[iPad] Bye Bye laptop! Jailbroken iPad here I come!

waa1futs · 01:12 PM

The iPad has a lot of benefits over a laptop:

- Retina display
- 10 hour battery life
- Very light and thin
- No viruses to worry about
- Voice dictation
- Can watch videos on the treadmill at the gym
- Apple store customer service
- Low price compared to ultrabooks
- Thousands of apps

***************************************
Common complaints which can be fixed:

1. How do I get music/videos on my iPad without a computer?
Bridge**

2. What is the best bluetooth keyboard with a built in iPad stand?
Logitech ultrathin keyboard

3. How do I use a bluetooth mouse?
BTC Mouse**

4. How do I manage my files?
Dropbox

5. How do I play real games on an emulator with a physical controller?
Snes9x EX**

6. How do I watch flash videos?
iSwifter browser

7. How do I download files?
Atomic web browser

8. How do I download youtube videos for offline viewing?
iCab

9. How do I create/edit Office documents?
Pages

10. How do I upload documents to websites?
iUploader

In the past even one of these problems might have made me hesitant to go 100% pc-free but no longer. I can't think of a single reason though why I would use a laptop over an iPad anymore.

** requires jailbreak

bobgorila · Oct 8, 2012, 04:36 AM

The number one incontrovertible reason to use a laptop:

You can actually use it on your lap. Try balancing an iPad on your lap - even in some of the sturdier keyboard docks it's nowhere near as usable as an actual laptop.

waa1futs · Oct 8, 2012, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobgorila

The number one incontrovertible reason to use a laptop:

You can actually use it on your lap. Try balancing an iPad on your lap - even in some of the sturdier keyboard docks it's nowhere near as usable as an actual laptop.

The logitech ultra-thin keyboard seemed more than sturdy enough for me to rest the iPad on my lap while I type without any need to try and balance it. I simply put the iPad in the dock, placed it on my lap, and start typing.

needfx · Oct 8, 2012, 04:52 AM

Tablets are still away from totally replacing the functionality of a laptop, but that really depends on the user.

pommie82 · Oct 8, 2012, 05:02 AM

The games on a iPad aren't as good as a laptop or a console you might be a slightly not impressed with the game side of things i just thought that i would let you know the games on the iPad or iPhone are just games for waste time e.g. waiting for a bus or a doctor something like that then they fit the bill quite nicely but they aren't really big games that you can play for many hours i have many of times completed iPad games or iPhones games from start to finish in about a hour or so and thought oh is that it then they normally give you a advertisement for another game to buy.

waa1futs · Oct 8, 2012, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needfx

Tablets are still away from totally replacing the functionality of a laptop, but that really depends on the user.

For me, the iPad 100% does replace a laptop now with the recent jailbreak tweaks Bridge & BTC Mouse filling in the last two gaps. I'm sure it does for others who don't need 3rd party programs like photoshop or torrents as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pommie82

The games on a iPad aren't as good as a laptop or a console

Thanks, but I already said in the original post that I'll use emulators like Snes9x EX, GBA.emu, NES.emu, and GBC.emu with a wiimote classic controller for a real console gaming experience on the iPad.

Super Metroid, Legend of Zelda: A link to the past, Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger, Metroid Fusion, Golden Sun, etc. Mmmmmm

Night Spring · 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waa1futs

Thanks, but I already said in the original post that I'll use emulators like Snes9x EX, GBA.emu, NES.emu, and GBC.emu with a wiimote classic controller for a real console gaming experience on the iPad.

Super Metroid, Legend of Zelda: A link to the past, Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger, Metroid Fusion, Golden Sun, etc. Mmmmmm

Have you actually played any of those games you mention on the iPad, and if so, how well do they run? Personally, I'm leery of any emulators -- there is always something that doesn't quite work as well as it should.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dchao

Another minus, I could not run VMware or Parallel on iPad either.

does anyone know a win7 emulator?

What exactly do you want to do with a Win7 emulator on an iPad? I've found that if you break it down to exact tasks you want to accomplish, like "I want to edit Word documents," "I want to do remote admin tasks on my work network" -- then there are usually ways to do them from an iPad, it just requires you to work out a different workflow from what you would do on a windows computer.

Technarchy · Oct 8, 2012, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobgorila

The number one incontrovertible reason to use a laptop:

You can actually use it on your lap. Try balancing an iPad on your lap - even in some of the sturdier keyboard docks it's nowhere near as usable as an actual laptop.

Typing on my lap now with my iPad and logitech ultrathin...

