All iPads John Gruber’s iPad rant

[Harmonious Zen]

I myself have tried to embrace that “challenge” in spots, but I have to admit, that when I‘m on a deadline and need to actually output a deliverable, the last thing I’m looking for is a “challenge” with my hardware and software tools.

Too much of that experience will lead many to abandon the iPad for many tasks and never again look back - and I wouldn’t blame them after yesterday.

iPad’s need SO much more thought and QC put into the software. For me it’s literally all about the software at this point (hardware is way way way past great already IMO).

Apple needs to get serious (more serious) about divorcing iPadOS from iOS and the phone line. It needs to be its own thing with it’s own large amount of resources put into it, or it simply will never “arrive” like it could.

Your experience is exactly why my iPad Pro is sitting in a drawer right now and I'm back to using my MacBook Pro for everything. I love the iPad hardware. Absolutely love it. But I'm always having to deal with some sort of a shortcoming in the user experience. I've decided that I just don't want to have to deal with always needing to think whether or not I will or won't be able to accomplish a particular task if all I have on me is my iPad. I just bring my MacBook Pro instead and have zero doubts. It's not nearly as pleasurable of an experience, but it gives me peace of mind.

I actually ran a little experiment in the past two weeks, where I just put my iPad in a drawer to test how indispensable it was to me. Turns out I've used it a grand total of one time in those two weeks, simply because I can do what I need to do on my MacBook Pro, iPhone, Kindle (in the case of reading) or physical sketchbook (for doodling). I'm thisclose to putting the iPad up for sale which for people who know me would know that's a pretty big statement. I was ready to go down the path that Federico guy took and go all-iPad for everything. Just ran into too many obstacles along the way. I'm all for overcoming obstacles in life, but not when it comes to the technology tools I use. What's the point?

 

[Mainsail]

Your experience is exactly why my iPad Pro is sitting in a drawer right now and I'm back to using my MacBook Pro for everything. I love the iPad hardware. Absolutely love it. But I'm always having to deal with some sort of a shortcoming in the user experience. I've decided that I just don't want to have to deal with always needing to think whether or not I will or won't be able to accomplish a particular task if all I have on me is my iPad. I just bring my MacBook Pro instead and have zero doubts. It's not nearly as pleasurable of an experience, but it gives me peace of mind.

I actually ran a little experiment in the past two weeks, where I just put my iPad in a drawer to test how indispensable it was to me. Turns out I've used it a grand total of one time in those two weeks, simply because I can do what I need to do on my MacBook Pro, iPhone, Kindle (in the case of reading) or physical sketchbook (for doodling). I'm thisclose to putting the iPad up for sale which for people who know me would know that's a pretty big statement. I was ready to go down the path that Federico guy took and go all-iPad for everything. Just ran into too many obstacles along the way. I'm all for overcoming obstacles in life, but not when it comes to the technology tools I use. What's the point?

You are not alone. I have the entry iPad, but the issues are basically the same. If I have a meeting that requires creation or editing, I just bring my MBA. The problem is that I don't know for sure when this is going to happen. So, I am starting to just carry the MBA with me rather than the iPad for any business related activities. I understand that others have successfully transitioned to the iPad as their primary machine, but it doesn't seem to be working for me. The main problem is working on spreadsheets. I maintain a few critical spreadsheets for our real estate business. They really aren't that sophisticated, but the minute I start using the iPad it becomes pure agony. With effort, I can do edits and updates on the iPad, but it's painful compared to the MBA.

I do think the iPad is great for reading books and PDFs plus doing markups to documents and photos. So, I avoid frustration by keeping my iPad in its swim lane. It is also a great device for kicking back on the couch or for taking on vacation.

 

[Dave-Z]

I really love the iPad, it's such a great device. I used the 2nd gen. 12.9" iPad Pro for over a year as a primary device. To handle some things it couldn't do (such as ripping BluRay, transcoding video, etc.) I built a headless Linux machine and would just use Jump to VNC into it. The iPad eventually stopped working (unresponsive screen) so I got rid of it and transitioned to a Windows 2-in-1 laptop.

After using a Windows 2-in-1 for over a year now I can't say I'd go back to an iPad full-time. The battery life on iPad is great and the user experience is really nice, but its short-comings are just too much. The battery life on my Lenovo laptop is also great (probably 9-hours with my usage; I have literally not once run out of power or felt I had to change my usage so I could make it till the next time I was close to a power outlet). And there are no limitations with my laptop. I can run whatever I want in the background, I have a proper desktop browser (not Apple's version of "desktop-class", but a real one with extensions, a web inspector, etc), I never have an issue with tabs reloading or losing where I'm at because a background application was removed from memory. I can install and use whatever I want.

