Apple Highlights Five Reasons the iPad Pro Can Be Your Next Computer

[Mainsail]

Why are you trying to squeeze everything to 'absolute'? There is no absolute. We live in a relative world. I did not say the iPad is a toy. It is somewhere between toy and pro. In fact, I'm hoping the iPad improve to the pro direction. If people are fine with it now, that's great. If the iPad can do more in a coming year, they should have no problem about it. Both camp will be happy. I see no reason to try to label whether it is a toy or not.

I agree. So, why am I trying to squeeze you into absolutes? Because, my original post was a reply to just such a set of absolutes (that an iPad is just a toy not capable of productive work) when you jumped in and scoffed at creating Keynote slides on an iPad. My point was just the one you are making now. That people have different needs, and some folks can be very productive on an iPad.

I am illustrating the absurd and ridiculous nature of the tiresome and gross exaggerations that get posted everyday about how an iPad is useless and can't possibly be used for real work. When I (and many others on this Forum) know for a fact that it can.

 

[ipponrg]

There is still value in professionals that need a traditional PC, they won't be going anywhere, they will just become more and more niche over time. I think we also need to stop acting like professionals/tasks that do use an iPad are somehow not as valued or important as ones that need a traditional PC. This is the distinction I see constantly on this site.

Because it's this distinction that is important in each narrative. You're saying the iPad is great for your line of work which is perfectly fine. But to make erroneous statements such as the iPad will replace PCs for (all) people is the cause for attracting these replies

 

[Mac 128]

Why is this even an issue? Why is everyone arguing about this?

If you want a small lightweight mouse/trackpad capable machine, get a MacBook. If you want a touch device get an iPad. That’s the point.

There’s no point bringing iOS to the Mac because that’s what macOS already is.

And there’s no point in bringing mouse/trackpad support to iOS and the iPad baecause that’s what a Mac is for.

The only reasonable argument here would be if people want both in ONE device. And I’d argue for that. One device that when the hardware is in tablet mode it runs iOS and when in laptop mode it runs macOS and switches between the two on the fly. Switches all apps and docs between the two platforms (where apps for both exist) on the fly as you switch hardware modes. That’s what a hybrid device should do. It’s kind of what windows is trying to do but doing it terribly. If Apple were going to do anything like that this is how they would do it, I believe. And it’s the only way that makes sense.

In my opinion that’s the only reasonable argument here. Otherwise forget mouse support on iOS. The whole point of iOS is that it’s a touch UI - virtually by definition. They’re not going to bring mouse/trackpad support to iOS. By definition.

If all that is true, then why does Apple state this right on their webpage:

It works like a computer. And in ways most computers can’t.

iPad Pro works with a keyboard when you need one. The full‑size onscreen keyboard lets you respond to an email or write a paper, and it even acts as a trackpad. And if you want a full‑size physical keyboard, just attach the Smart Keyboard Folio for a great typing experience and front and back protection.

In the first part of their marketing pitch, they highlight the importance of having a trackpad available with the onscreen keyboard. But then there’s no mention of a trackpad at all when they pitch their keyboard folio option, which the unsuspecting consumer might think also includes a trackpad — given the emphasis Apple just gave it as being built into the iPad itself.

Why mention that feature at in their primary marketing if it doesn’t matter to customers, and isn’t an important part of a customers needs?

At best it’s inconsistent marketing. At worst it’s a failed effort to address an obvious deficiency they understand is an issue for their customers.

 

[tromboneaholic]

You wouldn't be asking this question if you had done CAD or modeling before. Power is not the issue.

Apple Pencil has a capacitive sensor that wraps around the entire body. Don't discount the possibility it could be used as a 3D input device in future iterations.

 

[Aluminum213]

Rich Apple users don't have a 2015 MBP 15" and put it in their signature, they don't though...

Rich doesn’t mean stupid, I rarely use my laptop

 

[tromboneaholic]

In the first part of their marketing pitch, they highlight the importance of having a trackpad available with the onscreen keyboard. But then there’s no mention of a trackpad at all when they pitch their keyboard folio option, which the unsuspecting consumer might think also includes a trackpad — given the emphasis Apple just gave it as being built into the iPad itself.

No company markets a product by telling you what it doesn't do. Luckily, consumers can try it out in the store to see how it works. If they buy it online, Apple offers a 14-day return period for any reason.

