For those with iPPs AND iMacs/MacBooks...

[ssledoux]

What does your use case look like for your various devices? Do you do as much as you can on your iPP, and only use your MacBook/iMac when it’s something your iPad can’t handle, or do you use your iPad for entertainment/consumption, and your iMac/MB for most everything else?

Got my new (well, refurb) iMac a couple days ago, and I’m trying to sync all my stuff across devices. I honestly suck at iCloud stuff so I’m like a Kindergartner trying to get all this stuff done. ;-p

Obviously there are a LOT of things that are equally easy to do on both devices. Honestly, after several years of not owning an iMac, I’m finding I rather enjoy having a big screen again, and having messages and all that stuff right there makes it easy to respond to stuff while I’m working on the iMac that I would’ve previously had to go to my phone or iPad to do. In short, I wonder what, exactly, I’ll use my iPad for at home.

Just curious what others do.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I’m like a Kindergartner

That can’t be true, right?

 

[ssledoux]

That can’t be true, right?

LOL sometimes I feel like it when I mess with this stuff. I just don’t think I’ve ever really taken the time to get all my Apple products working together in the most efficient way. I know if/when I do, I’m gonna be so much happier with the flow.

 

[Dave245]

I use my iPad Pro for photo editing, I have Pixelmator Pro on both my iPad and 2012 iMac. The iPad Pro is also great for drawing, note taking (I write a lot. Both in typing form and notes).

My iMac I use for some video editing in iMovie, writing up some documents, multitasking and playing some games like Two Point Hospital. I also like to use the photos app on both the iPad Pro and iMac.

 

[richpjr]

I both a MBP, along with the new 11 and 12.9 iPad pros and a Windows PC. I tried very hard to use my 12.9 for a lot of work and it just so painfully limited by iOS that I gave up. I use my MBP for work and heavy productivity (development and project work - design docs, spreadsheets, MS Project, etc.). I use my 12.9 iPad at home for drawing, editing videos, streaming video, email surfing the web. I use the 11 for reading, games and email. I use my Windows PC for gaming and Photoshop. I could easily get by with a MBP and one of the iPads but since I have them I use the best for each task.

 

[muzzy996]

For me my iPP is for taking information to meetings that I can access from emails or cloud storage (Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive), for doing document reviews in PDF format with handwritten annotations, for note taking and for general surfing/forum lurking and media consumption (youtube/youtubeTV).

For production work I rely on my windows based workstation class laptop (HP Zbook G3) which is typically docked at the office to two 27” QHD displays. On that I’ll do CAD, spreadsheets, GIS and graphics. I have a rMBP for video editing with either finalcut pro or premiere (which I’ll sometimes finish up on the windows machine if I’m in premiere).

Right tool for the job is my motto. All a matter of finding a comfortable workflow.

 

[neutrino23]

I have used Apple laptops for years. I'm just switching to a new iMac. And I use a 12.9 iPad Pro.

The iPad is used, as many mention above, for its portability and intimacy. I can go to the library, the living room, the office or anywhere and read the newspaper pdf, emails, iBooks, listen to podcasts, scribble down ideas, plan out presentations and such.

On the iMac (coming next week) I'll create presentations, write training documents, make training videos and such. This is OK now, but I'm really looking forward to the 27" 5k screen. I've tested it at the Apple store. It is wonderful to have open Keynote, a notes file and a Pages document all at the same time. I'm also learning Swift and Xcode which require macOS.

I've used iMovie and QuickTime before to create movies from screen captures. Now I'll start doing this with FCP.

 

[iPadified]

IPP: notes, read and review pdf documents (articles, student reports, applications etc), Keynote (pencil helps in some cases), presentations in lecture halls and of course all travelling needs like mail, calendar and Web forms typically too smalls fro the iPhone.

Macbook Pro (home), MP (work): Excel, word, mail, 3D modelling, Typically, large monitor requirements.

A 20-24 inch stationary iPad would likely replace my need for a Mac except for 3D modelling and reference management.

 

[Davefevs]

I use my IPP / iPhone for 95% of stuff at home. I use both at work too, but office is windows based, so I never take my MBP to work.

