Apple Shares New 'What's a Computer' Ad Focused on iPad Pro Features

[simonmet]

But the main point of this ad is that this next generation will no longer want or need a desktop computer. They have embraced that storing their data on the cloud is normal and safe.
If Apple somehow makes the developer software to run either locally or better yet through the cloud then the need for a desktop will be over in minds of young developers.
Then they can begin phasing out the desktops all together and rolling out laptops that are x86 free.

They’re not even remotely similar platforms which is why Apple rightly kept iOS and OS X separate. The competition (Microsoft) tried to merge desktop with mobile device and failed. They’ve been backtracking ever since.

A mouse is not the same as touch-screen control, or the Apple Pencil. Add a keyboard and it’s no more portable than a laptop. The app environment is also completely different. Anything from major professional platforms to small obscure software will never make it to iOS.

I’m not saying a tablet can’t be productive. It has certain uses and strengths at which it excels, but it can’t and won’t replace computers like Apple is alluding. I still think their marketing is clever. I’d love to have an iPad Pro to supplement my computer, not replace it.

 

[aaronhead14]

I'm scared that Apple would suggest some people don't know what computers are, as a result of the existence of iOS devices. That does not put my confidence in the future of the Mac.

 

[Tsuchiya]

I liked it. Shot in fantasy land, but still. It's nice to think that technology can integrate into our lives so seamlessly. I wonder how much easier it would be on my younger siblings to use an iPad for their schoolwork instead of the entry level Windows machines they currently have.

 

[840quadra]

And how would one work on an iPad attached to an external display without mouse support? For playing a movie on a external display fine but I don't think it's practical for almost any other tasks.

I edit video, moderate threads here , edit photos, draft articles, consume content, remote into servers, monitor a data center environment, RDP into Server instances.

Treat the iPad like a track pad, and use Bluetooth for a good keyboard. I would love a mouse in some instances, but don’t really miss it. Like you get used to working in the confines of a trackpad, using the iPad screen like a pointer is a learned skill.

 

[LaraCroft835]

Until an iPad can do basic things like restore another iPad it's not even close to being a computer replacement.

why ?

 

[Regime2008]

why ?

...Because you would use a computer to restore a tablet, rather than using a tablet to restore a tablet...

 

[nutritious]

I just don't get this idea. Maybe Apple sees something I don't, but from what I can tell (own the current gen iPad Pro) the iPad is not a replacement to a proper computer unless you're an 80 year old grandma or a trendy emoji, snapchat obsessed kid, even then it's not great for doing homework, I bet.

It seems like Apple just wants to try and replace the computer "just because." Steve said the file system is confusing to the average person, iPad is the answer!

How about you focus on making your actual computers better (yes your MacBook sales are up but that's more to do with your brand and ecosystem than anything else) and leave the iPad to what it is good for.

 

[Anijake]

There is still no way of getting my music, that I own on CD or buy elsewhere (like official Springsteen concerts for example), onto a iDevice without a computer.

 

[dumastudetto]

For most people today, a computer definitely isn't a laptop or desktop. It's iPhone X for everyday computing and iPad Pro for more complex tasks

The future of the Mac is iPad Pro.

 

[Johnny907]

What's a computer? Not an iPad.
- sent from 2017 13" MPB

 

[nutritious]

For most people today, a computer definitely isn't a laptop or desktop. It's iPhone X for everyday computing and iPad Pro for more complex tasks

The future of the Mac is iPad Pro.

The Mac is the only reason I care about Apple. I use an iPhone because of the Mac. No Mac means no iPhone or iPad for me. If I had to use the iPad Pro as my main computer, I'd be pretty depressed.

 

[R3k]

Those damn hipster elementary school kids...get off my lawn!

 

[JM]

LOL. Well played. No, they won't know me much longer if they keep neglecting the Macs and their software.

Man, I remember being completely stoked on iMac and then the 2003 silver door G4. I loved OS X. Gave it up around 2011 when I needed windows to do AutoCAD drafting.

 

[Glmnet1]

I edit video, moderate threads here , edit photos, draft articles, consume content, remote into servers, monitor a data center environment, RDP into Server instances.

Treat the iPad like a track pad, and use Bluetooth for a good keyboard. I would love a mouse in some instances, but don’t really miss it. Like you get used to working in the confines of a trackpad, using the iPad screen like a pointer is a learned skill.

I see, thank you for enlightening me! I use a trackpad all the time and never thought that the iPad could act as one on an external display. You still have to look at this iPad/trackpad to know where to touch no? Input on a trackpad is usually not affected by where you're touching on it.

