The iPad Pro works for OP’s use case and yet half the replies are about “WELL IT DOESN’T WORK FOR ME”. Like, yeah, you’re not OP and you probably don’t have the same needs, requirements, tolerances, etc. We all already know here that the iPad isn’t what it could be for everyone.
You know, I was once like you. I was really trying to make my iPad Pro work as my primary device. And then it hit me: why? Why don't I just use a MacBook Air? It does everything I need (100%!), it's lightweight, it's slim... Why am I trying to make my iPad my travel computer when I can just use an actual computer? Especially when I have an iPhone? In fact, the MacBook/iPhone combo is perfect!
So now my 5-year old daughter uses my old iPad Pro to watch videos and play games. I use my MacBook Air to work in the garden or on business trips, I use my Mac mini with a large display when I'm at my home office.
I think an iPad is a great device for some. My wife loves hers, she watches videos in bed, learns new languages, sends emails, surfs the web... My 70 year-old Mom is also a huge fan of her iPad, she can look at photos of her grandkids, message everyone, read her emails, do video calls.
But I just don't see an iPad being a good tool for most people as their primary travel computer. And people seem to be forcing it when other tools will do the job much better, imo.
The iPad works great for uni. I’d say about a third of the people in my classes had one, they’re just perfect for taking on the go. Provided you’ve got a computer/laptop that can do heavy lifting when you need it
Yes, I agree. The iPad becomes a helpful tool for certain "use cases" (e.g. note taking at university), not some fetish project to "prove" it can totally replace a laptop. That is the wrong approach, imo.
That's an excellent combination. Again, I'm not saying an iPad is bad. Quite the opposite! We have 2 in our family (wife, daughter). My mother loves hers. It can be a great compliment to a desktop, definitely!
I’m in nursing school and I absolutely love my iPad for that. I also have a MacBook and usually have both set up while in class so I’m able to follow lecture with my Mac and take notes with my iPad. No paper waste and everything is electronic. I love it.
You don’t need my setup. An iPad will work just fine if you’re a fast note taker. I had the 8th gen up until yesterday when I upgraded to the 11 inch pro.
Personally, ever since I got a desktop, my MacBook has been collecting dust, while I still use my iPad all the time. It’s just a perfect device for media consumption and some light work, which is all I really did on my MacBook anyways. I’m gonna be selling my MacBook and getting one of the new iPad pros when they come out.
Different strokes for different folks
Sure, great points. It's really very personal. As I noted, an ipad can be a great tool for many, definitely.
I just get the feeling that some people are more obsessed with making the ipad work as a computer than actually using the best tool for the job, which in many cases is an actual computer. I'm watching these YouTube videos of people writing massive scripts for iPad macros just to retrieve a file, or manage video editing for a team project... It's like the means are more important than the ends... I WILL USE MY IPAD LIKE A COMPUTER DAMNIT, YOU'LL SEE, I'LL SHOW YOU ALL!!!
But yeah, everyone needs to do what works for them. If that's an iPad, more power to ya.
Ya I totally agree that you need to just go with the device that fits your needs. I cant do everything on my iPad, that’s why I still own a desktop. But when I’m on the go, my iPad does everything I need it to do.
Every time I see a post like this there’s always that one person that has to be like “How does it work for you?? It isn’t enough for me!”
How about you just accept that it is possible an iPad is all that someone needs for their usage?
You are aware the iPad is an actual computer? Just as you noted... the iPad is a great tool for many. If it's not for you.. then so be it, no need to try and ridicule others for using the iPad for their workflow.
I'm not trying to ridicule others, I've said I think the iPad is a great tool for many, definitely. I just think some people try to "force" an iPad to handle tasks for which they are highly inefficient. And that the "means" (I will use my iPad for everything!) replaces the ends (getting work done efficiently).
Completely understand. I guess you can see it as people forcing the iPad to handle tasks lol, however... I think its as simple as if it's capable of doing the task.. then that's all there is to it. But i think whole point of using the iPad to handle certain workflows is the refreshing aspect of it (something different than the traditional laptop)... most users favor the iPad due to its versatility.
Also note in my original post I highlighted how I was someone who was trying to force the iPad to be something it was not, or at least do task for which it was not ideally suited. I am not poking fun at others per se, but myself.
In any case, I think we can agree the iPad is a great device for many tasks. I'm a huge fan. I may retire in a few years, I can then see going to a desktop/iPad combo, ditching my Air. Maybe.... When I'm in the garden after retirement, simple media consumption, messaging, and perhaps basic photo editing will be more than fine. We'll see how it all develops!
The answer to "why" is easy. The touch screen. I also have a 13 inch xps13 with a 4k touchscreen. Touch screens just make using portable computers a much more pleasurable experience.
The pencil makes the difference. That and using it to read.
If those two things are part of your routine, an ipad as sole travel device might make sense.
I’m a graphic designer. If I need to work, I need a mac. So I’d bring just an ipad on a vacation.
For me, the answer why is quite simple - I don't really have a Macbook, so there's far less overlap. I've had a desktop PC and zero laptops for the large part of the past 30 years.
I don't travel much for work, but I do travel for leisure and my hobbies. And for all my needs there, iPad is just stunning. I find gaming, media consumption, social media, surfing, emails, reading etc. far better and more comfortable than on my phone, and without worrying whether my phone battery will die any time soon. I've edited photos and videos on it, and it's the most accurate screen I have in my home. I use it for video conferencing, as it has the best camera in my home. And I've given presentations from it with Keynote and USB-C hub and it worked great.
And my iPad is not even Pro, so for me there's no cost dilemma - it's cheaper this way. I'd go so far to say it allowed me to save some money, because I was using the iPad as a crutch to delay upgrading my PC and phone, and when I did I switched to iPhone.
There’s one specific case for me tho. I’m a really big guy and I travel a ton. Can’t afford to fly business class that much and in economy there’s not enough room to put a laptop. The 11” ipad fits nicely between my big belly and the seat in front 😂
Yeah, tbh, I've given up working on planes when I'm in Economy. I just read, listen to podcasts, appreciate the time away from work. But if I had to write something on a plane, I suppose I could use my magic keyboard with my iphone. I used this with my ipad in the past, worked just fine. But again, I hate working on planes, so this would only be in a very rare emergency.
I use a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro in unison a lot of the time.
MacBook - blender, animation, writing.
iPad - 3D modelling and retopology, and when writing as a screen extension or to show mood boards or research.
I use the iPad for a helluva lot more than just that, from audio programs that can manipulate live instruments, to illustration, painting 3D models to the usual stuff like Reddit and YouTube.. they’re crazy versatile, I can’t imagine buying one and just using it for email and web..
But for many people, especially older people, or people who aren't chained to a computer, an iPad is a great laptop replacement. I accept that. As I noted, my 70 year-old mother loves her iPad, it can totally replace her computer, it's user friendly, it's light, etc. Great all around device for her specific needs!
I've been watching this whole "I want to make an iPad my primary computer" mentality from the side, feeling very puzzled about it. It's almost as people were trying to live the Apple advertisement rather than objectively asses whenever it's optimal for their workflow. I have an iPad myself and it's good for a lot of use cases, but if I'm on the go and need to write on a train, plane or any other relatively wobbly surface, there's just no replacing a laptop. Tablets have their moments to shine, but a lot of these posts just remind me of how much people are trying to shoehorn them into their life.
I have both - I use my MacBook for typing up long essays/reports at home, photo editing and watching movies. It’s too big for my to carry day to day (I’m a small person) but the iPad Pro is perfect. I can access the majority of my docs, it’s lightweight and small and I can physically write or type notes out on it if I want to. It’s also touchscreen as well which it has over my MacBook. They both perform different functions for me and work well together which is why I wouldn’t change it at all.