I use my MBP for three things in the main:

- backing up to my WD MyCloud using iMazing, as my HDD is too full to back up my IPP and iPhone to my computer

- more heavy duty excel work

- adding tags and descriptions to photos on iCloud so I can search them easier on iPhone and IPP - and iOS won’t let me add these bits of data. (It’s a big wish for ios13)

 

[millydog]

I have a work provided Dell 15” laptop running Windows 10 and 2 large monitors on my work desk. My work laptop is used for Office 365 and programming tools, etc.
At home, I have a 27” iMac (2017). It’s used for web browsing, iTunes, iPhoto, file organising mostly. I also create photo slideshows and edit video in iMovie. I’d like to learn iOS development and plan on using it for that. I also still have my 15” MacBook Pro (2013) and would have been considering upgrading to a new one around now, except that my husband surprised me with the iMac over a year ago. I am very interested in the 16” MacBook Pro if rumours are true. I like the portability of the MacBook Pro to use it on the desk, on my recliner, take it to work or take it to my parents house when I visit for a weekend away.
I have a few iPads....12.9” 3rd gen, iPP 10.5 and mini 5. I use the iPads mostly for consumption. I browse the Internet, shop on eBay and Amazon, use email, catch up on news, read forums, watch YouTube, play games, iMessage, Messenger and Facebook, etc. I pick an iPad each day to take out with me. Usually it has been the 12.9 or 10.5, but I only got my mini 5 a week ago, so it’s new and has been going with me mostly for the past week. I’m not sure if it’s just a novelty, as it’s new. I think that my usage with the mini might settle to being as an eReader and for when I want to go very light, like shopping, out for dinner or to friends houses, while I might switch back to taking an iPP to work with me.

 

[ssledoux]

I love reading everyone’s stuff. I keep wondering if the iPP will be overkill with the new Mac (or vice versa), but I definitely think I’ll have use for both. I think I’ve just been worried that I won’t get enough VALUE out of each if I’m not using them to their max potential, but I guess since I’ll be using them each for what they are best and most efficient at, that counts too, right?

The main reason I bought another iMac, after being iPP only for several years, is how limited I’ve been with iOS with making photo books/digital scrapbooks. There are some apps that will do it, but there’s no real customization allowed. It’s actually an easier, simpler process to upload the pics into the apps on iOS, but, once in there, it pretty much just places the pics, and all you can do is type - no way to adjust picture sizes, add decorative touches, etc. Although that works just to get some pics on paper and printed, it doesn’t help me create nice yearbooks/gifts for my family.

Another plus is I work p/t for a photographer, and I’ll be able to access our LightBlue data, and Quickbooks data from home, which means I may be able to limit the times I have to drive in to work. Although I typically go in only twice/week, this may be able to be reduced to going in once, and working from home one morning, which would be awesome!

I also do photo editing and printing for someone from home, but I have designated equipment from her for that (a separate iPP, small windows laptop, and commercial printer). I don’t use any of that for my personal stuff at all - it has to be linked to her iCloud for photo sharing, and I like my personal stuff separate.


My iPP is definitely gonna become my more portable device, where it has been my everything device. I’ve been using it on my desk with a bluetooth keyboard and stand as more of a desktop device, and just taking it with me when I go places. Now I think I’ll work more in my digital planners, do more of my digital Bible study/journaling, etc. Not sure this would really require an iPP, and not something more basic, but I have this, and it’s a great device.

It also comes in really handy with the keyboard on mornings like this one (storming outside with tons of lightning) when I don’t want my brand new iMac plugged in for fear of it getting struck by lightning or damaged by the power going on and off. It’s also nice to have LTE available when I can’t access my satellite internet because the weather sucks!

I AM realizing how much I enjoy using that larger iMac screen. I didn’t really think I missed it, and I only got a 21.5 (I mean heck, I’ve been using an 11” screen just fine), but man it’s nice on these crappy eyes!!

 

[MisterSavage]

My 11 IPP is for reading, gaming, surfing the web. Work, composing emails, posting to forums, development, etc is on the iMac. I wouldn't even consider getting rid of either of them.

 

[BarredOwl]

I use and feel that most any professional needs a Mac, an iPhone, an iPad Pro, and an Apple Watch to really take advance of Apple’s software/services.

I use an iPP with keyboard and my MBP in tandem most days. The iPP sees more time out in the field.

I’m the special projects manager at a demolition company; interacting with various platforms and software packages daily.

