iPad Pro Seriously, why not just get MacBook?

[petterihiisila]

Funny though, the lack of sophisticated Office apps is why I stay away from the MBP altogether for work. Office is just horrible on OS X with lack of features and bad optimization, I really wish that Microsoft would put in the effort to make their software good on other platforms (including iPad OS).

As a fun test I did try executing some heavier Python calculations on both the iPad Pro and my Lenovo work laptop (with a 9850H CPU) to test and the Lenovo was just about 15-20% ahead. Not bad since the Lenovos fans were audible while doing it and the iPad Pro is this quiet unit with much better battery life. So the power is definately there now, just need the software to catch up.

That used to be true a few years ago, but the current Office 365 Suite has worked equally well for me on both PC and Mac. I think they are at feature parity. If not 100%, then very close. I use both at work. The features seem to be exactly the same. In fact, I find the Mac version faster to use, because it has a dedicated Menu bar and not just the ribbon. I spend less time searching for rarely-used tools on a Mac.

Maybe there’s some edge case you’ve tried and that doesn’t work even with 365. But if you haven’t tried it in the past 12 months, I’d suggest giving it a new chance.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I mean why is it so hard to improve it?

Maybe there's no room for improvements (quite literally)?

 

[secretk]

Maybe there's no room for improvements (quite literally)?

I am also not sure how much is this needed to be honest. First we do not use the web camera that much at work because when you have more than 20/30 people in a webex call the data traffic is big enough and there is no need to make it worse with the camera on. Second we usually share our screens and the icons with the participants are so small that even if you have the camera on it would not make a difference.

Thirdly the camera quality might be better on an iPad but you cannot use it in landscape mode. And this is exactly how I would want to use it. So in the end the iPad's camera is better but is off target and cannot be used. If this is the case I prefer to use lower quality camera that at least shows my full face than better quality camera that shows part of my face. And that is in the rare case I even need the camera.

That being said the camera on Macbook can be improved. There are laptops there that have better cameras. Now it is not the best out there but it is still a tad better.

 

[ofarlig]

The thing is that I cannot go to a customer of mine and rely on my iPad Pro for delivering a Powerpoint presentation. It is much safer to do this with a Mac.

Yeah I guess I can see why, although I do think the iPad Pro would work for that in most cases these days when almost all offices use newer equipment with HDMI input.

That used to be true a few years ago, but the current Office 365 Suite has worked equally well for me on both PC and Mac. I think they are at feature parity. If not 100%, then very close. I use both at work. The features seem to be exactly the same. In fact, I find the Mac version faster to use, because it has a dedicated Menu bar and not just the ribbon. I spend less time searching for rarely-used tools on a Mac.

Maybe there’s some edge case you’ve tried and that doesn’t work even with 365. But if you haven’t tried it in the past 12 months, I’d suggest giving it a new chance.

Not really edge cases tbh, just normal data stuff. I am mostly using VBA with the developer tools within Excel/Access. Calculations just take longer on OS X for some reason, in some cases MUCH longer so when handling a lot of data all that extra time adds up. So when you weigh in that MS SQL Management Studio and other programs aren't even availiable on Mac OS it means that for me it just won't work.

When working with enterprise stuff it also means that you cannot even run 365 for some things because you have old Access databases that you need things from that it is not worth converting.

 

[The Game 161]

Sounds like pro apps like Xcode and maybe Final Cut Pro may be coming to iPad in IOS 14

 

[petvas]

Yeah I guess I can see why, although I do think the iPad Pro would work for that in most cases these days when almost all offices use newer equipment with HDMI input.

No, it’s not that. It’s the compatibility of PowerPoint for iPad with ppt files created on PowerPoint for Windows and the Mac. I also use add-ins like QPT and Thinkcell, which unfortunately do not exist on the iPad. For me it is more about the fear that something will not get displayed properly when doing a presentation, or that if I need to make adjustments on the go, that this will not be possible. It is not the iPad’s fault. Microsoft must make the Office suite on the iPad better.

On another note, I noticed that the Magic Keyboard doesn’t have an Esc key. The Globus key can be reprogrammed though as an Esc key, if you miss it. I know that having an Esc key is important to some people. I remember the endless threads where people kept asking for the return of a hardware Esc key on the MacBook Pro, so I find it a bit curious that people now do not complain about the lack of the Esc key.

 

[ofarlig]

Sounds like pro apps like Xcode and maybe Final Cut Pro may be coming to iPad in IOS 14

I truly believe they are working on it and I hope it will be release with iPadOS 14. That is exactly the direction I think they want to take the iPad Pros as this is a way to prepare software to work on their ARM chips for when the Macs move over.

