Apple Shares New Videos Highlighting What You Can Do With an iPad Pro

[Tech198]

I disagree. I use my iPad Pro in very professional settings, thus to me, it's a professional device. It's my go-to device on the road when visiting clients, and many times my go-to device in the office as well. In fact, I use my iPad far more than any other device, including my company Think Pad and my personal Mackbook Pro.

There at present are only five things I do not use it for: Photoshop work, Lightroom work, Powerpoint building, Word document writing, and Excel spreadsheet development and work. Complex video editing I will also many times push off to another, more capable device. The ability to use the unit functionally for those apps creates the gap between a tablet and a "professional" computing device.

Apple needs to recognize that there are many of us out there who are pushing these units into professional settings that need more functionality, capability, and durability. If we don't get it here, we'll get it from another company. We've reached the capacity of what these devices can provide due to the constraints Apple applies to the interface. What makes it all the more disappointing is that Apple has built in the power to do these things into the iPad, but have really provided no path to use that power.

Apple cares too much about security to change... It's opening up more that it did few years ago, but i don't reckon it will as open as the Mac... Never... As you then saying "We want malware on iPad"

We already have that on the Mac. I don't think you can have a closed platform, interaction between any app, AND be security free... because there like magnets repelling against each other.

 

[jeremiah256]

Between the iMac, MacBook, and iPad line of products, Pro just means more powerful. It has nothing to do with how the device is used or the user.

Files app sucks, god forbid you need to store another file type not blessed by Apple. Sorry, can’t stand apple telling me how to work or be productive s.

Do you mean ‘view’ file types? I’ve not had any problems storing any documents. Viewing very specific file types or even sites can be a challenge.

 

[Abazigal]

“Pro” just means better. An iPad Pro is essentially a better iPad, just as a MacBook Pro is a better MacBook. Too many people here are getting their panties in a bunch over a naming convention, and ignoring the real discussion at hand - what an iPad can be used for.

I do find it amusing that as the iPad gains more and more functionality, the goalposts of what constitutes a computer (or even real work) keep shifting.

Not too long ago, the phrase “you can’t do real work on an iPad” was thrown around a lot, but as more people have shown that they totally can do their work on iPads, the PC defenders have had to become more specific in their criticisms. Arguments for the continued dominance of the PC have been reduced to “you need it for sharing documents” or “you can’t do development on iOS or Android.” or some other niche use case.

The trend towards eliminating things iOS and Android devices can’t do is marching on and there’s no reason to think it will stop. With each passing day, people are changing their workflows in ways that make PCs less relevant, while iOS and Android are making changes to fill the gaps that are still there.

PCs will exist for a long time, and I have no doubt that they will remain relevant for many people, but it continues to become more and more clear that the future is not macOS or Windows, but iOS and Android. As such, I am neither surprised nor dismayed that Apple continues to favour development of iOS over the Mac.

We really should be beyond debating whether the iPad can be used for content creation. That discussion is over and those still arguing that it cannot are saying more about themselves than about the iPad with every passing day.

 

[citysnaps]

I disagree. I use my iPad Pro in very professional settings, thus to me, it's a professional device. It's my go-to device on the road when visiting clients, and many times my go-to device in the office as well. In fact, I use my iPad far more than any other device, including my company Think Pad and my personal Mackbook Pro.

There at present are only five things I do not use it for: Photoshop work, Lightroom work, Powerpoint building, Word document writing, and Excel spreadsheet development and work. Complex video editing I will also many times push off to another, more capable device. The ability to use the unit functionally for those apps creates the gap between a tablet and a "professional" computing device.

Apple needs to recognize that there are many of us out there who are pushing these units into professional settings that need more functionality, capability, and durability. If we don't get it here, we'll get it from another company. We've reached the capacity of what these devices can provide due to the constraints Apple applies to the interface. What makes it all the more disappointing is that Apple has built in the power to do these things into the iPad, but have really provided no path to use that power.

