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Can iPad Pro replace a laptop for the uses I listed

  • Yes it can

    Votes: 9 26.5%
  • No it cannot

    Votes: 25 73.5%

  • Total voters
    34

Samtb

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jan 6, 2013
1,508
34
I currently have an iPad Air 1 but it can't replace my laptop because I find iOS app versions of software like pages or word limiting especially without a proper keyboard or mouse cursor. I also can't multitask with multiple apps. For example using Skype while on notes or safari. I also find my iPad Air 1 crashes sometimes if I have too many things open at once. Has the iPad Pro addressed some of these issues or would I be better off sticking to MacBook and only using iPad Air for music, web and videos?
 
If you cannot work with iPad Air 1 because of Software, why should an iPad Pro change anything?

I have the 12,9" Pro, and the software is the same... I am missing an overhaul of the iWork Suite. It needs more features.
Especially Pages.
 
You can use Skype whilst working on Safari and notes by using split screen. Obviously the 12.9 will give me real estate. Many apps are starting to embed tabs e.g. PDF Expert as a way of multitasking. As for word processor depends on what your needs are as to if they are suitable or not.
 
Whether an iPad (Pro or otherwise) can replace your laptop is dependant on 3 things.
  1. What do you need\want to do?
  2. How flexible are you about your workflow\how you do things? (If you want to do things in the exact same way as you do on your laptop, then the iPad will most likely fail.)
  3. Do the right iPad apps exist to do what you need\want to do? This included things like multitasking support. (Which I find works well on some apps, and quite poorly on others.)
For me, there are a couple of Windows only apps that are critical to my day job, so I will continue to need my work supplied Windows laptop for the foreseeable future. That's not the iPads fault, the apps could easily run on an iPad with an optimised touch GUI (In fact they are horribly designed, and could be greatly improved with an iPad style interface), but they have chosen to only support Windows. And outside of work, there are times and applications, when I just prefer to sit at a desk with a much bigger screen. (It makes me laugh when people say the 12.9" iPad is huge!) But my iPad is by far my most used computing device outside of work, and as I discover ways to adjust my workflow, and find the right apps, I expect I will use it even more. However I expect to keep my desktop for the foreseeable future.

If my memory is correct, the iPad Air 1 doesn't support split view, so upgrading to a pro would allow you to use Safari or Notes and Skype side by side. The Air 1 only has 1GB RAM, while the 9.7 Pro has 2GB, and the 12.9 has 4GB so you can have more things open without running into memory constraints.
Of course there is nothing to stop you from using a "proper keyboard" with your current iPad, just buy the bluetooth keyboard you like and connect it. An iPad Pro adds the option on keyboards with a Smartconnector, which is nice. I doubt that Apple will ever add mouse support to iPad, (Sometimes I wish they would) so if you can't adjust to not having a mouse iPad isn't for you.

So to answer your original question. Yes iPad Pro has addressed some of your issues. Split view multitasking is definitely improved over the Air 1. But some of your other issues are more about the software, which no new iPad will fix, Pages is still just Pages on an iPad Pro.
 
You can always connect a wireless keyboard to your iPad, but maybe you need some software features not available in the iOS versions of Pages, Word or the like. And what keeps you from using Skype while using Safari or another App?

Edit: I just read above, that the iPad Air doesn´t support Splitview. So yes, the iPad Pro CAN (propably) replace your Notebook! ;)
 
This device has replaced my MacBook Pro mid 2014. Should have replaced it sooner. It's lighter and it cost less than a notebook.

1. Web surfing

2. Emails

3. Pages

4. Simple games

5. Music

6. Photos

7. Drawings

8. Notes

9. Banking

10. Maps and GPS

11. Some movies or TV and news programs
 
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I currently have an iPad Air 1 but it can't replace my laptop because I find iOS app versions of software like pages or word limiting especially without a proper keyboard or mouse cursor. I also can't multitask with multiple apps. For example using Skype while on notes or safari. I also find my iPad Air 1 crashes sometimes if I have too many things open at once. Has the iPad Pro addressed some of these issues or would I be better off sticking to MacBook and only using iPad Air for music, web and videos?

What the Pro solves (for you):
  • Multitask (you can have two apps side-by-side)
  • The Pencil will give you some precision in selecting and placing a cursor
  • With more RAM, you will have fewer app crashes (assuming the crashes are due to system resources)
What you can solve with the Air:
  • The Air works with just about any Bluetooth keyboard (solves your 'proper keyboard' issue)
What the Pro WON'T solve:
  • If you find iOS apps limiting because of software, then you're not gaining much (if anything) on the Pro
  • Your apps may still crash (if it's not a resource issue)
Also consider - if you're not getting rid of your MacBook, an iPad doesn't have to COMPLETELY replace it. You could do most of what you need/want to do on the iPad and go back to the MacBook when needed.
 
