iPad Pro Will you buy another iPad or go laptop?

[Zest28]

You said something about being able to attach files from your Mac: "On the iPad you can attach any file that is stored anywhere. Even if the file is stored on a Mac, you can attach it to your emails on the iPad." I assume this requires you to have a Mac, that is also online. Maybe I've misunderstood what you were saying, but that's what I was referring to.

In any case, the example of email attachments was just to make the point that iPadOS doesn't allow the same flexibility as a full fledged computer OS like Windows or MacOS. Maybe that wasn't the best example after all, but I think that most would agree with my premise.

Well, there are certaintly things that are limited on the iPad, which is due to security reason, which is coding. Software development sucks on the iPad. And the battery management is a joke too which is killing the battery on the iPads.

But there are things the iPad can do that a Mac cannot do also. I have workout / training software which is only available on the iPhone, iPad and Windows. They don't have it available on Mac.

So it goes both ways.

 

[ericwn]

After having several iPads have gone back to laptops because at least you can replace a laptop battery for now at least and at some expense. at lest i can then get 7 or 8y from a MacBook. so Apple cut the **** about caring for the environment when you filling it up with 4y old iPads solely because can't change battery's and screens cost 2/3 the price of a new one.

Last I checked Apple still offers a battery service for iPads and they work for many years without needing service either, and last I checked I could not replace any of their laptops batteries myself anymore.

 

[darngooddesign]

Last I checked Apple still offers a battery service for iPads and they work for many years without needing service either, and last I checked I could not replace any of their laptops batteries myself anymore.

You can replace their laptop batteries. Its not particularly hard if you are methodical, but takes a couple of hours.

Here are the simplified instructions.

1. Remove the bottom plate
2. Disconnect the battery
3. Disconnect and remove the trackpad.
4. Pull the adhesive tape strips, and remove the old battery.
5. Put in the new battery.

Here are the actual instructions:

MacBook Pro 16" 2023 Battery Replacement

Use this guide to replace the battery in your MacBook Pro 16" 2023. This model MacBook uses stretch-release adhesive strips, some of which are...

www.ifixit.com

The older laptops used glue instead of pull strips, but you could dissolve the glue with a could have drops of nail polish remover. I’ve done it on two 13” 2014 MBPs.

 

[ericwn]

You can replace their laptop batteries. Its not particularly hard if you are methodical, but takes a couple of hours.

Here are the simplified instructions.

1. Remove the bottom plate
2. Disconnect the battery
3. Disconnect and remove the trackpad.
4. Pull the adhesive tape strips, and remove the old battery.
5. Put in the new battery.

Here are the actual instructions:

MacBook Pro 16" 2023 Battery Replacement

Use this guide to replace the battery in your MacBook Pro 16" 2023. This model MacBook uses stretch-release adhesive strips, some of which are...

www.ifixit.com

The older laptops used glue instead of pull strips, but you could dissolve the glue with a could have drops of nail polish remover. I’ve done it on two 13” 2014 MBPs.

Thank you I was aware. Just doesn’t strike me as a part that was meant to be user replaceable. As an end user you could find ways to take it all apart or have Apple do it for a reasonable service fee which is the point I’m making.

 

[joeblow7777]

Well, there are certaintly things that are limited on the iPad, which is due to security reason, which is coding. Software development sucks on the iPad. And the battery management is a joke too which is killing the battery on the iPads.

But there are things the iPad can do that a Mac cannot do also. I have workout / training software which is only available on the iPhone, iPad and Windows. They don't have it available on Mac.

So it goes both ways.

Sure, that's why I own multiple devices. My point was about an iPad not being able to replace a laptop for me. I never said that there aren't things an iPad are better for.

 

[darngooddesign]

Thank you I was aware. Just doesn’t strike me as a part that was meant to be user replaceable. As an end user you could find ways to take it all apart or have Apple do it for a reasonable service fee which is the point I’m making.

You don’t really have to find ways to take it apart, you just follow the proper procedure. Its user replaceable, just not user swappable like the original MBPs were. But it’s not like this is a once a year burden, you shouldn’t need to replace the battery for at least five years. But yeah, you can have Apple or a 3rd party shop do it for you.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I ditched my laptop for an iPad Pro in 2018 and haven’t looked back. It has totally replaced my macbook for all tasks plus as an artist, it doubles as my digital sketchbook with the Apple Pencil. It is also a much better media consumption & websurfing device in my opinion. I know it’s not a laptop replacement for everyone, but for me it is. I will DEFINITELY be getting the OLED iPad Pro in 2024 and not a laptop. 👍🏼

 

[MarkNewton2023]

I'm selling my iPad Pro M1 11 inches after getting a great deal. I wasn't really thinking of selling it, since I'm extremely happy with it with the MK alongside.

