All iPads iPad + Office could kill Macbook Air?

[Infinitewisdom]

So what if this rumored fan-less 12" MacBook Air due out soon is actually a bigger iPad with a keyboard AND with some sort of mouse function (added in iOS 8)? I think that changes things for a lot of people.

 

[Wbutchart]

For me office changes nothing! That price per year! No chance! I'll stick with pages which is free and more than good enough for my uses. Cannot believe they are expecting that price for an app that does not even connect with other apps or print, backward and useless that's what it is. Talk about selling based on brand with no purpose!

 

[UBS28]

basically my point was, does Office rectify this problem (or partially)?

What if someone created a mouse for the iPad. Problem solved?

----------

"Kill"? Seriously?

The iPad:
- Can't run two apps on the same screen
- Can't reply to an email with an attachment
- Has no screen size larger than 10"
- Has no ability to use a mouse or trackpad
- Has no ability to interact with USB devices
- Has no real file system

I can see how some people who just surf facebook/youtube might try to make the iPad + BT keyboard their only computer, but for most of us the idea of the iPad ever replacing a laptop is ludicrous.

Perhaps non-iPad tablets can step up to the table if Apple has limited the iPad? In a few years, tablets will have as much power as older laptops.

 

[sracer]

Perhaps non-iPad tablets can step up to the table if Apple has limited the iPad? In a few years, tablets will have as much power as older laptops.

I believe that one has, Microsoft's Surface 2. (the non-Pro version) Yes it has been trashed by the tech media, but it can do a lot of things that the iPad is unfortunately not capable of.

The following are 2 short videos by Sean Ong, a regular guy who shows what the device is capable of:
Why I love my Surface RT
Why I love my Surface 2 - Tips and Tricks

 

[Freyqq]

One of the things that separated the larger iPad (plus keyboard combo) from a macbook air (especially the 11" version) was that the iPad excelled at media consumption but was generally limited in productivity.

With Office out as well as some other similar recent alternatives, could this change the market for the Macbook Air?

I don't have the macbook air, but I have found using say, google drive for documents and spread sheets to be frustrating at times on my ipad. times where I wish I had a mouse to point at something rather than touching. the lack of functionality, etc.

1. iPad version has 1/5 of the features
2. no multitasking ability on ipad

 

[CausticSoda]

Oh please... I have had several iPads and Airs. When it comes to most of the work I do, at least, the Airs win every time. The 11" Air is the ultimate blend of portability and functionality. And at home or in the office, I attach it to a Thunderbolt Display.

It may not be a "gaming machine", but for my purposes it becomes every bit as good as a 27" iMac when I I use the Thunderbolt Display, and as portable as the iPad on the move (but more useful). I'm not saying it's the solution for everyone, but for "processor light" users, I think this setup is perfect.

PS I have been hearing about this fan-less MBA that may be released soon. For what it is worth, I don't think the fan has ever even come on, on my 2013 11" MBA. It's fast, and the battery lasts for ages. Again, not everyone will agree, but, for me, an 11" MBA plus a 27" Thunderbolt at home and work is perfection.

 

[roadbloc]

"Kill"? Seriously?

The iPad:
- Can't run two apps on the same screen
- Can't reply to an email with an attachment
- Has no screen size larger than 10"
- Has no ability to use a mouse or trackpad
- Has no ability to interact with USB devices
- Has no real file system

I can see how some people who just surf facebook/youtube might try to make the iPad + BT keyboard their only computer, but for most of us the idea of the iPad ever replacing a laptop is ludicrous.

+1. Tablets like iPads are great for touching up work on, but for the real crunch a real computer is needed.

 

[maflynn]

+1. Tablets like iPads are great for touching up work on, but for the real crunch a real computer is needed.

I think Office for the iPad is a great addition, and quite helpful but nothing beats a computer when fully interacting with a complex spreadsheet. Its so much easier to select multiple cells, or move the contents around.

For me, its an extension which allows me to do some work, but not replace what I have

 

[Tsepz]

One of the things that separated the larger iPad (plus keyboard combo) from a macbook air (especially the 11" version) was that the iPad excelled at media consumption but was generally limited in productivity.

