iPad Pro Will you buy another iPad or go laptop?

[throAU]

I'll continue with both, until the 12.9 pro can do everything I need my laptop for.

it's CLOSE right now, but not quite. Things that don't work - USB to serial adapters (unless that changed lately), running virtual machines... and that's mostly it.

Having two devices is useful anyway, in case one is flat, breaks, etc.

 

[throAU]

I never had a real need for a laptop (in the sense of a mobile desktop system), and given the poor ergonomics I also wouldn’t want one. (I did own laptops over the years, but didn’t use them much.) I use a desktop setup with large monitor and ergonomic keyboard, and iPads for video conferencing, recreational browsing, media consumption, and for apps you’d also use on your iPhone. Real work and productivity requires the desktop setup. They complement each other.

I used to feel this way, however the M1 Pro has solved that for me. The current MacBook Pro lineup is close enough to a decent desktop system for me to not care any more. Plug the current MacBook Pro into a decent monitor and it is speedy enough that you wouldn't know any different.

 

[NickYanakiev]

I recently sold my 11" M2 iPad Pro, along with a MK and Apple Pencil. I wasn't using it enough and have always thought that it is a bit of a pointless thing for me to own due to my limited use case. I really feel that Apple is crippling the powerful hardware with its incredibly limiting software.

The company clearly wants to sell both laptops and tablets and can't afford to bring the two lines too close together. Not to mention that tablet sales worldwide have been falling year on year for a good while now...

 

[CharlesShaw]

I recently sold my 11" M2 iPad Pro, along with a MK and Apple Pencil. I wasn't using it enough and have always thought that it is a bit of a pointless thing for me to own due to my limited use case.

I imagine there are many unneeded/under-used iPad Pros, as well as MacBook Airs, MacBook Pros, Mac Studios, and Apple Watches, simply because they all look so great and the experience of buying them is very stimulating.

I totally get the appeal of the Magic Keyboard for certain users (it’s not for me, as I prefer a SmartFolio and separate keyboard, as I never type on my lap), but I think many users put the MK on and it becomes less appealing and [ironically] less flexible as a device. But since they paid so much for the MK, they continue to use it.

And probably many more unused Apple Pencils, since people buy them simply because there’s a magnetic spot on the iPad Pro for it.

The company clearly wants to sell both laptops and tablets and can't afford to bring the two lines too close together.

Can you imagine the chaos, frustration, and constant complaining and fighting that would ensue if the M-series suitable iPad Pro’s could suddenly run MacOS?

 

[The Game 161]

I'll continue with both, until the 12.9 pro can do everything I need my laptop for.

it's CLOSE right now, but not quite. Things that don't work - USB to serial adapters (unless that changed lately), running virtual machines... and that's mostly it.

Having two devices is useful anyway, in case one is flat, breaks, etc.

For me it’s hard to beat a laptop feel and on your lap it‘s not close.

 

[xxFoxtail]

I was thinking of upgrading to a MacBook Air M2 from my iPad Air 2 (2014), which would be a huge jump for me, having never owned any other Apple products, let alone a laptop. 😅 Which I guess is why I'm here, so I'm not completely in the dark, going in.

It's a great laptop. And a pretty big jump. Is your iPad Air 2 your only computer right now?

Yep I’m waiting for my kids to finish their Saturday morning club sitting in McDonald’s and wishing I’d brought my mini 6 with me. My 13 pro max is not cutting it.

I was going back and forth whether to get a iPhone Pro Max or an iPad mini. The upgrade from my 14 Pro would mostly be so I can read books a little easier on the go.

 

[Surfsalot]

It's a great laptop. And a pretty big jump. Is your iPad Air 2 your only computer right now?


I was going back and forth whether to get a iPhone Pro Max or an iPad mini. The upgrade from my 14 Pro would mostly be so I can read books a little easier on the go.

I went from 14 pro to 15 pro max, I use a kindle for books though. Also have a 11" M1 iPad and still prefer the kindle paper white 6.8".

 

[xxFoxtail]

I went from 14 pro to 15 pro max, I use a kindle for books though. Also have a 11" M1 iPad and still prefer the kindle paper white 6.8".

I'd definitely consider using my husband's Kindle, he already said I can add my Amazon account to it - but, I've already purchased a lot of books on the Apple Book store. Might do that after I finish my backlog (I also really hate the Kindle app on Mac and iOS).

How do you like the move from the Pro to the Pro Max?

