All iPads Your iPad Workstation Desk Setup

[DevMops]

Hey,

In famous iPad as a laptop replacement discussion some people posted their desk setups involving iPads. Expanding that, can you:

• post a photo of your desk setup
• list tasks you do on the tablet and why it's useful (and not second screen, for example)

I'd like to learn from you as an inspiration source. Thanks!

 

[AssassainOfJoy]

I don't have a picture of my desk, but lately:

Work Projects:

- various server admin tasks (using Blink)
- configuring a new IP camera network
- worked on some updates to an order management system (a web app, with portions written in Python, PHP, Forth, and Javascript; code edited/uploaded with Textastic, some portions tested/debugged offline using Pythonista and RetroForth)

Personal:

- working on a small game with one of my kids using SceneKit (using Pythonista)
- working on an update to my Forth system (using RetroForth, Textastic, Blink)
- working on an update to a gopher client (Textastic)

Entertainment:

- spent a few hours playing through Stardew Valley

I spend much of my time in Textastic, editing sources. It's easy to upload to a server for deployment, or to my Mac for building the iOS apps. For offline testing I use Pythonista and RetroForth heavily. Blink is my preferred mosh/ssh client for accessing the pool of servers I admin. Other than these, I'm using Mutter for IRC, Apollo for Reddit, Tweetbot, and Tootdon for social stuff.

I haven't had a lot of time for entertainment lately, but I have Netflix, Amazon Video, and YouTube for visuals, Overcast for podcasts, and Audible. I use FBReader for ebooks.

For my day job I have Excel, Word, Teams, Sharepoint, and Outlook, but I tend to use a desktop at work as we have one app written in Java that's really clunky to use on the iPad through VNC/RDP.

I like working from the iPad as it's really flexible. It is very nice to be able to sit at a desk, plug in a nice ergonomic keyboard and do some coding. Then I can grab the iPad and work on the go, either via the virtual keyboard or with the Smart Keyboard. I also enjoy being able to take notes using the Pencil. The only thing I really miss is the ability to copy files to/from an external media source. I'm hoping that this gets resolved in iOS 13.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Hey,

In famous iPad as a laptop replacement discussion some people posted their desk setups involving iPads. Expanding that, can you:

• post a photo of your desk setup
• list tasks you do on the tablet and why it's useful (and not second screen, for example)

I'd like to learn from you as an inspiration source. Thanks!

My work station is typically my couch or chair (and occasionally my bed), using a lap desk. I teach online. I often have my 12.9 as a writing surfsce, drawing diagrams on an online whiteboard, with my 11 inch displaying pdfs I'm referring to.

 

[Momof9]

I am still working on how I am using mine. I do have a photo. The IPP on the left I have (not showing) , in split screen, calendar on left & post it notes on right. Tut lt also the one (2015) that I use in my bedroom. The big monitor is my 2018 mac mini, mainly I am doing most of my web browsing on it. The right 2018 IPP, is also with right monitor. I use it for reading emails & graphic design stuff. The bluetooth keyboard is for all three.

I also have mixed up how I use all 3 as well!. I ended up with the MM to use as a server & because of 1 site I use for business that still uses flash player. I also just got the 4k monitor

 

[DevMops]

Thanks everyone!

I also have mixed up how I use all 3 as well!. I ended up with the MM to use as a server & because of 1 site I use for business that still uses flash player. I also just got the 4k monitor

Actually, I saw your setup earlier, and didn't know, is that really practical? I understand that newer additions to iOS and macOS makes iPad and iPhone much better companion devices (features like continuity, iCloud and other sharing options are really amazing).

 

[Momof9]

What do you mean by practical? I would have been perfectly happy without the Mac mini... but I need to be able to have access to the one business website (flash to upload zip files). Plus I needed something to sync my hard drives, printer set up etc.

I HATE Windows right now - I am beyond frustrated with dealing with it. So the Mac mini was the cheapest (new) Mac I could get. My husband did insist on the i5 - more future proof. Plus if I get frustrated with designing in Photo, I can always get Photoshop again, whether on the iPad or Mac Mini.

