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20 reasons why I'm done with iPad

B

bnmcj1

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 13, 2014
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I have tried almost every iPad (also mini and pro) since iPad 3 (2012 ish?), and I have used iPad as my primary computer since finishing my degree in the beginnning of 2016 (kept a laptop and have work laptop as well though).

But here are the reasons why I think people should ask themselves if they really do need or want an iPad at this time - and also the reasons why I am simply done after trying to make it a laptop alternative through years.

1. iPad is in my opinion a very bad consumption experience except for reading - and for reading e-ink is better. Regarding browsing see p. 5 below. Even for videos I miss infinity angle as a laptop and even the screen size on iPad Pro 12.9 is a little small for video with 4:3 ratio. BLACK BAR HELL HELLO. And then again the 12.9 is bad for many for reading and provides gorilla arm for desktop use.

2. It is a third device to maintain and upgrade once in a while.

3. Since release of iPad we've had some great fanless laptops with great battery as well as bigger phones which negates the need for iPad

4. Things take too long on an iPad except maybe photo editing.

5. Browsing experience is very bad if you - like me - hate mobile optimized websites. And NO, I won't use some third party browser.

6. You have to hold it. No really. Think about it. If you are not holding it, it is even more a pain to use. Kickstand anyone? (though I will not buy a Surface either)

7. Developers have not released its potential yet and there are still many unoptimized apps for pro versions which don't take advantage of the screen real estate or power

8. You still need a laptop and if you really think of it, you may not also need an iPad

9. New models are very expensive

10. Things take too long on an iPad

11. Things just take too long

12. Things take way too long. Try download your tax information, retirement information etc., make a budget, draft an email and setup a meeting (with bank in this case). Takes FOREVER on an iPad. Few minutes on a laptop.

13. Simple things take too long

14. Things take too long even though the device is fast. It is the workflows of it all.

15. You may be better off with a laptop and phone combo

16. Complicated things take too long

17. On screen keyboard covers much of the screen

18. iPads are in my opinion not great for work except drawing

19. Even office apps - the most basic personal computer apps from way back - are not comparable to full PC versions and a pain to use with external keyboard and no trackpad

20. In a few years a 2-1 combo or iPad itself should be more ready. Don't put up with having to own that many devices in 2017

*****************************
UPDATED WITH MORE REASONS:

21. Multitasking is so bad compared to a laptop

22. Connectivity is bad and USB C should be the port

23. The mouse/trackpad is a big missing part for anything work related

24. Charging is slow and the quick charger should come with it

25. The camera bump is not a sensible disposition

26. The Smart Keyboard is okay to type on, but stupidly one angled, and I would not call it full size on the 10.5 inch

27. The raw power is still behind the best laptops

28. Memory is still limited even with 4 GB. I would say we should hit at least 8 GB for acceptable memory at the price

29. Many apps are first on phones. Even well established apps on iPhones are not on iPads years after iPhone

30. The 10.5 is heavier than 9.7 inch without bringing enough useful to the table to compensate for the weight. The screen isn't that much bigger

31. Tablets are limited by lack of competition from Android or MS side

32. They should have OLED screen for the price by now

33. The ppi is not high enough when you are used to phones

34. Games are underdeveloped and do not reach PC level entertainment

35. I dislike freemium

36. The pro's almost doubled the price and left no real alternative for previous Air 2 buyers that do not need a pro

There are a lot more reasons...
 
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bnmcj1 said:
But here is the reasons why I think people should ask themselves
Click to expand...

Seems like the iPad isn't for you, but I think many people here will disagree with just about every point you raise. One size doesn't fit all, and if the iPad isn't something that meets your needs, you need to find a product that does. For many of us, the iPad does fit your needs.
 
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bnmcj1 said:
4. Things take too long on an iPad except maybe photo editing.

10. Things take too long on an iPad

11. Things just take too long

12. Things take way too long. Try download your tax information, retirement information etc., make a budget, draft an email and setup a meeting (with bank in this case). Takes FOREVER on an iPad. Few minutes on a laptop.