I'm not sure what you're disagreeing about. Nowhere did I say an iPad is not or cannot be used in professional settings. And it's great that you are using your iPad in a professional setting. Many people are, including myself. That's not unusual a all.

The point I was making, is Apple's marketing tier designator, "Pro" is used to suggest productivity. Which is more inclusive than suggesting it's mostly useful for professionals. It's just a product tier used for differentiation.

Again, try not to get hung up on marketing monikers. The fact that my Toyota Highlander is the Limited model does not mean that it is indeed limited or somehow special. It's just a product tier.
[doublepost=1547957089][/doublepost]

“Pro” just means better. An iPad Pro is essentially a better iPad, just as a MacBook Pro is a better MacBook.

Amazing how some people read so much more into it than that.

 

[Glockworkorange]

It is a legit replacement for the majority as long as they are not heavy coders. I do not bring my macbook unless I need to code a lot.

I am not a heavy coder of anything.

I am on vacation right now and could not do my job effectively solely with an iPad.

I'm an attorney and live in Office---although Office products are nice on iPad, I cannot draft a large brief in Word on an iPad without losing my mind with the "reach up to tap, down to keyboard....up to tap (no not there!), back down)"....yuck.

Give me a proper laptop any day.

 

[riverfreak]

I love how they always show these super basic tasks and think its a computer replacement. Writing a word, adding a picuture etc. is not really PRO nor doesn't show how really "computer replacement" it really is. As mentioned, all that could be done on budget iPad.

Maybe Apple is targeting grandmas and grandpas :-D

Not this nonsense again. It’s truly amazing how people can get so hung up on a tiny word.

And grandmas and grandpas? That’s nice.

 

[Abazigal]

I love how they always show these super basic tasks and think its a computer replacement. Writing a word, adding a picuture etc. is not really PRO nor doesn't show how really "computer replacement" it really is. As mentioned, all that could be done on budget iPad.

Maybe Apple is targeting grandmas and grandpas :-D

It’s a computer alternative because said tasks would have been more cumbersome to perform on a conventional computer at any rate.

 

[Chapman8tor]

The one thing Apple excels at is its ability to make their products look great in commercials and in live presentations. Their products, however, have suffered from exposure to reality lately. This also reminds of of when people would buy a cutting edge desktop computer and they'd use it to play solitaire and browse the web.

 

[Johnny907]

It’s a computer alternative because said tasks would have been more cumbersome to perform on a conventional computer at any rate.

You honestly think recording and then publishing a podcast, or creating a presentation would be more cumbersome on a conventional computer versus an iPad? Funny, I’ve managed to do both for years much more easily on my computer than the process they demonstrated on the iPad.

 

[Abazigal]

You honestly think recording and then publishing a podcast, or creating a presentation would be more cumbersome on a conventional computer versus an iPad? Funny, I’ve managed to do both for years much more easily on my computer than the process they demonstrated on the iPad.

Here’s an example of a guy who records his podcast on an ipad.

https://birchtree.me/blog/how-to-record-and-edit-a-podcast-with-ferrite-for-ios/

He doesn’t seem to have been disadvantaged in any way. His latest blog post talks about how he uses Shortcuts to automate the sharing of his latest podcast to his blog.

He also goes on to share about why he prefers his ipad for work.

https://birchtree.me/blog/using-an-ipad-for-real-work-not-blogging-my-actual-9-5-job/

The reasons are:
1) The iOS apps just provide less friction and are easier to use than the desktop equivalents on windows.

2) The ipad is less bulky.

3) Some apps he uses are comparable, or even better on ios.

4) Email is more manageable on iOS.

5) Notifications are better.

6) iPads feels smoother and faster for normal everyday tasks.

7) Easier to unlock.

He acknowledges that there are limitations as well, but by and large, the pros outweigh the cons.

