All iPads Those with M1 Macs and iPads, what do you use an iPad for?

[Zazoh]

Do you use your iPad with a Magic Keyboard or some other keyboard alternative?

I do not use Magic Keyboard. I use Apples white external Keyboard when I have a day of heavy typing. And sometimes I’ll use the white external trackpad, Or an Apple Magic Mouse.

When I do, the iPad is in portrait mode so I can take advantage of having a longer screen when typing.

 

[ericwn]

iPads haven’t changed for me just because Macs now have a different processor.

I use my iPad the same way as before for business and private stuff.

 

[NastyMatt]

iPads haven’t changed for me just because Macs now have a different processor.

I use my iPad the same way as before for business and private stuff.

Agree. The M1 MacBooks don't do anything new compared to Intel MacBooks, just quicker and quieter. If you had no use for an iPad previously you still won't either too.

I barely use my MBP since I got my IPP nearly a year ago. If I had to give up one it would be the MBP.

 

[benobi]

Agree. The M1 MacBooks don't do anything new compared to Intel MacBooks, just quicker and quieter. If you had no use for an iPad previously you still won't either too.

I barely use my MBP since I got my IPP nearly a year ago. If I had to give up one it would be the MBP.

Do you use the Magic Keyboard?

 

[Justin51]

had a similar discussion with my brother in law, he is far more educated and computer literate than i, he does IT infrastructure for a large corporation. We usually have good fun needling each other as he is 100 % windows / Android and i Apple.

He also feels laptops are reaching the end of their lifespan, and new tech will eventually replace it, with what, who knows, i know i use MKB with my 12.9 IPad, its still doesn’t feel like a laptop, even though on paper, it very much is when attached.

Maybe some sort of iPad iteration, with no physical keyboard but rather some sort of laser ? That pops a keyboard display on the desk when needed. Saving space and weight. I have no skin in the game, or the knowledge, but i love tech and following it, even if i only understand half of it.

This^^^^^

The iPad Pro still doesn't feel like a computer although it should.....

I tried both extensively for a few weeks going about my daily routine and I found it much easier for almost everything I do using the MBP. I tried and really wanted to keep the iPad Pro but everything I did especially in spreadsheets was so much easier on the MBP.

I just upgraded from a 15 MBP to the new M1 MBP and am loving it, although it's taking me a little to get use to the keyboard and I really like the Touch Bar.

 

[muzzy996]

Do you use the Magic Keyboard?

I notice that's the 2nd time you've asked a respondent that question and am curious what the relevance is. Not that I have one myself but if you have specific questions about the use of the magic keyboard perhaps toss them out there for discussion.

In the spirit of your original post it seemed as though you were thinking the Pro models would give you a different perspective on usefulness and that somehow having M1's enter the market would change things but as others have pointed out that's not necessarily true. Time will tell if iPad Pros will evolve and deviate from base models but for now iOS works pretty much the same on either a base, Air or Pro.

 

[spiderman0616]

I used my 12.9" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard as my main personal laptop and my iPad. I loved it, but its job got stolen by two new devices: the iPhone 12 Pro Max and the M1 MacBook Air. I know, I know, the 12 Pro Max is not as big as even an iPad Mini, and it does not have the same consumption-friendly aspect ratio as an iPad. But at the same time, it's a really large iPhone that runs essentially the same OS as the iPad, albeit without the multitasking that everyone seems to hate. (I don't hate it--I worked just fine with the iPadOS multitasking system.)

Typically, I like having at least one of every Apple product--the full ecosystem. But my kids still both have iPads that I can use if I really need one. The M1 Mac just solved so many productivity problems for me that the Intel Macs and iPad Pro models never figured out. So it was time to switch for a while, and so far I have not looked back.

 

[nrvna76]

I get the hesitancy. I had the same. For me it had nothing to do with M1, just trying to keep my apple sheep-ness in check so I don’t end up poor. I wondered if I really had a use case for a 16” MBP, an iPhone, and an iPad.

