All iPads I tried, but iPad can't be computer replacement (for me)

[and 4096 others like this]

Hi there

recently I understood, that I use my computer (most of the time) for browsing, checking emails, watching movies - all the things I can do with iPad. So I said to myself "why not sell my desktop computer and buy TV + iPad. Unfortunately this was mistake. Maybe I miss a big picture and you guys and girls can put me in the right direction.

I know I can download apps for most of the things, but this is very inelegant process.

Apple try to show iPad as PC replacement, they add task bar, split view etc, but there is no easy way to download files. Windows or macOS - ok, just click the download button and there you go, you have your movie, file, RAR etc. in chosen direction. Why can I do this on iPad, just one click? Why downloading RAR file to „Files” on iOS saved it as .txt file and I have to use DropBox for it?

There is also no easy way to connect my 2TB HDD with movies, photos and other things I've got for years from my iPhone and browse it on iPad. I don’t talk about lack of standard USB port, but iPad should have USB-C port like 2 years ago (also if you buy maxed out MacBook Pro and iPhone X/iPad Pro, you still can’t connect them with cable, without dongle, cause one have USB-C and other standard USB, it shows how inconsistent Apple is).

When you buy MacBook or notebook with windows, you can do all this things just out of the box. With iPad I have to read articles how to do this or that ;/

Once again, I know I can use apps, I can use DropBox or save files by choosing „share” but how on earth iPad can be computer replacement without die hard mode on? Maybe I missing something? How can I do all this things as easy as on computer?

 

[sdz]

Hi there

recently I understood, that I use my computer (most of the time) for browsing, checking emails, watching movies - all the things I can do with iPad. So I said to myself "why not sell my desktop computer and buy TV + iPad. Unfortunately this was mistake. Maybe I miss a big picture and you guys and girls can put me in the right direction.

I know I can download apps for most of the things, but this is very inelegant process.

Apple try to show iPad as PC replacement, they add task bar, split view etc, but there is no easy way to download apps. Windows or macOS - ok, just click the download button and there you go, you have your movie, file, RAR etc. in chosen direction. Why can I do this on iPad, just one click? Why downloading RAR file to „Files” on iOS saved it as .txt file and I have to use DropBox for it?

There is also no easy way to connect my 2TB HDD with movies, photos and other things I've got for years from my iPhone and browse it on iPad. I don’t talk about lack of standard USB port, but iPad should have USB-C port like 2 years ago (also if you buy maxed out MacBook Pro and iPhone X/iPad Pro, you still can’t connect them with cable, without dongle, cause one have USB-C and other standard USB, it shows how inconsistent Apple is).

One again, I know I can use apps, I can use DropBox or save files by choosing „share” but how on earth iPad can be computer replacement without die hard mode on? Maybe I missing something? How can I do all this things as easy as on computer?

You need a computer to backup iPad (if you dont want to deliver your data to the 5-Eyes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Eyes).

It tells much about "iPad can replace PC" story

 

[and 4096 others like this]

You need a computer to backup iPad (if you dont want to deliver your data to the 5-Eyes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Eyes).

It tells much about "iPad can replace PC" story

I just said there is no easy way to connect with cable 3 top and high and Apple products, I said nothing about backup. You want to do this for big files or for recovery mode, save your battery or charge your device.

All I said about iPad and USB was - you can't just plug your drive with files and browse it like on computer.

Edit: I can't figured it out if your post is more like "hey and 4096 others like this, here is your aluminum hat" or you just said iPad really can't replace computer, cause it needs computer for traditional backup. Sorry.

 

[Macalicious2011]

When my MBP was in a battery replacement, I grew accustomed to using the iPad. However a few weeks later I naturally gravitated back towards the MBP when it's couch time. In fact, I can't recall my girlfriend ever using the iPad to look something up, browse or do admin. She always grabs the laptop.

 

[joeblow7777]

You need a computer to backup iPad (if you dont want to deliver your data to the 5-Eyes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Eyes).

It tells much about "iPad can replace PC" story

They don’t care what’s on your iPad, nor does Apple share it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FBI–Apple_encryption_dispute

 

[Eric5273]

My dad, who knows very little about computers, would argue with your statement that with a MacBook you can “do all these things out of the box”. Perhaps for you, because you are used to using MacOSX for years, it is very easy. Now you are switching to another OS and you are complaining that you have to relearn how to do things. That is going to be the case any time you switch operating systems to one you are not as familiar with.