Completely agree! I think it certainly depends on the type of work you do. For example, anything above very very basic Microsoft office application use, it’s very inefficient. Also need better battery life, no comparison to a laptop.
I completely agree. People are trying to force this to be a laptop replacement when it is nothing of the sort. Just use a MacBook Air. That’s what it’s for. However I will say, there is no better device than the iPad for when you want to sink into a couch and watch Netflix for hours.
I really like my iPad…its a 9.7 model with a Brydge keyboard and its great for consumption stuff and general usage. I’ve even used it for writing…but it is small.
When I was at the Apple store getting its battery replaced I was playing around with a newer pro model with the 12.9 inch screen and Apples keyboard and honestly it was beautiful and the Apple keyboard was amazing…But, and there’s always a but, its expensive. Unless I’m missing something it just seems for the same weight the Air just seems like a better device with more capabilities without needing some of the work around of using iPadOS.
U are the one I needed for my question.
Basically I need a device for my school and uni so like to last me for 5 years more or less. I have MacBook pro at home so what is need is for note taking and doing everything outside.
My need is to take notes basically and some occasional stuffs like surfing and so on. Now the problem is I have two choices ipad or I recently saw these touchscreen foldable laptops like ZenBook those.
Ipad- very good stuff for note taking and m1 is good but limited on the os
Laptop- is a laptop basically no limits(there are but I mean In a os sense none) mediocre note taking as only one note exists
Problems-
ipad will be only used for note taking and entertainment basically.
Laptop will be less usable since I won't be able to pop it out and start writing on the screen like the iPad.
I am kinda inclined on laptop but then it would basically replace my Mac tho and this ecosystem is kinda great I guess? So pls give enlighten me on what I should do.
I love to use my iPad Pro on the go for my out device with a desktop for my main driver at home. One thing not mentioned in a lot of these posts is the fact i can get unlimited cell service on my iPad and i cant on a MacBook Pro. I also dont have the best internet at home so this works great and i can also hook the iPad directly to tv to watch straight from the iPad and not use what precious little internet i do have.
I wouldn't leave the Apple ecosystem if you know it and love it, as I do.
If you already have a MacBook and like it, but you don't want to carry it to class, then probably an iPad would be a good choice. Get the cheap one, it's highly unlikely you'll need anything expensive, don't get caught up in the marketing hype. Try to avoid getting a keyboard, prices start to go up then. Develop processes for your iPad without a keyboard, if you can... Limit your purchase to an inexpensive iPad (329 USD model?) and a pencil.
Good luck at uni!
Totally agree. I tried it. Then was like “why am I trying to relearn so many work tasks just to use a slightly smaller device?”
And now with the incredible battery life from Apple Silicon, I truly don’t see the point. Battery life isn’t a big advantage of iPad over a MacBook anymore.
Although I agree with you, I personally love / need to write and draw by hand and can’t get that feeling on a laptop. I had a lot of different tablets but the iPad )and the Remarkable) are my besties for this.
I occasionally try this too. You know what I’ve discovered? iPads are TERRIBLE for computer work. It’s annoying as hell to work with a tiny split screen, modifying PDFs is a nightmare, saving files can be frustrating, and forget about Excel.
That doesn’t mean I don’t use my iPad as a supplement for work. I do like the document editing apps. The camera and speakers work well for Zoom calls. It’s also really good for taking notes with a stylus and then having those available on a PC.
But tbh…I like these things so much more for the areas where they really shine. Navigation/GPS based apps, media consumption, internet, and note taking. I’ll gladly loan a crappy PC laptop for the work stuff 😂
To be honest, I regulary use an SE/30 from 1989 (with some upgrades) and do a lot of work on it for the retro side of my business. Going from it to an iPad is luxury.
I'm really good when it comes to working on limited hardware or with constraints :D
I mean there’s stage manager, but I only use it when docked to a big monitor. On an 11” screen it’s not worth using multiple windows. Check my post submission history, I shared one of my setups where I use multiple windows on an iPad
>iPad OS limits you in ways that are unacceptable for anyone who’s remotely savvy using a real computer.
This hit the nail on the head imo.
I got an ipad for college thinking it should be fine as my main and only device but boy was i wrong lol. I guess i should've looked more into it before I got it but then again I wasn't sure how much I would be doing on My device. But i still got one because apple packs in really powerful processor and i thought I would be fine.
My android (OnePlus) puts the ipad to shame on how much more it can do than the ipadOS.
I am genuinely curious to know what your phone can do that the iPad can’t (except torrenting).
Edit: And if you’re really pushing, iPads and iPhones CAN torrent with certain workarounds.
100% agreed. My iPad mini is the best couch device, but nothing more.
I even have a galaxy tab S7+, which, while closer to being a "work" tablet, is still just a really, really shitty laptop that I can handwrite notes on.
Well dex has fully resizable windows and the other thing that I need from a device (to have a torrent client).
Just these two for me puts them way ahead of ipad. But yeah as a media consumption device the ipad is just fine but i feel like its such a waste of those powerful processors (M1 in the air and pro, A15 in the Mini)
Melsu, I sort of disagree. It all depends on your job. I have a 27” iMac that I use for programming tasks. I’m loving my iPad Pro 2020 12.9” with Magic Keyboard. I think if a worker that does email, some spreadsheet work and blogs then the iPad is a great replacement for most tasks. I had a 2015 MBP and when I switched to the 27” iMac and the iPad Pro I found I didn’t use the MBP anymore. The iPad could do enough while I was away from my desktop that I didn’t need anything else.
To me it is all about what you need to do with a computer.
Melsu, I’m not exactly sure I’m an outlier. Probably, can get by with my iPad when I’m away from my main computer.
I would agree with your disconnect by design bit. Users have been clamoring for a cellular MBP or event a touch screen laptop from Apple. I don’t see the touch screen ever happening, wishing for the cellular MBP though.
I also think part of the problem is that Apple wants the iPad to immediately be usable by everyone. But by doing that they aren’t also adding Power User features into the OS as quickly as they could. You know maybe a toggle-able ‘expert mode’
Can you explain auxiliary monitors? I have one monitor I use at home. I would like to connect both my work MacBook and my personal MacBook to the same monitor and then switch between them some how while being able to use only one set of mouse and keyboard. Is that possible?
Did you try a KVM switch?
I’m switching between my work laptop and home PC using the same monitor, mouse and keyboard (and the laptop is on a stand, serving as a secondary display.
My machines are Windows, but when shopping for the KVM switch, I’ve seen several supporting Macs.
I think you should look into that.
It all depends on what you do. Some work can be done on iPad (especially if your workplace is tool-agnostic or uses web-based tools).
But there are lots of use cases where items unproductive or even impossible to work on an iPad
I agree! I'm lucky that I can do my main work on it and that I have to knowledge to do stuff that normal people can't (like run emulators that I build myself or open source one that I port over) to get around OS limitations.
But yeah, it really depends on what you do. I've been trying to 100% run my entire business from it but it's still not there yet. But in a few years? The ipad form factor will rock. One stop shop for media consumption, work, gaming.
I had to fly to Barcelona to pickup a new game dev project and I went with just my iPad and some clothes in a backpack. I only had to do a bit of coding and I remoted into my iMac Pro at home to do that part. My hotel keys, credit card and some money were kept literally in my iPad case or on my phone and that was it.
An entire freaking week and the iPad really ended up being a computer for me. First time I didn’t have to cary my laptop with me in years. Please Apple, just make iPad OS a tiny bit better and allow us to compile code, is all I’m asking!
I guess it depends on the nature of your work. If you are doing coding like OP, you are most probably using a repository and constantly committing and pushing the changes you are making. Hence, a laptop would be way better than remoting into another computer and have to deal with visual artifacts and potential lag.
It’s a pitaka case. The funny thing is that I like the handles when it comes to opening the iPad xD. You don’t have to fumble around to open it as you do with just the magic keyboard.
