What do you realistically use your iPad for?

[secretk]

I actually already had the keyboard. I have a keyboard drawer under my desk - on it I had my big Wacom tablet and a keyboard - which needed to be smaller. I had a white one that I bought on Amazon years ago (corded) that looks similar to the Apple keyboard. But I bought this Logitech one to replace it. Some because I could hook up to 3 devices to it. I have not really used it much for different devices at a time.

Keyboard for me is definitely a must.

My trying out the iPP as my computer was not intentional. I spent several months this summer remodeling our old home for our son and his new bride. When I came home, my Asus desktop (with all the specs from 2 years ago) was crashing multiple times a day. I finally did a fresh install of Windows and it was working better. But around May or so, I started thinking about how a Mac would work. I have had iPads for awhile, but last fall I got an Apple Watch, and in December the iPhone X. I now had more Apple devices.

Makes sense. I had similar experience (when it comes to beginning) but definitely did not end like yours. My Lenovo of 4 years had some issues and I have to admit I was a bit tired of it. I do see sometimes those tech gadgets as toys that I like to play with and I can get tired of them soon enough. Anyway the Lenovo was unusable and I had some Asus 2 in 1 10 inch display with keyboard. Man that thing was driving me crazy. The keyboard and the display were just too small for me. So I just bought 15.6 inch Asus with SSD, HDD, i7 CPU, discrete GPU and an option to expand to 32 GB RAM. That is my primary machine at home. I am a bit busy at work so I use it now more for typing, watching movies and online TV and browsing, but I have also set up some tools to do R and Python programming. I also use it to process my RAW files from my Sony camera. I don't own TV so I use my laptop as TV as well (hooking it up to a bigger monitor for TV watching while doing other stuff on the laptop display).

I still am not sure what I want or need to do. But I have been solving a few of the issues I had with only using the iPPs. Monitor, hard drive, printer etc. Affinity Photo is a fantastic PS replacement as well. But my thought is, if Photoshop is going to have a full version on the new iPPs - this is going to be a beast of a tablet!!!

I get you, but the thing is that I do not use my laptop for Photoshop. For all of those apps iPad is great IMO. I love the pencil and I definitely use it for brainstorming, sketching and all that. I am not creative person (I wish I was but I am not) so I mostly use it to do light processing of postcards before I color them on photo paper. I am still more into the manual experience as I use really fine artist pens that are more precise than the Apple Pencil. I guess I still need time to be able to be that precise with the pencil. Anyway back to the point. I use my laptop/desktop for stuff like opening numerous Word files or Excel files. I need the screen estate for that. I also use my laptop for batch processing of RAW files. The software I use itself is not available for iOS.

On the peripherals, like I said, I already have the keyboard. I have spent money on other stylus as well. I even have a Bamboo Fineline to use with my iPhone Max. (I am a former Samsung Note user - I need my stylus). The pencil is SO worth the money. I have had several different Wacom tablets over the years and several different stylus as well - I think the Pencil is the BEST I have ever used!!! So yes $100 is an ouch but so worth it....

Agree the pencil is worth it. I would not have bought the iPad if there was no pencil support. I do not need regular tablets. I still use my laptop for media consumption - bigger screen, better sound, more stable on my lap in my bed.

I really like your last statement. Maybe its because I come from Android phone / tablets where you have so many choices on how you use your divice. I actually kind of like some of the limitations with iOS - because then I don’t have to make a decision about “everything”.... I also am the “queen of substitutions” as my husband says. We were living in Germany (US Army) and one year they did not have any copy paper in the store - the crate fell over on the boat. All they had was the old perforated paper that you had to tear apart. Well we used that for our schooling, even if it was not the best. I do like that there are a lot of options on apps.... One thing I wish Apple did for the App Store. In Android, you had 15 minutes (or something like that) to try out the app to see if it would do what you wanted. Then you had to buy it if you wanted to keep it....

