All iPads iPad worth it

[rui no onna]

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.

Lol, I have a desktop, a couple of laptops and 4 (actively used) iPads.

The desktop (which doubles as server) and iPads get the most use. Laptops the least but there are times when they’re necessary.

I find even the iPhone Pro Max display still too small so I gladly tote around the iPad. Both iPhone and iPad (7.9-11”) fit in my purse anyway.

If Apple gives the iPad mini full phone functionality, I’d ditch the iPhone.

 

[Krypton Deer]

i want to hear how productive you can be on iPad to take notes and check emails and internet.

You can experience it by confining yourself to (a) Stage Manager OR (b) full screen on your MacBook Pro. iPadOS now supports external display and desktop Safari but file/window management are still weird. Still, it's fine for general productivity.

I can throw it in my tote and it can go with me everywhere to stay organized.

I had a 2018 Wifi-only iPad Pro (sold it once I got my M2 MacBook Air). By the time you connect to wifi/mobile hotspot and prop up the keyboard/pencil, you are devoting laptop time to the task. I prefer my iPhone for simple tasks.

Also I just want one bc I like to draw too and thinking with stylus pen would be perfect.

An alternative would be to get a Wacom tablet for your laptop. But yes, iPad Pro + Apple Pencil are great to carry around and draw.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I have a laptop but use it maybe once every couple of months. I can do everything I need on my iPhone and iPad. Many things are even easier on the iPad due to having the Pencil. For me the 11 inch Pro is perfect.

 

[Shanghaichica]

It sounds like you want to use it casually and for what you've described the iPad sounds like a good fit. I have an iPad, iPhone and MacBook and like you I rarely use my MacBook. However my iapd is used every day. It's much more accessible and more pleasing to use.

 

[GuruZac]

Hi! I’m building a new home. I love electronics so proud nerd. I love my laptop Mac Pro but I don’t use it everyday like I used to and just use my iPhone bc it’s easier so I was thinking to help keep me organized and I should try get one of those big iPads bc more portable and accessible. In new house I’ll get a desktop and have an office. Occupation is mom and wife and basically house cleaner. i want to hear how productive you can be on iPad to take notes and check emails and internet. I can throw it in my tote and it can go with me everywhere to stay organized. Also I just want one bc I like to draw too and thinking with stylus pen would be perfect. If I am wrong stick to laptop and phone please share thoughts. Excited to hear comments! I never post on things like this but I know about trolls so no mean comments please.

I would recommend a deal on an M1 iPad Pro with Pencil. You won’t be disappointed. If you plan to consume media and watch videos/movies, I’d even spring for the 12.9 with mini LED display.

 

[Traverse]

For me personally, my iPad is my most used and least essential device. I use my iPhone for music and when I am on the go. I use my Mac as a media in file server, and for certain workflows that are more comfortable in a traditional desktop environment. All other computing is done on one of my iPads. I edit PDFs, watch YouTube, read books and manga, browse the web, doodle, etc.

I would say that 60% to 70% of all my computing is done on the iPad. However, if I was forced to give up one device I would have to give up the iPad. Nothing I do on it, aside from the Apple Pencil, cannot be accomplished between the Mac and the iPhone. Still, the iPad offers the best way of completing those specific tasks

 

[ericwn]

For me personally, my iPad is my most used and least essential device. I use my iPhone for music and when I am on the go. I use my Mac as a media in file server, and for certain workflows that are more comfortable in a traditional desktop environment. All other computing is done on one of my iPads. I edit PDFs, watch YouTube, read books and manga, browse the web, doodle, etc.

I would say that 60% to 70% of all my computing is done on the iPad. However, if I was forced to give up one device I would have to give up the iPad. Nothing I do on it, aside from the Apple Pencil, cannot be accomplished between the Mac and the iPhone. Still, the iPad offers the best way of completing those specific tasks

Great summary, similar experience on my side.

 

[KPOM]

Awesome feedback! Thank you so much!!! I’m going to get one!!! The new iPad Pro and the pencil. Super excited thank you

What size, the 11” or 12.9”? If you are getting the 11”, consider the iPad Air, as well. Like the other poster, I’m also a fan of the Logitech Combo Touch (having used both it and the Apple Magic Keyboard).