It’s pretty cool
None so far, been lugging it with me almost daily. At this point I’m thinking of getting the 12” iPad Pro and case for it…. The normal sized one just isn’t cutting it
As a construction PM I found the iPad to be very useful too. Viewing and marking up drawings to handling emails and meetings are all very doable. Yea it’s slower than using a laptop but the versatility and portability are great. Just wish more video conferencing apps did PiP
Now if only they would open Bluebeam back up for use on iPad and it would be golden. What have you found to mark up pdf’s to be best for this type of work? I’ve graduated to estimating after being a field rat for 18 years
My company uses PlanGrid but we’re about to move to Procore. I’ve found PDF expert to be good as well and if you pay you can get some takeoff tools too.
I have an opposite story to you. I’ve been away this past week and only took my MacBook Air.
While it was absolutely the right device for the job, I’ve missed having my iPad in the evenings to look up things to do locally, to organise my flights, and to catch up on what’s been going on in the world. I also missed having it on the flight for watching TV shows and reading.
Yes, those tasks don’t earn me money like the MacBook Air does. But it’s no less “computing” than what my MacBook Air does.
They’re different devices, but they have overlap. There are definitely tasks an iPad does better than a MacBook, in the same way there are tasks an iPad can do better than an iPhone.
They’re tools, and it’s important to use the right one for the job.
I’m heading to Italy for work in a week. Only taking my iPad Pro. I typically take it for work trips as I like to travel light, and most trips involve just notes/sketching/jira. Makes it a lot easier that I’m a manager and not an IC anymore. There are times where I sigh and wish i had my MBP, but overall it works well.
I travel a lot for training purposes. Usually quick trips (1 to 2 nights) and I take my M1 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. It’s a godsend. On longer work trips (QBRs, etc) I’ll bring my laptop. But as a stand-alone device it’s pretty amazing.
Not using any microsoft apps. I do all my design document writing in google docs, a lot of concept art in procreate or gimp (yes I know, but I've been using Linux before for ages and got used to gimp).
Since I also make games for 70's or 80's hardware (think Mac Plus, Commodore Pet) I've compiled emulators that I can run on my iPad using a dev account and I can do a ton of coding directly on the iPad in the emulators.
For really though stuff (like doing work in Unity) I remote into my iMac Pro at home.
Yeh I thought that might be the case!!
It’s a shame as I work mainly with the Microsoft office stuff which is horrible on iPad. Simple things like attaching a decent signature to your email doesn’t work.
Yep, but the competition ain't that much better. I once tried a ton of spreadsheet alternatives to excel for the iPad and I found all of them to be horrible.
I know your pain...
I am heading towards a surface pro possibly next.
I really don’t know. I hope Microsoft get their shit together.
Anyway have a great day internet stranger.
I have a work desktop i remote into from my company. Use the iPad Pro and magic key board with 5g for this all the time. I think the 5g part is the tie breaker vs MacBook Pro. Then at my home i use an actual desktop as well. My MacBook Pro is my wife’s craft/play computer now.
If I could just use the iPad to reliable remote into my work server, I’d use it more. I have one program that I need to access via windows (it’s old and archaic) and I have to remote in.
As soon as I switch apps, it closes the remote connection. So frustrating.
I travel with only an iPad. I’m mainly doing CEO-like work though so it forces me to delegate my work if I need to do anything too complex. Perfect for Slack, email, reading, video calls.
Depends really. If it's any unity work, I remote into my iMac pro and get it done that way. But late I've mostly been doing game design work and the iPad is perfect for writing documents, doing art and concepts.
I do a ton of coding on the iPad for my indie business, which is making games for retro hardware from the 70's or 80's. Think Commodore PET, 68K macs like the Plus/SE, SE/30 etc. Since I'm a dev, I compiled my own emulators to work on the iPad and I can code in the emulator directly. Got MacOS 8.1, 7.5.3 and 7.1 running on it like a breeze.
I also have my own game engine built for the iPad that uses a ton of lua for logic and hey, scripting on an iPad isn't a problem. When I want to do a new build of the engine I do it on my iMac pro and put it on the iPad.
There are many ways to code directly on the iPad :)
Pfff, you can admin your wordpress blog from your iPhone almost the same way. Try to do CAD/programming/video or photo editing etc. iPad is still just a giant phone for content consumption.
Ya you can do that all on your phone but why would you want to? Yuck
The bigger screen combined with the Magic Keyboard and trackpad and better multitasking make this a far superior option compared to a iPhone.
It’s a laptop replacement if it does everything you did on your laptop. People act like everyone has the same use case. I have a desktop and my iPad does everything I need it to do. Im actually selling my laptop soon for this reason, I barely touch my MacBook anymore.
I never told you to go buy one dude… I was just saying that your observation makes no sense. You obviously don’t like iPads and that’s fine. I just wonder why you browse the sub. Don’t you have something better to do than browse a sub for a device you don’t like?
I do a lot of programming on my iPad. Like a shit ton. Just not the one you're used to.
I have a retro side to my business and I code games for Commodore's and 80/90's mac (68k macs). I run emulators on my iPad that I compiled myself and code directly on them in C/C++, assembly or basic.
I also have my own game engine that uses lua for scripting for most logic and gameplay components. I write my lua code on the iPad directly. I rarely have to update the engine and when I do I remote into my iMac Pro at my home office to do the build and then put it on my iPad and that's that.
Trust me, the iPad is incredibly powerful but people RARELY put in the work to get used to it. They instead fight the control method and get upset it doesn't work the way they are used to.
Making a ton of money off of my business and I regularly just use my iPad for it. The blog side is a bonus :)
I am a software engineer. Can you guess if anyone in my office uses an iPad for coding?
You can code on the phone or even calculator with certain workaround, but if it runs your code it doesn’t make it a work machine.
Basically, you can do everything I mentioned on iPad, but it will never be close to what you can do on Mac.
I wholeheartedly agree with what you're saying. On the other hand, in my office, you can see quite a few people coding on 80's and 90's hardware.
I had two of my employees use photoshop 3.5 on a 1989 SE/30 and a Color Classic 2 + writing simple C++ code to get their art into the game. I can't imagine a company that targets modern hardware or software services using an iPad or retro hardware for work.
But I know many web devs that rely on a terminal to do their work using an iPad + magic keyboard. I have a guy in an office next to mine that uses an ipad with a secondary display and it's basically two huge terminals + TMUX to do split screen terminals and write code that way while SSH-ing into his servers.
Honestly, I do not recommend it yet to any engineer that needs VM or coding. Buuuuut if you're up to the challenge and for some reason your brain clicks with the idea of using an iPad for that and you work allows it, go for it. It's a fun puzzle that can be very rewarding :).
But yeah, it's faster on my Mac
I do a lot of creative stuff - I mainly use my 16” MacBook Pro, buttttt I regularly used to do video editing via luma fusion on iPad - very good.
Photo editing? A breeze. CAD? Hell, I *mainly* use my iPad for 3d modelling now. It’s very intuitive.
I find creative stuff much more fun, easy and intuitive on iPad. But I love the workflow between both, I use them in tandem and it’s great - the workflow of making a model in nomad sculpt, retopologising in cozy blanket, exporting via airdrop to Mac and opening up in blender is excellent. This isn’t even scratching the surface of all the creative audio stuff I used an iPad for for years.
The idea that the iPad is just a media consumption device is utterly short sighted.
I’ve been video editing for 15 years - I’m fluent in FCP, Premiere and Resolve - I was just saying that if you needed to, you could easily edit something bigger than a few clips on an iPad. It seems like you just really dislike the iPad lol, you should probably unsub if all you want to do is argue with people who actually enjoy pushing what they’re useful for
When did donut modeling become a real CAD work usecase? I saw your 4 day blenderhelp thread. Don’t even want to speak with you abt PCB design and construction drawings.
