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

[KPandian1]

Apple has said, repeatedly, that they have no interest in building a Surface-style device. What you and other folks want is immaterial, no offense. Don't expect Apple to turn the iPad Pro into a Surface. If that's what you want, buy a Surface.
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Apple has staked everything on touch. They aren't going to do a U-turn and add a cursor to the iPad. My argument is really quite easy to understand. I'm sorry if it's over your head, but I can't simplify it any further.

Apple has said things in the past that they turned upside down to sell more gadgets - bigger screen iPhones to iPads that use stylus. This is what they actually did after saying otherwise, so don't discount even a "Surface" style product from them.

Apple has not staked everything on "Touch". They don't sell a single computer that comes with an original touch device, built-in or otherwise.

What is to stop Apple (except Apple) from adding iOS features that accommodate features that make an iPad more like a computer? At the price now, nothing, and, there is nothing physically limiting these features.

Unless you are Tim Cook posting here under a nom de plume, you have not said anything that is backed by Apple's policy - that has changed so much since 2014. Remember when Jobs declared Google his arch enemy - all their iPhones started looking like Android flagships from iPhone 6.

PS: I don't count the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro line as Apple committing to "touch" - just a gimmick.

 

[AppleScruff1]

I refuse to apologize for reminding folks that they are not a universal voice. Get used to it or find a way to block me. I really don’t care which

 

[robbyx]

Apple has said things in the past that they turned upside down to sell more gadgets - bigger screen iPhones to iPads that use stylus. This is what they actually did after saying otherwise, so don't discount even a "Surface" style product from them.

Apple has not staked everything on "Touch". They don't sell a single computer that comes with an original touch device, built-in or otherwise.

What is to stop Apple (except Apple) from adding iOS features that accommodate features that make an iPad more like a computer? At the price now, nothing, and, there is nothing physically limiting these features.

Unless you are Tim Cook posting here under a nom de plume, you have not said anything that is backed by Apple's policy - that has changed so much since 2014. Remember when Jobs declared Google his arch enemy - all their iPhones started looking like Android flagships from iPhone 6.

PS: I don't count the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro line as Apple committing to "touch" - just a gimmick.

The vast majority of Apple's revenue comes from touch-based devices. Do I really need to say that???

iPads and iPhones are computers, just like the Mac is a computer. They might have different interfaces and use cases scenarios, but they are all computers.

As I've made very clear in other posts, neither screen size changes nor the addition of a stylus changes the fundamental (touch) user experience. The Pencil is essentially an extension of the user's finger. There is still no cursor on the screen. The user is interacting DIRECTLY with the device.

I find it interesting that the few people who have chosen to argue this point with me REPEATEDLY and COMPLETELY ignore that point. They revert to weird emotional arguments that pretty much boil down to "I want it" and "Apple could do it if they wanted to", while ignoring the fact that Apple has indeed staked everything on touch. Apple isn't going to graft a mouse-based interface onto iOS now and turn it into a Surface. That just doesn't make any sense.

That's my argument. Apple has made their position on devices like the Surface very clear, yet certain people just refuse to hear it. It would be nice if one of you who disagrees with me would actually argue the point. Tell me why it makes sense, from Apple's perspective, to add a mouse to the iPad. I know they could do it if they wanted to. I also know that some people want that feature. So what? Tell me why you think it makes sense, from Apple's point of view, to add the feature. When you think about it that way, I think you'll agree that it doesn't make much sense.

 

[KPandian1]

They revert to weird emotional arguments that pretty much boil down to "I want it" and "Apple could do it if they wanted to", while ignoring the fact that Apple has indeed staked everything on touch.

They aren't going to graft a mouse-based interface onto iOS now and turn it into a Surface. That just doesn't make any sense.

So, you call others' statements "weird emotional arguments", while making categorical statements (I am repeating here) that "They aren't going to graft a mouse-based interface into iOS"! Unless you are Tim Cook, you can't make such a statement!