With Office out as well as some other similar recent alternatives, could this change the market for the Macbook Air?

I don't have the macbook air, but I have found using say, google drive for documents and spread sheets to be frustrating at times on my ipad. times where I wish I had a mouse to point at something rather than touching. the lack of functionality, etc.

You've answered your own question I'd say. It's just not possible for iPads or any tablets in general to replace a fully functional laptop with mouse and keyboard. Let's not forget that the iPad isn't the best at multitasking either, it will be an incredibly frustrating experience trying to replace a MacBook Air with an iPad, you will run into many limitations, it's just not a viable move right now.

EDIT:

What the iPad is though is a nice compact device that is good for lighter office use on the go e.g. document editting and so on. So if you quickly want to correct a minor mistake, or add some details here and there while sitting in the airport lounge or at home without having to boot up your MacBook.

 

[screamingapple]

I'm not even going to list the points that are wrong in your post OP, because there are too many to type.

For one big one, a trackpad and comparing OSX with iOS is like apple and oranges.

I have an ipad and and a MBA and I use MBA 99% of the time.

 

[HenryDJP]

I'm not even going to list the points that are wrong in your post OP, because there are too many to type.

For one big one, a trackpad and comparing OSX with iOS is like apple and oranges.

I have an ipad and and a MBA and I use MBA 99% of the time.

LOL, it's really comparing Apple to Apple.

 

[sracer]

You've answered your own question I'd say. It's just not possible for iPads or any tablets in general to replace a fully functional laptop with mouse and keyboard. Let's not forget that the iPad isn't the best at multitasking either, it will be an incredibly frustrating experience trying to replace a MacBook Air with an iPad, you will run into many limitations, it's just not a viable move right now.

I have a great keyboard cover for my iPad 4. I certainly could do more if Apple provided support for bluetooth mice.

 

[AppleWarMachine]

No, I don't think so

 

[sentiblue]

Hybrid design will take care of this

For my job (I'm a linux system admin)... the iPad can do everything that the MBA can..... except these:

- If I wanted to get a log file from the data center to my device, then share it with colleagues for diagnostic, it's not possible.

- You cannot grab a file directly from the filesystem and send it as an attachment

- No productivitiy application suite.. which Office for iPad just solved.

I do agree with the original poster... if we now have Office and additional get the ability to browse/access the filesystem, the iPad is just as good as an MBA.

I used to do a full size DC maintenance on the first iPad.. but since I found the above 3 obstacles... I switched to MBA and never bought the second version forward... I will if all those 3 problems resolved.. one of which already had.

 

[BenTrovato]

When typing documents or creating presentations, I prefer the user experience on the Macbook Air by quite a bit. There have been times where I have gotten work done on the iPad but if I really have to get down and put in a few hours work, it's a lot more pleasurable on the MBA. I find my limit for comfort is under an hour using the iPad for anything that's really intensive.

So while we are approaching the period where the tablet can do everything a laptop can, I still don't think it does it better. There needs to be some innovation on how the tablet delivers productivity software. It will eventually happen, but it's not there yet.

 

[Traverse]

iWorks =/= MS Office

The difference is that MS Office for the iPad brings true compatibility to the table (at least in theory). For those who need that, it is a big step. If compatibility is poor or most don't need it, then you are correct.

Exactly. For some preliminary testing I opened some fairly complex Excel spreadsheets (vlookup, pivot tables, ect.) and they opened flawlessly. Even features that are not yet support opened fine. I will use them more, but they show promise.

Point: the primary reason to use Office on iPad is compatibility. If it fails, no. If it succeeds, it is a large step in the right directions.

----------

One of the things that separated the larger iPad (plus keyboard combo) from a macbook air (especially the 11" version) was that the iPad excelled at media consumption but was generally limited in productivity.

With Office out as well as some other similar recent alternatives, could this change the market for the Macbook Air?

I don't have the macbook air, but I have found using say, google drive for documents and spread sheets to be frustrating at times on my ipad. times where I wish I had a mouse to point at something rather than touching. the lack of functionality, etc.

It's a step in the right direction, but… No, I will not be selling my MacBook anytime soon.