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Should I get an iPad for portable productivity building home?

  • 100% I love mine

    Votes: 83 79.0%
  • I got one and never use it so no

    Votes: 11 10.5%
  • I don’t care but I read your post

    Votes: 11 10.5%
  • Get this tablet instead for your situation

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    105
  • Poll closed .

wilberforce

macrumors 68030
Aug 15, 2020
2,931
3,207
SF Bay Area
Yes an iPad is perfect for email, internet, notes, drawing. Much better than a phone.
An iPad cannot totally substitute for a computer, at least not without difficulty. But it sounds like you will have a computer also.
Best stylus for drawing is Apple Pencil 2, because it is pressure and angle sensitive.
The difficult decision is which model of iPad. There are almost too many choices.
 
Last edited:

Techydeltagirl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 30, 2022
8
14
I love my MacBook when I need to do something requires! But it’s just not portable so I’m always on my phone which is great. I guess I’m looking for someone to say yesss absolutely I love my iPad and it’s great!!! or waste of money or I got this other tablet that’s better for notes internet email with Stylus pen
 

bondr006

macrumors 68030
Jun 8, 2010
2,904
16,820
Cary, NC - My Name is Rob Bond
My M1 iPad Pro 11 replaced my MBP in Nov. 2021 for use in my real estate and property management business and totally streamlined my workflow, reduced steps I had to take, and made work a lot more fun. It is so much easier, convenient, and more intuitive to use the iPad for the work I do. In fact, I would go so far as to say, in my opinion the laptop is limiting and cumbersome compared to the iPad Pro for the type of work I do. I work with contracts, forms, docs, pdf's, take a huge amount of notes, sketch house dimensions, take pictures, communicate(messages and email), and do a bunch of scanning. Working with documents, pdf's, contracts, and forms is so much easier for me. Editing, marking up, and then sending to clients is all done within the app, and reduces the amount of steps it takes to communicate. The iPad also reduced the amount of hardware devices I needed, and condensed them all into one really portable device that actually makes my work more easy and convenient. I am 62 and have used Macs and PC's for going on 40 years now, and for some reason using an iPad and iPadOS is just something I get. I have really enjoyed using my iPad as my main device this past year, and it makes me feel good at my age, that I was able to pick the iPad up, and just run with it. Pretty cool to have something you love using for both mobile and desktop.

IMG_1637.png
IMG_1356.jpg
 

1BadManVan

macrumors 68040
Dec 20, 2009
3,285
3,446
Bc Canada
My M1 iPad Pro 11 replaced my MBP in Nov. 2021 for use in my real estate and property management business and totally streamlined my workflow, reduced steps I had to take, and made work a lot more fun. It is so much easier, convenient, and more intuitive to use the iPad for the work I do. In fact, I would go so far as to say, in my opinion the laptop is limiting and cumbersome compared to the iPad Pro for the type of work I do. I work with contracts, forms, docs, pdf's, take a huge amount of notes, sketch house dimensions, take pictures, communicate(messages and email), and do a bunch of scanning. Working with documents, pdf's, contracts, and forms is so much easier for me. Editing, marking up, and then sending to clients is all done within the app, and reduces the amount of steps it takes to communicate. The iPad also reduced the amount of hardware devices I needed, and condensed them all into one really portable device that actually makes my work more easy and convenient. I am 62 and have used Macs and PC's for going on 40 years now, and for some reason using an iPad and iPadOS is just something I get. I have really enjoyed using my iPad as my main device this past year, and it makes me feel good at my age, that I was able to pick the iPad up, and just run with it. Pretty cool to have something you love using for both mobile and desktop.

IMG_1637.png
IMG_1356.jpg
Good looking set up, glad you’ve made the iPad work for you
 

Techydeltagirl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 30, 2022
8
14
My M1 iPad Pro 11 replaced my MBP in Nov. 2021 for use in my real estate and property management business and totally streamlined my workflow, reduced steps I had to take, and made work a lot more fun. It is so much easier, convenient, and more intuitive to use the iPad for the work I do. In fact, I would go so far as to say, in my opinion the laptop is limiting and cumbersome compared to the iPad Pro for the type of work I do. I work with contracts, forms, docs, pdf's, take a huge amount of notes, sketch house dimensions, take pictures, communicate(messages and email), and do a bunch of scanning. Working with documents, pdf's, contracts, and forms is so much easier for me. Editing, marking up, and then sending to clients is all done within the app, and reduces the amount of steps it takes to communicate. The iPad also reduced the amount of hardware devices I needed, and condensed them all into one really portable device that actually makes my work more easy and convenient. I am 62 and have used Macs and PC's for going on 40 years now, and for some reason using an iPad and iPadOS is just something I get. I have really enjoyed using my iPad as my main device this past year, and it makes me feel good at my age, that I was able to pick the iPad up, and just run with it. Pretty cool to have something you love using for both mobile and desktop.

