Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iPad Pro Returning my iPad Pro due to bad Google apps

D

daedalus3

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 11, 2016
8
2
I got my new 12.9 iPad Pro this week, and I love the device - the screen is huge and gorgeous, I love the Smart Keyboard and it runs like butter.

Unfortunately, I'm one of the people for whom it's *almost* there but not quite - there are elements of my workflow that are just broken with the device. Part of it is that I spend a good amount of time in Mailchimp, and there are elements of their designer that just don't quite work properly with iOS Safari.

In addition, I spend a good deal of time in Google Sheets, and the iOS app is pretty broken. Copy/Paste doesn't work properly (at least between apps), Bluetooth and Smart Keyboard arrow keys don't work for navigation, and the lack of a hardware escape key on the Smart Keyboard makes working with it much more difficult.

I love the device and would love to keep it, but I can't justify a $1200+ tablet unless it's my daily driver. If

I've missed some obvious solutions I'd love to know about them, but I think my next main machine will have to be a laptop. Hopefully next time around the OS and app ecosystem will have matured enough that I can go with the iPad.
 
Your arguments sound valid to me. If it doesn't do what you want it to do, it's definitely inadequate.

I've also encountered issues with using web based editors with the Smart Keyboard, something which mystifies me. I'm not sure if using e.g. The Apple magic keyboard instead will help.

As for Google sheets - I've always preferred using the Microsoft Suite, but for free collaboration tools I can see why you use Sheets. This is really an app developer issue, but as a consumer definitely get whatever works.
 
masotime said:
Your arguments sound valid to me. If it doesn't do what you want it to do, it's definitely inadequate.

I've also encountered issues with using web based editors with the Smart Keyboard, something which mystifies me. I'm not sure if using e.g. The Apple magic keyboard instead will help.

As for Google sheets - I've always preferred using the Microsoft Suite, but for free collaboration tools I can see why you use Sheets. This is really an app developer issue, but as a consumer definitely get whatever works.
Click to expand...

I actually have the Apple Keyboard as well, which is somewhat better since it does have an Escape key, but the other problems still apply unfortunately.

I have the Office suite as well (and the iOS apps seem excellent), but unfortunately we have some stuff in Sheets that relies on scripts that run there, and can't be used in Excel. Not sure if Google is deliberately dragging its feet on iOS or what, but it's not good enough for professional use right now, and mobile Safari is also not there yet.
 
daedalus3 said:
I got my new 12.9 iPad Pro this week, and I love the device - the screen is huge and gorgeous, I love the Smart Keyboard and it runs like butter.

Unfortunately, I'm one of the people for whom it's *almost* there but not quite - there are elements of my workflow that are just broken with the device. Part of it is that I spend a good amount of time in Mailchimp, and there are elements of their designer that just don't quite work properly with iOS Safari.

In addition, I spend a good deal of time in Google Sheets, and the iOS app is pretty broken. Copy/Paste doesn't work properly (at least between apps), Bluetooth and Smart Keyboard arrow keys don't work for navigation, and the lack of a hardware escape key on the Smart Keyboard makes working with it much more difficult.

I love the device and would love to keep it, but I can't justify a $1200+ tablet unless it's my daily driver. If

I've missed some obvious solutions I'd love to know about them, but I think my next main machine will have to be a laptop. Hopefully next time around the OS and app ecosystem will have matured enough that I can go with the iPad.
Click to expand...

Hmm, I'd argue that based on your description of your usage, an iPad Pro over a Mac was a bad idea in the first instance.

I've always thought of the iPad Pro to be quite a niche product for graphics designers – and yes, although it still has all the functionality of any other iPad, I can't see justifying paying the same as a MacBook Pro unless you're using it for graphics design, which is where it does excel over the Mac.
 
daedalus3 said:
I got my new 12.9 iPad Pro this week, and I love the device - the screen is huge and gorgeous, I love the Smart Keyboard and it runs like butter.

Unfortunately, I'm one of the people for whom it's *almost* there but not quite - there are elements of my workflow that are just broken with the device. Part of it is that I spend a good amount of time in Mailchimp, and there are elements of their designer that just don't quite work properly with iOS Safari.

In addition, I spend a good deal of time in Google Sheets, and the iOS app is pretty broken. Copy/Paste doesn't work properly (at least between apps), Bluetooth and Smart Keyboard arrow keys don't work for navigation, and the lack of a hardware escape key on the Smart Keyboard makes working with it much more difficult.

I love the device and would love to keep it, but I can't justify a $1200+ tablet unless it's my daily driver. If

I've missed some obvious solutions I'd love to know about them, but I think my next main machine will have to be a laptop. Hopefully next time around the OS and app ecosystem will have matured enough that I can go with the iPad.
Click to expand...

Have you tried holding the refresh icon on the address bar in safari and choosing "request desktop site" whilst in mailchimp, that may fix the missing interface items etc.

