Stop with the iPad vs Laptop debate

[LovingTeddy]

You're trying to make a binary argument and apply it to something that's not binary. I use a 2nd generation iPad 12.9 as my main device and I have yet to have difficulty completing a task I needed it to do. While I'm not a "power user" and don't use my iPad for work-related tasks, I do quite a bit with my iPad and to me it's superior to a laptop.

I love how the screen "loads" on my iPad pretty much instantly. I even love I can focus on one task, but also do some pretty good multitasking. I love the picture in picture feature of apps like Netflix. These are just examples of advantages the iPad has for my use case, over a regular laptop. Your mileage may vary.

I don't have to prove this scientifically. I just need to enjoy my iPad.

That's good.. but you still haven't show that iPad CAN replacement laptop. It is either can or cannot. iPad cannot replace laptop, it is two separate devices functuons different for different purpose. Laptop and iPad maybe can do something, but two are completely different kind of product.

I like how people go say, it worked for me, so it must be true.
[doublepost=1522686979][/doublepost]

It depends on the user/task, end of story.

No. I am still not convinced. Yes, different people using iPad different way, but iPad and laptop are still fundamentally different for different purpose.

I am still not convinced the notion that iPad is so powerful and it will replace your laptop. It will not.

 

[DNichter]

That's good.. but you still haven't show that iPad CAN replacement laptop. It is either can or cannot. iPad cannot replace laptop, it is two separate devices functuons different for different purpose. Laptop and iPad maybe can do something, but two are completely different kind of product.

I like how people go say, it worked for me, so it must be true.
[doublepost=1522686979][/doublepost]

No. I am still not convinced. Yes, different people using iPad different way, but iPad and laptop are still fundamentally different for different purpose.

I am still not convinced the notion that iPad is so powerful and it will replace your laptop. It will not.

Because it CAN. This argument is insane to me. I had a MacBook and replaced everything I used it for with an iPad. Obviously it CAN replace a laptop, but it depends on the tasks/person. By your point, people saying "it worked for me, so it must be true" are just as bad as someone (you) saying "well it doesn't work for me, so it can't be true". It all comes down to the individual.

 

[LovingTeddy]

Because it CAN. This argument is insane to me. I had a MacBook and replaced everything I used it for with an iPad. Obviously it CAN replace a laptop, but it depends on the tasks/person. By your point, people saying "it worked for me, so it must be true" are just as bad as someone (you) saying "well it doesn't work for me, so it can't be true". It all comes down to the individual.

No it doesn't. As long as iPad cannot performance one thing that other item can, you cannot say it CAN. It cannot. Maybe for someone all they do that can be accomplished by using iPad, that still doesn't not prove iPad CAN replace laptops. In order for iPad replace laptop, it need able to accomplish everything laptop do. It certainly not true

 

[bensisko]

That's good.. but you still haven't show that iPad CAN replacement laptop. It is either can or cannot. iPad cannot replace laptop, it is two separate devices functuons different for different purpose. Laptop and iPad maybe can do something, but two are completely different kind of product.

I like how people go say, it worked for me, so it must be true.
[doublepost=1522686979][/doublepost]

No. I am still not convinced. Yes, different people using iPad different way, but iPad and laptop are still fundamentally different for different purpose.

I am still not convinced the notion that iPad is so powerful and it will replace your laptop. It will not.

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what device it is, it's a technology enabler used to complete a task.

For some people, all the tasks they need/want to perform can be performed by an iPad - they don't need an additional tool (i.e. laptop).
[doublepost=1522687646][/doublepost]

No it doesn't. As long as iPad cannot performance one thing that other item can, you cannot say it CAN. It cannot. Maybe for someone all they do that can be accomplished by using iPad, that still doesn't not prove iPad CAN replace laptops. In order for iPad replace laptop, it need able to accomplish everything laptop do. It certainly not true

In that sense, a laptop can't replace an iPad either.

 

[DNichter]

No it doesn't. As long as iPad cannot performance one thing that other item can, you cannot say it CAN. It cannot. Maybe for someone all they do that can be accomplished by using iPad, that still doesn't not prove iPad CAN replace laptops. In order for iPad replace laptop, it need able to accomplish everything laptop do. It certainly not true

Just keep pushing those goalposts man. So now an iPad needs to do be able to do every task that any computer ever could. Keep holding on to your ancient mentality, I am done with this.

