iPad Pro Just Replaced My MacBook

[dk001]

I agree. It's not that stuff *can't* be done. Usually, there is a workaround of some kind. But, the more complex the task, the more hoops you have to jump through, and there are all kinds of caveats even for simple tasks. Printing? Good luck, unless you are willing to fork out money for a special apple-friendly printer. Watching a video? Sure. But, it depends on how you want to do it. For example, yesterday I wanted to watch a video clip on the ipad that I had saved on my computer's hard drive. I moved it over to the ipad using airdrop (wonderfully easy), but, for some reason i can only view it in the clumsy apple photo app, not even in apple's "video" app. don't ask me why. now, i think i might be able to take the video, "open in" dropbox, and then "open in" some other app for viewing (a process involving a total of three apps along with the cloud just to watch a video where i'd like). or, i can sync through itunes and put it in the video app. but, both methods require jumping through hoops. on the macbook, i double click the file -- end of story. so many things are like this that it gets bothersome...

Original ASUS Transformer (Android) owner and have to say the deign was ahead of its time. The hardware worked however the apps lacked. So I grabbed a Belkin and an iPad and tried it there - no joy. Same issue and no touchpad support. Enter the iPad Pro and you still have the same app functionality issue... and no touchpad support 🙁

iPad Pro - it's just not a laptop; it's a tablet. 😉

 

[Night Spring]

now, i think i might be able to take the video, "open in" dropbox, and then "open in" some other app for viewing (a process involving a total of three apps along with the cloud just to watch a video where i'd like).

Not sure why you need to involve Dropbox. Doesn't it "open in" directly to your video app? Most video apps also have a wifi transfer mode that allows you to transfer video from your computer directly to the video app. Finally, get FileBrowser. It connects to any shared drive on your network, and plays most audio formats. It also plays videos in iTunes compatible formats, and lets you pass non-compatible videos to other apps.

iPad Pro - it's just not a laptop; it's a tablet. 😉

Did anyone say it was a laptop?

 

[dk001]

...

Did anyone say it was a laptop?

TC pretty much said that and definitely alluded to it.

 

[Night Spring]

TC pretty much said that and definitely alluded to it.

Not exactly. He said that with the iPad Pro, many people wouldn't need a laptop anymore. Doesn't mean that the iPP does everything exactly the way a laptop would. The iPP is a tablet, period. It wasn't meant to be a laptop.

 

[dk001]

Not exactly. He said that with the iPad Pro, many people wouldn't need a laptop anymore. Doesn't mean that the iPP does everything exactly the way a laptop would. The iPP is a tablet, period. It wasn't meant to be a laptop.

You are reading into it. He was saying that for a number of folks, the iPad Pro would be their "laptop". To rephrase his words, the iPad Pro is a laptop, just not for everyone.

 

[Night Spring]

You are reading into it. He was saying that for a number of folks, the iPad Pro would be their "laptop". To rephrase his words, the iPad Pro is a laptop, just not for everyone.

Well, I'm one of the people who find that iPP replaces my laptop, but I really don't think of it as my laptop, it's a tablet.

 

[dk001]

Well, I'm one of the people who find that iPP replaces my laptop, but I really don't think of it as my laptop, it's a tablet.

Cool 😎 Glad it works out for you.

 

[palpatine]

Not sure why you need to involve Dropbox. Doesn't it "open in" directly to your video app? Most video apps also have a wifi transfer mode that allows you to transfer video from your computer directly to the video app. Finally, get FileBrowser. It connects to any shared drive on your network, and plays most audio formats. It also plays videos in iTunes compatible formats, and lets you pass non-compatible videos to other apps.



Did anyone say it was a laptop?

no. the files i transfer via airdrop only go to photos, and from photos, there is no option for opening in the video player. have you tried this and succeeded, or are you just guessing that it ought to work, because that is exactly my point. things that ought to work don't.

this is just an example of how you run into difficulties on the ipad with ios. thank you for the suggestions. i will look into them, because i am interested. however, i am unlikely to spend money when i can manage it using itunes. the fact that there is a dead end / annoying workaround needed is the thing that bugs me. fortunately, on my rmb, there is no stress point. it just works.

i don't know if anyone said it was a laptop, but apple is suggesting it with the name (here i go again with the name) -- it's the only ios product called a "pro," possibly to set it up against microsofts "pro" tablet, which really is a fully operational computer with a regular operating system. the ipad pro, to my eyes, is an inferior product, especially at its price point.

i may very well get an ipad pro. i don't hate the device or anything like that. i just don't see it as a replacement for a fully functioning os like you find on the surface or rmb. at any rate, i've got little patience for workarounds anymore. i just want to get my stuff done.

