Isn't the iPad Really Just A Toy Still?

[koyoot]

Only thing that differentiates iPad as a Toy, from iPad as a Tool is software.

Software defines what you can do. The hardware is EXTREMELY capable.

For me, personally, this is actually best all-around device I can use everyday.

However I prefer iPad Mini form factor 😉.

 

[Wildkraut]

Well, the iPad can be a toy and also can be a productive device.
The problem most People have is, they try to force the iPad into areas which it isn't made for, or not ready yet.

E.g. I code, design, draw and do 3D.
The iPad sucks for 3D modelling and rendering(my requirements), so it's currently absolutely not productive in that area for me. In 3D areas with less requirements it might be a productive device.

With iPad you can also draw, but there are drawing areas which an iPad is not good for, then you need a Wacom Cintiq. etc.

The best thing people can (and should do) is: Sit down, calm down, put away all emotions, think about or better write down their requirements, pipeline, workflow, and check if the iPad can cover these requirements.
Also check available Apps and their features, file types support, etc.

I my case, I can't replace my MacBook nor iMac with an iPad Pro, but its a nice light and handy addon, which helps me to be overall more productive in my business.

 

[parseckadet]

By the way, I want to thank everyone for actually reading my post and responding thoughtfully. This is a great discussion so far and I'm finding it very useful. Frequently there's too little of that on these forums and the internet in general.

Edit to add: Does anyone know of a way to open and modify encrypted DMG files on iOS?

 

[AFEPPL]

The surface pro shows what the iPad should/could be, but the way apples crippled iOS is implemented even in version 11 it still falls well short of a replacement device for many..

 

[Aluminum213]

Yes and no, for me it's a consumption device. When I just need to use the web or check mail I'll keep using the iPad because it's so light and easier to carry with messenger back, but anything that actually takes real complexity to achieve I pull out the MacBook Pro

 

[DNichter]

I have never been more "meh" about macOS updates than I was this year. I know it's more of a point release, but still. macOS is the old way in my mind. I honestly don't care if they don't mess with it much anymore other than security stuff.

Yea, I came away very unimpressed. Now, there may be features that I am overlooking simply because I am not a developer and don't do serious work on a mac, but I have gotten excited about mac software updates since 2006. Not so much anymore.
[doublepost=1497293221][/doublepost]

The surface pro shows what the form should/could be, but the way apples crippled iOS is implemented even in version 11 it still falls well short of a replace device for many..

Very different device/comparison in my eyes. The Surface Pro is a laptop with touch elements. It is not a good tablet.

 

[AFEPPL]

So it all comes down to what you want the device to be. iPad is a bad laptop device, ok tablet. SP is an ok laptop and just about ok tablet.

 

[spiderman0616]

Yea, I came away very unimpressed. Now, there may be features that I am overlooking simply because I am not a developer and don't do serious work on a mac, but I have gotten excited about mac software updates since 2006. Not so much anymore.

I'm from the generation that grew up using complicated desktop PCs as more or less their only option to access the internet, Office, games, etc. They did WAY more than the average person needed to do and could get jacked up very easily if someone got in and started messing with the file system. I eventually became an advanced enough user to get into the advanced features of both Macs and PCs, and I cared a lot about that stuff......for awhile.

As I got older, I stopped caring again and the last thing I wanted to do in my free time after sitting at a computer all day long was tinker with my computer some more. I just don't care any more. I use exclusively Macs and iOS devices full time now, but even the Mac is starting to seem archaic and overly complicated and specced for most users. I'm glad I have my Mac, and I still enjoy the platform for its ease of use, beauty, and speed. But I am 100x more comfortable in iOS these days and prefer it over anything else. That's why I was so happy about last week's iPad software and hardware announcements.

 

[DNichter]

I'm from the generation that grew up using complicated desktop PCs as more or less their only option to access the internet, Office, games, etc. They did WAY more than the average person needed to do and could get jacked up very easily if someone got in and started messing with the file system. I eventually became an advanced enough user to get into the advanced features of both Macs and PCs, and I cared a lot about that stuff......for awhile.