Not that hard...

iRCL · Oct 8, 2012, 12:01 PM

Congratulations, you're going to jailbreak an iPad and use a tablet for a role it was never intended to fill

Remind us why you're not using an Android tablet

r0k · Oct 8, 2012, 12:11 PM

I recently replaced my aging 2008 Macbook. I considered an iMac, a 13 in MBP an 11 in MBA, and a 15 in MBP. I also own an iPad 1 which for me is "just as good as a laptop" when I'm on the road. I have the original Apple case as well as a keyboard/stand that doesn't require me to take it out of the Apple case. The portability and utility of my iPad encouraged me to consider a larger, heavier machine for home use. I settled on the late 2011 15in hires MBP. I'm loving it as the screen is just as nice as the 23 in 1080p monitor I have sitting next to it.

I can use it on my lap with the keyboard/stand but I prefer to use it as a tablet. I haven't jailbroken it but now that Apple has voted my iPad "off the iOS6 island" I might consider jailbreaking in the future.

I think an iPad makes a great main computer as long as you have a Mac around somewhere to do the stuff that isn't readily done on the iPad. You can use the iPad to control your Mac with at least a half dozen screen sharing programs. The idea that an iPad can serve as a "main" computer is quite credible. I do admit, however that the iPad struggles to fill the role of "only" computer.

Mainsail · Oct 8, 2012, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRCL

Congratulations, you're going to jailbreak an iPad and use a tablet for a role it was never intended to fill

Remind us why you're not using an Android tablet

I agree that many people initially purchase their iPad as a secondary device, but then they find that a very high percentage of their day to day activities can easily be done on the ipad. After a while, it becomes their primary device; that is to say, the device they use the most.....which raises the question.

I don't think it is necessary to jailbreak an ipad to use it as a primary computer. Well, I haven't jail broken any of my iOS devices and they are definitely my primary computing appliances.

Honestly, I understand how an iPad won't cut it for large spreadsheet applications and document development. For me, even a laptop is not ideal for these tasks, since I prefer a separate large monitor, keyboard and mouse. But, this is really not a consumer choice for many people, since employer IT departments dictate what most people will use for these applications.

For many people, the only time they exercise choice with respect to technology is for their home system. I remember when you needed to have a big tower PC just to pickup email and web at home. We all got stuck in the file management paradigm. Everything had to be on a massive hard drive. Now, there are alternatives, and they work great.

Mrg02d · Oct 8, 2012, 12:58 PM

The only thing I need a laptop for is autocad, quartus, and Excel. Those are for work though. For school, I use my ipad along with a bluetooth keyboard, pages, keynote, and dropbox.

Mrg02d · Oct 8, 2012, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRCL

Congratulations, you're going to jailbreak an iPad and use a tablet for a role it was never intended to fill

Remind us why you're not using an Android tablet

Says who? Pages, keynote, ect ect all say otherwise. Im a big android fan, but know a good tablet when I use one.

Ipad 3 is king of tablets. My GS3 is awsome for a phone due to android and what I use my phone for, but my ipad 3 with iOS is super easy to use for classwork. Its smooth, snappy, and the retina display is easy on the eyes.

qbricc · Oct 8, 2012, 05:18 AM

Whenever this topic is discussed on this forum, there is a mass of people lining up to knock the idea of replacing a laptop with iPad. If the user can make it work for them, then why not.

Here's an idea, why not try some helpful pointer rather than 'it'll never work'.

There is a growing group of people wanting to get rid of the computer in their life. Why? because a lot of people view computer ownership as a pain in the ass. The iPad takes that pain away for many.

Good luck waa1futs.

waa1futs · Oct 8, 2012, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbricc

Whenever this topic is discussed on this forum, there is a mass of people lining up to knock the idea of replacing a laptop with iPad. If the user can make it work for them, then why not.

Here's an idea, why not try some helpful pointer rather than 'it'll never work'.

There is a growing group of people wanting to get rid of the computer in their life. Why? because a lot of people view computer ownership as a pain in the ass. The iPad takes that pain away for many.

Good luck waa1futs.

Thank you very much for the kind words qbricc

I'll keep this thread updated with any struggles I have or additional benefits I learn from going pc-free with the iPad.

I just see alot of major benefits by going with an iPad over a laptop, without the drawbacks of going iPad only in the past, and I don't want to have a wasted laptop collecting dust when it could be sold for good money or donated to a family member in need.

Cheers mate.

needfx · Oct 8, 2012, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needfx

Tablets are still away from totally replacing the functionality of a laptop, but that really depends on the user.

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbricc

Whenever this topic is discussed on this forum, there is a mass of people lining up to knock the idea of replacing a laptop with iPad. If the user can make it work for them, then why not.

Here's an idea, why not try some helpful pointer rather than 'it'll never work'.

There is a growing group of people wanting to get rid of the computer in their life. Why? because a lot of people view computer ownership as a pain in the ass. The iPad takes that pain away for many.