I eventually bit the bullet and bought an 11” iPad Pro with MKB. For me it’s an amazing device. The input options of MKB, pencil, or touch are great for multiple different use cases and it allowed me to move away from the max sized iPhones which I truly don’t need. I contemplated going for the mini, and I honestly think I should have but I ended with just the pro non-max.

Anyways, for me it was about what ecosystem would I use and would I utilize each device ‘enough’ (whatever that means for you) to justify the cost. Yes, the iPad Pro with MKB and pencil is expensive, if you’re in the apple ecosystem that shouldn’t come as a surprise. However, as I use it for light productivity, light pencil use (drawing, annotation), and consumption of media while at home or relatively static. I use my phone for similar (minus pencil work) while mobile, and my computer (which is mostly my wifes) for actual desktop work.. YMMV. I find them all valuable and didn’t even consider returning the iPad setup once purchased.

 

[rui no onna]

I get the hesitancy. I had the same. For me it had nothing to do with M1, just trying to keep my apple sheep-ness in check so I don’t end up poor. I wondered if I really had a use case for a 16” MBP, an iPhone, and an iPad.

I eventually bit the bullet and bought an 11” iPad Pro with MKB. For me it’s an amazing device. The input options of MKB, pencil, or touch are great for multiple different use cases and it allowed me to move away from the max sized iPhones which I truly don’t need. I contemplated going for the mini, and I honestly think I should have but I ended with just the pro non-max.

Anyways, for me it was about what ecosystem would I use and would I utilize each device ‘enough’ (whatever that means for you) to justify the cost. Yes, the iPad Pro with MKB and pencil is expensive, if you’re in the apple ecosystem that shouldn’t come as a surprise. However, as I use it for light productivity, light pencil use (drawing, annotation), and consumption of media while at home or relatively static. I use my phone for similar (minus pencil work) while mobile, and my computer (which is mostly my wifes) for actual desktop work.. YMMV. I find them all valuable and didn’t even consider returning the iPad setup once purchased.

Until the iPad starts being able to run desktop apps (alternate full web browsers is a biggie), I will always have need for a laptop.

For me, I prefer to use the iPad over all my other devices (like 80-90% of my personal usage). However, for the 10-20% of tasks I need the laptop and iPhone for, there's just no substitution. This dictates my buying and upgrade patterns. I won't cheap out on RAM and storage but I do go pretty long between upgrades (~4 years iPhone and ~8 years laptop).

 

[NastyMatt]

Do you use the Magic Keyboard

Yes.

I have said this elsewhere on this forum - I think the MK massively expands the usefulness and capabilities of the IPP. When I ordered the IPP the Pencil arrived 2 weeks before the IPP and then the IPP turned up a few days before the MK. So I used the IPP for a while without the MK, I’ve had a previous iPad so knew what to expect but.. the MK was a revelation.

I know I sound a bit fanboy‘ish but it completely surpassed my expectations.

 

[benobi]

I notice that's the 2nd time you've asked a respondent that question and am curious what the relevance is. Not that I have one myself but if you have specific questions about the use of the magic keyboard perhaps toss them out there for discussion.

In the spirit of your original post it seemed as though you were thinking the Pro models would give you a different perspective on usefulness and that somehow having M1's enter the market would change things but as others have pointed out that's not necessarily true. Time will tell if iPad Pros will evolve and deviate from base models but for now iOS works pretty much the same on either a base, Air or Pro.

Thanks for responding. So a couple things just to continue the discussion:

1) Some people in this thread seem to swear by their iPad's utility/productivity and so I am trying to gauge whether the MK unlocks that or if it is something else intrinsic to the iPad and iPad OS that I am missing. If they are using the iPad as a laptop replacement most of the time and also using it as a tablet, I can totally understand how an iPad becomes an indispensable tool for people. I am really curious to hear from people who dont use an iPad with a keyboard but STILL find it indispensable.
2) In my opinion, I do think the M1 Macs steal some of the perceived benefits of the iPad. They are now cool, fanless (Air), and just as responsive. They are also faster and have considerably longer battery life - all things that Intel Macs lacked over iPads.