Earlier in this thread someone mentioned Federico Viticci and the sheer number of shortcuts and x-url-callbacks he has created to get his work done. I did a bit of that too when I used the iPad full-time, but at the end of the day (while it's nice to tinker with that stuff) I have to ask myself Why? I can do what I need on a laptop without creating crazy workaround and scripts. I can just open applications, copy/paste, move files wherever, I can play any media file, open any document, edit any file. I don't have to worry about web sites not supporting a touch screen properly, or any of that. I can just use the computer and get things done.

The iPad is a great device. There is absolutely no doubt that people do work on it. For artists (I am not one) it's a fantastic tool. For writers (I am one) it's great. But can everyone use it? No. Should everyone use it? No. I look at the iPad and I know it's the perfect device for my completely computer illiterate parents. It's a tool they can't break. For those who are computer literate, it's also the perfect tool for some tasks. But it does not replace a laptop anymore than a laptop replaces a desktop.

For me, I'm sticking with 2-in-1 laptops for now because they are the best of both worlds for me. I want to like the iPad and use it full-time, but having tried it for 13 months and then moved back to a laptop, I know that for me the laptop is the perfect device. Using an iPad really does feel like working with one hand tied behind my back (I'm a touch typist and the closest comparison would be typing with one hand; I can do it, but I'm not moving as fast or as comfortably as I know I can).

 

[Ludatyk]

But can everyone use it? No.

The answer would be yes. You mention how your computer illiterate parents can use it therefore if you have that thought process... then yes, everyone can use it.

I really love the iPad, it's such a great device. I used the 2nd gen. 12.9" iPad Pro for over a year as a primary device. To handle some things it couldn't do (such as ripping BluRay, transcoding video, etc.) I built a headless Linux machine and would just use Jump to VNC into it. The iPad eventually stopped working (unresponsive screen) so I got rid of it and transitioned to a Windows 2-in-1 laptop.

At this point... your putting the iPad at a disadvantage. Of course, it’s not able to do those certain tasks. Granted you tried to find ways to overcome it’s short comings. But obviously, you were better off with a laptop from the jump.

 

[Dave-Z]

The answer would be yes. You mention how your computer illiterate parents can use it therefore if you have that thought process... then yes, everyone can use it.

Not everyone can use it. I absolutely cannot install a second operating system in a virtual machine for development purposes on the iPad.

At this point... your putting the iPad at a disadvantage. Of course, it’s not able to do those certain tasks. Granted you tried to find ways to overcome it’s short comings. But obviously, you were better off with a laptop from the jump.

Exactly. It definitely works for some people, but not everyone. I tried it because I generally like the experience iPad provides, but at the end of the day it wasn't for me (even if I wanted it to be).

 

[JD2015]

Umm - on a Mac just “open a new window” and put it where you want..

Boom - “Split screen and Slide Over” all at once.
Can’t get any easier or more intuitive

(yes - I know you are referring to the built in modes Apple offers for those things on the Mac, but those are tedious and clunky vs just making a simple new window of any App)

Each to their own. I find it clunky and inefficient on Mac OS. You have to resize it and or take it out of full screen mode to then get options of proper split screen mode. Whereas in iPad OS you just pull up an app and drag it to one side and there you go. Much quicker. Can then have multiple slide over apps at once and have it so is easy to go between them. Mac OS struggles with this. The only thing Mac OS does better is app expose where can see all workspaces at once whereas on iPad OS you have to flick between all apps/workspaces open.

 

[Ludatyk]

Not everyone can use it. I absolutely cannot install a second operating system in a virtual machine for development purposes on the iPad.

What I’m trying to explain... it’s the ease of use. If we speaking in general.. being practical. Ranging from a kid to an elderly adult. If you gave them an iPad, they can figure it out. Anyone can use the iPad. I’m not trying to argue that the iPad can’t install a second operating system, I know it can’t do that.

 

[Dave-Z]

in iPad OS you just pull up an app and drag it to one side and there you go.

Yeah... In some regards it's easier, but the actions themselves are not intuitive nor is there a lot of discoverability. It's bizarre that for one app I tap to open, for another I drag but only if I'm opening it as a second app otherwise I'm just moving the icon.

In this case Viticci has a better approach: just long-press for a context menu and select the appropriate option.

I mentioned to my spouse while they were flipping back and forth between apps to just open both in split screen. I was told, "I don't want to learn that." This is the same person who is still double-pressing the Home button to bring up the multi-tasking view instead of just swiping up from the bottom or a near-bottom swipe to the right to switch to the previous app. The point is the sheer number of gestures is mind-numbing, not obvious, and if Apple's history (of changing or abandoning things) is any indication, they may change next year.