No, it’s not that. It’s the compatibility of PowerPoint for iPad with ppt files created on PowerPoint for Windows and the Mac. I also use add-ins like QPT and Thinkcell, which unfortunately do not exist on the iPad. For me it is more about the fear that something will not get displayed properly when doing a presentation, or that if I need to make adjustments on the go, that this will not be possible. It is not the iPad’s fault. Microsoft must make the Office suite on the iPad better.

On another note, I noticed that the Magic Keyboard doesn’t have an Esc key. The Globus key can be reprogrammed though as an Esc key, if you miss it. I know that having an Esc key is important to some people. I remember the endless threads where people kept asking for the return of a hardware Esc key on the MacBook Pro, so I find it a bit curious that people now do not complain about the lack of the Esc key.

Ahh, then I understand and I totally agree.

 

[jayg33]

This again?

Many reasons why I choose iPad over MacBook

Apps

Basically every possible app. The apps you get in macOS are nothing like apps you can get on IOS. From reddit to sport apps to food to shopping apps. Also you get spilt screen using these apps on iPad which you don’t get on macOS

My iPad has replaced my MacBook for these reasons. And why magic keyboard is going to be perfect for my usage.

People need to stop assuming everybody has the same work and overall usage patterns

My MacBook was always on a charger, my iPad never is for the same work usage

I only use Reddit through the app, I feel the website version is slow and unusable so I like using the same app on my phone and iPad. Same with sport apps where I get notifications from. Apps like sky/nba app/ BT sport I prefer on the apps provided when watching. Plus you get picture in picture on NBA and BT sport so can browse and watch if needed

I like the same experience on my phone and iPad.

MacBook is great for many but I can do more on an iPad for my usage

My main work usage I can use the same stuff on iPad as I could on the Mac so for me it made sense to cut ties and go with iPad only While still having touch and pencil support for signing documents if needed

macOS worked well for certain apps but my daily conference calls and meeting notes can be done via iPad. Skype for me works better on iPad as I could use my air pods while MacBook I couldn’t

Also the sound of the fans on macs drive me nuts. Not important but thought would mention it.

I certainly see why so many need a Mac but some comments here who say just get a Mac but it’s not needed. Many like myself want that laptop typing experience but with IOS.

I couldn't have said it better, like seriously, I couldn't. The key points for me, is that there are so many applications that are extremely useful and easy to use, anything that I had been using on my Mac, can be used by other or the same applications on my ipad and more. For me it's not even a debate which one I should use.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

:::snip:::

Now, as for the whole iPad vs Macbook argument, I think it’s unarguable that the Mac covers all your bases ... if you need one device, most people (not all tho!) need some sort of computer for the flexibility it entails. That’s why laptops and computers came first to begin with.
:::snip:::

Smallish quibble... Mobile devices could not have come first, as the necessary miniaturization (system-on-chip, ultra-low-power-consumption electronics, long-life high-energy-density compact battery technology, etc.) had not yet arrived (well, at mass-market prices). It's like saying the Timex wrist watch could have pre-dated the Medieval clock tower, mantel clock, or mariner's chronometer.

 

[Fat.tofu]

Now, as for the whole iPad vs Macbook argument, I think it’s unarguable that the Mac covers all your bases ...

no apple pencil

 

[marty1980]

It really depends on what you want to do on the machine.

example::: If you want to draw, a MacBook isn’t ideal and cost could add up for the accessories needed. In this case, an iPad and 🍎 pencil is the better deal and potentially a better experience.

As Apple adds more to IPadOS to blur the line between it and macOS, your argument will become more valid... except it will be turned around and people will be asking “why buy a MacBook?” I don’t see that happening any time soon. But that’s the direction things appear to be heading.

 

[glambutnerdy]

because everyone has different use cases and you have your own personal preference.. why is this even a question?

 

[Devyn89]

There are a number of reasons that, although this combination of iPad and accessories is approaching the price of a MacBook Pro, I’d still prefer to have an iPad. The first reason is less relevant for me since I use an iPad Pro but an important point to remember, especially for a lot of non-tech folks, is price. Once can buy an ipad, Apple Pencil and keyboard case with trackpad for about $600 American (entry level ipad 32GB, Logitech keyboard with trackpad and Apple Pencil). That’s still a really good deal and provides a similar experience to an iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 2 at less than half the price and still hundreds of dollars cheaper than a MacBook Air.