I actually do like the choice of Windows/Android. I am weird person with lots of interests. Today I can decide to explore software for volleyball games analyzing. Tomorrow I might decide to explore software for music production. I do not want to pay for all those apps because I care about the overall functionality that it provides and the way it's implemented. I need OS that can give me the freedom to install whatever I want and then remove it. I love the fact that there are so many free Windows apps. Granted you need to know what you are doing to not screw up your machine but like I said tech gadgets are expensive toys for me. I take care of them of course (just like I did with my toys as a child) but I love to explore them. I spend a lot of time tweaking settings, setting up workflows, testing apps etc.

 

[spiderman0616]

Podcasting
Longform typing (with a hardware keyboard, not the onscreen one usually)
email
texting
surfing
video
reading
drawing
document creation (Office 365 and iWork)
PDF markup
photo editing
note taking
conference calls
gaming
phone calls
remote control for home automation
music composition
music listening

the list goes on

 

[charlituna]

Yeah it took a while for me to call it quits on my Galaxy Note Pro 12.2, I wanted so much for Google to do something more with Android on the tablet side but they made it clear that they were moving towards Chrome OS and supporting Android apps within that. \

Which is not all that different than Steve’s original “any other apps folks need can be web apps” attitude about the iPhone. It took the jailbreaking community hacking the OS and building an App Store to show him that maybe he was wrong.

 

[jsmith1]

Honestly I use it for 80% for everything, actually annoying when I can’t use it, that’s why I want one that’s better now

 

[spiderman0616]

Honestly I use it for 80% for everything, actually annoying when I can’t use it, that’s why I want one that’s better now

I could be completely wrong, but I feel like we're in for something other than just a spec bump and Face ID on the 30th. I'm not sure what to expect in the way of software, if anything at all, but I think there's a lot of smoke for there not to be a fire here as far as capabilities that have not been there with previous iPads or iPad Pros. USB-C rumors might be pointing to something having to do with output for external monitors, but also other things we're not even thinking about yet. Same with the new smart connector (if it's legit). I really don't feel like we're going to get the same old iPad Pro design minus the home button. I have a feeling that Apple is going to move the iPad Pro conversation in a little different direction next Tuesday.

 

[Ipadlover29]

I use my 12.9 iPad Pro with ask for 90% of my computing needs. Only time I use my MacBook is for gaming (civilization).

 

[spiderman0616]

I use my 12.9 iPad Pro with ask for 90% of my computing needs. Only time I use my MacBook is for gaming (civilization).

I played a LOT of Civ VI on my 10.5.

 

[jsmith1]

I could be completely wrong, but I feel like we're in for something other than just a spec bump and Face ID on the 30th. I'm not sure what to expect in the way of software, if anything at all, but I think there's a lot of smoke for there not to be a fire here as far as capabilities that have not been there with previous iPads or iPad Pros. USB-C rumors might be pointing to something having to do with output for external monitors, but also other things we're not even thinking about yet. Same with the new smart connector (if it's legit). I really don't feel like we're going to get the same old iPad Pro design minus the home button. I have a feeling that Apple is going to move the iPad Pro conversation in a little different direction next Tuesday.

Will be interesting...I know I want a new, NOT looking forward to pricing though, as wi+cell 256(at least) is only option...color no concern

 

[Ipadlover29]

I played a LOT of Civ VI on my 10.5.

Just not the same for me without a mouse, keyboard and my 32” monitor.

 

[Cape Dave]

I could be completely wrong, but I feel like we're in for something other than just a spec bump and Face ID on the 30th. I'm not sure what to expect in the way of software, if anything at all, but I think there's a lot of smoke for there not to be a fire here as far as capabilities that have not been there with previous iPads or iPad Pros. USB-C rumors might be pointing to something having to do with output for external monitors, but also other things we're not even thinking about yet. Same with the new smart connector (if it's legit). I really don't feel like we're going to get the same old iPad Pro design minus the home button. I have a feeling that Apple is going to move the iPad Pro conversation in a little different direction next Tuesday.

They are finally going to admit that trackpad/mouse support is important for productivity. I know when I am in a complex webhosting dashboard, I do not want to accidentally delete the wrong server due to my fat finger!