 

[Student of Life]

@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.

Same I totally love the Logi Combo Touch for my Air. The MK on the Air/11 Pro just feels too cramped up for me. On the 12.9 iPad Pro the MK is amazing but it just feels so compromised on the Air/11 Pro.

 

[spicynujac]

Looks like the poll isn't working, but my ipad is my favorite Mac device.

It is also by far the best bargain of ANY Apple product.

You can buy the 9th Gen ipad for less than $300 and you get everything iOS offers, along with a much larger screen, for a fraction of what even the cheapest phone goes for (plus a headphone jack!).

Of course, there is a model for everyone, but in my case it came down to the 9th Gen ipad vs the smallest ipad Pro. I just replaced my ipad Air 2, and had the 9th Gen ordered with Amazon for $270, but then Target had a great deal on the M1 Pro for $550 and I was able to cancel and get that one instead.

The Pro is not double the machine the 9th G ipad is, but it has a few nice features, and Apple's ability to set pricing tiers is famous. In the end, I figured the M1 processor will make the purchase last much longer, so I went for the Pro, (along with a Magic Pencil) but it all came down to which one was on sale. The user experience of my old Air is not much different--it was just getting slow.

My only minor complaints are: (1) the M1 Pro is such a nice machine, I bought a great case for it, and now it's a bit large and unwieldy, where the slim Air could slide easily into a bedside pocket. Since the pro is so premium, with its better screen, speakers, etc I felt like it needed better protection. And (2) the power button is really hard to find compared to the old home button, and I use it to activate Siri (I'll never do the always-on-eavesdropping mode).

The ipads are priced so well. I think it's silly people pay over $1,000 for a phone with a tiny screen, when you can get the same device, with a better processor, and larger screen for half that. Ipad is a must have!

 

[jm31828]

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.

What are your thoughts on content consumption on a MacBook Air, for someone trying to limit expenditure on devices (having a MacBook and an iPhone)?

 

[rui no onna]

Of course, there is a model for everyone, but in my case it came down to the 9th Gen ipad vs the smallest ipad Pro. I just replaced my ipad Air 2, and had the 9th Gen ordered with Amazon for $270, but then Target had a great deal on the M1 Pro for $550 and I was able to cancel and get that one instead.

The Pro is not double the machine the 9th G ipad is, but it has a few nice features, and Apple's ability to set pricing tiers is famous. In the end, I figured the M1 processor will make the purchase last much longer, so I went for the Pro, (along with a Magic Pencil) but it all came down to which one was on sale. The user experience of my old Air is not much different--it was just getting slow.

To me it is double the machine in terms of useful life. I'm expecting 8GB RAM + 128GB storage to greatly improve longevity.

 

[usmaak]

I have spent a lot of money on Apple devices in the last year. Much more than I care to really think about. At least I know that all of the new toys will last for many years to come. I have a 2021 MacBook Pro 16”, an iPhone 14 Pro Max, and an M2 iPad Pro 12.9”. I am on the iPad about 80% of the time. It is so much easier to just sit with it in my lap. My MacBook is a true powerhouse. I use it for coding and remote work. For what I ended up using it for, it is definitely overkill. My iPhone is great for when I am out but it pretty much just sits there when I am at home. The iPad does everything else. I write emails, take classes in languages and other areas, send and receive text messages, update documents, edit pictures. There is so much I can do with it and I am sure that there are many things that I haven’t even thought of. It’s a great device. It’s even better with the Magic Keyboard. I would get rid of my phone and MacBook before I would ever get rid of the iPad.

 

[wilberforce]

What are your thoughts on content consumption on a MacBook Air, for someone trying to limit expenditure on devices (having a MacBook and an iPhone)?

An iPad is not necessary for content consumption. It is just more convenient to use in certain situations. The MBA has a bigger screen (especially in width) and better speakers (assuming a recent MBA) than most iPads.

 

[AppleNooble]

I bought mine for a specific purpose. It carries out this role nicely. If you are wondering whether you should get one or not without a use case? Well, that probably means you don’t need it but may want one.