IMG_1637.png
IMG_1356.jpg
THANK YOU!!!!
 

wilberforce

macrumors 68030
Aug 15, 2020
2,931
3,207
SF Bay Area
I love my MacBook when I need to do something requires! But it’s just not portable so I’m always on my phone which is great. I guess I’m looking for someone to say yesss absolutely I love my iPad and it’s great!!! or waste of money or I got this other tablet that’s better for notes internet email with Stylus pen
There is no tablet as good as an iPad. iPads are great, but not a complete substitute for a computer, nor a complete substitute for a phone. On the other hand, they do many things better.
 

Kierkegaarden

Cancelled
Dec 13, 2018
2,424
4,137
Given that you seem to prefer the UI of the iPhone, I would think an iPad would be comfortable and enjoyable for you. I use my MacBook for certain things, but there are other things I prefer on my iPad Pro 12.9”. I also prefer to use the Pencil as an input device instead of my fingers. Lastly, I think using an iPad for a home design project will be more engaging than on a laptop, at least from the visual aspect.
 

Danfango

macrumors 65816
Jan 4, 2022
1,294
5,779
London, UK
I mostly run my life off my iPhone and iPad. Absolutely worth it. I'm creating music, art, note taking, spreadsheets, music, organisation (calendar/reminders), photo editing, mapping/planning (osmaps) and the usual media consumption stuff. I'm even teaching my kids remotely with it on FaceTime and Freeform now.

The only things it doesn't do is the day job which is sysadmin. I could probably cram it onto the iPad and a remote host somewhere but it's just not worth the hassle.
 

Alexfromaz

macrumors member
Sep 19, 2022
41
128
I tried the iPad 2nd generation. I sold it in a year. I tried the iPad Pro 11 inch at the start of the pandemic and I sold it in less than a year. I tried the iPad mini (favorite of all iPads) and I sold it in 6 months. It turns out that all my productivity and lifestyle fits on my iPhone and Macbook Air. The iPad is nice and I think I was sold on the idea of what it could do and how I could use it.
 

JustinKent

macrumors member
Jan 31, 2017
93
198
Also get the Magic Keyboard case… it really enhances your productivity and makes a great portable stand. I know it seems expensive, but it’s worth it for your use case. Enjoy!
 
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zerocharlie

macrumors member
Jul 6, 2022
47
113
We all have different preferences and use cases for an iPad, but, man, when you use an iPad for iPad-things, it’s so nice to have.

I use an iPad as a device between my iPhone and MacBook Pro, and I’m okay with it being the middle child. It doesn’t need to replace either for it to be useful for me.
 

macsound1

macrumors 6502a
May 17, 2007
835
866
SF Bay Area
I know I’m the weird nerd, but I primarily use my base model iPad vertically. Like 75%. I never use a keyboard case and I don’t do much more than consumption with it.

Specifically, I love my iPad for recipes, instructional videos, browsing some forums, and using all the great apps like drawing and controlling proprietary hardware at home.

I’m totally content with the original iPad pencil too. My gf has the M1 air with pencil 2 and there’s no upswell for me there 🤷‍♂️

What I don’t personally condone is adding $100s worth of accessories to try and make it more laptop like.
I love the slim portability of the iPad, how easy it is to show someone something, but a laptop or isn’t.

Since I’m also completely content with the $329 iPad, that leaves more room in my budget for laptops, which I love and use as a regular computer. Close it and carry in a bag, running up and downstairs, easily set on a counter to watch something or take a video meeting. I type a lot, run photoshop, edit videos, and love having a bigger screen than a phone that isn’t precariously attached to the keyboard (like iPad keyboard cases)
 
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SpotOnT

macrumors 65816
Dec 7, 2016
1,032
2,175
I find that I can do just about anything on my phone that I might want to do on an iPad. For real efficiency I go to a laptop. For traveling about town I just take my phone. I don’t want to lug an iPad around.

Having a Desktop and a laptop and a phone AND and tablet seems way overkill. Choose your favorite 2 (or maybe 3) devices and move on. If your goal is to keep organized, it is just simpler to keep track of/update/manage 2 devices than 4.