If it helps the device and helps Apple sell another 100 million more devices, Apple will do exactly that. Apple's love for Mac has been on the fritz for a long time now.

 

[robbyx]

So, you call others' statements "weird emotional arguments", while making categorical statements (I am repeating here) that "They aren't going to graft a mouse-based interface into iOS"! Unless you are Tim Cook, you can't make such a statement!

No, but I have told you why I feel they won't. I haven't said "because I think so" or "because I want it". I've argued that they developed iOS to be a touch-based interface. I've argued that, despite adding accessories like the Pencil, the fundamental nature of the user experience hasn't changed. I've pointed out Apple's repeated statements, going back many years, that they have no interest in building a Surface-style device. Those are not weird emotional arguments. Those are not "I want it" arguments.

If it helps the device and helps Apple sell another 100 million more devices, Apple will do exactly that. Apple's love for Mac has been on the fritz for a long time now.

No argument there. iOS is clearly their priority. But do you really think adding a mouse to the iPad would sell 100 million more devices? I don't think it would move the needle much at all in terms of sales. It would just confuse users. Mouse support is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the list of features needed to truly replace a Mac or PC. With the iPad, Apple is trying to develop and push a new computing paradigm.

 

[groadyho]

The vast majority of Apple's revenue comes from touch-based devices. Do I really need to say that???

iPads and iPhones are computers, just like the Mac is a computer. They might have different interfaces and use cases scenarios, but they are all computers.

As I've made very clear in other posts, neither screen size changes nor the addition of a stylus changes the fundamental (touch) user experience. The Pencil is essentially an extension of the user's finger. There is still no cursor on the screen. The user is interacting DIRECTLY with the device.

I find it interesting that the few people who have chosen to argue this point with me REPEATEDLY and COMPLETELY ignore that point. They revert to weird emotional arguments that pretty much boil down to "I want it" and "Apple could do it if they wanted to", while ignoring the fact that Apple has indeed staked everything on touch. Apple isn't going to graft a mouse-based interface onto iOS now and turn it into a Surface. That just doesn't make any sense.

That's my argument. Apple has made their position on devices like the Surface very clear, yet certain people just refuse to hear it. It would be nice if one of you who disagrees with me would actually argue the point. Tell me why it makes sense, from Apple's perspective, to add a mouse to the iPad. I know they could do it if they wanted to. I also know that some people want that feature. So what? Tell me why you think it makes sense, from Apple's point of view, to add the feature. When you think about it that way, I think you'll agree that it doesn't make much sense.

Choice. Its the reason we love our surface it is a touch based tablet and laptop with mouse and keyboard basically.

 

[robbyx]

Choice. Its the reason we love our surface it is a touch based tablet and laptop with mouse and keyboard basically.

When has Apple ever been about choice though? They've always been "my way or the highway". I appreciate the benefits of the Surface. I like them. But nothing suggests that Apple wants to go down that path with either the Mac or iPad.

 

[W.O.P.R.]

89% sure any computer you try to forcibly bend will break. Take a Hammer and bend your MBP to see for yourself

We had a server that fell off a cart while in transit a few years back. The thing looked like a giant banana afterward. No components broke and it ran like a champ for 3 more years despite a 30º bend in the middle of the case. Though it was a bit of a pain to keep standing upright afterwards

 

[Tech198]

Apple's re-vising this one They actually now may have something... #1 its more powerful, based on the CPU, but that's probably about it. "Do more with more pencil" :- You could have said that before it was updated.

The rest have always been there for some time. Good video

 

[fairuz]

For work purposes, I'd rather use certain laptops I've found in the e-waste. That's what I did in high school. Everyone uses a laptop for work, especially young people. (I count the Surface as a laptop.)
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There are apps (Documents by Readdle) that can connect to SMB shares, FTP/SFTP, and even SharePoint resources. Plus the cloudy stuff [OneDrive/Google Drive/Box/Dropbox). The "iPad" may not directly, but apps can.

