Anyone Using iPad Pro as Main Device?

[temna]

As someone who spends way too much time supporting Windows PCs, I can tell you that my iPP is a godsend. No support needed on it, just tap and go. And when I do need to handle support duties away from my desk, Jump Desktop gets me into my work computer, I can see and interact with all four screens and it supports a mouse when I really need it. (Not that I have needed the mouse yet.) I see remote desktop and my iPP the perfect set when apps can't cut it.

EDIT: BTW, if anyone knows an app for managing SCCM natively on the iPad, please let me know..

 

[Rogue Coder]

As someone who spends way too much time supporting Windows PCs, I can tell you that my iPP is a godsend. No support needed on it, just tap and go. And when I do need to handle support duties away from my desk, Jump Desktop gets me into my work computer, I can see and interact with all four screens and it supports a mouse when I really need it. (Not that I have needed the mouse yet.) I see remote desktop and my iPP the perfect set when apps can't cut it.

EDIT: BTW, if anyone knows an app for managing SCCM natively on the iPad, please let me know..

You can publish the SCCM management tool via Citrix Xen, then install the citrix receiver on your iPad. I use this method to access our Meditech Client/Server platform and it works great!

 

[temna]

You can publish the SCCM management tool via Citrix Xen, then install the citrix receiver on your iPad. I use this method to access our Meditech Client/Server platform and it works great!

I know about that, but getting the Citrix guy to do that is like pulling teeth from toe nails.. =)

 

[Abazigal]

The discussion about working on an iPad should not be about doing "real work" vs. – what? – "fake work?". It's about simple workflows vs complex workflows.

A simple workflow means performing a task using only one app. Or using several apps but with no direct interaction between them.

A complex workflow means performing a task using several apps which can exchange information between them by placing content created in one app into another, exporting/importing data and other means of interaction.

Examples of tasks requiring simple workflows:

• Email communication
• Spreadsheet work (Excel, etc)
• Writing
• Drawing, painting
• Photo editing
• Reading
• Reviewing and annotating documents
• Entering data in database-type apps of any kind

Examples of tasks requiring complex workflows:

• Embedding and linking live spreadsheet data into rich text documents (Excel > Word)
• Making a brochure using a page layout app by combining drawings and photos made in other apps (and keeping everything editable)
• Making a web page using a text editor, embedding images and drawings made in other apps and publishing everything via FTP.
• Batch processing of images (renaming, changing metadata, editing)
• Any kind of project involving files of different types which must be managed together.

The iPad is well suited for tasks requiring simple workflows, which is something most people do.

Ironically, the Macstories author has done all of the complex workflows you listed. Granted, he has put in a lot of work into fine tuning those processes, and it's likely not something which can be replicated easily by other people without a lot of trial and error, but it can (and has) been done.

 

[Beavix]

Ironically, the Macstories author has done all of the complex workflows you listed. Granted, he has put in a lot of work into fine tuning those processes, and it's likely not something which can be replicated easily by other people without a lot of trial and error, but it can (and has) been done.

No, he has not done all of the workflows I listed. I like his website a lot, but most of his workflows on the iPad are too complicated for regular users, and they only show how cumbersome working on an iPad can be. It's like using Automator on macOS to do everything. It may be funny for those who like it but it's not very productive.

 

[Abazigal]

No, he has not done all of the workflows I listed. I like his website a lot, but most of his workflows on the iPad are too complicated for regular users, and they only show how cumbersome working on an iPad can be. It's like using Automator on macOS to do everything. It may be funny for those who like it but it's not very productive.

So which hasn't he done?

He has prepared workflows that automate the extradition of data from Apple's quarterly earnings and format them into impressive-looking charts and graphs, for one.

I agree they seem complicated, but it's probably because we are too used to working on a PC and it seems odd to people who aren't used to working on an iPad.