 

[revyaanshu]

Everyone is different. I use mine as my only work and personal computer (aside from my iPhone). I use mine for email, drafting proposals, reviewing reports, analytics dashboards, collaborating with my team on documents, creating presentations, FaceTime meetings, desk to desk meetings in the office to review performance, things like that for work. At home, I use it for server management, downloading torrents, Safari, Netflix, Playstation Vue, Plex, Twitter, etc.

Hi, how do you manage to download torrents using the ipad? That's one of the things making me keep my old Macbook.

 

[throAU]

Statements like this are just as ignorant as the whole “you can’t do real work on a tablet” nonsense. It’s very easy to beat a full desktop for content creation, it all depends on the content.

It sure beats my work desktop when i'm at the pub doing work.

 

[DNichter]

Hi, how do you manage to download torrents using the ipad? That's one of the things making me keep my old Macbook.

I use a QNAP TS-251+ server. It cost about $500 to get set up with 4TB’s of storage, but it’s well worth it. Great investment, especially when making the move to iPad only. I run my plex server and Homebridge off of it, keep backups of files there, access all my personal files, plus the QNAP app has a download center on it where you can search and download torrents directly to the server from anywhere. Then I just drop them onto my Plex server. Really easy. That was the last aspect I needed to ditch macOS.

 

[Mainsail]

Wow, I think some people are getting real defensive. I understand that the iPad has been overly criticized as a toy or not useful for real work. And, I have posted numerous times about the productivity tasks I do with my iPad. Mind you, I simply use my iPad with a cheap case and no acessories, and I am still amazed at how much I can get done with it. So, it is my primary computer and mobile productivity machine.

But, there are some things that are just better with Mac OS on a full sized computer. The most obvious are tasks that require multiple windows with the same app open simultaneously. For example the spreadsheet was killer app that made personal computing relevant to the business world. There are some analysis that require multiple screens and numerous sheets open simultaneously plus maybe a corporate database query tool. I am sorry, but a desktop is just better for this type of thing.

Let’s not have the pendulum swing too far. I understand the frustration when folks say the iPad can’t be used to get serious work done. And, I’ll be the first to defend the iPad, since I use mine everyday to be productive. But, let’s not pretend that the is the iPad best tool for every job.....that’s just not realistic.

 

[DNichter]

Wow, I think some people are getting real defensive. I understand that the iPad has been overly criticized as a toy or not useful for real work. And, I have posted numerous times about the productivity tasks I do with my iPad. Mind you, I simply use my iPad with a cheap case and no acessories, and I am still amazed at how much I can get done with it. So, it is my primary computer and mobile productivity machine.

But, there are some things that are just better with Mac OS on a full sized computer. The most obvious are tasks that require multiple windows with the same app open simultaneously. For example the spreadsheet was killer app that made personal computing relevant to the business world. There are some analysis that require multiple screens and numerous sheets open simultaneously plus maybe a corporate database query tool. I am sorry, but a desktop is just better for this type of thing.

Let’s not have the pendulum swing too far. I understand the frustration when folks say the iPad can’t be used to get serious work done. And, I’ll be the first to defend the iPad, since I use mine everyday to be productive. But, let’s not pretend that the is the iPad best tool for every job.....that’s just not realistic.

Personally, I haven't seen that at all. iPad users aren't saying an iPad is the best option for all tasks (that's obvious), more so that it's a viable option, just like any other computer.

 

[Mainsail]

Well, there are some tasks where an iPad really isn’t a viable option. For example, large multi sheet Excel spreadsheets that need to be opened simultaneously. I am sure there are some types of coding that can’t be done on an iPad. There are other examples.

Again, I am a big iPad advocate, and I use mine for productivity. But, I don’t believe it is a viable option for every task.

 

[DNichter]

Well, there are some tasks where an iPad really isn’t a viable option. For example, large multi sheet Excel spreadsheets that need to be opened simultaneously. I am sure there are some types of coding that can’t be done on an iPad. There are other examples.

Again, I am a big iPad advocate, and I use mine for productivity. But, I don’t believe it is a viable option for every task.