I've used those, and they're very limited. Why waste time with workarounds? Maybe if there were some great advantage, or any advantage at all.

 

[TMRJIJ]

We had a server that fell off a cart while in transit a few years back. The thing looked like a giant banana afterward. No components broke and it ran like a champ for 3 more years despite a 30º bend in the middle of the case. Though it was a bit of a pain to keep standing upright afterwards

Impressive

 

[Defthand]

Well, just as a typical example, I sincerely doubt that Joe Public would write a 10 page essay or report on an iPhone. With a BT keyboard, it is a breeze to do this on an iPad. I know. I have done it. I consider writing a memo or report to be a pretty typical use for Joe Public. You can drag and drop photos, use split screen, access the floating dock, and take advantage of the larger screen.....not rocket Science.

I was at the Apple store the other day and started talking to an elderly couple. They have an older iPad (their only computer) with a BT Keyboard and were considering upgrading to the Pro.....his eyes are bad, so was interested on the 12.9 inch display. Honestly, I don’t think they need the computing power. Anyway, they write letters and emails to their family all the time.....long ones. I can’t imagine them doing this on an iPhone.

No, Joe Public doesn’t typically write essays unless he’s a student or it is an occupational task. And in both cases, tablets are a very rare choice of tool (Duke University ended their experiment with tablets because of student dislike). In your example, you had to compensate for the iPad’s touch keyboard by attaching a physical one. In effect, you weren’t using a tablet’s UI, you were using a mock laptop.

I would advise someone with impaired vision to increase the default text size on their device and use voice dictation to write, and use Speak to read responses—all of which are possible on an iPhone.

 

[Mainsail]

No, Joe Public doesn’t typically write essays unless he’s a student or it is an occupational task. And in both cases, tablets are a very rare choice of tool (Duke University ended their experiment with tablets because of student dislike). In your example, you had to compensate for the iPad’s touch keyboard by attaching a physical one. In effect, you weren’t using a tablet’s UI, you were using a mock laptop.

I would advise someone with impaired vision to increase the default text size on their device and use voice dictation to write, and use Speak to read responses—all of which are possible on an iPhone.

Got it. So, you would advise the elderly couple not to update their iPad (let's say $250 on sale right now) but instead to buy a $1,000 iPhone because they both use iOS. Then, stare at the smaller screen and try to dictate their letters into the phone.

My advise to these folks: Buy a 2018 iPad on sale with a keyboard case....total: $250 + $50 = $300 out the door. They can still dictate if they want....but now they can read it. Get a refurbished iPhone 7 for $350 or a flip phone for almost nothing. Save between $700 and $350.

My point about writing an essay or report on the iPad is simple: There are things I would do with an iPad that I would never do with an iPhone....like productivity apps for writing documents, taking notes, or creating presentations. I have done these things with ease on an iPad. I would never do them on an iPhone. Also, you keep discounting the value of certain iPad only productivity software improvements from iOS 11 (slide over, split view, drag and drop, dock, etc..). But, the truth is people uses these features every day. To me, an iPad is just plain better than an iPhone for certain things....drawing, sketching, taking handwritten notes, reading books, writing, photo editing, etc..

Of course, an iPhone is a much better than an iPad for other things......camera is the first thing that comes to my mind. There are others.

We are at an impasse. No need to carry on. You don't see any value in the iPad because the internal specs are similar to an iPhone and both devices run iOS. I see value in the iPad's larger screen/form factor, pencil compatibility, and iPad only iOS productivity features. Let's just leave it at that.

 

[patent10021]

The iPad can be your next computer because it has a nice curved display.

 

[dk001]

Exactly. That's my point. The iPad was designed from day one to be a touch interface. The user interacts directly with the device. Apple staked everything on this concept. Adding desktop-style trackpad/mouse functionality requires a cursor. It completely changes the whole user experience. I don't think Apple will do that.