 

[Night Spring]

No, he has not done all of the workflows I listed. I like his website a lot, but most of his workflows on the iPad are too complicated for regular users, and they only show how cumbersome working on an iPad can be. It's like using Automator on macOS to do everything. It may be funny for those who like it but it's not very productive.

I was thinking most of your complex workflows are too complicated for regular users on a desktop/laptop. 😀

Seriously, what do you mean by "regular users"? Not many people need to manage a complex website like MacStories. I once managed a small website for a short time, on a desktop computer, since that was before we had iOS, and it was a complex process that "regular users" like my mom, my boss, my co-workers wouldn't be able to learn, or have no interest in learning. When my office put up a website, they just hired website designers to do it for them.

The thing about iPads is that they allow me to do work when I'm feeling too unwell to get out of bed and sit at a desk. You'd think that laptops should also let you work from bed, but somehow the angle required to type with a laptop on your lap is closer to the one sitting at a desk, and when I'm not feeling well, I want to be more reclined. If I still had to manage a website, I think I'd be glad to be able to do that from an iPad, no matter how complex it was to set up that work flow.

 

[Beavix]

I was thinking most of your complex workflows are too complicated for regular users on a desktop/laptop.

Exactly. I said it myself in my post above that most people only have to deal with simple workflows and an iPad can be enough for them. They are the "regular users".

 

[Mainsail]

Exactly. I said it myself in my post above that most people only have to deal with simple workflows and an iPad can be enough for them. They are the "regular users".

I agree with this as well. A couple of caveats are: (1) many "regular business users" have to manipulate large spreadsheets, which can be dicey on a tablet, and (2) HS/College students are "regular users" that generally prefer a laptop to a tablet.

That said; If my employer provided a computer for work (which most do for security reasons), I would just buy a nice tablet (iPad of course) for regular personal use and not bother with a personal computer of my own. Most people just do not need a full computer for their personal life.....tablets are more than enough.

My two cents.

 

[vpr611]

I have been using my iPad Pro as my primary device, however I supplement it with a Synology NAS which backs up to CrashPlan. I have a MacBook Pro, but haven’t opened it up since offloading my media to my NAS. The Synology apps work well enough to allow me to use my iPad/iPhone exclusively.

I have considered selling my Macbook Pro and making the switch to a MacMini, however I havent made the switch just yet.

 

[ardchoille50]

I have been using my iPad Pro as my primary device, however I supplement it with a Synology NAS which backs up to CrashPlan. I have a MacBook Pro, but haven’t opened it up since offloading my media to my NAS. The Synology apps work well enough to allow me to use my iPad/iPhone exclusively.

I have considered selling my Macbook Pro and making the switch to a MacMini, however I havent made the switch just yet.

I've owned two Mac minis and I have to say that I've always been impressed with them. I was looking to sell one of them and use the funds to buy a MBP (for mobility), but, after buying the iPad Pro 9.7, those plans were shelved.

 

[bensisko]

That said; If my employer provided a computer for work (which most do for security reasons), I would just buy a nice tablet (iPad of course) for regular personal use and not bother with a personal computer of my own. Most people just do not need a full computer for their personal life.....tablets are more than enough.

And that's just it - there are SO MANY options when it comes right down to it. You can use an iPad as your main computer, but there's nothing wrong with occasionally seeking out another computer for some tasks. If you can't, or down' to want to, own a Mac/Windows computer, there are other options - friends, libraries, schools, work computers, Kinkos... people get too hung up on "oh no, if I were to say iPad only, I mean ONLY! I would never be able to use another computer ever!!"

 

[maflynn]

I was tempted to get the iPad Pro, and while it wouldn't be my main machine, I couldn't justify it. My daughters and wife could, to be sure, but I found myself not using the iPad I had.

Of all the models, the 12" Pro does seem the best suited to being used as a main machine given its size, specs, and features.