Stupid thread, why does this topic pop up every now and then.

Its an individual issue.

Some can dispense with the laptop/desktop, partly. Some fully. I am sure there are many who could dispense wth OSX, and do everything they have to do, but not enjoy it.

Moral is, don't ask advice in a thread for this topic, only you know whether you can replace, or if its usaable/enjoyable enough.
 
Can my toaster replace my microwave? Can my cat replace my girlfriend? Can a hot pocket replace a full size pizza from Pizza Hut?

I thought it was amusing see this question and then scrolling down in this thread....
 

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I run a music production company from my iPad Pro 12.9. I no longer have, or need, a desktop. My partner, who does the actual music creation and editing/mastering, still uses a MacBook Pro. But even he has said that if Logic for iOS was to be released, he would be fine with an iPad Pro.

Here are the tasks I do daily:

1) Upload and download music files to FTP sites
2) Create contracts for songwriters and distributors
3) Manage music metadata in excel spreadsheets
4) Create album cover art
5) Email and skype with songwriters and distributors

For these tasks, here are the Apps I use:

1) I have an Office 365 subscription for $15/month that provides me with Microsoft Exchange email, use of the Microsoft Office software, and 1 TB of Microsoft OneDrive online storage space. I regularly use Word and Excel, and I store our files on the OneDrive storage. I do NOT use Outlook as I prefer the iPad mail app.

2) I love the Readdle software suite. I use Documents for all of my uploading and downloading of files to and from FTP sites and our OneDrive online storage. Documents is basically like Finder on a Mac -- it's the most useful app you can put on your iPad.

3) I also use PDF Expert and PDF Converter for converting documents to PDF and for signing or notating contracts.

With these few apps, I've found it easy to get through my workflow and keep everything very organized. I love the simplicity of iOS compared to a regular desktop OS.
 
Can my toaster replace my microwave? Can my cat replace my girlfriend? Can a hot pocket replace a full size pizza from Pizza Hut?

I thought it was amusing see this question and then scrolling down in this thread....

Yep, best post ever!!

When I stay home, my feet replace my car
[doublepost=1471770482][/doublepost]
I run a music production company from my iPad Pro 12.9. I no longer have, or need, a desktop. My partner, who does the actual music creation and editing/mastering, still uses a MacBook Pro. But even he has said that if Logic for iOS was to be released, he would be fine with an iPad Pro.

Here are the tasks I do daily:

1) Upload and download music files to FTP sites
2) Create contracts for songwriters and distributors
3) Manage music metadata in excel spreadsheets
4) Create album cover art
5) Email and skype with songwriters and distributors

For these tasks, here are the Apps I use:

1) I have an Office 365 subscription for $15/month that provides me with Microsoft Exchange email, use of the Microsoft Office software, and 1 TB of Microsoft OneDrive online storage space. I regularly use Word and Excel, and I store our files on the OneDrive storage. I do NOT use Outlook as I prefer the iPad mail app.

2) I love the Readdle software suite. I use Documents for all of my uploading and downloading of files to and from FTP sites and our OneDrive online storage. Documents is basically like Finder on a Mac -- it's the most useful app you can put on your iPad.

3) I also use PDF Expert and PDF Converter for converting documents to PDF and for signing or notating contracts.

With these few apps, I've found it easy to get through my workflow and keep everything very organized. I love the simplicity of iOS compared to a regular desktop OS.

I also find the mouse really inconvenient, same with my two large screens. An app is an app, click an open,no matte what OS, it aint that hard
 
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Stupid thread, why does this topic pop up every now and then.

Its an individual issue.

Some can dispense with the laptop/desktop, partly. Some fully. I am sure there are many who could dispense wth OSX, and do everything they have to do, but not enjoy it.

Moral is, don't ask advice in a thread for this topic, only you know whether you can replace, or if its usaable/enjoyable enough.
Respectfully, somewhat disagree -- It's still relatively early in this "replace my computer" possibility. If a user has done a search and hasn't found a use-case that mimics their own, it makes sense that they would start a thread. In this thread, a couple of members shared their use-case. Repetitive? It can be. But sometimes the info that a particular searcher needs is buried deep within the search results, or within a meandering thread, making it difficult to unbury. An OP should be as specific as possible if they think a thread is necessary.