 

[Surfsalot]

I'd definitely consider using my husband's Kindle, he already said I can add my Amazon account to it - but, I've already purchased a lot of books on the Apple Book store. Might do that after I finish my backlog (I also really hate the Kindle app on Mac and iOS).

How do you like the move from the Pro to the Pro Max?

Excellent it's same weight as the 14 pro, I did have a 13 max before the 14, battery was average on my 14 pro.

Havn't used Apple Books for years.

 

[throAU]

For me it’s hard to beat a laptop feel and on your lap it‘s not close.

True, but in terms of using a device on my lap - that’s not often for me.

I’m either at a desk (could be one of many), or have nowhere to put the device down (I.e. I am standing somewhere) and that’s where the iPad wins, because I can use it as a tablet.

Not saying that will work for everyone but I tend to need to do that more frequently than work with a device on my lap. ymmv of course

 

[prospervic]

True, but in terms of using a device on my lap - that’s not often for me.

I’m either at a desk (could be one of many), or have nowhere to put the device down (I.e. I am standing somewhere) and that’s where the iPad wins, because I can use it as a tablet.

Not saying that will work for everyone but I tend to need to do that more frequently than work with a device on my lap. ymmv of course

Same here. I’ve come to feel that “laptopping” is a bad position, ergonomically. Having to constantly look down at that angle puts strain on the neck. A desk or table is much better.
It’s also great that iPads are light enough hold and use while standing.

 

[cflem]

I really like the iMac + iPad combo.

The iMac allows me to do everything I need for work plus the flexibility of a large, versatile display and great speakers for media and personal enjoyment. I can work and play in one simple, clean package.

The iPad is the true portable device, allowing me to do ‘just enough’ in terms of productivity so that when I get back to the iMac it’s only a small number of steps/tasks. iPad is also very convenient as a leisurely experience, of course. I can kick back on the couch and web surf or hold the iPad up to a client at work to demonstrate something easily.

I have nothing against MacBooks and think the current lineup is excellent, but really it comes down to weighing up how you’re going to use your devices rather than the cost. Everyone’s work experiences are going to be different enough that no one setup is going to be perfect for everyone, despite what influencers want you to believe on their clickbait videos.

I’m fortunate that I can get away with an iPad for work as I mainly live in MS Office and some reference apps that, conveniently, are cross platform with native Mac apps (ie Complete Anatomy), but it’s not this simple for everyone.

iMac is also excellent value compared to a MacBook + display combo, and there’s no risk of tiring your battery prematurely for having it plugged in long periods.

One caveat with the iPad; get used to typing on the display. I don’t buy into the idea of purchasing a ‘folio’ keyboard (which in the entry iPad’s case is literally a backside case plus a magnetic keyboard, with no front option for front protection other than the thick keyboard…) for half the cost of the device, as that defeats the whole concept of the iPad being slim, light, and more affordable - in this instance just get a MBA!

However I do highly recommend Apple Pencil for writing with. I was able to pick up the new USB-C version for £65 and it’s one of the best Apple purchases I’ve ever made, absolute game changer for making notes with clients whilst holding the iPad in ‘notepad’ fashion.

if Final Cut Pro would actually round trip - this would be it... but alas, no... Apple cant get that right.

 

[throAU]

Same here. I’ve come to feel that “laptopping” is a bad position, ergonomically. Having to constantly look down at that angle puts strain on the neck. A desk or table is much better.
It’s also great that iPads are light enough hold and use while standing.

Not just that, but typically if I have work to do and a chair available - there’s a desk or table available too. Most of the time.

 

[digitalcuriosity]

Yes, and that seems to be the issue, ipad pro almost the same as a laptop, a tablet as expensive as a laptop, why not just stick the touchscreen in the laptop, bin the ipad pro range? Hence my confusion, why 2 operating systems for what is eventually almost the same product, ok, one is touchscreen, with inferior/superioer operating system [ipad pro] and the other is a standard laptop without a touchscreen and the same superior/inferior operating system...

When the ipad was released, as a mini, it was perfect size, it was an inbetween product, inbetween phone and laptop/desktop.. Now what is it??

Anyone not happy with their ipad pro, really keen to be the forever home... It will be loved and used daily..

My iPads in more then 8 years have never left my home and their always on the charger, until this last iPad Air 5 with 256 all were very slow and some what jumpy with keeping up with screen material.

New iPad Air 5 is light years ahead of the past iPads, that said "posted" does it replace my laptops answer in no me typing with fingers on the iPad is a joke and not a funny joke i hate doing it, aso i want a keyboard on my iPad answer again is no looked at one attached to an iPad at Best Buy and it did not look like a keyboard i wanted to use.

