iPad Pro as Mac Replacement

[DNichter]

A lot has been said on these forums regarding the iPad Pro as a Mac replacement. Unless you have some seriously short sighted views, of course it can be. Ultimately it comes down to what tool you need for the task at hand. Some people don't need sophisticated software or need to handle operational tasks. That doesn't make the iPad Pro any less of a computer or any less "Pro" for that matter. The switch from MacBook to iPad Pro occurred for me in 2017 with the release of the 10.5. It has been a great experience, but I am always looking for new tools, examples, apps, or workflows from people who do use an iPad as their primary computer. So how are you using your iPad Pro regularly? Do you feel it is an adequate Mac replacement at this point? What improvements could Apple make with iOS 12?
[doublepost=1516126456][/doublepost]For me, I am using my iPad Pro to manage a team of 60 people virtually in our network. I use email and OneNote constantly, managing reporting using Excel, use Documents 6, Office 365, and OneDrive for managing and sharing files across teams. I also use FaceTime a ton for virtual meetings with clients and team members and Safari for industry research and current events.

 

[Glmnet1]

Do you feel it is an adequate Mac replacement at this point? What improvements could Apple make with iOS 12?

Not for me. Before it can be a computer replacement for me (software developer) it would need:
- A CLI so I can run things locally, not over SSH on a server.
- Mouse support.
- Support for two instances of the same application to run simultaneously.
- A browser with good debugging tools for javascript without needing to plug it in a Mac.

 

[DNichter]

Not for me. Before it can be a computer replacement for me (software developer) it would need:
- A CLI so I can run things locally, not over SSH on a server.
- Mouse support.
- Support for two instances of the same application to run simultaneously.
- A browser with good debugging tools for javascript without needing to plug it in a Mac.

Yea I think you are an example of someone who's main use of a computer will never really be supported by the iPad. It's the old car/truck analogy that Jobs was famous for. There will always be a place for those in your position, but it's definitely not needed for everyone. I do think we will get mouse support in productivity apps at some point, just not OS wide.

 

[sracer]

Yea I think you are an example of someone who's main use of a computer will never really be supported by the iPad. It's the old car/truck analogy that Jobs was famous for. There will always be a place for those in your position, but it's definitely not needed for everyone. I do think we will get mouse support in productivity apps at some point, just not OS wide.

I do not believe that we'll see mouse support in iOS beyond remote desktop apps unless Android tablets were to make significant inroads.

Regarding your original question of the iPad Pro as a Mac replacement, sadly my conclusion for me is "no". I knew it could never replace my iMac but it can't even replace my Macbook Air as a mobile computing device that supplements my iMac.

And the reasons aren't even a stretch like "I need to compile XCode" or "I need to simultaneously run 3 virtual machines". They are things as simple as "I need to CREATE a basic-to-moderately formatted iWork Pages document". Even though functionality has been removed from the macOS version of iWork to maintain file format compatibility with iOS iWork, the iOS version still lacks even THAT reduced function set. MODIFYING such documents can be done, though not always as efficiently as using the macOS version, but it is impossible with the latest version of iOS iWork to create from scratch such a document.

That's just one of the basic tasks that are not currently possible with the iPad Pro.

 

[Synergie]

For me yes! With a few changes to how I approach workflow....

- I do hard core video editing, and use LumaFusion.

- File management is done with a RavPower Filehub Plus and the File Browser app. (And prior a WD wireless external drive) This allows FULL file management bidrectionally with any external hard drives, USB sticks and SD cards. File Browser works seamlessly with iOS Files app too meaning any app can save from or to anywhere including an external drive or stick with this set up using ‘share’. Once you get in your head that your files are now ‘shared’ as they are networked, you begin to understand and use this new idea of workflow. Think outside the box...errr I mean iPad.

- I work with full Office documents without issue, and save or share wherever I want

- I can create PDF and scan images and pages with the camera

- I can do full photo and graphics editing including with many layers and masks

- I do full on audio recording with an iRig and a professional studio microphone and multitrack editing including the mix down and export to multiple formats including wav, aif, mp3 etc saving wherever I want including a portable hard drive.