I find it very easy to do all the things you mention on my iPad Pro. The best app for file management is Documents by Readdle. You can save any files to that app if you want to manipulate them, such as zip or rar files. And anything you save to a cloud service, including iCloud Drive (Files App) can also be accessed from within Documents. It’s kind of like a combination of the Finder and Preview apps on a Mac.

Just to be clear, I run my music production business from my iPad without owning a PC or Mac. My daily file management tasks include uploading and downloading large amounts of music files to FTP sites and cloud services, zipping and unzipping file archives, and moving these files in and out of my AudioShare app (which is where I do most of my music work). Between the Documents by Readdle and AudioShare apps, I am able to do everything I can do on a Mac, and in fact often times it is easier than on a Mac as I prefer the simplicity of iOS.

Yes, everything in iOS is app based. Good news is there are over 1 million apps in the App Store, so while it may take some time to find the right apps for your personal needs, I assure you that they exist. You will just need to learn a new workflow. If you are unwilling to do that, then I suggest you stick with a Mac.

 

[maflynn]

For me,its not an option.

• Lack of USB ports - no easy/seamless way to connect my printer and scanner.
• Accessing external drives (related to #1, but I think it needs its own bullet)
• Lack of a mouse. I understand the touch first mentality, but for my needs, a mouse is critical.
• Inferior multitasking. I tend to have a handful of apps and its quite easy to move around them. The split screen is a nice plus but it in no way encroaches on the level of multitasking I can do with my laptop or desktop
• Storage/ram, I have access to more resources which is needed for my tasks.
• Running VMs
• Running Windows
• Web browsing, some sites render the iPad as a mobile device and limit how I can interact vs. a desktop.
• Full access to a file system
• Access to the terminal (I don't feeling like doing down the jailbreak path).
• Desktop apps are more powerful then iOS apps

 

[DNichter]

Definitely depends on your needs. I use an app called Documents to download and manage my files. I also transfer to iCloud Drive or my NAS when needed. This houses my media server that I run Plex on and have access to all my movies and tv shows. If I ever need to send a file to my iPad, I will usually just email it or drop it in iCloud Drive. I know it's not for everyone, but once you accept that the cloud is your file system, it makes it really simple. I like the extreme flexibility that my iPad brings me. I can do my job anywhere at anytime, with access to all of my files and services that I need. It has also increased the collaborative nature of my business as you can easily move around the office sharing a presentation or report with coworkers (if needed).

 

[sdz]

They don’t care what’s on your iPad, nor does Apple share it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FBI–Apple_encryption_dispute

iCloud Backup is not encrypted by your key.

 

[mofunk]

I thought this topic was discussed in length before?

The iPad and MacBook Pro are mobile devices. Both you can use away from a desk. Both can run Windows and any iOS app. With the addition of wireless storage drives, you can store files just like a MacBook. Why do you need a mouse, its a touch screen lol. Both MBP and iPads don't require a mouse. You use the touch pad for MBP and touch the screen on the iPad.

The iPad is like a lighter version of a MBA.

 

[sracer]

I thought this topic was discussed in length before?

The iPad and MacBook Pro are mobile devices. Both you can use away from a desk. Both can run Windows and any iOS app. With the addition of wireless storage drives, you can store files just like a MacBook. Why do you need a mouse, its a touch screen lol. Both MBP and iPads don't require a mouse. You use the touch pad for MBP and touch the screen on the iPad.

The iPad is like a lighter version of a MBA.

Sorry but no, the iPad is NOT like a lighter version of a Macbook Air... not even close. You refer to one or two things that they have in common while ignoring the dozens of things that are exclusive to one or the other.

Having said that, if the mix of tasks that you need to accomplish can be done with comparable ease and efficiency on the iPad as it can be on the Macbook Air, then for you the iPad is like a macbook Air.

 

[sparksd]

I thought this topic was discussed in length before?

The iPad and MacBook Pro are mobile devices. Both you can use away from a desk. Both can run Windows and any iOS app. With the addition of wireless storage drives, you can store files just like a MacBook. Why do you need a mouse, its a touch screen lol. Both MBP and iPads don't require a mouse. You use the touch pad for MBP and touch the screen on the iPad.

