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Mister X

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 1, 2017
15
2
Hello,

First time Ipad Pro and apple user here. Well, even though it all lasted less than a week: because I purchased an Ipad Pro 2 only to return it a few days later.
I thought I would be able to handle iOS, but I simply couldn't, as it clearly slowed down my workflow. I really wanted to like that Ipad Pro though, but I felt like iOS was too limiting: it simply needed a few tweaks to become (at least for me) a real laptop replacement and a functional drawing tablet. In that case, I would totally be willing to give it another chance.
But not knowing much about iOS and apple in general (I am a total newbie in that regard), I'm wondering if my wishes are simply unrealistic, which is why I am posting in this forum.

I was looking for a lighter replacement for my Cintiq companion hybrid, which has always been somewhat of a disappointment: bulky, heavy, not that good to use on your lap or carry around, and I've found the drawing experience under android to be terrible. I was also hopping the Ipad Pro could serve as a laptop replacement...
If only Astropad worked on PC it would have been perfect (I didn't try duet display as it seems to bug with machines using nvidia cards, which is my case). But since I don't own a mac and have no plans on buying one, I was stuck with iOS for the time being. It's really a shame, because I really enjoyed drawing on the Ipad Pro. In fact, I'm among the few who think a 14 or even 15 inches version could find its audience.
I'm not considering the Mobile Studio Pro as it is still too bulky and expensive. And I'm still unsure about the Surface Pro for reasons I will not develop here.
I've been waiting for the release of the Ipad Pro 2 for months, and after being disappointed by it, I am now back to square one :/ ...

Anyway, back to iOS: here are the two big things that really bothered me. Are there any chances these might change in the future? I've looked online for answer, but couldn't find anything certain.

1) Being able to have several instances of a same program opened or, more simply, being able to open multiple files on a same app. And of course, being able to edit any opened file. Is that something possible on iOS? Is it a definite "no-no"? Does it depend on the app? Could the "multitask" feature on iOS 11 solve this?

2) Being able to transfer files EASILY between devices. Plug an SD card or an USB drive and voilà. No need to resort to extra programs like iTunes, the internet with dropbox, etc...I have a very slow internet connection: it took me 15 minutes to send a 30mb photoshop file on dropbox so I could open it on Procreate (and no, there are no other internet options in my part of town). That for me was the last nail on the coffin: forget about "start some work on your PC, continue it on your Ipad Pro". Does the "files" feature on iOS11 recognize extra devices and allows you to move things easily?

There are probably others things I might be forgetting, but these two are really the top ones.
If these could happen, it is very possible I would say goodbye to my current cintiq and use an Ipad Pro only...And if apple released a bigger version (15", calling it the "Ipad Studio" or whatever), then here is my money.
But if those don't happen, I can only hope wacom will release light and thin tablets. And hopefully those won't cost $1500 and more.

Thanks.
 
Hello,

First time Ipad Pro and apple user here. Well, even though it all lasted less than a week: because I purchased an Ipad Pro 2 only to return it a few days later.
I thought I would be able to handle iOS, but I simply couldn't, as it clearly slowed down my workflow. I really wanted to like that Ipad Pro though, but I felt like iOS was too limiting: it simply needed a few tweaks to become (at least for me) a real laptop replacement and a functional drawing tablet. In that case, I would totally be willing to give it another chance.
But not knowing much about iOS and apple in general (I am a total newbie in that regard), I'm wondering if my wishes are simply unrealistic, which is why I am posting in this forum.

I was looking for a lighter replacement for my Cintiq companion hybrid, which has always been somewhat of a disappointment: bulky, heavy, not that good to use on your lap or carry around, and I've found the drawing experience under android to be terrible. I was also hopping the Ipad Pro could serve as a laptop replacement...
If only Astropad worked on PC it would have been perfect (I didn't try duet display as it seems to bug with machines using nvidia cards, which is my case). But since I don't own a mac and have no plans on buying one, I was stuck with iOS for the time being. It's really a shame, because I really enjoyed drawing on the Ipad Pro. In fact, I'm among the few who think a 14 or even 15 inches version could find its audience.
I'm not considering the Mobile Studio Pro as it is still too bulky and expensive. And I'm still unsure about the Surface Pro for reasons I will not develop here.
I've been waiting for the release of the Ipad Pro 2 for months, and after being disappointed by it, I am now back to square one :/ ...

Anyway, back to iOS: here are the two big things that really bothered me. Are there any chances these might change in the future? I've looked online for answer, but couldn't find anything certain.

