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As I spend significant time with my 12.9" iPad Pro as a notebook replacement, I am growing increasingly irritated with the lack of seemingly simple features missing from some bread-n-butter apps.

In Pages for iOS, there is no way to directly apply a defined character style. There's no way to alter the numbering of a list (alphabetic vs. numeric).

In MS Word for iOS, there's no way to restart numbering a list.

I can understand these apps lacking the ability to have custom headers/footers for different sections of a document, but basic list functions? ugh.

I'm still forging forward, trying to "think differently" in my approaches to getting things done, but I'm growing in my believe that the iPad Pro won't replace notebooks as much as it replaces Chromebooks.

The Pro needs genuine software enhancements...the things you speak of are but some of those tweaks that Apple could do to make the experience better.

Will we see then in 2017?...we can but hope.
 
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You are entitled to your opinion. I disagree. You imply that there is some "universal standard" of what comprises a "true laptop" and "full OS". No such standard exists. Nor does there exist a standard definition for "notebook user".

There is a universal standard for a laptop... All laptops have a an operating system, have a locally accessible file structure (shared between all applications), and have applications. Regardless of if a user takes advantage of these, they all exist.

In the general concept that you have described, I agree. But MS has succeeded in merely creating a notebook computer with a detachable screen, not a truly converged device. That is it. As a tablet, the Surface line is a very poor experience.

This is why I said there can be an argument about limitations (of MS's OS), but in theory, it is an OS that allows touch screen capabilities, that is portable and can function with/without keyboard/mouse and a locally accessible file structure. This is what a "laptop" replacement should be, and eventually what Apple's iPad will be (I call it now, WILL BE).

In my experiences, the answer continues to lay with apps. The iPad Pro hardware is sufficient for bridging the divide between notebook and tablet, but the software is the greatest impediment. Limitations of iOS not so much. I have been able to adjust my workflows to be optimized for OSX / iOS capabilities. In many ways, it is better than the method that I previously used that was optimized for Windows and OSX alone. But the limitations of the individual apps is what is the blocker.

Where my opinion differs, is, I don't think it is a software limitation, it is an operating system limitation. Adding a locally accessible file structure (it can be synced with a cloud structure) would make a universal storage location for all apps (regardless of alliances with google/dropbox/...). Adding slideover/multitasking to the OS and not the application would allow the use with all apps. There are too many app developers, who make very little profit to rely on them for all these features we want. Just like with any full OS, more functionality should be handled by the OS, instead of implemented any way individual app developers want.

This is my opinion...
 
I'm still forging forward, trying to "think differently" in my approaches to getting things done, but I'm growing in my believe that the iPad Pro won't replace notebooks as much as it replaces Chromebooks.

I think we just need to give iOS apps more time to catch up with their desktop equivalents. Yes, right now there are those weird missing features like the ones you point out. But they'll get added in time. It's just not going to happen all at once, because coding all those features takes time. Had Microsoft and Apple waited until they had apps with all the features from the desktop versions, we'd still be waiting to get any productivity apps for the iPad.
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Adding slideover/multitasking to the OS and not the application would allow the use with all apps.

But what would happen to the app UI in slideover or split screen mode if the app hasn't been reconfigured to work in those modes? Android apps are designed to work with any size screen, but iOS apps are designed to work with specific screen resolutions. You can blame Apple for not having the foresight to make iOS apps resolution free, but what is done is done. Even if Apple decided to switch to resolution free app design going forward, the tons of existing apps will still have to be updated to work with the new system.
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Adding a locally accessible file structure (it can be synced with a cloud structure) would make a universal storage location for all apps

Again, because Apple didn't build this in from the start, even if Apple did add unviersal local storage tomorrow, existing apps won't work with it until and unless they are upgraded.
 
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But what would happen to the app UI in slideover or split screen mode if the app hasn't been reconfigured to work in those modes? Android apps are designed to work with any size screen, but iOS apps are designed to work with specific screen resolutions. You can blame Apple for not having the foresight to make iOS apps resolution free, but what is done is done. Even if Apple decided to switch to resolution free app design going forward, the tons of existing apps will still have to be updated to work with the new system.

Just like in every other device apple makes, make certain features available to only some... Make the slide/multitasking by OS only available to iPP 12.9, then require all new versions of apps work with any screen size. Allow pinch zoom within each frame of multitasking. If you want multitasking on old apps that no longer under development... Get a 12.9 screen.
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Again, because Apple didn't build this in from the start, even if Apple did add unviersal local storage tomorrow, existing apps won't work with it until and unless they are upgraded.

We cant live in a world where because something wasn't implemented from the start, we don't do it. 3D touch wasn't built into all the old apps, but Apple still implemented it. It is simple, use dropbox/google drive/... with old apps until updated, if not updated, you live with it...
 