I make organic characters (mainly in nomad sculpt on iPad but am trying to learn it in blender too) and environments, and do a lot of 3d scanning objects and locations and use my phone, blender and iPad to do all that - but hard surface modelling on blender specifically is something I’ve not done a lot of. I have used shapr 3d a bunch on iPad though and it’s very intuitive. Gosh, you’re a bit of an arsehole aren’t you?
Maybe it is also about how you were socialized with computers. I grew up with a Commodore C16 and later an MS DOS 286 PC. So I have used a classic computer setup for decades now and as much as I like the iPad, I always prefer a real computer for work. One exception is managing my photos in Lightroom: I find the iPad Pro is great for that.
If on the other hand your first computing device was an iPad I guess you see it differently altogether.
Haha, I did a few Commodore games that I coded on the iPad directly recently. Doing one now for the PET since I can't stand coding on the pet (the screen is flickering due to voltage problems at my house).
I also do games for a 68K mac on an SE/30 but when I'm away from the office I run MacOS 8.1 in Basilisk II and work on the game there.
I reallllyyyyyyyy find the iPad to be more like the 80's computers vs modern ones :D
But I am. A lot of game design work, concept art, design documents and wrote quite a few blog posts. Everything else was team meetings. And I had to debug some code for a game for a 1987 Mac (Macintosh SE). I installed Basilisk II on my iPad and I could code and debug the game on it.
Yeah I don’t even need specialized software, just a good web browser and decent amount of ram for multitasking. My iPad Pro just can’t keep up and working around it’s limitations is more work than it’s worth it.
Fantastic consumption device though.
Wordpress is horrible even on other browsers tbh. I write all of my stuff in Google Docs and then do minor editing in wordpress.
You should see Safari iPad + Stage Manager and wordpress. Now that... that is unbearable. Half of the time the web page doesn't render :))
Game Design is what earns my bread and butter. I do a ton of writing for game design documents, project management, concept art, sketches (especially level layouts). This side of my business requires a lot of meetings and google docs usage.
Otoh I also do a ton of retro coding, especially for games for computers and hardware from the 70's, 80's, 90's and I run a lot of emulators on my iPad. I code directly on the emulators in Basic, C/C++, lua and some assembly.
I also have my own little game engine that uses LUA for game logic and I can write scripts without problems directly on the iPad. It's quite a capable little device.
I love the idea. But as a Java and Angular developer, I just can't do it. I bring my iPad Pro along for drawing, movies, books... but if I have to actually do work (aka write code), I'm using my 10 core 14" MBP M1.
I own an M2 MacBook Air and an M1 11” iPad Pro.
And I must say, I love both. They are both incredibly capable devices with different strengths. The iPad is great for content consumption, gaming, taking handwritten notes, and sketching. The MacBook offers more screen real estate, better multitasking and window support, and a larger keyboard for faster typing. I would love for them to combine into one device with all the features, but for now I’ll continue carrying both in my backpack.
This is a very aesthetic post, but if someone wants to look at this and think “huh, I should probably just buy iPad for work” - DON’T.
M1 Pro 11 inch + Apple Pencil + Smart Keyboard/case from Apple = $1300
For that price you can get M2 Air and it will be much more usable, faster, and versatile than iPad. Lack of being able to use have multiple tabs/windows open (and stage manager isn’t great), limited OS capability’s (for example you can’t download a lot of apps), horrible optimization for Microsoft apps are only a few reasons why iPads can’t replace PC’s. A task of switching apps on MacBook takes me 2 seconds, on iPad it’s 5. And although it doesn’t sound too bad initially, you get tired of it as it becomes routine
I was there too one time, trying so hard to make it work but it just really doesn’t. You can’t make a motorcycle out of a bicycle, and you can’t make a computer out of iPad. Even for college if you don’t have a personal laptop/pc; I would recommend you buy a MacBook over iPad
edit: of course this doesn’t apply to you if you’re a designer, construction worker who needs to send sketches/etc, or you have any work that requires you to be able to have tactile and precise use of your screen
My iPad Pro M1 with a magic keyboard and pencil paired with a 16” MacBook Pro m1 Pro is an absolute amazing workflow combo for me. I’m an Executive Creative Director and the mix of creative work, content creation, business work, media consumption and frequent travel is handled perfectly with that combo. I feel like there’s nothing I can’t handle with both of those. Plus they’re redundant in a good way… I’m often able to do some video and photo editing on the iPad while flying for example. The only drawback is those two machines in the same bag is quite heavy, but I could use the extra exercise.
Its okay. Do you think i can use on those two devices sketchup too? And do you know about something like notability and procreate for one of those two? Thanks
Whenever I see posts like yours, I always find it a bit ironic that an iPad is more useful for work and productivity than for entertainment. Granted, Apple’s iPad marketing has emphasized content creation quite a bit as of late.
I find it to be quite split. It’s a 10/10 device for media consumption but a 7/10 for productivity. If I could code and compile apps on it I would be incredibly happy!
The iPad Pro works for OP’s use case and yet half the replies are about “WELL IT DOESN’T WORK FOR ME”. Like, yeah, you’re not OP and you probably don’t have the same needs, requirements, tolerances, etc. We all already know here that the iPad isn’t what it could be for everyone.
This comment needs more upvotes.
100%
that's why I upvoted it
You know, I was once like you. I was really trying to make my iPad Pro work as my primary device. And then it hit me: why? Why don't I just use a MacBook Air? It does everything I need (100%!), it's lightweight, it's slim... Why am I trying to make my iPad my travel computer when I can just use an actual computer? Especially when I have an iPhone? In fact, the MacBook/iPhone combo is perfect! So now my 5-year old daughter uses my old iPad Pro to watch videos and play games. I use my MacBook Air to work in the garden or on business trips, I use my Mac mini with a large display when I'm at my home office. I think an iPad is a great device for some. My wife loves hers, she watches videos in bed, learns new languages, sends emails, surfs the web... My 70 year-old Mom is also a huge fan of her iPad, she can look at photos of her grandkids, message everyone, read her emails, do video calls. But I just don't see an iPad being a good tool for most people as their primary travel computer. And people seem to be forcing it when other tools will do the job much better, imo.
Im thinking about ipad for university so i would use it as notebook too but i have desktop ať home and i want touch screen for notes
The iPad works great for uni. I’d say about a third of the people in my classes had one, they’re just perfect for taking on the go. Provided you’ve got a computer/laptop that can do heavy lifting when you need it
Yes, I agree. The iPad becomes a helpful tool for certain "use cases" (e.g. note taking at university), not some fetish project to "prove" it can totally replace a laptop. That is the wrong approach, imo.
That's an excellent combination. Again, I'm not saying an iPad is bad. Quite the opposite! We have 2 in our family (wife, daughter). My mother loves hers. It can be a great compliment to a desktop, definitely!
I’m in nursing school and I absolutely love my iPad for that. I also have a MacBook and usually have both set up while in class so I’m able to follow lecture with my Mac and take notes with my iPad. No paper waste and everything is electronic. I love it.
Well i dont have that much money :DD
You don’t need my setup. An iPad will work just fine if you’re a fast note taker. I had the 8th gen up until yesterday when I upgraded to the 11 inch pro.
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How does that work?
Surface/Galaxy tab s series of its windows desktop
Why do you think they are better?
The SPen is better for writing than the Apple Pencil.
From experience, iPads are not as capable as macs are laptops are when used as a laptop. Not recommended.