13. Simple things take too long

14. Things take too long even though the device is fast. It is the workflows of it all.

16. Complicated things take too long
Click to expand...

20 reasons why repeating the same point means it's a different reason:

1. I wanted to make a list of the biggest number I could conceive of, but I only have 10 fingers and 10 toes

2. Shorter lists with smaller points takes too long

3. Longer lists with verbose points takes too long

4. Not making lists takes too long

5. Thinking about making lists but not making lists takes too long

6. Questioning why I wrote a list and I'm only on number 6 takes too long

7. Backing out of a bad decision takes too long

8. ...hell I give up
 
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keysofanxiety said:
20 reasons why repeating the same point means it's a different reason:

1. I wanted to make a list of the biggest number I could conceive of, but I only have 10 fingers and 10 toes

2. Shorter lists with smaller points takes too long

3. Longer lists with verbose points takes too long

4. Not making lists takes too long

5. Thinking about making lists but not making lists takes too long

6. Questioning why I wrote a list and I'm only on number 6 takes too long

7. Backing out of a bad decision takes too long

8. ...hell I give up
Click to expand...

As long as you take into account that my list could be way longer without the repetitions, but with even more standalone issues on the current state of iPad.
[doublepost=1502996288][/doublepost]
Relentless Power said:
Clearly the iPad is not for you. But to many it is and I find no better experience in hardware and software on the tablet market.
Click to expand...

No relevant Android tablets on the market is just a pure sign that the market is pretty dead. I would take iPad over any of those any day. But well...
[doublepost=1502996407][/doublepost]
bnmcj1 said:
As long as you take into account that my list could be way longer without the repetitions, but with even more standalone issues on the current state of iPad.
[doublepost=1502996288][/doublepost]

No relevant Android tablets on the market is just a pure sign that the market is pretty dead. I would take iPad over any of those any day. But well...
Click to expand...
 
bnmcj1 said:
I have tried almost every iPad (also mini and pro) since iPad 3 (2012 ish?), and I have used iPad as my primary computer since finishing my degree in the beginnning of 2016 (kept a laptop and have work laptop as well though).

But here is the reasons why I think people should ask themselves if they really do need or want an iPad at this time - and also the reasons why I am simply done after trying to make it a laptop alternative through years.

1. iPad is in my opinion a very bad consumption experience except for reading - and for reading e-ink is better. Regarding browsing see p. 5 below. Even for videos I miss infinity angle as a laptop and even the screen size on iPad Pro 12.9 is a little small for video with 4:3 ratio. BLACK BAR HELL HELLO. And then again the 12.9 is bad for many for reading and provides gorilla arm for desktop use.

2. It is a third device to maintain and upgrade once in a while.

3. Since release of iPad we've had some great fanless laptops with great battery as well as bigger phones which negates the need for iPad

4. Things take too long on an iPad except maybe photo editing.

5. Browsing experience is very bad if you - like me - hate mobile optimized websites. And NO, I won't use some third party browser.

6. You have to hold it. No really. Think about it. If you are not holding it, it is even more a pain to use. Kickstand anyone? (though I will not buy a Surface either)

7. Developers have not released its potential yet and there are still many unoptimized apps for pro versions which don't take advantage of the screen real estate or power

8. You still need a laptop and if you really think of it, you may not also need an iPad

9. New models are very expensive

10. Things take too long on an iPad

11. Things just take too long

12. Things take way too long. Try download your tax information, retirement information etc., make a budget, draft an email and setup a meeting (with bank in this case). Takes FOREVER on an iPad. Few minutes on a laptop.

13. Simple things take too long

14. Things take too long even though the device is fast. It is the workflows of it all.

15. You may be better off with a laptop and phone combo

16. Complicated things take too long

17. On screen keyboard covers much of the screen

18. iPads are in my opinion not great for work except drawing

19. Even office apps - the most basic personal computer apps from way back - are not comparable to full PC versions and a pain to use with external keyboard and no trackpad