As I got older, I stopped caring again and the last thing I wanted to do in my free time after sitting at a computer all day long was tinker with my computer some more. I just don't care any more. I use exclusively Macs and iOS devices full time now, but even the Mac is starting to seem archaic and overly complicated and specced for most users. I'm glad I have my Mac, and I still enjoy the platform for its ease of use, beauty, and speed. But I am 100x more comfortable in iOS these days and prefer it over anything else. That's why I was so happy about last week's iPad software and hardware announcements.

Couldn't agree more. It was the same for me, I would take apart computers, upgrade parts, mess with different software and OS's, jailbreak my iPhone, play with different tweaks and such. As of the last few years, I have just lost interest. There is something very refreshing about the iPad. I had mentioned in another forum that WWDC used to be about OS X updates for many and if they want to tout the iPad as the future of computing, I think they need to have iOS software take the stage a bit. They exceeded my expectations and I look forward to the future of iPad computing.

 

[gorkt]

I have had an iPad of some variety since 2011, and they have been mostly entertainment, net surfing, and reading devices. When I got the Pro, I started using it for note taking at work. Ios11 is going to make it viable for an even larger portion of what I do at work, but still not really that close. In all honesty, a surface pro would be a better option for a work portable device for what I do which requires a lot of spreadsheet work.

 

[sza]

Isn't that amazing that you can get your stuff done with iPad like playing with a toy?

 

[D.T.]

When it comes to devices like computers, whether something is a "toy" or not depends on how it is used.

Terrific post. There are people using $3000 PCs to play Call of Duty, and people using our clinical management app on iPads to perform life critical medical surveillance on trauma patients - the latter use case being proven (via a year of case studies) to be better on an iPad vs. a traditional PC/notebook. 🙂

 

[spiderman0616]

I have had an iPad of some variety since 2011, and they have been mostly entertainment, net surfing, and reading devices. When I got the Pro, I started using it for note taking at work. Ios11 is going to make it viable for an even larger portion of what I do at work, but still not really that close. In all honesty, a surface pro would be a better option for a work portable device for what I do which requires a lot of spreadsheet work.

I have a strict "No Microsoft Hardware and No Windows" policy for my devices. I love Office 365, I love some of the things they're doing with the cloud, but after all the Xbox/PC/Windows failures I've had over the years, I'm fed up. I know people who own Surfaces and love them, but I just can't do it. I've been burned too many times. This kind of goes along with my statement before--I don't want to spend my free time making things work correctly. I felt like I had to do too much of that with Microsoft in the past.

There's another issue though--the whole attraction to iPad for me, and what makes it the computer I always dreamed about as a kid (including my iPhone in that dream too), is the concept of a thin, light, compact, powerful computer with no baggage. When the first iPad came out I didn't even have an iPhone yet, and my first thought was, "Oh my god, Apple created a real life Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." I wanted one instantly. When I got my first iPad, I knew it was going to be a long play for Apple, just like the iPhone was. I think the fruits of that effort are now happening, and Apple did it without sticking macOS or even a touch modified macOS on a tablet and giving it to me as a laptop hybrid. This is opposite of what Microsoft is doing with Windows 10, which still has a rats nest of legacy software in its guts.

I still want my iPad to be a great tablet, even though it's also my favorite productivity machine too. I don't want the baggage of old paradigms included in the OS, and I don't want a desktop OS crammed into a touch screen. I just want a really awesome iPad that continues to get better.

 

[Lucifer666]

Never was a toy. It's a specialized computer that serious people use also. Granted, there are a zillion toy apps. This doesn't define it though

 

[Cheffy Dave]

Ok, so I know the thread title may seem trollish, but I promise that's not what I'm trying to do. Part of my purchase process inevitably gets to a point where I say to myself "I don't really need this thing." The iPad Pro with iOS 11 has me really tempted, and so I'm in that same spot of saying that I don't really need it. That's the reason I'm starting this thread, to get these thoughts out there and see what others have to say.

So on the one hand, I could use a hardware upgrade. I have an early-2011 MBP, which is really starting to show its age. But it also was invaluable when I was looking for a new job and relocating 6 months ago. I updated my resume, posted to recruiting sites, had several interviews over Skype, wrote numerous coding samples for prospective employers, organized and executed my move, all from my MBP. There's no way an iPad could have accomplished all of that, so I'm not someone who's going to go iPad only.