 

[Night Spring]

no. the files i transfer via airdrop only go to photos, and from photos, there is no option for opening in the video player. have you tried this and succeeded, or are you just guessing that it ought to work, because that is exactly my point. things that ought to work don't.

Oops, my bad, you are right. AirDrop only sends videos to the Photo app, and doesn't give you the option to send to another app.

Truth is, I've always used FileBrowser to cooy videos and other files from computer to iPad. FileBrowser has been around from back when the original iPad was released, way before there was any AirDrop. I don't remember how much I paid for that app, but it's been worth every penny, and some.

It's true iOS out of the box can be frustrating, as you point out. I guess I was lucky to find FileBrowser, and also GoodReader, early. Between them, they do everything I need a file system to do, so I haven't felt frustrated by the workarounds I have to do. Yes, there are several more steps than on a regular computer, but for me it's worth that tradeoff to be able to work away from a desk.

 

[palpatine]

Oops, my bad, you are right. AirDrop only sends videos to the Photo app, and doesn't give you the option to send to another app.

Truth is, I've always used FileBrowser to cooy videos and other files from computer to iPad. FileBrowser has been around from back when the original iPad was released, way before there was any AirDrop. I don't remember how much I paid for that app, but it's been worth every penny, and some.

It's true iOS out of the box can be frustrating, as you point out. I guess I was lucky to find FileBrowser, and also GoodReader, early. Between them, they do everything I need a file system to do, so I haven't felt frustrated by the workarounds I have to do. Yes, there are several more steps than on a regular computer, but for me it's worth that tradeoff to be able to work away from a desk.

No worries. I expected it to work as well. With the Macbook, I can work away from a desk, so that hasn't really been an issue for me.

But, there are plenty of times when I want something even lighter, or something I can read while laying in bed, or whatever. The iPad is really handy, and it is easy enough for me to go days or weeks without my computer.

My main concern here, and the reason I keep posting, is to try and help out folks who are wondering what they ought to get. As long as they go into it with their eyes open, they'll be fine. Part of that means recognizing the significant limitations that iOS imposes on you. And, if you are thinking of "replacing" a computer with an iPad, then you really want to be sure you have a deep understanding of iOS as well as a clear sense of your use case. Otherwise, you end up (as I have seen so often) stranded without a backup (literally, in some cases), or frustrated by what is arguably supposed to be a complement to rather than a replacement for a computer.

As always, whatever works best for the user is great -- it's nice to have so many wonderful products to choose from.

 

[Night Spring]

And, if you are thinking of "replacing" a computer with an iPad, then you really want to be sure you have a deep understanding of iOS as well as a clear sense of your use case. Otherwise, you end up (as I have seen so often) stranded without a backup (literally, in some cases), or frustrated by what is arguably supposed to be a complement to rather than a replacement for a computer.

Yes, very good point. If anyone is thinking of going iPad only, i would recommend keeping a desktop or laptop around just in case. You never know when you would run into something that the iPad just can't handle.

 

[zachlegomaniac]

No worries. I expected it to work as well. With the Macbook, I can work away from a desk, so that hasn't really been an issue for me.

But, there are plenty of times when I want something even lighter, or something I can read while laying in bed, or whatever. The iPad is really handy, and it is easy enough for me to go days or weeks without my computer.

My main concern here, and the reason I keep posting, is to try and help out folks who are wondering what they ought to get. As long as they go into it with their eyes open, they'll be fine. Part of that means recognizing the significant limitations that iOS imposes on you. And, if you are thinking of "replacing" a computer with an iPad, then you really want to be sure you have a deep understanding of iOS as well as a clear sense of your use case. Otherwise, you end up (as I have seen so often) stranded without a backup (literally, in some cases), or frustrated by what is arguably supposed to be a complement to rather than a replacement for a computer.

As always, whatever works best for the user is great -- it's nice to have so many wonderful products to choose from.

