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Phil Schiller Says iPad Pro Can Both Supplement and Replace the Mac
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Graphic for iOS is a pretty good compare to Illustrator, although I don't know it can handle kerning and it doesn't support native .ai files, but can handle svg.
I really hope Adobe gets their rear in gear and makes a decent PS and AI version of the apps.
No surprise -- that's because you're using apps optimized for touch. However, try connecting via RDP to an old Windows Server to do administration (as I have to) and use a finger to emulate mouse pointer precision, and it's a giant pain in the backside -- because UI elements and UI operation is not touch-optimized.
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Not everyone has iPads that support Apple Pencil. Because my iPad isn't a primary computing device, I'm not going to spend the $ to buy an iPad Pro when my Samsung Chromebook Plus works fine without all the compromises that come with using an iPad. Also, I would find using a pencil, while the iPad display is in front of me with a keyboard accessible, clunky and to hurt my wrist if used for more than a minute or two.
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You mean that overpriced, stupidly thin iMac Pro? I don't care about the "ooooo, it's sooo thin!" factor that also kills upgradeability and inflates the price. I hate Apple for this approach. It's almost bad as the nasty, flat, crayon UI that has made iOS look like a toy.
Been using macs since the first one, Mac laptops since the first one and iPads since the first one.
And I’m telling you - all things being equal (softwares made for both platforms) I could keep up with your every keystroke and mouse click on your MacBookPro with me on my iPad Pro. FACT. Utter nonsense to say efficiency is lost on the iPad.
Now I certainly agree for those of us using Graphic Arts and Music Recording softwares - there’s no equivalent in the iPad world yet. No contest there. But all things being equal softwares-wise I’ll challenge any laptop user to a keystroke for keystroke race.
While I don’t think an iPad can replace a laptop, it can come darn close. I normally travel with a couple of laptops for different jobs and an iPad Pro as a back up device. I use it in situations where it isn’t convenient or comfortable to use a laptop. It’s not necessarily as fast as using a laptop, but it can be more relaxed and more focused. I’m not really into multitasking which is largely a cognitive fallacy anyways.
Here’s a screen cap of my “work space” on my iPad Pro.
I can manage GSuite and Analytics and work with the AWS console.
I can draft posts for a bunch of blogs I operate via Wordpress or write posts on Medium.
I take notes coupled with audio recordings of meetings using Notability.
I can manage all facets of travel and scheduling, and do some lightweight finance work (no Quickbooks is a real drawback).
I have Prompt for terminal access along with a number of VPN services with native apps. I also write code on the iPad although I need to schlep a separate keyboard for more serious work. I usually only write code on remote boxes anyways.
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I can deal with files on lots of different platforms. Some of the touch enabled apps actually work *better* in some respects than their desktop partners. Numbers comes to mind, for example, which has a lot of cool features only on iOS.
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I can take teleconferences on all the services I normally use.
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Is it perfect? No. Would I love for it to be my sole device? Yes. I love the convenience of being able to open it up quickly, do a task and put it away. The battery life is awesome. And it is extremely portable.
Here’s a screen cap of my “work space” on my iPad Pro.
I can manage GSuite and Analytics and work with the AWS console.
I can draft posts for a bunch of blogs I operate via Wordpress or write posts on Medium.
I take notes coupled with audio recordings of meetings using Notability.
I can manage all facets of travel and scheduling, and do some lightweight finance work (no Quickbooks is a real drawback).
I have Prompt for terminal access along with a number of VPN services with native apps. I also write code on the iPad although I need to schlep a separate keyboard for more serious work. I usually only write code on remote boxes anyways.
—
I can deal with files on lots of different platforms. Some of the touch enabled apps actually work *better* in some respects than their desktop partners. Numbers comes to mind, for example, which has a lot of cool features only on iOS.
—
I can take teleconferences on all the services I normally use.
—
Is it perfect? No. Would I love for it to be my sole device? Yes. I love the convenience of being able to open it up quickly, do a task and put it away. The battery life is awesome. And it is extremely portable.
Well... I guess that's my use-case he's describing. I get supplied a laptop at work, so I can easily do work. I use my iPad for just about everything else... including taking notes at work since I prefer to hand write. My wife gets supplied a laptop at work, so she can do her work. My children are given laptops at school, they officially own them -- the school moves the liability to the students (read: parent) for upkeep and maintenance. So I'll get them their own iPads as well.