 

[sos47]

I have an iPad Pro for managing my phitos in the Photos App. Its very disappointing comparing to the full version on macOS. Many must have festures missing: Smartalbums, Geotagging, Keyword Management, Change Time of Pic and more.... these are simple functions with a few lines of code... i think

 

[DragoniteD]

I am not a heavy coder of anything.

I am on vacation right now and could not do my job effectively solely with an iPad.

I'm an attorney and live in Office---although Office products are nice on iPad, I cannot draft a large brief in Word on an iPad without losing my mind with the "reach up to tap, down to keyboard....up to tap (no not there!), back down)"....yuck.

Give me a proper laptop any day.

Hmm, either use the smart keyboard or use a portable bluetooth keyboard like Apple Magic Keyboard2 (I use this option). Still way more portable than a laptop, and flexible to both reading and writing tasks. When you connect to an external keyboard, you have a large scope while typing. It does not sound that convenient but the actual experience is great, and better than a laptop in my opinion.

 

[Marx55]

macOS is not optimized for touch and I do not see Apple changing course on that.

Hopefully, iOS 13 will give us a way to use external storage.

The 2018 iPad Pro has a USB-C port and Lightning-equipped iPads can have one by using a USB-to-Lightning adapter to attach USB devices, where compatible.

Then, Apple should optimize macOS for touch interface on such Mac tablet. When I said USB port, I meant it (read, fully-functional one, as the one in the Mac). But those are just some examples. What I want is a full Mac computer in a tablet. Otherwise, the iPad is a deal breaker!

 

[dilbert99]

"Pot Kettle Black..."

Huh?

"The computer meets the needs of users who do work."

You are probably not aware that Apple's customer base is diverse, as is "work." But feel free and continue to elevate your "work" requirements over others within that customer base.

"The iPad meets the needs of users who have few needs."

Needs such as email, browsing the internet, listening to music, watching a video, doing a calculation, maintaining a appointment-based calendar, edit and organize casual snapshots, messaging, edit a home movie, read a book, check the weather, listen to podcasts, write some letters, engage in drawing or some other artistic endeavor, maintaining a home budgeting spreadsheet, and on and on?

But...in your mind, you doing "work" is superior to others' needs. And is what Apple's product line must address. The good news is that Apple makes a wide range of devices that serve the needs of a very board range of requirements and customers. It's not just about you being able to do work, and that being more important to others' needs.

Tim Cook was correct in saying an iPad meets the computing needs of many people. Why that bothers a lot of people here is bewildering.

I never said you cannot do many light tasks on an iPad and I also say that an iPad can meet the needs of most people. Those people do not have to be very efficient.
What I am saying is that the iPad is not going to unsurp the computer workhorses.

People like you paint a picture that iPads can replace the computer but never mention the small print that it can only replace those with light workflows.

You are arguing with the wrong people trying to split hairs.

 

[WatchFromAfar]

Nice straw man. Apple isn’t saying that at all. And my post wasn’t either.

Try and think beyond yourself. It’s not always just about you and your needs.

Also...think a bit about what a very diverse customer base means.

I always find it funny when people say "think beyond yourself" erm no I am the customer; the company (Apple) should be addressing me. It's their job to serve the customer (which in this case is me)

 

[WatchFromAfar]

Apple today uploaded a new series of iPad Pro videos to its YouTube channel, showing off the different features and capabilities of the new devices.

There are five videos, focusing on taking notes, going paperless by scanning documents, hosting a podcast, designing a space with the Measure app, and creating a presentation in Keynote. Each video is about a minute long and is done in a tutorial style to walk users through each task.

In the videos, various iPad Pro features and functions are shown off, like multitasking, the Apple Pencil 2, the camera, Files drag and drop, AirPlay, augmented reality, the USB-C port for attaching accessories, and more. A few specific apps are mentioned, such as Keynote, GarageBand, and Notability.

This is Apple's first set of iPad Pro tutorial-style videos, though the tablet was previously featured in a video focusing on five reasons why the iPad Pro can "be your next computer."

