iPad Do you think an iPad will suffice, instead of a full computer?

[294307]

The Surface is a laptop.

I disagree with the definition of a tablet. Basically a tablet is a computer device that has a touch screen and you don't need a mouse and keyboard to interact with it.

I don't agree. I think a tablet is defined by the OS it runs. A tablet for me HAS to be running a mobile OS. A desktop OS doesn't want to be touched, therefore Windows Tablets suck. Same reason why an iPad doesn't run the same OSX as iMac. It would he insane.

There is a certain design for tablets and a design for desktop. You can't mix both or it'll suck.

If you use a surface and open Photoshop, it opens the desktop Photoshop. You try and navigate desktop Photoshop with your fingers. Impossible. Out comes the stylus. Do you really want to use a stylus? Hold with one hand and poke at it with the other?

Not to mention, when you're in Photoshop, you're constantly using the keyboard. One hand on the keyboard the other on the mouse. Why? Because it is designed for a desktop OS. So, you'll have the kickstand. The MS flappy keyboard and a mouse with your surface when dealing with most apps. Why? Because it is a laptop, really.

This is the reason the surface is a total failure. People don't want to touch their desktop.

Personally, I view devices that just has a touchscreen to be a tablet, regardless the OS it is running. However whether it is a good tablet or not is another question altogether - there are some terrible tablets out there. I don't think Microsoft has got the balance quite right with their "one size fits all" idea with Windows 8.

 

[steveinaz]

....according to Tim Cook..

He says he uses an IPad for the majority of his daily work running Apple. I also use my IPad for everything I need both business and personal. There are some trade-offs but in general, once you get acclimated to using the IPad, you don't need a computer. Just my opinion.

 

[charlituna]

What do you do with your computer? The answer to your question is directly related to the answer to this question.

bingo. So many folks are all 'no way, you need a computer cause typing on an iPad sucks' and so on. But if you aren't really doing anything that requires heavy typing it's a moot point. not to mention there are external keyboards that one could get that cover that point rather well.

my sister is currently in a summer college course with an iPad and a keyboard and she's doing just fine with note taking etc. Other folks mileage may vary so she doesn't presume to tell them they have to do as she does

 

[chupachup]

Personally, I view devices that just has a touchscreen to be a tablet, regardless the OS it is running. However whether it is a good tablet or not is another question altogether - there are some terrible tablets out there. I don't think Microsoft has got the balance quite right with their "one size fits all" idea with Windows 8.

Agreed.

Definitely any computer with a touchscreen that doesn't need a mouse and keyboard to operate is a Tablet.

 

[kupkakez]

I can use my iPad as a full computer replacement for most everything I do. The only reason I keep a laptop around so I can play WoW, which obviously I can't do on an iPad. Other than that everything else I do can be done on an iPad.

 

[llarc84]

All depends on your needs, OP.

I used a 4th Gen iPad as my main computer for a few months with a keyboard case, and it worked well. I tried the same with a rMini, and it was a disaster, probably because I have big hands. Since I'm a developer, having a computer now is a must.

 

[New Apple]

All depends on your needs, OP.

I used a 4th Gen iPad as my main computer for a few months with a keyboard case, and it worked well. I tried the same with a rMini, and it was a disaster, probably because I have big hands. Since I'm a developer, having a computer now is a must.

once again what each individual is gonna use the machine for
a developer cannot think to go 'small' or smaller, why not try an iphone next

but most of people are not developer, i'd say (my impression) that 80-85% of people in the world wouldnt require anything more than a tablet (be it 7-8 or 10 inches)


and this is the basic rule every 80-85% people in this world should follow when going to buy a computer at a shop (but the shop man might advice them to spend twice or trice the price because a tablet is not a computer, however today a few really need a computer)


if i was a middle aged lady, looking for nothing more than reading, emailing, chat with sons, share pics, socialing, surfing, play some games, and i readed your comment i'd immediately think
' ah, tablets are crap then '

 

[chupachup]

once again what each individual is gonna use the machine for
a developer cannot think to go 'small' or smaller, why not try an iphone next

but most of people are not developer, i'd say (my impression) that 80-85% of people in the world wouldnt require anything more than a tablet (be it 7-8 or 10 inches)


and this is the basic rule every 80-85% people in this world should follow when going to buy a computer at a shop (but the shop man might advice them to spend twice or trice the price because a tablet is not a computer, however today a few really need a computer)


if i was a middle aged lady, looking for nothing more than reading, emailing, chat with sons, share pics, socialing, surfing, play some games, and i readed your comment i'd immediately think
' ah, tablets are crap then '

Really?

From his comment I would think, Wow, maybe it is possible to have a tablet as your main computer because that guy did it.

Then he says:

1) if it is your main computer, you may want to get the full sized ipad since the Mini is too small for a main laptop replacement.

2) If you're a developer or do things that require a desktop OS, then obviously you can't use an iPad as your main computer.

and that's all he said.

 

[maflynn]

All depends on your needs, OP.

I think that is probably the best answer.

For my wife, the iPad makes sense, she can use that instead of a computer. For my needs, the iPad doesn't work.

For people who just Facebook, surf and email. The iPad is a fine, for other tasks the computer may be better suited.

 

[llarc84]

Haha its all good, and thanks for the defense chupachup. New Apple, it sounds like you misunderstood my post, and that's okay.

I recently became a developer as I used to work at Apple not too long ago, and well, that would be a conflict of interest to do both at the same time and wasn't allowed as long as I was an employee. The reference I was making with the rMini and the 4th Gen iPad were before I became a developer. I should have mentioned that.