Thanks for the insights. I barely use my rMBP 13" to its potential, and have been thinking of switching to an iPad Air 3 with a third party keyboard (once released) or Pro for blogging, creative and technical writing, and internet. The only thing that is keeping me away from the iPad is the fact that I can't set it on my lap with a keyboard the way I can with the laptop. It sounds silly, but I like to write casually on the couch or chair. I'm now looking at the MacBook for that reason. I think it will have the power I need (especially once the newest iteration comes out). The only fear I have is resale value a few years after purchase. With my rMBP the specs are still excellent after a few years, but it seems like the MacBook will be such a weakling that people may not be as interested in a used one.

My wife and I have a desktop Mac (kind of our "hub" computer) for photo editing, extra space, etc.

 

[WickedPorter]

I'm joining the iPad Pro has replaced my MacBook crowd, but with a rather large caveat: I still have a Mid-2015 15" rMBP. It's replacing my 12" MacBook only.

I think the iPad Pro has made huge strides forward in becoming a potential laptop replacement for a good number of people, but as has been stated in here multiple times, it's still a tablet. That being said, I think the computing industry in general is moving more towards a tablet + phone is mostly all you need for most tasks. However, a traditional laptop or full desktop computer is still required in order to enable these devices to accomplish this via application development, and generally speaking, tablet / iphone apps are still underpowered compared to their full computer equivalents. However, I believe the iPad Pro is a device that will begin the transition to more powerful applications that can challenge the full-blown computer equivalents. The specs of the iPad Pro (both in the screen size/resolution + impressive SoC) and it's future generations will continue to open the door for this.

My industry speculation aside... here is the reasoning behind the iPad Pro trumps rMB for my use cases.

I write a lot. I have the Apple Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro that I'm currently using to write this post, sitting on my lap as I relax on the chaise part of my sofa. I was originally worried about this configuration not being stable enough, especially considering this is my favorite and most common writing position at home. Turns out it's just as stable, if not more. The Apple Smart Keyboard actually provides a relatively sturdy base on every surface I've used it on so far, including my lap.

I do love the 12" MacBook. I think it's revolutionary in it's design, function, and specifications when considering how portable it is... in my opinion, it's well beyond the defined "UltraBook" ... it packs a TON of power in an impressively small footprint. I have nothing bad to say about it. The only reason I'm replacing it with the iPad Pro is for the touch and pencil capabilities; allowing me easy and convenient methods to mock up, design, draw, annotate, and take hand-written notes. The MacBook, while a good keyboard-only note-taking device, can't compete with the iPad Pro in this specific use case.

While I'm not much of a pixel manipulator or gamer, I think it's still worth mentioning that the iPad Pro offers a bit more in this area as well when it comes to GPU performance. So far the iPad Pro has provided a better experience than the MacBook 12 in this realm, but this is certainly not a deciding factor for me and holds very little weight in my decision.

My list of computing devices is ever-evolving as new features become available. Right now (from smallest to largest) it's Apple Watch -> iPhone 6 Plus -> iPad Pro -> 15" rMBP. While this setup is pretty new to me with the addition of the iPad Pro, I'm pretty excited about it and it has worked pretty well so far to provide a nice and complete computing environment for me and my specific use cases.

 

[Fthree]

Does the keyboard not being backlit cause any problems?

I keep seeing people posting about not having a backlit keyboard,

1. How often do you work in the dark without any ability to see the keys? Turn the brightness up on the screen.

2. If anyone that types as much as I'm assuming they do to need a keyboard for an IPP then they should not need to even look at the keyboard, or take a typing class because key location should be second nature to you if you are typing at length.
[doublepost=1454869083][/doublepost]

I'm joining the iPad Pro has replaced my MacBook crowd, but with a rather large caveat: I still have a Mid-2015 15" rMBP. It's replacing my 12" MacBook only.

I think the iPad Pro has made huge strides forward in becoming a potential laptop replacement for a good number of people, but as has been stated in here multiple times, it's still a tablet. That being said, I think the computing industry in general is moving more towards a tablet + phone is mostly all you need for most tasks. However, a traditional laptop or full desktop computer is still required in order to enable these devices to accomplish this via application development, and generally speaking, tablet / iphone apps are still underpowered compared to their full computer equivalents. However, I believe the iPad Pro is a device that will begin the transition to more powerful applications that can challenge the full-blown computer equivalents. The specs of the iPad Pro (both in the screen size/resolution + impressive SoC) and it's future generations will continue to open the door for this.

My industry speculation aside... here is the reasoning behind the iPad Pro trumps rMB for my use cases.