 

[sracer]

What does your use case look like for your various devices? Do you do as much as you can on your iPP, and only use your MacBook/iMac when it’s something your iPad can’t handle, or do you use your iPad for entertainment/consumption, and your iMac/MB for most everything else?

Got my new (well, refurb) iMac a couple days ago, and I’m trying to sync all my stuff across devices. I honestly suck at iCloud stuff so I’m like a Kindergartner trying to get all this stuff done. ;-p

Obviously there are a LOT of things that are equally easy to do on both devices. Honestly, after several years of not owning an iMac, I’m finding I rather enjoy having a big screen again, and having messages and all that stuff right there makes it easy to respond to stuff while I’m working on the iMac that I would’ve previously had to go to my phone or iPad to do. In short, I wonder what, exactly, I’ll use my iPad for at home.

Just curious what others do.

As you know, I've got a TON of different devices , but my main mix of devices currently consists of:

• 2017 iMac (home office)
• 2017 13" Macbook Air
• 2018 iPad w/Apple Pencil
• LG Stylo 3 Android phone

THE HARDWARE

iMac. My iMac is the "hub". It's where I do all of the heavy lifting. I've got 6 TB worth of storage attached to it. It is regularly backed up and kept tuned up. Although it is an entry-level model, it doesn't hold me back from doing anything and everything that I need to do.

Macbook Air. My MBA is my "portable powerhouse". It has an i7 processor and fast SSD and can handle certain software (like Logos) better than my iMac. I use it to be able to do a subset of things that I do on the iMac but on-the-go. It is my "home away from home" in a sense.

iPad. My 2018 iPad w/Pencil is my digital notebook/planner, entertainment consumption, and social media device. For the things that I need to do, the 2018 iPad is just as incapable of doing those things as an iPad Pro, so I've passed my 12.9 Pro on to my wife, and went with the more portable and affordable 2018 iPad.

The iPad Pro/iPad was able to do a few of the tasks that I'd get done on my iMac or MBA, but anything more involved than very basic workflows resulted in convoluted approaches that ended up taking more time or steps. Sometimes it's a matter of SHOULD you do something on the iPad not COULD you.

LG Stylo 3. As for my LG Stylo 3... I'm old-school when it comes to phones. I don't live on my phone. I make calls, send/receive some texts, and use Google Maps for navigation. If I'm standing in a checkout line, I'll read the news and catch up on social media.


HOW THEY ALL FIT TOGETHER

At any given point in time, there are a set of files that I'm actively working on... 1-2 dozen files. Those I keep temporarily on iCloud so that they are accessible by any of my devices (and in an "emergency" accessible by a Windows and/or Chromebook device)

When I need access to files that aren't on iCloud, I'll remote into my iMac and copy them over to iCloud.

Important notes are kept on Google Keep (and sometimes synced to Apple Notes) so that they are easily and readily available.

If I'm out and about and need to do something heavy, like encode a video, whether I have my MBA or iPad, I can remote into my iMac and start the encode without tying up whatever portable device I have with me.

 

[BarredOwl]

“Sometimes it's a matter of SHOULD you do something on the iPad not COULD you.”

That’s the key. We still must weigh if MacOS or iOS the most efficient and productive means for a task/problem, so I must use both every day.

 

[Analog Kid]

I’ve got a 12.9” iPP gen 3, a 15” MBP, and a 2013 MP with dual displays.

The desktop is mostly for photography where I want the screen real estate, and then it covers all my various home needs.

The MBP is my mobile office. It takes on any heavy workloads I have, carries my files, and serves whenever I really need to type a lot (though I’m typing this using a BT keyboard to my iPad). Most of my day is on the MBP.

The iPP fits in a few roles. It’s finally bringing me closer to a paperless office, for one thing. I use it to review documents, take notes, sketch ideas, etc. I’m trying to do more of this kind of work on the iPad, and the larger format is making that easier. I used to think that the problem with a paperless office was not wanting to read a screen, but I’m realizing that it’s more about wanting to manipulate the document in my hands and not be forced to sit and view in one position all the time. Retina displays and True Tone color is probably helping a lot too— it’s a beautiful display.

Along the same lines, I find that when I need to read or research on the web a lot, I’ll switch over to the iPad. Probably for the same reason as I use it for documents.

I use it as a second display for the MBP when I’m mobile. My desk has a second screen, but when I’m away from my desk, the iPP is a great second screen. Looking forward to better support for this in future OS upgrades.

