iPad pro for school?

[oftheheavens]

I want to switch my macbook air for an iPad pro for school but my online portion doesn't work on iOS (at least safari) I am assuming because of flash or it sees it as a mobile device. Do you think the iPad pro will allow us to surf the web as a desktop or will it still see it as iOS mobile?

I haven't had a iPad since the original mini so if I'm way off here sorry.

 

[UltimateSyn]

If it's because of flash, it won't matter either way. If it's because the website is recognizing your device in mobile, most websites recognize the iPad and give it the desktop version instead of mobile. If it doesn't you press and hold on the refresh button which gives you the option of requesting the desktop version.

 

[yillbs]

Its also important to note, the ipad pro still runs IOS ,and not a full mac osX version, so anything your current apple mobile device can do, will pretty much result in the same thing the ipad pro can do, the only difference is the pro offers some gimmicks, and a larger screen, It's by NO means a full desktop replacement,

 

[Mainsail]

I would be a careful about replacing my laptop with an iPad pro. I have two kids in college, and their laptops are indispensable tools. It is really hard to beat a built-in keyboard and trackpad for productivity.

I am really not sure what advantage an iPad pro would provide for college, unless you do a lot of graphic art or drawing with the new apple pencil. A new iPad pro is going to cost you $950 (128GB wifi) plus accessories $269 (pencil and keyboard case), which is north of $1200. This is essentially the same cost as the new retina Macbook ($1299). The Macbook weighs only 0.5 lbs more than the iPad pro, and it has a smaller footprint than the pro, which is important when working in class on those tiny desks.

If money is a big issue, wait for a sale on a new Macbook Air at one of the local big box stores. I purchased a brand new Macbook Air at BB with student discount ($150 off) plus sale price discount ($100 off) for $750.

 

[yillbs]

I would be a careful about replacing my laptop with an iPad pro. I have two kids in college, and their laptops are indispensable tools. It is really hard to beat a built-in keyboard and trackpad for productivity.

I am really not sure what advantage an iPad pro would provide for college, unless you do a lot of graphic art or drawing with the new apple pencil. A new iPad pro is going to cost you $950 (128GB wifi) plus accessories $269 (pencil and keyboard case), which is north of $1200. This is essentially the same cost as the new retina Macbook ($1299). The Macbook weighs only 0.5 lbs more than the iPad pro, and it has a smaller footprint than the pro, which is important when working in class on those tiny desks.

If money is a big issue, wait for a sale on a new Macbook Air at one of the local big box stores. I purchased a brand new Macbook Air at BB with student discount ($150 off) plus sale price ($100 off) for $750.

What he said, the pro can't replace a desktop when it uses a mobile operating system. You simply lose and lack much of the functionality.

 

[Tapper123]

iPad Pro will not replace a real computer for productivity. I really think some people just want to switch because the Pro is new and shiny.

 

[yillbs]

I use my iPad Air 2 for work because it does the essentials. I can update invoices ( even from my watch ) and send them out, wrote notes on invoices , and draw diagrams, but when it comes to actually coding I need my mbp. If love to know the thought process on a mobile platform replacing a desktop , or why others think it's ideal, or even possible.

 

[oftheheavens]

I have a maxed out iMac so I will always have a desktop. Not looking to replace a desktop I'm looking to replace a laptop. I'm not early 20's, I'm actually retired military.

I thank all of you for the information though especially the hold refresh for option thing! I have a feeling that the school site wouldn't work on a pro if it doesn't on an iPad but I'll try loading it as desktop version on my wife's iPad and see if it works. End case I'll try logging on on the Apple Store when it comes out. The laptop I have was free through the VA program I'm using and hardly gets used since I'm home all the time using the iMac or I'm on my iPhone. The iPad pro would get used somewhat more than the laptop since I could use it in places like bed and that I don't have to open the lid and wait to power on and log in. Anyways think I'll wait to play with it in store and decide then

 

[oftheheavens]

I would be a careful about replacing my laptop with an iPad pro. I have two kids in college, and their laptops are indispensable tools. It is really hard to beat a built-in keyboard and trackpad for productivity.

I am really not sure what advantage an iPad pro would provide for college, unless you do a lot of graphic art or drawing with the new apple pencil. A new iPad pro is going to cost you $950 (128GB wifi) plus accessories $269 (pencil and keyboard case), which is north of $1200. This is essentially the same cost as the new retina Macbook ($1299). The Macbook weighs only 0.5 lbs more than the iPad pro, and it has a smaller footprint than the pro, which is important when working in class on those tiny desks.

If money is a big issue, wait for a sale on a new Macbook Air at one of the local big box stores. I purchased a brand new Macbook Air at BB with student discount ($150 off) plus sale price discount ($100 off) for $750.

Forgot to link ya to my post above. You brought very valid points and just didn't know background circumstances. Didn't want to discredit the info you did provide ;-)

 

[yillbs]

I have a maxed out iMac so I will always have a desktop. Not looking to replace a desktop I'm looking to replace a laptop. I'm not early 20's, I'm actually retired military.

