Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

What device do you use the most? Explain in your post.


  • Total voters
    225
I definitely use my iPad more than my computer. I can do about 80% of my computing needs on the iPad. I will always have a full desktop computer, there is no way that I could transition to iPad only.
 
I use my iPad every single day. My iMac and my MacBook, not so much.

The iMac runs 24/7 as an iTunes server for my two AppleTV's and Sonos music system. I only use the iMac when I'm importing photos from my camera or editing a home video, which I do about every other month.

The MacBook just sits on my desk, really not doing anything. The last time I used it was to program my Logitech Harmony remote after I moved.
 
For general day to day things, my iPad is perfect, email, socials, news, web, entertainment.

I do use a MBP for work, but 90% could be done with an iPad.
 
I own a 15-inch retina MacBook Pro and a retina iPad mini. I use the laptop the most out of my day and the iPad before bed or while I'm out of the house. I use my laptop more because, for one, it's my most expensive purchase as of yet, and two, I find it more easy to use when computing online or typing up a paper or whatever. The iPad is mostly used for gaming and reading books, and surfing the web when need be.
 
I use a MacBook Pro with Retina, an original iPad mini and an iPad mini with Retina. These days I only ever use my laptop for tasks that the iPad cannot do.

When I bought my first iPad I was initially quite worried that I would end up not using it, but that wasn't the case. Now, even though I have two iPads, I still use them both extremely regularly; I'll often have something playing on Netflix on the original mini while I'm surfing the internet on my rMini.
 
unless all you used your laptop or desktop for was surfing the web and email I cant imagine how an iPad can replace it, I only use my iPad for surfing the web when I am on the couch or in bed or anywhere the laptop is not comfortable to operate, and for iOS games.
 
unless all you used your laptop or desktop for was surfing the web and email I cant imagine how an iPad can replace it, I only use my iPad for surfing the web when I am on the couch or in bed or anywhere the laptop is not comfortable to operate, and for iOS games.

Exactly that is the whole point. People that didn't ever really need a computer are the ones that use an iPad and feel that they don't need anything else. Everybody else thinks an iPad is too limited for everyday computing tasks.

Even web surfing is not good on an iPad and cannot be compared to a desktop OS. The main advantages of an iPad are its mobility, screen interactivity that makes the whole experience more personal, and its simplicity. For me the Macbook Air offers all of the above plus it has a real desktop OS..
 
I use my iPad Air almost all the time, I rarely use my 27" iMac, but I need my iMac (3TB) because it holds all of my data (movies, music, photos, etc.) that I use on my iPad or Apple TV :D
 
I've been heavily using my iPad 4 since I got it November 2012, my iPad is used mostly for tuition, reading and studying. Moreover, it's only device I used for emailing and stuff like that.
For instance, my participation in this forum happens via tapatalk on my iPad. I used PDF expert for editing and amending PDF files. I only turn my windows laptop on if I had to. Simply put, my iPad get 90% of use while both my desktop and laptop split 10%
 
These days, I mostly use my laptop for:

  • occasionally working from home
    creating projects/events in Aperture
    syncing Aperture projects/events to my iPad & iPhone
    sending music from iTunes to my Apple TV

Outside of that, I'm usually on my iPad Mini. I didn't like using the iPad 2 very much, but the weight and size of this Mini makes me want to use it all the time. My laptop is a 2008 aluminum MacBook that's definitely slowing down, and I think I'll replace it with a MacBook Air later this year, so we'll see if my usage changes when that happens.
 
My iMac has become redundant, I only use it for syncing apps and when I feel like restoring for a "fresh start" on my iDevices.

I'm never off my iPad, it's just so much more convenient.
 
I use them probably close to equally, but for much different needs. I mostly like to use my iPad for web browsing while watching TV, reading ebooks, or for other entertainment. I use my desktop/laptop more for work, writing, and managing my data across my mobile devices. I see my computer or laptop like home base and use my iPhone and iPad when I'm out and about or doing something low key.
 
I find using my laptop to be better with content creation then the iPad.

I'd say this is pretty common for those that work in a stationary or semi-stationary environment. It's also the most sensible.

I travel and work in the field a lot. Because I'm getting fat and lazy, dragging even a MBP from place to place was a hassle so I took my wife's iPad Air and challenged myself to find a way to incorporate much of my daily workflow into that little thing. I'm almost there. Still need the Mac for "heavy lifting" and always will but I use it less and less these days. I'm at least to the point where I don't drool over a new MacBook so I can keep my money a bit longer.

I spent 2 weeks researching and about $50 scrounging up the best apps to do what I needed. And as a last resort, I can log into my Mac at home using Parallel's "Access" app and do things remotely.

I'm still working on getting other things to "fit" my style but overall, carrying a 1 pound tablet in one hand rather than a shoulder bag, laptop, magsafe, etc., has really been a pleasant experience so far.
 
I went with Other because it really depends. During normal work hours I use my rMBP + ATD due to workflow/productivity. I am constantly switching between running apps, so while it's technically possible to do everything on my iPad it would take longer.

With that said, when I'm not working (evenings, weekends), I really don't touch my laptop anymore. My iPad goes where I go, inside or outside the house, and if I do need to jump online to do some quick work I'll do it from my iPad.

So, work use = laptop. Personal use = iPad.
 
My iPad Mini has replaced 80% of what I did on my MacBook Pro. Still love my MacBook tho just easier to pull my iPad out for email and web browsing.
 
I don't use a physical keyboard for my iPad but I have no problems with my MBP keyboard. Once you get used to it, it's awesome. But to each his own.

I do plenty of typing from my MBP keyboard, and it's totally usable - but switching to a mechanical keyboard (for me) is like going from an iPad 2 screen to an iPad 3 screen - it sort of ruins all other keyboards in comparison :p
 
My iPad Mini has replaced 80% of what I did on my MacBook Pro. Still love my MacBook tho just easier to pull my iPad out for email and web browsing.


Same here, my iPad easily makes up 80% of my computer use. It's just so much more convenient.
 
The only reasons for me to use my MacBook are photo/video/music editing, programming and games that aren't available on iOS. For the rest I always use my iPad or iPhone.
 
I use my ,ac and iPad about the same. I like the idea of iPad only but it's nice sitting at my desk. Not having a pad to hold. All the time. With a smart case my neck start to hurt after a while. I could probably do everything on a iPad but scared getting rid of my only "real" PC.
 
I use my Air ~90% of the time and my Laptop ~5%. Basically use my laptop to do my video encoding. I have a Mac Mini at home as well and use that about 5% of the time.

The wife uses her rMini about 50% and the Mac Mini about 50%. She does a lot of photography stuff on the Mac Mini.
 
unless all you used your laptop or desktop for was surfing the web and email I cant imagine how an iPad can replace it, I only use my iPad for surfing the web when I am on the couch or in bed or anywhere the laptop is not comfortable to operate, and for iOS games.

I think that speaks more to your lack of imagination. :D

500,000 apps says the iPad can replace more functionality than web and email.
 
Horses for courses. I use my iPad for sofa surfing. My iPhone for email, messaging and surfing at work. iMac is for all of the above activities when I'm in my home office plus photography editing and remote desk topping to my work office.
 
I've been using my iPad 90% as it's just easier to move around to where I am, kitchen bedroom etc. I don't feel tied down to being at my desk with my desktop computer.

However, there are times that I NEED to use the desktop and it is still critical that I own a desktop to get certain things done.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.