As for my own reasons, as someone who does spend laptop money on iPad‘s, well there are a lot. First is the software, being based off iPhone means I know how to use it and i’ve been using it for over a decade now. I know how all the multi-touch gestures work, I know how to search, arrange apps, find files, and just generally move around the interface in ways that feel intuitive. On a related note, as someone who is into touch screens, I love that ipad is a touch first device. The only other product like it that I find compelling is the Surface Pro, particularly the Surface Pro X, but that OS is not touch first, or even touch optimized in my opinion. With Surface Pro/Go products I feel as though keyboard and mouse are needed, whereas with iPad it feels like they are options. I love that as Apple adds capabilities and accessories the iPad has never felt like its lost it’s touch first status. Another related point is the versatility that has been added over time. We first got an iPad, at the same time we got a keyboard attachment that was anything but portable. We stuck with that for a while as developers created touch based app for a larger display compared with iPhone. Once we had enough touch based apps for critical mass Apple brought a new kind of portable keyboard accessory along with an even bigger iPad to get even more kinds of work done. Most importantly with iPad Pro though Apple created Apple Pencil which made all new kinds of workflows and apps possible. As we pass iPad’s 10 year anniversary we have all kinds of new capabilities like files, multi-tasking, download support, directly importing files to apps, more capable apps and so much more.

The list of features, capabilities and how that benefits the user keeps growing and this for me is why I’m really excited about ipad. iPad is relatively young, in 2010 it became a blockbuster hit and it has grown exponentially in terms of it’s power and the kinds of tasks it can do. As it has been growing I’ve evolved the way I use it. I use multi-tasking all the time (I’m using split screen right now to type this out as I’m reading from notes about all the things I want to write), I’ve started some light drawing (I’m really bad but I’m having fun and that’s what I care about), I love the speakers, I’ve tested using a mouse (again using right now to help write this review). As time goes on and more features are added to the iPad I’ll start using some of those features and using my iPad in new ways.

Computers were around for a fairly long time before I started growing up whereas I’ve been aware of, and a fan of, iPad since the iPad 2 (2012 - I bought the ipad 2 because it was $400 instead of $500 and back then $100 was way more than I could spare). This means I’ve seen it grow and I’m excited to see how else it grows. I think the LIDAR scanner is really awesome, not awesome enough to buy another iPad Pro right now but I do look forward to having it on my next iPad.) There are still things that are annoying given the power of the hardware (like can I please move icons around my home screen??) but overall I love what Apple is doing with iPad and I‘m excited to see what they do next.

 

[blairh]

Only reason I got an iPad Pro was because I wanted the four speakers and purchased it refurbished. Otherwise I would never spend big bucks on an iPad. Even though iPad OS has made strides, I just find Mac OS to be such a better experience for my needs. I consume media with my iPad. I get work done on my Macs.

 

[Jonathantuba]

I much prefer the iPad Pro experience - the touch screen, the simpler interface, the flexibility to use as laptop or tablet, having built in LTE, the cameras, the pro-motion, being able to use in portrait as well as landscape, the Apple Pencil, Face ID, the four speakers, True Tone display and the futuristic feel. I can go on and on... The Mac feels old fashioned and the past to me. I have an iMac on my desk, but don’t use much - just for business software not available on the iPad, and then I often find frustrating. But 95%+ of the time I am working on my iPad Pro and love the experience. The new magic keyboard will improve that experience even further.

 

[Retsiem]

I don’t have an iPad Pro (yet) but it will be my next main computer.
I’ve always loved macbooks and I own a bunch of them, but let’s face it: the iPad WILL replace
macbooks.

Because:

1. the user interface, a touch screen is a much better and more natural experience
2. versatility, Apple Pencil, Camera, the new augmented thingy
3. Speed (!) , I’ve seen videos were the iPad Pro renders 4k MUCH faster than even an iMac Pro ...
4. noise, when my Macbooks render it sounds like an Airplane is taking off, iPad = dead silence ...
5. portability
6. less prone to damage

The only advantage of a Macbook right now is (maybe) the keyboard and desktop grade apps.
That’s it.
And once iOS runs full blown apps, Macbooks will be obsolete. And we are very, very close to this point.

And that is why I will eventually replace my Macs with an iPad.

*Wrote this post on my regular iPad (2018) because I am lying down and I don’t want to get up. 😁

 

[zhenya]

The addition of a proper trackpad has really revealed how blazing fast an iPad is compared to a Mac when things have been fully optimized. Things like scrolling, quickly scrolling to the top or bottom of a page, going back and forward in Safari feel instantaneous on my 2018 Pro even coming from my brand new maxed out iMac. And it does so silently with amazing battery life.

 

[brentsg]

I will likely never use an iPad for productivity outside of communication but I have thus far justified my large expenditures based on the ridiculous amounts of time I use them weekly. I’d never climb into bed to consume media on a MacBook.

It’s all going to come down to personal needs and preferences.