Just like in every other device apple makes, make certain features available to only some... Make the slide/multitasking by OS only available to iPP 12.9, then require all new versions of apps work with any screen size. Allow pinch zoom within each frame of multitasking. If you want multitasking on old apps that no longer under development... Get a 12.9 screen.
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We cant live in a world where because something wasn't implemented from the start, we don't do it. 3D touch wasn't built into all the old apps, but Apple still implemented it. It is simple, use dropbox/google drive/... with old apps until updated, if not updated, you live with it...

Apple implemented split screen, old apps don't work with it unless updated. If they don't get updated, we just live with it. Why do you think split screen should work with all apps, when you understand that if Apple does implement universal local file storage, old apps won't work with it unless updated?

I do think that iCloud Drive and file sharing provides a rudimentary form of file management, and while there was no updates to this system announced in iOS 10, it would eventually get more enhancements. But again, it won't work with all existing apps -- app developers will have to update their apps to work with it.
 
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Hmmm. I wonder if this will be an ongoing problem since devs wont want to optimize for the Pro if the user pool stays fairly small. Why would they? It could be that sales numbers are not what they need to be for it to be worth their while. Are the 12.9" pros selling well enough? Curious.

The cost of the 12.9" Pro is also a concern. A semi-loaded one is dangerously close to a full blown Apple laptop which are getting lighter and more svelt. Just saying.
 
Clash of Clans ruins the platform? I don't agree. This is one of the hottest games in the World today and it continues to make mega money for both itself and for Apple.

I'm a professional in datacenter architecture/administration. I found every possible app I need to do my job on the iPad and the screen size of 13" gave me the final decision to ditch my macbook pro. I still have the macbook pro but I spend most of my days on the iPad.... it's just great!!!
 
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Apple implemented split screen, old apps don't work with it unless updated. If they don't get updated, we just live with it. Why do you think split screen should work with all apps, when you understand that if Apple does implement universal local file storage, old apps won't work with it unless updated?

Because an iPP in split view/multitasking is the same as 2 9.7 iPads in portrait. It would work perfectly with the 12.9's... They do not have to turn the feature on for any other iPads than the 12.9's until a time of their choosing. RE: universal file storage, they have to start somewhere. Simply saying it won't work with old apps doesn't mean they can not start somewhere. As with my example of 3D Touch, it doesn't work on apps until the developer updates their apps, but it didn't prevent Apple from implementing the feature.

I do think that iCloud Drive and file sharing provides a rudimentary form of file management, and while there was no updates to this system announced in iOS 10, it would eventually get more enhancements. But again, it won't work with all existing apps -- app developers will have to update their apps to work with it.

I think apple needs to get over the need to put everything on the cloud... IOS should have locally accessible storage, then it would be up to the user to sync it with iCloud Drive. This way users do not have to put private information on cloud storage if they didn't want to, while it allows users to sync files if needed. Much like having Dropbox or Google Drive on a laptop/PC, there is a local folder accessible to every application, that works offline and is synced when online. The file structure is not tied to applications willingness to work with Dropbox/Google, the structure is accessible by any application by File/Open, while Dropbox/Google sync the contents.

The problem I see with the current setup of iCloud Drive is, if a user is offline, they will have to go back to playing the "Open in" game, hoping it opens correctly (I have had many word/PDFs get jacked up with this handshake) if they want to pass a file from one app to another. I am still willing to bet when it comes to iPads, almost every user has some time when they are offline (phone, maybe not as much, but I live in NY area, so I lose signal everyday commuting to and from work).
 
RE: universal file storage, they have to start somewhere. Simply saying it won't work with old apps doesn't mean they can not start somewhere.

Ok, I'm not saying Apple shouldn't improve the file system on iOS. We might have different ideas about what would be the best implementation of a file system, but I agree that the current system needs more work. I was just confused why you thought the split screen was doable without app developer cooperation, and thinking you must also think Apple could implement a file management system unilaterally across all apps simply by making one.

Because an iPP in split view/multitasking is the same as 2 9.7 iPads in portrait. It would work perfectly with the 12.9's.

And I keep forgetting about this because I use my 12.9 in zoom mode, which gives me the 9.7 UI. I finally get what you are saying! But I'm of two minds about this idea -- it could just cause end user confusion over why you can split screen all apps on the 12.9, while only some apps work with split screen on the 9.7. Imagine trying to explain that to a newbie considering whether to buy the 12.9 or 9.7. :eek:
 
And I keep forgetting about this because I use my 12.9 in zoom mode, which gives me the 9.7 UI. I finally get what you are saying! But I'm of two minds about this idea -- it could just cause end user confusion over why you can split screen all apps on the 12.9, while only some apps work with split screen on the 9.7. Imagine trying to explain that to a newbie considering whether to buy the 12.9 or 9.7. :eek:

I think it would be just as difficult as it was to explain to an iPad Air user why split screen isn't the same as multitasking... The Air didn't get multitasking, but you could slide over and switch between apps.