1) Being able to have several instances of a same program opened or, more simply, being able to open multiple files on a same app. And of course, being able to edit any opened file. Is that something possible on iOS? Is it a definite "no-no"? Does it depend on the app? Could the "multitask" feature on iOS 11 solve this?

2) Being able to transfer files EASILY between devices. Plug an SD card or an USB drive and voilà. No need to resort to extra programs like iTunes, the internet with dropbox, etc...I have a very slow internet connection: it took me 15 minutes to send a 30mb photoshop file on dropbox so I could open it on Procreate (and no, there are no other internet options in my part of town). That for me was the last nail on the coffin: forget about "start some work on your PC, continue it on your Ipad Pro". Does the "files" feature on iOS11 recognize extra devices and allows you to move things easily?

There are probably others things I might be forgetting, but these two are really the top ones.
If these could happen, it is very possible I would say goodbye to my current cintiq and use an Ipad Pro only...And if apple released a bigger version (15", calling it the "Ipad Studio" or whatever), then here is my money.
But if those don't happen, I can only hope wacom will release light and thin tablets. And hopefully those won't cost $1500 and more.

Thanks.

1) Not enough memory...now. Always has been an issue, but c'mon, at least let stuff run in the background (downloads) and like you said, let me open a couple of files within an app so I can copy and paste easily.

2) Shouldn't this work with iCloud?
 
Last edited:
1) Not enough memory...now. Always has been an issue, but c'mon, at least let stuff run in the background (downloads) and like you said, let me open a couple of files within an app so I can copy and paste easily.

2) Shouldn't this work with iCloud?

Thanks for the answer, while it's unfortunately not what I was hopping to hear. So technically, if there's ever an 8gb Ipad Pro, that could be possible? It's sad to hear 4gb is not enough to open and run a few files, sometimes it's necessary for what I do: a file with references, the file I'm drawing in, sometimes another to pick up colors with the eyedropper (specially when I have to keep color accuracy between files).

I haven't had a chance to try iCloud. Well, being old fashioned, I've only barely tried dropbox and onedrive: both would put my internet to its knees every-time I need to upload/syncronise. If iCloud relies on the internet as well, then it would be the same for me.

Well, I guess I'll wait for one to two more years, see what the future might bring.
 
Thanks for the answer, while it's unfortunately not what I was hopping to hear. So technically, if there's ever an 8gb Ipad Pro, that could be possible? It's sad to hear 4gb is not enough to open and run a few files, sometimes it's necessary for what I do: a file with references, the file I'm drawing in, sometimes another to pick up colors with the eyedropper (specially when I have to keep color accuracy between files).

I haven't had a chance to try iCloud. Well, being old fashioned, I've only barely tried dropbox and onedrive: both would put my internet to its knees every-time I need to upload/syncronise. If iCloud relies on the internet as well, then it would be the same for me.

Well, I guess I'll wait for one to two more years, see what the future might bring.


I guess I was correct in assuming you are dealing with large files. I mean, there's AirDrop and other methods. I don't use them often, but transitioning from phone to Mac is pretty seamless. I am alo wondering how this will work with the new file manager.
 
Hello,

First time Ipad Pro and apple user here. Well, even though it all lasted less than a week: because I purchased an Ipad Pro 2 only to return it a few days later.
I thought I would be able to handle iOS, but I simply couldn't, as it clearly slowed down my workflow. I really wanted to like that Ipad Pro though, but I felt like iOS was too limiting: it simply needed a few tweaks to become (at least for me) a real laptop replacement and a functional drawing tablet. In that case, I would totally be willing to give it another chance.
But not knowing much about iOS and apple in general (I am a total newbie in that regard), I'm wondering if my wishes are simply unrealistic, which is why I am posting in this forum.

I was looking for a lighter replacement for my Cintiq companion hybrid, which has always been somewhat of a disappointment: bulky, heavy, not that good to use on your lap or carry around, and I've found the drawing experience under android to be terrible. I was also hopping the Ipad Pro could serve as a laptop replacement...
If only Astropad worked on PC it would have been perfect (I didn't try duet display as it seems to bug with machines using nvidia cards, which is my case). But since I don't own a mac and have no plans on buying one, I was stuck with iOS for the time being. It's really a shame, because I really enjoyed drawing on the Ipad Pro. In fact, I'm among the few who think a 14 or even 15 inches version could find its audience.
I'm not considering the Mobile Studio Pro as it is still too bulky and expensive. And I'm still unsure about the Surface Pro for reasons I will not develop here.
I've been waiting for the release of the Ipad Pro 2 for months, and after being disappointed by it, I am now back to square one :/ ...