 

[DNichter]

No. Even if Apple wanted to, they can't do it. The limitations of iOS is the first factor that prevents it from being used. You can't do a lot of things that are needed on desktop. The second major thing is the inherent design of a tablet. Let's say the iPad supported MacOS. The small screen real estate is a major issue given I stare at code all day with multiple windows and panes. You might say you can hook it up to the monitor, which I would respond that's what a laptop is for.

We both agree the iPad has its use cases. But to think it will take over laptops in my industry in the foreseeable future is nothing short of absurd.
[doublepost=1542728912][/doublepost]

You wouldn't be asking this question if you had done CAD or modeling before. Power is not the issue.

I am just saying that they control what iOS can and cannot do. If they wanted to add external drive support, external monitor support, windowed multitasking, mouse/trackpad support, and a traditional file system - they could. I don't know what your industry is, but yes I wouldn't expect (trust you obviously on that one) it to take over traditional PC's anytime soon. Overall though, mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad have already overtaken Mac's.

 

[ipponrg]

Apple Pencil has a capacitive sensor that wraps around the entire body. Don't discount the possibility it could be used as a 3D input device in future iterations.

The pencil is not the issue either. If you have the time, spin up CAD software and let me know if the pencil and power are the 2 major things that are important to those designers.

 

[ctg7w6]

For a community of such smart people (most, I would think), we certainly have a ton of narrow minded people who refuse to acknowledge that the iPad is a computer for some strange reason. If it isn't the right tool for you, I totally get that, but get out of your box a little - your use case is not the same as everyone else's.

Dude, people like the iPad and WANT it to be able to fulfill their use cases. I’m so sick of you people who say “if it doesn’t fit your use case just don’t buy it.” We see the potential for it to fulfill our use case and we want it to do so. I don’t want a Mac and an iPad, I just want an iPad. But my use case doesn’t do it. So I would like apple to change the iPad. This is how things improve, how will Apple know how to change the iPad if we don’t say anything. I just don’t understand you anti consumer consumers.

Plus, Apple deserves the blowback. THEY are the ones calling it a computer replacement. There is almost nothing an iPad can do that an iPhone can’t. But Apple doesn’t promote the iPhone as a computer replacement.

You get out of your own box and understand that we don’t have to just accept what Apple tells us. We don’t have to be sheep of the corporations defining what a computer is. We don’t have to accept the lies of Apple trying to convince us the iPad is a computer replacement. We have a voice and we can use it. Stop trying to shut us down and impeding progress.

Why do our desires have to be mutually exclusive of yours? Why can’t we ask Apple to provide a computer replacement experience for both of us?

 

[tromboneaholic]

The pencil is not the issue either. If you have the time, spin up CAD software and let me know if the pencil and power are the 2 major things that are important to those designers.

I've worked with CAD models to bring them into After Effects for motion graphics work, but I'm not a modeler. What point you are trying to make? I'm not trying to be argumentative about that. I just would like to know what your point is and how it relates to iPad as a viable alternative to laptops.

 

[ipponrg]

I am just saying that they control what iOS can and cannot do. If they wanted to add external drive support, external monitor support, windowed multitasking, mouse/trackpad support, and a traditional file system - they could. I don't know what your industry is, but yes I wouldn't expect (trust you obviously on that one) it to take over traditional PC's anytime soon. Overall though, mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad have already overtaken Mac's.

I work in tech in in the video & connected tv space. I think you should think of your narrative in a different angle. iPhone/iPads are primarily a supplement. Just because there are more users for an iPhone/iPad aggregately doesn't exclude Macs from the picture.

 

[tromboneaholic]

Plus, Apple deserves the blowback. THEY are the ones calling it a computer replacement. There is almost nothing an iPad can do that an iPhone can’t. But Apple doesn’t promote the iPhone as a computer replacement.

Apple never claimed iPad was a 1:1 computer replacement. Only the people arguing against iPad being a viable laptop alternative are claiming that.

 

[Mac 128]

No company markets a product by telling you what it doesn't do. Luckily, consumers can try it out in the store to see how it works. If they buy it online, Apple offers a 14-day return period for any reason.