The iPad is like a lighter version of a MBA.

Some of us need/want a mouse for a lot o the work we do.

 

[The Game 161]

even for something as simple as like using trackpad for me is important. just like the ease of that and the keyboard even though I know people have had issues with the keyboards on the MacBook. So better for me than the Smart Keyboard from apple

 

[DNichter]

I just said there is no easy way to connect with cable 3 top and high and Apple products, I said nothing about backup. You want to do this for big files or for recovery mode, save your battery or charge your device.

All I said about iPad and USB was - you can't just plug your drive with files and browse it like on computer.

Edit: I can't figured it out if your post is more like "hey and 4096 others like this, here is your aluminum hat" or you just said iPad really can't replace computer, cause it needs computer for traditional backup. Sorry.

You can backup easily via iCloud if needed. I also back up occasionally to my NAS.

 

[TheSkywalker77]

I think Apple tried making the iPad a computer replacement with the iPad Pro, with the keyboard and bigger size I can see some people thinking it's a computer replacement. If they did ever want to make an iPad a computer replacement they'd need to redesign MacOS entirely to make it more touch screen friendly. I can't see Apple doing this tho, even tho it'd be a direct competitor to the MS Surface.

 

[avinator]

You need a computer to backup iPad (if you dont want to deliver your data to the 5-Eyes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Eyes).

It tells much about "iPad can replace PC" story

They already know everything anyway...privacy is long gone...

 

[Appleaker]

If you have to ‘try’ to make it replace your computer, then don’t. Because it probably won’t replace it.

I don’t know why some people are forcing themselves to do this, it’s following a misinterpretation of what Apple have been saying. They are different products, the iPad will replace the computer in doing some tasks for a lot of people, and for some people that happens to be everything they do on their computer.

It’s not something they think about and it’s certainly not a challenge, it just happens. And most of the time there will still be a traditional computer there for the very occasional tasks that need it, rather than ignoring the existence of PCs/Macs which a lot of the Apple fans seem to do when they turn this into a challenge.

Sorry for the rant but I find it incredibly frustrating, I understand that this isn’t entirely relavent to you and you acknowledge that it can’t be an elegant replacement in a lot of cases. I just think that people need to realise that the computer doesn’t have to go anywhere if you use a tablet instead as they are still very different. Apple aren’t saying to throw out your computers because this should physically replace them, they’re saying it can replace the usage of a computer for a lot of tasks.

 

[DNichter]

I think Apple tried making the iPad a computer replacement with the iPad Pro, with the keyboard and bigger size I can see some people thinking it's a computer replacement. If they did ever want to make an iPad a computer replacement they'd need to redesign MacOS entirely to make it more touch screen friendly. I can't see Apple doing this tho, even tho it'd be a direct competitor to the MS Surface.

I think the better plan would be just to keep adding more and more macOS/desktop-like features to iOS for iPad. I don't think they are too far off. Throw in mouse support and higher resolution screens with 4 app multitasking and most would be set. I don't think certain tasks will ever likely be supported, but app development will be key for continued growth.
[doublepost=1523378745][/doublepost]

If you have to ‘try’ to make it replace your computer, then don’t. Because it probably won’t replace it.

I don’t know why some people are forcing themselves to do this, it’s following a misinterpretation of what Apple have been saying. They are different products, the iPad will replace the computer in doing some tasks for a lot of people, and for some people that happens to be everything they do on their computer.

It’s not something they think about and it’s certainly not a challenge, it just happens. And most of the time there will still be a traditional computer there for the very occasional tasks that need it, rather than ignoring the existence of PCs/Macs which a lot of the Apple fans seem to do when they turn this into a challenge.

Sorry for the rant but I find it incredibly frustrating, I understand that this isn’t entirely relavent to you and you acknowledge that it can’t be an elegant replacement in a lot of cases. I just think that people need to realise that the computer doesn’t have to go anywhere if you use a tablet instead as they are still very different. Apple aren’t saying to throw out your computers because this should physically replace them, they’re saying it can replace the usage of a computer for a lot of tasks.

