iPad Pro as Mac Replacement

[Falhófnir]

I think I probably could use it successfully, but I don’t because I find the MacBook experience to be more comfortable (screen size, keyboard (for now at least), windowing). I also see little realistic benefit to changing to an iPad/type cover combo over continuing to use a MacBook for my usage. By the time I’ve spent £1100 for an iPad/ keyboard case set up, I’d just as well go the £1440 for an equivalent ntb mbp.

 

[Synergie]

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".

Nope you don’t have to use iCloud for backups. Backup to an external hard drive instead.

 

[cyclingplatypus]

Are you a social media user?

No.

 

[Eric5273]

My iPad Pro 10.5 has completely replaced my MacBook Pro (which I have sold). I own a small music production company, and here is my workflow:

1) I have an Office 365 subscription for my company email, and this gives me use of Word, Excel, and OneDrive. I use Word for typing contracts and the occasional letter or envelope that I need to print. I use Excel for keeping track of music metadata on spreadsheets and manipulating the metadata for different systems and distributors — all of which require metadata to be in different formats.

2) I use Documents by Readdle for file management. I keep all my business files in iCloud Drive, and Documents keeps all those files synced locally on the iPad as well. Then once per month I zip the entire folder (with all my business files) into a single zip file. I rename the zip file with the date, and copy it over to an Archive folder I keep on OneDrive. This is how I backup my files. I also use Documents to upload & download music files from FTP sites on a daily basis.

3) I use AudioShare for my audio file management. I keep all music we have released here, each album’s files in a separate folder, and all of these folders in a folder labeled “Archive”. Then any albums that I am currently working on get put in their own folders outside of the Archive folder. They get transferred to the Archive folder once they are done and released. Each one of these album folders also gets zipped into a single zip file and stored as a backup on OneDrive, and copied to our FTP site to be available for our distributors to download.

4) The Files app allows me to move files between Documents (locally stored files in Documents), iCloud, OneDrive, and AudioShare (locally stored files in AudioShare) just by dragging and dropping — no “Share” menu workarounds needed.

5) I am able to use Safari to register copyrights at copyright.gov and can upload the music files directly from AudioShare from within Safari.

6) I use PDF Expert (by Readdle) to sign contracts, and to complete any PDF forms that are needed for any other purpose.

7) I use Scanner Pro (by Readdle) to scan anything I receive in hard copy, so this way all my business files are stored electronically.

For email, I just use the Apple Mail app. I find this works perfectly and have not felt the need to try using Outlook or any other third party email apps.

 

[DNichter]

My iPad Pro 10.5 has completely replaced my MacBook Pro (which I have sold). I own a small music production company, and here is my workflow:

1) I have an Office 365 subscription for my company email, and this gives me use of Word, Excel, and OneDrive. I use Word for typing contracts and the occasional letter or envelope that I need to print. I use Excel for keeping track of music metadata on spreadsheets and manipulating the metadata for different systems and distributors — all of which require metadata to be in different formats.

2) I use Documents by Readdle for file management. I keep all my business files in iCloud Drive, and Documents keeps all those files synced locally on the iPad as well. Then once per month I zip the entire folder (with all my business files) into a single zip file. I rename the zip file with the date, and copy it over to an Archive folder I keep on OneDrive. This is how I backup my files. I also use Documents to upload & download music files from FTP sites on a daily basis.

3) I use AudioShare for my audio file management. I keep all music we have released here, each album’s files in a separate folder, and all of these folders in a folder labeled “Archive”. Then any albums that I am currently working on get put in their own folders outside of the Archive folder. They get transferred to the Archive folder once they are done and released. Each one of these album folders also gets zipped into a single zip file and stored as a backup on OneDrive, and copied to our FTP site to be available for our distributors to download.

4) The Files app allows me to move files between Documents (locally stored files in Documents), iCloud, OneDrive, and AudioShare (locally stored files in AudioShare) just by dragging and dropping — no “Share” menu workarounds needed.

5) I am able to use Safari to register copyrights at copyright.gov and can upload the music files directly from AudioShare from within Safari.

6) I use PDF Expert (by Readdle) to sign contracts, and to complete any PDF forms that are needed for any other purpose.

7) I use Scanner Pro (by Readdle) to scan anything I receive in hard copy, so this way all my business files are stored electronically.