Apple has said, repeatedly, that they have no interest in building a Surface-style device. What you and other folks want is immaterial, no offense. Don't expect Apple to turn the iPad Pro into a Surface. If that's what you want, buy a Surface.
...

That though is becoming the issue.
Apple extends the iPad Pro to allow external monitor display. However it only does a half assed job at best. This is becoming more common - implementation.
Decidedly un-Apple like.

 

[falainber]

The vast majority of Apple's revenue comes from touch-based devices. Do I really need to say that???

iPads and iPhones are computers, just like the Mac is a computer. They might have different interfaces and use cases scenarios, but they are all computers.

As I've made very clear in other posts, neither screen size changes nor the addition of a stylus changes the fundamental (touch) user experience. The Pencil is essentially an extension of the user's finger. There is still no cursor on the screen. The user is interacting DIRECTLY with the device.

I find it interesting that the few people who have chosen to argue this point with me REPEATEDLY and COMPLETELY ignore that point. They revert to weird emotional arguments that pretty much boil down to "I want it" and "Apple could do it if they wanted to", while ignoring the fact that Apple has indeed staked everything on touch. Apple isn't going to graft a mouse-based interface onto iOS now and turn it into a Surface. That just doesn't make any sense.

That's my argument. Apple has made their position on devices like the Surface very clear, yet certain people just refuse to hear it. It would be nice if one of you who disagrees with me would actually argue the point. Tell me why it makes sense, from Apple's perspective, to add a mouse to the iPad. I know they could do it if they wanted to. I also know that some people want that feature. So what? Tell me why you think it makes sense, from Apple's point of view, to add the feature. When you think about it that way, I think you'll agree that it doesn't make much sense.

It's very simple really. Personally I use the tablets only for media/Internet consumption and touch interface works fine for this. But as soon as the physical keyboard gets in the picture (and Apple does produce those), the tablet stops being a pure touch device. At this point tablet transforms into a hybrid device (or a laptop if you wish). So, if Apple concedes that the accessory like a keyboard improves productivity, then they may as well recognize that the mouse is a logic step in the same direction. To me, all this "tablet as a computer replacement" does not make much sense except for in limited circumstances. I lived through the times when computer monitors grew in size from 14" to 40" (and more - in multi monitor configurations). Going back to using 11" screen for any real work (or even something as simple as on-line shopping) is a huge regress.

 

[ROGmaster]

Yep. And there is no technical reason why you couldn't put those features on a watch too, other than it would be unusable....just like a phone. So, I guess a watch and a tablet are the same thing too.

Yeah spoken like somebody who hasn't used split screen multitasking or picture in picture on a phone in the last 2 years at least.

Just because you can stick a feature on a device doesn't mean it is useful or desirable in that form factor.

And just because somebody says a feature is not useful or desirable doesn't mean it's not useful or desirable.

 

[charlituna]

Apple has said things in the past that they turned upside down to sell more gadgets - bigger screen iPhones to iPads that use stylus. This is what they actually did after saying otherwise, so don't discount even a "Surface" style product from them.

bigger screen yes. stylus no. the whole schtick the Steve was anti stylus was BS. he was anti required styli which was the state of things at the time the first iphone was being developed. and he thought the current stylus tech was *****. but he was never against styli in general. in fact, apple stores sold a couple of different styli in those early years and at one point staff even cared those sponge typed styli that were popular for the first couple of years as part of their tool kit. and apple never said anything about never having a stylus for the iPad

 

[throAU]

If only this claptrap was true. The iPad will never replace a laptop or a desktop

When most of your heavy number crunching is in the cloud (for "real work") it definitely will. Your desktop mac won't compete with CPU time rented on AWS or whatever in bulk.

Network bandwidth is catching up. Depending on what you're doing the cloud will take over the bulk of your high end computing number crunching sooner or later.

1080p to 4k video processing is doable on an ipad pro today. Higher end video will be doable soon; for most consumers thats about the most intensive thing they do. Dedicated video hardware is easy to make.