Right now, I am trying to utilize all of the devices lol. I have to be careful with looking down on the iPad, like I am doing now, since my iPad is charging. It makes my neck hurt, which can turn into a migraine for me.

They won’t give me enough for my 2015 iPP - so it is not worth giving it up. Plus I like having my calendar etc open - to help me remember to do somethings - especially as I am building new routines.

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

12.9 1tb LTE SG, using a satechi hub that has hdmi, usb Pd, 3.5mm, and usb 3.

I use Ethernet so I can get in the intranet, plus i want to use the 1gb speeds the backbone has. I don’t have to use Ethernet as i have unlimited LTE (and WiFi) , but I prefer ethernet when I can.

I listen to rain with soft thunder when I’m not watching Shaw Bros Kung Fu flicks on a screen that’s not in the photo.

I do music production on this iPad and along with the headphones, i have an audio interface (not seen here) that gives me ADAT digital ins and outs, mic pre’s, midi, and many other controls that i demand from a portable computing device.

Don’t use a cover but put the tablet in a slip case and threw this (along with the Logitech ) all inside a backpack (UDG ultimate producer bag https://www.udggear.com/udg-ultimate-producerbag-large-black-orange-inside ) that has the audio interface I mentioned plus an Akai MPC Live production machine, and 3 galaxy note 9s, plus cables and other accessories I need. No tablet “bendgate” here. This is my 3rd iPad Pro 12.9 (had the other versions).

With this setup I can do my thing anywhere.

 

[mainelyme]

12.9 1tb LTE SG, using a satechi hub that has hdmi, usb Pd, 3.5mm, and usb 3.

I use Ethernet so I can get in the intranet, plus i want to use the 1gb speeds the backbone has. I don’t have to use Ethernet as i have unlimited LTE (and WiFi) , but I prefer ethernet when I can.

I listen to rain with soft thunder when I’m not watching Shaw Bros Kung Fu flicks on a screen that’s not in the photo.

I do music production on this iPad and along with the headphones, i have an audio interface (not seen here) that gives me ADAT digital ins and outs, mic pre’s, midi, and many other controls that i demand from a portable computing device.

Don’t use a cover but put the tablet in a slip case and threw this (along with the Logitech ) all inside a backpack (UDG ultimate producer bag https://www.udggear.com/udg-ultimate-producerbag-large-black-orange-inside ) that has the audio interface I mentioned plus an Akai MPC Live production machine, and 3 galaxy note 9s, plus cables and other accessories I need. No tablet “bendgate” here. This is my 3rd iPad Pro 12.9 (had the other versions).

With this setup I can do my thing anywhere.

What do you do with the three Note 9s?

 

[spacebro]

I'm using a donut style stand to have the iPad right in front of my keyboard. I use the iPad for communication, scheduling, planning, documents, meetings, and anything personal. The macbook I use only for engineering tasks. I can focus much better on engineering tasks with this setup.

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

What do you do with the three Note 9s?

1. Trap/burner phone
2. Business line
3. DEX/entertainment use /spare trap phone. ;p

 

[augustya]

View attachment 811067 I am still working on how I am using mine. I do have a photo. The IPP on the left I have (not showing) , in split screen, calendar on left & post it notes on right. Tut lt also the one (2015) that I use in my bedroom. The big monitor is my 2018 mac mini, mainly I am doing most of my web browsing on it. The right 2018 IPP, is also with right monitor. I use it for reading emails & graphic design stuff. The bluetooth keyboard is for all three.

I also have mixed up how I use all 3 as well!. I ended up with the MM to use as a server & because of 1 site I use for business that still uses flash player. I also just got the 4k monitor

Holy Mother of God ! is this some Military Command Control Center or what ? Why do you need such a Huge Set-Up ?? I mean 4 Computer Screens ? what do you do of so many screens ?

 

[pbird]

12.9 1tb LTE SG, using a satechi hub that has hdmi, usb Pd, 3.5mm, and usb 3.

I use Ethernet so I can get in the intranet, plus i want to use the 1gb speeds the backbone has. I don’t have to use Ethernet as i have unlimited LTE (and WiFi) , but I prefer ethernet when I can.

I listen to rain with soft thunder when I’m not watching Shaw Bros Kung Fu flicks on a screen that’s not in the photo.