Yes but why mention it at all if it’s not an important or necessary feature for the use of the device? And why add the feature virtually but ignore it physically? Apple builds in a lot of abilities into their OS which are not marketed for which users find helpful once they discover them. From what most defenders say of Apples decision not to enable any kind of mouse or trackpad support, this is not a needed feature, much less one that needs to be marketed. So why do it?

 

[ipponrg]

I've worked with CAD models to bring them into After Effects for motion graphics work, but I'm not a modeler. What the point you are trying to make? I'm not trying to be argumentative about that. I just would like to know what your point is and how it relates to iPad as a viable alternative to laptops.

The point I am trying to make is you are not going to see designers do any complex modeling in an iPad with a pencil. If I have to zoom in and do cross cuts, intersections, fine grain tolerances, rotations, animations, etc, the small screen real estate of the iPad and the limitations of iOS will kill that flow. In addition, exporting the work for collaboration will not be friendly over WiFi. Your use case for showing to clients makes sense for demonstration, but that's about it. The iPad can be a supplement and not an alternative nor replacement unless the UX and screen size change immensely.

 

[4jasontv]

For me, unless Apple merge MacOS and iOS together that can run with a tablet, it can’t be the next computer. The darn thing can’t even use a mouse or an external hard drive, much less the next computer. To be the next computer, it has to be able to function like a regular computer and beyond.

To be fair, the pencil is basically an ergonomic mouse and iCloud is an external hard drive.

 

[tromboneaholic]

Yes but why mention it at all if it’s not an important or necessary feature for the use of the device? And why add the feature virtually but ignore it physically? Apple builds in a lot of abilities into their OS which are not marketed for which users find helpful once they discover them. From what most defenders say of Apples decision not to enable any kind of mouse or trackpad support, this is not a needed feature, much less one that needs to be marketed. So why do it?

But one of the main value propositions for most users is that the iPad screen itself is a trackpad.

 

[kingax1]

Well, we’re waiting.

For some people the iPad can’t replace a desktop or a laptop running a full OS for those people they need to simply move on and get over it.
However for thousands of other day to day people it can and does that’s who this marketing is towards.

That’s why they should just keep calling it a “iPad” which is an incredible device I love for what it is and does and not insulting people’s intelligence and propagizing it into a PC replacement which it is cleeeearly not. At most it’s a PC alternative.

 

[Mac 128]

But one of the main value propositions for most users is that the iPad screen itself is a trackpad.

Then why isn’t the same trackpad included on an external keyboard?

 

[DNichter]

Dude, people like the iPad and WANT it to be able to fulfill their use cases. I’m so sick of you people who say “if it doesn’t fit your use case just don’t buy it.” We see the potential for it to fulfill our use case and we want it to do so. I don’t want a Mac and an iPad, I just want an iPad. But my use case doesn’t do it. So I would like apple to change the iPad. This is how things improve, how will Apple know how to change the iPad if we don’t say anything. I just don’t understand you anti consumer consumers.

Plus, Apple deserves the blowback. THEY are the ones calling it a computer replacement. There is almost nothing an iPad can do that an iPhone can’t. But Apple doesn’t promote the iPhone as a computer replacement.

You get out of your own box and understand that we don’t have to just accept what Apple tells us. We don’t have to be sheep of the corporations defining what a computer is. We don’t have to accept the lies of Apple trying to convince us the iPad is a computer replacement. We have a voice and we can use it. Stop trying to shut us down and impeding progress.

Why do our desires have to be mutually exclusive of yours? Why can’t we ask Apple to provide a computer replacement experience for both of us?

Nothing wrong with that, there is a ton of potential for the iPad. I am not arguing that the platform can't be improved upon. I look forward to everything coming to the iPad, it feels like the early OS X days. I am lost as I am primarily in agreement with you, although an iPad of course can be a computer alternative for a lot of people. It all depends on the person and their use cases.

 

[drsox]

I don't know what STEM fields are, but I am assuming one of their other computers is better suited, right? An iPad is just another one of their computers that they offer, not sure why this concept is so wild for people to understand. For some tasks, a MacBook ins't the best tool. For some, a Mac Pro is overkill. Use the tool that is best for you and the task at hand.

https://www.stem.org.uk

Science Technology Engineering Maths

 

[DNichter]

I work in tech in in the video & connected tv space. I think you should think of your narrative in a different angle. iPhone/iPads are primarily a supplement. Just because there are more users for an iPhone/iPad aggregately doesn't exclude Macs from the picture.

