Going iPad only

[Dunbar]

I think Apple could do more to make the iPad a computer replacement. Like allowing simultaneous use of a bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Or better yet, selling something like the laptop dock being offered for the Transformer Prime. IMO they should expand the OSX multitouch gestures too. The two finder L/R swipe gesture would make web browsing more enjoyable on the iPad.

I have an LTE iPad 3 coming from my employer so I guess I'll see if my opinion changes. But with my iPad 1 there's no way I could give up my laptop.

 

[BiggAW]

Super. Believe it or not, there are billions of people in the world besides your grandmother. My mother uses an iPad as her only computer. It replaced a desktop. That one fact disproves your statement that "It fundamentally can't replace a real computer."

If the user uses their computer as a web browser, then it would replace it. Even for my dad, who can barely use a computer, an iPad wouldn't cut it. I suppose he could borrow one of my mom's computers when he actually has to do something, but then it wouldn't be a full replacement.

My iPhone has already replaced the whole wireless/portable part of my laptop around the house. If I need something in the kitchen or couch or whatever, I just use my iPhone. But if I need a real computer, I still have my Quad i7, SSD, and 8GB of ram with multiple high-resolution monitors waiting for me docked on my desk.

 

[Oppressed]

I would suspect that the majority of the people who say that it cannot be done have not given it a fair shot. People generally dislike change after all.

 

[astrorider]

It won't even replace a computer for my grandmother. I'm not being sarcastic, she needs to download files, edit them and re-upload.

What specifically does she need to download, edit and re-upload? I'm curious if the people in this thread who use their iPad for their primary computer have a solution.

 

[BaldiMac]

If the user uses their computer as a web browser, then it would replace it.

Or if they only use it for the thousands of other things you can do on an iPad, they could also replace it.

Even for my dad, who can barely use a computer, an iPad wouldn't cut it. I suppose he could borrow one of my mom's computers when he actually has to do something, but then it wouldn't be a full replacement.

If your mom and dad each had a computer, and your dad gets rid of his computer and buys an iPad, it sure as heck sounds like he fully replaced his computer with an iPad. Even if he occasionally uses your mom's computer.

My iPhone has already replaced the whole wireless/portable part of my laptop around the house. If I need something in the kitchen or couch or whatever, I just use my iPhone. But if I need a real computer, I still have my Quad i7, SSD, and 8GB of ram with multiple high-resolution monitors waiting for me docked on my desk.

I suppose that anecdote was just in case we didn't already understand that you won't replace your computer with an iPad.

 

[yourtoys7]

I've had/ have all three iPads and it only works for basic things it's good and games, but typing is horrible. I still will not reply to posts that I have to type long response.
Im leaning more and more that I'll be selling iPad 3 for MacBook air

 

[BaldiMac]

I've had/ have all three iPads and it only works for basic things it's good and games, but typing is horrible. I still will not reply to posts that I have to type long response.
Im leaning more and more that I'll be selling iPad 3 for MacBook air

You can use a standard bluetooth keyboard with an iPad.

 

[yourtoys7]

You can use a standard bluetooth keyboard with an iPad.

When I'm on the couch or in bed, keyboard doesn't work. But if I'm sitting down and want to type, I'll just use my desktop.
I'm really starting to realize limitation of the iPad.

 

[Oppressed]

When I'm on the couch or in bed, keyboard doesn't work. But if I'm sitting down and want to type, I'll just use my desktop.
I'm really starting to realize limitation of the iPad.

The limitation that it doesn't have a keyboard? You didn't realize this from the box?

 

[newone757]

When I'm on the couch or in bed, keyboard doesn't work. But if I'm sitting down and want to type, I'll just use my desktop.
I'm really starting to realize limitation of the iPad.

So having the OPTION to use a physical or virtual keyboard is a....limitation?

You would think the fact you can't use your desktop in the bed or on the couch is a limitation of your desktop, not the other way around

You guys are confusing

 

[BaldiMac]

When I'm on the couch or in bed, keyboard doesn't work.

Yep, but neither does a desktop.

But if I'm sitting down and want to type, I'll just use my desktop.

When you are at home, of course! Why wouldn't you want to use your best computer when you are sitting down for a long project?

 

[Bchagey]

I've been using only my iPad for a few months now. I can run my eBay store and list items with my iPad. It's all I need.

 

[yourtoys7]

So having the OPTION to use a physical or virtual keyboard is a....limitation?

You would think the fact you can't use your desktop in the bed or on the couch is a limitation of your desktop, not the other way around

You guys are confusing

I'm simply saying that for me looks more and more laptop would be better, desktop has nothing to do with this.
Most people comparing iPad to laptop as Iam here.

 

[BiggAW]

What specifically does she need to download, edit and re-upload? I'm curious if the people in this thread who use their iPad for their primary computer have a solution.

Word docs.

Or if they only use it for the thousands of other things you can do on an iPad, they could also replace it.

Everything else, you run into the lack of a user-accessible filesystem issue.

If your mom and dad each had a computer, and your dad gets rid of his computer and buys an iPad, it sure as heck sounds like he fully replaced his computer with an iPad. Even if he occasionally uses your mom's computer.