During that time, it was perfectly fine for me to use an iPad as my main computer for most stuff. The rMini is fine for that task as well, but it all depends on the person and their needs. I have big hands, so just as an example, imagine my experience with trying to select one of the bubbles for the smiley face icons when I post on here on a rMini...total frustration as I would keep selecting the wrong one over and over again. Someone else with smaller hands might be able to do that just fine. Both are great devices.

Since I am a developer now, a computer is a must. Hope this cleared up any misunderstanding.

 

[wolfpackfan]

IMO the feature that really keeps the iPad from really working well as a laptop replacement is the lack of split screen and multitasking. For example, one thing I use my desktop Mac is to pay bills. To do this I typically open up Safari in one window and Quicken in another. Well on the iPad that would not be possible even if Quicken was available for the iPad. Even if split screen were available for the iPad on the Air screen the two panes would be so small they would be unusable. It won't be until the iPad Pro comes out, if it comes out, that split screen would truly be usable, if Apple were to add it to IOS. Until these things occur, I see problems with the iPad being a real laptop replacement. BUT other than this scenario I could use my iPad for all my other uses.

 

[uwdude]

I would say get an iPad Air, and see how it goes. And then if you find it's uncomfortable, need a computer for certain applications, etc. then you can return it or get a mac in addition. I really think for most people an iPad is ok, some may not even realize that. The exceptions would be maybe someone with small kids who need to do online homework from school (I had this situation helping someone purchase something, and she ended up with an iMac), or someone doing work that requires the full computer functionality.

I myself last week purchased a Macbook Pro, and then a few days later I returned it, realizing that the iPad was just more comfortable to hold and do things on for my use case, which was sitting on a futon by the TV. In my case the keyboard and trackpad were actually a negative.

 

[Tsepz]

I'm about to use the iPad Air 2, when it comes out, as my only computer. I don't have a desktop at home and sold the laptop.

I can do any document editing or creation I need.

I can do any design I do on the desktop on the iPad.

For me it will replace the laptop nicely. A lot more user friendly, a lot thinner and let's face it, more fun to use.

I think it has to do with what the person does. If I had to code all day, then it wouldn't be able to replace my laptop.

As long as that works for you and you know the trade off

Most people don't really need a PC or laptop and all their power, they just want something usable, simple, mobile and convenient to use, the iPad is all that and then some.

If I didn't have uni assignments to do I would also not really need a laptop or PC, I'm very happy with the iPad, it's great to use, has a ton of optimized content for it and the battery life is incredible, so I totally understand.


I'm also looking to get a iPad Air 2 to replace my iPad 4, will be great a lighter yet more powerful tablet, looking forward to it.

 

[chupachup]

As long as that works for you and you know the trade off

Most people don't really need a PC or laptop and all their power, they just want something usable, simple, mobile and convenient to use, the iPad is all that and then some.

If I didn't have uni assignments to do I would also not really need a laptop or PC, I'm very happy with the iPad, it's great to use, has a ton of optimized content for it and the battery life is incredible, so I totally understand.


I'm also looking to get a iPad Air 2 to replace my iPad 4, will be great a lighter yet more powerful tablet, looking forward to it.

I may start a PhD at some point and I think I can get most things done with an iPad. Even all the assignments.

There are some things that I wouldn't be able to do. Little things. For instance, log into moodle and browse for a file and submit it.

The thing with me is that I sit at a desktop at work everyday. So, for the 10% of the time I need a desktop then that will work. Also my wife has an old heavy VAIO 15" I can borrow if and when I need windows for something.

From my experience 90% of the stuff I do on a computer can be done with an iPad. I'm on my phone way too much. It will be a lot more comfortable using a tablet.

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I would say get an iPad Air, and see how it goes. And then if you find it's uncomfortable, need a computer for certain applications, etc. then you can return it or get a mac in addition. I really think for most people an iPad is ok, some may not even realize that. The exceptions would be maybe someone with small kids who need to do online homework from school (I had this situation helping someone purchase something, and she ended up with an iMac), or someone doing work that requires the full computer functionality.

I myself last week purchased a Macbook Pro, and then a few days later I returned it, realizing that the iPad was just more comfortable to hold and do things on for my use case, which was sitting on a futon by the TV. In my case the keyboard and trackpad were actually a negative.

I would keep the iPad and add a Macbook Air. For laptops it has to be Mac. It'll enhance the Mac experience anyway.

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IMO the feature that really keeps the iPad from really working well as a laptop replacement is the lack of split screen and multitasking. For example, one thing I use my desktop Mac is to pay bills. To do this I typically open up Safari in one window and Quicken in another. Well on the iPad that would not be possible even if Quicken was available for the iPad. Even if split screen were available for the iPad on the Air screen the two panes would be so small they would be unusable. It won't be until the iPad Pro comes out, if it comes out, that split screen would truly be usable, if Apple were to add it to IOS. Until these things occur, I see problems with the iPad being a real laptop replacement. BUT other than this scenario I could use my iPad for all my other uses.

The Macbook Air 11" is already perfect.

I can't tell you how much I loved that laptop. I was heart broken when it was stolen. It is the perfect combo between a laptop and almost a tablet. Its so light and thin and easy to use that its almost like a tablet already.

I'm not sure what Apple's 12" device will be. It seems to me it will be a 12" laptop. Maybe Apple will discontinue the 11" for a retina version. Then have the 13" low res as the "cheap" Mac. Then discontinue the DVD Pro which is a dinosaur at this point.

I started doubting the 12" tablet idea when I held the 12" Note Pro from Samsung. I couldn't hold that thing for more than a few minutes. It is gigantic. A surface Pro 3 will be most of its time with the hinge sitting on a desk, so, just make it a laptop already.