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Gah! I love my iPad Pro 9.7 and got it on a good deal... why am I having such a hard time w/ this?

Hal~9000

Hal~9000

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Sep 13, 2014
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I bought an iPad Pro 9.7 to be my only laptop type device, it was on a good deal as well: 128gb WiFi w/ 2-year AppleCare for $649 (Normal MSRP is $849 for that combination).

I love the beautiful screen, speed, speakers, touchID, portable form factor, and overall OS simplicity / security... so why am I having such a hard time justifying my $649 purchase to myself? :(

The main problem is that I already have a 2013 MacBook Air 13-inch (plus iPad Mini 2) which does a lot of the things the iPad Pro 9.7 does, albeit not as portable / no touchID / not as amazing a screen, so it feels like I'm being wasteful and spending a lot of money buying stuff I want but don't truly need.

Sigh #FirstWorldProblems :oops:
 
Hal~9000 said:
...it feels like I'm being wasteful and spending a lot of money buying stuff I want but don't truly need.

Sigh #FirstWorldProblems :oops:
Click to expand...

What's the good of living in the first world if you only spend your hard earned on what you need and never on what you want? Give it a month or two and you'll have forgotten about the financial aspect and you'll be left enjoying that sweet little gadget. Enjoy it. You deserve it.
 
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Hal~9000 said:
I bought an iPad Pro 9.7 to be my only laptop type device, it was on a good deal as well: 128gb WiFi w/ 2-year AppleCare for $649 (Normal MSRP is $849 for that combination).

I love the beautiful screen, speed, speakers, touchID, portable form factor, and overall OS simplicity / security... so why am I having such a hard time justifying my $649 purchase to myself? :(

The main problem is that I already have a 2013 MacBook Air 13-inch (plus iPad Mini 2) which does a lot of the things the iPad Pro 9.7 does, albeit not as portable / no touchID / not as amazing a screen, so it feels like I'm being wasteful and spending a lot of money buying stuff I want but don't truly need.

Sigh #FirstWorldProblems :oops:
Click to expand...

Sounds to me like you really can't afford it.
 
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if you sell anything i'd make it the mini2.

i know some people are all about iPads replacing desktop os's, but i still run into a *lot* where what i'm doing isn't possible or at least is more of a hassle to do on an iPad. which isn't a knock on the iPad if you have uses for it that leverage its strengths. i just wouldn't want to rely on it as a catch all device.
 
baypharm said:
Sounds to me like you really can't afford it.
Click to expand...

agreed i all ways make sure my bills are pay paid 1st if i have no bills too pay and has long has i have $ for the week too where i dont run out then that when i make my move too buy a ipad or what ever it is that i want

i dont buy any thing in tell i make sure my bills are paid


with all my bill paid in full and i had the $ saved up i got me a verizon ipad pro 9.7 on friday and i love it the ipad pro 9.7"
 
stevemiller said:
...i know some people are all about iPads replacing desktop os's...
Click to expand...

No, it has nothing to do with trying to replace a desktop OS, which would be pointless. It's about streamlining your workflow, utilizing modern wireless connectivity and storage, and safety. iOS doesn't have to do everything a desktop OS does, so it can be lighter, faster, easier to use, and more secure. Same for the devices that run it.

but i still run into a *lot* where what i'm doing isn't possible or at least is more of a hassle to do on an iPad.
Click to expand...

Then you should hold onto your legacy computing device. Don't feel bad, the government still uses floppy disks, you're not alone.
 
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Maybe you don't need the storage and don't need AC+ and that's where it just feels like an ok deal?

Have 12.9 but will be a lot more tempted by a 9.7 32gb with Amex 2nd year warranty anyways (not accidental damage covered but never broke a tablet or a phone) at a killer rate
 
Hal~9000 said:
I bought an iPad Pro 9.7 to be my only laptop type device, it was on a good deal as well: 128gb WiFi w/ 2-year AppleCare for $649 (Normal MSRP is $849 for that combination).

I love the beautiful screen, speed, speakers, touchID, portable form factor, and overall OS simplicity / security... so why am I having such a hard time justifying my $649 purchase to myself? :(

The main problem is that I already have a 2013 MacBook Air 13-inch (plus iPad Mini 2) which does a lot of the things the iPad Pro 9.7 does, albeit not as portable / no touchID / not as amazing a screen, so it feels like I'm being wasteful and spending a lot of money buying stuff I want but don't truly need.

Sigh #FirstWorldProblems :oops:
Click to expand...
Apple programs us to believe newer is better AND essential. Their brilliant marketing now includes the push to convince us that an iPad is a laptop replacement!

A what?

The flat slab form factor... will never replace the ergonomics of a laptop with its tried and true keyboard.

However the greatest advantage of an iPad is how it brings greater gross profit into Apple's coffers. It's no wonder the laptop replacement concept is being shoved down people's throats.
 
If you're still in the 14day period return it, I'd stick with the MBA and Mini, it would more than cover all the bases. Big screen for lounge work with a real keyboard and a mini for portability. The pro does't really add any value to your workflows, hence why you probably feel like you do.

Or try and sell it privately?
iPP will never be a laptop replacement for the majority of people.
 