I have an M1 Air. Love it. Best computer I have ever owned. Because of my work, it looks like I will need to buy an iPad. Certainly first world problems, but I am just trying to learn from others and see if there are different ways I can try to integrate an iPad into my work and life.

 

[ofarlig]

I've had the 12.9" and 11" IPP with MKB in the past year and I got the M1 Air today. First impressions are that I honestly prefer the iPads a lot to the M1 Air for usage in general. I will have to see if I get used to the clunky OS and low refresh rate on the display (scrolling feels very laggy due to it), but first impressions aren't that great. I didn't hesitate to bring the iPads with me around the home and just place where I was but I've not really done that with the laptop. I am starting to remember why the IPP replaced the 13" MBP I had back then.

No FaceID means all authentication is slower and since it is a computer I don't have access to the mobile digital IDs so I have to pick up my phone whenever I log into secure sites instead of it running on the device.

 

[spiderman0616]

Thanks for responding. So a couple things just to continue the discussion:

1) Some people in this thread seem to swear by their iPad's utility/productivity and so I am trying to gauge whether the MK unlocks that or if it is something else intrinsic to the iPad and iPad OS that I am missing. If they are using the iPad as a laptop replacement most of the time and also using it as a tablet, I can totally understand how an iPad becomes an indispensable tool for people. I am really curious to hear from people who dont use an iPad with a keyboard but STILL find it indispensable.
2) In my opinion, I do think the M1 Macs steal some of the perceived benefits of the iPad. They are now cool, fanless (Air), and just as responsive. They are also faster and have considerably longer battery life - all things that Intel Macs lacked over iPads.

I have an M1 Air. Love it. Best computer I have ever owned. Because of my work, it looks like I will need to buy an iPad. Certainly first world problems, but I am just trying to learn from others and see if there are different ways I can try to integrate an iPad into my work and life.

In my situation, the MK was the answer to my prayers as far as turning my iPad Pro all the way into modular computer. I really liked it as an accessory and the trackpad support was great. But it was a victim of its own success in my workflow, because it made me realize that in the end a laptop would serve me better than an iPad. Especially a laptop with a fancy new M1 chip in it.

 

[Abazigal]

As a teacher, I use my iPad to teach in the classroom. In this regard, my iPad Pro continues to form an integral part of my teaching workflow. It’s just a joy being able to annotate on pdf documents in notability using the Apple Pencil while being free to roam around the room (airplay mirroring courtesy of my Apple TV).

My iPad is also my couch surfing and gaming device.

I did get the M1 MBA to use at home because my work-issued windows laptop is slow and comes with tons of admin restrictions. However, my MBA stays at home because I can’t justify bringing 2 laptops and a tablet to and from work.

That said, my 2018 iPad Pro is still going strong and has more than enough power to handle whatever I throw at it. I would appreciate a better camera (I do a fair amount of photography, filming and recording on my iPad) but that alone probably isn’t enough to be me to upgrade. I don’t feel starved for ram. LumaFusion crunches what I throw its way. Battery life is still fine after 2+ years.

I also worry that a new iPad form factor would mean having to replace my pencil and Smart Keyboard accessories as well, so I may likely just use my iPad Pro till it falls apart or the battery fails.

Either way, I have been an ardent iPad user since 2012 and it’s been an awesome journey.

 

[rui no onna]

I am really curious to hear from people who dont use an iPad with a keyboard but STILL find it indispensable.

I bought an iPad because I want a tablet primarily for reading. As hardware and software improved, its use has expanded that it has mostly replaced my laptop for general web browsing, etc. I'm typing this post right now on iPad using just onscreen keyboard. Couch and bed use, I much prefer tablet over clamshell/laptop.

 

[muzzy996]

I am really curious to hear from people who dont use an iPad with a keyboard but STILL find it indispensable.

For me I have a corporate issued windows workstation class laptop to do my heavy lifting and an iPad Pro 12.9 for everything else. I use the iPad for web browsing and media consumption around the house. I have been working from home for nearly a year now so while I used to find my ipad indispensable for business meetings (note taking and reference of data) it now primarily serves as an entertainment device. I still love it for that and will eventually upgrade it in the future.