 

[koelsh]

What are your thoughts on content consumption on a MacBook Air, for someone trying to limit expenditure on devices (having a MacBook and an iPhone)?

An iPad is not necessary for content consumption. It is just more convenient to use in certain situations. The MBA has a bigger screen (especially in width) and better speakers (assuming a recent MBA) than most iPads.

The Mac is also more capable of playing media as sites/sources that don't have iOS apps will play better on desktop than in mobile Safari. Also, since the Mac understands how to play more than one media stream at a time you can still listen to music and ads on websites won't take over.

You mention limiting expenditure on devices. Getting an iPad means having something else to keep charged, if you have bluetooth headphones it's another source to juggle with the connections, and for media it's somewhere else to login or copy files to. An iPad is not just the monetary expense but also the mental expense of managing it.

 

[blkjedi954]

Ty

iPad was never intended to replace laptops. I really wish those hoping for MacOS to debut on an iPad, go back and watch the original keynote introducing the tablet form factor by Steve Jobs. He made a clear and convincing case for its existence in specific terms. I love my iPad and I can accomplish many productivity feats on it but it will never replace a laptop for comprehensive productivity. It’s a focused based tool and is not well-suited for multitasking. But what it can do and was designed for it does really really well. I love it.

 

[Matt Leaf]

What are your thoughts on content consumption on a MacBook Air, for someone trying to limit expenditure on devices (having a MacBook and an iPhone)?

MacBook Air can do just fine. But I would say there are some features between the two, primarily around ergonomics, that might make one or the other better in your use case.

For instance, an iPad with a folio stand take up little space on a table or flat surface, so it’s great for a couch arm, or a plane tray table. Further holding an iPad by itself can be quite convenient, over a laptop, for instance while laying down on a couch. With a laptop the keyboard is always there, and maybe in some situations, all you really need is the screen. The iPad is good for that and less cumbersome.

Something else that is useful out of the box - and I don’t know why this is. But on iOS and iPadOS, there is the ability to stream audio to multiple devices. For instance, a Sonos speaker in the kitchen and an Airplay device in the lounge. You can link audio in this way. To me the iPad is quite a handy home remote in this way, it can be looking after this aspect of things while you attend to other keyboard related matters on your Mac.

I’m not sure why, but Mac OS only has one selectable main streaming out put for Airplay at the top level of the OS. However you can select multiple output in the Apple Music app, for instance.

I think if you just want to have one device you can be fine with an Air, but an iPad has other ergonomics and features that are useful when you need them. For instance, an iPad in the kitchen while cooking copping water splashes is less worrisome for me, you just wipe it down. However an Air I wouldn’t want to get water through the keyboard.

 

[koelsh]

iPad was never intended to replace laptops. I really wish those hoping for MacOS to debut on an iPad, go back and watch the original keynote introducing the tablet form factor by Steve Jobs. He made a clear and convincing case for its existence in specific terms. I love my iPad and I can accomplish many productivity feats on it but it will never replace a laptop for comprehensive productivity. It’s a focused based tool and is not well-suited for multitasking. But what it can do and was designed for it does really really well. I love it.

Except that the Apple of today keeps presenting the iPad as if it can replace laptops. Their it's a computer ad campaign was 4 years ago.

It's understandable the iPad was not intended to replace laptops in 2010; the processors simply were not capable of doing so. However, today my M1 iPad Pro is twice as powerful as my 2018 MBP.

I really really like my iPad but what its software isn't allowed to do keeps me from loving it. I really like my MBP yet where it cannot go and how I cannot interface with it prevents me from loving it. And after a decade I'm tired of carrying, context switching, and finding space for two separate devices.

 

[Alex Cai]

As long as you don’t use the Apple Pencil it’s fine

 

[Skeptical.me]

I spend a lot of time on Social Media, SSH’ing into my ASUS RT-AX88U router, on forums, reading the news and general email, web surfing, youtube, marking up pdf’s, watching news, taking notes and so on. I can accomplish all this now with my new iPad Air 5th Generation. I was unsure whether I’d actually use an iPad all that much as I mainly used my Macbook Air, I couldn’t be happier tbh.

