That is a good question. It’s more of a secondary option. Usually I use my laptop. So that’s fair. If I could load full Mac (or at least better iPadOS), then it could become my primary way.
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All iPads Should the iPad become a Mac Replacement?
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To be fair one of those negative reviews was complaining about things the developer said were addressed (quick action items) and another was someone complaining that he could install and run Windows but Windows wasn't automatically activated with a license. lol
All of the iPads in my house have keyboard cases on them and the iPads are used in landscape mode with the keyboard 100% of the time in my case (wife sometimes swivels hers and uses the case as a stand).
Use case is every task that I can get away with - for anything involving a lot of moving of files I use my PC or Mac Mini, but I get 95%+ of things done via iPad Pro 12.9 M1 16GB/1TB.
I, too, tried the Magic Keyboard and found it too heavy and returned it.
This is the way:
LENRICH iPad Pro 12.9 case with Keyboard 2022 6th Generation 7 Color Backlit Trackpad, Fit for 5th Gen 2021/4th 2020/3rd 2018 Wireless Accessories 360 Cover Pencil Holder
Please note that this keyboard case is designed exclusively for 12.9 Inch iPad Pro 6th 2022 5th 2021 2020 4th 2018 3rd generation edition full screen Without Home Button Due to its innovative design, the keyboard is the case! The keyboard case combines a wireless keyboard with a built-in 360 degr...
www.amazon.com
In my case, I've always opt to go the desktop and iPad combination route, which the iPad acts as laptop replacement... I forgo the Macbook because I would be pairing it with the same traditional operating system at my desk.
I like the idea of having something lightweight on the go, which has cellular capability... that way I'm connected anywhere without any concern for a hotspot. I pack it up anywhere I go and I can always reference something whenever the situation presents itself.
iPad Pros with M2's inside. All the would need to do is add an Advanced Mode toggle (MacOS Mode) in the System Settings and if you are using a keyboard and mouse it will change into that. It has the hardware to do so...until it does that or they port over 90% of the features from MacOS, I could never personally replace Mac's with an iPad only workflow.
If the keyboard is attached 100% of the time, is there any particular reason it should be an iPad rather than a laptop?
Not OP, but from my point of view: Preference for iPadOS over MacOS probably, and the Touchscreen functionality.
I generally prefer iPadOS, it’s a bit simpler, less distracting for me, and has more graphical and conceptual continuity with iOS. So ideal for my personal computing, and a treat compared to android an windows I use at work.
The SJ quote was from a different time when different hardware constraints existed. Apple now sells the keyboard and trackpad accessory, there are pro apps for all of these things that you keep saying are "Mac" things - these things didn't exist back when SJ was talking about it. Who are you to say people using the iPad as intended are using it in the wrong context? Maybe you're the one who doesn't understand the iPad?
It's a line of thinking I see a fair bit on this site with some people, where anyone frustrated with the iPad is automatically "using it wrong".
As I said before, there is no ultra portable laptop from Apple at the moment. If you want an Apple laptop device under 2.7lbs, you're looking at an iPad. Unless Apple a) takes the necessary steps to make the iPad a full on Mac alternative, b) releases a 2lb-ish MacBook, or c) creates a new hybrid device, people are never going to stop trying to use the iPad in contexts you deem to be inappropriate. Apple needs to fill this segment of the market or the argument will never end.
Touchscreen.
Faster boot and app loading.
Simple app acquisition and management.
All apps are fullscreen.
Everybody else always lists iPad os as a negative and it’s one of THE reasons I have an iPad. I just prefer it to Mac OS. Everything is so much simpler and more focused
This is a concept that many techies can't seem to wrap their minds around. The large majority of people want their computers to be relatively simple. And before any tech-snobs dismiss these people as non-pros, they should remember that there are many types of pros: lawyers, doctors, real estate agents, bankers, etc. Most of these aren't interested in mastering the complexities of desktop OS's, but instead prefer an easy-to-use device that allows them to keep their cognitive power focused on the work of their chosen profession.
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The majority of iPad owners I know are not even aware of something like Stage Manager and wouldn't use it if they did. As you say, they want/need a straightforward device. Dual boot? What is that? The forum dwellers here - me included - are a niche market. And I'm a retired h/w & s/w engineer and a lot of my friends are very, very tech savvy - they just aren't interested in extended iPad capabilities; those needs are answered by their laptops and desktops, which they are quite happy with.
That’s why dual boot (or even just allowing a choice of single boot MacOS or iPadOS) would work. Want it simple? Keep it the way it is now. No one is talking about taking it away.
Want MacOS? Then install it. That means you have to be experienced enough to do it and to want it.
Works for me.
I'm good with that as long it does not add cost or a significant hit to installed storage. I don't want MacOS so I don't want to pay additional for it.
Maybe if the "pro" models allowed for dual boot, and the non-pro models just run iPad OS?
I currently have the M1 12.9 Pro as I want the larger display . The price is already high and I don't want it to see it go higher for dual boot.
It’s not as simple as you describe. Apple would have to invest considerable time, resources and money to create a touch version of macOS — one that includes larger targets for thick fingers as opposed to thin mouse pointers. Along with this, Apple would need to setup a support group for macOS Touch (in addition to the ones in place for macOS Desktop and iOS).
We have to think about this from a business perspective. Is it worth it for Apple to invest the design, engineering and staff to appease a tiny fraction of the iPad user base? (Especially when they already have a good selection of MacBooks to choose from?) It’s unlikely Apple would generate enough additional iPad sales to recover the cost of doing so. Plus, as MKBHD said: ”Apple is a company that makes laptops”, so can we really expect it to do anything to decrease MacBook sales?
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I, for one, don't want a touch enabled Mac OS. I'd be satisfied if a dual-booting iPad run regular Mac OS, with the touch screen disabled when in Mac mode. However, I do see how such a setup could be confusing and lead to much complaints from users.
As for Apple being a "company that makes laptops," Apple has discarded previously popular products before, notably the iPod. I think eventually, tablets and laptops will converge. The question is how and when, and also who. If Apple doesn't do it, some other company would do it eventually, and then Apple would be playing catch up.
I think that refurbished 12.9 iPad pros do serve that demand pretty well.
Yeah it’s a good thing that Apple can’t possibly find the resources for such an endeavor.
It’s also important to realize that if they don’t, they will slowly lose iPad sales anyway to those of us that seek more.
I'm sure they weigh the small number of potentially lost niche users vs implementation and maintenance costs. It's all about ROI - if Apple thought there was enough improvement in revenue & profits, you can bet they would do it.
Umm… if I’m not mistaken, Microsoft is already doing that with the Surface Pro line, right? And they been at it for a decade.
True, and Apple is lucky that Microsoft hasn't done a better job with the Surface.