I write a lot. I have the Apple Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro that I'm currently using to write this post, sitting on my lap as I relax on the chaise part of my sofa. I was originally worried about this configuration not being stable enough, especially considering this is my favorite and most common writing position at home. Turns out it's just as stable, if not more. The Apple Smart Keyboard actually provides a relatively sturdy base on every surface I've used it on so far, including my lap.

I do love the 12" MacBook. I think it's revolutionary in it's design, function, and specifications when considering how portable it is... in my opinion, it's well beyond the defined "UltraBook" ... it packs a TON of power in an impressively small footprint. I have nothing bad to say about it. The only reason I'm replacing it with the iPad Pro is for the touch and pencil capabilities; allowing me easy and convenient methods to mock up, design, draw, annotate, and take hand-written notes. The MacBook, while a good keyboard-only note-taking device, can't compete with the iPad Pro in this specific use case.

While I'm not much of a pixel manipulator or gamer, I think it's still worth mentioning that the iPad Pro offers a bit more in this area as well when it comes to GPU performance. So far the iPad Pro has provided a better experience than the MacBook 12 in this realm, but this is certainly not a deciding factor for me and holds very little weight in my decision.

My list of computing devices is ever-evolving as new features become available. Right now (from smallest to largest) it's Apple Watch -> iPhone 6 Plus -> iPad Pro -> 15" rMBP. While this setup is pretty new to me with the addition of the iPad Pro, I'm pretty excited about it and it has worked pretty well so far to provide a nice and complete computing environment for me and my specific use cases.

I also have a 15 that I keep docked at the house and use occasionally. My IPP is my mobile workstation

 

[zachlegomaniac]

I write a lot. I have the Apple Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro that I'm currently using to write this post, sitting on my lap as I relax on the chaise part of my sofa. I was originally worried about this configuration not being stable enough, especially considering this is my favorite and most common writing position at home. Turns out it's just as stable, if not more. The Apple Smart Keyboard actually provides a relatively sturdy base on every surface I've used it on so far, including my lap.

Glad to hear this. I really had it in my mind that I wasn't going to be able to use it on my lap with the keyboard.

 

[lagwagon]

no. the files i transfer via airdrop only go to photos, and from photos, there is no option for opening in the video player. have you tried this and succeeded, or are you just guessing that it ought to work, because that is exactly my point. things that ought to work don't.

this is just an example of how you run into difficulties on the ipad with ios. thank you for the suggestions. i will look into them, because i am interested. however, i am unlikely to spend money when i can manage it using itunes. the fact that there is a dead end / annoying workaround needed is the thing that bugs me. fortunately, on my rmb, there is no stress point. it just works.

i don't know if anyone said it was a laptop, but apple is suggesting it with the name (here i go again with the name) -- it's the only ios product called a "pro," possibly to set it up against microsofts "pro" tablet, which really is a fully operational computer with a regular operating system. the ipad pro, to my eyes, is an inferior product, especially at its price point.

i may very well get an ipad pro. i don't hate the device or anything like that. i just don't see it as a replacement for a fully functioning os like you find on the surface or rmb. at any rate, i've got little patience for workarounds anymore. i just want to get my stuff done.

I'm not sure if it works or is a possible solution that works for you. But what about iCloud Drive? Just drag the video on your Mac into iCloud Drive that sits in the sidebar of Finder. Then on the iPad launch the iCloud Drive app (there is an option to show the app in iCloud settings new to iOS 9.) your video should show up and be either playable directly from within iCloud Drive or you should be able to "send to Video app"

I've never tested this but I will and get back on that.
[doublepost=1454910151][/doublepost]

I'm not sure if it works or is a possible solution that works for you. But what about iCloud Drive? Just drag the video on your Mac into iCloud Drive that sits in the sidebar of Finder. Then on the iPad launch the iCloud Drive app (there is an option to show the app in iCloud settings new to iOS 9.) your video should show up and be either playable directly from within iCloud Drive or you should be able to "send to Video app"

I've never tested this but I will and get back on that.

Never mind. Tested it and while you can watch from within the iCloud Drive app, you can't send to Video app. Seems as though Video app doesn't support iCloud yet. Definitely worth sending feedback on because it would be great to be able to just plop videos into iCloud Drive from the Mac and have them populate in Video app on an iPhone or iPad.