 

[pietermacmertens]

That is my BIGGEST problem going to a iPad Pro...I do have some content creation hurdles to overcome:
1. I am a photographer and until there is a good DAM that works on the iPad I am stuck using a MacBook (Pro)
2. I have a HUGE local photo catalog (can you say 3.2TB 😉 ) on a Drobo hard drive. I can only access this with my MBP - If I could access and edit these photos from a iPad Pro I would have a 90% solution (suggestion welcome!)
3. Affinity Photo will come out with a iPad version that is feature compatible with the Mac version so that should take care of my Photo Editing issues
4. I do personal database design to manage hobbies and projects on FMP. FM Go on the iPad is a joke! (still cursing FM for dropping Bento - that was a PERFECT Database for me and it worked on the iPad JUST fine (iPad database solution recommendations happily accepted BTW! I do not need a relational DB, but it has to be able to heavy-lift a large flat file DB and I DO need one that can be used on a iPad/iPhone and when necessary a Mac)
[doublepost=1480605506][/doublepost]

Take a look at Affinity Photo - IMHO (as a 25+ year Photoshop user) it is every bit as good as Photoshop plus it is a stand alone app (I *HATE* the Adobe subscription model!)

Affinity is promising a DAM in 2017 - hopefully it will be aimed as a Lightroom killer (Affinity Photo is aimed as a PhotoShop killer) - so stay tuned 🙂

Hi, concerning the database stuff, have a look at Airtable.

 

[SLC Flyfishing]

Is anyone here using their Pro as their main device? As in, no PC, no Mac, just an iPad Pro.

To those that are, what does your usage entail, and what changes did you have to make to move to the Pro exclusively?

Not technically yet. Just got mine today, but I can tell I'll not really need the MBP anymore. I mainly email, use web, and I'm a physician so I use the electronic medical record. All of which I can do well on the iPad Pro.

 

[StrDev]

Not an IPP, but an iPad Air 2 is my main and in fact only computer. (I bought it couple months ago – and decided to rather buy the Air 2 with biggest memory than the IPP with smallest memory. Perhaps I'll upgrade to the new IPP in Mai. Let us see what models are coming.)

Additional devices:
- Magic Keyboard
- WD My Cloud NAS (a Synology would be perhaps better but I have this)
- A private and a work iPhone (6S and SE).
- Also have Dropbox 1TB and Office 365 (Office + 5x1 TB) subs

At home I am doing everything with this, including writing my dissertation. And I never ever miss a windows PC. In fact, the most expensive investment is not the iPad itself but that I had to buy my research resources (which are Biblical/theology) again to this platform, I have switched to Olive Tree's Bible app and already spent ca. $2000 on resources. But using the iOS 10 as a platform over an iPad (together with a magic keyboard sometimes) is a joyful combination.

At my work I am still using a windows-based PC (mostly powerpointing, some web design and excel), I don't know how graphically intensive works can be done on an IPP, but powerpointing is still painful on the Air 2. But this is the only use case for which I need a desktop PC so far.

 

[iPadDad]

Not an IPP, but an iPad Air 2 is my main and in fact only computer. (I bought it couple months ago – and decided to rather buy the Air 2 with biggest memory than the IPP with smallest memory. Perhaps I'll upgrade to the new IPP in Mai. Let us see what models are coming.)

Additional devices:
- Magic Keyboard
- WD My Cloud NAS (a Synology would be perhaps better but I have this)
- A private and a work iPhone (6S and SE).
- Also have Dropbox 1TB and Office 365 (Office + 5x1 TB) subs

At home I am doing everything with this, including writing my dissertation. And I never ever miss a windows PC. In fact, the most expensive investment is not the iPad itself but that I had to buy my research resources (which are Biblical/theology) again to this platform, I have switched to Olive Tree's Bible app and already spent ca. $2000 on resources. But using the iOS 10 as a platform over an iPad (together with a magic keyboard sometimes) is a joyful combination.

At my work I am still using a windows-based PC (mostly powerpointing, some web design and excel), I don't know how graphically intensive works can be done on an IPP, but powerpointing is still painful on the Air 2. But this is the only use case for which I need a desktop PC so far.