Anyway, back to iOS: here are the two big things that really bothered me. Are there any chances these might change in the future? I've looked online for answer, but couldn't find anything certain.

1) Being able to have several instances of a same program opened or, more simply, being able to open multiple files on a same app. And of course, being able to edit any opened file. Is that something possible on iOS? Is it a definite "no-no"? Does it depend on the app? Could the "multitask" feature on iOS 11 solve this?

2) Being able to transfer files EASILY between devices. Plug an SD card or an USB drive and voilà. No need to resort to extra programs like iTunes, the internet with dropbox, etc...I have a very slow internet connection: it took me 15 minutes to send a 30mb photoshop file on dropbox so I could open it on Procreate (and no, there are no other internet options in my part of town). That for me was the last nail on the coffin: forget about "start some work on your PC, continue it on your Ipad Pro". Does the "files" feature on iOS11 recognize extra devices and allows you to move things easily?

There are probably others things I might be forgetting, but these two are really the top ones.
If these could happen, it is very possible I would say goodbye to my current cintiq and use an Ipad Pro only...And if apple released a bigger version (15", calling it the "Ipad Studio" or whatever), then here is my money.
But if those don't happen, I can only hope wacom will release light and thin tablets. And hopefully those won't cost $1500 and more.

Thanks.
Have you tried Microsoft Surface Pro?
 
Thanks for the answer, while it's unfortunately not what I was hopping to hear. So technically, if there's ever an 8gb Ipad Pro, that could be possible? It's sad to hear 4gb is not enough to open and run a few files, sometimes it's necessary for what I do: a file with references, the file I'm drawing in, sometimes another to pick up colors with the eyedropper (specially when I have to keep color accuracy between files).

I haven't had a chance to try iCloud. Well, being old fashioned, I've only barely tried dropbox and onedrive: both would put my internet to its knees every-time I need to upload/syncronise. If iCloud relies on the internet as well, then it would be the same for me.

Well, I guess I'll wait for one to two more years, see what the future might bring.
Have you tried Microsoft Surface Pro?

Thank you for both registering to remind us of the benefits of Microsoft© Surface Pro™. Cloud First, Mobile First ®

o_O
 
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Thank you for both registering to remind us of the benefits of Microsoft© Surface Pro™. Cloud First, Mobile First ®

o_O
I think it is silly to be a Microsoft fanboy/ an Apple fanboy. You buy what you need. If an iPad fits into your day to day work, buy an iPad. If not, you can always buy product from other brands.
 
Hello,

First time Ipad Pro and apple user here. Well, even though it all lasted less than a week: because I purchased an Ipad Pro 2 only to return it a few days later.
I thought I would be able to handle iOS, but I simply couldn't, as it clearly slowed down my workflow. I really wanted to like that Ipad Pro though, but I felt like iOS was too limiting: it simply needed a few tweaks to become (at least for me) a real laptop replacement and a functional drawing tablet. In that case, I would totally be willing to give it another chance.
But not knowing much about iOS and apple in general (I am a total newbie in that regard), I'm wondering if my wishes are simply unrealistic, which is why I am posting in this forum.

I was looking for a lighter replacement for my Cintiq companion hybrid, which has always been somewhat of a disappointment: bulky, heavy, not that good to use on your lap or carry around, and I've found the drawing experience under android to be terrible. I was also hopping the Ipad Pro could serve as a laptop replacement...
If only Astropad worked on PC it would have been perfect (I didn't try duet display as it seems to bug with machines using nvidia cards, which is my case). But since I don't own a mac and have no plans on buying one, I was stuck with iOS for the time being. It's really a shame, because I really enjoyed drawing on the Ipad Pro. In fact, I'm among the few who think a 14 or even 15 inches version could find its audience.
I'm not considering the Mobile Studio Pro as it is still too bulky and expensive. And I'm still unsure about the Surface Pro for reasons I will not develop here.
I've been waiting for the release of the Ipad Pro 2 for months, and after being disappointed by it, I am now back to square one :/ ...

Anyway, back to iOS: here are the two big things that really bothered me. Are there any chances these might change in the future? I've looked online for answer, but couldn't find anything certain.

1) Being able to have several instances of a same program opened or, more simply, being able to open multiple files on a same app. And of course, being able to edit any opened file. Is that something possible on iOS? Is it a definite "no-no"? Does it depend on the app? Could the "multitask" feature on iOS 11 solve this?

2) Being able to transfer files EASILY between devices. Plug an SD card or an USB drive and voilà. No need to resort to extra programs like iTunes, the internet with dropbox, etc...I have a very slow internet connection: it took me 15 minutes to send a 30mb photoshop file on dropbox so I could open it on Procreate (and no, there are no other internet options in my part of town). That for me was the last nail on the coffin: forget about "start some work on your PC, continue it on your Ipad Pro". Does the "files" feature on iOS11 recognize extra devices and allows you to move things easily?