Honestly I would love to see a 2-in-1 Macbook Air with M1 type chip in it that runs MacOS but is capable of folding backwards and running ipad apps, with a pencil silo built into the chassis. I think i’d buy one if Apple made one.

 

[CSBBody]

Thanks for responding. So a couple things just to continue the discussion:

1) Some people in this thread seem to swear by their iPad's utility/productivity and so I am trying to gauge whether the MK unlocks that or if it is something else intrinsic to the iPad and iPad OS that I am missing. If they are using the iPad as a laptop replacement most of the time and also using it as a tablet, I can totally understand how an iPad becomes an indispensable tool for people. I am really curious to hear from people who dont use an iPad with a keyboard but STILL find it indispensable.
2) In my opinion, I do think the M1 Macs steal some of the perceived benefits of the iPad. They are now cool, fanless (Air), and just as responsive. They are also faster and have considerably longer battery life - all things that Intel Macs lacked over iPads.

I have an M1 Air. Love it. Best computer I have ever owned. Because of my work, it looks like I will need to buy an iPad. Certainly first world problems, but I am just trying to learn from others and see if there are different ways I can try to integrate an iPad into my work and life.

Having owned many IPads, and still do, and using the original keyboard, i will say the MKB totally changed how i use my IPad, or added to it.

My MBA M1 is everything they said it would be and more. No regrets.

I can feel the irony radiating in my post lol, but i still cant put my finger on why i dislike working on a laptop, and prefer the IPad, it certainly is not the OS, as i am much more comfortable with MacOS When i am working on certain things.

 

[NastyMatt]

I have no doubt the M1 MBA is a better laptop than an IPP with MK (multi screen support for starters) but unless Apple are going to release a fairly impressive MacOS update it will never be a multi utility device. You can add a MK to an IPP and you have a good laptop, you can not add a pencil to a M1 and have a good tablet.

My use of the IPP - kids use it during the day for school (doing the work, video classes and use the pen for writing on screen and drawing) I then use it for work (I use a lot of browser apps) and meetings, I can have twitch open as PIP or TuneIn etc after work I then use it for media consumption - browsing and watching vids. I'll sit on the sofa and watch TV and easily answer emails etc I'll then play on my pc for gaming but have the IPP open with football on next to it.. finally I'll use procreate on my own or with the kids etc (which I think is an amazing app).

It will literally be used all day.. yes a M1 will do most of that and some of it better but it can not do all of that.

I am lucky in my work that I can get pretty much any tech I want, this year I will probably get a M1 MBA to replace my 3 year old MBP - but it won't replace my IPP.

 

[ofarlig]

Yeah my M1 Air is being returned and I will wait for the 2021 12.9" iPP instead. Was way more clunky with the M1 Air to be honest, I was expecting them to have utilised the ARM chip and made it so apps like Telegram, Mail and so on could get messages in the background and notify me but apparently not. They still need to be running which just creates unnecessary clutter just to make sure I get messages.

 

[Zazoh]

... I was expecting them to have utilised the ARM chip and made it so apps like Telegram, Mail and so on could get messages in the background and notify me but apparently not. They still need to be running which just creates unnecessary clutter just to make sure I get messages.

This is an excellent point that not many mention. On my iPhone or iPad I can have 100's of apps receiving information and notifying me, without having to have the app open and visually in a running state.

MacOS is nowhere near this state, largely because the majority of apps one runs supports technology from the 90s or a single function apps that don't do anything. I dunno, we run through these exercises at work as well, we have the ability to build a new stack with better opportunities and when we gather requirements people just keep asking for what they have today.

I applaud Apple over the years for making good decisions for us. Getting rid of the floppy, optical drive etc. Keep the train a moving folks.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I don't have an M1 MacBook but Im sure I would use it in the same way as I use my current intel MacBook Air. To browse the net, watch YouTube videos, emails etc which is the same way I use all my devices lol

 

[satchmo]

Ultimately, the iPad is everything Jobs said at the original unveiling.
Scrub to 7:00 mark.