- I can Browse, Skype, FaceTime, and everything in between.

- I can open and save zip files through file Browser to any cloud or external hard drive, USB, SD card etc.

- I can watch movies, play music, read books, play games

- I can draw and sketch with Apple Pencil

- I can use a full keyboard for typing with Apples BT magic keyboard. With this it feels like a mini iMac.

- I can do *some coding with Coda and website updates (this is really the only area for me that is lacking and it’s software lacking not hardware... pssst adobe pls release a mobile version of Dreamweaver!!!)

Do I miss a mouse???? Heck no! I can touch the screen why do I need one??? Also, my iPad Pro can do everything I did on my MBP - and much more due to the touch screen, Apple pencil, and portability!

The drive attached to the Ravpower Filehub is 2 Tb... File management is NOT an issue!

 

[DNichter]

I do not believe that we'll see mouse support in iOS beyond remote desktop apps unless Android tablets were to make significant inroads.

Regarding your original question of the iPad Pro as a Mac replacement, sadly my conclusion for me is "no". I knew it could never replace my iMac but it can't even replace my Macbook Air as a mobile computing device that supplements my iMac.

And the reasons aren't even a stretch like "I need to compile XCode" or "I need to simultaneously run 3 virtual machines". They are things as simple as "I need to CREATE a basic-to-moderately formatted iWork Pages document". Even though functionality has been removed from the macOS version of iWork to maintain file format compatibility with iOS iWork, the iOS version still lacks even THAT reduced function set. MODIFYING such documents can be done, though not always as efficiently as using the macOS version, but it is impossible with the latest version of iOS iWork to create from scratch such a document.

That's just one of the basic tasks that are not currently possible with the iPad Pro.

I could see at some point specific to iWork or Microsoft Office in a partnership, but that's likely it. I get your point though, likely not one of their top priorities. Your specific use case does sound frustrating, is there any reason you couldn't use Microsoft Word to handle the same document? I agree though, feature parity from app to app and platform to platform is key for Apple moving forward. I think that will get better bringing both App Stores under one roof.
[doublepost=1516129929][/doublepost]

For me yes! With a few changes to how I approach workflow....

- I do hard core video editing, and use LumaFusion.

- File management is done with a RavPower Filehub Plus and the File Browser app. (And prior a WD wireless external drive) This allows FULL file management bidrectionally with any external hard drives, USB sticks and SD cards. File Browser works seamlessly with iOS Files app too meaning any app can save from or to anywhere including an external drive or stick with this set up using ‘share’. Once you get in your head that your files are now ‘shared’ as they are networked, you begin to understand and use this new idea of workflow. Think outside the box...errr I mean iPad.

- I work with full Office documents without issue, and save or share wherever I want

- I can create PDF and scan images and pages with the camera

- I can do full photo and graphics editing including with many layers and masks

- I do full on audio recording with an iRig and a professional studio microphone and multitrack editing including the mix down and export to multiple formats including wav, aif, mp3 etc saving wherever I want including a portable hard drive.

- I can Browse, Skype, FaceTime, and everything in between.

- I can open and save zip files through file Browser to any cloud or external hard drive, USB, SD card etc.

- I can watch movies, play music, read books, play games

- I can draw and sketch with Apple Pencil

- I can use a full keyboard for typing with Apples BT magic keyboard. With this it feels like a mini iMac.

- I can do *some coding with Coda and website updates (this is really the only area for me that is lacking and it’s software lacking not hardware... pssst adobe pls release a mobile version of Dreamweaver!!!)

Do I miss a mouse???? Heck no! I can touch the screen why do I need one??? Also, my iPad Pro can do everything I did on my MBP - and much more due to the touch screen, Apple pencil, and portability!

The drive attached to the Ravpower Filehub is 2 Tb... File management is NOT an issue!

Awesome! Really good info in your post. I will take a look at some of the stuff that you mentioned and see where it fits in my workflow. I had never heard of that RavPower Filehub so I will definitely check it out! I am using all cloud and my NAS at home for storage needs right now.