Maybe a Wiki(s) for this topic would be helpful. It's a moving target.
 
Can my toaster replace my microwave? Can my cat replace my girlfriend? Can a hot pocket replace a full size pizza from Pizza Hut?

Depends on what lifestyle changes you're willing to make. It sounds like you really want to cut down in the cost department. You can totally make these changes - as long as you're willing to Think Different about your workflow.
  1. Toaster > Microwave - you will still be able to heat up bread and toaster strudels, but making popcorn using a toaster isn't easy.
  2. Cat > Girlfriend - there are certainly advantages (especially in the cost department and the maintenance department), however you may not get the same amount of companionship (this varies from user to user). If you're looking to replace your girlfriend, try a dog rather than a cat - lower maintenance and a higher love output.
  3. Hot Pocket > Pizza Hut - if you're just feeding yourself (especially if the girlfriend has been replaced by the dog), then this is doable. The issue is the previously mentioned microwave. This is where things get tricky. Make sure the toaster you replace your microwave with is NOT the cheap duel slot toaster, but the shelf toaster - then you can still hear up your hot pocket. Or use your stove. I would keep Pizza Hut's number on file though - just in case you have company.
I'd say give it a shot!
 
As others have said, it really comes down to individual needs.

I tried once to replace my desktop with an iPad. But Numbers is not Excel (prior to Office 365 and I won't pay for a subscription software service at this time) and my financial program is Java based and would not run on the iOS device.

While the financial program has an iOS application, it is not as full featured and that in itself presents issues.

Through the years publishers have ported their desktop applications to tablets. But there are still reasons I keep and use a desktop computer and that is why my iPad is for casual use, not heavy use.
 
Has the iPad Pro addressed some of these issues or would I be better off sticking to MacBook and only using iPad Air for music, web and videos?

Based on your stated usage, a laptop would be a better tool for you
 
This device has replaced my MacBook Pro mid 2014. Should have replaced it sooner. It's lighter and it cost less than a notebook.

1. Web surfing

2. Emails

3. Pages

4. Simple games

5. Music

6. Photos

7. Drawings

8. Notes

9. BankinG

10. Maps and GPS

11. Some movies or TV and news programs
I totally agree.
 
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What the Pro solves (for you):
  • Multitask (you can have two apps side-by-side)
  • The Pencil will give you some precision in selecting and placing a cursor
  • With more RAM, you will have fewer app crashes (assuming the crashes are due to system resources)
What you can solve with the Air:
  • The Air works with just about any Bluetooth keyboard (solves your 'proper keyboard' issue)
What the Pro WON'T solve:
  • If you find iOS apps limiting because of software, then you're not gaining much (if anything) on the Pro
  • Your apps may still crash (if it's not a resource issue)
Also consider - if you're not getting rid of your MacBook, an iPad doesn't have to COMPLETELY replace it. You could do most of what you need/want to do on the iPad and go back to the MacBook when needed.
This. This thread can now be closed... the responses can't get better than this. :D
 
try a dog rather than a cat - lower maintenance and a higher love output.

Hot Pocket > Pizza Hut - if you're just feeding yourself (especially if the girlfriend has been replaced by the dog),

Wait, are you saying dogs are less maintenance than cats? They are less maintenance than girlfriends, certainly, but cats are the least maintenance pets there is.

Also, dogs want hot pockets/pizzas too!

:p
 
Apple has convinced many of the companies Devotees to join them in attempting to convince people that an iPad can replace their computer.

These Devotees are like Apple Evangelists, preachers of the gospel. They stand up for the company preaching the merits of iPads. It's an interesting phenomenon unique to Apple.

Those who use their computers to do work beyond just calendar, contacts, mail and such don't waste time thinking about using an iPad.
 
A craftsman has many tools, all of which are professional. There is no tool for everything. The same goes for IPads, PCs and Laptops. All have their valid pros and cons in using them within a professional context.
 
This device has replaced my MacBook Pro mid 2014. Should have replaced it sooner. It's lighter and it cost less than a notebook.
I pulled out my late 2013 MacBook Pro last night for the first time in a while. I was binge watching Stranger Things and needed to charge my iPad. I left an article on Android Central opened that showed it was posted two hours ago, so I refreshed the page to get the date and it had been almost a month since I used it last. For a couple of years now I've been forcing myself to use my MacBook Pro more so I don't feel like it was a waste of money, but the gaps between use are getting longer and longer. I'm not sure if I'm ever going to replace this one.
 
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