 

[LovingTeddy]

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what device it is, it's a technology enabler used to complete a task.

For some people, all the tasks they need/want to perform can be performed by an iPad - they don't need an additional tool (i.e. laptop).

I agree with you 100%. But it doesn't tell anything about the argument.

I don't care if this topic is stupid or not. I think it is stupid, if one can do everything on one devices, then they don't need other thing. But for seek of arguing and debate about this topic, no one has show evidents of iPad CAN replace laptop
[doublepost=1522687902][/doublepost]

Just keep pushing those goalposts man. So now an iPad needs to do be able to do every task that any computer ever could. Keep holding on to your ancient mentality, I am done with this.

Well... I am just debating about this particular topic. If we are debating about ability of iPad replacing laptop, then we debating if iPad can replacing laptop regardless user case. It is blanket statement, that is all we debating. One use case does not prove the statement, but one use case can disapprove the statement.

 

[charlituna]

This topic is tirelessly argued.

NO - an iPad cannot preform all of the functions of a MacBook Pro

forget about the price point. not everyone needs a full portable computer for their needs. I need something that can read epubs, do some drawings, read my email, hold a few photos. an iPad is perfect

 

[Brammy]

it need able to accomplish everything laptop do. It certainly not true

The problem is, everyone's definition of "what a laptop can do" can varies from person to person. If I don't need to use any of my security tools, or Tableau, the iPad can replace what I need from a personal laptop: I can write, draw, use Omnigraffle, etc. On the other hand, if I need to analyze network traffic, the iPad is useless. However, for someone who wants to do decent art with a program like Procreate in a mobile setting, the iPad is far better alternative than dragging MacBook and a Wacom tablet around with them.

I find myself overall more productive on the iPad. I can't do everything I need on either a MacBook or an iPad, but if I need to write and draw (which is most of my personal stuff), the iPad is a great tool for that.

Devices don't need to "replace" things. They just need to be able to do what I consider mission-critical or priority tasks do in a certain setting. I encourage you to read Matt Gemmell's post I liked to earlier. I think he has some good insights on setting expectation.

 

[LovingTeddy]

The problem is, everyone's definition of "what a laptop can do" can varies from person to person. If I don't need to use any of my security tools, or Tableau, the iPad can replace what I need from a personal laptop: I can write, draw, use Omnigraffle, etc. On the other hand, if I need to analyze network traffic, the iPad is useless. However, for someone who wants to do decent art with a program like Procreate in a mobile setting, the iPad is far better alternative than dragging MacBook and a Wacom tablet around with them.

I find myself overall more productive on the iPad. I can't do everything I need on either a MacBook or an iPad, but if I need to write and draw (which is most of my personal stuff), the iPad is a great tool for that.

Devices don't need to "replace" things. They just need to be able to do what I consider mission-critical or priority tasks do in a certain setting. I encourage you to read Matt Gemmell's post I liked to earlier. I think he has some good insights on setting expectation.

I agree with you 100%. But we are debating whether or not iPad can replace laptop. This statement is not by user case, it is general statement.

It is like: will bike replace car? They are all transportation tools, one can entirely bike from one point to other point. But will you see bike completely replace car? No. So statement with: bike will replace car, fail. Samething with argument of iPad can replace laptop. Although both iPad and laptop can do exactly samething, but one will never replace other, they serve different purpose and designed differently.

 

[Richard8655]

I agree with you 100%. But we are debating whether or not iPad can replace laptop. This statement is not by user case, it is general statement.

It is like: will bike replace car? They are all transportation tools, one can entirely bike from one point to other point. But will you see bike completely replace car? No. So statement with: bike will replace car, fail. Samething with argument of iPad can replace laptop. Although both iPad and laptop can do exactly samething, but one will never replace other, they serve different purpose and designed differently.

Would you say an electric car cannot replace a traditional combustion car because it lacks a gasoline engine and might not go as far? If for most people it does everything they need of a car, they cannot say it replaces their old gas powered car? (not arguing, just wanting to see all sides in this interesting debate.)