 

[sparksd]

While I’m retired now and have fewer demands on a computer, I still have several reasons while I won’t be ditching my laptop and desktop for my 10.5” iPP:

• I prefer to do my photo editing on a larger screen and using a mouse with full-up Lightroom CC.
• I have thousands of photos to manage on multiple storage devices using a DAM.
• I have multiple devices that require updating over a USB connection.
• I rip old DVDs into electronic format, requiring a DVD reader.
• If I’m going to be at it a while, I still prefer to read email and web surf using a large monitor and a mouse for navigation.
• Working with anything requiring significant cutting and pasting, I want a mouse.

 

[DNichter]

While I’m retired now and have fewer demands on a computer, I still have several reasons while I won’t be ditching my laptop and desktop for my 10.5” iPP:

• I prefer to do my photo editing on a larger screen and using a mouse with full-up Lightroom CC.
• I have thousands of photos to manage on multiple storage devices using a DAM.
• I have multiple devices that require updating over a USB connection.
• I rip old DVDs into electronic format, requiring a DVD reader.
• If I’m going to be at it a while, I still prefer to read email and web surf using a large monitor and a mouse for navigation.
• Working with anything requiring significant cutting and pasting, I want a mouse.

Totally makes sense. I am thinking mouse support within certain apps and potentially monitor support could be a huge boost for the iPad.

 

[AFEPPL]

Isn't this all in the other thread?
Answer is still the same - you have a preference and yet you continue pushing that myopic opinion while insulting anyone who doesn't agree with you by calling them "seriously short sighted".

Sorry, IPP doesn't do it for me. I reach for a laptop everytime even after owning every iPad since launch. Pro in apple language means the highest spec device in the series, nothing more.

 

[sonicrobby]

Lets hope you dont have to do a fresh restore of iOS for any reason. Dont know why Apple hasnt done this yet... I found it very useful being able to have a restore mode natively in my mac with no other devices required. But iOS still relies on a computer for a fresh restore.

 

[DNichter]

Isn't this all in the other thread?
Answer is still the same - you have a preference and yet you continue pushing that myopic opinion while insulting anyone who doesn't agree with you by calling them "seriously short sighted".

Sorry, IPP doesn't do it for me. I reach for a laptop everytime even after owning every iPad since launch. Pro in apple language means the highest spec device in the series, nothing more.

This was more of a thread to understand how people use their iPad’s as a Mac replacement. That’s cool that it doesn’t work for you, you’re in operations, that makes total sense. For some people though, it works great. This was a thread for those people.
[doublepost=1516133178][/doublepost]

Lets hope you dont have to do a fresh restore of iOS for any reason. Dont know why Apple hasnt done this yet... I found it very useful being able to have a restore mode natively in my mac with no other devices required. But iOS still relies on a computer for a fresh restore.

I agree, there should be a way to do a full restore. I have used erase all content and settings to fix an issue in the past and it worked great. Thankfully I haven’t had any major issues where I would need a full restore.

 

[sracer]

I could see at some point specific to iWork or Microsoft Office in a partnership, but that's likely it. I get your point though, likely not one of their top priorities. Your specific use case does sound frustrating, is there any reason you couldn't use Microsoft Word to handle the same document? I agree though, feature parity from app to app and platform to platform is key for Apple moving forward. I think that will get better bringing both App Stores under one roof.

Perhaps my wording was a bit vague. With macOS iWork, I can easily accomplish what I need to get done. (I also do work in MS Office and LibreOffice but those are separate use cases).

iOS iWork is sufficiently lesser in functionality that it prevents me from creating documents that I could easily create with the macOS version of iWork. That is a show-stopper. As bad as the situation is with iWork, it is even worse when attempting to do things with MS Office for iPad vs MS Office for macOS.


This is not a very specific or unique use case. Everyone who works with nested lists (as one example) will experience this. There are other basic functions that aren't available in iOS iWork as well.

 

[kupkakez]

Absolutely can be a MacBook replacement for me in my personal life. Work life it cannot be as I have to use a work issued Windows laptop, but my job could definitely be done on an iPad if I could!