I thank all of you for the information though especially the hold refresh for option thing! I have a feeling that the school site wouldn't work on a pro if it doesn't on an iPad but I'll try loading it as desktop version on my wife's iPad and see if it works. End case I'll try logging on on the Apple Store when it comes out. The laptop I have was free through the VA program I'm using and hardly gets used since I'm home all the time using the iMac or I'm on my iPhone. The iPad pro would get used somewhat more than the laptop since I could use it in places like bed and that I don't have to open the lid and wait to power on and log in. Anyways think I'll wait to play with it in store and decide then

In that aspect then yes, that sounds like it would work. Just as others pointed out though, it's an expensive option for something that can only do minimal. It's highly likely you can pull up the site on the ipad, and if you can't, their are browsers that can accomidate. I was more or less talking about ease of use, having the abiltiy to have two screens open at the same time, taking notes, etc. I can't see it, but at the same time, i have lots of experience, so maybe I'm biased!

 

[oftheheavens]

In that aspect then yes, that sounds like it would work. Just as others pointed out though, it's an expensive option for something that can only do minimal. It's highly likely you can pull up the site on the ipad, and if you can't, their are browsers that can accomidate. I was more or less talking about ease of use, having the abiltiy to have two screens open at the same time, taking notes, etc. I can't see it, but at the same time, i have lots of experience, so maybe I'm biased!

it seems that you trade off functionality for a bit for flexibility. Thanks though guys, I am definitely going to wait till I see what this thing can actually do. I wish they would release a full blown OS X tablet. Seems like they are trying to mimic the surface but just aren't there yet.

 

[Mainsail]

I have a maxed out iMac so I will always have a desktop. Not looking to replace a desktop I'm looking to replace a laptop. I'm not early 20's, I'm actually retired military.

I understand what you are trying to do. For several years, at home, I used a Mac Mini for desktop tasks and an iPad mobile, and it worked fine. At work, I had a Macbook that was provided by my employer. Before I retired, I purchased a Macbook Air for myself, since I planned to do some consulting, and I would no longer have access to my employer provided laptop. I sold the iPad as well, and I have been very happy with just the Macbook Air and iPhone for getting stuff done.

When you mentioned using the iPad pro for school, I figured that you might still have access to a desktop computer, and you would no longer have a laptop. I also assumed that you were a college student (b/c I have two kids in college...so that's what jumped into my head). Anyway, for college students, who do a huge amount of content creation away from their desktop whilst at libraries, labs, classrooms and study groups, I think a good laptop is essential, and I would be nervous about giving that up for a tablet.

My two cents.

 

[eyeseeyou]

Unless you really need a touchscreen and apple pencil I think the ipad pro is the most expensive option you can go with.

Otherwise you'd probably get 90%+ of the same exact functionality and use out of an ipad air 2 + belkin qode pro bluetooth keyboard. Shoot throw in a stylus and you're basically there.

 

[eyeseeyou]

One other note to mention, there are browser apps that view flash on IOS.

Using flash in general is more of an issue the school needs to address IMO

 

[Mivo]

iPad Pro will not replace a real computer for productivity. I really think some people just want to switch because the Pro is new and shiny.

Really depends on what you'll be doing. If my job consisted of only writing, Skype conferences, appointment management, researching on the web, and responding to mail, even the Air 2 would be sufficient (with a Logitech Ultrathin). For me, the dealbreaker is that I need to be able to run a piece of propriety software that does not presently have an iOS version.

My need for a laptop is actually more pronounced in non-work areas, ironically.

 

[Serban]

i really think with this intro of the "Pro" into the iOS family in 2 years we will have nice keyboard and pencil features, file management between iOs-mac-icloud drive and at least 2 users accounts or maybe admin +guest account. So with all additional features and capabilities the gap between a laptop and ipad pro will be close enough for most (still can't replace a desktop with 21.5" or 27" imac or mac pro with thunderbolt display)

 

[Pakaku]

i really think with this intro of the "Pro" into the iOS family in 2 years we will have nice keyboard and pencil features, file management between iOs-mac-icloud drive and at least 2 users accounts or maybe admin +guest account. So with all additional features and capabilities the gap between a laptop and ipad pro will be close enough for most (still can't replace a desktop with 21.5" or 27" imac or mac pro with thunderbolt display)

Knowing Apple, the iOS department will always have a ton of untapped potential, and that will never change because of how stubborn Apple is.

The Pro is, however, the best damn Cintiq competitor so far and definitely a reason I'd buy one.

 

[oftheheavens]

`

I understand what you are trying to do. For several years, at home, I used a Mac Mini for desktop tasks and an iPad mobile, and it worked fine. At work, I had a Macbook that was provided by my employer. Before I retired, I purchased a Macbook Air for myself, since I planned to do some consulting, and I would no longer have access to my employer provided laptop. I sold the iPad as well, and I have been very happy with just the Macbook Air and iPhone for getting stuff done.

When you mentioned using the iPad pro for school, I figured that you might still have access to a desktop computer, and you would no longer have a laptop. I also assumed that you were a college student (b/c I have two kids in college...so that's what jumped into my head). Anyway, for college students, who do a huge amount of content creation away from their desktop whilst at libraries, labs, classrooms and study groups, I think a good laptop is essential, and I would be nervous about giving that up for a tablet.

My two cents.

awesome reply. For sure my main concern is that I already have to consider a work around to get onto the school site. Ill wait, thanks guys.

 

[Serban]

if you know apple since tim cook, you would know that icloud drive now its an app and surely will be the file management for iOS10 or at latest iOS11
Is more open, they gave Swift Open source
I hope for multiple users accounts, at least 2
With steve jobs iOS2 until 6 almost the same UI. So 5-6 generation nothing changed a lot. Now in 3 generations (iOS7-9) we have widgets/control centre/icloud drive/3d touch/new UI since iOS7)