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

[DNichter]

Not really. The insertion point doesn't float. You can move it, but only within the text. Once it is placed in position, it is active. A cursor is different. It's floating on top of everything, waiting for a click to activate it. Clicking a button does one thing. Clicking within a text area does another. Etc.



I see it differently. If anything, I see support for a mouse, not a trackpad. When you're talking about "pro" users, they all use mice. I work with several architects. No one designs buildings with a trackpad. I have several photographer and videographer friends. Again, no one uses a trackpad.

That said, I think Apple would rather sell you BOTH an iPhone and a Mac, not an iPhone (or iPad) that turns into a quasi-Mac when you connect it to an external display. If you look back at Apple's history, they've almost always resisted the hardware "dock" idea (the problematic DuoDock being the exception). I really think their mouse replacement is already here. The Pencil. It's just as precise as a mouse and more precise than a trackpad. Adding a few tap and swipe gestures will let it do everything a mouse can do.



I agree that Apple wants to lock its customers in, but the iPad has a LONG way to go before it will remotely satisfy the needs of "pro" users. I think Apple is happy to move casual users to the iPad for a number of reasons, not the least of which is support. It's a lot harder for an inexperienced user to screw up an iPad (and wind up at the Genius Bar) than it is for him/her to screw up a Mac. Casual users are the low hanging fruit. It would take Apple many years to add all of the features necessary to satisfy the “pro” crowd.

I also agree that Apple wants to migrate the bulk (I will say ALL) of its users to a closed/controlled system. That's why I think they're moving the Mac more towards iOS, not making the iPad more Mac-like. Look at what they are doing to macOS and Mac hardware. Sandboxing. T2 security features. Restricting applications from unknown developers. Etc. And now we have Marzipan, which will allow iOS apps to come to the Mac. In time, though, this technology will mature and facilitate the creation of apps that can run on both touch and mouse-driven systems.

I think Apple will move the Mac to iOS one day and that variant of iOS will have a cursor, a menu bar, support multiple windows, etc. But it will also be very locked down, probably won't provide direct access to the filesystem, will only support apps from the App Store, etc. I don’t think we’ll ever see macOS on ARM. I think Apple is working on a new iOS-based desktop OS that will run on ARM-based “Macs” one day.

All fair points. I do think macOS will come to ARM though, only because we are reaching a tipping point in regards to performance. The power per watt reasoning Apple used to transition to Intel is even more so apparent today. By 2020, it will look pretty dumb if they aren’t taking advantage of the power of Apple’s chips. I agree with the locked down part though and the shared app platform that will drive iOS apps to the Mac and Mac apps to iOS. In the end, I’m happy using the iPad Pro as my main computer and see a ton of room for growth.

 

[MBAir2010]

the main reason these disposable ipads WILL NEVER replace or be up to par with a computer is cache clearing. example yee might quest, well im photo editing, and need to restart the ipad to see the newer photos online.

 

[Shanghaichica]

New iOS 12 Feature

View attachment 805273

Is this the notes App?

I use my iPad Pro to scan all my documents. My printer/ copier/ scanner is collecting dust. I haven’t switched it on for about 3 years.

 

[tromboneaholic]

the main reason these disposable ipads WILL NEVER replace or be up to par with a computer is cache clearing. example yee might quest, well im photo editing, and need to restart the ipad to see the newer photos online.

Are you talking about clearing your web browser cache?

 

[cola79]

The iPad has made my laptop obsolete since a long time. The only reason i turn on the computer is when i have to print something as my laser printer has no wifi, nut there’s still enough toner inside. Once there is a new printer, i really don’t need a computer.

The only problem is, how to revive the iPad when Apple makes mistakes with the update? Without iTunes that would mean you have to send it in. Apple should find a way to flash firmware via other mobile phones through a cable connection.

Without that, you will always need a computer reachable.

 

[macfacts]

The same argument could be made for any feature not included in iOS. Regardless of how niche it may be, just include it even if only a very small minority do end up using it, since it doesn’t negatively impact those who don’t need it.

But what about opportunity cost? All other things equal, the time and resources spent on implementing a feature nobody wants could be used to work on another feature which benefits more people.

I am not saying that multitasking or PIP are pointless on a phone (I personally wouldn’t mind being able to PIP an embedded YouTube clip while scrolling through the rest of the article), but my point is that it’s not so accurate to claim that it doesn’t negatively impact the users who have no need for such a feature.

Those split screen features are already in iOS for the iPad. What opportunity cost? Apple is just fragmenting the features across their product line up.