I do music production on this iPad and along with the headphones, i have an audio interface (not seen here) that gives me ADAT digital ins and outs, mic pre’s, midi, and many other controls that i demand from a portable computing device.

Don’t use a cover but put the tablet in a slip case and threw this (along with the Logitech ) all inside a backpack (UDG ultimate producer bag https://www.udggear.com/udg-ultimate-producerbag-large-black-orange-inside ) that has the audio interface I mentioned plus an Akai MPC Live production machine, and 3 galaxy note 9s, plus cables and other accessories I need. No tablet “bendgate” here. This is my 3rd iPad Pro 12.9 (had the other versions).

With this setup I can do my thing anywhere.







View attachment 811635

Interesting setup. I have the same Logitech keyboard for my dual boot hackintosh windows machine. I tried once propping up my new 12.9 iPad Pro 2018 like that. It felt it had less grip then my iPad Pro 9.7 had. So it's working very welll for you like that? I think I give it another shot because this is my favorite keyboard.

 

[Booji]

I love a simple and uncluttered workspace, with cables hidden as much as possible. That is why I gave all that up went for a Surface Pro 6. I use the main unit as a secondary monitor and a 27" monitor to work on.

When I travel, I slap the keyboard on and I'm on my way. While it is not good as an iPad for consumption, I can still use it for "Pro" work with the Pen.

If I could only use an iPad Pro this way I'd be happy too.

 

[Robertjan88]

Holy Mother of God ! is this some Military Command Control Center or what ? Why do you need such a Huge Set-Up ?? I mean 4 Computer Screens ? what do you do of so many screens ?

Maybe he needs it for trading, but then again, it's overkill for a living room. The delays he has when it comes to stock data is too much. Especially on WiFi.

 

[AlexiTQ]

Without the iPad, but I just put in front of the keyboard when using it at the desk.

 

[Greenmeenie]

It’s funny, since shifting to a mostly iOS only workflow, my “Workstation” as it were, is wherever I happen to be. I travel a lot and hardly use my desktop as my workstation anymore, even when I am home. Actually, I should have just taken a picture of my couch. Ha ha. But here ya go...

Pictured:

* My iMac which i still use on occassion, but mostly collects dust these days.
* My 9.7” ipad which i am giving to my bro
* My iPad mini 2 (with grandfathered AT&T unlimited data plan). Great for when on the go since i don’t currently have an iphone. I just stick it in my cargo pants & go. I will replace it with one of the new minis whenever Apple updates them.
* My Airpods which i just got today & haven’t opened yet. Goin’ wireless baby!
* My Apple Pencil 2 (As an artist, Hands down my favorite Apple accessory).
** My iPad Pro 11” which is my main workhorse now. I edit movies on it in Luma Fusion, photos in Affinity. I draw on it with the Apple pencil etc. i pretty much do everything on it from websurfing, netflix, emails, stock trading, paying bills, you name it.

Not Pictured:

* My DJI Mavic Pro drone & GoPro gear
* My DSLR & Lenses (Which I may replace with next years iPhone as my main travel camera). Going iOS only baby!
* My 5th gen iPod Touch(i took this pic with it). My go to travel/pocket camera that will be replaced with an iPhone next year.

 

[augustya]

View attachment 812373 It’s funny, since shifting to a mostly iOS only workflow, my “Workstation” as it were, is wherever I happen to be. I travel a lot and hardly use my desktop as my workstation anymore, even when I am home. But here ya go...

Pictured:

* My iMac which i still use on occassion, but mostly collects dust these days.
* My 9.7” ipad which i am giving to my bro
* My iPad mini 2 (with grandfathered AT&T unlimited data plan). Great for when on the go since i don’t currently have an iphone. I just stick it in my cargo pants & go. I will replace it with one of the new minis whenever Apple updates them.
* My Airpods which i just got today & haven’t opened yet. Goin’ wireless baby!
* My Apple Pencil 2 (As an artist, Hands down my favorite Apple accessory).
** My iPad Pro 11” which is my main workhorse now. I edit movies on it in Luma Fusion, photos in Affinity. I draw on it with the Apple pencil etc. i pretty much do everything on it from emails, stock trading, paying bills, you name it.

