iPhone XR iPhone as main device for everything

[MrMiyagi1]

Hi all,

So I have an iPhone XR. I don’t have an iPad or MacBook or any other type of laptop.

For what I need I use my XR for everything such as emails, surfing the net, taking photos, videos, social media, streaming, music and creating documents and the call functions and all the rest of the functions that come with the XR.

So just curious really if anyone else out there use their iPhone as a sole device for everything like I do.

I have been thinking of getting an iPad as an additional device. However each time I think about it and for what my uses will be which is pretty much listed above. That I would end up spending money on something that I can do all on my XR.

 

[ericwn]

There are millions of people likely who will only have an iPhone for their personal computing need. Smartphones in general are often the only computer a person own, for example in the third world, but this may easily apply to other regions.

There are tons of threads on what people use their iPads for, each person is different. Modern iPads are great for reading all different kinds of media, watching videos on their larger screens, many games that benefit from a larger screen, taking notes and drawing with the pencil etc.

 

[akash.nu]

I have been thinking of getting an iPad as an additional device. However each time I think about it and for what my uses will be which is pretty much listed above. That I would end up spending money on something that I can do all on my XR.

Your thinking is going in the correct track. There’s another thread based on the same topic, you might find some useful info there.

iPhone as only computing device?

Hi all, with the advancement of the iPhone and phones in general, I was wondering if anyone on this forum strictly uses their iPhone as their only computing device. I’m sure this doesn’t apply for specific population of programmers, video editors, large data analyst, etc. but might be...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[Edd70]

I use an iPhone and iPad for over 99% of computing. The iPad is a good secondary device to have kicking around if a PC is not in the mix. The XR is stupid big but, if you’re at home, an iPad is superior for the screen size. I’d recommend getting an iPad. They’re cheap these days.

 

[eyoungren]

No, sorry. I haven't made that leap yet. Still have about 10+ computers in the house with another Mac Pro incoming.

One of these days the ability to hook up six displays to an iDevice might happen, but right now my PowerMac G5 Quad has that job.

 

[MrMiyagi1]

There are millions of people likely who will only have an iPhone for their personal computing need. Smartphones in general are often the only computer a person own, for example in the third world, but this may easily apply to other regions.

There are tons of threads on what people use their iPads for, each person is different. Modern iPads are great for reading all different kinds of media, watching videos on their larger screens, many games that benefit from a larger screen, taking notes and drawing with the pencil etc.

that’s true about the 3rd world. I have came across that too. I should have searched sorry but yeah came across the other threads now about the same topic.
[automerge]1587326832[/automerge]

Your thinking is going in the correct track. There’s another thread based on the same topic, you might find some useful info there.

iPhone as only computing device?

Hi all, with the advancement of the iPhone and phones in general, I was wondering if anyone on this forum strictly uses their iPhone as their only computing device. I’m sure this doesn’t apply for specific population of programmers, video editors, large data analyst, etc. but might be...

forums.macrumors.com

thanks Akash for the thread you pointed out. right now for my needs sticking to an iPhone. I mean at work I have a work computer for work related stuff and my work can only be done at work and not away from work so other than that it’s all good.

 

[MrMiyagi1]

I use an iPhone and iPad for over 99% of computing. The iPad is a good secondary device to have kicking around if a PC is not in the mix. The XR is stupid big but, if you’re at home, an iPad is superior for the screen size. I’d recommend getting an iPad. They’re cheap these days.

true screen size is good enough. Only thing I wished for is on landscape mode the icons move that way too. I may look into a cheap iPad if I do really need to have a second device for example if I change jobs and had to work from home etc.

 

[MisterSavage]

As much as I love my iPhone this is unthinkable to me. I put my phone down when I get home and barely touch it until I leave again (iPad and iMac).

 

[chscag]

As much as I love my iPhone this is unthinkable to me. I put my phone down when I get home and barely touch it until I leave again (iPad and iMac).

Have to agree. I can not see myself working on a 3 page document using MS Word or Pages and have to do editing and so forth on either my iPhone or iPad Pro. And for these boring stay at home days, I can't imagine playing Doom or Flight Simulator on an iOS device.

 

[now i see it]

If you've got real work to do, nothing can replace a real computer. If all that's needed is typing out messages or emails or making simple PDFs or rudimentary photo manipulation, an iPhone is fine.
I'll put it another way - no business has its employees working soley on iPhones

 

[mattopotamus]

I use a MacBook Pro and iPad at work. If not, I would just have a phone for my computing needs.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Ideally, I would like to get by with just my iPad mini 5. If Apple would allow watch pairing on a cellular iPad, I would be one step closer.

 

[sgtaylor5]

Except for accounting, which I choose to do with a desktop app on my MacBook Pro, I could do practically everything for work on my 32 gb 6s (soon to be 64 GB Xr!). It's all easier on my Mac, though.

 

[Spudlicious]

Hi all,

So I have an iPhone XR. I don’t have an iPad or MacBook or any other type of laptop.

For what I need I use my XR for everything such as emails, surfing the net, taking photos, videos, social media, streaming, music and creating documents and the call functions and all the rest of the functions that come with the XR.

So just curious really if anyone else out there use their iPhone as a sole device for everything like I do.