 

[turbineseaplane]

This is the same person who is still double-pressing the Home button to bring up the multi-tasking view instead of just swiping up from the bottom or a near-bottom swipe to the right to switch to the previous app.

That’s actually me also - despite being absolutely versed on most all tech..

Why?
It works...always...every time...and it’s easy (no finger gymnastics)

 

[masotime]

Each to their own. I find it clunky and inefficient on Mac OS. You have to resize it and or take it out of full screen mode to then get options of proper split screen mode.

Unrelated to the discussion (which is really yet another iPad is not a real computer thread) - you should try Moom. It makes window management a breeze.

 

[Jonathantuba]

It is strange how decisive the iPad seems to be. Those that don’t like the experience, don’t have to use. It is personal choice.

Personally the iPad Pro is my favourite device to use for both my business and my leisure use. I know it will not fulfil some requirements and will not be to everyone’s liking, but we have a choice of what to use, and for some of us it is a more useful device than the Mac and for me more of a pleasure to use. And far from being buggy, I generally find it more reliable than the Mac.

Also I admire Apple for adding facilities for power users, such as multi tasking, but still keeping the same basic structure of interface to be simple to use for general consumption users (probably the majority). I use multi tasking every day, but my wife has no need and just uses her iPad for consumption/communication the same as when it first came out. The same software suits us both. Where Apple fails is making it difficult for users that don’t follow every development and are unaware of all the “hidden” features and gestures. The device should come with tutorials for users to learn how to make full use. I am sure a lot of people criticising the device are genuinely not aware of its full capabilities.

 

[rui no onna]

Where Apple fails is making it difficult for users that don’t follow every development and are unaware of all the “hidden” features and gestures. The device should come with tutorials for users to learn how to make full use. I am sure a lot of people criticising the device are genuinely not aware of its full capabilities.

This is where discoverability comes in. There are no visual cues/tool tips for iPadOS gestures. Either you know them (probably from watching the Apple Keynote or an unbearably long YouTube video) or you don't.

I've never owned a Mac so I'm unfamiliar with the keyboard shortcuts. While using a keyboard with the iPad, I was pleasantly surprised to find when I pressed the CMD key too long while trying to remember the correct character, a window showing all available shortcuts popped up.

For copy/paste, there's a gesture now but the copy/paste icons are still available and they show up on context menu.

I'd like something similar to happen with multitasking. Keep the gestures but also allow for other visual/context driven methods that don't require finger gymnastics to activate multitasking.

 

[petvas]

The problem with the iPad is its form factor and the weak apps, that cannot be compared to desktop apps. The iPad is fine for casual browsing and consuming things, but apart from that I don't even think about using it for anything more serious. Even for consuming stuff I like my Macs more. It doesn't matter if people exist that use the iPad as their only computer. It only shows how low their expectations and needs are and that is fine!

 

[Ludatyk]

Where Apple fails is making it difficult for users that don’t follow every development and are unaware of all the “hidden” features and gestures. The device should come with tutorials for users to learn how to make full use. I am sure a lot of people criticising the device are genuinely not aware of its full capabilities.

If I'm not mistaken... when iPadOS was first released, on first install users are given a couple of splash screens showing what's new. Maybe I'm wrong, I'll probably have to go and check... but I'm under the impression those that care to learn the gestures will do so and incorporate in their workflow.

And those that skip it or don't care to learn it, rather keep using the iPad the way it's been used.

 

[rui no onna]

If I'm not mistaken... when iPadOS was first released, on first install users are given a couple of splash screens showing what's new. Maybe I'm wrong, I'll probably have to go and check... but I'm under the impression those that care to learn the gestures will do so and incorporate in their workflow.

And those that skip it or don't care to learn it, rather keep using the iPad the way it's been used.

It only showed copy/paste and undo.

 

[Ludatyk]

It only showed copy/paste and undo.

Umm.. not really. It shows Quickly Access Controls, Switch Between Apps and Quick Access to Dock. However no mention of Drag-and-drop, I suppose Apple showcased that in iOS 11.

 

[Jonathantuba]

I just listened to the podcast. I do think it is rather a cheek that they want to make the iPad the simple one app device they think it should be. We all have our own requirements and the iPad should be as flexible as possible to fulfil all kinds of use. Why should we be forced to use a Mac to get multi-tasking if we prefer a touch screen interface? Those of us that want to use for business should be able to do so and more facilities want adding, rather than anything removed. I don’t personally use the mouse support, but I know other people like, so am pleased their need is fulfilled.

The only thing I agree with Gruber is that multi-task should be switched off by default, as I am sure 9 out of 10 users do not want or use - and often do not know how to get out. My wife got into split screen by mistake and I had to help - but I then switched off, so she won’t have that happen again - Problem solved!