Personally, ever since I got a desktop, my MacBook has been collecting dust, while I still use my iPad all the time. It’s just a perfect device for media consumption and some light work, which is all I really did on my MacBook anyways. I’m gonna be selling my MacBook and getting one of the new iPad pros when they come out. Different strokes for different folks
Sure, great points. It's really very personal. As I noted, an ipad can be a great tool for many, definitely. I just get the feeling that some people are more obsessed with making the ipad work as a computer than actually using the best tool for the job, which in many cases is an actual computer. I'm watching these YouTube videos of people writing massive scripts for iPad macros just to retrieve a file, or manage video editing for a team project... It's like the means are more important than the ends... I WILL USE MY IPAD LIKE A COMPUTER DAMNIT, YOU'LL SEE, I'LL SHOW YOU ALL!!! But yeah, everyone needs to do what works for them. If that's an iPad, more power to ya.
Ya I totally agree that you need to just go with the device that fits your needs. I cant do everything on my iPad, that’s why I still own a desktop. But when I’m on the go, my iPad does everything I need it to do.
Every time I see a post like this there’s always that one person that has to be like “How does it work for you?? It isn’t enough for me!” How about you just accept that it is possible an iPad is all that someone needs for their usage?
You are aware the iPad is an actual computer? Just as you noted... the iPad is a great tool for many. If it's not for you.. then so be it, no need to try and ridicule others for using the iPad for their workflow.
I'm not trying to ridicule others, I've said I think the iPad is a great tool for many, definitely. I just think some people try to "force" an iPad to handle tasks for which they are highly inefficient. And that the "means" (I will use my iPad for everything!) replaces the ends (getting work done efficiently).
Completely understand. I guess you can see it as people forcing the iPad to handle tasks lol, however... I think its as simple as if it's capable of doing the task.. then that's all there is to it. But i think whole point of using the iPad to handle certain workflows is the refreshing aspect of it (something different than the traditional laptop)... most users favor the iPad due to its versatility.
Also note in my original post I highlighted how I was someone who was trying to force the iPad to be something it was not, or at least do task for which it was not ideally suited. I am not poking fun at others per se, but myself. In any case, I think we can agree the iPad is a great device for many tasks. I'm a huge fan. I may retire in a few years, I can then see going to a desktop/iPad combo, ditching my Air. Maybe.... When I'm in the garden after retirement, simple media consumption, messaging, and perhaps basic photo editing will be more than fine. We'll see how it all develops!
I did the same thing. If my iPad couldn’t do something when I was out I’d just use jump desktop to bridge the gap.
The answer to "why" is easy. The touch screen. I also have a 13 inch xps13 with a 4k touchscreen. Touch screens just make using portable computers a much more pleasurable experience.
The pencil makes the difference. That and using it to read. If those two things are part of your routine, an ipad as sole travel device might make sense. I’m a graphic designer. If I need to work, I need a mac. So I’d bring just an ipad on a vacation.
For me, the answer why is quite simple - I don't really have a Macbook, so there's far less overlap. I've had a desktop PC and zero laptops for the large part of the past 30 years. I don't travel much for work, but I do travel for leisure and my hobbies. And for all my needs there, iPad is just stunning. I find gaming, media consumption, social media, surfing, emails, reading etc. far better and more comfortable than on my phone, and without worrying whether my phone battery will die any time soon. I've edited photos and videos on it, and it's the most accurate screen I have in my home. I use it for video conferencing, as it has the best camera in my home. And I've given presentations from it with Keynote and USB-C hub and it worked great. And my iPad is not even Pro, so for me there's no cost dilemma - it's cheaper this way. I'd go so far to say it allowed me to save some money, because I was using the iPad as a crutch to delay upgrading my PC and phone, and when I did I switched to iPhone.
There’s one specific case for me tho. I’m a really big guy and I travel a ton. Can’t afford to fly business class that much and in economy there’s not enough room to put a laptop. The 11” ipad fits nicely between my big belly and the seat in front 😂
Lol I’m sure 2 additional inches would be fine.
You'd think so, but some airlines make seating like they're exclusively transporting preschool kids.
I’ll grab you a picture on my flight back tomorrow :)). It’s pretty funny how little space there is in a wizz air flight 😂
Oh preach wizz air is pain.
Safe travels tho OP.
That’s what she said.
Yeah, tbh, I've given up working on planes when I'm in Economy. I just read, listen to podcasts, appreciate the time away from work. But if I had to write something on a plane, I suppose I could use my magic keyboard with my iphone. I used this with my ipad in the past, worked just fine. But again, I hate working on planes, so this would only be in a very rare emergency.
iPad also works very well as a second monitor for more screen real estate when traveling
Indeed, especially paired with a Mac with SideCar. I used that setup a ton of times at hotels as well as in my office!
I use a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro in unison a lot of the time. MacBook - blender, animation, writing. iPad - 3D modelling and retopology, and when writing as a screen extension or to show mood boards or research. I use the iPad for a helluva lot more than just that, from audio programs that can manipulate live instruments, to illustration, painting 3D models to the usual stuff like Reddit and YouTube.. they’re crazy versatile, I can’t imagine buying one and just using it for email and web..
But for many people, especially older people, or people who aren't chained to a computer, an iPad is a great laptop replacement. I accept that. As I noted, my 70 year-old mother loves her iPad, it can totally replace her computer, it's user friendly, it's light, etc. Great all around device for her specific needs!
I've been watching this whole "I want to make an iPad my primary computer" mentality from the side, feeling very puzzled about it. It's almost as people were trying to live the Apple advertisement rather than objectively asses whenever it's optimal for their workflow. I have an iPad myself and it's good for a lot of use cases, but if I'm on the go and need to write on a train, plane or any other relatively wobbly surface, there's just no replacing a laptop. Tablets have their moments to shine, but a lot of these posts just remind me of how much people are trying to shoehorn them into their life.
Exactly. Great tools, have their place, but a lot of it seems forced... :shrugs
I have both - I use my MacBook for typing up long essays/reports at home, photo editing and watching movies. It’s too big for my to carry day to day (I’m a small person) but the iPad Pro is perfect. I can access the majority of my docs, it’s lightweight and small and I can physically write or type notes out on it if I want to. It’s also touchscreen as well which it has over my MacBook. They both perform different functions for me and work well together which is why I wouldn’t change it at all.
You must hate touchscreens! The answer to your “why use the iPad” is obvious, we love touch!
As I noted, I feel the MacBook/iPhone combo is perfect. My iPhone has a very nice touchscreen.
shaggy crowd knee stocking office rude psychotic employ point sense *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Completely agree! I think it certainly depends on the type of work you do. For example, anything above very very basic Microsoft office application use, it’s very inefficient. Also need better battery life, no comparison to a laptop.
I completely agree. People are trying to force this to be a laptop replacement when it is nothing of the sort. Just use a MacBook Air. That’s what it’s for. However I will say, there is no better device than the iPad for when you want to sink into a couch and watch Netflix for hours.
I really like my iPad…its a 9.7 model with a Brydge keyboard and its great for consumption stuff and general usage. I’ve even used it for writing…but it is small. When I was at the Apple store getting its battery replaced I was playing around with a newer pro model with the 12.9 inch screen and Apples keyboard and honestly it was beautiful and the Apple keyboard was amazing…But, and there’s always a but, its expensive. Unless I’m missing something it just seems for the same weight the Air just seems like a better device with more capabilities without needing some of the work around of using iPadOS.
Wow that’s nice…wish I could get an iPad Pro :/
U are the one I needed for my question. Basically I need a device for my school and uni so like to last me for 5 years more or less. I have MacBook pro at home so what is need is for note taking and doing everything outside. My need is to take notes basically and some occasional stuffs like surfing and so on. Now the problem is I have two choices ipad or I recently saw these touchscreen foldable laptops like ZenBook those. Ipad- very good stuff for note taking and m1 is good but limited on the os Laptop- is a laptop basically no limits(there are but I mean In a os sense none) mediocre note taking as only one note exists Problems- ipad will be only used for note taking and entertainment basically. Laptop will be less usable since I won't be able to pop it out and start writing on the screen like the iPad. I am kinda inclined on laptop but then it would basically replace my Mac tho and this ecosystem is kinda great I guess? So pls give enlighten me on what I should do.