I have been thinking of getting an iPad as an additional device. However each time I think about it and for what my uses will be which is pretty much listed above. That I would end up spending money on something that I can do all on my XR.

If that’s what works for you then all is good. Wouldn’t work for me, but we’re all different.

 

[flobach]

Hi all,

So I have an iPhone XR. I don’t have an iPad or MacBook or any other type of laptop.

For what I need I use my XR for everything such as emails, surfing the net, taking photos, videos, social media, streaming, music and creating documents and the call functions and all the rest of the functions that come with the XR.

So just curious really if anyone else out there use their iPhone as a sole device for everything like I do.

I have been thinking of getting an iPad as an additional device. However each time I think about it and for what my uses will be which is pretty much listed above. That I would end up spending money on something that I can do all on my XR.

How are you going with your set up, still iPhone only?

After going a bit nuts during lockdown, buying iPads and macs, I’ve settled down again and use my iPhone as my main device. I need a laptop for my work (I have a 15“ windows machine), but do most of my digital stuff from my phone. Saves me money, and - more importantly - it helps me focus.

 

[Pezimak]

Hi all,

So I have an iPhone XR. I don’t have an iPad or MacBook or any other type of laptop.

For what I need I use my XR for everything such as emails, surfing the net, taking photos, videos, social media, streaming, music and creating documents and the call functions and all the rest of the functions that come with the XR.

So just curious really if anyone else out there use their iPhone as a sole device for everything like I do.

I have been thinking of getting an iPad as an additional device. However each time I think about it and for what my uses will be which is pretty much listed above. That I would end up spending money on something that I can do all on my XR.

My brother in law uses his XS for everything, he has an Apple Watch too but that's it. Others in the family have iPads or computers but he just mainly uses his iPhone for everything.
I have to admit, my travelling companions are iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods Pro. I split my use between an iPad Pro and my iPhone which is now a 13 Pro as off this week. Have a works laptop and a nice big monitor but I do want a new Mac at some point.

 

[ssledoux]

I see this is an older thread, but I’m gonna add that I can’t imagine only having a phone, and I don’t do much heavy computing. I just can’t handle trying to type and fill out forms and things of that nature on my phone - always go to my iPP/keyboard.

 

[JCCL]

I hate using the iPhone for anything that requires longer focus. If I need to do a lot of email, or heavy reading, or editing Microsoft Office - both my iPad and my Surface Pro are way more capable devices. I actually finding that I use the iPhone less and less while I'm at home, and using the iPad a lot more, with the Surface retaining its status as the main productivity device.

 

[reppans]

3.5years for me (don’t need a computer for work), only change are AirPods. I have a desktop and older iPad right here, but they’re more or less in storage mode. I like being unplug, only dealing with a single plug-in/day, and lazy surfing anywhere incl. lying down on couch/bed.

 

[I7guy]

My brother in law uses his XS for everything, he has an Apple Watch too but that's it. Others in the family have iPads or computers but he just mainly uses his iPhone for everything.
I have to admit, my travelling companions are iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods Pro. I split my use between an iPad Pro and my iPhone which is now a 13 Pro as off this week. Have a works laptop and a nice big monitor but I do want a new Mac at some point.

This is clearly a case of YMMV based on your individual usage patterns. I cannot use the iphone as an only device. My desktop has three 27" screens and I use them all. I do wish I could project my iphone screen on my windows desktop.

 

[1rottenapple]

I have family in a developing world and one of the big reasons why phablets with 6.4in screens back in 2014 were way bigger there first then in the USA is specifically because they are used as sole devices. It’s one reason why people can justify spending a months salary on a phone. Of course they don’t upgrade yearly. It’s most of a 4 yr or more upgrade cycle and even then it’s passed on to others like siblings when upgraded. Traveling in 2014, i saw people with “big” phones as the time in Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines). Here I am with my iPhone 5s being the weird one with a 4 in screen.

So yes it’s possible and I would say a billion people in other parts of world have a single device that does everything.

 

[clueless88]

I don't think I could get by with the small iPhone or even an iPad screen. If one has to read and sign any contracts or view diagrams, there simply isn't enough viewing area to see the whole page at one time. Also it's a pain when composing multi paragraphed or paged documents if one has to scroll to proof read/word smith/cut and paste. I need at least a 13" screen to view/edit/create spreadsheets.

I guess I could mirror my iPhone or iPad to a TV, but it's easier for me to sit at a desk and do things than sitting on the sofa--I am old school (no, probably just old) and like the ergonomics of an eye level screen and a keyboard and mouse that is slightly below desk/table level.

 

[Pezimak]

3.5years for me (don’t need a computer for work), only change are AirPods. I have a desktop and older iPad right here, but they’re more or less in storage mode. I like being unplug, only dealing with a single plug-in/day, and lazy surfing anywhere incl. lying down on couch/bed.

I like it, what iPhone is that?

 

[Pezimak]

This is clearly a case of YMMV based on your individual usage patterns. I cannot use the iphone as an only device. My desktop has three 27" screens and I use them all. I do wish I could project my iphone screen on my windows desktop.

Very true. I have a 28" monitor and would like a second one for my work. But it could be cool to use one with my iPhone though. But I have an iPad already.
I have to say though outside of work equipment having a few devices and being portable is pretty cool.