I think Apple could implement both a locally accessible (and syncable) file structure, and OS level multitasking for the 12.9 while developers play catchup. They would eventually make it a requirement for all new apps/versions.

I think eventually they will have to do this, as MS continues to improve their surface line. Apple will be forced to expand to keep sales up, so they can capture those one device for work/school/play people.
 
Hmmm. I wonder if this will be an ongoing problem since devs wont want to optimize for the Pro if the user pool stays fairly small. Why would they? It could be that sales numbers are not what they need to be for it to be worth their while. Are the 12.9" pros selling well enough? Curious.

The cost of the 12.9" Pro is also a concern. A semi-loaded one is dangerously close to a full blown Apple laptop which are getting lighter and more svelt. Just saying.


You won't see movement here until the day comes there are no non-IPP devices. Most mobile app devs follow a basic setup. Their app has to run to run on all supported devices. More bang for the buck Same code, many devices.

They aren't bending over backwards to make one better over the other. IPP, mini, regular iPad and even phone....to make it work passable on all the main goal. Goal met, gold disk and release.

It basically emulates PC development. Where even large big money makers (examples would be MS for productivity, AAA for gaming, etc) have 2 values on the box. The recommended system spec and the bare minimum. In between these 2, you are fine.

Apples case with mobile apps...your bare minimum will be phone level supported officially. They don't make the game/application only for the bleeding edge systems. Do that, they can lose sales to people not on IPP's in this case. Cool you have an app I need...I don't have an IPP though. No money for you, oh well.

To be honest only limited markets I know of do this. Among them are private consulted development on real high end systems. talking data centres, main frames/supers and such. Where those devs will write you some truly custom code to make your mega system application work at peak optimization.
 
An iPP will not replace a true laptop/desktop until it gets a full OS like them. MS has done this with Windows 8/10 (we can debate limitations).

One of those 'limitations' being usability. Have you actually used a Surface? Or a Dell Venue? I have. Eesh...

I think it will take MS getting really successful at this...

Miracles can happen, but they need to be verified by the Vatican.

...before Apple will realize that people want one device to solve all computing needs.

Who are 'people'? If you mean "the average consumer", they've already spoken on their preferred devices: Apple sold 61.3 million iOS "computers" last quarter, compared to 4 million Mac computers. I guess 'People' don't like desktop operating systems.

...(then all naysayers will say it is the best thing ever like a pencil/stylus).

The dumbest thing about this fandroid robotic talking point, is that the AP is not a stylus, was not sold or marketed as one, and has built in art/writing functionality that no stylus has ever had. So you're just making yourself look rather ignorant by repeating this.
 
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I've been listening to Canvas over on Relay.fm - it's a podcast about productivity on iOS. Turns out that most of my initial problems with being productive with iPads was because I was using it wrong, i.e. trying to solve problems using traditional metaphors. Once I got over this hurdle, it actually started being fun learning new ways of doing things.

The iOS way is not necessarily superior or worse. It's simply different and certainly not limiting once you are prepared to learn and play around with it. iOS is making computing for me fun again, before it was at best a purely functional experience.
 
One of those 'limitations' being usability. Have you actually used a Surface? Or a Dell Venue? I have. Eesh...

Yes, I have used a Surface recently. If you are not a windows fan you would say it has a usability limitation. But if you are a windows user, it is a great product. It will only get better with time...

Miracles can happen, but they need to be verified by the Vatican.

Microsoft sells more operating systems then apple by such a margin, it isn't even really worth talking about. MS listens to it's users, and continues to make a great product. Apple makes great OS' too, this is why I have apple products. But simply hating MS for the sake of hating doesn't help anyone. Having a great competitive product from an competitor makes both manufactures drive to make better products.

Who are 'people'? If you mean "the average consumer", they've already spoken on their preferred devices: Apple sold 61.3 million iOS "computers" last quarter, compared to 4 million Mac computers. I guess 'People' don't like desktop operating systems.

You are comparing apples and oranges. You can not use the sale of phones to computers. At least in the US, there is a big rush (has been for years) to getting rid of land lines, and moving to mobile phones. So, you are including those people who need a phone in the group of 61.3 million... Second, if you want to compare iOS devices you need to exclude phones, and do tablets vs. desktop/laptops sales, I guarantee it isn't even close (desktops/laptops ahead). Third, you can't go by one of the smallest subsets of OS' Mac OS. If you want to compare mobile platforms vs. full OS's, you have to include iOS (tablets)/Android (tablets)/Windows (tablets) vs Mac OS/Windows (desktops/laptops)/Lunix or Unix. As much as we can all love Mac OS, it isn't even close in numbers compared to Windows.