But with the money I'll get back I'm now thinking which route to go next: new iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 with M3 or a MBA M2/M3. I have an iMac as my main medicine, but sometimes I want a more desktop OS experience, although when I'm in the couch a touch screen is the best experience.

Curious to hear what others are planning to do after their current iPad expires (whether selling it and upgrade or it breaks).

I will downgrade my 12.9 pro to mini when the new mini is released sometimes next year. I rarely use 12.9 pro features much as I am using it as just a consumption device. My iMac takes care of non consumption tasks. The 12.9 size is not

I'm selling my iPad Pro M1 11 inches after getting a great deal. I wasn't really thinking of selling it, since I'm extremely happy with it with the MK alongside.

But with the money I'll get back I'm now thinking which route to go next: new iPad Pro 11 or 12.9 with M3 or a MBA M2/M3. I have an iMac as my main medicine, but sometimes I want a more desktop OS experience, although when I'm in the couch a touch screen is the best experience.

Curious to hear what others are planning to do after their current iPad expires (whether selling it and upgrade or it breaks).

I will get iPad mini when my 12.9” iPad Pro expires. I have not used its bells and whistles for my tasks. Mostly for consumption. Any works related have been done in iMac as iPadOS apps could not do what my works require.

 

[Rafterman]

If they spec out the new Mini to a decent bit, I think you will see a jump in Mini sales.

My guess:

A17 processor (not convinced they will go Mx yet)
6 or 8 gb of RAM (4gb doesn't cut it anymore)
512GB max storage (in a world of 4K, 256gb max doesn't cut it)
TouchID (FaceID seems reserved for the Pros)
Re-orientate the screen to calm the "jelly" complainers (120hz - another "Pro only" feature)
Wifi 6

My ideal Mini, which would still be realistic:

M2 or M3 processor
8GB RAM
512GB storage
TouchID
Wifi 6

I would expect the Air to get similar bumps.

 

[kc9hzn]

You're assuming I have a Mac. And I'm guessing that this Mac would have to be turned and connected to the internet? And this is just another way that the iPad acts as a supplement to a laptop, not a replacement, which is my point.

Well, then, what devices do you have? Anyway, on an iPad, you can attach any file that’s accessible via the Files app (whether that be via third party extensions like Dropbox or somewhere that’s in iCloud Drive). On a Mac, your Desktop and Documents folders are in iCloud (similar to OneDrive integration in Windows). So your documents can be attached to an email on your iPad even if they’re technically on the Mac because they’re actually in the cloud. If you install the OneDrive app on an iPad and connect it to Files, you can then add documents from your PC. And the iPad and iPhone both have a local file system that can be accessed in the Files app, this isn’t 2010 anymore. I’m pretty sure you can even hook up USB mass storage now and use it in the Files app.

 

[Lesimac]

Last I checked Apple still offers a battery service for iPads and they work for many years without needing service either, and last I checked I could not replace any of their laptops batteries myself anymore.

replacing a battery in an iPad pro is an 800$ bill. 2/3 the price off a new one ..... no one with a 3y old i pad would do that. you could by an iPad air for that. replace meant of MacBook battery aprox $200 depending on model that's worth doing to extend the life of your mac another 3 or 4 years.

 

[muzzy996]

Well, then, what devices do you have? Anyway, on an iPad, you can attach any file that’s accessible via the Files app (whether that be via third party extensions like Dropbox or somewhere that’s in iCloud Drive). On a Mac, your Desktop and Documents folders are in iCloud (similar to OneDrive integration in Windows). So your documents can be attached to an email on your iPad even if they’re technically on the Mac because they’re actually in the cloud. If you install the OneDrive app on an iPad and connect it to Files, you can then add documents from your PC. And the iPad and iPhone both have a local file system that can be accessed in the Files app, this isn’t 2010 anymore. I’m pretty sure you can even hook up USB mass storage now and use it in the Files app.

All true and yet somehow I can still relate to @joeblow7777’s sentiment. For certain things including compiling a detailed email response that requires multiple attachments I’ll never feel compelled to work on one of my iPads to do it vs my laptop or Surface - not because it’s not possible to do it but just because I find the interfaces, window management and worflow preferable on my other machines. In a pinch I’ll use an iOS device though, they’re definitely more capable now days. We’re all different - right tool for the right job is a subjective thing.

 

[sparksd]

replacing a battery in an iPad pro is an 800$ bill. 2/3 the price off a new one ..... no one with a 3y old i pad would do that. you could by an iPad air for that. replace meant of MacBook battery aprox $200 depending on model that's worth doing to extend the life of your mac another 3 or 4 years.

Where did you get $800 from?

 

[Apple_Robert]

I had a 2020 11" iPad Pro that I sold back to Apple earlier this year and got an iPad mini. I find I use the mini much more than I did the 11" iPad. And the mini is also the perfect size to remote into my MBP (when needed). If Apple releases a new mini next year, I will upgrade as I have been happy with the size of the mini for work and home use.