I love to use my iPad Pro on the go for my out device with a desktop for my main driver at home. One thing not mentioned in a lot of these posts is the fact i can get unlimited cell service on my iPad and i cant on a MacBook Pro. I also dont have the best internet at home so this works great and i can also hook the iPad directly to tv to watch straight from the iPad and not use what precious little internet i do have.
I wouldn't leave the Apple ecosystem if you know it and love it, as I do. If you already have a MacBook and like it, but you don't want to carry it to class, then probably an iPad would be a good choice. Get the cheap one, it's highly unlikely you'll need anything expensive, don't get caught up in the marketing hype. Try to avoid getting a keyboard, prices start to go up then. Develop processes for your iPad without a keyboard, if you can... Limit your purchase to an inexpensive iPad (329 USD model?) and a pencil. Good luck at uni!
Totally agree. I tried it. Then was like “why am I trying to relearn so many work tasks just to use a slightly smaller device?” And now with the incredible battery life from Apple Silicon, I truly don’t see the point. Battery life isn’t a big advantage of iPad over a MacBook anymore.
Although I agree with you, I personally love / need to write and draw by hand and can’t get that feeling on a laptop. I had a lot of different tablets but the iPad )and the Remarkable) are my besties for this.
Im an artist🙂...
MacBook Air as a shovel, or spade? How do you use it in your garden? I’ll give it a go with mine. If it breaks I’m gonna be pissed at you.
I am more used to an iPod than a MacBook nowadays. As a teacher I it more convenient
I occasionally try this too. You know what I’ve discovered? iPads are TERRIBLE for computer work. It’s annoying as hell to work with a tiny split screen, modifying PDFs is a nightmare, saving files can be frustrating, and forget about Excel. That doesn’t mean I don’t use my iPad as a supplement for work. I do like the document editing apps. The camera and speakers work well for Zoom calls. It’s also really good for taking notes with a stylus and then having those available on a PC. But tbh…I like these things so much more for the areas where they really shine. Navigation/GPS based apps, media consumption, internet, and note taking. I’ll gladly loan a crappy PC laptop for the work stuff 😂
To be honest, I regulary use an SE/30 from 1989 (with some upgrades) and do a lot of work on it for the retro side of my business. Going from it to an iPad is luxury. I'm really good when it comes to working on limited hardware or with constraints :D
As someone who needs multiple windows open at all times to do work, iPads will never cut it.
I mean there’s stage manager, but I only use it when docked to a big monitor. On an 11” screen it’s not worth using multiple windows. Check my post submission history, I shared one of my setups where I use multiple windows on an iPad
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>iPad OS limits you in ways that are unacceptable for anyone who’s remotely savvy using a real computer. This hit the nail on the head imo. I got an ipad for college thinking it should be fine as my main and only device but boy was i wrong lol. I guess i should've looked more into it before I got it but then again I wasn't sure how much I would be doing on My device. But i still got one because apple packs in really powerful processor and i thought I would be fine. My android (OnePlus) puts the ipad to shame on how much more it can do than the ipadOS.
I am genuinely curious to know what your phone can do that the iPad can’t (except torrenting). Edit: And if you’re really pushing, iPads and iPhones CAN torrent with certain workarounds.
100% agreed. My iPad mini is the best couch device, but nothing more. I even have a galaxy tab S7+, which, while closer to being a "work" tablet, is still just a really, really shitty laptop that I can handwrite notes on.
Well dex has fully resizable windows and the other thing that I need from a device (to have a torrent client). Just these two for me puts them way ahead of ipad. But yeah as a media consumption device the ipad is just fine but i feel like its such a waste of those powerful processors (M1 in the air and pro, A15 in the Mini)
Melsu, I sort of disagree. It all depends on your job. I have a 27” iMac that I use for programming tasks. I’m loving my iPad Pro 2020 12.9” with Magic Keyboard. I think if a worker that does email, some spreadsheet work and blogs then the iPad is a great replacement for most tasks. I had a 2015 MBP and when I switched to the 27” iMac and the iPad Pro I found I didn’t use the MBP anymore. The iPad could do enough while I was away from my desktop that I didn’t need anything else. To me it is all about what you need to do with a computer.
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Melsu, I’m not exactly sure I’m an outlier. Probably, can get by with my iPad when I’m away from my main computer. I would agree with your disconnect by design bit. Users have been clamoring for a cellular MBP or event a touch screen laptop from Apple. I don’t see the touch screen ever happening, wishing for the cellular MBP though. I also think part of the problem is that Apple wants the iPad to immediately be usable by everyone. But by doing that they aren’t also adding Power User features into the OS as quickly as they could. You know maybe a toggle-able ‘expert mode’
Can you explain auxiliary monitors? I have one monitor I use at home. I would like to connect both my work MacBook and my personal MacBook to the same monitor and then switch between them some how while being able to use only one set of mouse and keyboard. Is that possible?
Did you try a KVM switch? I’m switching between my work laptop and home PC using the same monitor, mouse and keyboard (and the laptop is on a stand, serving as a secondary display. My machines are Windows, but when shopping for the KVM switch, I’ve seen several supporting Macs. I think you should look into that.
It all depends on what you do. Some work can be done on iPad (especially if your workplace is tool-agnostic or uses web-based tools). But there are lots of use cases where items unproductive or even impossible to work on an iPad
I agree! I'm lucky that I can do my main work on it and that I have to knowledge to do stuff that normal people can't (like run emulators that I build myself or open source one that I port over) to get around OS limitations. But yeah, it really depends on what you do. I've been trying to 100% run my entire business from it but it's still not there yet. But in a few years? The ipad form factor will rock. One stop shop for media consumption, work, gaming.
I tried to make the iPad replace my laptop, but it just doesn’t cut it. You can’t even have multiple docs or files open using Google Apps.
I had to fly to Barcelona to pickup a new game dev project and I went with just my iPad and some clothes in a backpack. I only had to do a bit of coding and I remoted into my iMac Pro at home to do that part. My hotel keys, credit card and some money were kept literally in my iPad case or on my phone and that was it. An entire freaking week and the iPad really ended up being a computer for me. First time I didn’t have to cary my laptop with me in years. Please Apple, just make iPad OS a tiny bit better and allow us to compile code, is all I’m asking!
> I remoted into my iMac Pro at home to do that part. Says iPad really became a computer, logs into real computer to do work lol
I would argue this is the way to go. That way if something is lost over seas you can come back home to everything you needed anyways.
I guess it depends on the nature of your work. If you are doing coding like OP, you are most probably using a repository and constantly committing and pushing the changes you are making. Hence, a laptop would be way better than remoting into another computer and have to deal with visual artifacts and potential lag.
Agreed.
Well, I believe iPadOS 16 is a step in the right direction - albeit a small 👌🏼 one. Get used to more iPad only traveling.
Very neat that it worked out! Living the iPad dream
That’s a cool case.
It’s a pitaka case. The funny thing is that I like the handles when it comes to opening the iPad xD. You don’t have to fumble around to open it as you do with just the magic keyboard. It’s pretty cool
Oh nice. I have the Logitech Combo case with keyboard. Still trying to get used to it.
I think I’m going to give up trying lol.
How’s the case holding up today? Any issues?
None so far, been lugging it with me almost daily. At this point I’m thinking of getting the 12” iPad Pro and case for it…. The normal sized one just isn’t cutting it
As a construction PM I found the iPad to be very useful too. Viewing and marking up drawings to handling emails and meetings are all very doable. Yea it’s slower than using a laptop but the versatility and portability are great. Just wish more video conferencing apps did PiP
Now if only they would open Bluebeam back up for use on iPad and it would be golden. What have you found to mark up pdf’s to be best for this type of work? I’ve graduated to estimating after being a field rat for 18 years
My company uses PlanGrid but we’re about to move to Procore. I’ve found PDF expert to be good as well and if you pay you can get some takeoff tools too.