Good luck waa1futs.

here u go

urkel · Oct 9, 2012, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbricc

Whenever this topic is discussed on this forum, there is a mass of people lining up to knock the idea of replacing a laptop with iPad. If the user can make it work for them, then why not.

Here's an idea, why not try some helpful pointer rather than 'it'll never work'.

Because this is a discussion board and not a support group. If you are too sensitive to accept that strangers have opinions that don't match your own then why are you here?

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbricc

There is a growing group of people wanting to get rid of the computer in their life. Why? because a lot of people view computer ownership as a pain in the ass. The iPad takes that pain away for many.

Thats such an odd statement. Computer ownership is a "pain in the ass" so the alternative is jailbreaking your iPad and relying on inconvenient and unintuitive workarounds?

What the OP is doing is like having a yacht and choosing to ride around on its lifeboat because "They both float on water so therefore they are equal". I'm not knocking the OP for what he is doing, but with all the excuses and compromises required to completely REPLACE a laptop then this is more of a project than a solution.

Loa · Oct 9, 2012, 08:15 AM

Hello,

So strange to see the Apple fanboi mentality even when someone is using and praising an Apple product.

So strange to see some people trying to find rare problems for the OP: watching physical DVDs (are we still in the 90's?), upgrading a gadget (is the OP alone on a desert island, unable to find a single regular computer?), flash websites (even Adobe pulled the plug on Flash)...

The simple fact that the listed problems are this ridiculous speaks volumes for the OP's point. (And for the future of computing.)

Of cours an iPad can't do everything a regular Mac can: if it were the case we wouldn't be speaking about it. Why try to convince someone else that their shoe doesn't fit when it actually does?

Loa

Greg. · Oct 9, 2012, 08:21 AM

The argument is kind of redundant since almost all of his points rely on there being a jailbreak availiable. If you buy an iPad now, it will have iOS 6 and there is no such jailbreak, and there is no expected release date for one in the near future either.

urkel · Oct 9, 2012, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loa

So strange to see the Apple fanboi mentality even when someone is using and praising an Apple product.

Being a fanboy is when you try to prove superiority and shutting down discussion by making up excuses in order to protect your own personal viewpoint.

Look, I dont agree with everyones comments for and against a solo iPad because OP can do what he wants. But I just find it interesting that you use the term "fanboy" when "fanboy behavior" is exactly what YOU are exhibiting right here:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loa

So strange to see some people trying to find rare problems for the OP: watching physical DVDs (are we still in the 90's?), upgrading a gadget (is the OP alone on a desert island, unable to find a single regular computer?), flash websites (even Adobe pulled the plug on Flash)...

- DVD sales are irrelevant in 2012? Are you kidding? Prices are cheaper for physical media, they are cheaper to rent, there's trade in value, they offer more features, they don't use DRM to lock it down and you can share with friends/family. I'm not against Digital at all, but my library consists of store bought BluRays that are easily converted and put into iTunes for iPad/AppleTV use.

- Borrowing a computer? You can't go around saying "The iPad completely replaces my computer. BTW bro, can I borrow your computer because I need to jailbreak my iPad, upgrade my iPhone from iOS4 to iOS6, convert my CD's for iTunes Match and store my expanding photo library onto a hard drive.

- Flash is not dead. Yes, its on its way out but to claim that Adobe pulling the plug means that it no longer exists is ridiculous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loa

Of cours an iPad can't do everything a regular Mac can: if it were the case we wouldn't be speaking about it. Why try to convince someone else that their shoe doesn't fit when it actually does?

Yes, the iPad CAN be used as a solo device. But it requires a lot more excuses than most people are willing to make and theres nothing wrong with people expressing that so save your lectures for when you have kids. (And when you have kids you'll also realize that sometimes they try to fit their feet into shoes they've outgrown simply because "I like this one better and I'm going to force it to work".)

SpyderBite · Oct 8, 2012, 05:24 AM

If you already have an iPad and are content with the setup you described above; why the announcement? You'll still have your laptop standing by for those occasions when a notebook computer is more convenient.

If you're planning on buying an iPad instead of a laptop; I'd have to ask: why not just spend a couple more bills (assuming you're going with a 64gb model) and just get a MBA which has everything you need plus 10x the resources? In the end, you're just building a MBA out of an iPad but limited to iOS with less horsepower and storage.

I guess I don't understand your goal. Plenty of people use their tablets as a primary mobile solution. Some people are able to manage with just a smartphone. But, is it necessary? Is your laptop broken? Are you broke and can't afford another $300 to get a full notebook? Is this just a meme thread?

waa1futs · Oct 8, 2012, 06:59 AM

Quote: