iPad as a laptop replacement

[lsquare]

Depending on your printer it can find it over your network.
You can set your brightness on low when you connect to a monitor, but you can not turn it off.
No, just on external monitor. Yes the ultrawide issue hasnt been adressed yet, but hope is alive now that iPadOS 18 is knocking at the WWDC door in a week.

Is there a rule as to which printer will work? Mine is a Brother laser printer.

 

[Ludatyk]

What about printer drivers? I have a Brother laser printer that I would like to connect to the dock. Not sure how that would work.

Umm.. I normally use AirPrint when it comes to using a printer, never hooked directly to the iPad. But I assume it will be able to work when connected to a dock.

I just read that the iPad's screen remains on when connected to an external monitor. Is there a way to turn off the screen or lower the brightness via the keyboard?

After reading about scaling issues with ultra-wide monitors, is it possible for an iPad Pro to use stage manager with two external monitors, say two 4K screens? If so, any other limitations?

Yeah, as @Ultracyclist stated, cannot turn off the display (supposedly it’s coming for this year’s WWDC)… not many resolution options for external display support and only one monitor can be used.

I don’t think Apple will ever allow two external monitors support for the iPad, I think that will solely be a Mac feature.

 

[bondr006]

I just read that the iPad's screen remains on when connected to an external monitor. Is there a way to turn off the screen or lower the brightness via the keyboard?

Depending on your printer it can find it over your network.
You can set your brightness on low when you connect to a monitor, but you can not turn it off.

Like @Ultracyclist mentioned, if it is a Wi-Fi printer, you should be able to print wirelessly. I print wirelessly with my HP Deskjet.

Also, unfortunately there is no way currently to have the iPad screen turn off when hooked to a monitor. My work around until they fix this is, I just open a dark/deep black photo in the photo's app, and the screen is black.

Here's what it looks like.

 

[NastyMatt]

What about printer drivers? I have a Brother laser printer that I would like to connect to the dock. Not sure how that would work.

I just read that the iPad's screen remains on when connected to an external monitor. Is there a way to turn off the screen or lower the brightness via the keyboard?

After reading about scaling issues with ultra-wide monitors, is it possible for an iPad Pro to use stage manager with two external monitors, say two 4K screens? If so, any other limitations?

Re: Ultra-wide - works fine on mine - better than expected TBH, as seen here - true 21x9 (3440x1440) with no black bars (Disney+ app).

 

[Ludatyk]

Like @Ultracyclist mentioned, if it is a Wi-Fi printer, you should be able to print wirelessly. I print wirelessly with my HP Deskjet.

I have a HP Photosmart Printer... that I’ve used for YEARS. Never felt the need to replace it, because I don’t print enough to justify the cost lol.

Also, unfortunately there is no way currently to have the iPad screen turn off when hooked to a monitor. My work around until they fix this is, I just open a dark/deep black photo in the photo's app, and the screen is black.

I never deemed it was necessary to turn the screen off… I use it as reference monitor. But I don’t really use a large monitor such as yourself… mine is much smaller.

 

[Ultracyclist]

Re: Ultra-wide - works fine on mine - better than expected TBH, as seen here - true 21x9 (3440x1440) with no black bars (Disney+ app).
View attachment 2384986

It is not that it doesn’t work. The scaling is off.

 

[lsquare]

Umm.. I normally use AirPrint when it comes to using a printer, never hooked directly to the iPad. But I assume it will be able to work when connected to a dock.


Yeah, as @Ultracyclist stated, cannot turn off the display (supposedly it’s coming for this year’s WWDC)… not many resolution options for external display support and only one monitor can be used.

I don’t think Apple will ever allow two external monitors support for the iPad, I think that will solely be a Mac feature.

Did Apple say they'll allow the iPad to be turned off in a future OS update?

 

[Ludatyk]

Did Apple say they'll allow the iPad to be turned off in a future OS update?

No, and that’s not something Apple will do.

It was rumored to come last year at WWDC for iPadOS 17, but didn’t show up… that’s why I think it likely could come this year. But it’s a toss up, I believe their focus is entirely on AI at this point.

 

[richpjr]

I believe their focus is entirely on AI at this point.

I believe this to be true as well and I am prepared to be underwhelmed by what is announced at next week - as usual. The rumored new features/improvements I've seen are of moderate interest at best for my uses. I hope there are a lot of surprises but there are just so many irritations to work around right now that I really can't use it as a laptop replacement at this point.

 

[michelg1970]

I wanted to write a similar review. I went the 13” Pro way with Magic Keyboard. Just went traveling to Thailand and Middle East for work and left my laptop at home, to see if this approach would work (within the return window).

I can second all your points above with the addition that I can use Remote Desktop to take over my work PC on my iPad and can be as productive as in the office while I can also use your “focus” approach alternatively, depending on what needs to be done.

A little bit more multi-tasking would be welcome though.

Thanks for your review! I think I will keep it: no more need to carry and a laptop for work and an iPad for movies in the plane.

Update:

I used my IPP 13 inch during my business trip to Thailand and UAE and also carried my MBP, just in case. I never used the MBP and was able to do everything with my IPP 13 inch. So - happy citizen.

BUT, then I returned back home and to the office and found myself not touching my IPP at all. In the office I couldn't use Click Share full screen (limited to 4:3 only), at home the combo IPP and Magic Keyboard limited the use case. OK, I could buy another case but I spent more than 2000 euro for the IPP 13 (512 GB) + Magic Keyboard + Pencil Pro , never used the pencil, while I have a Mac mini M2 Pro and MBP M2 Pro at home.

In MY case, the IPP 13 inch M4 is a bit of overkill. I basically need something to watch (download) Netflix / Amazon/ Disney movies and series while traveling and have other means to do my work.

The 2024 IPP M4 is a brilliant machine, but not for me in my current situation. It will be picked up on Friday for return within the 14 days return window. Hope it will make someone else happy. I will miss the OLED screen though as it is beautiful to watch movies.

 

[MisterMillz]

Joining in on the fun, (again) lol. I’ve always preferred laptops rather than desktops, but over the years I’ve felt too much overlap in having an iPad bigger than the Mini and laptop. Going the iPad Pro + Mac Mini route.

Theoretically, it should cover my mobile computing/consumption usage and at home needs with minimal overlap. 🤞 Laptop replacement, for me, sure. Total traditional computer replacement, not so much. I hope it gets there.

 

[Surfsalot]

Like @Ultracyclist mentioned, if it is a Wi-Fi printer, you should be able to print wirelessly. I print wirelessly with my HP Deskjet.

Also, unfortunately there is no way currently to have the iPad screen turn off when hooked to a monitor. My work around until they fix this is, I just open a dark/deep black photo in the photo's app, and the screen is black.

Here's what it looks like.
View attachment 2384983

You'd be so much better off with a 24" iMac 🙂

 

[RLRabb]

Joining in on the fun, (again) lol. I’ve always preferred laptops rather than desktops, but over the years I’ve felt too much overlap in having an iPad bigger than the Mini and laptop. Going the iPad Pro + Mac Mini route.

Theoretically, it should cover my mobile computing/consumption usage and at home needs with minimal overlap. 🤞 Laptop replacement, for me, sure. Total traditional computer replacement, not so much. I hope it gets there.

I have the same iPP/Mac mini combo. Works well for me.

 

[Webcat86]

Joining in on the fun, (again) lol. I’ve always preferred laptops rather than desktops, but over the years I’ve felt too much overlap in having an iPad bigger than the Mini and laptop. Going the iPad Pro + Mac Mini route.

Theoretically, it should cover my mobile computing/consumption usage and at home needs with minimal overlap. 🤞 Laptop replacement, for me, sure. Total traditional computer replacement, not so much. I hope it gets there.

I do similar - iMac and iPad. I used a MBP for years but when it was time to upgrade I realised I’m at the desk 99% of the time, so the iMac was more appealing

 

[bondr006]

You'd be so much better off with a 24" iMac 🙂

View attachment 2385512

Nice desktop setup. I do have an M2 Pro Mac Mini. I never said my iPP replaced my desktop…only my laptop. Like any good techie, I have to hook my iPP to an external monitor occasionally. But seriously, my iPP fully replaces a laptop for the work I do. I do really understand that this can’t be done by everyone, but I have to believe that most people here do have use cases for their iPads that they are happy with. I think a majority of us wish they would do more.🙂

I am in Florida to see my parents right now, and the only things I have are my iPhone and iPP. I really think most of the stuff I’ve done on this trip could’ve been done with just my iPhone. As most of you know, I really do like my iPP, and it truly is an EDC for me.