That's not a full replacement. Although, in reality, they have a combined 6 computers, so it's not like that's going to happen anytime soon. It's going to be painful if they still have machines to lose on August 4th, 2014, but we'll cross that road when we get to it.

I suppose that anecdote was just in case we didn't already understand that you won't replace your computer with an iPad.

No way in hell could I do that.

 

[BaldiMac]

Everything else, you run into the lack of a user-accessible filesystem issue.

I'm sure you are not that ignorant.

That's not a full replacement. Although, in reality, they have a combined 6 computers, so it's not like that's going to happen anytime soon. It's going to be painful if they still have machines to lose on August 4th, 2014, but we'll cross that road when we get to it.

Of course it's a full replacement. They had two computers in the scenario we discussed. They replaced one of the computers with an iPad. You can't get more "full" than remove (A) replace with (B).

No way in hell could I do that.

I think you've made that clear.

 

[newone757]

I'm simply saying that for me looks more and more laptop would be better, desktop has nothing to do with this.
Most people comparing iPad to laptop as Iam here.

You said desktop

 

[astrorider]

Word docs.

I realize you're probably not looking for solutions, but there are apps for editing Word docs available for the iPad. So, downloading (I can download via Goodreader any file) and editing (via an app, for example CloudOn) shouldn't be a problem. You didn't mention where she's uploading, but that can probably can be done as well (for example FTP apps, Dropbox, etc).

 

[gameboy213]

On another note, I'm still finding difficulty using an iPad for forums. MacRumors doesn't have an app and while I'm aware of forum apps, some of the forums I visit aren't supported. What do those of you going iPad exclusive use?

Overall I find the forums that I go to are supported by Tapatalk HD and I really like the application. Perhaps let those forums know that they could/should add the capability.

 

[gameboy213]

I've had/ have all three iPads and it only works for basic things it's good and games, but typing is horrible. I still will not reply to posts that I have to type long response.
Im leaning more and more that I'll be selling iPad 3 for MacBook air

I felt that way as will until I really started using it. After a while I got quite good at it but I did take a ton of use.

 

[Abazigal]

Overall I find the forums that I go to are supported by Tapatalk HD and I really like the application. Perhaps let those forums know that they could/should add the capability.

I am using the mobile version of the website and I'm finding it works just fine. What exactly is the problem again?

 

[BFizzzle]

If the user uses their computer as a web browser, then it would replace it. Even for my dad, who can barely use a computer, an iPad wouldn't cut it. I suppose he could borrow one of my mom's computers when he actually has to do something, but then it wouldn't be a full replacement.

My iPhone has already replaced the whole wireless/portable part of my laptop around the house. If I need something in the kitchen or couch or whatever, I just use my iPhone. But if I need a real computer, I still have my Quad i7, SSD, and 8GB of ram with multiple high-resolution monitors waiting for me docked on my desk.

actually has to do something? as in? word processing? spreadsheets? email? viewing pictures? edit photos?

im not sure what tasks the ipad cant do for someone who "barely knows how to work a computer".. hmmm maybe burning a cd/dvd? i personally dont use optical media for quite a while now so that would come down to the person operating it.




i could never replace my mac with an ipad, but only for technical things, dreamweaver, pro tools, file conversions, xcode , 3d studio max, etc.

i feel that the majority of computer users I.E. people who arent on computer tech forums can get by with an ipad.

EDIT saw your second post
if you need to upload word docs, all your iwork files created in pages automatically upload to a icloud with download links in word format/pdf/pages.


you can always set up an account with dropbox.. email the public url. If he is needing it for something specific, say to upload it to a certain webpage for his job per say. and the dont have any email support, then i understand. still doesnt mean the ipad ( or tablets in general) cant replace a computer for a vast amount of basic users based on his situation.

 

[George Knighton]

No, I cannot use only the iPad. Close, but not quite.

Email, Web, fine, movies in bed, fine.

My problem is not that I need more technology or more processing power.

My problem is that my mission critical business tools are Windows oriented, and I'll even have to occasionally dial into (yes, friends, dial into) machines to fix them.

It's a revolting state of affairs but what can you do.

 

[danpass]

I tried it but even using a remote desktop program, essentially cheating, it still wasn't for me.

Waiting on the next Air release.

 

[BiggAW]

I'm sure you are not that ignorant.

Of course it's a full replacement. They had two computers in the scenario we discussed. They replaced one of the computers with an iPad. You can't get more "full" than remove (A) replace with (B).

I think you've made that clear.

That wouldn't be a replacement if they have a computer to lean back on.

I realize you're probably not looking for solutions, but there are apps for editing Word docs available for the iPad. So, downloading (I can download via Goodreader any file) and editing (via an app, for example CloudOn) shouldn't be a problem. You didn't mention where she's uploading, but that can probably can be done as well (for example FTP apps, Dropbox, etc).

In my case, is there Microsoft Office 2010 or 2011? Didn't think so. In her case, I don't know where my grandmother is uploading, some club she's in and edits minutes for.

I'm buying one soon, but I know darn well, it's not replacing my computer. Maybe paper magazines, but not a computer. Will it steal time from the computer, or keep the computer docked at a desk nearly 100% of the time? Yes. Will it replace the computer? No. It can't.

 

[Aluminum213]

iPad is great but I would need MS Office on iPad to start


I'm thinking of getting pages and keynote in the meantime