Have you tried keynote?

 

[StrDev]

Have you tried keynote?

Sure. I have both PowerPoint and Keynote on my iPad. Sometimes try powerpointing on the airplane, but the experience is still lagging behind the desktop PPT. (I work as a strategy manager and do professional, graphically enhanced PPTs not just basic slides with a picture and bullets.) Maybe on a 12.9" IPP with the pencil it is better.

What is absolutely astonishing for me is Ulysses, this is where my dissertation and scientific articles are being written and I am absolutely amazed of this software. I use it together with 1Writer (this is where I make little notes, drafts) and PDF Max Premium (this is where I keep books, articles and annnotate them); the illustrations I am making with iDesign (I love it even with my fingers or my stylus, nowadays I am using Bamboo and Cosmonaut). Also have Byword, Drafts, iA Writer, Editorial – each have some specialties but at the end I found Ulysses the most compelling, with 1Writer as close second.

I also love Workflow – it was hard to find some use cases where I could use it 😀 but it is just my digital infancy -- it is an absolutely superb software which dramatically reduces some tasks.

One can notice how time consuming, even painful working on a Windows-based PC only when seriously getting learnt with iOS. 🙂

 

[iPadDad]

I agree totally, working on iOS is such a nice user experience,

I can't wait for the new iPad Pro,

 

[macgeek18]

Not an IPP, but an iPad Air 2 is my main and in fact only computer. (I bought it couple months ago – and decided to rather buy the Air 2 with biggest memory than the IPP with smallest memory. Perhaps I'll upgrade to the new IPP in Mai. Let us see what models are coming.)

Additional devices:
- Magic Keyboard
- WD My Cloud NAS (a Synology would be perhaps better but I have this)
- A private and a work iPhone (6S and SE).
- Also have Dropbox 1TB and Office 365 (Office + 5x1 TB) subs

At home I am doing everything with this, including writing my dissertation. And I never ever miss a windows PC. In fact, the most expensive investment is not the iPad itself but that I had to buy my research resources (which are Biblical/theology) again to this platform, I have switched to Olive Tree's Bible app and already spent ca. $2000 on resources. But using the iOS 10 as a platform over an iPad (together with a magic keyboard sometimes) is a joyful combination.

At my work I am still using a windows-based PC (mostly powerpointing, some web design and excel), I don't know how graphically intensive works can be done on an IPP, but powerpointing is still painful on the Air 2. But this is the only use case for which I need a desktop PC so far.

That's really interesting that you are able to do that with all your resources on an Air. I work as a youth pastor and I have tried to do my studying on my iPad Pro split screen and always revert back to my Mac Mini with dual screens for my studying.

 

[StrDev]

That's really interesting that you are able to do that with all your resources on an Air. I work as a youth pastor and I have tried to do my studying on my iPad Pro split screen and always revert back to my Mac Mini with dual screens for my studying.

Welcome Colleague. 🙂

I am writing my dissertation in OT theology. Basically I am reading the BHS and commentaries in the Olive Tree Bible Study apps, and making notes in 1Writer, sometimes in split screen and sometimes just switching between them with Option+Tab (with keyboard) or 4 fingers (w/o keyboard). PDF's I am reading with PDF Max Premium, and again, making notes with 1Writer, mostly in 3/4+1/4 split screen. The dissertation itself is being written with Ulysses, I love this app, especially because of the 1-click export feature (to PDF and to DOCX) – and this is the only markdown editor that exports Word footnotes correctly (all others, incl. Byword, 1Writer, iA Writer, Editorial make a "weblink" out of footnotes, which is unsuitable for a scientific work).