Other specialty processing is better off on a server. Be it cloud or on prem.

 

[antonis]

Luckily they don’t want to replace your laptop.

Many people (including you) use a computer for tasks that are suited to a laptop computer. Those people should use a laptop computer.

Other people use a computer for tasks that are well suited to a tablet computer. Those people should use a tablet computer.

Why don’t people here understand this: Apple isn’t trying to sell this to people who use laptops for tasks suited to laptops. Apple is trying to sell this to people who use laptops for tasks better suited to a tablet but haven’t been able to until recently. That market is huge.

That’s common sense.

That's not common sense, that's the apple "courage" to sell you less for more.

Could you please tell me which of the features I mentioned, should not be in an all around, general purpose tablet ?

There is another reason for the lack of these features, that you can easily find out using common sense. Do I really need to spell it ?

 

[0388631]

To crunch video in the cloud you need a network connection to match the time spend uploading raw video. Can't speak for Australia or Europe at the moment, but in America the fastest internet you can get is 1 Gb up and down with Verizon FiOs. Comcast does offer a 2 Gb plan but it's incredibly expensive and very, very limited. Municipal broadband doesn't really count because it's very limited. My own ISP offers "1" Gb which is really 940 Mbps with a pathetic 30-40 Mbps upload. 40 Mbps is 5 MB/sec, which is great until you realize that a single hour of raw 4K video is more than 300 GB in size. Actual editing and export should be relatively faster due to clustering.

In the current tech climate, I would not expect ISPs to drag their feet for another 10-15 or even 20 years.

 

[DNichter]

Exactly. That's my point. The iPad was designed from day one to be a touch interface. The user interacts directly with the device. Apple staked everything on this concept. Adding desktop-style trackpad/mouse functionality requires a cursor. It completely changes the whole user experience. I don't think Apple will do that.

Apple has said, repeatedly, that they have no interest in building a Surface-style device. What you and other folks want is immaterial, no offense. Don't expect Apple to turn the iPad Pro into a Surface. If that's what you want, buy a Surface.
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You need to work on your reading comprehension. I made myself very clear. I also never said Apple was compromising principles for money. You're going in circles. The iPad does not have a cursor. Adding a trackpad/mouse adds a cursor. That completely changes the whole iPad experience. Apple has staked everything on touch. They aren't going to do a U-turn and add a cursor to the iPad. My argument is really quite easy to understand. I'm sorry if it's over your head, but I can't simplify it any further.

Also, the virtual "trackpad" Apple advertises for iOS is nothing like a traditional trackpad/mouse. Comparing the two is pointless. When people talk about adding a mouse/trackpad to iOS, they are talking about adding a cursor.

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The problem with an external screen becoming your main screen is that it completely breaks the touch UI. Now we need a cursor. Now it works just like a Mac or PC. None of that sounds very Apple-like to me.

Of course nothing is set in stone. The only reason people are here is to debate, argue, share experiences, etc. None of us knows what Apple is up to. But we can read the tea leaves. And I think you're way off base. As soon as you add a cursor to the iPad, you fundamentally change the device. I think that's highly unlikely to happen. Personally I use different devices for different purposes. The last thing I see Apple doing is turning the iPad into a quasi-desktop computer. The iPad's strength is that it's NOT that kind of device.

I could see them adding mouse/trackpad support for very specific tasks, but I don't ever see a cursor floating around on the iPad screen. Now that Photoshop is on the iPad, a mouse for editing makes sense. But even that might be a bridge too far for them. For now I think the Pencil is their answer. It's still touch. It's essentially an extension of the user's finger. There's no cursor. And it's very precise, like a mouse.

I’m lost then. So you say you could see them adding mouse/trackpad support for specific tasks, but there would be no cursor? What would indicate what you are selecting then? Apple already has a cursor in iOS for text selection, I don’t see a huge difference. I think it comes at some point (we can disagree here), but I think it will come in a way we aren’t currently used to.

