I don't think I'll buy x86 again. My next laptop in a few years will either be a MacBook (if they make one under 1kg, ideally with cellular) running MacOS and Parallels (I need to run some Windows software every day for work) or a Windows on Arm device.

I do wonder how the ThinkPad X13s works in real-world scenarios.

Mind, I've been getting into gaming/emulation again so I'm looking forward to getting a Ryzen 6000 series with RDNA 2 graphics. Maybe during Black Friday. Or maybe I'll wait for RDNA 3.

Gotta say, Apple's emphasis on graphics performance on their SoCs is probably partly to thank for the improved integrated graphics on AMD and Intel.