I agree with this. I don't think the iPad will replace traditional computers as whole, but it will certainly continue to make a dent. The majority of people use their home computer for very basic tasks, which can easily be done on an iPad. There will likely always be operational tasks/careers that could never translate well to an iPad, that's why we have Macs and the like. For me, I was fortunate to be able to do my job and everything I need a computer at home, from an iPad. It's been a great experience and very freeing in a sense.

 

[Altis]

Not at all for me. I mostly use desktop though, so having a tiny little display with poor ergonomics and a completely locked down OS is not something I desire.

I can see it having some on-the-go purposes or for reading, perhaps. But I do need a desktop-OS on my laptop to do almost all the things I need to do.

Some things can be done with enough work-arounds, often stacked together, but it quickly starts feeling like I'm framing a house with a Swiss Army knife.

 

[joeblow7777]

iCloud Backup is not encrypted by your key.

That doesn’t contradict what I said.

 

[mmomega]

I tried, really hard to be an iPad person, and it just isn't for me.
My wife on the other hand, definitely is.
Between the two of us she had the first version preorder, we both got 3's, she got 4,I got the mini v1, I got the Air (which was my last time trying to like this thing) she got the Air 2 and then the 12'9"Pro.

It just isn't for me. I tried saying well I didn't like the first one because the screen, so I did retina when that was released didn't use it, well its too big get the mini, didn't use it, The Air is the newest and fastest let's try this again. Nope. Didn't use it.
It took me several iterations because I do like Apple products but this is for sure one that does not have a a place in my hands outside of at work.
I am a phone guy, a laptop guy and a desktop guy and for my style, a tablet does not fit.

 

[Juicy Box]

I think being able to replace a computer with an iPad will greatly vary depending on what the iPad will be used for.

Some people can do it, many people probably cannot. I would much rather use a desktop with a mouse and keyboard for majority of the stuff I do. The lack of a mouse and reduced multitasking would greatly reduce my productivity.

I hate typing on my iDevices, and if I know I will be doing a lot of texting, I will jump on my iMac to do all that texting so I don't have to text on my iPhone.

Why do you need a mouse, its a touch screen lol

Why use a touch screen if you could use a mouse?

I read statements like this a lot when it comes to these type of threads, and while the two are related, they are not the same. Also, what works for one person, may not work for others depending on preference of the user, and the task they are doing.

That is like asking "why own a car when you can take a bus?". This might work for some depending on the situation, but definitely not all.

 

[The Samurai]

Echo what @maflynn says.

If an iPad is to replace a 'computer' for me, it needs to do this (and do it damn well):

• Mouse / trackpad support (can. not. poke. at. a. screen. all. day. - sorry, tried and tested - its as Steve Jobs said, miserable at best).
• File system (in this day in age where both Mac and Windows have a file system sorted, I shouldn't need to be jumping in hoops to get something which i'm familiar with working)
• Ports (my workstation is messy. Its how I work. With an external monitor, hard drives scattered amongst paper and USB devices connected via dongles, one ain't going to cover it)
• Enhanced printer support (budge over iPad. Paper ain't done yet. I often need to print out various different types of files and im afraid the dumbed down printer settings on the iPad just don't cover it)

*in the above order of importance, for me*

 

[sunapple]

"hey and 4096 others like this, here is your aluminum hat" [...]

A very catchy name, sir.

This topic already exists somewhere on the forums. Like I’ve said before, I wish I could but I can’t.

 

[Juicy Box]

So I said to myself "why not sell my desktop computer and buy TV + iPad.

Apple aren’t saying to throw out your computers because this should physically replace them, they’re saying it can replace the usage of a computer for a lot of tasks.

I agree with this, and I find it a little weird that the OP decided to make the switch without easing into it.

It might be a little misleading how Apple is advertising. The whole "what's a computer?" ad was pretty strange.

In a way, Apple is condemning one product (their desktop and laptops), to increases sales for another (iPads). Apple use to have a good way of showing that their products complement each other, but lately, they belittle one product for another.

Actually, most of Apple's advertising over the past few years have been strange.

I think the better plan would be just to keep adding more and more macOS/desktop-like features to iOS for iPad.

I really like this idea. I hate the idea of the MacOS becoming more like the iOS. I think that they should be kept separate, but if there is a product that is supposed to be a replacement for both, maybe they should include elements of both.