Maybe hold off on getting an iPad if the third party vendors software is rubbish or take up that issue with them, maybe they don't know that their web apps or iOS apps are crap, let them know. If they fix it based on customer feedback that can only be a good thing for the end user.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: M. Gustave
Yeah i can't comment on workflow as i use my devices for entertainment but... I think on the 12.9 apps as such should be less of a thing. It has a bigger screen than some laptops I've owned in the past. No mail app required i, like i do on my slightly bigger Macbook just go to the website.

I am an android fanboy when it comes to phones but nothing could make me buy a big android tablet. For you i'd go laptop/macbook. Aside from a Nexus 7 2013 for work entertainment iPad wins the tablet race.
 
I'm a huge Apple fan, but if you're married to Google apps (Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc.), then probably a Chromebook or a 12" retina MacBook would be a better choice than an iPad Pro.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Badrottie
xraydoc said:
I'm a huge Apple fan, but if you're married to Google apps (Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc.), then probably a Chromebook or a 12" retina MacBook would be a better choice than an iPad Pro.
Click to expand...
I swap between Microsoft Office and Google Apps on my iPad Pro for different clients.

The Microsoft suite is amazing on iOS. Dare I say, a joy to use. I prefer it on my iPad Pro 12.9" with keyboard to a Mac or PC. Transitioning from Word or PowerPoint was painless, but there's a terrible and frustrating learning curve to Excel because the selection interface is not intuitive.

The Google suite is ok, essentially serviceable. They "feel" like Android ports, with a strange UI and don't allow split-screen or cut & paste. The only thing that's genuinely good is the selection interface when picking multiple objects. I wish more iOS apps did it the way Google Apps does it. I much prefer Google Apps in Chrome on a Mac or PC overall though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bensisko
daedalus3 said:
I got my new 12.9 iPad Pro this week, and I love the device - the screen is huge and gorgeous, I love the Smart Keyboard and it runs like butter.

Unfortunately, I'm one of the people for whom it's *almost* there but not quite - there are elements of my workflow that are just broken with the device. Part of it is that I spend a good amount of time in Mailchimp, and there are elements of their designer that just don't quite work properly with iOS Safari.

In addition, I spend a good deal of time in Google Sheets, and the iOS app is pretty broken. Copy/Paste doesn't work properly (at least between apps), Bluetooth and Smart Keyboard arrow keys don't work for navigation, and the lack of a hardware escape key on the Smart Keyboard makes working with it much more difficult.

I love the device and would love to keep it, but I can't justify a $1200+ tablet unless it's my daily driver. If

I've missed some obvious solutions I'd love to know about them, but I think my next main machine will have to be a laptop. Hopefully next time around the OS and app ecosystem will have matured enough that I can go with the iPad.
Click to expand...

So because Google can't/won't step up and create decent iPad apps you're returning your iPad. "I'm sorry, I'm returning my car because the car seat covers don't fit right...."
 
  • Like
Reactions: sleek881, imanidiot, Donoghan and 2 others
In his case, yes -- absolutely. This isn't really like your seat-cover comparison as much as it would be someone returning a car because it was uncomfortable for them to sit in and the blind spots were especially bad.

I have an iPad Pro 9.7" myself, complete with pencil and keyboard cover, and I like it a lot. But I would never try to use it as a regular tool for editing spreadsheets and other documents using Google's apps. I just don't think those work well enough on the device. I like my iPad for electronic note taking, listening to my music library via my bluetooth headset during my commute, reading the daily e-version of my local newspaper, misc. web browsing and email. I never really warmed up to it for Office type document editing. (Even if we're talking Office 365 for iOS -- it doesn't do much for me. Just too many years of experience using those products on a full-size display with standard keyboard and mouse, I suppose.)


temna said:
So because Google can't/won't step up and create decent iPad apps you're returning your iPad. "I'm sorry, I'm returning my car because the car seat covers don't fit right...."
Click to expand...
 
temna said:
So because Google can't/won't step up and create decent iPad apps you're returning your iPad. "I'm sorry, I'm returning my car because the car seat covers don't fit right...."
Click to expand...
The OP's response seems reasonable to me.

We all have our own priorities. For example: If someone's priority was a heavy and advanced use of MS Office, then I'd recommend a Windows system simply because the Windows version of MS Office has the greatest compatibility and greatest functionality of any of the other platforms that it runs on.

If the OP is heavily centralized on Google apps then a Chromebook or Pixel C or other Android tablet would be a better option. Especially in terms of integration, collaboration, and office-type workflows, Android and Chromebooks are superior to iOS.

If the OP has the choice to switch from Google apps to iOS/Apple apps it would be worth investigating the impact to their workflow by making the switch. They might find that the non-Google solution is better. But if there are other factors (like co-workers, company policies, etc.) then switching is a moot point.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MyopicPaideia, Night Spring, jamesrick80 and 1 other person
sracer said:
The OP's response seems reasonable to me.