 

[Brammy]

But we are debating whether or not iPad can replace laptop

A laptop is basically this: a mobile computing platform that does not require a flat work surface (desk-type thing) and or a power cord to work.

It's when you get into the specifics of what you need to do that you see if a device works for you. There are things I can do on my work laptop that I can't do on my Macbook, but when we introduce an iPad into the mix we get into the "woah woah, that's not a laptop." We aren't arguing that if I can't use Microsoft Visio natively on an MacBook that the MacBook isn't a real computer.

For some people, an iPad is the device that fits their needs of a mobile platform. For others it's a MacBook. Or it could be a Chromebook, or a Windows laptop. None of these 'replace' devices, they are just the best device for that person's needs.

A lot of times these threads end up focusing on what an iPad can't do, instead of focusing on what it does well that make people prefer them.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what device it is, it's a technology enabler used to complete a task.

For some people, all the tasks they need/want to perform can be performed by an iPad - they don't need an additional tool (i.e. laptop).
[doublepost=1522687646][/doublepost]

In that sense, a laptop can't replace an iPad either.

He doesn't understand the meaning of the word "can" and won't consider that he's using it incorrectly.
[doublepost=1522697928][/doublepost]Chicken pox can lead to shingles. No it can't!! I've never gotten shingles!

 

[LovingTeddy]

Would you say an electric car cannot replace a traditional combustion car because it lacks a gasoline engine and might not go as far? If for most people it does everything they need of a car, they cannot say it replaces their old gas powered car? (not arguing, just wanting to see all sides in this interesting debate.)

No. In fact, the gasoline car sales were up and electric car sales has been flat over year. So it hasn't replace the gasoline car. Unless it matches what gasoline car's capability, then it can replace the gasoline car. So far eletric car gas failed to do so.

I will only adopt EV if I can charge my battery in 5 minutes and I can drive in as far as gasoline car. I won't want wait for charging station for an hour or two just get back on road.
[doublepost=1522701996][/doublepost]

He doesn't understand the meaning of the word "can" and won't consider that he's using it incorrectly.
[doublepost=1522697928][/doublepost]Chicken pox can lead to shingles. No it can't!! I've never gotten shingles!

Can means able to or the ability to. iPad is not able to replace laptop, therefore it cannot replace laptop.

 

[Richard8655]

No. In fact, the gasoline car sales were up and electric car sales has been flat over year. So it hasn't replace the gasoline car. Unless it matches what gasoline car's capability, then it can replace the gasoline car. So far eletric car gas failed to do so.

I will only adopt EV if I can charge my battery in 5 minutes and I can drive in as far as gasoline car. I won't want wait for charging station for an hour or two just get back on road.

Isn’t this based on YOUR needs? Mine, if I can pay much less for transportation energy costs, then an electric car has successfully replaced the gasoline version. BTW, this is the last year Volvo will make gas engine cars, as in 2019 all their cars will be 100% electric.

 

[LovingTeddy]

Isn’t this based on YOUR needs? Mine, if I can pay much less for transportation energy costs, then an electric car has successfully replaced the gasoline version. BTW, this is the last year Volvo will make gas engine cars, as in 2019 all their cars will be 100% electric.

If you day one thing can replace other, it is not depends on someone's need. It is statement that one can replace other. If you make a statment that one can replace other for me or one can replace other for some people, than it is depends on that person. If someone make a statment like one can replace other without any attribute, then it is blanket statment. That is a point. You can disapprove a blanket statment just by one user case.

 

[Richard8655]

If you day one thing can replace other, it is not depends on someone's need. It is statement that one can replace other. If you make a statment that one can replace other for me or one can replace other for some people, than it is depends on that person. If someone make a statment like one can replace other without any attribute, then it is blanket statment. That is a point. You can disapprove a blanket statment just by one user case.

New technology has always replaced older technology, but never as a perfect overlap. If the criteria of replacement means in every possible function, then nothing has ever been replaced. Functions die as needs for them end and new needs arise. Use cases are what drive the evolution of technology and replacement, as they represent current needs by a majority of people.