I do still own a MacBook at home because occasionally I just like to have a computer but I could live without it and this will likely be my last MacBook. If I had to pick one iPad or MacBook I'd pick my iPad every single time. I love being able to use one device essentially for everything! Books, Podcasts, Games (big one for me I love playing iOS games), browsing, banking, music, tv/movies etc. I really do think a large majority of people outside of this forum could exist iOS only and be fine.

 

[DNichter]

Perhaps my wording was a bit vague. With macOS iWork, I can easily accomplish what I need to get done. (I also do work in MS Office and LibreOffice but those are separate use cases).

iOS iWork is sufficiently lesser in functionality that it prevents me from creating documents that I could easily create with the macOS version of iWork. That is a show-stopper. As bad as the situation is with iWork, it is even worse when attempting to do things with MS Office for iPad vs MS Office for macOS.


This is not a very specific or unique use case. Everyone who works with nested lists (as one example) will experience this. There are other basic functions that aren't available in iOS iWork as well.

That's a bummer. I definitely think that iPad versions of apps will only get better and better and really need to have feature parity between both platforms to help push it forward. I use Microsoft Word on my iPad and haven't run into any issues with formatting yet, but my work within that app is not too detailed.
[doublepost=1516135257][/doublepost]

Absolutely can be a MacBook replacement for me in my personal life. Work life it cannot be as I have to use a work issued Windows laptop, but my job could definitely be done on an iPad if I could!

I do still own a MacBook at home because occasionally I just like to have a computer but I could live without it and this will likely be my last MacBook. If I had to pick one iPad or MacBook I'd pick my iPad every single time. I love being able to use one device essentially for everything! Books, Podcasts, Games (big one for me I love playing iOS games), browsing, banking, music, tv/movies etc. I really do think a large majority of people outside of this forum could exist iOS only and be fine.

It definitely takes some patience at first, but after a little bit of time and the right apps, the iPad can be a great solution. I also wanted to downsize to just two devices (iPad and iPhone) so that was a big motivator for me, but the flexibility the iPad has provided has really opened my eyes to it. Battery life is amazing, apps for everything, great software, ultra portable, helps with collaboration - I am glad I don't need to go back to a traditional laptop.

 

[nburwell]

Ever since I upgraded my Mini 4 to the 10.5" Pro, my MBP has not been touched. To be completely honest, I haven't used my MBP in months. The only time I remember using it is to print a document out on our home printer. With that said, I have no plans on selling my MBP since it houses a good amount of RAW files for photography. But since I recently traded in my DSLR for a mirrorless Fuji setup, I can accomplish my photo processing via Lightroom CC on my IPP.

But yeah, pretty much everything nowadays I can accomplish on my IPP (Netflix/Amazon Video, web browsing, email, re-ordering stuff for the house from Amazon, iMessage, Spotify, photo processing). Although I have yet to do my taxes on an iPad (I usually prefer to do them on my MBP, but I may switch it up this year).

 

[DNichter]

Ever since I upgraded my Mini 4 to the 10.5" Pro, my MBP has not been touched. To be completely honest, I haven't used my MBP in months. The only time I remember using it is to print a document out on our home printer. With that said, I have no plans on selling my MBP since it houses a good amount of RAW files for photography. But since I recently traded in my DSLR for a mirrorless Fuji setup, I can accomplish my photo processing via Lightroom CC on my IPP.

But yeah, pretty much everything nowadays I can accomplish on my IPP (Netflix/Amazon Video, web browsing, email, re-ordering stuff for the house from Amazon, iMessage, Spotify, photo processing). Although I have yet to do my taxes on an iPad (I usually prefer to do them on my MBP, but I may switch it up this year).

That's awesome. I held onto my MacBook for a couple months, but ended up selling it off once I figured out how to upgrade my Plex server for my NAS. Haha, I actually do my taxes on my iPhone.

 

[nburwell]

That's awesome. I held onto my MacBook for a couple months, but ended up selling it off once I figured out how to upgrade my Plex server for my NAS. Haha, I actually do my taxes on my iPhone.

When I found out I could only fetch $4-500 for the MBP, it was all the more reason for me to keep it. But there may come a time soon when I may just give it to my wife since her MBP is 8-9 years old and she uses it everyday for her job. I have all my RAW files backed up on my external HDD when I need to access them.