For email, I just use the Apple Mail app. I find this works perfectly and have not felt the need to try using Outlook or any other third party email apps.

Sounds like a very similar set up to mine except for the audio portion. Awesome that it works well for you. What are some things you think can help the platform grow with iOS 12?

 

[eVolcre]

My iPad Pro 10.5 has completely replaced my MacBook Pro (which I have sold). I own a small music production company, and here is my workflow:

1) I have an Office 365 subscription for my company email, and this gives me use of Word, Excel, and OneDrive. I use Word for typing contracts and the occasional letter or envelope that I need to print. I use Excel for keeping track of music metadata on spreadsheets and manipulating the metadata for different systems and distributors — all of which require metadata to be in different formats.

2) I use Documents by Readdle for file management. I keep all my business files in iCloud Drive, and Documents keeps all those files synced locally on the iPad as well. Then once per month I zip the entire folder (with all my business files) into a single zip file. I rename the zip file with the date, and copy it over to an Archive folder I keep on OneDrive. This is how I backup my files. I also use Documents to upload & download music files from FTP sites on a daily basis.

3) I use AudioShare for my audio file management. I keep all music we have released here, each album’s files in a separate folder, and all of these folders in a folder labeled “Archive”. Then any albums that I am currently working on get put in their own folders outside of the Archive folder. They get transferred to the Archive folder once they are done and released. Each one of these album folders also gets zipped into a single zip file and stored as a backup on OneDrive, and copied to our FTP site to be available for our distributors to download.

4) The Files app allows me to move files between Documents (locally stored files in Documents), iCloud, OneDrive, and AudioShare (locally stored files in AudioShare) just by dragging and dropping — no “Share” menu workarounds needed.

5) I am able to use Safari to register copyrights at copyright.gov and can upload the music files directly from AudioShare from within Safari.

6) I use PDF Expert (by Readdle) to sign contracts, and to complete any PDF forms that are needed for any other purpose.

7) I use Scanner Pro (by Readdle) to scan anything I receive in hard copy, so this way all my business files are stored electronically.

For email, I just use the Apple Mail app. I find this works perfectly and have not felt the need to try using Outlook or any other third party email apps.

Nice workflow. This is the switch I want to make as well. iPad Pro (uff bigger than 10.5 please but smaller than the cookie tray ) with a desktop if I choose.

I’ll have some follow up questions if you don’t mind but just two for now.

1. I’ve fully migrated to OneDrive. Don’t want to muck around with iCloud at all except for photos. I back up once a week to offline storage and also to gdrive. Does documents by readdle keep dual copies of everything locally AND on OneDrive? Sounds like iCloud does it automatically so I can’t see why not OneDrive. Copying back and forth I always lose changes. I’m an author and I usually keep a different file for EVERY day as a way to go back in case I muck something up.

2. Keyboard? I’ve tried the magic keyboard and man, not sure I can get used to it. That’s the deal maker. I even picked up a thinkpad yoga as my main writing machine JUST for the keyboard. I’m reading good things about the zagg slim book. What do you use ?

Thanks in advance

 

[cfurlin]

Haven’t touched my MacBook Pro for seven months, except for twice when I needed a tool on it for work and left my work laptop in the office.

I think the hardest thing about switching was getting over my dependence on the desktop apps. A bit of searching for iOS alternatives and now all is well. The change was good. Haven’t missed the MacBook AT ALL.

I’ll be doing a lot of traveling soon and I’m thinking about downsizing my iPad Pro from 12.9” to the 10.5” and having it double as my phone.

One device. Heaven.

 

[sdz]

Nope you don’t have to use iCloud for backups. Backup to an external hard drive instead.

Full device backup? How?

 

[Brammy]

I posted a version of this in some other thread. I've made a few more edits.

I can't use a Mac, much less an iPad for my day job. Therefore, I'm going to clarify these comments are for my personal stuff only; not work related. Although I do use it as a supplemental tool for work.

Also, the only tangential work thing is working remote. Our VDI tool, VMWare isn't fun to use all day for working on. However, I could just bring my work laptop home with me.