 

[MBAir2010]

Are you talking about clearing your web browser cache?

app, web and anything else that runs the ipad, and why cant apple OSX cannot eject a usb drive when i stop the function that halts the action? im getting do tired of apples stubbornness all this year!

 

[ROGmaster]

I have. Saw it in action on the Note 9.

Then your claim that split screen on Android is clunky doesn't make sense.
[doublepost=1543214324][/doublepost]

My point wasn’t that you could not implement these features on a phone. My point was that even if you implemented them on iOS, they would not change the fact that there are some productivity tasks that the iPad is just plain better than an iPhone. I even went to the pains of using bold underline to demonstrate I was talking about these specific productivity tasks. Adding these software feature to an iphone does not necessarily make it productive or useful for these tasks.

Before you jumped in, I was responding to the notion that the iPad was somehow pointless because it run the same OS as an iPhone and iPad only features could be implemented on the iPhone. I cited a list of tasks that I can easily do on an iPad that I would never attempt on an iPhone.....even if the software features were added. So, I will stand by my position that just because you can implement some of these iPad only features on the iPhone does not mean that they are useful for the type of productivity activities that I was discussing.

You do need to write a lot in order to achieve the end result of saying nothing.
My point stands your main goal was just to try to bash the feature on Android.

 

[DNichter]

Then your claim that split screen on Android is clunky doesn't make sense.
[doublepost=1543214324][/doublepost]
You do need to write a lot in order to achieve the end result of saying nothing.
My point stands your main goal was just to try to bash the feature on Android.

The implementation, the UI, and the animations all felt wonky to me. I don't know, I guess if it's fine for you, then it's fine for you. It just felt half baked to me.

 

[Bacillus]

the main reason these disposable ipads WILL NEVER replace or be up to par with a computer is cache clearing. example yee might quest, well im photo editing, and need to restart the ipad to see the newer photos online.

There would be ample tricks to handle that as well as MacOS can, but that would require a jailbreak or Apple opening up the inner controls of iOS.
Making the 5 reasons why iPads can "be" your next computer are just 5 out of of the 555 why Apple Mgt. shouldn't be our next
[doublepost=1543238703][/doublepost]

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

You're in denial of a new generation that grew up with touch UX who found out that (despite what T. Cook thinks) they need something more versatile than iPad when it comes to making tests, classroom excercises, reports, that need multi-windowing and true multi-tasking. At the same time, they won't give up touch UX (and why should they, despite what Ph. Schiller thinks)
Now arguments by Apple and denials like yours can't stop this evolution in the market that, ironically, became induced by Apple itself.
Sadly, its inability of disruptive innovation (the inflexible, moloch mass-provisioner that Apple has become got primarily targeted to milking existing product categories) or either lamentary/coward conduct by upper management have made them a runner-up in anything but the iDevice category - unable to take the next courageous step.
Unwilling or unable to risk either current iPad or MacBook sales, they are in denial of this evolution, which has already lead them to losing K12/education markets to Chromebooks and Google server-based classroom solutions. Because iPad doesn't fit in there, technically nor financially.
If you're looking for a reason why that denial doesn't land: it is not that people refuse to hear it, but merely the limited credibility of Apple's product strategy and those who defend it:
Customers are still accustomed to the Apple’s innovations ready to drive markets - instead of Apple struggling to follow.
Most people closely following IT-strategies, know that Apple will jump on the bandwagon as soon as Surface-class devices will soar, which might happen as soon as a viable version gets introduced.
It just doesn't have a choice, having become a follower rather than a disruptor.

Again: the 5 reasons why iPad "can be your next computer", and avoiding as many reasons why it is a failed compromise, only illustrate mental obstinance towards a new convert that combines iPad and Mac UX's.
They rather constitute 5 out of of 555 reasons why Apple Mgt. should be replaced with a newer generation

 

[ROGmaster]

The implementation, the UI, and the animations all felt wonky to me. I don't know, I guess if it's fine for you, then it's fine for you. It just felt half baked to me.

Yeah the classic anecdotal it feels wonky.
The only reason you are claiming this is because of your extreme bias against Android. That's what I'm point out.