I usually do TurboTax and I know they have an app, so I think I'm going to go that route this year. Especially since I won't have drag my MBP out of hiding since my IPP is significantly lighter.

 

[sdz]

A lot has been said on these forums regarding the iPad Pro as a Mac replacement. Unless you have some seriously short sighted views, of course it can be. Ultimately it comes down to what tool you need for the task at hand. Some people don't need sophisticated software or need to handle operational tasks. That doesn't make the iPad Pro any less of a computer or any less "Pro" for that matter. The switch from MacBook to iPad Pro occurred for me in 2017 with the release of the 10.5. It has been a great experience, but I am always looking for new tools, examples, apps, or workflows from people who do use an iPad as their primary computer. So how are you using your iPad Pro regularly? Do you feel it is an adequate Mac replacement at this point? What improvements could Apple make with iOS 12?
[doublepost=1516126456][/doublepost]For me, I am using my iPad Pro to manage a team of 60 people virtually in our network. I use email and OneNote constantly, managing reporting using Excel, use Documents 6, Office 365, and OneDrive for managing and sharing files across teams. I also use FaceTime a ton for virtual meetings with clients and team members and Safari for industry research and current events.

iPads make you sick. At least if you have a 9-5 job.
The viewing angle is problematic (for me anyways, I am very tall) and absolutely unhealthy. I also doubt that a large enterprises are allowed to give them to their employees as 9-5 work machines. At least in my country workers council and law would intervene.

"Set the height of the monitor so that the top of the screen is below eye level and the bottom of the screen can be read without a marked inclination of the head. Usually this means that the centre of the screen will need to be near shoulder height. Your eyes should be level with the tool bar."
excerpt from: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/health-wellbeing/physical/ergonomics/workstation#monitor

Of course, many Laptops have the same issue but less dramatic, because you can adjust the display.


Software is also not up to the task:

- Screenshare in Conferences ? How?
- How to leave Apples App Shop? Censorship: Imagine a model, where you need to pay monthly for software. I would not like that. But with the Apple model: You have to eat it.
- How to backup device? You need a real computer for that. Icloud Backup is prohibited in most companies.
- How to view two apps at same time. Often I have 2 or more documents where I need to compare or edit both (Benefit of a window based UI)
- In my company many excel sheets contain Macros, not possible in Excel (mobile)
- Loss of functionality in office suites (office, iworks..., I can't even create a ToC on iPad LOL!)
- No Finder
...
[doublepost=1516136958][/doublepost]

I usually do TurboTax and I know they have an app, so I think I'm going to go that route this year. Especially since I won't have drag my MBP out of hiding since my IPP is significantly lighter.

Only when you don't take into account the weight of the smart keyboard (attached to the 12.9" ipad). A macbook 12" is only 0,9kg. iPad with Keyboard ~1,05kg

 

[DNichter]

iPads make you sick. At least if you have a 9-5 job.
The viewing angle is problematic (for me anyways, I am very tall) and absolutely unhealthy. I also doubt that a large enterprises are allowed to give them to their employees as 9-5 work machines. At least in my country workers council and law would intervene.

"Set the height of the monitor so that the top of the screen is below eye level and the bottom of the screen can be read without a marked inclination of the head. Usually this means that the centre of the screen will need to be near shoulder height. Your eyes should be level with the tool bar."
excerpt from: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/health-wellbeing/physical/ergonomics/workstation#monitor

Of course, many Laptops have the same issue but less dramatic, because you can adjust the display.


