Opinion: Can an iPad replace a laptop?

[Mak47]

The question isn't can an iPad replace all other PC's--or even all laptops. It's can it replace a laptop for light use, and to that question, the answer is yes. Absolutely yes.

This is an interesting question for me. I actually sold my MacBook Air to my brother, who desperately needed a Mac and didn't have a ton of cash. I planned to put the cash toward the purchase of a rMBP, figuring I'd survive for a month or so without a laptop--but thinking it would be a bit torturous.

Here we are about a month later and I'm seriously contemplating not only skipping the rMBP, but forgoing a notebook altogether. The fact is that I don't need it. I can do almost everything I did on my notebook on my iPad 3. What I can't do, I don't really need to do on a notebook in the first place. I have a Mac Mini Server that works beautifully. It really isn't a big deal to get up and go to my desk instead of sitting on the couch to complete those tasks.

At this point I'm thinking I'm better served by upgrading my desktop to whatever Apple puts out that supports a retina display, when it happens.

I'm not a casual user. I do a lot with my machines, but for a portable solution the iPad seems to be doing the trick...eh, who am I kidding. Since when has not needing something kept me from buying it anyway.

 

[Lunchb0x8]

To give you an idea of what you can or can't do, here is what I did.
From; https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1350277/

I used an iPad as my only computer (sort of) for a full day of work.

I am an IT SysAdmin, apart from not having one document on my Dropbox, I worked a full day from an iPad with a bluetooth keyboard.

Doable? Yes.
Easy? Yes
Would I recommend it? No.

I wouldn't recommend using it as a notebook replacement to your average user, because most users will get befuddled with trying to use it as a laptop, which it isn't and therefore get frustrated and give up.

 

[greytmom]

Yes, in answer to the original question, an iPad can replace a computer.

 

[mark28]

In your opinion, for a casual laptop user, can an iPad running iOS 6 (when it comes out) replace a laptop? (for casual things, no professional software needs, just everyday surfing, emailing, etc.)
Why or why not?

Yes. The iPad replaces a laptop for things like that.

You can also create music and stuff like that if you want.

 

[DKatri]

To be honest it really depends on the user. My Mom or Dad could probably go with just an iPad because most of what they do is just e-mail, browsing and games. I don't really have any crazy computing needs but sometimes it is nice to be using a full desktop OS rather than iOS, especially anything that requires using more than one app at a time.
I think I can get 80% maybe of my computing done on an iPad, the rest is light coding work (i'm trying to teach myself a bit of HTML, CSS and obj-C) and managing media (iTunes, iPhoto ect.) and very occasionally using Acorn for basic editing. There are some situations which an iPad *can* do things but its harder or takes more steps.

So rant over, what I mean is it depends on the person and their computing needs. For me I couldn't switch to just iPad yet but I think in a few years it could happen.

 

[iPusch]

Yes it can

 

[tarasis]

Yes. Depending on what you need to do.

For me, my iPad and iPhone have removed the need to me to use my MBP about 80-90% of the time.

 

[CPD_1]

I can attest to it being a great laptop replacement for anyone who doesn't need to do a lot of multitasking or very heavy content creation.

Even then, there is a lot of content creation that can be done on the iPad.

 

[refect]

Well, the iPad replaced my laptop, but thats only because I have an iMac...I wouldn't consider using the iPad as my primary computer.

 

[trenfro]

Well you won't have a flash player. Meaning you can't play games on the Internet etc. you would have to download the app for the game (if there is an app)

 

[chickenwingfly]

I can attest to it being a great laptop replacement for anyone who doesn't need to do a lot of multitasking or very heavy content creation.

Even then, there is a lot of content creation that can be done on the iPad.

Yes, totally agree.
Unless you need like rendering Maya or maybe doing some developing or real heavy video editing (that can even be done at some point on the iPad) or something that requires a lot of disk space... then the iPad is sufficient for most needs, of course, if you like the touch control paradigm and whatnot (and even then you can use a bluetooth/usb+CCK keyboard for "proper" typing) and the available library of apps on the AppStore can suffice for what your mobile needs are...Same applies of course to any Android tablet as well.

 

[-tWv-]

Yes. I would say that for casual use an iPad can replace a laptop, especially when paired with a case that has a keyboard.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

Yes, it can be done. However, a laptop is still far more efficient for most tasks.

 

[Zwhaler]

I have to say it.... no flash, no laptop replacement *yet*

 

[chickenwingfly]

I have to say it.... no flash, no laptop replacement *yet*

To be honest I've never understood or maybe I underestimate the need for Flash on anything at all. But of course different folks different strokes, so...

 

[Nevzorus]

Yes, it can.

 

[i0Nic]

While an iPad can't replace a laptop for me, I am certain it can for some people - so I voted yes.

 

[Calidude]

Absolutely not.

 

[Major.Robto]

I only use my laptop when I am on the go,
My laptop is a macbook core 2 duo early 2008
But I am thinking about a Ipad I tryed a few out and I like them alot

All I do on my laptop when im out is.,..

Surf
Email (mainly forums)
Social networks
Facebook
Skype
MSN messenger
Music
VCN back to my Imac at home

I would get it with 3g\4glte because I can take advantage of it,

If I buy a Ipad though I would get all of the options with it on apples site because I am looking at the 64gb 4g lte


well most options

iPad Smart Cover - Leather - Black
Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (So I can use my usb mic!)
Apple iPad Dock (Well its a dock what more)
Apple iPad 10W USB Power Adapter (I alway lose chargers)
Apple VGA Adapter (Yeay Video mirroring on all of my frends screens!)
Apple TV (Video mirroring for my tv!) (I bet my roommate is going to be jelly then)
oh and all the free sim card!


But thats almost the price of a macbook air, so idk

its a hard desion to make

but with the macbook air I also need all of the same adaptors and such,

I dont need much in a laptop any more, if anything I might buy the ipad and buy a dell laptop so if I need a computer I still have one

Why a dell One they are cheap as hell, and like I said I dont need much from a laptop,
Also by pal has a new dell and he loved it and its not that bad to use, It also looks alright, and has about 4 hours of batt life.

and also then that computer can manage the ipad if I wanted to, because it would have space for all of my tv shows and movies and stuff, (they offered a 500gb drive with it)

Even on my 2008 imac It has enough power to do what I want it to do,
I might get a used ipad first. and work my way up