Brammy in 2017
My main personal computing use in 2017 was writing, drawing, and photo editing. For writing I could do 100% of it on the iPad with Ulysses. Same with drawing. Procreate and Adobe Draw are perfect for my needs. For photo editing, I was about 95% there on the iPad. Affinity Photo can do what I need, with the exception of use some Topaz filters I like. I also used the iPad to do coursework and submit it. I felt comfortable that I could do 95% of what I need to on the iPad. Office on the iPad has a lot of limitations, but outside of work, I don't really slam into them. The biggest issues for me with Office are not being able to create ToCs, and editing or creating styles. Drag and Drop is coming soon. I use OneNote for meeting notes.

Brammy in 2018
I went to architecture school in the mid-90s, right around the time AutoCad came on the market. I worked as a cad jockey for a while. Recently, I decided to get those skills back and do architectural drawings again. Unfortunately, for me, this is where the wheels come off the iPad bus. AutoCad just stinks on mobile. The best I can do -- and this isn't really the best -- is start a drawing or template on my Mac with the blocks I like to use, set up the layers with the line styles I like, and then continue it on the iPad. Autodesk Graphic does let me do some scale drawings, but it's not as quick and easy as on the Mac. For the cad jockeys, I don't have things like trim, chamfer and extend that just make line work easier.

Now, for some of what I want to do, the iPad is still good at. I don't care (for now) that I can't create a 3d model with textures and lighting on my iPad. Back when I was in school and needed to create a perspective, rather than map out the vanishing points and geometry, I'd rough out the view in a 3d program (MacPerspective, I think), print it out, and put my velum over it. I can use Formit on the iPad to do this and bring it into Procreate.

However, this now skews the ratio enough that I am taking a harder look at my "iPad Primary" lifestyle. Because I like pushing boundaries, I'm still gong to continue to try and do as much as I can on the iPad, realizing there will be some frustrations on the way. For sketching out ideas, I think the iPad is still aces. Formit is good for at least roughing out how I think a building or space could look. Similar to the rough chipboard models I made back in the day.

I think if we had a true almost-production level CAD tool for the iPad, or AutoDesk makes a lot of changes to AutoCad mobile, I could go back to using my iPad close to full time again.

 

[DNichter]

Haven’t touched my MacBook Pro for seven months, except for twice when I needed a tool on it for work and left my work laptop in the office.

I think the hardest thing about switching was getting over my dependence on the desktop apps. A bit of searching for iOS alternatives and now all is well. The change was good. Haven’t missed the MacBook AT ALL.

I’ll be doing a lot of traveling soon and I’m thinking about downsizing my iPad Pro from 12.9” to the 10.5” and having it double as my phone.

One device. Heaven.

I feel like there are a ton of iOS alternatives that are much more cost efficient and can perform the same tasks. Once you can accept that, everything is pretty simple. I agree though, I wanted to limit the amount of devices I have. Now it's just iPhone and iPad for my computing needs.

 

[eVolcre]

I’ve given up on optional mouse support but how’s “editing tracking reviewing changes “ on iOS word?


I’ll typically have a 90000 word manuscript with multiple complicated comments and suggestions on each page. Possible?

Probably can’t see myself without an iMac for serious editing and home office things but I’ll still be on the road for at least another 18 months and if not optimally at least the pro should be able to get my main tasks done. Otherwise I’ll resign myself to carrying a laptop until I’m in one place.

Track and review changes and a good keyboard are my only concerns left. I’m actually BORED of clamshells now and wouldn’t mind experimenting with the future.

 

[Brammy]

I’ve given up on optional mouse support but how’s “editing tracking reviewing changes “ on iOS word?

Pretty good actually.

 

[Eric5273]

Sounds like a very similar set up to mine except for the audio portion. Awesome that it works well for you. What are some things you think can help the platform grow with iOS 12?

Honestly, I think at this point the OS is not the limiting factor, but the available apps are. I’m sure Apple will add some nice features in iOS 12, but I cannot think of any one thing that will make a huge difference to me. I want to see more desktop quality apps released.

I know this is probably not likely to happen, but I’d love if Microsoft released Access for the iPad. I used Access quite often years ago when I used to have a PC, and I find it more capable than excel for managing metadata.

 

[DNichter]

Honestly, I think at this point the OS is not the limiting factor, but the available apps are. I’m sure Apple will add some nice features in iOS 12, but I cannot think of any one thing that will make a huge difference to me. I want to see more desktop quality apps released.

I know this is probably not likely to happen, but I’d love if Microsoft released Access for the iPad. I used Access quite often years ago when I used to have a PC, and I find it more capable than excel for managing metadata.