I weighed these things and then waffled between the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro... and went with the cheaper option. We'll see if I land back at the Surface at some point.
I weighed these things and then waffled between the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro... and went with the cheaper option. We'll see if I land back at the Surface at some point.
What a dishonest post; I'm not speaking for anyone else at all, as you falsely attribute to me. I never said an iPad isn't a computer, just the opposite -- I said that it is, as is an iPhone or a Casio calculator.
After all, the iPad is a slightly more capable iPhone.
Of all the things that fall under the category of "personal computing", the iPad only does a fraction of it and only in a limited way.
Ironically enough, Apple believes that everyone should be able to code. The CEO even thinks that learning to code is more important than learning English as a second language -- yet coding is something nearly non-existent on the iPad.
I never said it has to, though it will have to if someone wants to replace their MB with an iPad -- it has to be able to do everything they need without fail or exception.
Oh really? Please tell me all of the personal computing tasks that are better done on an iPad than a MacBook Pro. I can think of only a few, like using while physically on the move.
With the iPad, you're restricted in both physical and software limitations. You're stuck with the little screen and the apps you can get on the AppStore. You're even stuck with the version of iOS.
With the Mac, you can run/virtualize/remote to any operating system and run any software. You can connect it to monitors and any other computer hardware. You can multitask, have multiple users, code, etc..
There is very little that cannot be done on the Mac. Even many things that the iPad can technically do aren't done as well, such as playing YouTube. You can't play it in the background or combine playing it with another audio source. Many webpages still don't work properly in iOS (which can really leave you stuck).
Even Office work gets painful quickly on it. Split screen a 10" screen to reference another document while you type one and you're dealing with tiny little app windows -- and you better hope you have a keyboard and don't have to trade half your screen for one!
My "own conjured anecdotal claim"? What anecdote did I give?
Anyways, I don't care what people use. A lot of people use their phone as their 'only computer' these days, which shouldn't be surprising.
The iPad is just a tool like any other. It has limitations that are very quickly encountered. If you know what the limitations are and can accept and work within their bounds, both in software and hardware limitations, then by all means it can be your sole computer. It is for one of my parents, like I said before.
I have an iPad but I only use it for a couple specific things. For nearly all my computing, I have other devices that are far more efficient, capable, and enjoyable to use. There -- there's your anecdote
I can see what you said from that perspective.
Mine is more in line with:
Car = iPad
Pickup Truck - MB/MBP
Ask Phil to use a hammer as a toothpicker and he'll do it - if Apple will earn more with that.
Further I add, iPad is not only slow compared to Mac, iPad is significantly cripplingly slow compared to Mac. It's still geared much towards consumption. A device that is mostly geared around consumption is the sole reason that makes iPad an attractive item to push by Apple. It's a deceptive campaign and I really dislike it. The iPad campaign takes customers for dummies. Customers who buy iPad thinking they can achieve lots of superb things will be disappointed. Mac is the better option as a computer.
There is no point to have a separate tablet to "supplement" a computer. Nobody wants to carry around 2 devices that can't do the job of one properly.
While I agree that iPad Pro is good enough for a lot of casual users that just do not need a dedicated laptop/desktop for their everyday life, I still don't get that iPad Pro is a replacement of a laptop for professionals, nor do I understand the marketing message that professionals prefer to have two disparate devices to accommodate what they might need in one situation vs another.
Saying that iPad Pro supplements a Mac you might as well also claim the Apple TV supplements a Mac. Sure, why not. There is an overlap of features on Apple TV that are also available on a Mac, and some things on Apple TV are far better then on a Mac. I mean, why not just fill your briefcase or purse with a bunch of Apple products and suggests they all work together to improve your work life.
This company is trying very hard to justify total separation of a laptop and tablet functionality and refuses to admit that perhaps what customers want is just 1 good competent device. The idea that I put my laptop away so I can do something on a tablet, and then put that away to go back to the laptop is a laughable "benefit" tooted by Apple's equivalent of Sarah Sanders.
While I agree that iPad Pro is good enough for a lot of casual users that just do not need a dedicated laptop/desktop for their everyday life, I still don't get that iPad Pro is a replacement of a laptop for professionals, nor do I understand the marketing message that professionals prefer to have two disparate devices to accommodate what they might need in one situation vs another.