 

[DNichter]

There would be ample tricks to handle that as well as MacOS can, but that would require a jailbreak or Apple opening up the inner controls of iOS.
Making the 5 reasons why iPads can "be" your next computer are just 5 out of of the 555 why Apple Mgt. shouldn't be our next
[doublepost=1543238703][/doublepost]

There is a new generation that grew up with touch UX who found out that (despite what T. Cook thinks) they need something more versatile than iPad when it comes to making tests, classroom excercises, reports, that need multi-windowing and true multi-tasking. At the same time, they won't give up touch UX (and why should they, despite what Phil thinks)
Now arguments by Apple and silly denials like yours can't deny this evolution in the market that, ironically, was induced by Apple itself.
Sadly, its inability of disruptive innovation (as the unflexible, large and moloch mass-provisioner that Apple has become - primarily targeted to milk existing product categories) or just lamentary (/cowardly) conduct by its upper management have made them an also-ran in anything but iDevices category.
Not willing or their inability to risk either current iPad or MacBook products, leads them to this denial.
If you're looking for a reason why that this denial doesn't land: it is not that people refuse to hear it, but merely the limited credibility of Apple's product strategy and those who defend it:
Customers are still accustomed to the Apple having innovations ready that drive markets - instead of the Apple that struggles to follow.
Most people that closely follow markets, know that Apple will jump on the bandwagon as soon as Surface-class devices will soar, which might happen as soon as a viable version gets introduced.
It just doesn't have a choice, having become a follower rather than a disruptor.

Again: the 5 reasons why iPads can "be" your next computer are just 5 out of of the 555 why Apple Mgt. should be replaced with a newer generation

What if such devices never soar? We are on what, the Surface Pro 6, and they still don't sell. I am not sure adding touch to an OS made for point and click is really the answer we need.
[doublepost=1543240762][/doublepost]

Yeah the classic anecdotal it feels wonky.
The only reason you are claiming this is because of your extreme bias against Android. That's what I'm point out.

Yes, UI glitches and stuttering are all because of my Android bias. I did like the slide up app chooser, but the UI still needs some work.

 

[ROGmaster]

Yes, UI glitches and stuttering are all because of my Android bias. I did like the slide up app chooser, but the UI still needs some work.

UI glitches and stuttering? Sure sure.

 

[Bacillus]

What if such devices never soar? We are on what, the Surface Pro 6, and they still don't sell. I am not sure adding touch to an OS made for point and click is really the answer we need.

That's Apple's gamble, and it indeed takes more time than expected.
But then, this generation is now in its study years and will become mainstream in the near future.
At the same time, I have to concede that these people might move into the b-to-b segment that Apple never really targeted, so it could be that Apple divides the world in consumer versus b-to-b/education merely ignoring the latters.

 

[tromboneaholic]

so it could be that Apple divides the world in consumer versus b-to-b/education merely ignoring the latters.

The most recent survey from from 451 Research shows that "among business buyers who plan to purchase smartphones in the December quarter, 80% plan to purchase iPhones."

 

[DNichter]

That's Apple's gamble, and it indeed takes more time than expected.
But then, this generation is now in its study years and will become mainstream in the near future.
At the same time, I have to concede that these people might move into the b-to-b segment that Apple never really targeted, so it could be that Apple divides the world in consumer versus b-to-b/education merely ignoring the latters.

I think they are taking the right gamble, for now. I agree though, if the market deems that such a device is what consumers want, Apple will make their move. I just anticipate it being better implemented than the Surface, not just adding touch to a point and click OS. You're right though, I could see Apple ignoring that market completely if it doesn't make business sense. A lot of the people at my company think the company issued Surface laptops are crap and some higher ups have moved to iPad, but they'll never get the bulk of our workforce using Apple devices.

 

[Bacillus]

I think they are taking the right gamble, for now. I agree though, if the market deems that such a device is what consumers want, Apple will make their move. I just anticipate it being better implemented than the Surface, not just adding touch to a point and click OS. You're right though, I could see Apple ignoring that market completely if it doesn't make business sense. A lot of the people at my company think the company issued Surface laptops are crap and some higher ups have moved to iPad, but they'll never get the bulk of our workforce using Apple devices.

That's exactly my point.
With iPhones in their pockets, many would want to integrate their business/education environment with their leasure Apple ecosystem.
A new device could do that while adding a relatively simple touch layer to MacOS. I am fairly confident they have achieved that (or: several) in lab pilots.
However, commercial implementation would force them to prioritize MacOS over iOS - which is where their AppStore revenue is (that greatly outpaces Mac revenue) - or prioritize iOS, which has less professional, less functional and more volume-oriented apps.