I agree with you here. The power is there, we need developers to start to create some desktop-level apps. I'd imagine if Apple were to create iOS versions of X Code, Final Cut, and the like - we could see some innovation there.

 

[eVolcre]

Pretty good actually.

You’ve got the 10.5 or 12.9? I’d assume larger is better because of more page displayed but in the store. Whuff. It’s a bit too big to be used as a tablet or portable. Heck I didn’t even like the MacBook Air 13. The 11 was my go to for many years.


They do need an in between size. My dream? Keep the current 10.5 and 12.9 around and do the iPad X in a 11.7 form factor. Then slowly transition the rest of the line just like the iPhone.

 

[Brammy]

You’ve got the 10.5 or 12.9? I’d assume larger is better because of more page displayed but in the store. Whuff. It’s a bit too big to be used as a tablet or portable. Heck I didn’t even like the MacBook Air 13. The 11 was my go to for many years.

12.9

 

[cfurlin]

I agree with you here. The power is there, we need developers to start to create some desktop-level apps. I'd imagine if Apple were to create iOS versions of X Code, Final Cut, and the like - we could see some innovation there.

They’re coming...slowly.

Look at Serif, the makers of Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer. Photo is already on iOS and the iOS version of Designer is coming. They’re also working on Publisher, a competitor to Adobe InDesign. IMO, Photo and Designer blow Photoshop and Illustrator out of the water.

I pay Adobe $50/mo. For the “privilege” of using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign at work. Based on how impressed I am with Photo and Designer, the second Publisher hits the App Store, Adobe can drop dead.

 

[Eric5273]

Nice workflow. This is the switch I want to make as well. iPad Pro (uff bigger than 10.5 please but smaller than the cookie tray ) with a desktop if I choose.

I’ll have some follow up questions if you don’t mind but just two for now.

1. I’ve fully migrated to OneDrive. Don’t want to muck around with iCloud at all except for photos. I back up once a week to offline storage and also to gdrive. Does documents by readdle keep dual copies of everything locally AND on OneDrive? Sounds like iCloud does it automatically so I can’t see why not OneDrive. Copying back and forth I always lose changes. I’m an author and I usually keep a different file for EVERY day as a way to go back in case I muck something up.

2. Keyboard? I’ve tried the magic keyboard and man, not sure I can get used to it. That’s the deal maker. I even picked up a thinkpad yoga as my main writing machine JUST for the keyboard. I’m reading good things about the zagg slim book. What do you use ?

Thanks in advance

1) Documents by Readdle has a feature that allows you to sync any cloud folder with a local folder. I’m not sure how to set it up as I have not had the need. By default it does this for iCloud. But for OneDrive or any other cloud services you set up under the “In the Cloud” section, it does not do that by default. So for me, my OneDrive files are only in the cloud. I’m sure if you read the Documents user guide, it will give instructions on how to set that up.

2) Do you mean the Smart Keyboard or the Magic Keyboard? I use the Magic Keyboard — this is the bluetooth one that also comes with iMacs. It works great for me, but it is not attached to the iPad — I only use it when at my desk. For the few times per year that I travel, I just make do with the on-screen keyboard.

The Zagg slim book does look nice, but any of those keyboards just about doubles the weight of the iPad. If you travel often and always need a keyboard, then you’ll want to go with one of those. For me, I don’t do any really intensive work when I travel, just the occasional email or light work, so I just make do with the on-screen keyboard. Most of my serious work gets done at my desk at home.

For a case, I use the Zugu Prodigy X — I love the adjustable angle stand. It works great while at my desk with the Bluetooth keyboards, but also works great on my lap at a lower angle, or just folding the cover around back and using it in my hands like you would any other case. It’s light and well made, and also looks very professional.

 

[sparksd]

1) Documents by Readdle has a feature that allows you to sync any cloud folder with a local folder. I’m not sure how to set it up as I have not had the need. By default it does this for iCloud. But for OneDrive or any other cloud services you set up under the “In the Cloud” section, it does not do that by default. So for me, my OneDrive files are only in the cloud. I’m sure if you read the Documents user guide, it will give instructions on how to set that up.

GoodReader supports synching - auto & manual - with cloud folders & files (OneDrive, DropBox, etc.).