We all have our own priorities. For example: If someone's priority was a heavy and advanced use of MS Office, then I'd recommend a Windows system simply because the Windows version of MS Office has the greatest compatibility and greatest functionality of any of the other platforms that it runs on.

If the OP is heavily centralized on Google apps then a Chromebook or Pixel C or other Android tablet would be a better option. Especially in terms of integration, collaboration, and office-type workflows, Android and Chromebooks are superior to iOS.

If the OP has the choice to switch from Google apps to iOS/Apple apps it would be worth investigating the impact to their workflow by making the switch. They might find that the non-Google solution is better. But if there are other factors (like co-workers, company policies, etc.) then switching is a moot point.
Click to expand...

I'm just wondering if the web app through Chrome wouldn't fit their use until Google mans up and creates decent apps..
 
kingtj said:
In his case, yes -- absolutely. This isn't really like your seat-cover comparison as much as it would be someone returning a car because it was uncomfortable for them to sit in and the blind spots were especially bad.

I have an iPad Pro 9.7" myself, complete with pencil and keyboard cover, and I like it a lot. But I would never try to use it as a regular tool for editing spreadsheets and other documents using Google's apps. I just don't think those work well enough on the device. I like my iPad for electronic note taking, listening to my music library via my bluetooth headset during my commute, reading the daily e-version of my local newspaper, misc. web browsing and email. I never really warmed up to it for Office type document editing. (Even if we're talking Office 365 for iOS -- it doesn't do much for me. Just too many years of experience using those products on a full-size display with standard keyboard and mouse, I suppose.)
Click to expand...

It sounds more like returning your mustang because a 3rd party engine you put in isn't living up to expectations.
[doublepost=1465925519][/doublepost]Better yet - returning your Surface Pro because iTunes for Windows blows.
 
  • Like
Reactions: imanidiot
temna said:
I'm just wondering if the web app through Chrome wouldn't fit their use until Google mans up and creates decent apps..
Click to expand...
No, unfortunately it can't. Chrome on iOS is little more than WebKit with a UI skin. That's the limitation that Apple has placed on all web browsers.

Chrome doesn't allow the editing of Google docs files within Chrome (or Safari for that matter), it wants to launch the individual apps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jamesrick80
bensisko said:
It sounds more like returning your mustang because a 3rd party engine you put in isn't living up to expectations.
[doublepost=1465925519][/doublepost]Better yet - returning your Surface Pro because iTunes for Windows blows.
Click to expand...

The engine is equal to an app? Dude, what app are YOU using?!? =)
 
sracer said:
The OP's response seems reasonable to me.
We all have our own priorities. For example: If someone's priority was a heavy and advanced use of MS Office, then I'd recommend a Windows system simply because the Windows version of MS Office has the greatest compatibility and greatest functionality of any of the other platforms that it runs on.
Click to expand...

Quite true, except for what it's worth? It sounds like Microsoft has plans of stripping features out of the next release of Office for Windows whenever it's deemed an acceptable way to keep feature parity among the versions for all platforms.

Right now, my workplace has been running into a number of issues with Office 2016 for Mac with things it can't do that are possible in Office 2013 for Windows. But reading the Office 365 forums, it appears Microsoft has taken an attitude of only addressing these lacking functions if enough people on the forum cast votes for the items as their personal top priorities. (They give each user on the forum a fixed number of votes they can cast, which they use up as they up-vote specific issues or features as needing future attention.)

And for better or for worse? It looked to me like many of the people voting were concerned with "look and feel" issues, vs. true missing features.

As just one example? Excel 2016 on Mac doesn't support adding images to headers or footers inside spreadsheets anymore. (You have to paste one into a blank cell in the body of a spreadsheet, and repeat for each page, to accomplish the same thing.) It's been requested since the middle of 2015 and is still "under consideration". My bet is, Microsoft would like to dump this feature in the next Windows version rather than try to add it to iOS and Mac versions and ensure it works identically across the platforms. There's a lot of this "dumbing down" going on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Night Spring
jamesrick80 said:
Lol...bad google apps...then get a cheap chromebook....
Click to expand...

temna said:
So because Google can't/won't step up and create decent iPad apps you're returning your iPad. "I'm sorry, I'm returning my car because the car seat covers don't fit right...."
Click to expand...

bensisko said:
It sounds more like returning your mustang because a 3rd party engine you put in isn't living up to expectations.
[doublepost=1465925519][/doublepost]Better yet - returning your Surface Pro because iTunes for Windows blows.
Click to expand...
So a guy buy a product, needs certain apps to work, no way to do an extended test drive except purchase
And you guys post this stuff? Wow, must be nice to be all knowing Apple gods.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back