Software is also not up to the task:

- Screenshare in Conferences ? How?
- How to leave Apples App Shop? Censorship: Imagine a model, where you need to pay monthly for software. I would not like that. But with the Apple model: You have to eat it.
- How to backup device? You need a real computer for that. Icloud Backup is prohibited in most companies.
- How to view two apps at same time. Often I have 2 or more documents where I need to compare or edit both (Benefit of a window based UI)
- In my company many excel sheets contain Macros, not possible in Excel (mobile)
- Loss of functionality in office suites (office, iworks..., I can't even create a ToC on iPad LOL!)
- No Finder
...
[doublepost=1516136958][/doublepost]

Only when you don't take into account the weight of the smart keyboard (attached to the 12.9" ipad). A macbook 12" is only 0,9kg. iPad with Keyboard ~1,05kg

That's too bad it doesn't work for you. I have a 9 to 5 job and it doesn't make me sick at all. When it comes to video conferences, I am usually working one to one and provide the document to review up front. This way I can focus on the individual, get a feel for how they are feeling, and make the necessary adjustments. I haven't had a reason to leave the App Store, it has everything I need. I back up via iCloud just fine. I use split screen to manage two apps at a time. I only review spreadsheets for reporting purposes, I am never running macros. Documents 6 and cloud storage have replaced the finder for me.

Totally get that it doesn't work for you, but the way you describe it makes it seem like it's simply impossible for anyone. It's obviously not as I do it every day. Just depends on the tasks needed for the job. For me, it's perfect.

 

[sdz]

That's too bad it doesn't work for you. I have a 9 to 5 job and it doesn't make me sick at all. When it comes to video conferences, I am usually working one to one and provide the document to review up front. This way I can focus on the individual, get a feel for how they are feeling, and make the necessary adjustments. I haven't had a reason to leave the App Store, it has everything I need. I back up via iCloud just fine. I use split screen to manage two apps at a time. I only review spreadsheets for reporting purposes, I am never running macros. Documents 6 and cloud storage have replaced the finder for me.

Totally get that it doesn't work for you, but the way you describe it makes it seem like it's simply impossible for anyone. It's obviously not as I do it every day. Just depends on the tasks needed for the job. For me, it's perfect.

For me it also was perfect (until the display had a yellow band after 2 years of HEAVY use) as addition to my Mac!
I don't want to give Apple my (and others!) data (iCloud Backup), so they are forcing me to have a mac in order to backup data.

In my opinion iPad makes you addicted. Due to the dopamine release when touching the display.
On iMac I can really focus on the work because the whole surrounding is "boring".

 

[DNichter]

For me it also was perfect (until the display had a yellow band after 2 years of HEAVY use) as addition to my Mac!
I don't want to give Apple my (and others!) data (iCloud Backup), so they are forcing me to have a mac in order to backup data.

In my opinion iPad makes you addicted. Due to the dopamine release when touching the display.
On iMac I can really focus on the work because the whole surrounding is "boring".

Well we all have our own preferences when it comes to this stuff. It's great we have so many choices and you can use what works best for you.

 

[cyclingplatypus]

I've been thinking about changing my setup, currently I use an iMac, a 13" MBP, and a 9.7" iPP - considering consolidating the MBP + 9.7 iPP into a 12.9" iPP.

The iPad is just more versatile in certain instances (for me) - it can even act as a second monitor for the iMac in a pinch.

 

[sdz]

The iPad is just more versatile in certain instances (for me) - it can even act as a second monitor for the iMac in a pinch.

Are you a social media user?

 

[azpekt]

Replacement - no.
Alternative - hell yeah.

Does this alternative works for you or no - that`s up to you to decide. Works for me though.

 

[DNichter]

I've been thinking about changing my setup, currently I use an iMac, a 13" MBP, and a 9.7" iPP - considering consolidating the MBP + 9.7 iPP into a 12.9" iPP.

The iPad is just more versatile in certain instances (for me) - it can even act as a second monitor for the iMac in a pinch.

I think that would make sense since you would then have the larger screen of the iMac available when needed. In regards to the 12.9 - I tried it for a week and I found it to be too big for mobile usage. It's an awesome machine and I have even considered getting a 12.9 and a 10.5, but I found the 12.9 better suited on the desk. I ended up going with the 10.5 because I can use it on my desk when I want to and also be extremely mobile throughout the office. Obviously go with what works better for you.
[doublepost=1516138931][/doublepost]

Replacement - no.
Alternative - hell yeah.

Does this alternative works for you or no - that`s up to you to decide. Works for me though.

It was a replacement for me, but as you said - depends on the individual. Obviously it can be a replacement though.