Ah got ya. I don't know a ton of that industry, but I can see the value in a traditional PC there. I think of iPad as a computer alternative. For some people, they are a supplement. For others, they can be a complete replacement. A computer can come in a variety of forms.

 

[tromboneaholic]

The point I am trying to make is you are not going to see designers do any complex modeling in an iPad with a pencil. If I have to zoom in and do cross cuts, intersections, fine grain tolerances, rotations, animations, etc, the small screen real estate of the iPad and the limitations of iOS will kill that flow. In addition, exporting the work for collaboration will not be friendly over WiFi. Your use case for showing to clients makes sense for demonstration, but that's about it. The iPad can be a supplement and not an alternative nor replacement unless the UX and screen size change immensely.

I can agree with you there, and in it's current form I wouldn't want to use an iPad for motion graphics and serious video editing. I wouldn't want to use a laptop for that either, since thermal issue don't allow them to run as fast as a desktop. However, I wouldn't say a laptop is not a viable alternative to a desktop, and that seems to be the argument against the iPad being a viable alternative.

Apple's headline is "5 reasons iPad Pro can be your next computer," but the reaction from a lot of people seems to be as if Apple claimed "5 reasons iPad Pro will be everyone's next computer."

 

[tkatz]

To be fair, the pencil is basically an ergonomic mouse and iCloud is an external hard drive.

Can you set the dpi on the pencil such that a swipe across the screen will move just a few pixels? This is something that can be done with a mouse for precision work.

Can you quickly access and work with 60mb RAW files via iCloud? I have thousands of these files taken from my D850 stored via locally external storage.

I'm not saying the Pencil isn't nice, and iCloud isn't convenient. They both have their purpose. But they are in no way drop in alternatives for a mouse and (local) external storage.

 

[4jasontv]

Can I get 5 reasons why Apple cant put in stupid mouse functionality?

It's called the Apple Pencil. Do you mean that you want an on screen cursor? I think the only reason people like mice is because they are used to them. I type fast and have a very productive mouse, and yet I have seen kids touch type papers on their ipad at nearly the same rate I work.

If a bicycle handles all of your transportation needs, would you want someone to rant that you really need to own a car? That’s none of their business.

I know this isn't your point, so add the /s if it helps, but I hate people who think their bicycle is a car. It's not a car, and riding it like it is one is dangerous.

There’s no point bringing iOS to the Mac because that’s what macOS already is.

If Apple brought Macs to macOS with consistent regularity I might agree with you.

Apple is already moving towards a touchpad for iPads. On my iPad I can hold my finger on the space bar and the entire keypad turns into a touchpad and I can move the curser around the document just like I would with the touchpad on my MacBook Pro.

People are sharing this feature on Facebook and every time it pops up it has a ton of likes and comments. That's bad design. It's very unintuitive, and unlike Apple. Every article with a name like "[#] things you never knew you could do with your Apple [device]" should cause Apple to go full PR.

 

[ignatius345]

Does a laptop fit in a lab coat?

Is a laptop a better tool than an iPad for a Therapists to take client notes during a session?

Photo editing directly on the screen replaces the need to be tethered to a desk with a Wacom tablet.

Scientists, therapists, and photo editors (among many others) already get things done using iPads. There is no argument that for many professions the iPad is already more than a replacement; it has proven itself to be a better tool.

Yep, the iPad is great for that kind of stuff. It's a mobile device and it's better than a laptop for certain things like the ones you mention.

It's not awesome for other kinds of work one does on a traditional computer. Usable but honestly not great for multitasking. Not usable in lots of situations involve external storage or connecting to other kinds of hardware. Not as extensible or flexible hardware wise. Not as good ergonomically for long periods of use as a well set up desktop.

Different devices, different OSes, different use cases. And that's fine.

But Apple saying you can replace your computer with an iPad comes with a lot of caveats. If you've been lugging a laptop around your warehouse to do inventory or to patients' rooms when you do your rounds, an iOS device might be way better for you than that laptop. But if you use a desktop computer to open lots of things simultaneously all day in a typical office, or if you use your laptop to connect to an array of external storage for video editing, or if you log 8+ hours a day and need an ergonomic setup... not so much.