And I use it for media consumption, particularly when I travel.

 

[xxray]

I find a strong negative correlation between how much I use my iPad vs MBP. I use one or the other a lot, never a lot of both. I’ve tended to prefer my MBP ever since I’ve gotten it, and only been using my iPad when I just want to do some lightweight quick browsing or if I want a more immersive, futuristic feel (using touch on a 1lb screen vs trackpad and keyboard on a 4lb laptop).

 

[rrayborn38]

My MacBook Pro 13” is the one device I still can’t live without - if I was allowed only one computing tool of any kind, the MBP would be my pick.

My other devices are used tactically. iMac 27” for large spreadsheets, Photoshop and graphic design - and just about everything else when I am at home. iPad Pro 12.9” for couch surfing and watching music videos - but I hope to eventually use it for all graphic design. iPad Mini is a great road companion for my MBP. iPhone X to have a computer in my pocket, for the mobile hotspot, and to make phone calls (which I seldom do).

I can imagine a future iPad Pro with a phone chip being a do-everything machine for me. It’s still a few years away.

 

[subjonas]

15” mbp - for intensive work, sometimes mobile.

Mac mini - base home computer, manages all my files and libraries and backups, media hub.

iPad mini - for casual reading and quick tasks at home.

12.9 iPP - for mobile drawing and painting with pencil, and acts as an ultra portable laptop with the Smart Keyboard for pretty much everything else.

 

[MrRabuf]

iPad Pro - My most used device outside of work. I use it for all the typical things one uses an iPad for. It's also my "laptop" when I travel for personal reasons.

15" MBP - Work (software engineer). Like many people, I need a real computer to do my job. I never use it for personal reasons nor do I even need a laptop outside of work.

Desktop PC at home - These days, I pretty much only use it to do things I could do on my iPad. It's for when I want to sit at a desk, have a lot more screen real estate, use a keyboard/mouse, etc. I originally built it for gaming but I hardly ever do that anymore and my Nintendo Switch is good enough for me when I do.

I'd love to get rid of the desktop PC but that would mean having to use my MBP at home for personal reasons (which I don't want to do as my wife also the PC when I'm at work) or iOS would have to get quite a bit more powerful.

 

[Brammy]

I have three non-iPhone devices: a 12.9 OG IPP; a 15" 2016 MBP, and an 11" 2014 Air.

The iPad Pro leaves the house with me almost every time. The 15" MacBook only if I really need a big, powerful Mac. The 11" is the road MacBook Air. If I need something that requires macOS, I bring that.

The iPad Pro is my main writing, drawing, and note taking tool. The gotcha is my Apple Smart Keyboard died. It is the second of them to die in the 3.5 years I have had it, and I am not in the mood to replace it. Especially since the next iPad Pro will require a new Smart Keyboard. I do have an external bluetooth keyboard I can bring, but I like having the keyboard attached.

I am waiting to see what iOS 13 brings, and if any features aren't enabled on my older iPad Pro. At that point, I might look at something like the Brydge Keyboard instead.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I have hardly used my imac at all since getting my new ipad pro. Sometimes i feel guilty, so i turn it on to hear that start up chime...lol...but seriously, it’s just taking up space on my desk at this point. It’s an older imac, but still...i don’t think i will ever get another one. I do all my video & photo editing on my ipad pro now as well as surf the web and everything else.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I have hardly used my imac at all since getting my new ipad pro. Sometimes i feel guilty, so i turn it on to hear that start up chime...lol...but seriously, it’s just taking up space on my desk at this point. It’s an older imac, but still...i don’t think i will ever get another one. I do all my video & photo editing on my ipad pro now as well as surf the web and everything else.

My iPad Pro has truly replaced everything.

 

[ssledoux]

I have three non-iPhone devices: a 12.9 OG IPP; a 15" 2016 MBP, and an 11" 2014 Air.

The iPad Pro leaves the house with me almost every time. The 15" MacBook only if I really need a big, powerful Mac. The 11" is the road MacBook Air. If I need something that requires macOS, I bring that.

The iPad Pro is my main writing, drawing, and note taking tool. The gotcha is my Apple Smart Keyboard died. It is the second of them to die in the 3.5 years I have had it, and I am not in the mood to replace it. Especially since the next iPad Pro will require a new Smart Keyboard. I do have an external bluetooth keyboard I can bring, but I like having the keyboard attached.