 

[grad]

The point is not just that iPad shouldn't (try to) be a Mac but also that Mac shouldn't (try to) be an iPad.

There are many things Apple could do to improve both platforms and still make the profit they always crave for but I don't see them doing them. They have lost me as a customer years ago and I expect that they are also going to lose me as user sooner than later.

 

[Lucifer666]

They need to make it as robust as a Mac, with the option to simplify.

So you have it both ways. Any argument against this is silly.

 

[ericwn]

Umm.. not really. It shows Quickly Access Controls, Switch Between Apps and Quick Access to Dock. However no mention of Drag-and-drop, I suppose Apple showcased that in iOS 11.

In addition there’s also the Tips app installed with iOS for the last few years I think - it covers additional tutorials.

 

[iPadified]

I think Gruber should use an iPad exclusively for two decades and then switch to a Mac and then evaluate which one is most intuitive to use. It called bias.

That being said, how to switch between apps and multitasking iPad changes with every new release which is irritating. It also tells us that multitasking has not yet find its form yet. The same things can be said for MacOS but less so and ahh, MacOS user interface is nearly 40 years of age (despite changes of names) so perhaps it is more mature?

What ever you do, do not think the iPad is designed around keyboard and mouse centric interaction and if you try to force iPad into that mode, you will be disappointed. It´s not a Mac. Some accept it, others does not.

 

[Mainsail]

I think Gruber should use an iPad exclusively for two decades and then switch to a Mac and then evaluate which one is most intuitive to use. It called bias.

That being said, how to switch between apps and multitasking iPad changes with every new release which is irritating. It also tells us that multitasking has not yet find its form yet. The same things can be said for MacOS but less so and ahh, MacOS user interface is nearly 40 years of age (despite changes of names) so perhaps it is more mature?

What ever you do, do not think the iPad is designed around keyboard and mouse centric interaction and if you try to force iPad into that mode, you will be disappointed. It´s not a Mac. Some accept it, others does not.

I agree. It’s human nature to evaluate things in the context of the familiar. If you try to get an iPad to behave like a Mac, you are going to be very frustrated and disappointed. If you use an iPad as a tablet alternative to a Mac, you will find the experience much more efficient and pleasant. Of course, there are some things a Mac is going to do better than an iPad: e.g. developing spreadsheets and rapidly referencing multiple windows. But, I would point out that some folks find a laptop frustrating for these tasks as well. I used to hate developing large complex spreadsheets on a 13in laptop screen. I needed multiple monitors and lots of workspace to get the job done efficiently. Also, there are somethings that an iPad does better than a traditional computer, e.g.: reading, annotating/marking up, note taking, sketching/diagraming.

IPadOS should be evaluated as a Tablet operating system. How well does it deliver a user experience for the things tablets do well? How well does it handle multitasking given the fact that it is touch based UI? This is the nature of a tablet. I would be interested in an example of a better tablet OS. Not one that just has more features. We all know about bloated systems with features crammed into an OS that don’t enhance the user experience. I am talking about something better than iPadOS as a tablet operating system.

 

[Jedimindtrick]

I've always considered iOS/iPadOS a second language that I'm fluent in. I can do anything I'd wish to do on my Mac, it's just different.

Multitasking on iPadOS has a steep learning curve IMO. I have my complaints with it, but I'm glad it's there.

I'm hoping Apple can think of a better way to multitask with apps that aren't in the dock. That's been the clunkiest experience for me.

 

[urkel]

I'm hoping Apple can think of a better way to multitask with apps that aren't in the dock. That's been the clunkiest experience for me.

The solution is simple if you are a keyboard user. CMD + Period ets you type the app and drag it from there.

For those who dont use keyboard then multitasking really should just be put into that long-press menu. Its crazy how many things they've dumped into "right click" menus but they refuse to put shortcuts for multitasking.

 

[rui no onna]

Multitasking on iPadOS has a steep learning curve IMO. I have my complaints with it, but I'm glad it's there.

I'm hoping Apple can think of a better way to multitask with apps that aren't in the dock. That's been the clunkiest experience for me.

They really should improve multitasking. Just the other week, I spent 10 minutes trying to use the Gmail app in split view. Was so frustrated wondering what I was doing wrong only to find that the Gmail app doesn't support split view.

Also, more RAM would be really useful for this.
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The solution is simple if you are a keyboard user. CMD + Period ets you type the app and drag it from there.

For those who dont use keyboard then multitasking really should just be put into that long-press menu. Its crazy how many things they've dumped into "right click" menus but they refuse to put shortcuts for multitasking.

Thanks for the tip. I don't often use keyboards but this should be helpful when I do.

Agree on the long-press menus. That could also provide visual feedback for apps that don't support split view (e.g. via missing or grayed out multitasking options).