Apple's 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models were first introduced in late October and shipped out in November. The iPads feature edge-to-edge displays with Face ID and no Home button, powerful A12X processors with performance on par with many Mac notebooks, USB-C to connect to 4K monitors and USB-C accessories, and thinner bodies.

The 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799 for 64GB of storage, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $999, also for 64GB of storage.

Article Link: Apple Shares New Videos Highlighting What You Can Do With an iPad Pro

These are promotional adverts Apple is not "sharing" anything

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

And I suppose mouse support and an open file system makes a computer “pro”. Elsewhere on this forum it’s “user replaceable storage”. Last year it was 32Gb RAM support.

All silly. If there are professionals that use a tool for work, that tool is a pro device.
[doublepost=1547947333][/doublepost]

No...it makes it more "usable". There are lots of things people want in their Apple devices to be more functional, and extend the longevity of the device, including user replaceable storage (SSD upgrades, for instance). If the iPad had mouse support, I could use the iPad for my IT support-related tasks, but instead have to pull out my Dell laptop. I refuse to jump through hoops using finger gestures to accomplish what a click or two of the mouse could accomplish in less time and with no frustration.

If a "professional" (what is that?) uses a some tool, that doesn't make the tool a "pro" tool. THAT is a silly statement.

 

[Rob_2811]

Here’s an example of a guy who records his podcast on an ipad.

https://birchtree.me/blog/how-to-record-and-edit-a-podcast-with-ferrite-for-ios/

He doesn’t seem to have been disadvantaged in any way. His latest blog post talks about how he uses Shortcuts to automate the sharing of his latest podcast to his blog.

He also goes on to share about why he prefers his ipad for work.

https://birchtree.me/blog/using-an-ipad-for-real-work-not-blogging-my-actual-9-5-job/

The reasons are:
1) The iOS apps just provide less friction and are easier to use than the desktop equivalents on windows.

2) The ipad is less bulky.

3) Some apps he uses are comparable, or even better on ios.

4) Email is more manageable on iOS.

5) Notifications are better.

6) iPads feels smoother and faster for normal everyday tasks.

7) Easier to unlock.

He acknowledges that there are limitations as well, but by and large, the pros outweigh the cons.

Yes there a lot of limitations.

1. A lot of podcasts are not just a recorded monologue they are a conversation had via VOIP which is recorded via applications like Audio Hijack which is then edited to form one audio file. This is impossible on an iPad.

2. In the example you posted he uses a USB Mic, largely I would imagine because this can be made to work with an iPad, most experienced podcasters with be using XLR Mics which require an external audio interface to work with a Mac or a PC some will work with an iPad but a lot don't.

3. There is nothing that he shows there that cant easily be achieved on a Mac or PC with a decent DAW and Mic.

As with all of these iPad workflow examples they are of people who have decided they want to work on an iPad and are willing to modify their workflow and jump through all manner of hoops to accommodate it, there is nothing wrong with that by the way, but most people just aren't willing to learn how to do the job again. When you consider that the iPad Pro once you add a keyboard and pencil is more expensive than the new MacBook Air base model there isn't much incentive there.

 

[Abazigal]

Yes there a lot of limitations.

1. A lot of podcasts are not just a recorded monologue they are a conversation had via VOIP which is recorded via applications like Audio Hijack which is then edited to form one audio file. This is impossible on an iPad.

2. In the example you posted he uses a USB Mic, largely I would imagine because this can be made to work with an iPad, most experienced podcasters with be using XLR Mics which require an external audio interface to work with a Mac or a PC some will work with an iPad but a lot don't.

3. There is nothing that he shows there that cant easily be achieved on a Mac or PC with a decent DAW and Mic.

As with all of these iPad workflow examples they are of people who have decided they want to work on an iPad and are willing to modify their workflow and jump through all manner of hoops to accommodate it, there is nothing wrong with that by the way, but most people just aren't willing to learn how to do the job again. When you consider that the iPad Pro once you add a keyboard and pencil is more expensive than the new MacBook Air base model there isn't much incentive there.