On the other hand, the iPad could have accomplished a lot of those tasks. I have an original iPad Mini, which is REALLY showing its age. So much so that I haven't bothered to dig it out of the box since we moved, and I haven't missed it.

That last part is what's feeding my thought process that the iPad is just a toy. Sure, I've enjoyed taking it on trips to watch movies and Netflix, read books, etc. But that's all its ever really done for me.

Then Monday happened, and now I'm back to thinking that maybe there is some usefulness to the iPad beyond consumption. For example, I'm constantly having to scan receipts,In sign a cover document, and email them off.

So now I'm so wrapped up in knots that I just don't know what to think. My personal experience has been that the iPad is indeed just a toy for watching videos. But is there something about the Pro that changes this? Is multitasking (even the version that came in iOS 9) really THAT big of a game changer? Sorry for the rambling nature of this post, but my thoughts are just such a mess right now. I would love to hear what everyone else has to say.

In answer to your question ,NO, far from a toy, and IOS11 will be a game changer

 

[Hankster]

I operate a real estate investment and property management firm. I'm amazed how many contractors I've seen use an iPad Pro to draft contracts, show disclosures and obtain signatures. Of course it's great for photos of work prior and after.

 

[kevroc]

That last part is what's feeding my thought process that the iPad is just a toy. Sure, I've enjoyed taking it on trips to watch movies and Netflix, read books, etc. But that's all its ever really done for me.

A Hammer to anyone other than a carpenter could very well be a toy.

The object doesn't define itself, your use of and the value of said object is how it is defined.

If you had an Ipad Pro back when you were doing those things you said you did with your Mac, maybe you would've gotten a better job, maybe you would've saved more than the cost of the iPad doing things more efficiently...and then again, maybe not. Only you can say whether you are a carpenter or not.

A carpenter could use a hammer or they could spend more on a nail gun. That doesn't make the nail gun a toy, it depends on it's usefulness to a specific need and a cost / benefit.

I've always viewed technology as an investment in my personal growth, knowledge and capacity to work more efficiently than other people and ultimately allows me to earn more money exponentially than my peers. But that's just me because I am a carpenter.

In the end, the object doesn't define me, I define it.

 

[44267547]

So it all comes down to what you want the device to be. iPad is a bad laptop device, ok tablet. SP is an ok laptop and just about ok tablet.

"Bad" is certainly arguably subjective for the iPad being a laptop device. I think many forum members and iPad users alike would disagree. Mainly because it's completely dependent on what somebody is using the iPad for as a laptop device. It does work and in many situations, it's a formidable solution.

 

[Fernandez21]

I think it all depends on what you want to do and how you prefer to do it. Me personally, I grew up with mouse and keyboard so even though I could probably do everything I need on an iPad, there is no way I’m giving up my MacBook. At the same time, my son loves his iPad and would never give it up for a laptop, even though I offered him my old MacBook Air he preferred the iPad.

 

[AFEPPL]

"Bad" is certainly arguably subjective for the iPad being a laptop device. I think many forum members and iPad users alike would disagree. Mainly because it's completely dependent on what somebody is using the iPad for as a laptop device. It does work and in many situations, it's a formidable solution.

I disagree, with the ipad it's all about work arounds and kludgy workflows for all but simple tasks.
The surface on the other hand works 99% of the time for everything efficiently. iOS 11 still doesn't solve the biggest problem, a file system - while cloud kinda works "some of the time" it doesn't allow for offline access and like I said, you have to look for kludgy work arounds.

I could use a "typewriter" too, but word for example is just easier..!

 

[d5aqoëp]

It may be a toy but I got to hand 1st prize to Apple regarding their gimmick name called ProMotion. 120hz is no gimmick. The name they used for it is. As if they invented new breakthrough technology.

I have been using 120 Hz monitors since past few years. When I have told that there is a noticeable difference between 60hz and 120 hz, my talks were dismissed by fellow members that "human eye cannot distinguish between 60hz and 120hz". Hell I have even got "human eye cannot distinguish between 60hz and 30hz and 30hz is more than enough for gaming."