 

[Abazigal]

I think my experience largely mirrors many of the posters here. I love my iPad mini and find myself increasing performing more tasks on it, but I am not yet at the stage where I can afford to go all in with a tablet. If anything, I still do a fair amount of "prep work" on my iMac in order to ensure that the content on my iPad is ready for work (I am a teacher here).

At this stage, my iPad and Macbook still largely complement each other, and I have come to accept this.

 

[SteveJUAE]

My industry speculation aside... here is the reasoning behind the iPad Pro trumps rMB for my use cases.

The only reason I'm replacing it with the iPad Pro is for the touch and pencil capabilities; allowing me easy and convenient methods to mock up, design, draw, annotate, and take hand-written notes. The MacBook, while a good keyboard-only note-taking device, can't compete with the iPad Pro in this specific use case..

Surely the only reason you are replacing your rMB is you already have a 15" rMBP for your full OS requirements and the portability of the rMB was out weighed by your touch screen requirements

Nothing special about this as you still have the rMBP to hand other than you noted you type a lot and I would of thought the IPP KB was a bit of a compromise for most.

Still glad you found some good use for your IPP outside of consumption apps/games and usual daily email etc 🙂

 

[dk001]

I'm joining the iPad Pro has replaced my MacBook crowd, but with a rather large caveat: I still have a Mid-2015 15" rMBP. It's replacing my 12" MacBook only.

I think the iPad Pro has made huge strides forward in becoming a potential laptop replacement for a good number of people, but as has been stated in here multiple times, it's still a tablet. That being said, I think the computing industry in general is moving more towards a tablet + phone is mostly all you need for most tasks. However, a traditional laptop or full desktop computer is still required in order to enable these devices to accomplish this via application development, and generally speaking, tablet / iphone apps are still underpowered compared to their full computer equivalents. However, I believe the iPad Pro is a device that will begin the transition to more powerful applications that can challenge the full-blown computer equivalents. The specs of the iPad Pro (both in the screen size/resolution + impressive SoC) and it's future generations will continue to open the door for this.

My industry speculation aside... here is the reasoning behind the iPad Pro trumps rMB for my use cases.

I write a lot. I have the Apple Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro that I'm currently using to write this post, sitting on my lap as I relax on the chaise part of my sofa. I was originally worried about this configuration not being stable enough, especially considering this is my favorite and most common writing position at home. Turns out it's just as stable, if not more. The Apple Smart Keyboard actually provides a relatively sturdy base on every surface I've used it on so far, including my lap.

I do love the 12" MacBook. I think it's revolutionary in it's design, function, and specifications when considering how portable it is... in my opinion, it's well beyond the defined "UltraBook" ... it packs a TON of power in an impressively small footprint. I have nothing bad to say about it. The only reason I'm replacing it with the iPad Pro is for the touch and pencil capabilities; allowing me easy and convenient methods to mock up, design, draw, annotate, and take hand-written notes. The MacBook, while a good keyboard-only note-taking device, can't compete with the iPad Pro in this specific use case.

While I'm not much of a pixel manipulator or gamer, I think it's still worth mentioning that the iPad Pro offers a bit more in this area as well when it comes to GPU performance. So far the iPad Pro has provided a better experience than the MacBook 12 in this realm, but this is certainly not a deciding factor for me and holds very little weight in my decision.

My list of computing devices is ever-evolving as new features become available. Right now (from smallest to largest) it's Apple Watch -> iPhone 6 Plus -> iPad Pro -> 15" rMBP. While this setup is pretty new to me with the addition of the iPad Pro, I'm pretty excited about it and it has worked pretty well so far to provide a nice and complete computing environment for me and my specific use cases.

So what you are saying is that instead of two laptops you find a laptop + iPad Pro works better for you.
That isn't a surprise.

 

[WickedPorter]

So what you are saying is that instead of two laptops you find a laptop + iPad Pro works better for you.
That isn't a surprise.

Right. One big laptop and one ultra (relative to the 15" rMBP) portable device. Size/weight wise, the rMB and the iPP are pretty similar, I'm finding the iPP fills more gaps with it's touch screen for my needs, even if some of the apps are a bit lacking compared to their full computer counterparts.

That being said, the iPad Pro has certainly NOT replaced a OS X device for me. The only way it will ever be able to do is if it has XCode and a virtualization app that would allow me to fire up a local Windows 10 machine. I don't see that happening any time soon.