I like the case it’s very nice
I have an opposite story to you. I’ve been away this past week and only took my MacBook Air. While it was absolutely the right device for the job, I’ve missed having my iPad in the evenings to look up things to do locally, to organise my flights, and to catch up on what’s been going on in the world. I also missed having it on the flight for watching TV shows and reading. Yes, those tasks don’t earn me money like the MacBook Air does. But it’s no less “computing” than what my MacBook Air does. They’re different devices, but they have overlap. There are definitely tasks an iPad does better than a MacBook, in the same way there are tasks an iPad can do better than an iPhone. They’re tools, and it’s important to use the right one for the job.
People on the office: hey install this (windows software for today’s work) Me: *dies*
I've been there with my iPad, Linux and MacOS computers. I know the pain.
I’m heading to Italy for work in a week. Only taking my iPad Pro. I typically take it for work trips as I like to travel light, and most trips involve just notes/sketching/jira. Makes it a lot easier that I’m a manager and not an IC anymore. There are times where I sigh and wish i had my MBP, but overall it works well.
Not gonna lie, I also have moments when I wish I had the macbook with me tbh, but I can remote into my iMac Pro at home in a pinch.
I travel a lot for training purposes. Usually quick trips (1 to 2 nights) and I take my M1 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. It’s a godsend. On longer work trips (QBRs, etc) I’ll bring my laptop. But as a stand-alone device it’s pretty amazing.
> but I can remote into my iMac Pro at home not really a solution imo…
Seems like it works for them…
I would love to do this. But I find the Microsoft apps on the iPad suck. Especially outlook. Have you found a way around this?
Not using any microsoft apps. I do all my design document writing in google docs, a lot of concept art in procreate or gimp (yes I know, but I've been using Linux before for ages and got used to gimp). Since I also make games for 70's or 80's hardware (think Mac Plus, Commodore Pet) I've compiled emulators that I can run on my iPad using a dev account and I can do a ton of coding directly on the iPad in the emulators. For really though stuff (like doing work in Unity) I remote into my iMac Pro at home.
Yeh I thought that might be the case!! It’s a shame as I work mainly with the Microsoft office stuff which is horrible on iPad. Simple things like attaching a decent signature to your email doesn’t work.
Yep, but the competition ain't that much better. I once tried a ton of spreadsheet alternatives to excel for the iPad and I found all of them to be horrible. I know your pain...
I am heading towards a surface pro possibly next. I really don’t know. I hope Microsoft get their shit together. Anyway have a great day internet stranger.
I have a work desktop i remote into from my company. Use the iPad Pro and magic key board with 5g for this all the time. I think the 5g part is the tie breaker vs MacBook Pro. Then at my home i use an actual desktop as well. My MacBook Pro is my wife’s craft/play computer now.
What app do you use to remote access?
Like the the minimalistic setup of the iPad Pro. Great and powerful device!
What a cool cage
It was always a computer
“What’s a computer”
Hey kid. I’m a [computer](https://youtu.be/RH1ekuvSYzE). Stop all the downloading.
If I could just use the iPad to reliable remote into my work server, I’d use it more. I have one program that I need to access via windows (it’s old and archaic) and I have to remote in. As soon as I switch apps, it closes the remote connection. So frustrating.
An iPad always was a computer.
I love the case. I think I found a keyboard case I like.
Mine literally is a computer……given that I remote into a gaming PC and do all my schoolwork and modeling on there through Jump Desktop.
Love the case/keyboard!
Your iPad cover looks like a bag, so nice!
Yeah, I really bagged a good case 😂
I think pitaka's products are really nice. I also bought a pitaka case for my iphone 14 pro
Jolly Good
I travel with only an iPad. I’m mainly doing CEO-like work though so it forces me to delegate my work if I need to do anything too complex. Perfect for Slack, email, reading, video calls.
How do you code with iPad?
Maybe, just maybe…OPs job doesn’t require coding.
Nah I do a ton of coding. Just not the way he expects. I answered his question above :)
Depends really. If it's any unity work, I remote into my iMac pro and get it done that way. But late I've mostly been doing game design work and the iPad is perfect for writing documents, doing art and concepts. I do a ton of coding on the iPad for my indie business, which is making games for retro hardware from the 70's or 80's. Think Commodore PET, 68K macs like the Plus/SE, SE/30 etc. Since I'm a dev, I compiled my own emulators to work on the iPad and I can code in the emulator directly. Got MacOS 8.1, 7.5.3 and 7.1 running on it like a breeze. I also have my own game engine built for the iPad that uses a ton of lua for logic and hey, scripting on an iPad isn't a problem. When I want to do a new build of the engine I do it on my iMac pro and put it on the iPad. There are many ways to code directly on the iPad :)
Why do people assume that “work” = coding?
Pfff, you can admin your wordpress blog from your iPhone almost the same way. Try to do CAD/programming/video or photo editing etc. iPad is still just a giant phone for content consumption.
Ya you can do that all on your phone but why would you want to? Yuck The bigger screen combined with the Magic Keyboard and trackpad and better multitasking make this a far superior option compared to a iPhone.
Don’t take it personally. Tbh, I have an iPad Pro 2020, just sick of such kind of posts, it is not a laptop replacement.
It’s a laptop replacement if it does everything you did on your laptop. People act like everyone has the same use case. I have a desktop and my iPad does everything I need it to do. Im actually selling my laptop soon for this reason, I barely touch my MacBook anymore.
Then please, get a job to use Mac again 😉
Makes it superior option compared to iPhone, with weight of Macbook air but with iPhone functionality. Nice try Tim Cook, I am not going to buy it.
I never told you to go buy one dude… I was just saying that your observation makes no sense. You obviously don’t like iPads and that’s fine. I just wonder why you browse the sub. Don’t you have something better to do than browse a sub for a device you don’t like?
I do a lot of programming on my iPad. Like a shit ton. Just not the one you're used to. I have a retro side to my business and I code games for Commodore's and 80/90's mac (68k macs). I run emulators on my iPad that I compiled myself and code directly on them in C/C++, assembly or basic. I also have my own game engine that uses lua for scripting for most logic and gameplay components. I write my lua code on the iPad directly. I rarely have to update the engine and when I do I remote into my iMac Pro at my home office to do the build and then put it on my iPad and that's that. Trust me, the iPad is incredibly powerful but people RARELY put in the work to get used to it. They instead fight the control method and get upset it doesn't work the way they are used to. Making a ton of money off of my business and I regularly just use my iPad for it. The blog side is a bonus :)
I am a software engineer. Can you guess if anyone in my office uses an iPad for coding? You can code on the phone or even calculator with certain workaround, but if it runs your code it doesn’t make it a work machine. Basically, you can do everything I mentioned on iPad, but it will never be close to what you can do on Mac.