'It's so much more intimate"

Of course, you can bring your Macbook on the sofa too. But you're not going to interact with it the same way you do with an iPad. You can pnch to zoom with fingers and bring the display to your face. Or move around a page with your fingers as you sketch with your Pencil.

Now, if Apple had a 2-in-1 product like an Lenovo Yoga, this question wouldn't really be relevant.
But we know that ship has sailed many years ago.

 

[Digitalguy]

Sorry for the long post, but...
I'll give you the different point of view of someone that has, dare I say, more than just a M1 Mac...
I have a Surface Book 2, which has great battery life, is totally silent during normal use, has decent power and a great keyboard (these are the features for the M1 Macs, sure they are more powerful, but I guess most people are more than fine with a quad core i7, and sure hard core mac users don't want windows, but again the vast majority of people are fine or even prefer Windows), plus it has touch and pen support, it has a pen magnetically attached to the side of the screen, has a 3.2 screen and can turn into a large but still light tablet.
So many of the things that people have said, being intimate, being able to scroll with your fingers, using pen etc, are all there. And still I have several iPad pros and minis. And a Galaxy S7+. Why?
I have never tried to replace my laptop. iPadOS (and Android) is far from being able to do that.
What I have replaced with my iPads is paper (I used to print a lot, I have replace books, I have replaced sheet music) an pen (mainly for annotating and I often do for work). I have replaced my TV (I know some people like having a huge TV, I don't, I want to watch stuff while being mobile around the house). And the TV apps often works better on tablet than on a browser.
And I use them for youtube and movies (as TV, youtube and movies my S7+ is probably the most used device).
I use them (mainly the 12.9) as a second screen for work, because in my work I need to have either pdf files or power point files always open in addition to the rest. So most of the time I don't connect them as a monitor, just open the files and keep them as a second wireless touchscreen I can take everywhere together with my laptop. So I replaced a portable monitor. And I have portable USB C monitor. but there is no such thing as a 4.3 portable monitor, which is essential for my work.
I don't videoedit much, but when I do, I find lumafusion much nicer than a desktop videoeditor.
iPads allow me to pick the right size. From the mini to the 11 to the 12.9 depending on what I need it for (mini in bed for instance, 11 for reading books when not in bed).
They have replaced my newspaper. I subscribe to a financial newspaper which I use with its iPad app (again, 12.9 on my desk, 11 when I am standing, mini in bed)
Do I browse on them? Only when I am not at my desk, otherwise I browse from my Surface book (and I love the ability to have touch on it).
I use iPad with cellular when I am on the go and I might night to type something (I don't have the magic keyboard, too heavy for me, defeats the purpose, I use the apple smart keyboard, or some logitech ones, and the brydge for the mini). So iPad has replace a laptop on the go, unless I know I need to work on the go.
Could I do some of these things on my Surface book? Yes, but it's so good as a laptop that that's what I mostly use it for (and that's the device I use most during the day), but sometimes I do detach the screen to continue watching a video that I started watching on my desk and that's a nice option. And iPads give me more options in terms of size and some things are better on apps (like my newspaper does not have a windows apps and the browser version is much inferior)
I could go on with more niche uses but the post is already long enough...
If my surface book was running M1 would it replaced my tablets? Maybe the 12.9... Otherwise, not really, having iPad apps would help, but I still would not have the small sizes. And 4.3 is better than 3.2 for most books etc. And, let's be honest, Macs with touch, pen, detachable screens and square aspect ratios are not happening.
And a M1 mac as they are now would be a big downgrade for me as a laptop, since I don't need more power and I would lose all the nice things that my surface book offers (and I am not in the Apple ecosystem anyway since I have a Samsung phone...)

 

[gglidd]

When we weren't in pandemic mode, my iPad was what I carried around the office to meetings and out and about. It was my main mobility/travel device. I don't use it for much in the way of real productivity, but it's a great device for email/notes/personal organization type stuff for me.

Since we went fully remote last March, it's mostly an entertainment/consumption and downtime machine. It plays music or background tv while I'm working at my desk, and I doodle or game or doomscroll while I watch tv in the evenings.

 

[jagolden]

I feel this question is like asking "Do you take lunch to school or a bus"?
Apples and oranges.