Not Pictured:

* My DJI Mavic Pro drone & GoPro gear
* My DSLR & Lenses (Which I may replace with next years iPhone as my main travel camera). Going iOS only baby!
* My 5th gen iPod Touch(i took this pic with it). My go to travel camera that will be replaced with an iPhone next year.

I would like to know which is the background light/mood lighting you have used behind your iMac ?

 

[Greenmeenie]

I would like to know which is the background light/mood lighting you have used behind your iMac ?

Mother Nature baby. Courtesy of the Sun.

 

[Greenmeenie]

My work station is typically my couch or chair (and occasionally my bed), using a lap desk. I teach online. I often have my 12.9 as a writing surfsce, drawing diagrams on an online whiteboard, with my 11 inch displaying pdfs I'm referring to.

Exactly, since i’ve switched to a mostly iOS only workflow, with my 11” ipad pro as my main device...my workspace has shifted too. Less desk and more couch now! I’m a Couch-iPad-tato. Ha ha.

 

[augustya]

Mother Nature baby. Courtesy of the Sun.

lol !

 

[ventuss]

I have an iMac on my Desk and the iPad when I’m not on my desk? Unless I’m drawing on my desk? As the lady said a few posts before, my iPad workstation is anywhere, couch, bed, dinner table, etc
[doublepost=1545612563][/doublepost]I have an iMac on my Desk and the iPad when I’m not on my desk? Unless I’m drawing on my desk? As the lady said a few posts before, my iPad workstation is anywhere, couch, bed, dinner table, etc

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

Interesting setup. I have the same Logitech keyboard for my dual boot hackintosh windows machine. I tried once propping up my new 12.9 iPad Pro 2018 like that. It felt it had less grip then my iPad Pro 9.7 had. So it's working very welll for you like that? I think I give it another shot because this is my favorite keyboard.

I read many reviews on this keyboard before i got it. I saw a few cats that had this size ipad in the 2018 model. I DID have the apple folio keyboard but was not up to my standards.

The ipad has not moved, and as seen, i have the hub on the side with at least 3 cables connected all the time and not a hint of instability. Totally rock solid. I also have two of my 3 phones connected so when i need to type on those or respond to texts, etc, it’s just a press of the button. Really nice keyboard for the money !

 

[maflynn]

I don't use my iPad in a desk setting, but I enjoy using it while reclining in my chair

 

[secretk]

I don't use the iPad on a desk at home. I do use it at work though. It's either lying on the desk as it's being used as a notebook or it's put on a stand so that I can check my handwritten notes while working on something on my work computer.

I also use it when outside as either notebook or sketchbook (either for brainstorming for work or for coloring in Procreate).

 

[DeepIn2U]

12.9 1tb LTE SG, using a satechi hub that has hdmi, usb Pd, 3.5mm, and usb 3.

I use Ethernet so I can get in the intranet, plus i want to use the 1gb speeds the backbone has. I don’t have to use Ethernet as i have unlimited LTE (and WiFi) , but I prefer ethernet when I can.

I listen to rain with soft thunder when I’m not watching Shaw Bros Kung Fu flicks on a screen that’s not in the photo.

I do music production on this iPad and along with the headphones, i have an audio interface (not seen here) that gives me ADAT digital ins and outs, mic pre’s, midi, and many other controls that i demand from a portable computing device.

Don’t use a cover but put the tablet in a slip case and threw this (along with the Logitech ) all inside a backpack (UDG ultimate producer bag https://www.udggear.com/udg-ultimate-producerbag-large-black-orange-inside ) that has the audio interface I mentioned plus an Akai MPC Live production machine, and 3 galaxy note 9s, plus cables and other accessories I need. No tablet “bendgate” here. This is my 3rd iPad Pro 12.9 (had the other versions).

With this setup I can do my thing anywhere.

View attachment 811635

I’m very interested to see your audio interface connected in full when you have the time.

This current model is the iPad that’s apple had envisioned with The Navigator concept.


PS: with the iPad Pro 11”/‘18 mode why on earth do you need 3 Galaxy Note 9’s vs just one?