And there is just so much overlap between a larger iPhone and an iPad anyway.
 

bondr006

macrumors 68030
Jun 8, 2010
2,904
16,820
Cary, NC - My Name is Rob Bond
Also get the Magic Keyboard case… it really enhances your productivity and makes a great portable stand. I know it seems expensive, but it’s worth it for your use case. Enjoy!
@Techydeltagirl

I have had my Logi Combo Touch for a year now and still love it. It is standing up well to a lot of use. Has fully protected my iPad Pro from two drops now without a mark or malfunction on the LCT. Like the Magic Keyboard, the LCT has the smart connector so you do not have to worry about charging it, or having to depend on a Bluetooth connection. It easily detaches from the keyboard while still giving it protection and a fully adjustable kickstand. The typing experience is A#1, and the bigger multitouch trackpad has all the gestures we Apple folk are used too. It is smooth, and clicks anywhere on the trackpad. I have not experienced any hiccups with the trackpad or keyboard. I cannot understand why Apple would put such a small trackpad on the MKB, and no shortcut keys either. For the higher price, you would expect a superior product and user experience. But just the opposite is true. In this case, you definitely get less and pay more. Don't get me wrong. I love Apple and the hardware products they make but you can find just as good if not better accessories for less elsewhere. IMO, the LCT is a better product for less $$ than the MKB.

Things I would miss if I had to give up the LCT.

1. Protection on the edges.
2. Being able to remove the backlit keyboard and still have iPad fully protected in a case with an adjustable kickstand.
3. The larger, multi touch click anywhere track pad. It's frigging amazing.
4. The material the MKB is made of smudges and marks up easily. The LCT material is tough and does not.
5. And probably my favorite, the really convenient full row of iPadOS shortcut keys.

I would not hesitate recommending the LCT to anyone looking for a great keyboard case for their iPad. I have not had anything but a good experience with it and many other Logitech products.
 

Systemlord

macrumors member
Dec 30, 2022
38
18
I have a killer water cooled gaming PC with 27” G-Sync monitor, Genelic 8030C professional studio monitors and still prefer my iPad Pro 12,.9” for web surfing while using my Bose Noise Cancelling headsets on the couch!

My HDR Liquid Retina Display looks better than my $1000 G-Sync 144 Hz gaming monitor.

The Magic Keyboard is a must, because it’s magic!

The Apple Pencil 2 is worthwhile too.
 
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Techydeltagirl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 30, 2022
8
14
I know I’m the weird nerd, but I primarily use my base model iPad vertically. Like 75%. I never use a keyboard case and I don’t do much more than consumption with it.

Specifically, I love my iPad for recipes, instructional videos, browsing some forums, and using all the great apps like drawing and controlling proprietary hardware at home.

I’m totally content with the original iPad pencil too. My gf has the M1 air with pencil 2 and there’s no upswell for me there 🤷‍♂️

What I don’t personally condone is adding $100s worth of accessories to try and make it more laptop like.
I love the slim portability of the iPad, how easy it is to show someone something, but a laptop or isn’t.

Since I’m also completely content with the $329 iPad, that leaves more room in my budget for laptops, which I love and use as a regular computer. Close it and carry in a bag, running up and downstairs, easily set on a counter to watch something or take a video meeting. I type a lot, run photoshop, edit videos, and love having a bigger screen than a phone that isn’t precariously attached to the keyboard (like iPad keyboard cases)
Oh so helpful!!
 

Techydeltagirl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 30, 2022
8
14
I find that I can do just about anything on my phone that I might want to do on an iPad. For real efficiency I go to a laptop. For traveling about town I just take my phone. I don’t want to lug an iPad around.

Having a Desktop and a laptop and a phone AND and tablet seems way overkill. Choose your favorite 2 (or maybe 3) devices and move on. If your goal is to keep organized, it is just simpler to keep track of/update/manage 2 devices than 4.

And there is just so much overlap between a larger iPhone and an iPad anyway.
Veryyy Valid points I’ve been fighting. I’m just going to get it though. I think 😆 TY
 

Matt Leaf

macrumors 6502
Feb 5, 2012
453
451
To me, iPads are an accessory to a Mac. Even though Apple will tell you otherwise. So, you might do your main work on your Mac, but then, when you want to get up out of your chair and maybe take advantage of GPS or accelerometers and that type of thing, AR etc, the iPad can help. Some circumstances, like, looking at the stars, are fantastic on the iPad. A Mac can't really beat this, it suits the iPads strengths. But maybe doing serious astronomy work with data you are better on the Mac. The same would apply to your house. Maybe there is a nice AR application that can assist with say, previewing certain ideas you have in 3D. And yes can take notes absolutely, but a few markers and a sketchbook can achieve the same result.

For me, the iPads best use is as content consumption - music, movies and web browsing. Around the home it's a fantastic mini TV, likewise on a plane. I basically like it for that, it's good while in the kitchen cooking, too. For those reasons I don't sell it. It does have gaps it can fill as a device, but it doesn't fill all gaps.
 
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