Saying that iPad Pro supplements a Mac you might as well also claim the Apple TV supplements a Mac. Sure, why not. There is an overlap of features on Apple TV that are also available on a Mac, and some things on Apple TV are far better then on a Mac. I mean, why not just fill your briefcase or purse with a bunch of Apple products and suggests they all work together to improve your work life.
This company is trying very hard to justify total separation of a laptop and tablet functionality and refuses to admit that perhaps what customers want is just 1 good competent device. The idea that I put my laptop away so I can do something on a tablet, and then put that away to go back to the laptop is a laughable "benefit" tooted by Apple's equivalent of Sarah Sanders.
What a dishonest post; I'm not speaking for anyone else at all, as you falsely attribute to me. I never said an iPad isn't a computer, just the opposite -- I said that it is, as is an iPhone or a Casio calculator.
After all, the iPad is a slightly more capable iPhone.
Of all the things that fall under the category of "personal computing", the iPad only does a fraction of it and only in a limited way.
Ironically enough, Apple believes that everyone should be able to code. The CEO even thinks that learning to code is more important than learning English as a second language -- yet coding is something nearly non-existent on the iPad.
I never said it has to, though it will have to if someone wants to replace their MB with an iPad -- it has to be able to do everything they need without fail or exception.
Oh really? Please tell me all of the personal computing tasks that are better done on an iPad than a MacBook Pro. I can think of only a few, like using while physically on the move.
With the iPad, you're restricted in both physical and software limitations. You're stuck with the little screen and the apps you can get on the AppStore. You're even stuck with the version of iOS.
With the Mac, you can run/virtualize/remote to any operating system and run any software. You can connect it to monitors and any other computer hardware. You can multitask, have multiple users, code, etc..
There is very little that cannot be done on the Mac. Even many things that the iPad can technically do aren't done as well, such as playing YouTube. You can't play it in the background or combine playing it with another audio source. Many webpages still don't work properly in iOS (which can really leave you stuck).
Even Office work gets painful quickly on it. Split screen a 10" screen to reference another document while you type one and you're dealing with tiny little app windows -- and you better hope you have a keyboard and don't have to trade half your screen for one!
My "own conjured anecdotal claim"? What anecdote did I give?
Anyways, I don't care what people use. A lot of people use their phone as their 'only computer' these days, which shouldn't be surprising.
The iPad is just a tool like any other. It has limitations that are very quickly encountered. If you know what the limitations are and can accept and work within their bounds, both in software and hardware limitations, then by all means it can be your sole computer. It is for one of my parents, like I said before.
I have an iPad but I only use it for a couple specific things. For nearly all my computing, I have other devices that are far more efficient, capable, and enjoyable to use. There -- there's your anecdote
I haven’t followed this whole discussion between you two but this is a well-reasoned post.
Personally I like being able to pick up the iPad, do a task and put it down. It’s a fundamentally different way of working compared to sitting in front of a computer. I like that. It works well in many situations.
I might also add that it’s certainly possible to write code on an iPad. I do all the time, but I also work entirely on remote environments in screen sessions not in IDEs. Will be interesting to see if Cloud9 will work in Safari on the iPad.
Bash out a 10 page document on iPad, switching between apps, creating and inserting glorious art, you'll be way behind compared with Mac. That's a fact.Been using macs since the first one, Mac laptops since the first one and iPads since the first one.
And I’m telling you - all things being equal (softwares made for both platforms) I could keep up with your every keystroke and mouse click on your MacBookPro with me on my iPad Pro. FACT. Utter nonsense to say efficiency is lost on the iPad.
Now I certainly agree for those of us using Graphic Arts and Music Recording softwares - there’s no equivalent in the iPad world yet. No contest there. But all things being equal softwares-wise I’ll challenge any laptop user to a keystroke for keystroke race.
Regarding creative software, iPad clearly lags years behind compared with Mac. Not as powerful. Not as robust. Not as featured.
Who are you trying to kid here? Am I using iPad incorrectly compared to Mac? Not at all. The device is limited by its design.
Apple can make up any marketing campaign, but it doesn't change iPad in real life. Customers will hate iPad if they are sold a completely unachievable dream. Market the device accurately, Apple.
iPad ain't a computer. It's a creative device that is severely geared towards consumption.
For me, and we’ve had this conversation earlier, writing and drawing for me are easier on the iPad. Even though Ulysses is on the Mac, I prefer using it on my iPad with the Smart Keyboard. Procreate for drawing is great. Even with Affinity Photo, I like using the Pencil for selecting areas. Affinity in iOS won’t work with some of the filters I like, so it’s not a complete replacement.
