Mac Mini + iPad Pro Setup

[Falcon80]

I am exploring the option of getting the new Mac Mini and using my current iPad Pro 12.9 as a device to access the Mac Mini in order to gain access to Mac OS. Do you think this is feasible? My idea is using a VNC client such as Screens for iOS to access the headless Mac Mini. I am not sure if this user experience will be bad.
I need something portable within my house so I am thinking of whether I can go this route instead of getting a MacBook Air/Pro.

Any comments appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Falcon80]

Does it make sense for such a setup? Anyone with similar setup?

 

[thisismyusername]

I do something similar with my iPad Pro 10.5 to get into my windows PC when I'm away. I only do it when I really have to since using my PC this way is kind of annoying due to lack of a real mouse. It's really only for emergencies. As much as I like to use my iPad Pro as a "computer", a laptop is better if you want a portable device that's actually a real computer.

However, if your intention is to just log in to the Mini once in a while then it's a fine solution.

 

[Falcon80]

I do something similar with my iPad Pro 10.5 to get into my windows PC when I'm away. I only do it when I really have to since using my PC this way is kind of annoying due to lack of a real mouse. It's really only for emergencies. As much as I like to use my iPad Pro as a "computer", a laptop is better if you want a portable device that's actually a real computer.

However, if your intention is to just log in to the Mini once in a while then it's a fine solution.

Thanks for the advice. You are right. The user experience might not be good for such a setup especially when it involves a lot of user interaction.

 

[now i see it]

You can definitely use a Mac mini as a headless file server for your iPad or iPhone. Thats what I do. Just use the app FileBrowser to log into your mac. Then you can copy photos and videos to and from your Mac. And txt files too.

Your Mac won't be able to see your iPad, but the iPad can see the Mac.

FileBrowser - Document Manager by Stratospherix Ltd
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545?mt=8

 

[Falcon80]

You can definitely use a Mac mini as a headless file server for your iPad or iPhone. Thats what I do. Just use the app FileBrowser to log into your mac. Then you can copy photos and videos to and from your Mac. And txt files too.

Your Mac won't be able to see your iPad, but the iPad can see the Mac.

FileBrowser - Document Manager by Stratospherix Ltd
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545?mt=8

Actually I am looking more to run some Mac apps like Xcode instead on the iPad.