This. I didn't use to be a "dual-booter," until the price of iPad Pros with keyboard became the same as MacBooks. But that price makes me feel like I should be getting the same functionality for that price.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
All iPads Should the iPad become a Mac Replacement?
- Thread starter heretiq
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
When I look at what is coming in iPadOS 17 and the other WWDC announcements, I find it hard to imagine that Apple is considering a technical shift like a dual boot iPad.
yeah, I'm not saying I think Apple will do this, just that I wish they'll do it.
Yeah, I think the price will be lower. If it really is at that price, then they've lost me as a target audience.
Agreed. I feel like I am going to end up either having to accept it is what it is with my iPad Pro, or go Surface Pro at some point in the future.
Agreed. It would have to be like 1/3 to 1/2 that cost with inflation being what it is.
I am more worried that we are getting back to the point where Apple was doing so much stuff that it all becomes a muddled mess. Similar to back when Jobs took over and axed like 90% of their products.
Well, inflammatory words can have that effect, which is why I try to avoid them.
It’s like if someone who disagrees with you personally attacks with insults and then expects you to be open to their "logical" arguments.
You're right, but if you had read at least the rest of that single sentence you'd perhaps understand those really are two extremes that reflect how *I* feel about the iPad.
I see Microsoft's Surface with colleagues switching between comfortably reading a PDF and jump into any software they want, then look at the *two* devices I'd have to lug in the Apple world. One more device to buy, carry and keep charged, and I need the laptop more than the iPad, so the iPad goes. I guess that means I only am buying one device after all.
The iPad Pro hardware just seems so hugely underutilised - a device that ranges between $800 - $2400. It could have been Apple's shot at a new generation desktop-class computers with lessons learned from the iOS side of things. A new revolutionary interface with the same productivity level as a desktop-class OS. Purely in terms of human interface, the desktop OS has more or less been the same for decades, with a few tweaks here and there. In fact, a *terminal* is often the quickest at achieving what I need (the one simulated the most dates back to the late 1970:s...). There's nothing stopping the other iPad models from preserving the current experience (or as mentioned, a switch to "simple mode").
I don't know what Apple's margins are between the iPad and a Macbook. I.e. if I only buy one of the two, does the Macbook make them more money? If so, that's the device Apple would rather have me buying if I only get one.
Last edited:
As iPads are connected to and supported by Apple’s services in several ways that a MacBook isn’t, I’d guess they make more money in over the lifetime of an iPad purchase than from a MacBook.
That sounds logical. In fact, almost all tools I use on macOS professionally are open source. At home, it's perhaps the occasional license for audio related software, a game or two. But those, together with any subscription, would still be true for an iPad that I would probably buy additional software and/or subscriptions for.
But "You can even keep track of multiple timers. We truly live in an age of wonders.". Talk about cutting edge technology ...
“MacPad” aside, they really don’t understand what I think most people want out of iPadOS. Timers ain’t it.
I found this MacRumors note to be interesting -
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, iOS 17 will include some of the "most requested features" that users have been wanting ...
Stage Manager allows a tiny bit more freedom of movement for windows 💯
I was expecting simultaneously audio streams of apps, unfortunately that didn't make the list...
If 17 reflects "most requested features" then it reinforces my own feeling that we here on these forums are a niche community.
iOS 17 was a huge let down (imo)... I'm glad I moved away from the iPhone. But iPadOS 17 was good enough... interactive widgets.. Stage Manager window freedom, some Lockscreen customization.
I'm content with it.
Yeah and I find it odd.. the way its marketed without monitors. VisionPro can display monitors thus no need for the Apple Studio Display.
I wonder what to make of all the users who bought Studio Display.. do they no longer need it with this headset?
Ouch is right. OTOH, it really does feel like an innovative product, if everything works as advertised. Hopefully price will come down in the future as it gets widely adopted. IF it gets widely adopted.
Also, can you use it as a computer without a Mac? If it can replace Mac+Studio Display, then the price is worth it.
As far as I know.. it connects to your Mac and then displays the content that’s shown on the Mac. Those who likes to have multiple monitors on their desk.. this will be the perfect solution for them.
But come to think of it.. Mac+Studio Display, yeah… that seems like what Apple is thinking.