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

It sounds like you’ve pretty much convinced yourself. So much can be done on an iPhone but oftentimes the iPad is much more relaxing and easy because of the screen size. I can’t imagine not having an iPad!

I can't imagine not having Mac/pc but i can easily imagine not having an ipad tbh

An ipad can't replace a laptop/PC , even now , it's so damn limited , i almost never use mine lol

 

[Ludatyk]

iPad was never intended to replace laptops. I really wish those hoping for MacOS to debut on an iPad, go back and watch the original keynote introducing the tablet form factor by Steve Jobs. He made a clear and convincing case for its existence in specific terms. I love my iPad and I can accomplish many productivity feats on it but it will never replace a laptop for comprehensive productivity. It’s a focused based tool and is not well-suited for multitasking. But what it can do and was designed for it does really really well. I love it.

I disagree with using absolutes... the iPad was initially intended to be a in-between with the Mac and iPhone, but as @koelsh mention.. technology evolves.

Back in 2010, the iPad was stuck using one-window apps... there was no way of juggling two or more active apps. But now, that has evolved to four active apps on screen (eight with an external monitor). Some has made the jump to the iPad being a laptop replacement, while others are not able to.. but to take the approach as it would never replace a laptop.

Well, that's a bit too extreme.

 

[jm31828]

The Mac is also more capable of playing media as sites/sources that don't have iOS apps will play better on desktop than in mobile Safari. Also, since the Mac understands how to play more than one media stream at a time you can still listen to music and ads on websites won't take over.

You mention limiting expenditure on devices. Getting an iPad means having something else to keep charged, if you have bluetooth headphones it's another source to juggle with the connections, and for media it's somewhere else to login or copy files to. An iPad is not just the monetary expense but also the mental expense of managing it.

Thanks- I’ve been starting to think that. The iPad is a great device, but just it seems the mba would replace it for almost everything- with a bigger screen and better battery life.

 

[blkjedi954]

I disagree with using absolutes... the iPad was initially intended to be a in-between with the Mac and iPhone, but as @koelsh mention.. technology evolves.

Back in 2010, the iPad was stuck using one-window apps... there was no way of juggling two or more active apps. But now, that has evolved to four active apps on screen (eight with an external monitor). Some has made the jump to the iPad being a laptop replacement, while others are not able to.. but to take the approach as it would never replace a laptop.

Well, that's a bit too extreme.

Thank you for chiming in. I’m still with Steve on this. iOS/iPadOS was built from the ground up to be focused based and as you mentioned, to be slotted between iPhones and Macs. Steve was a Maverick and bucked many trends. The problem I see, is that what’s evolving is peoples expectations. I would like a flying car but it’s not practical and I would hope that despite the demand for such a thing that none of the major car manufacturers indulge such silliness. Nor would any govt sanction such a venture. Steve led. This current Apple is following. Samsung had Dex for many moons now, MS introduced the Surface Pro and the Apple base began to envy and demand for an analog to these features on iOS/iPadOS. Sure iPads can split screen but now with 4 screens on iPadOS 16, they have gone against the mission statement. The Macbook Air is just as light and portable and currently fills that segment. So why does the iPad need to evolve out of its slot again? What’s happening is Apple is creating clunky software that offers features that was never intended for this segment. I think Tim C. knows this. How else can you explain having the exact same chips in iPad pros as are in the MacBook line-up yet we have none of Apples own “pro” software/app. They’re trying to satiate the demand of the loudest segment who have now hijacked the mission statement and created a new narrative via social media with bad arguments, not bad faith arguments because many truly misunderstand how and why products are created. Steve J. understood. I’ve worked in product development and believe Steve had it right. I don’t mind the iPad evolving, just not into a MacBook which it appears that you and many others want despite the degradation in the overall experience. Thats how I felt on a PC for decades and it was acceptable. Apple raised the bar when it came to customer experience when using their products and it seems that his efforts are lost on so many. Thank you for your ear. Just MHO.

p.s. - the docked iPad Pro feature in iPadOS 16 is nice. But stage manager on iPad undocked is clunky and cramped. Steve would have never approved this. Once again this Apple has given in to the masses. Steve gave you what you didn’t know you wanted or needed. That’s all but gone.