I am waiting to see what iOS 13 brings, and if any features aren't enabled on my older iPad Pro. At that point, I might look at something like the Brydge Keyboard instead.

Oh gosh I thought the original ASK was fantastic! I had the first 2 gens of the 12.9 pro and that keyboard worked like a charm. However, I wanted to downsize, and have the 11” pro now. I had not gotten on the Apple keyboard bandwagon because I didn’t like the whole folio, but I just wound up getting a good deal on one in the marketplace, and am excited to try it out!
[doublepost=1558009323][/doublepost]

I have hardly used my imac at all since getting my new ipad pro. Sometimes i feel guilty, so i turn it on to hear that start up chime...lol...but seriously, it’s just taking up space on my desk at this point. It’s an older imac, but still...i don’t think i will ever get another one. I do all my video & photo editing on my ipad pro now as well as surf the web and everything else.

I have been like that for a few years now, but I recently got another iMac to use for some work from home stuff, and also to do digital scrapbooking. I have just never found a straightforward way to get it done on the iPad. Now I’m quite a few years behind with getting these photos into something presentable. It’s gonna be my summer project, since being outside in the heat of the day is nearly unbearable anyway.

Still, I’ve had it a week or so, and I haven’t been on it a whole lot. It’s a gorgeous device, and it will definitely be useful for those few things I need it for, but I find I still just get on the iPad.

One thing though - I am loving the screen real estate, even when I get on in the mornings and read the forums. My eyes are definitely getting older, and they LIKE the bigger screen! ;-p
[doublepost=1558009633][/doublepost]

My iPad Pro has truly replaced everything.

I was right there, and I think I still could be if I could just find an app to make photo books/scrapbooks; one where I can actually customize it, and not just have the app place pictures on a page.

Of course, I now have this work opportunity, and having access to full-size websites is gonna be critical in order to make that happen, although honestly that’s secondary to my personal use.

If I was to stay iPad only though, I’d likely have to go back to a 12.9. I’m just getting to a point where the “desktop” use of my iPad is more difficult with the 11” because of my eyesight. I LOVE the 11” for portability though - it’s great to take to meet clients, and I think the keyboard folio is only gonna make that better.

Honestly, for what I’d have had to spend to get a 12.9, I was able to get my iMac, and it just seemed to make more sense to do that, and still have my 11” pro for all my other needs.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Oh gosh I thought the original ASK was fantastic! I had the first 2 gens of the 12.9 pro and that keyboard worked like a charm. However, I wanted to downsize, and have the 11” pro now. I had not gotten on the Apple keyboard bandwagon because I didn’t like the whole folio, but I just wound up getting a good deal on one in the marketplace, and am excited to try it out!
[doublepost=1558009323][/doublepost]

I have been like that for a few years now, but I recently got another iMac to use for some work from home stuff, and also to do digital scrapbooking. I have just never found a straightforward way to get it done on the iPad. Now I’m quite a few years behind with getting these photos into something presentable. It’s gonna be my summer project, since being outside in the heat of the day is nearly unbearable anyway.

Still, I’ve had it a week or so, and I haven’t been on it a whole lot. It’s a gorgeous device, and it will definitely be useful for those few things I need it for, but I find I still just get on the iPad.

One thing though - I am loving the screen real estate, even when I get on in the mornings and read the forums. My eyes are definitely getting older, and they LIKE the bigger screen! ;-p
[doublepost=1558009633][/doublepost]

I was right there, and I think I still could be if I could just find an app to make photo books/scrapbooks; one where I can actually customize it, and not just have the app place pictures on a page.

Of course, I now have this work opportunity, and having access to full-size websites is gonna be critical in order to make that happen, although honestly that’s secondary to my personal use.

If I was to stay iPad only though, I’d likely have to go back to a 12.9. I’m just getting to a point where the “desktop” use of my iPad is more difficult with the 11” because of my eyesight. I LOVE the 11” for portability though - it’s great to take to meet clients, and I think the keyboard folio is only gonna make that better.

Honestly, for what I’d have had to spend to get a 12.9, I was able to get my iMac, and it just seemed to make more sense to do that, and still have my 11” pro for all my other needs.

I hear ya. I could totally see myself getting another iMac down the road when i settle again. But right now I travel so much, and have adapted to an ipad pro only set up.