I’m pretty much done with OSX aside from legacy apps. Apple seems to be going backward on the Mac platform and my long wait between Mac Pro and Mini devices did me in.

 

[Retsiem]

I will likely never use an iPad for productivity outside of communication but I have thus far justified my large expenditures based on the ridiculous amounts of time I use them weekly. I’d never climb into bed to consume media on a MacBook.

It’s all going to come down to personal needs and preferences.

I’m pretty much done with OSX aside from legacy apps. Apple seems to be going backward on the Mac platform and my long wait between Mac Pro and Mini devices did me in.

That’s the thing. With an iPad you CAN be productive while lying in bed. It’s a truly amazing device.

 

[secretk]

I will likely never use an iPad for productivity outside of communication but I have thus far justified my large expenditures based on the ridiculous amounts of time I use them weekly. I’d never climb into bed to consume media on a MacBook.

Interesting. I am vice versa. I find using my laptop in bed far better experience than the iPad. The iPad I have to hold. The laptop just sits on my thighs and lap basically. And just watching movies on the bigger screen is better experience for me. Plus on the rare case I need to do communication (chatting, posting in forums while in bed) the laptop offers better experience. I cannot use iPad with hardware keyboard in bed. It is not stable enough and I hate using the on screen keyboard. With the laptop I have all of that in a breeze. And my wrist feels OK as I don't need to hold anything.

It’s all going to come down to personal needs and preferences.

Definitely as for my usage for example (mostly the pencil as this is where I use the iPad) I need actually the iPad to be on a desk. I need the stability to allow me to be precise with the pencil whether is highlighting, handwritten notes or coloring in Procreate. And the iPad hardware keyboard can be used better when I am on a desk.

 

[fokmik]

View attachment 907359

Advantages of the iPad:

1) better app ecosystem (including for enterprise apps)
2) more adaptable (you can take the iPad out of a case and use it for enterprise)
3) Better integration with iOS (most people use mobile OS more than desktop OS)
4) Better ability to switch to functions like point of sale device, drawing device, medical device, etc depending on apps
5) Stylus support

Advantages of laptop
1) Better multitasking and file management
2) More adaptable from an OS perspective - you can do things like boot camp windows
3) Many individual apps are more robust and capable

Both are critical for me. The main difference is that iPad is the only tablet that is worth owning while I could easily switch my MacBook for a solid Windows laptop.

yes because money and R&D went far more into the iOS and ipad.....think about how much further the mac would be by now, if Apple would put that money into the mac.....think about it...from 2012...till now...almost a fraction of R&D and expertise and money and engineers were put in development for the mac....The mac was great...the ipad is just getting there....So sad that people dont think this way, but is irrelevant since Apple is working for 10 years spend a lot of money into this ipad to be as good as it its now
In 2012 mac was so great and so high....too bad Apple spend the time and resources just to make an ipad to grow from and larger ios device into an "computer killer" (something that the mac already was).....if Apple worked at the mac hard instead on ipad.....it was just an brilliant piece of hardware software, a masterpiece....now for many is a joke...or is just an laptop that runs macos full of issues

 

[petvas]

For those of you who are still undecided whether to buy an iPad Pro or a Macbook (Pro), I suggest you write down everything you want and need to do with a computer and then see where the iPad is better suited and where the MacBook Pro.
I have both devices and I am not planning in giving up one of them, but nevertheless I created such a comparison list, just to see where the strengths of each platform is. I was really surprised to find out that for my usage the iPad has improved a lot in the last years. The Macbook won the comparison for me, but by a low margin. I still have two showstoppers that hinder me from using my iPad as a laptop replacement (not that I am planning to), and I do not expect these to go away any time soon. I have attached a screenshot of my comparison. Lower values mean a better score. (according to the German school scoring system).

 

[The Game 161]

The addition of a proper trackpad has really revealed how blazing fast an iPad is compared to a Mac when things have been fully optimized. Things like scrolling, quickly scrolling to the top or bottom of a page, going back and forward in Safari feel instantaneous on my 2018 Pro even coming from my brand new maxed out iMac. And it does so silently with amazing battery life.

120hz/pro motion makes a big difference

 

[petvas]

120hz/pro motion makes a big difference

To me it doesn't. Of course it's nice to have it, but I don't feel in any way worse when I use my 60Hz Macs or my iPhone. Maybe my eyes do not register the difference.

 

[The Game 161]

To me it doesn't. Of course it's nice to have it, but I don't feel in any way worse when I use my 60Hz Macs or my iPhone. Maybe my eyes do not register the difference.

For scrolling it is noticeable and why I’m hoping the next iPhone has it. Certainly when I use the pro and go back to the pro max it’s noticeable for me.