What I like about the iPad is in a small package I can write and draw wherever I am. The iPad is great for taking notes with in meetings. Even with the Smart Keyboard it doesn’t feel like I’m hiding behind a screen working on something else.
I do have a 2016 MacBook Pro because there are apps I don’t have on the iPad, like Tableau. I can’t play a few games on my iPad, but I view that as a strength for getting work done. I thought about just getting a MacBook, and not using the iPad as much, but the times I need a Mac, I need the oomph of the better processor.
I am more focused when writing on the iPad. This year I wrote about 18k in words for blog posts, almost all of it on the iPad. I don’t see much of a difference between the screen size with an 12.9” IPP and ASK and a 13” MacBook Pro. That screen size difference is why I got the 15” MacBook Pro.
My iPad Pro leaves the house with me almost every day. My MacBook Pro, maybe 2-3 times a month. I find the iPad helps strip the nature of my work down to the bare essentials. Even in Word, which isn’t close to being on feature parity with the macOS version, sometimes if I need to buckle down and just blow through writing the document I’ll put it on my iPad and go hide in a conference room and write. I consider myself an advanced, very technical computer user, but a lot of the things a MacBook Pro is better at aren’t something I use every day. I care about getting work done, and the iPad helps me do that.
Better is subjective. What works for me probably won’t work for you or other people. That’s fine. We are all unique indivuals. I am fortunate I can afford both tools. Each have their strengths and weaknesses, which is why I fall more in the “supplemental” camp than the only.
A lot of people read into these comments by Apple execs as them getting ready to can the Mac for iPads. I think we are a long, long way away from that. Both OSs will have some crossover. Maybe if in the future Apple has a MacBook with an Arm processor in it, and Arm macOS apps can run on iOS, we may see that crossover happen. Even if Apple announced today it was shipping an Arm Mac, given how long it took them to be able to shake Rosetta from the PowerPC days we are a few years away from that.
Apple! Underpromise what iPad can do, and let users be blown away with its ability. Don't oversell and overpromise. Customers will hate the device if they can't achieve what they were sold. The campaign and Phil's comments are ridiculously nuts!
Some people need multiple devices for a total separation of concerns between entities. Some people carry multiple devices as a backup since buying and configuring a new device in remote locales is at best a serious pain and at worst completely impossible.
I’m not the only one. I always see people with multiple laptops and devices beyond their phone on the routes I fly.
It's similar to how I love driving games on the Xbox but RTS and FPS on the PC.
My tune would change if mouse support was added on the iPad because then you could remote desktop to address many of the shortcomings (in terms of software).
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Indeed art can be very good on an iPad, though you can connect wacoms to a MB or get a Surface-type computer.
Better is not always subjective as you say. Longer battery life is objectively better than shorter.
Similarly, having a 27" screen is better for a great many things than 10"... though carrying it around is certainly not one of them
Been using macs since the first one, Mac laptops since the first one and iPads since the first one.
And I’m telling you - all things being equal (softwares made for both platforms) I could keep up with your every keystroke and mouse click on your MacBookPro with me on my iPad Pro. FACT. Utter nonsense to say efficiency is lost on the iPad.
Now I certainly agree for those of us using Graphic Arts and Music Recording softwares - there’s no equivalent in the iPad world yet. No contest there. But all things being equal softwares-wise I’ll challenge any laptop user to a keystroke for keystroke race.
Maybe however majority of my required software (Engineering) won't run on an iPad.
Had an aunt who could type well over 100 wpm. Doesn't mean her Smith Corona could replace my ________ (fill in the blank)
Get your point though. Your speed would be an outlier.
yeah, If I was going to get a drawing tablet for the Mac, it would be more of a Cintiq. I've always had a disconnect with Wacom tablets where I'm looking at the screen and trying to stylus out of view. Actually, I'd probably just use Astropad on my IPP. But a tablet and a MacBook is a larger mobile footprint than I'd like (edited to finish my sentence).
Agree on battery life, although my iPad has better battery than my MacBook.
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So you can watch a live lecture while referencing a notes pack, taking notes, and participating in chat all at the same time on a 10" screen?
Or would this be more efficient with the option to connect to a monitor?
You obviously have not spent enough time on an iPad to learn how to really use. Some processes are more convoluted, while others are quicker and easier on an iPad Pro