There are probably others things I might be forgetting, but these two are really the top ones.
If these could happen, it is very possible I would say goodbye to my current cintiq and use an Ipad Pro only...And if apple released a bigger version (15", calling it the "Ipad Studio" or whatever), then here is my money.
But if those don't happen, I can only hope wacom will release light and thin tablets. And hopefully those won't cost $1500 and more.

Thanks.
I would say the iPad is still not for you. I’m frustrated with some of your same issues but the competition is even worse and Mac computers got crazily expansive, so, here I am with the 13 inches iPad Pro. I’m mostly happy with it, except for the lightning port and the lack of support for usb devices and trackpads. Hopefully in a couple of years, but perhaps 3-4 years, an iPad will be a computer replacement for everyone.
 
Either iPad or iOS (especially iOS) is not designed for long term offline or limited internet connection environment. Surely there are cases of this usage being available but these devices are highly customized, which is not available on Apple store.

Also, iPad is still far from computer replacement, and it may never be. Lacking a true file system (not that likely sandboxed files app unless Apple has found a way to let files app container act as the central hub of all files storage) is just one factor.
 
Either iPad or iOS (especially iOS) is not designed for long term offline or limited internet connection environment. Surely there are cases of this usage being available but these devices are highly customized, which is not available on Apple store.

Also, iPad is still far from computer replacement, and it may never be. Lacking a true file system (not that likely sandboxed files app unless Apple has found a way to let files app container act as the central hub of all files storage) is just one factor.
Side note: I would gladly pay 100$ to be able to buy apps outside of the store (like Microsoft did for the surface laptop).
It's a disgusting thing to do, but better than nothing
 
Have you tried Microsoft Surface Pro?

I have considered the surface pro...But haven't really made up my mind yet. I think I might give it a try at some point, as I might need to buy a new laptop for work.

Right now, here are the few things that bother me with the Surface Pro (again, keeping in mind that what I'm looking for is a portable cintiq replacement).

1) You can not plug it to another computer and use it as a regular cintiq (something you can do with an ipad pro, astropad and a mac). It's a machine on its own: once its outdated, then it's outdated. A device like the mobile studio pro can still work for years, even if its "mobile windows" tech becomes outdated: you will still be able to plug it to a computer 10 years from now and it should work. I had a Cintiq 12WX since 2009 that I sold last year, and it still works like a charm. Now, I don't think an Ipad Pro with astropad would last that long, but it should last longer than a surface pro alone.

2) To increase the longevity of the surface pro and make sure you'll be able to run photoshop/clip studio paint with large files, tons of layers, huge brushes, etc, you need the high-end versions, with a fast CPU, 16 Gb of ram, etc. Those are rather expensive, and clearly outside of my budget. I could get the entry level surface pro, but I'm afraid heavy work will put it to its knees.

3) Lack of side-keys while running full desktop apps. The wacom tablets come with all of those shortcut keys on the side: I tend to use them more than the keyboard, and those are really useful if you want to work on-the-go. Now, the ipad pro doesn't have those either BUT it doesn't run full desktop apps, and those apps are clearly made to be used with touch gesture. Apart from some minor problems, drawing on Procreate was the BEST drawing experience I've ever had on tablet. It just felt so natural and easy...And with astropad, you still rely on gestures for your shortcuts, so problem solved.
There are programs that allow you to create on-screen shortcuts for your programs, but that means using even more space on an already small screen for desktop apps (I already feel a bit crammed when working on my cintiq 13hd).
So, no "let's draw on the surface pro while sitting on the couch", unless you keep your keyboard nearby or decide to do everything by hand.


Obviously, the surface pro won't have some of the issues I have with the ipad pro, mainly when it comes to file transfers...But it does have a few other issues of its own. It's obviously a trade of, but now I don't think the surface pro nor the ipad pro could fit my needs.
Again, if only the mobile studio pro were lighter, slimmer and less expensive...

I guess I'm just going to wait and see what happens, and save more money.
Wacom might update the mobile pro in a few years. Microsoft might release a 13 to 15 inches portable surface studio, or apple might do the same thing with the ipad pro (though if apple is going to release a professional drawing-tablet, it might need to run on OSX instead of iOS): as long as you can plug those ones to computers as regular cintiqs, I'm in. I want something that could last for some years.
If astropad gets an update to work on PC, I'm giving another try at the Ipad Pro, that's for sure.
 
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