I think everyone makes their own decisions as to what they buy and if an iPad can do what they want so be it.

 

[FranApple]

I recently sold my 11" M2 iPad Pro, along with a MK and Apple Pencil. I wasn't using it enough and have always thought that it is a bit of a pointless thing for me to own due to my limited use case. I really feel that Apple is crippling the powerful hardware with its incredibly limiting software.

The company clearly wants to sell both laptops and tablets and can't afford to bring the two lines too close together. Not to mention that tablet sales worldwide have been falling year on year for a good while now...

They’re putting their eggs in the Vision Pro basket now. I’d be surprised if this changes. The iPad is just an afterthought at this point.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Still waiting for the iPad Mini Pro... if they build it, we will come...

Unfortunately, the iPad development cycle seems overshadowed by the Vision Pro crap... thanks to Apple for creating the demand, then kicking the product to the curb. Fire Tim Cook now.

 

[sparksd]

They’re putting their eggs in the Vision Pro basket now. I’d be surprised if this changes. The iPad is just an afterthought at this point.

There would have to be some serious price reductions in the Vision Pro to get them mainstream. As a retired h/w-s/w engineer, I know some serious geeks but very few would drop those kind of $.

 

[Ludatyk]

They’re putting their eggs in the Vision Pro basket now. I’d be surprised if this changes. The iPad is just an afterthought at this point.

Now, I understand that Apple is placing a lot of resources behind Vision Pro... but I disagree that the iPad is an afterthought to them.

According to rumors... the iPad is going to receive some changes to their lineup along with a major change to the iPad Pro, which haven't seen a redesign since 2018. And to piggie back on @sparksd, not too many folks is willing to spend that kind of money on an unproven product.

And the average consumer will rather spend $329 versus $3499.

 

[AZhappyjack]

There would have to be some serious price reductions in the Vision Pro to get them mainstream. As a retired h/w-s/w engineer, I know some serious geeks but very few would drop those kind of $.

I'm not sure that really matters... if little Timmy Cook says the Vision Pro is "it", they will minimize the focus on other products to promote the newest shiny toy... and by only producing 80K units, it
s virtually guaranteed to sell out, create hype and leave us iPad fans in the dust...

 

[AZhappyjack]

Now, I understand that Apple is placing a lot of resources behind Vision Pro... but I disagree that the iPad is an afterthought to them.

According to rumors... the iPad is going to receive some changes to their lineup along with a major change to the iPad Pro, which haven't seen a redesign since 2018. And to piggie back on @sparksd, not too many folks is willing to spend that kind of money on an unproven product.

And the average consumer will rather spend $329 versus $3499.

From your lips to Timmy Cook's ears... and as logical as your argument is, Cook and Apple may not be swayed.

 

[sparksd]

Now, I understand that Apple is placing a lot of resources behind Vision Pro... but I disagree that the iPad is an afterthought to them.

According to rumors... the iPad is going to receive some changes to their lineup along with a major change to the iPad Pro, which haven't seen a redesign since 2018. And to piggie back on @sparksd, not too many folks is willing to spend that kind of money on an unproven product.

And the average consumer will rather spend $329 versus $3499.

I could afford it and I'm a huge sucker for tech toys (retired engineer!) but this one is a bridge too far.

 

[FranApple]

Now, I understand that Apple is placing a lot of resources behind Vision Pro... but I disagree that the iPad is an afterthought to them.

According to rumors... the iPad is going to receive some changes to their lineup along with a major change to the iPad Pro, which haven't seen a redesign since 2018. And to piggie back on @sparksd, not too many folks is willing to spend that kind of money on an unproven product.

And the average consumer will rather spend $329 versus $3499.

The future of computing is spatial computing, not tablet computing. That doesn't mean they can't simultaneously continue to grow their iPad business. Why wouldn't they? But, the future is not tablets.

 

[Lioness~]

I have both already. iPad mini, for reading and general scrolling, surfing and such.
The MacBook Air for usually and mostly more productive things, writing, plus sometimes watching some movies/tv-series and such in bed.

 

[subjonas]

I have both already. iPad mini, for reading and general scrolling, surfing and such.
The MacBook Air for usually and mostly more productive things, writing, plus sometimes watching some movies/tv-series and such in bed.

I think MBA + iPad Mini is a great combo.

 

[thelookingglass]

I have both already. iPad mini, for reading and general scrolling, surfing and such.
The MacBook Air for usually and mostly more productive things, writing, plus sometimes watching some movies/tv-series and such in bed.

Which one do you find yourself using more?