The dumbest thing about this fandroid robotic talking point, is that the AP is not a stylus, was not sold or marketed as one, and has built in art/writing functionality that no stylus has ever had. So you're just making yourself look rather ignorant by repeating this.

You must never have used a stylus before. From DAY 1, a stylus WAS/IS a writing/drawing AND navigating device. I had several palm pilots over the years and used them for note taking. You were able to write and convert hand writing to typed text (See Palm Graffiti for text, and Palmdraw for DRAWING with the palm stylus). Sooooo... Pot calling the kettle what? Because Apple finally took the plunge (you are showing exactly my point) fanboys will say because Apple did it, it was some revolutionary way of doing it, even though, it is the exact same concept.
 
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That is how Microsoft Surface tablet becomes so successful. You can run Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, etc and Adobe Photoshop for iPad is very limited. iPads CPU is so powerful it should run full fledged apps just like Surface Pro tablet.
 
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Because an iPP in split view/multitasking is the same as 2 9.7 iPads in portrait. It would work perfectly with the 12.9's... They do not have to turn the feature on for any other iPads than the 12.9's until a time of their choosing. RE: universal file storage, they have to start somewhere. Simply saying it won't work with old apps doesn't mean they can not start somewhere. As with my example of 3D Touch, it doesn't work on apps until the developer updates their apps, but it didn't prevent Apple from implementing the feature.

I think apple needs to get over the need to put everything on the cloud... IOS should have locally accessible storage, then it would be up to the user to sync it with iCloud Drive. This way users do not have to put private information on cloud storage if they didn't want to, while it allows users to sync files if needed. Much like having Dropbox or Google Drive on a laptop/PC, there is a local folder accessible to every application, that works offline and is synced when online. The file structure is not tied to applications willingness to work with Dropbox/Google, the structure is accessible by any application by File/Open, while Dropbox/Google sync the contents.

The problem I see with the current setup of iCloud Drive is, if a user is offline, they will have to go back to playing the "Open in" game, hoping it opens correctly (I have had many word/PDFs get jacked up with this handshake) if they want to pass a file from one app to another. I am still willing to bet when it comes to iPads, almost every user has some time when they are offline (phone, maybe not as much, but I live in NY area, so I lose signal everyday commuting to and from work).

Yes, they do need to get past everything being stored in a cloud somewhere. As you said, there are some things which are better stored locally or on hard disks in your home or business. Maybe you don't have an Internet connection right then and there? Maybe you prefer to work locally just because? I have no problem syncing with the cloud if I'm setup to do so. It's a great way to backup things on the fly and of course the storage is free and you get lots of space. That's great. But, it should NOT be the main "file system" for lack of a better term and this is what doesn't work for me and many others. I also dislike the fact that if by some chance the cloud goes down or the company storeing the stuff has financial problems....what happens then? And never say it can't happen to apple or any other big companies. Kodak wasn't ever going to go out of business either, right? ;)

And, as tha local storage gets bigger and bigger on these tablets that would encourage even more local storage. Why not use that space that you paid for and is yours?
 
Yes, they do need to get past everything being stored in a cloud somewhere. As you said, there are some things which are better stored locally or on hard disks in your home or business. Maybe you don't have an Internet connection right then and there? Maybe you prefer to work locally just because? I have no problem syncing with the cloud if I'm setup to do so. It's a great way to backup things on the fly and of course the storage is free and you get lots of space. That's great. But, it should NOT be the main "file system" for lack of a better term and this is what doesn't work for me and many others. I also dislike the fact that if by some chance the cloud goes down or the company storeing the stuff has financial problems....what happens then? And never say it can't happen to apple or any other big companies. Kodak wasn't ever going to go out of business either, right? ;)

And, as tha local storage gets bigger and bigger on these tablets that would encourage even more local storage. Why not use that space that you paid for and is yours?

Using the cloud while on travel can be particularly frustrating. On a recent trip, the Internet connection in a number of major-chain hotels I stayed in was very poor, 2-3MBps download, and just browsing the Internet could be frustratingly slow. Backing up photos I took to on-line storage was impossible so I happy I had my laptop with me. It also allowed me to do photo editing with full-up Lightroom.
 
I've been listening to Canvas over on Relay.fm - it's a podcast about productivity on iOS.

Specifically, both hosts, Frederico Viticci and Frasier Spears have dropped their macs and are iOS ONLY. Spears works in education and manages 100's of iPads so he may still use a Mac for work, but as far as I can remember, he's iOS only at home.

If you want to go even a little deeper, read Viticci's excellent website, macstories.net.
 
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That is how Microsoft Surface tablet becomes so successful. You can run Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, etc and Adobe Photoshop for iPad is very limited. iPads CPU is so powerful it should run full fledged apps just like Surface Pro tablet.

I like surfaces and all but successful? Lmao.
 
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