But now, everyone has forgotten about it and 120 hz is the gold standard. What frikkin pixie dust Apple's marketing dept sprinkles that everyone starts proclaiming the said feature as second coming of Jesus?

/rant

 

[bigpoppamac31]

I could probably get away with going all iOS for many things. But the file system of a traditonal computer and using it to back up my iPhone keeps me from ditching the Mac altogether. I would never store my stuff in the cloud.

 

[iregret]

I can't code on an iPad. It wouldn't be fun anyway. I use my iPad every single day for homework. I haven't handed in a handwritten homework assignment in over a year. If there's a handout, I take a pic and write on it digitally, then print it out. It makes it easy for me to keep all my assignments or share them with others.

I have an iPad 3 that I bought when it was released. The novelty wore off quickly. Fast forward to the 9.7 pro and I gave it another shot. The 12.9 isn't portable enough for me.

Ideally a surface pro would be better for me. I'm a CS major so the lack of any real coding sucks on iPad but the Apple Pencil and note taking makes up for it. I immediately ordered the 10.5 pro. It simple, I use it every single day. One thing I don't use though, the keyboard. It's just extra weight.

I'm a bit pissy that my existing gear won't fit the 10.5 though. Really Apple? You couldn't make it 4cm smaller and now you don't offer a back cover? Wtf?

 

[iPadDad]

Ok, so I know the thread title may seem trollish, but I promise that's not what I'm trying to do. Part of my purchase process inevitably gets to a point where I say to myself "I don't really need this thing." The iPad Pro with iOS 11 has me really tempted, and so I'm in that same spot of saying that I don't really need it. That's the reason I'm starting this thread, to get these thoughts out there and see what others have to say.

So on the one hand, I could use a hardware upgrade. I have an early-2011 MBP, which is really starting to show its age. But it also was invaluable when I was looking for a new job and relocating 6 months ago. I updated my resume, posted to recruiting sites, had several interviews over Skype, wrote numerous coding samples for prospective employers, organized and executed my move, all from my MBP. There's no way an iPad could have accomplished all of that, so I'm not someone who's going to go iPad only.

On the other hand, the iPad could have accomplished a lot of those tasks. I have an original iPad Mini, which is REALLY showing its age. So much so that I haven't bothered to dig it out of the box since we moved, and I haven't missed it.

That last part is what's feeding my thought process that the iPad is just a toy. Sure, I've enjoyed taking it on trips to watch movies and Netflix, read books, etc. But that's all its ever really done for me.

Then Monday happened, and now I'm back to thinking that maybe there is some usefulness to the iPad beyond consumption. For example, I'm constantly having to scan receipts, sign a cover document, and email them off.

So now I'm so wrapped up in knots that I just don't know what to think. My personal experience has been that the iPad is indeed just a toy for watching videos. But is there something about the Pro that changes this? Is multitasking (even the version that came in iOS 9) really THAT big of a game changer? Sorry for the rambling nature of this post, but my thoughts are just such a mess right now. I would love to hear what everyone else has to say.

Ok there are few problems here;

1.) the iPad Pro is not a Toy AT ALL! I don't think Apple have got that wrong.
2.) I can almost certainly guarantee that your current Mac Pro is not half as fast as the new IPad Pro.
3.) All of the things you listed, bar coding could have been done on an iPad Pro much faster and more convieniently.
4.) You own an iPad mini and are imagining similar productivity use cases to the new iPad Pro!
5.) iOS 9 is archaic compare to the current iOS version let alone iOS 11
6.) Bar a few programs there aren't many Pro level coding apps yet for iPad.


I don't blame you for feeling this way, you don't even own an iPad capable of delivering what you are looking for.
If you have never properly tried to be iPad only how will you ever know.

 

[Vivian125]

iPhone is closer than being called toy since it is smaller. iPad is like 4- to 10 times bigger than iPhone to be Called TOY. Or it's a bigger toy of an iPhone Lol. By the way Most business people like an special agent that sell condominium, or some people who works to assist their renewal of contract uses an iPad. And also kids prefer to use an iPhone to play games since it is smaller and easier to control. While iPad is MOSTLY USE for Watching MOVIES, Online Games like AOV or ML, Graphic painting, Microsoft Office, and Reading books. So in the end it isn't a toy.