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maxsix said:
...Their brilliant marketing now includes the push to convince us that an iPad is a laptop replacement!
Click to expand...

For many people it can be, or already has. That's reality, not marketing.

And I don't know of any Apple marketing materials that say iPad can replace everyone's laptop/desktop. Can you point to one?

The flat slab form factor... will never replace the ergonomics of a laptop with its tried and true keyboard.
Click to expand...

iPad Pro has a keyboard accessory, not to mention dozens of Bluetooth options. And there are many third party cases that mimic a laptop clamshell design.

However the greatest advantage of an iPad is how it brings greater gross profit into Apple's coffers.
Click to expand...

Huh? The new Macbooks start at $1300, and go way up from there. So how do you figure that?
 
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Hal~9000 said:
I bought an iPad Pro 9.7 to be my only laptop type device, it was on a good deal as well: 128gb WiFi w/ 2-year AppleCare for $649 (Normal MSRP is $849 for that combination).

I love the beautiful screen, speed, speakers, touchID, portable form factor, and overall OS simplicity / security... so why am I having such a hard time justifying my $649 purchase to myself? :(

The main problem is that I already have a 2013 MacBook Air 13-inch (plus iPad Mini 2) which does a lot of the things the iPad Pro 9.7 does, albeit not as portable / no touchID / not as amazing a screen, so it feels like I'm being wasteful and spending a lot of money buying stuff I want but don't truly need.

Sigh #FirstWorldProblems :oops:
Click to expand...
I've learned early in life that a "bargain" is not a bargain if I can't use the thing to its full extent.

I don't know how you use your devices so my comments are based on how I use mine.

IMO having both an iPad mini and a 9.7 iPad Pro is too much of an overlap. and if you have an iPhone there's probably even more overlap in function. Over the last few months, I've been trying to consolidate my devices rather than add more to the mix. My primary mobile devices consisted of an 11" MacBook Air + iPad Air 2 + Android smartphone. I bought a 12.9 iPP on sale and it has replaced the MBA and Air2. For those times when I need to work on OSX, I use Jump Desktop to remotely connect to my iMac in my home office.

I recommending holding off a bit... at least until we learn what Apple will unveil at WWDC, and then reduce the number of devices you own.

One recommendation I would be to sell all 3 devices and buy a 12.9 iPP. After the initial shock of the size difference wears off, it settles in as a nice "converged" device... not perfectly, but quite adequately. of course if you need access to a desktop OS, then keep the MBA and ditch the Mini.

...again, just my opinion.
 
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maxsix said:
Apple programs us to believe newer is better AND essential. Their brilliant marketing now includes the push to convince us that an iPad is a laptop replacement!

A what?

The flat slab form factor... will never replace the ergonomics of a laptop with its tried and true keyboard.

However the greatest advantage of an iPad is how it brings greater gross profit into Apple's coffers. It's no wonder the laptop replacement concept is being shoved down people's throats.
Click to expand...

...except Laptop ergonomics suck - they're worse for you than a desktop. The iPad is actually much better for you ergonomically, especially if you have RSI.

If you're doing a lot of typing, the advantage of the iPad is that the display is NOT connected to the keyboard, meaning you can position in where it's most comfortable for you.
 
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Why do people have issue with purchases they make with their own money? It's either you like it or don't.
 
bensisko said:
...except Laptop ergonomics suck - they're worse for you than a desktop. The iPad is actually much better for you ergonomically, especially if you have RSI.

If you're doing a lot of typing, the advantage of the iPad is that the display is NOT connected to the keyboard, meaning you can position in where it's most comfortable for you.
Click to expand...
And you have a reputable medical report to support that opinion?
I get RSI and I've never heard so much rubbish if I'm to be blunt... the space in front of the keyboard on the macs provide a perfect rest place for you wrests - this is so not the case with the iPad that can't support itself or tilt to multiple angles and if you are holding it, its even worse!
[doublepost=1464446642][/doublepost]
617aircav said:
Why do people have issue with purchases they make with their own money? It's either you like it or don't.
Click to expand...

I agree, but id say don't come on a public forum asking or soliciting others opinions if you don't want a range of opinion
 
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AFEPPL said:
And you have a reputable medical report to support that opinion?
I get RSI and I've never heard so much rubbish if I'm to be blunt... the space in front of the keyboard on the macs provide a perfect rest place for you wrests - this is so not the case with the iPad that can't support itself or tilt to multiple angles and if you are holding it, its even worse!
Click to expand...

You should do some basic research into ergonomics before replying like this.

The optimal desk posture is arms bent at the elbow resting on keyboard in front of you, and eyes level with the screen. Neck should be straight. Now how do you propose to have that posture with a traditional laptop?

The iPad can be elevated on a stand, with a Bluetooth keyboard in the correct position.
 
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Actually we have a mandatory corp course we have to take on the topic every year... maybe I'm more educated!

Remind me "how" the "optimal" desk posture doesnt not apply to a laptop? Opps!
Like you cant elevate a laptop... :rolleyes:

Correct-laptop-posture.jpg
 
The best place to put an iPad? its just not a replacement device.
its a consumption device for very occasional light use.

So you need a stand then? The link simply showing how to make the best of a very poor situation, iPads are not optimal for posture, not sorry!
 
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