 

[thisismyusername]

My iPad Pro is a laptop replacement for me although I still use a desktop PC for gaming and when working from home. The iPad is good enough for me to get work done in a pinch when traveling. I regularly VPN into either my home or work networks, ssh into various remove servers, remote desktop into my home PC, etc. I've even done frontend web development on it when away although I will admit it is definitely not the best tool for that job. Of course I also use it for various day to day activities like email, web browsing, catching up on the news, reading, youtube, etc. I also have the Smart Keyboard which helps a lot.

It's one of the best purchases I've made in the past year. I use it everyday. While I don't think I could survive with just an iPad and no other "real computer", it has definitely eliminated the need for me to have an additional personal laptop. I don't see myself ever buying another MacBook again and I never travel with a laptop anymore.

I've always been a big computer nerd and I never thought I'd ever think a tablet could serve as a replacement for a laptop but it works for me. I do, however, completely understand how some might not feel the same way.

 

[DNichter]

My iPad Pro is a laptop replacement for me although I still use a desktop PC for gaming and when working from home. The iPad is good enough for me to get work done in a pinch when traveling. I regularly VPN into either my home or work networks, ssh into various remove servers, remote desktop into my home PC, etc. I've even done frontend web development on it when away although I will admit it is definitely not the best tool for that job. Of course I also use it for various day to day activities like email, web browsing, catching up on the news, reading, youtube, etc. I also have the Smart Keyboard which helps a lot.

It's one of the best purchases I've made in the past year. I use it everyday. While I don't think I could survive with just an iPad and no other "real computer", it has definitely eliminated the need for me to have an additional personal laptop. I don't see myself ever buying another MacBook again and I never travel with a laptop anymore.

I've always been a big computer nerd and I never thought I'd ever think a tablet could serve as a replacement for a laptop but it works for me. I do, however, completely understand how some might not feel the same way.

I was always the same way with my devices and would like more control, want to tinker around with software, swap parts if needed, but I have really moved on as of late and it's been nice not to worry about it any longer. The 10.5 I have is super fast and everything works really well. I was surprised how easy the transition has been for me. My girlfriend is a graphic designer so we considered a 5K iMac for the office and then both of us just use iPad's and iPhone's for everything else. To me, that seems like the perfect set up and something Apple has in mind moving forward. I am hoping for more improvements with iOS 12, but I'd imagine that would be more iPhone focused this year.

 

[adamw]

I hope they continue to make Intel based Macs for a while, as iPad Pros may be good enough for some creative and design people, but there is nothing like a desktop Mac in my opinion. I really like the new iMac Pro. I hope they also release an updated "Mac Pro" desktop unit soon.

 

[DNichter]

I hope they continue to make Intel based Macs for a while, as iPad Pros may be good enough for some creative and design people, but there is nothing like a desktop Mac in my opinion. I really like the new iMac Pro. I hope they also release an updated "Mac Pro" desktop unit soon.

I think they will, there is definitely a market for them. I do think they will start to dabble in ARM based Mac's soon though, likely in the Mac Mini or MacBook line, just to test the waters a bit. macOS is still a great OS, but I think we need to see some innovation there. The desktop paradigm as we know it hasn't changed in forever.

 

[jmarttu24]

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

I don't own an iPad but I have always wanted one. Whats holding me back personally is the ipad pro can't run software. I am a landscape architect and need it to be able to run photoshop, Indesign, sketch up, and cad. With the new chips, it should have more than enough power to run these programs. I still prefer working on a desktop when it becomes graphic intensive, but on the fly it would be perfect to have. My iOS 12 dream would be to merge it with OSX for the ipad's.

 

[DNichter]

I don't own an iPad but I have always wanted one. Whats holding me back personally is the ipad pro can't run software. I am a landscape architect and need it to be able to run photoshop, Indesign, sketch up, and cad. With the new chips, it should have more than enough power to run these programs. I still prefer working on a desktop when it becomes graphic intensive, but on the fly it would be perfect to have. My iOS 12 dream would be to merge it with OSX for the ipad's.

I am not sure it will ever work in your profession. I know you likely need certain formats, but have you ever tried some iPad alternatives for the software you mentioned? A lot are just as capable, but just a bit different, and much more cost effective. I agree though, the software has to come. I would bet that Apple is working on creating iOS versions of some of their more full features apps such as X Code and Final Cut, that could potentially jump start what you are looking for. Unfortunately, I don't see any merging in the future. They will likely build on the strong foundation iOS 11 brought and keep adding more and more desktop-like features.