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stianJ

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 29, 2006
22
1
I own a macbook pro 15" (2012). I use it now and then, but I consider replacing it with an iPad. But I can't decide ; iPad or iPad Pro!(?)

My setup is; I have all files stored on a Synology DS server and my wife has a macbook air. I use applications such as Office, Pixelmator, etc. I think I can manage to do most of my work on an iPad, and get rid of the mbp (and borrow my wifes mba if the iPad falls short)

I love the idea of Apple Pencil, but not sure if I will use it a lot. I also need a keyboard as this will be my main computer.

Will a regular iPad be sufficient, or do you think I should put more money into an iPad Pro (10.5)? What will I be able to achieve with the pro, that the regular iPad can't? (Except for the pro accessories) And will it be sufficient with 64 GB as I use a file server to store everything?
 
If you replace a real computer you should not be cheap.. better wait until you can afford the ipad pro 256gb even if you need save money for a while
 
Obviously you’ll know best what works for you but I can share with you my experience as someone who’s moved most of my work to an iPad Pro 10.5. For context, my work consists of writing and reviewing reports in PDF and PowerPoint. I also do some light graphic editing when developing those presentations. With this in mind here are some observations that you might find useful:

  • The size of the 10.5 keyboard is perfect for typing. I had a 9.7” Air before and a third-party keyboard and as a guy with average sized hands I just found it too cramped.
  • I find the Apple Pencil works great for reviewing PDF documents. Doesn’t help much with PowerPoint. Otherwise I don’t use it much. The note taking bit is frankly overrated as I much prefer to take notes on the keyboard. Having said that I’m not really a visual person so I don’t tend to draw diagrams for notes
  • I like how fast the Pro is. If I were to be honest the Air was fast enough but I like the instant response of the Pro
  • The iPad is primarily a one-app-at-a-time device. The multi-tasking is fine for a quick task but if you’re going to spend most of your time in split-screen view it’s not really a comfortable experience (speaking strictly for the 10.5, I don’t know how it’s like with the bigger screen). If you need to have two apps open always you might better off with a laptop
  • If your work is primarily office files I think 64GB is plenty. I was making do with 16GB before. The bigger size lets me sync more files offline and take them with me. I feel if you’re going to use it for work then figuring out how much size you need is a pretty straightforward affair since you’ll already have some idea on your workflow
  • On a more general, not iPad Pro specific, note I found the new Files app disappointing. I still rely heavily on PDF Expert and DropBox for file management
Hope this helps! Let us know what you decide and do share your experience if you decide to move to iPad. I’m always looking to learn how others get things done on iPad.
 
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