I also considered having a mac mini (the idea is still under consideration); but finally I have decided to try the iPad-only modus operandi, and voilá, it gives me freedom and satisfaction – after a short learning curve. 🙂

The biggest challenge was to find a good illustration-making app. I have tried a dozen of them, finally I have found iDesign which is a perfect tool to make simple illustrations to a book. 🙂

 

[macgeek18]

Welcome Colleague. 🙂

I am writing my dissertation in OT theology. Basically I am reading the BHS and commentaries in the Olive Tree Bible Study apps, and making notes in 1Writer, sometimes in split screen and sometimes just switching between them with Option+Tab (with keyboard) or 4 fingers (w/o keyboard). PDF's I am reading with PDF Max Premium, and again, making notes with 1Writer, mostly in 3/4+1/4 split screen. The dissertation itself is being written with Ulysses, I love this app, especially because of the 1-click export feature (to PDF and to DOCX) – and this is the only markdown editor that exports Word footnotes correctly (all others, incl. Byword, 1Writer, iA Writer, Editorial make a "weblink" out of footnotes, which is unsuitable for a scientific work).

I also considered having a mac mini (the idea is still under consideration); but finally I have decided to try the iPad-only modus operandi, and voilá, it gives me freedom and satisfaction – after a short learning curve. 🙂

The biggest challenge was to find a good illustration-making app. I have tried a dozen of them, finally I have found iDesign which is a perfect tool to make simple illustrations to a book. 🙂

I do a lot of copy/pasting and found it's just not as fluid on the iPad Pro as is on a mouse/keyboard setup. When I get in the groove it's hard when I have to attempt to copy/paste ten times just for one thing. It's awesome that you found a workflow that works for you! Hopefully one day I'll get to that point.

 

[StrDev]

I do a lot of copy/pasting and fund it's just not as fluid on the iPad Pro as is on a mouse/keyboard setup. When I get in the groove it's hard when I have to attempt to copy/paste ten times just for one thing. It's awesome that you found a workflow that works for you! Hopefully one day I'll get to that point.

Copy/pasting is obviously not the best recommended method to craft a dissertation 🙂)) but do You use a smart keyboard or magic keyboard with Your IPP? I have always very much preferred hotkeys (not touching the mouse), and the speed switching the apps with COMMAND+TAB, copy/pasting, moving the cursor with hotkeys is way faster for me than distracting the process with a mouse. But this is only for me. 🙂

 

[JD2015]

Not an IPP, but an iPad Air 2 is my main and in fact only computer. (I bought it couple months ago – and decided to rather buy the Air 2 with biggest memory than the IPP with smallest memory. Perhaps I'll upgrade to the new IPP in Mai. Let us see what models are coming.)

Additional devices:
- Magic Keyboard
- WD My Cloud NAS (a Synology would be perhaps better but I have this)
- A private and a work iPhone (6S and SE).
- Also have Dropbox 1TB and Office 365 (Office + 5x1 TB) subs

At home I am doing everything with this, including writing my dissertation. And I never ever miss a windows PC. In fact, the most expensive investment is not the iPad itself but that I had to buy my research resources (which are Biblical/theology) again to this platform, I have switched to Olive Tree's Bible app and already spent ca. $2000 on resources. But using the iOS 10 as a platform over an iPad (together with a magic keyboard sometimes) is a joyful combination.

At my work I am still using a windows-based PC (mostly powerpointing, some web design and excel), I don't know how graphically intensive works can be done on an IPP, but powerpointing is still painful on the Air 2. But this is the only use case for which I need a desktop PC so far.

How does the NAS solution work for you as looking for one myself? Looking at not just documents but media files too.

 

[macgeek18]

Copy/pasting is obviously not the best recommended method to craft a dissertation 🙂)) but do You use a smart keyboard or magic keyboard with Your IPP? I have always very much preferred hotkeys (not touching the mouse), and the speed switching the apps with COMMAND+TAB, copy/pasting, moving the cursor with hotkeys is way faster for me than distracting the process with a mouse. But this is only for me. 🙂

I use a Smart Keyboard. It's just the highlighting the text part that I find the most fustrating.