 

[dumastudetto]

The Mac is the only reason I care about Apple. I use an iPhone because of the Mac. No Mac means no iPhone or iPad for me. If I had to use the iPad Pro as my main computer, I'd be pretty depressed.

iPad Pro and iOS 11 is a game changer for most people. I think if you tried to make the transition, and I mean really make the effort, you'd be delighted with the iPad Pro lifestyle.

 

[R3k]

ACTUAL COMPUTER™
do more. do it faster.

 

[Brammy]

Woah that kid has mad Keyboard Cover skills

That little smack and fold movement she did was amazing. My favorite part.

I liked it. Shot in fantasy land, but still. It's nice to think that technology can integrate into our lives so seamlessly. I wonder how much easier it would be on my younger siblings to use an iPad for their schoolwork instead of the entry level Windows machines they currently have.

Not really fantasy land. Everything she did on it you can do. It’s not that far off from what I use my iPad Pro for every day.

 

[WaxedJacket]

Apple, keep making great products but your marketing team needs a reboot.

 

[nutritious]

I use a 12” iPad Pro instead of a MBP when travelling because I like the touch screen and the MBP is just too expensive. However, my iPad would never replace my iMac so in that sense it’s not a computer replacement for me.

For leisure travel, the iPad to me is the better choice than a laptop, as it is easier to carry around.

iPad Pro and iOS 11 is a game changer for most people. I think if you tried to make the transition, and I mean really make the effort, you'd be delighted with the iPad Pro lifestyle.

I was using the iPad Pro as my main computer for 2 months at the hospital while doing treatment for a pretty serious, life threatening illness (it's why I bought it). While it is nice to use compared to older model iPads and iOS versions, it in no way can replace a proper computer for me. The same way a laptop still isn't a replacement to a proper desktop computer for me. I need multiple internal drives, multiples screens, tons of ram, and multiple CPUs for my work.

 

[Gaprofitt]

What a great ending. Apple really changed the idea what "computer" is.

Basicly only thing which i do with my desktop computer nowdays is making music, everything else i do with my iPad Pro 10,5" it's by far my favourite "computer"

Only one problem, the Ipad isn’t a computer. It’s a tablet

 

[artfossil]

I just don't get this idea. Maybe Apple sees something I don't, but from what I can tell (own the current gen iPad Pro) the iPad is not a replacement to a proper computer unless you're an 80 year old grandma or a trendy emoji, snapchat obsessed kid, even then it's not great for doing homework, I bet.

It seems like Apple just wants to try and replace the computer "just because." Steve said the file system is confusing to the average person, iPad is the answer!

How about you focus on making your actual computers better (yes your MacBook sales are up but that's more to do with your brand and ecosystem than anything else) and leave the iPad to what it is good for.

There’s so much ignorance in your statement I feel sorry for you, so I’m going to help you out by pointing you to a recent thread.
What do you realistically use your iPad for?

 

[nutritious]

There’s so much ignorance in your statement I feel sorry for you, so I’m going to help you out by pointing you to a recent thread.
What do you realistically use your iPad for?

Nope, not ignorant. You are making an assumption that I don't think the iPad is useful at all because you took my use of hyperbole literally. The iPad can be used for actual work, obviously. So can an iPhone. I've heard of people even using their iPhone to even write their essays (ouch). I know there are people who use the iPad as a professional tool (my dad tries to for his business, but it's because he never learned how to properly use a real computer). I just don't get it, but I've been a computer nerd since I was 8. Almost everything you do on your iPad is more enjoyable on a proper desktop, outside a couple things (if you really know your way around an actual computer). I am infinitely more productive on my desktop than my iPad.

The iPad has its strengths over most laptops: better portability, better battery life, better screen, etc. There can be some use cases where the iPad is a superior choice, but it's not a replacement for professionals that need a real computer, and it will never be in its current form.
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ACTUAL COMPUTER™
do more. do it faster.

exactly

 

[kruegdude]

But that's exactly the point. There is not "very little" that can't be done. It's totally different use cases and because you're not in them can't comprehend that there is a plethora of software and workflows that can't be used on a tablet. Some of which aren't even really that "specialist".

I, for one, would be extremely careful to make such absolute statements when my experience is obviously limited.

Exactly. For instance the iPad can’t format a floppy disk, so that’s one workflow. Another example would be ... I just got bored, I’m out.

 

[Traverse]

She puts that Smart Keyboard down on any surface even though the part that touches the surface is the same par that touches the screen...

 

[Peperino]

"What's a computer?"

Something Apple forgot to develop loooong time ago...