This is precisely the sort of discourse I have been hoping we could have right from day 1. A serious discussion about the possibilities and the limitations of ipad productivity. So that readers are more cognisant about what an ipad can and cannot do, and they can then go on to make their own informed decisions about whether an ipad is suitable for them or not.

Yes, an ipad is not without its flaws and limits, but not everybody necessarily needs the full power a specced out PC offers. The points you stated are valid, but they don’t necessarily apply to everyone either.

There are these people who are willing to work on iPads, so why not try to understand their motivations for doing so, rather than dismissing them outright?

Keep the points coming.

 

[return2sendai]

Nice

 

[Rob_2811]

This is precisely the sort of discourse I have been hoping we could have right from day 1. A serious discussion about the possibilities and the limitations of ipad productivity. So that readers are more cognisant about what an ipad can and cannot do, and they can then go on to make their own informed decisions about whether an ipad is suitable for them or not.

Yes, an ipad is not without its flaws and limits, but not everybody necessarily needs the full power a specced out PC offers. The points you stated are valid, but they don’t necessarily apply to everyone either.

There are these people who are willing to work on iPads, so why not try to understand their motivations for doing so, rather than dismissing them outright?

Keep the points coming.

I do but I take issue with people who imply that more can be done than is actually really possible.

For example there is one very prominent iPad proponent who I have heard in the past claim that he "runs his business from his iPad" but a core part of his business is putting out podcasts which are all recorded and edited on Macs and they host live streams of their shows on Mac servers.

Their business is only really possible because of full desktop class computers like a Mac or PC. It wouldn't be possible just using iPads.

Its fine that they enjoy using their iPad more but I think the truth is the iPad is for them, as it is for many others, a ancillary device for a workflow that still requires a Mac or PC.

 

[dingclancy23]

I do but I take issue with people who imply that more can be done than is actually really possible.

For example there is one very prominent iPad proponent who I have heard in the past claim that he "runs his business from his iPad" but a core part of his business is putting out podcasts which are all recorded and edited on Macs and they host live streams of their shows on Mac servers.

Their business is only really possible because of full desktop class computers like a Mac or PC. It wouldn't be possible just using iPads.

Its fine that they enjoy using their iPad more but I think the truth is the iPad is for them, as it is for many others, a ancillary device for a workflow that still requires a Mac or PC.

Point taken, but I think that is just semantics. For example, a Doctor can run his "business" on his iPad by checking his appointments and schedule , medical sheets, scans and imaging, while going room to room while visiting his patients where the iPad form factor and input is superior to laptop in this use case.

That does not mean he does heart surgery by cutting up patients with a sharp iPad. His workflow still requires a scalpel.

I had the same realization just last year. I am fine doing 100% of all the other tasks not named coding on an iPad. Then my laptop just becomes my specialized tool.

So in terms of being a "general" computer in 2019, for me it is the iPad, while my "specialized" computer is the laptop.

 

[Rob_2811]

Point taken, but I think that is just semantics. For example, a Doctor can run his "business" on his iPad by checking his appointments and schedule , medical sheets, scans and imaging, while going room to room while visiting his patients where the iPad form factor and input is superior to laptop in this use case.

That does not mean he does heart surgery by cutting up patients with a sharp iPad. His workflow still requires a scalpel.

I had the same realization just last year. I am fine doing 100% of all the other tasks not named coding on an iPad. Then my laptop just becomes my specialized tool.

So in terms of being a "general" computer in 2019, for me it is the iPad, while my "specialized" computer is the laptop.

Well I think its a bit more than semantics in the case that I cited, take away the iPad and the rest of the business can likely be done using a Mac. Take away the Mac, no business.