 

[sparksd]

Nice desktop setup. I do have an M2 Pro Mac Mini. I never said my iPP replaced my desktop…only my laptop. Like any good techie, I have to hook my iPP to an external monitor occasionally. But seriously, my iPP fully replaces a laptop for the work I do. I do really understand that this can’t be done by everyone, but I have to believe that most people here do have use cases for their iPads that they are happy with. I think a majority of us wish they would do more.🙂

I am in Florida to see my parents right now, and the only things I have are my iPhone and iPP. I really think most of the stuff I’ve done on this trip could’ve been done with just my iPhone. As most of you know, I really do like my iPP, and it truly is an EDC for me.

The discussion in this thread occasionally gets wrapped around the axle on what the original question was - can the iPad replace my laptop? It sometimes gets confused with, can the iPad be my only computer? The iPad can indeed replace my laptop as my mobile/portable computing device but I still need a laptop or desktop at home for those things I either cannot do at all on my iPad or can't do as efficiently on my iPad.

 

[Webcat86]

The discussion in this thread occasionally gets wrapped around the axle on what the original question was - can the iPad replace my laptop? It sometimes gets confused with, can the iPad be my only computer? The iPad can indeed replace my laptop as my mobile/portable computing device but I still need a laptop or desktop at home for those things I either cannot do at all on my iPad or can't do as efficiently on my iPad.

But in fairness, a laptop is many people's only computer.

 

[sparksd]

But in fairness, a laptop is many people's only computer.

True, but that should be stated as such for the purpose of this thread.

 

[chmania]

I totally agree. The future of Mac is iPad Pro.

Sure, but with the full macOS running in it.

 

[dumastudetto]

Sure, but with the full macOS running in it.

No. macOS will die with the hardware.

 

[DeepSix]

Thinking of getting the Magic trackpad for my ipad. Just because the mouse scrolling in iOS isnt very smooth. There are times where I get tired of touching the screen each time. Im assuming that the scrolling with the magic trackpad would be night and day compared to mice.

11" ipad in combo touch case for the kickstand with Magic bluetooth keyboard. Just can't beat this setup for a portable rig. I haven't seen a laptop that can match this for portability and versatility.

The only benefit to me in using a laptop is running full programs. But if you don't need that, then the ipad beats it everytime. Having the ability to just use the ipad as a media player or reading device in hand or propped up and the ability to use the pencil at anytime and switch between them anytime is such a big benefit over any laptop. Using a laptop after feels very restricted.

 

[chmania]

No. macOS will die with the hardware.

No, it won't. Four M chips were created within the last 3+ years, and were created first for Macs. The next M Chip would also be created, again first for the Mac. Mac Does That

 

[lsquare]

Thinking of getting the Magic trackpad for my ipad. Just because the mouse scrolling in iOS isnt very smooth. There are times where I get tired of touching the screen each time. Im assuming that the scrolling with the magic trackpad would be night and day compared to mice.

11" ipad in combo touch case for the kickstand with Magic bluetooth keyboard. Just can't beat this setup for a portable rig. I haven't seen a laptop that can match this for portability and versatility.

The only benefit to me in using a laptop is running full programs. But if you don't need that, then the ipad beats it everytime. Having the ability to just use the ipad as a media player or reading device in hand or propped up and the ability to use the pencil at anytime and switch between them anytime is such a big benefit over any laptop. Using a laptop after feels very restricted.

What do you mean that the mouse isn't smooth? I was curious why anyone would prefer a trackpad over a mouse. I thought a mouse would be faster and more intuitive to use.

 

[DeepSix]

What do you mean that the mouse isn't smooth? I was curious why anyone would prefer a trackpad over a mouse. I thought a mouse would be faster and more intuitive to use.

A mouse is more portable and I can fit my spare Anywhere MX2S in my same bag for my ipad. I prefer it over a trackpad. But for one, you can't utilize the side buttons on the mouse to go back and forward. And the scrolling in iOS is not smooth at all. I've even tried my MX Master 3S and it's no better. Ive looked up this same issue time and time again and it seems there is no fix to it due to iOS having very average mouse support.

 

[dumastudetto]

No, it won't. Four M chips were created within the last 3+ years, and were created first for Macs. The next M Chip would also be created, again first for the Mac. Mac Does That

View attachment 2385701

M4 is first in iPad. Your streak has already ended.

I have nothing against macOS or Mac users, I used to be one of you, but I'm always immensely more enthusiastic about progress than living in the past.