Well, doesn’t look like agreement here. Oh well, that’s fine. We’re all entitled to our perspectives.

 

[bensisko]

If someone make a statment like one can replace other without any attribute, then it is blanket statment. That is a point. You can disapprove a blanket statment just by one user case.

I agree with you about making blank, blanket statements. I would add that you can prove or disprove a blanket statement by just one case.

In general, I’m against blanket statements because more often than not, they cause confusion and argument - I would much prefer sticking to a single POV statement. That way I can’t tell you it can for you and you can’t tell me it can’t for me - all we’re left to debate with is personal, first hand accounts.

Having said that, I also believe logical operators allow us to be able to make some statements:

• It can be stated that some users no longer require a laptop if they have an iPad.
• It can be stated that some users still require (want is a different argument) a laptop to perform certain tasks.

However, saying “An iPad can perform certain digital tasks which, for some users, can fulfill the entirety of their digital needs which had been previously fulfilled by a laptop” is not as catchy or grabbing of a marketing slogan than “An iPad can replace your laptop”.

 

[AutisticGuy]

I agree with you 100%. But we are debating whether or not iPad can replace laptop. This statement is not by user case, it is general statement.

It is like: will bike replace car? They are all transportation tools, one can entirely bike from one point to other point. But will you see bike completely replace car? No. So statement with: bike will replace car, fail. Samething with argument of iPad can replace laptop. Although both iPad and laptop can do exactly samething, but one will never replace other, they serve different purpose and designed differently.

You’re taking things too literally. You aren’t reading between the lines. Of course nobody is arguing an iPad can do everything a laptop can. A laptop also cannot do everything and iPad can. However, for some people, their usage is such that an iPad can meet all of their needs. So, on a case by case basis, an iPad can be a laptop replacement.

If you want to ignore what I said about a “case by case basis” and continue to simply misrepresent what’s being said, be my guest. Nobody really thinks that an iPad can do everything a laptop can (obviously).

 

[BarracksSi]

And I've kept saying this - Apple just needs to give up forcing the Pencil on everyone... just add Bluetooth mouse support and let apps decide if they want to include mouse support. Until they do this and start taking their Chromebook competition seriously, they'll continue to lose out (big time!) on sales.

If I were writing apps for the iPad, I would not design them for mouse support, because the numbers of people using mice with their iPads would be too small for me to worry about.

Get away from the mouse. It was always only an approximation of the finger anyway. We'll eventually leave it in the 1970s where it belonged.
[doublepost=1522785107][/doublepost]

But he’s right, the iPad can replace a laptop for people who only do things like check email, social media, editing photos, listen to music, we browsing, Netflix and wordprosessing tasks (Smart Keyboard will probably come in handy there). This is what the majority of people do.

However those people who do things such as video editing, serious gaming and so on a laptop is what they will need, but they are not the majority of people. Just look at the iPad Pro advert for example with that young girl, she is using the Apple Pencil and creating a word document all things that can be done on the iPad Pro that use to be done on a laptop.

Yup. I'll tell ya -- my mom, if she chooses to try, is just one or two training sessions away from being able to do everything on an iPad that she does now on her laptop. The only things that she'd need help with is a new workflow for editing visual media and doing page layouts.

Really, guys, we under-use our laptops to a silly degree. It's like having a 20' U-Haul truck all the time for going to soccer practice and picking up three bags of groceries..

 

[cinnabun814]

I was thinking of replacing my 2016 15" MacBook Pro with an iPad Pro 12.9 2nd Gen but only decided against it because of online school. This is coming from someone who was an obsessive pc builder and used to think laptops couldn't replace desktops. This world is changing quickly that's for sure. I think for tons of people an iPad could replace their computer. If it weren't for school I certainly would.

 

[OldEditor]

This whole debate is cool in a bizarre way.
We've actually left the realm of technology and entered into simple semantics: the meaning of the word "can."

 

[AutisticGuy]

This whole debate is cool in a bizarre way.
We've actually left the realm of technology and entered into simple semantics: the meaning of the word "can."

Welcome to Internet forums, my friend. There’s no way this debate is bizarre, it’s peculiar at best. J/k