20. In a few years a 2-1 combo or iPad itself should be more ready. Don't put up with having to own that many devices in 2017
Click to expand...
I understand and respect that the iPad is not for you.
But I would also like to give you opposite view:
1. I love consumption on an iPad. I can read, watch and do small games on it. All in one device. The black bars don’t bother me, I can keep my iPad much closer then my telly and my iPad has way more pixels to. Also the colours on my iPad are much better. I no longer need a MacBook Pro either as my iPad does everything for work and study.
2. The result is that I have two devices less: no tv and no MacBook Pro!
3. True, fan less has become possible. but they still have no 4G, no touch and usually much, much less battery life. And if they don’t heath up, they are annoyingly underpowered to run a full sized desktop OS. Things might have changes, but those where my last experiences with fabless laptops, about 18 months ago.
4. My iPad pros are blistering fast and though I had to change my routines and some things do take more time, others have become easier and faster.
5. I hardly ever get mobile websites on my 10.5 and almost never on my 12.9
6. Try a Yohann stand if you don’t want to hold it. Apples Smart Keyboard or other stands work as well.
7. The apps I need are well developed. I do agree that there are a lot more apps that could be much improved.
8. I sold my2015 MacBook Pro.
9. My MacBook Pro, all tricked out, was expensive, I could buy both the 12.9 and 10.5 with every option, ASK and pencils for the same price.
10. Depends, not for me/ my work.
11. Try yoga, zen meditation, mindfulness or a one of many of other therapies to improve on patience.
12. Done all those task, just as fast or even faster on my 10.5. Split screen and it works like a dream. I can do it while hanging in my hammock. Try that with a laptop. I like to make it even a bit more risky and have a G+T with it. seriously though, banking is better on my phone/iPad. Much more optimised interface and user experience, much friendlier interface. Even inland revenue is fully compatible these days.
13. Revert to 11. You didn’t follow instructions.
14. Adapt your workflow (or not, your choice), don’t blame the device.
15. Could very well be true for your situation, but mine does perfectly with an iPad+iPhone.
16. Complicated things (maths, heavy video editing, music creation) shouldn’t be Donne on an iPad. You’d the right too for the job at hand.
17. Try the Apple Smart Keyboard. Or portrait.
18. iPads are brilliant. How can you think this? Ever read a comic on an iPad Pro 12.9? Bloody magic that is! Or have 8000+ books with you, and several days worth of video, or or or. Endless possibilities! Drawing isn’t one btw. I can’t draw, well nothing better then stick run anyway.
19. True, but they do everything I need. Imagine how much crap I have been looking to all those years? I never needed 80% of all those functions. Less is better!
20. For me the future is now, the iPad + iPhone is the perfect combination for my needs.

I seriously serously hope this future comes for you as soon as possible, perhaps with the iOS 11 already?
And otherwise I think the laptop+phone combination is not going away anytime soon.

Edit: many typos.
 
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I consider and reconsider iPad many times over but still could not justify the purchase is: iPad is too expensive and less powerful than a PC, which I can use to play Starcraft, all sorts of other games, and do a lot more. However, I also envy its portability and versatility followed by the iOS 11 and maybe future versions. My workflow is unfriendly to the iPad and I won’t change it but iPad could be a good add on.
 
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Wow. That's some list you came up with. Looks like you put a lot of thought into it. I'm Glad you have figured out why the iPad is not for you. However, I feel the complete opposite. The iPad is perfect for my needs. Not only as a consumption device, but as a creative device as well. Not gonna list all the reasons why tho.
 
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Greenmeenie said:
Wow. That's some list you came up with. Looks like you put a lot of thought into it. I'm Glad you have figured out why the iPad is not for you. However, I feel the complete opposite. The iPad is perfect for my needs. Not only as a consumption device, but as a creative device as well. Not gonna list all the reasons why tho.
Click to expand...

Come on man list the reasons you can even make 1/4 of them the same, LOL.

Edit:

BTW this guy is trolling SO hard.. this post should just be automatic wasteland.
 
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zone23 said:
Come on man list the reasons you can even make 1/4 of them the same, LOL.

Edit:

BTW this guy is trolling SO hard.. this post should just be automatic wasteland.
Click to expand...

When was debating and making valid points and opinions trolling?

I am glad that many do enjoy their iPads, and I have as well. It was just that I lately realized how much better laptops is now compared to iPads. Especially after the fanless laptops.