 

[xxFoxtail]

If they spec out the new Mini to a decent bit, I think you will see a jump in Mini sales.

My guess:

A17 processor (not convinced they will go Mx yet)
6 or 8 gb of RAM (4gb doesn't cut it anymore)
512GB max storage (in a world of 4K, 256gb max doesn't cut it)
TouchID (FaceID seems reserved for the Pros)
Re-orientate the screen to calm the "jelly" complainers (120hz - another "Pro only" feature)
Wifi 6

My ideal Mini, which would still be realistic:

M2 or M3 processor
8GB RAM
512GB storage
TouchID
Wifi 6

I would expect the Air to get similar bumps.

I feel like the M series chips should be cheap enough to get into the entry level iPad and mini sooner than later. Especially as the mini should be equivalent of the iPad Air. Even if it's just an M1 chip, that will probably be more than it'll ever need for the next five years. If they continue with the A series processors, I'm really hoping they can bring more features down the line like proper external display support. Ideally - every iPad will have this in 2024.

I like your ideal mini, but I'd go for Face ID. Touch ID has never worked for me over a week or two. I have to turn it off otherwise I'm putting my fingerprint in again every month.

I'm hoping with the revamped iPad lineup they're supposed to be introducing, there will be 'Pro' and 'Air' models of each display size, including the mini. Unfortunately, as rumors point right now, there won't be a mini pro, but instead an even larger pro.

 

[JamesMay82]

How much are you getting for it? I paid £1,800 for my 1TB cellular 12.9 M1 and I’m only being offered £480 with apple trade in so i don’t see the point in trading it in.

i also find it over powered so i don’t see the point in upgrading for a another iPad.

But when it does retire I’d be getting a laptop as i find it too limiting and essentially just a big iphone And that laptops offer better value for money.

for me the ipad was great with the instant on before laptops had SSD but now laptops all have very fast ssd with instant on i see the iPad as a bit redundant unless your really into drawing with them/reading magazines etc

 

[ericwn]

replacing a battery in an iPad pro is an 800$ bill. 2/3 the price off a new one ..... no one with a 3y old i pad would do that. you could by an iPad air for that. replace meant of MacBook battery aprox $200 depending on model that's worth doing to extend the life of your mac another 3 or 4 years.

That’s not the cost I get from their estimate calculator.

iPad Repair and Service - Apple Support

Need to repair your iPad? See your service options, their costs by coverage type, and how long they take.

support.apple.com

Where are these prices from you’re mentioning?

 

[Abdichoudxyz]

My iPad IS a 'laptop', as it has a keyboard case. It does most of what my iMac does, and I don't need it to do more or be more powerful.

 

[geta]

If they spec out the new Mini to a decent bit, I think you will see a jump in Mini sales.

My guess:

A17 processor (not convinced they will go Mx yet)
6 or 8 gb of RAM (4gb doesn't cut it anymore)
512GB max storage (in a world of 4K, 256gb max doesn't cut it)
TouchID (FaceID seems reserved for the Pros)
Re-orientate the screen to calm the "jelly" complainers (120hz - another "Pro only" feature)
Wifi 6

My ideal Mini, which would still be realistic:

M2 or M3 processor
8GB RAM
512GB storage
TouchID
Wifi 6

I would expect the Air to get similar bumps.

Next gen Mini with A17 chip, 8GB RAM, 128GB/512GB storage options, TouchID and Wifi 6 would be nice upgrade.

 

[JustAnExpat]

Stage Manager works on my 2019 Intel MPB (Sonoma). Tried it for a coupe weeks. Found it to be an irritating, degenerate form of multitasking - like that of an iPad, which might have been the goal. Stage Manager is especially ironic with multiple large monitors, which, because I'm old, means anything over a 13" Trinitron. I use the Laptop display plus two 32" diaplays, albeit only 1920X1080.

For me, the comparison is less about proving that a task can or can't be done on a laptop vs. iPad. Simply, I know what I'm in for with each tool set, and like horses, the reward is a good finish sooner. Then I die, go in a hole, and a new horse poops. Circle of IT.

For tablets, it requires an Mx processor :\

 

[rx7dude]

I bought an M1 MBA as an iPad replacement.

 

[Tsepz]

I will always have an iPad unless some other radical new device comes around.

 

[subjonas]

I will always have an iPad unless some other radical new device comes around.

Like the Vision Pro? 😮

 

[sparksd]

Like the Vision Pro? 😮

I choked on its starting price of $3500.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

I’ll certainly upgrade both when time comes.

My main issue for the ipad pro is the lack of cryptographic signature option (ie using a token) for pdf documents.

In Europe, where I live, a pdf file signed with apple pencil or similar has 0 legal value. If you want something legally binding you must use a digital (cryptographic) signature.
When this will be possible on iPad, I’ll use it much more often.