I think there is a clear distinction between business that are almost exclusively run online/using computing products and ones that involve offline activities like surgery.

 

[Abazigal]

I do but I take issue with people who imply that more can be done than is actually really possible.

For example there is one very prominent iPad proponent who I have heard in the past claim that he "runs his business from his iPad" but a core part of his business is putting out podcasts which are all recorded and edited on Macs and they host live streams of their shows on Mac servers.

Their business is only really possible because of full desktop class computers like a Mac or PC. It wouldn't be possible just using iPads.

Its fine that they enjoy using their iPad more but I think the truth is the iPad is for them, as it is for many others, a ancillary device for a workflow that still requires a Mac or PC.

That business you claim is likely the writing aspect of his website. Federico Viticci has admitted in the past that the primary reason he can’t create his podcasts on an iOS device is because of the inability to have more than 1 audio input at a time. So he still uses a Mac when he has to, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is still very much committed to pushing the ipad forward as much as he can.

And nobody is saying that you have to use a mac or an ipad exclusively.

I use an iMac and an ipad to get my work done. My iMac is there to do the heavy lifting and prepare many of the files which I put on my ipad, and I am not ashamed to admit it.

But once that backend is done, and you start counting the number of hours I spend on my ipad vs my mac, it becomes clear that I clock way more hours on my ipad. Heck, I can often go days without switching on my iMac when I reach home, if I simply don’t see the need to.

So in a sense, the heaviness of the Mac is what allows the ipad to be as light as it is. Yes, I can’t do all my work using just an ipad, but I wouldn’t want a world where the ipad didn’t exist and I was forced to use only PCs either.

So you can’t code on it, and just how many % of the world’s population is this even applicable to anyways? So it doesn’t have full photoshop, but how many people even need the full capabilities of said app to begin with?

It’s not an either-or proposition. An app on the ipad can be limited compared to its desktop equivalent, and still sufficiently meet the needs of its users.

I just wish the ipad could get the due recognition it deserves, and for people to be open to an honest discussion about what the ipad can do.

 

[Rob_2811]

That business you claim is likely the writing aspect of his website. Federico Viticci has admitted in the past that the primary reason he can’t create his podcasts on an iOS device is because of the inability to have more than 1 audio input at a time. So he still uses a Mac when he has to, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is still very much committed to pushing the ipad forward as much as he can.

And nobody is saying that you have to use a mac or an ipad exclusively.

I use an iMac and an ipad to get my work done. My iMac is there to do the heavy lifting and prepare many of the files which I put on my ipad, and I am not ashamed to admit it.

But once that backend is done, and you start counting the number of hours I spend on my ipad vs my mac, it becomes clear that I clock way more hours on my ipad. Heck, I can often go days without switching on my iMac when I reach home, if I simply don’t see the need to.

So in a sense, the heaviness of the Mac is what allows the ipad to be as light as it is. Yes, I can’t do all my work using just an ipad, but I wouldn’t want a world where the ipad didn’t exist and I was forced to use only PCs either.

So you can’t code on it, and just how many % of the world’s population is this even applicable to anyways? So it doesn’t have full photoshop, but how many people even need the full capabilities of said app to begin with?

It’s not an either-or proposition. An app on the ipad can be limited compared to its desktop equivalent, and still sufficiently meet the needs of its users.

I just wish the ipad could get the due recognition it deserves, and for people to be open to an honest discussion about what the ipad can do.

It wasn't Frederico I was referring to tbh, I understand he runs a site and a lot of that can be done via an iPad, I want to avoid name checking people because I don't really think its fair for me to sit on a forum pulling apart their point of view anonymously. I've found Frederico (and his colleagues) stuff, be it the podcasts or the written stuff, to be really good.

I think the crux of the issue is for a lot of people a Mac/PC can do pretty much 100% of what they need to do but the same can't be said for an iPad and given the cost of the iPad, particularly the pro models, it doesn't represent value to buy both.