I am assuming you are responding to me. Correct, those are the obvious situations where an iPad is not the best option. If you are doing a lot of operational data entry, no it's not the best tool for the job. Again, no one is saying it's a viable option for every task. I am not sure why this is so hard for people to understand. Some people need more power than a MacBook Pro and opt for a Mac Pro. The MacBook Pro is still a viable option, just not the best tool for the job. The same applies to an iPad, it all depends on the task at hand.

 

[subjonas]

Well, there are some tasks where an iPad really isn’t a viable option. For example, large multi sheet Excel spreadsheets that need to be opened simultaneously. I am sure there are some types of coding that can’t be done on an iPad. There are other examples.

Again, I am a big iPad advocate, and I use mine for productivity. But, I don’t believe it is a viable option for every task.

I am assuming you are responding to me. Correct, those are the obvious situations where an iPad is not the best option. If you are doing a lot of operational data entry, no it's not the best tool for the job. Again, no one is saying it's a viable option for every task. I am not sure why this is so hard for people to understand. Some people need more power than a MacBook Pro and opt for a Mac Pro. The MacBook Pro is still a viable option, just not the best tool for the job. The same applies to an iPad, it all depends on the task at hand.

I think you both agree.
Although I have to say I do recall at least one person in these forums claim that iPad is all anyone should need and that any workflow that requires any other platform is an antiquated workflow. I had a good laugh.

 

[spiderman0616]

I think you both agree.
Although I have to say I do recall at least one person in these forums claim that iPad is all anyone should need and that any workflow that requires any other platform is an antiquated workflow. I had a good laugh.

The iPad Pro is not the best tool for my 40 hour a week job, but that's because the proprietary software my job gives me to host conference calls is Flash based and won't run on my iPad. There are other options I can use on iPad in a pinch, but I'm technically required to use a specific one for my job and it's Flash only.

So because I'm in so many conference calls all day using that software, for 8 hours that I'm working, the iPad cannot be my main driver. But it's always sitting on my desk with my Pencil for taking meeting notes, playing music, etc. And when I log off for the day from work, the iPad Pro is my main, and only, PERSONAL computer. Any after hours or weekend things I need to get taken care of for my job can easily be done on the iPad Pro (I pretty much live in Office 365, a web browser, and Slack for my job), and definitely all the personal computing I do can be as well--even the more power user type tasks I do like podcasting, music composition, etc.

So in my specific case, yes, because my employer requires me to use software that requires Flash, which is RIDICULOUS in 2018, it really is because the workflow I need to do is antiquated and won't run on iOS. This is despite the fact that GoToMeeting, Zoom, Skype for Business, etc. all work fine on iOS and without Flash. I do have a dual monitor setup that I hook my Macbook Air up to and use it with a Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard. The iPad Pro can't do that yet, and it's nice to be able to work that way, but I don't HAVE to have that setup. A large iPad Pro in split screen with Skype for Business on one side and Outlook on the other pretty much duplicates what I do with my dual monitors anyway.

 

[Mainsail]

Yes, I think we do basically agree.
In fact, I am probably a good candidate for iPad only (plus iPhone). I have experimented with this using a keyboard case and found it to be doable. Occasionally.....rarely really, I ran into issues that were just better done on a desktop. I fought it. Got frustrated. Then, wonder what the heck I was doing. I have a desktop. Why not just use it when I need it.

I really hope they update the Mac mini. Then, there will be a pathway for low cost updates to my desktop which I need on occasion.

 

[Beachguy]

I use mine unrealistically, so I feel left out.

 

[subjonas]

The iPad Pro is not the best tool for my 40 hour a week job, but that's because the proprietary software my job gives me to host conference calls is Flash based and won't run on my iPad. There are other options I can use on iPad in a pinch, but I'm technically required to use a specific one for my job and it's Flash only.

So because I'm in so many conference calls all day using that software, for 8 hours that I'm working, the iPad cannot be my main driver. But it's always sitting on my desk with my Pencil for taking meeting notes, playing music, etc. And when I log off for the day from work, the iPad Pro is my main, and only, PERSONAL computer. Any after hours or weekend things I need to get taken care of for my job can easily be done on the iPad Pro (I pretty much live in Office 365, a web browser, and Slack for my job), and definitely all the personal computing I do can be as well--even the more power user type tasks I do like podcasting, music composition, etc.

So in my specific case, yes, because my employer requires me to use software that requires Flash, which is RIDICULOUS in 2018, it really is because the workflow I need to do is antiquated and won't run on iOS. This is despite the fact that GoToMeeting, Zoom, Skype for Business, etc. all work fine on iOS and without Flash. I do have a dual monitor setup that I hook my Macbook Air up to and use it with a Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard. The iPad Pro can't do that yet, and it's nice to be able to work that way, but I don't HAVE to have that setup. A large iPad Pro in split screen with Skype for Business on one side and Outlook on the other pretty much duplicates what I do with my dual monitors anyway.

Sure, it’s totally fine to speak about one's own case. I laughed at this person because he/she was trying to speak about everyone’s case including mine.

 

[CrystalQuest76]

I see a number of people using their iPads for reading books. How many of you know about the "OverDrive" service? Its a company with an ebook reader app that runs on all sorts of devices. Libraries around the country subscribe to the service so patrons with library card numbers can download and read text books (or audio books). Its a great way to reduce the amount of money you give to Apple executives and Amazon executives (they are rich and don't need the money). The OverDrive service pays the authors when the books are checked out from the local libraries and since we tax payers are supporting the libraries anyway, it costs us nothing extra.

Go to your local library's web site and learn more about it. Just search for "OverDrive." (I don't work for the company; I just like to get the most out of what I am already paying for.)

Saving money is not a crime.

 

[spiderman0616]

Sure, it’s totally fine to speak about one's own case. I laughed at this person because he/she was trying to speak about everyone’s case including mine.

Yeah.....people on both sides of the argument do that, and it drives me nuts. Just because I can use an iPad Pro for 99% of my needs doesn't mean you can. And you not being able to use an iPad for most things doesn't delegitimize the fact that I can. If people would just stop and think about that, these arguments would cease to exist. Unfortunately though, most people are hellbent on imposing their ideas on others and want to argue, so any thread about iPad is going to devolve into people making definitive statements about whether or not it's just a toy.
[doublepost=1540323325][/doublepost]

I see a number of people using their iPads for reading books. How many of you know about the "OverDrive" service? Its a company with an ebook reader app that runs on all sorts of devices. Libraries around the country subscribe to the service so patrons with library card numbers can download and read text books (or audio books). Its a great way to reduce the amount of money you give to Apple executives and Amazon executives (they are rich and don't need the money). The OverDrive service pays the authors when the books are checked out from the local libraries and since we tax payers are supporting the libraries anyway, it costs us nothing extra.

Go to your local library's web site and learn more about it. Just search for "OverDrive." (I don't work for the company; I just like to get the most out of what I am already paying for.)

Saving money is not a crime.

We have used it for years--it's great. I believe it does movie checkout now too. I still buy books too, but Overdrive is a great option if your library system supports it.

 

[Mainsail]

I see a number of people using their iPads for reading books. How many of you know about the "OverDrive" service? Its a company with an ebook reader app that runs on all sorts of devices. Libraries around the country subscribe to the service so patrons with library card numbers can download and read text books (or audio books). Its a great way to reduce the amount of money you give to Apple executives and Amazon executives (they are rich and don't need the money). The OverDrive service pays the authors when the books are checked out from the local libraries and since we tax payers are supporting the libraries anyway, it costs us nothing extra.

Go to your local library's web site and learn more about it. Just search for "OverDrive." (I don't work for the company; I just like to get the most out of what I am already paying for.)

Saving money is not a crime.

I think reading on an iPad is one of the most overlooked advantages of the device. I got a local public library card and downloaded an app called Libby. It is terrific. Once you set up a log on and enter your library card, Libby basically gives you access to all available books in your local public library plus affiliated libraries.....which in my case is huge collection! I really never need to buy another book. If you read one book a month, you can pay for your iPad investment pretty quickly.