I used iPads instead of the old much hotter and noisy MacBook Airs and Pros. Then laptops moved on, and I suddenly could not believe why I still messed around with a tablet. It is just that simple.
[doublepost=1503005218][/doublepost]
Dave-Z said:
Your list couldn’t even fill 20 points without repeating. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Here you have five more

21. Multitasking is so bad compared to a laptop
22. Connectivity is bad and USB C should be the port
23. The mouse/trackpad is a big missing part for anything work related
24. Charging is slow and the quick charger should come with it
25. The camera bump is not a sensible disposition

I could easily write 20 more issues not to be found on a great laptop + phone combo
 
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bnmcj1 said:
It is just that simple.
Click to expand...

Here's why most people seem to be taking issue with your list: a lot of your reasons seem to be redundant just for the sake of the list being 20 things. And of course a lot of people are going to think you're wrong and want to tell you so. The thing is, nobody is wrong for preferring one thing over another. If you want to use a laptop, use one. I just don't think anyone necessarily cares about your list of reasons why any more than you care about my long list of reasons why I prefer iOS over any other operating system these days. It's kind of a pointless argument that will go around and around in circles, and is therefore kind of a pointless thread.

I mean no offense to you--use what you like. But we endured weeks of threads like this one after the iPad Pro refresh, and they just blow up into arguments. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's really not "just that simple". It's a complex, multi faceted situation. It's only "that simple" for you and your workflows.

EDIT: Your statement about the market being dead--that's just simply not true. The only tablet market that seems to be dead is the non-iPad tablet market.
 
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Entertaining thread.

Under all that rant, I'm actually similar to you. You mentioned reading and drawing are the only things iPad does well. Those happen to be the two reasons I have iPads. A mini for e-reading (all my books are in iBooks so e-ink readers aren't an option for me, plus I like having more tablet functionality besides reading--also I don't like plus size phones) and a 12.9 iPP for drawing. A device only needs one good reason to exist (or perhaps a lot of small reasons), but these devices are convenient for a lot of other purposes as well. One other thing they are uniquely good for is using while holding. You listed that as a negative, but that's actually one of its main strengths. If you need/want to compute on the move, iPad is by far your best option. A laptop or phone doesn't work (too cumbersome or too small). Same with if you need it mounted. With iOS/touch, it's also easier/faster to pick up and start using. The laptop is better for some things. It's all tradeoffs. The tradeoffs just didn't work for you.
 
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spiderman0616 said:
Here's why most people seem to be taking issue with your list: a lot of your reasons seem to be redundant just for the sake of the list being 20 things. And of course a lot of people are going to think you're wrong and want to tell you so. The thing is, nobody is wrong for preferring one thing over another. If you want to use a laptop, use one. I just don't think anyone necessarily cares about your list of reasons why any more than you care about my long list of reasons why I prefer iOS over any other operating system these days. It's kind of a pointless argument that will go around and around in circles, and is therefore kind of a pointless thread.

I mean no offense to you--use what you like. But we endured weeks of threads like this one after the iPad Pro refresh, and they just blow up into arguments. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's really not "just that simple". It's a complex, multi faceted situation. It's only "that simple" for you and your workflows.

EDIT: Your statement about the market being dead--that's just simply not true. The only tablet market that seems to be dead is the non-iPad tablet market.
Click to expand...

See my post above.

There are a lot more than 20 reasons so it was not just for the sake of a number.

The repetitive parts was - if you know anything about rhetoric - to give it some more humor and rhythm (and not just reading a long list).
 
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bnmcj1 said:
See my post above.

There are a lot more than 20 reasons so it was not just for the sake of a number.

The repetitive parts was - if you know anything about rhetoric - to give it some more humor and rhythm (and not just reading a long list).
Click to expand...
Well.......we still kind of ended up reading a long list anyway, and I honestly missed the humor. Sorry.
 
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Certainly for me, I agree. I've got a MacBook which I LOVE, it's perfect as my Media Hub holding my iTunes and Photos etc. I have Apple TV which works seamlessly and my iPhone which I take everywhere and Airplay my HD video etc and music. For me, the iPad would be a in-between model and i'm against that as I truly believe less is more - the less materialism in life, the better one's life is my finding.
The only thing that I would like an iPad for is to use as a digital portfolio BUT i'm hoping the the new iPhone Pro will be decent for that screen wise. :) :) :) Sadly, iPads just don't excite me and i've tried to get interested in them but when you see them, they are just well, boring to look at :)
 
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