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Flame away...If you are unhappy to receive the emoji back don't you use it then, real simple...!
And i just don't agree with you, i believe your comment did call for it...

But whichever way you cut it, the pencil in the main is a gimmick (yes i have one) and if you are into drawing for productivity, the surface "studio" IS unquestionably the best option possible right now. iPad users claim size is everything - when its' in their favour (the iPhone counter), iPad owners claim portability, but an iPad 12.9 is no more or less portable than a rMB or rMBP in real terms,

If you’re a chick with wimpy arms, yeah, actually a 12.9 IPP is HUGELY more portable than a MBP, for lugging around airports, etc. And easier to use on planes. :)
 
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For me my iPad mini 2 is a way of life. It allows me to do stuff online when I am not near or using my computer in the bedroom. It is not a toy. At least I don’t treat it as such.
 
Bad link - pdas!
It's the first tablet in the sense of the word and you are playing word games.
http://www.businessinsider.com/here...ly-microsoft-blew-it-with-tablets-2013-5?IR=T

  1. PDAs? Did you read it or did you see a picture of the Newton and come back here to say “It’s about PDAs!”? If you would have read it you might have learned something about tablet computers.
  2. Microsoft wasn’t even the first to the game as far as applying it to a desktop operating system.
  3. By the time Microsoft got around to applying it to Windows (with Windows 3.1), Pen Computing on a tablet was old hat.
  4. Oh, and wait... did Microsoft release tablet hardware? Oh yeah, that would be a “no”. How many versions of Pen-enabled computing did Microsoft release before the Surface?
    1. Windows for Pen (Windows 3.1)
    2. Windows 95 (Pen 2)
    3. Windows XP Tablet Edition (Essentially Pen 3)
    4. Let’s not forget Oragami... edit: twice!!
    5. Windows Vista and 7 supported Tablets natively
    6. Windows 8 - Finally Microsoft produces their own tablet- the Surface
  5. So, really, in no sense did Microsoft “debut” tablets.
  6. And that’s all assuming PDAs count as toys and not productivity devices (which would be ironic since they were billed and used with a productivity/business focus).
    1. Also assuming you’re counting any non-Windows OS as a PDA OS, because there were Linux OS tablets before the Surface as well.

But, yes... let’s talk about just how MANY times Microsoft blew it before they FINALLY found a market...
 
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It’s been a long time now since I started this thread, and I’m a little amazed that it’s still going. I obviously touched a nerve.

It’s not short sighted at all. Incase you missed my original post, I had an iPad mini, and all I ever used it for was surfing and watching Netflix. That’s toy territory in my book, and I needed more than that. Here’s the meat of my reasoning:

Basically what it comes down to is that I was looking for a job, and there’s no way that an iPad could have handled everything I needed to get done.

Still today the iPad can’t satisfy the demands of my job, not even for a single day. Is it really such a stretch then to wonder if the “Pro” label is not really appropriate when that’s your experience?

I am the General Manager of a company and It’s the best Computer I Have ever used for business!
 
I genuinely think people don’t understand that using something for “business” is entirely dependent on job description and the type of business. Most administrative work can definitely be achieved with an iPad these days.

Also using excel is not the only use case for business customers. In fact if someone is not dealing with specific type of job like software development or dealing with huge offline data sources (which I don’t think is a major use case), an iPad can very well suffice as the only computer they need.
 
Ok, so I know the thread title may seem trollish, but I promise that's not what I'm trying to do. Part of my purchase process inevitably gets to a point where I say to myself "I don't really need this thing." The iPad Pro with iOS 11 has me really tempted, and so I'm in that same spot of saying that I don't really need it. That's the reason I'm starting this thread, to get these thoughts out there and see what others have to say.

So on the one hand, I could use a hardware upgrade. I have an early-2011 MBP, which is really starting to show its age. But it also was invaluable when I was looking for a new job and relocating 6 months ago. I updated my resume, posted to recruiting sites, had several interviews over Skype, wrote numerous coding samples for prospective employers, organized and executed my move, all from my MBP. There's no way an iPad could have accomplished all of that, so I'm not someone who's going to go iPad only.

On the other hand, the iPad could have accomplished a lot of those tasks. I have an original iPad Mini, which is REALLY showing its age. So much so that I haven't bothered to dig it out of the box since we moved, and I haven't missed it.

That last part is what's feeding my thought process that the iPad is just a toy. Sure, I've enjoyed taking it on trips to watch movies and Netflix, read books, etc. But that's all its ever really done for me.

Then Monday happened, and now I'm back to thinking that maybe there is some usefulness to the iPad beyond consumption. For example, I'm constantly having to scan receipts, sign a cover document, and email them off.

So now I'm so wrapped up in knots that I just don't know what to think. My personal experience has been that the iPad is indeed just a toy for watching videos. But is there something about the Pro that changes this? Is multitasking (even the version that came in iOS 9) really THAT big of a game changer? Sorry for the rambling nature of this post, but my thoughts are just such a mess right now. I would love to hear what everyone else has to say.
Even the Mac or the PC are toys, I guess it all depends on how you use it.

For me the iPad hase become the main computer, I can do almost anythihg i could with a Mac, it took some time to get used to a new workflow, but there is very little I cannot do (as in RIP dvd / bluray).

Microsoft Office
Affinity Photo
Pixelmator
iDraw
PDF Expert
Scanner Pro
Airmail
iMovie

Those for me are a must and what transform a TOY into a productivity device.... lets not forget the media side wich is important and definetly not toy(ish). Movies, Music and Pictures!

That last part is what's feeding my thought process that the iPad is just a toy. Sure, I've enjoyed taking it on trips to watch movies and Netflix, read books, etc. But that's all its ever really done for me.

Then Monday happened, and now I'm back to thinking that maybe there is some usefulness to the iPad beyond consumption. For example, I'm constantly having to scan receipts, sign a cover document, and email them off.

PDF Expert
Scanner Pro
Airmail (or any email client)

and an Apple Pen (this is optional as you can sign with a Finger as well...but definetly enhance the experience) and that is all covered, and very WELL!!

About the only thing I see you cannot do of what you descrived is coding.... if that is a must then yes iPad only is not the way to go, but everything else...Skype, Resume, Scan, email, organize stuff... you can do all of those!
 
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  1. PDAs? Did you read it or did you see a picture of the Newton and come back here to say “It’s about PDAs!”? If you would have read it you might have learned something about tablet computers.
  2. Microsoft wasn’t even the first to the game as far as applying it to a desktop operating system.
  3. By the time Microsoft got around to applying it to Windows (with Windows 3.1), Pen Computing on a tablet was old hat.
  4. Oh, and wait... did Microsoft release tablet hardware? Oh yeah, that would be a “no”. How many versions of Pen-enabled computing did Microsoft release before the Surface?
    1. Windows for Pen (Windows 3.1)
    2. Windows 95 (Pen 2)
    3. Windows XP Tablet Edition (Essentially Pen 3)
    4. Let’s not forget Oragami... edit: twice!!
    5. Windows Vista and 7 supported Tablets natively
    6. Windows 8 - Finally Microsoft produces their own tablet- the Surface
  5. So, really, in no sense did Microsoft “debut” tablets.
  6. And that’s all assuming PDAs count as toys and not productivity devices (which would be ironic since they were billed and used with a productivity/business focus).
    1. Also assuming you’re counting any non-Windows OS as a PDA OS, because there were Linux OS tablets before the Surface as well.
But, yes... let’s talk about just how MANY times Microsoft blew it before they FINALLY found a market...

You are talking absolutes, i NEVER SAID FIRST - EVER! MS brought it to the fore and you know it.... but it's the first conventional recognisable tablet. The newton was/is a PoS and is and was marketed as a PDA.
What next who brought computers to the fore and you claim Babbage or even the Greeks? :confused:
 
You are talking absolutes, i NEVER SAID FIRST - EVER! MS brought it to the fore and you know it.... but it's the first conventional recognisable tablet. The newton was/is a PoS and is and was marketed as a PDA.
What next who brought computers to the fore and you claim Babbage or even the Greeks? :confused:

Really? Let’s see...
Besides you saying you never said first... then saying first...

I'm sure Microsoft will be real proud of just how far the tablet has come since they debut it, even if it was apple who made it a success.

Microsoft never had a very big Tablet audience until AFTER Apple made the iPad. Before the iPad, tablets were roughly double the cost of a notebook with similar specs. There was a lot of interest, but it didn’t translate into sales. Excitement with tablets was huge with Oragami, especially the rumored $500 price tag... then reality hit and the devices were expensive, clunky and didn’t deliver on the promise. I believe this was one of the last straws for Microsoft creating their own hardware.

Microsoft was certainly not late to the tablet game, and they were certainly there in the beginning, but they never had much success until the Surface. Microsoft tried to lead in tablets but failed over and over again.

Edit: Also, the Newton was AMAZING! I used mine right up to the release of the iPad.
 
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Thing is I’ve yet to see a real actual and factual post that would prove the iPad is a toy. It’s a fact it is a computer, and even more so than some lower to mid-end laptops. Most here state the reason they think it’s a toy... is because they believe it can only be used for kids or elderly people for content viewing or doodling... that’s a very shortsighted assessment IMO.
Again just because not everyone uses their iPad to it’s full potential, doesn’t means it’s not capable of doing complex and real professional work.
Of course the topic is mainly to debate our opinions, but many are just stating things they think most/all iPad owners use it for. All those I know who own an iPad (except a few people) use it just like a desktop, without issue.
So maybe instead of debating that it’s a toy, the argument should be, “is the iPad a real work machine.” Because to me and many here, it’s clearly not a toy. :)


Kallum.
 
Only those who handle operational tasks for their job do not see the iPad as a viable computer. Luckily though, there are plenty of careers out there that aren't focused on operational tasks and can be the perfect machine for executives, directors, and the like. Use the best tool for the job.
 
Really? Let’s see...
Besides you saying you never said first... then saying first...



Microsoft never had a very big Tablet audience until AFTER Apple made the iPad. Before the iPad, tablets were roughly double the cost of a notebook with similar specs. There was a lot of interest, but it didn’t translate into sales. Excitement with tablets was huge with Oragami, especially the rumored $500 price tag... then reality hit and the devices were expensive, clunky and didn’t deliver on the promise. I believe this was one of the last straws for Microsoft creating their own hardware.

Microsoft was certainly not late to the tablet game, and they were certainly there in the beginning, but they never had much success until the Surface. Microsoft tried to lead in tablets but failed over and over again.

Edit: Also, the Newton was AMAZING! I used mine right up to the release of the iPad.

Highlight the word first? where is it???
Highlight the word invented? where is it???
Highlight "who" put the out the first tablet able to do productive work, who was it???

Or do you want to keep playing word games???
Newton was AMAZING - yeah, sure...! The only thing prolific about the device was it's fail :confused:
 
Let me preface this by saying that I am retired have no need for a “business” computer. Not a toy for me. I just wiped my MacBook Pro and will hold it for one my kids. There’s very little I can’t do on my iPad and plan on upgrading to the next one as soon as it comes out. It gets nearly 24/7 use.
Sadly, the iPad won't even work for my mother, who's also retired. The biggest problem there is the fact that she had her entire CD library ripped and loaded onto her laptop. I have found no good way of transferring audio files between two iOS devices and having them be available in the Music app. At least, not without paying for either Apple Music or iTunes Match (which she doesn't want to do).
 
Sadly, the iPad won't even work for my mother, who's also retired. The biggest problem there is the fact that she had her entire CD library ripped and loaded onto her laptop. I have found no good way of transferring audio files between two iOS devices and having them be available in the Music app. At least, not without paying for either Apple Music or iTunes Match (which she doesn't want to do).

Eh?! Why can’t you sync the music using iTunes? Easy as pie.
 
Sadly, the iPad won't even work for my mother, who's also retired. The biggest problem there is the fact that she had her entire CD library ripped and loaded onto her laptop. I have found no good way of transferring audio files between two iOS devices and having them be available in the Music app. At least, not without paying for either Apple Music or iTunes Match (which she doesn't want to do).

Do you need to transfer from the laptop to an iOS device or from one iOS device to another? I'd suggest just biting the bullet and using iTunes Match, the cost is small and would make everything seamless.
 
Eh?! Why can’t you sync the music using iTunes? Easy as pie.
The idea would be to sell her laptop and have the iPad be her primary computing device. No laptop, no iTunes.
Do you need to transfer from the laptop to an iOS device or from one iOS device to another? I'd suggest just biting the bullet and using iTunes Match, the cost is small and would make everything seamless.
So when she buys the new iPad right now we could transfer from laptop to iPad, no problem. The issue is, what about backing up that music once she sells the laptop? What about 4-5 years from now when she upgrades that iPad to a new one? Yeah, iTunes match is probably the way to go, but I'm having a hard time convincing her to spend $25/year on a service she doesn't really understand and won't really see any benefit from unless something happens to her iPad or 5 years from now when she upgrades.
 
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The idea would be to sell her laptop and have the iPad be her primary computing device. No laptop, no iTunes.

So when she buys the new iPad right now we could transfer from laptop to iPad, no problem. The issue is, what about backing up that music once she sells the laptop? What about 4-5 years from now when she upgrades that iPad to a new one? Yeah, iTunes match is probably the way to go, but I'm having a hard time convincing her to spend $25/year on a service she doesn't really understand and won't really see any benefit from unless something happens to her iPad or 5 years from now when she upgrades.

It’s your mom man, hook her up with iTunes Match or Apple Music haha. You got enough gear, you can manage.
 
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The idea would be to sell her laptop and have the iPad be her primary computing device. No laptop, no iTunes.

So when she buys the new iPad right now we could transfer from laptop to iPad, no problem. The issue is, what about backing up that music once she sells the laptop? What about 4-5 years from now when she upgrades that iPad to a new one? Yeah, iTunes match is probably the way to go, but I'm having a hard time convincing her to spend $25/year on a service she doesn't really understand and won't really see any benefit from unless something happens to her iPad or 5 years from now when she upgrades.

I think it’s pretty unreasonable for Apple to expect their iOS-only customers to pay Apple a subscription just to move their non-Apple data from one iOS device to another. I’m sure Apple would rather customers just buy ALL their music from Apple, but I find that unreasonable as well. Not until there is a big overhaul of DRM and music goes back to lossless quality.
 
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I’ve become a big fan of Apple Music. Helps me discover new artists. When I write I find great writing mixes etc. previously I’d listen to the same album everyday.

It’s 9.99 a month. I’m old enough to remember paying 12.99 for ONE CD and I’d usually buy three a month.
 
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I’ve become a big fan of Apple Music. Helps me discover new artists. When I write I find great writing mixes etc. previously I’d listen to the same album everyday.

It’s 9.99 a month. I’m old enough to remember paying 12.99 for ONE CD and I’d usually buy three a month.

That works great for now, but my reasoning against music subscription is what if I ever need/want to start cutting out monthly expenses, such as when I retire? Stop paying and boom—all my music is gone. I’d rather use the same amount of money to buy a cd every month or two and have a collection to listen to in my retirement free of extra charge. Also when die I can hand my collection down to my kin.

It is convenient, though. Trade offs, I suppose.
 
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That works great for now, but my reasoning against music subscription is what if I ever need/want to start cutting out monthly expenses, such as when I retire? Stop paying and boom—all my music is gone. I’d rather use the same amount of money to buy a cd every month or two and have a collection to listen to in my retirement free of extra charge. Also when die I can hand my collection down to my kin.

It is convenient, though. Trade offs, I suppose.
Your kin won’t have CD players. What would you do with a box of inherited tapes?
 
That works great for now, but my reasoning against music subscription is what if I ever need/want to start cutting out monthly expenses, such as when I retire? Stop paying and boom—all my music is gone. I’d rather use the same amount of money to buy a cd every month or two and have a collection to listen to in my retirement free of extra charge. Also when die I can hand my collection down to my kin.

It is convenient, though. Trade offs, I suppose.


Makes a lot of sense. Never did think about it that way. My other problem is that it pretty much needs internet to work. I travel all the time, other countries don’t have as ubiquitous internet as the states so I end up downloading my favorites from the cloud to my device anyway. If I’m going to do that may as well buy?
 
I’ve become a big fan of Apple Music. Helps me discover new artists. When I write I find great writing mixes etc. previously I’d listen to the same album everyday.

I canceled Apple Music Subscription. They recommended me Black Thug Music. I mean I never in my entire life heard rap music, not even german rap. Spotify is LIGHTYEARS ahead in recommending appropriate music.
[doublepost=1516192678][/doublepost]
You’re right, its so much BETTER than a computer!!!

For Computer-illiterate folks, yes.
 
I canceled Apple Music Subscription. They recommended me Black Thug Music. I mean I never in my entire life heard rap music, not even german rap. Spotify is LIGHTYEARS ahead in recommending appropriate music.
[doublepost=1516192678][/doublepost]

For Computer-illiterate folks, yes.
Sorry I had to laugh at the thug music line. :)

I usually don’t bother with their recommendations anyway. Frankly I still only listen to about 10 albums, usually while working. Other times I prefer silence or a book. Probably cheaper for me to buy the 10 albums and be done with it.

Never really tried Spotify. Between the iPhone, watch, desktop, laptop, soon hopefully an iPad Pro ... Apple Music just can’t be beat in Terms of convenience and continuity.

Last time I checked I had about 6 months of nonstop music in my own collection. I rarely listen to new releases so I’m probably not the ideal customer. But for 10 bucks I keep it when needed cancel if it’s not being used and it serves its purpose.
 
Makes a lot of sense. Never did think about it that way. My other problem is that it pretty much needs internet to work. I travel all the time, other countries don’t have as ubiquitous internet as the states so I end up downloading my favorites from the cloud to my device anyway. If I’m going to do that may as well buy?

Man I loathe having to depend on internet connection when not absolutely necessary. Between planes, subway trains, road trips, poor signal buildings, data caps and bad WiFi routers, there really are a lot of times I’m not connected.
 
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