So the risk of losing business on the short term prevails - which is exactly where real innovation stalls
This is my main criticism of the Cookette tenure: by becoming a mass supplier, their vested interests are so immense that they sacrifice new developments to maintain current volume business

 

[DNichter]

That's exactly my point.
With the iPhone in their pocket, many would want to integrate their business/education environment with their leasure Apple ecosystem.
A new device would do that while adding a relatively simple touch layer to MacOS. I am fairly confident they have achieved that in several lab pilots.
However, commercial implementation would force them to prioritize MacOS over iOS - which is where their AppStore revenue is (that greatly outpaces Mac revenue)

It's a fair point, but my guess is that macOS will never be a touch OS. Too messy, not worth the time. I think Apple is better off continuing to add macOS-like features to iPad and slowly integrating more business users (about half of my management team/executives use iPad exclusively, myself included) over time. This way Apple can lock users into their controlled ecosystem, as you mentioned. People love their iPhone's and would likely be opening to using an iPad if Apple makes some large (but possible) changes to the OS.

 

[Bacillus]

It's a fair point, but my guess is that macOS will never be a touch OS. Too messy, not worth the time. I think Apple is better off continuing to add macOS-like features to iPad and slowly integrating more business users (about half of my management team/executives use iPad exclusively, myself included) over time. This way Apple can lock users into their controlled ecosystem, as you mentioned. People love their iPhone's and would likely be opening to using an iPad if Apple makes some large (but possible) changes to the OS.

My mgt. team found that iPad-only in an industrial environment has too many compromises.
Even basic Excel - it's a UX hell.

 

[DNichter]

My mgt. team found that iPad-only in an industrial environment has too many compromises.
Even basic Excel - it's a UX hell.

Oh yea, I agree, I would never use it for Excel. We are really only using it to review reporting that comes in that format, but not making any edits. I feel like the Microsoft suite of apps could be one of the first to get potential mouse/trackpad support if it ever comes. It would make for a solid improvement.

 

[Mainsail]

Then your claim that split screen on Android is clunky doesn't make sense.
[doublepost=1543214324][/doublepost]
You do need to write a lot in order to achieve the end result of saying nothing.
My point stands your main goal was just to try to bash the feature on Android.

Interesting theory, since I had no idea these features were even available on Android until you brought it up. Frankly, I don’t give a rip about Android one way or another. This is Mac Rumors so my interest in this thread is Apple....specifically, the subject of which is reasons to buy an iPad. Nothing to do with Android phones.

I do think iPad gets an unfair amount of criticism for not being useful as a productivity device.

 

[Bacillus]

The most recent survey from from 451 Research shows that "among business buyers who plan to purchase smartphones in the December quarter, 80% plan to purchase iPhones."

We were discussing the iPad-only perspective in b-to-b, which depends on dynamics between end-users and IT-staff more than individual purchase plans - in particular for phones
Like 99.8% customer satisfaction doesn’t solve warrantee regulation problems
(or I must be lying again...)

 

[dk001]

My mgt. team found that iPad-only in an industrial environment has too many compromises.
Even basic Excel - it's a UX hell.

Totally agree. We even tried them (iPads) for sales and training. Too many work-arounds.
We are slowly converting our portable devices over to hybrids. Best of both worlds and works well.

 

[robbyx]

Totally agree. We even tried them (iPads) for sales and training. Too many work-arounds.
We are slowly converting our portable devices over to hybrids. Best of both worlds and works well.

It’s the opposite for us. We’re giving all of our field employees 12” iPad Pros. Our custom project management app is designed for iPad and a lot of our field work involves drawing markup (construction business), so the iPad + Pencil is a nice combo. We’ve replaced a few aging Macs with Surface devices, but most users wish they still had Macs. When it comes to field work, no one wants a computer. They all want an iPad.
[doublepost=1543253958][/doublepost]

That's Apple's gamble, and it indeed takes more time than expected.
But then, this generation is now in its study years and will become mainstream in the near future.
At the same time, I have to concede that these people might move into the b-to-b segment that Apple never really targeted, so it could be that Apple divides the world in consumer versus b-to-b/education merely ignoring the latters.

Haven’t they already done that? Apple is pretty much laser focused on the consumer market and has been for years. (Big) Business and education haven’t been their priorities for a long time.

 

[dk001]

It’s the opposite for us. We’re giving all of our field employees 12” iPad Pros. Our custom project management app is designed for iPad and a lot of our field work involves drawing markup (construction business), so the iPad + Pencil is a nice combo. We’ve replaced a few aging Macs with Surface devices, but most users wish they still had Macs. When it comes to field work, no one wants a computer. They all want an iPad.
[doublepost=1543253958][/doublepost]

Haven’t they already done that? Apple is pretty much laser focused on the consumer market and has been for years. (Big) Business and education haven’t been their priorities for a long time.

That is part of our difference. We have a couple of token Macs in Package Engineering. Everything else is either Linux or Windows 7/10.