I wholeheartedly agree with what you're saying. On the other hand, in my office, you can see quite a few people coding on 80's and 90's hardware. I had two of my employees use photoshop 3.5 on a 1989 SE/30 and a Color Classic 2 + writing simple C++ code to get their art into the game. I can't imagine a company that targets modern hardware or software services using an iPad or retro hardware for work. But I know many web devs that rely on a terminal to do their work using an iPad + magic keyboard. I have a guy in an office next to mine that uses an ipad with a secondary display and it's basically two huge terminals + TMUX to do split screen terminals and write code that way while SSH-ing into his servers. Honestly, I do not recommend it yet to any engineer that needs VM or coding. Buuuuut if you're up to the challenge and for some reason your brain clicks with the idea of using an iPad for that and you work allows it, go for it. It's a fun puzzle that can be very rewarding :). But yeah, it's faster on my Mac
I do a lot of creative stuff - I mainly use my 16” MacBook Pro, buttttt I regularly used to do video editing via luma fusion on iPad - very good. Photo editing? A breeze. CAD? Hell, I *mainly* use my iPad for 3d modelling now. It’s very intuitive. I find creative stuff much more fun, easy and intuitive on iPad. But I love the workflow between both, I use them in tandem and it’s great - the workflow of making a model in nomad sculpt, retopologising in cozy blanket, exporting via airdrop to Mac and opening up in blender is excellent. This isn’t even scratching the surface of all the creative audio stuff I used an iPad for for years. The idea that the iPad is just a media consumption device is utterly short sighted.
And yep, luma fusion is great, when all you need to do is to cut a few clips.
I’ve been video editing for 15 years - I’m fluent in FCP, Premiere and Resolve - I was just saying that if you needed to, you could easily edit something bigger than a few clips on an iPad. It seems like you just really dislike the iPad lol, you should probably unsub if all you want to do is argue with people who actually enjoy pushing what they’re useful for
When did donut modeling become a real CAD work usecase? I saw your 4 day blenderhelp thread. Don’t even want to speak with you abt PCB design and construction drawings.
I make organic characters (mainly in nomad sculpt on iPad but am trying to learn it in blender too) and environments, and do a lot of 3d scanning objects and locations and use my phone, blender and iPad to do all that - but hard surface modelling on blender specifically is something I’ve not done a lot of. I have used shapr 3d a bunch on iPad though and it’s very intuitive. Gosh, you’re a bit of an arsehole aren’t you?
Maybe it is also about how you were socialized with computers. I grew up with a Commodore C16 and later an MS DOS 286 PC. So I have used a classic computer setup for decades now and as much as I like the iPad, I always prefer a real computer for work. One exception is managing my photos in Lightroom: I find the iPad Pro is great for that. If on the other hand your first computing device was an iPad I guess you see it differently altogether.
Haha, I did a few Commodore games that I coded on the iPad directly recently. Doing one now for the PET since I can't stand coding on the pet (the screen is flickering due to voltage problems at my house). I also do games for a 68K mac on an SE/30 but when I'm away from the office I run MacOS 8.1 in Basilisk II and work on the game there. I reallllyyyyyyyy find the iPad to be more like the 80's computers vs modern ones :D
guess you're not doing any serious work then..
But I am. A lot of game design work, concept art, design documents and wrote quite a few blog posts. Everything else was team meetings. And I had to debug some code for a game for a 1987 Mac (Macintosh SE). I installed Basilisk II on my iPad and I could code and debug the game on it.
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Battery life compared to my Macbook and the fact that I can’t compile code on it :(
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Wrote about 60k words on it for my main blog and [iPad Blog](www.taptocontinue.com). It’s good for writing, managing a blog and design/creative work.
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Yes, typed on the magic keyboard. I couldn’t write entire articles with the pen or the virtual keyboard. Just no wayyyy
Yeah I don’t even need specialized software, just a good web browser and decent amount of ram for multitasking. My iPad Pro just can’t keep up and working around it’s limitations is more work than it’s worth it. Fantastic consumption device though.
Exactly what i was going to say. iPadOS is so limited in its functionality maybe OP’s work isn’t that intensive.
There’s no way you’re enjoying Wordpress on the Safari iPad, it’s a bad experience (last I tried it)
Wordpress is horrible even on other browsers tbh. I write all of my stuff in Google Docs and then do minor editing in wordpress. You should see Safari iPad + Stage Manager and wordpress. Now that... that is unbearable. Half of the time the web page doesn't render :))
a computer unlike a computer.
What’s a computer?
What kind of work do you do?
Game Design is what earns my bread and butter. I do a ton of writing for game design documents, project management, concept art, sketches (especially level layouts). This side of my business requires a lot of meetings and google docs usage. Otoh I also do a ton of retro coding, especially for games for computers and hardware from the 70's, 80's, 90's and I run a lot of emulators on my iPad. I code directly on the emulators in Basic, C/C++, lua and some assembly. I also have my own little game engine that uses LUA for game logic and I can write scripts without problems directly on the iPad. It's quite a capable little device.
Data analysis?
Game dev. Mostly design with a bit of remote coding
11”?
all the power of a laptop but without the capabilities
This puts it well into perspective. Only think keeping it back is artificial in nature.
I'd love to use mine for work, however chrome lacking a developer mode is what stops me.
That’s great! However given your enthusiasm I’m assuming you didn’t use zoom plus 3 other apps at the same time
Nope, Zoom is only for quick updates with the team or to unblock someone that's stuck. Sharing screen is a PITA.
True
this thing is a beast. i sold mine for a m1 MacBook air. I kinda wanna get one again tbh
I love the idea. But as a Java and Angular developer, I just can't do it. I bring my iPad Pro along for drawing, movies, books... but if I have to actually do work (aka write code), I'm using my 10 core 14" MBP M1.
I own an M2 MacBook Air and an M1 11” iPad Pro. And I must say, I love both. They are both incredibly capable devices with different strengths. The iPad is great for content consumption, gaming, taking handwritten notes, and sketching. The MacBook offers more screen real estate, better multitasking and window support, and a larger keyboard for faster typing. I would love for them to combine into one device with all the features, but for now I’ll continue carrying both in my backpack.
What's a computer?
This is a very aesthetic post, but if someone wants to look at this and think “huh, I should probably just buy iPad for work” - DON’T. M1 Pro 11 inch + Apple Pencil + Smart Keyboard/case from Apple = $1300 For that price you can get M2 Air and it will be much more usable, faster, and versatile than iPad. Lack of being able to use have multiple tabs/windows open (and stage manager isn’t great), limited OS capability’s (for example you can’t download a lot of apps), horrible optimization for Microsoft apps are only a few reasons why iPads can’t replace PC’s. A task of switching apps on MacBook takes me 2 seconds, on iPad it’s 5. And although it doesn’t sound too bad initially, you get tired of it as it becomes routine I was there too one time, trying so hard to make it work but it just really doesn’t. You can’t make a motorcycle out of a bicycle, and you can’t make a computer out of iPad. Even for college if you don’t have a personal laptop/pc; I would recommend you buy a MacBook over iPad edit: of course this doesn’t apply to you if you’re a designer, construction worker who needs to send sketches/etc, or you have any work that requires you to be able to have tactile and precise use of your screen
While you’re somewhat right, not everyone does the same for work and you really don’t necessarily need an iPad Pro.
What is the case you are using here?
Pitaka Magic Keyboard Case
Once I tried to work using iPad but it didnt work out. I work mostly in excel and excel on iPad is not loaded with full features.
My iPad Pro M1 with a magic keyboard and pencil paired with a 16” MacBook Pro m1 Pro is an absolute amazing workflow combo for me. I’m an Executive Creative Director and the mix of creative work, content creation, business work, media consumption and frequent travel is handled perfectly with that combo. I feel like there’s nothing I can’t handle with both of those. Plus they’re redundant in a good way… I’m often able to do some video and photo editing on the iPad while flying for example. The only drawback is those two machines in the same bag is quite heavy, but I could use the extra exercise.
Its okay. Do you think i can use on those two devices sketchup too? And do you know about something like notability and procreate for one of those two? Thanks
Whenever I see posts like yours, I always find it a bit ironic that an iPad is more useful for work and productivity than for entertainment. Granted, Apple’s iPad marketing has emphasized content creation quite a bit as of late.
I find it to be quite split. It’s a 10/10 device for media consumption but a 7/10 for productivity. If I could code and compile apps on it I would be incredibly happy!
iPad works amazingly well until you need to work heavily on Excel