 

[MacBH928]

As a web developer, I know what that means; however, I wonder if you do.

it means its the less features, less capable, most likely not going to work version of the site. Some sites like Wikipedia work well on mobile, but the desktop version will forever remain the superior version.

 

[Mainsail]

Yeah spoken like somebody who hasn't used split screen multitasking or picture in picture on a phone in the last 2 years at least.


And just because somebody says a feature is not useful or desirable doesn't mean it's not useful or desirable.

Here again, we are missing the point. I am sure an android phone can do these things, but I'll bet almost nobody uses their phone to write a 10 page documents or create a deck of slides or build a multi-tab spreadsheet or take lengthy handwritten notes, or sketch complex diagrams or markup/annotate lengthy PDFs, etc.. You would just never do these things on a phone, but people do them all of the time on their iPads. Just because a device has a feature doesn't mean that it is useful for productivity and certain applications.

I was responding to the reoccurring tiresome technocratic posts that we see here everyday: 1. iPhone and iPad have the same internal specs. 2. They share the same OS...........Therefore, 3. There is nothing you can do on an iPad that you can't do on an iPhone so the iPad is pointless. I simply do not agree with this logic. First, I dispute that the OS are implemented in the same way on both devices (i.e. productivity features exclusive to iPad). I would not be surprised if the gap grows with iOS13.. Second, even if iOS was implemented the same way, there are tasks that would just be a nightmare to do on a phone, but are easy on an iPad (see paragraph above).

By the same token, there are things I do with an iPhone that I would basically never do with an iPad. For example, I can take pictures with my iPad, but it is far inferior to the iPhone as a handheld camera. This has nothing to do with tech specs or software and everything to do with ergonomics and accessibility (I always have my phone with me for photos).
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I’m lost then. So you say you could see them adding mouse/trackpad support for specific tasks, but there would be no cursor? What would indicate what you are selecting then? Apple already has a cursor in iOS for text selection, I don’t see a huge difference. I think it comes at some point (we can disagree here), but I think it will come in a way we aren’t currently used to.

I am also confused. Not being snarky. When folks say there is no cursor on an iPad, what do they mean. Every time I select text, I see a cursor. I can use multiple methods for text selection: finger, virtual trackpad, physical keyboard arrows, pencil/stylus. Granted, I can't use a mouse and I understand why people might want one, but I don't understand why some folks feel an iPad has no cursor.

I might be missing something so maybe someone can clarify what they mean when they say there is no cursor on an iPad.

 

[ROGmaster]

Here again, we are missing the point. I am sure an android phone can do these things, but I'll bet almost nobody uses their phone to write a 10 page documents or create a deck of slides or build a multi-tab spreadsheet or take lengthy handwritten notes, or sketch complex diagrams or markup/annotate lengthy PDFs, etc.. You would just never do these things on a phone, but people do them all of the time on their iPads. Just because a device has a feature doesn't mean that it is useful for productivity and certain applications.

I was responding to the reoccurring tiresome technocratic posts that we see here everyday: 1. iPhone and iPad have the same internal specs. 2. They share the same OS...........Therefore, 3. There is nothing you can do on an iPad that you can't do on an iPhone so the iPad is pointless. I simply do not agree with this logic. First, I dispute that the OS are implemented in the same way on both devices (i.e. productivity features exclusive to iPad). I would not be surprised if the gap grows with iOS13.. Second, even if iOS was implemented the same way, there are tasks that would just be a nightmare to do on a phone, but are easy on an iPad (see paragraph above).

By the same token, there are things I do with an iPhone that I would basically never do with an iPad. For example, I can take pictures with my iPad, but it is far inferior to the iPhone as a handheld camera. This has nothing to do with tech specs or software and everything to do with ergonomics and accessibility (I always have my phone with me for photos).

Irrelevant, the point actually is that spit screen multitasking or picture in picture are very useful even on smartphones. And they don't get in anybody's way, they are there if you want to used them but they are not forced upon users and not having them doesn't do any good.