Shower thoughts: If the 12.9" iPad Pro replaces your laptop, it doesn't replace your old iPad

[Jasmynp]

I have an iPad mini 4. I take it almost everywhere. It goes in to the kitchen for cooking, the bathroom so I can listen to my favorite podcasts or watching my favorite shows during my morning routine, in the living room for browsing while watching TV, in the bedroom for reading before bed, in my car for directions, in meetings for notes. It's a very versatile machine.

Part of what makes it so versatile is it's size. I bought it because I needed something bigger than a phone, but smaller than my 13" Macbook. I don't take my macbook into the kitchen because of it's footprint. I don't take it into the bathroom because there's nowhere to put it. I don't take it to meetings because it's an unwelcome barrier between me and my clients, I don't watch TV on it or any of the other things I could do with my iPad.

That being said. The footprint and power of the 12.9" IPP make it a laptop replacement, but not an iPad replacement. I feel like I'd still need a device with a more manageable footprint, that could go everywhere, was less...unwieldy, and pocketable/purse-able for all the on-the-go tasks I mentioned earlier.

So I'm thinking that it's not a catch all machine. Smaller iPads are companions to desktops/laptops, but the 12.9" IPP needs it's own companion. It needs at least an iPhone, but more likely on of the smaller iPads for the things it's too big to do.

A few disclosures:
1) My husband has a 12.9" IPP. I use it more than he does, but not the way I use my mini which is sort of how I came up with this idea.
2) I purchased and returned the 9.7 Pro because the mini fits me better (and again..I use my husband's pro if I want a bigger screen)
3) I'm a strange apple fan. My ideal setup is LTE Mini with a stand alone LTE apple watch. I'd love to cut out my iPhone entirely.

 

[Branskins]

The mini is still perfect for reading books imo. Feels like a nice compact book. 12.9 better for most other things

 

[sracer]

The 12.9 Pro has replaced both my iPad Air 2 and 11" MBA (mostly). As soon as iOS supports mice/pointing devices, or I buy the X1 mouse for use with remote desktop, then I'll be able to have the 12.9 Pro replace the MBA.

 

[kevroc]

It replaced my paper notebook, I didn't have an iPad before. I have had them in the past, but never had much use for them over my iPhone and Laptop. Now, instead of a Laptop, iPhone and paper notepad I have a Laptop, iPhone, iPad Pro.

It does allow me to use my Laptop less and it allows me to use my iPhone less. It didn't replace either though, the only thing it 100% replaced was my paper notebook.

 

[melman101]

Until I have native mouse support I don't think I can switch to an iPad as a replacement for a laptop. I do too much work in Remote Desktop, etc.

I have been eyeing the iPad Pro 12.9" though greatly. Looks amazing.

 

[rui no onna]

3) I'm a strange apple fan. My ideal setup is LTE Mini with a stand alone LTE apple watch. I'd love to cut out my iPhone entirely.

Lol, I'm the same except I don't have an Apple Watch yet. I find the current iteration too thick/bulky. I'd love to be able to simplify to iPad mini + Apple Watch eventually. That said, I'm annoyed that the processor on the mini is currently one generation behind 9.7" iPads.

 

[off_piste]

I see lots of posts on this forum complaining about the 9.7 and 12.9 pro models but if you look around the retail websites consumers give them rave reviews. It leads me to believe there is a vocal minority on this website not happy with one thing or another and thereby causing a misperceptions of the products.

 

[Fried_Gold]

It replaces my old HP laptop that I have been using since I gave the iPad Air to my mum last August.

 

[Jasmynp]

I see lots of posts on this forum complaining about the 9.7 and 12.9 pro models but if you look around the retail websites consumers give them rave reviews. It leads me to believe there is a vocal minority on this website not happy with one thing or another and thereby causing a misperceptions of the products.

Oh I think the pro is phenomenal (the big one) I use it a lot of home. I wish it could be my only computing device, but there are some drawbacks. But at the end of the day, it's a unicorn dust layered peice of wafer thin magic. If one chooses to afford and can make us of it, it's worth the price of admission.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Hmmm, I haven't used a mouse since 2010, and converted from a Windows laptop to the MBA. Almost feel like the Pencil solves this to a large degree as it allows for a very precis pointer. Of course, I'm big on keyboard shortcuts, so the Smart Keyboard really does it for me.

These accessories plus Dropbox for a traditional file system, and the only thing I personally need in order to completely be able to replace the laptop, even for my professional work, is giving the iPad the ability to give out a desktop browser ID so it doesn't receive mobile sites, ever.

Since most of my professional software and tools are browser based, this is the biggest deal breaker of any to being able to theoretically replace my work laptop completely. I have been lucky to be able to completely drop Windows professionally, I know that isn't an option for many, or even a realistic goal. (Although I think the best Windows 8 experience I ever had was RD'ing in from my iPad Air 1 back in 2014 when I still needed it for a couple of legacy things)

For my personal machine, I am already there. iPad Pro 9.7" is my main computer personal use (iPhone and home media server notwithstanding) although with that said, I had already been there since iPad 2 iMovie for iOS did it for me .

And then I forgot we were talking about the 12.9" Pro, oops! Yeah I immediately sold that and pre-ordered the 9.7" after the keynote. Like the OP I came from the iPad mini 4, and never thought I would leave the 7.9" form factor. I loved it for all the reasons the OP did. But now, thinking that it is not too far away from being able to use the iPad only for work for a week or two at a time without too much trouble (just gotta fix that browser id issue) the mini was going to be just too small. The 12.9" defeats the purpose, it has a bigger footprint than my MB, and is almost as heavy anyway. The 9.7" is that sweet spot, seems like they got it right in the first place, ha!

 

[Foggydog]

For me, the iPP 12.9 will be replacing my 2009 MBP. My Mac is still running fine, but it is getting very slow and I am worried that the HD will one day fail while I am out here on the road. All I need to do is figure out how to import my OS X pages into my iOS device. Then, the Mac will stay home and I will eventually replace the HD with a SSD.

 

[capathy21]

It replaced both for me. I had an Air 2 and a 13 inch MBA. I bought the pro with the intentions of using it as an all in one to replace both the Air 2 and the MBA. I used the ipp for about a month and never picked up my MBA. I sold it and was just ipp. I have since purchased and sold a couple of MacBooks second hand since I've gone through these phases where I convince myself that I need a "computer" to fall back on when in reality, I don't.

As of now I am strictly ipp again and I believe it will stay that way. I had the 32gb model and while it was plenty of storage for me, I wanted a 128 just to have plenty of headroom. I found a killer deal on my local Craigslist which was a 128 12.9 ipp with Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil for 800 bucks. I snagged that then sold my original 32gb ipp for 650. Basically got 4 times the memory, a Smart Keyboard and an Apple Pencil for 150 bucks!

I don't see myself needing a traditional computer anymore. I don't use any specific programs that I can't access on the ipp. So yea, it has replaced my laptop and my iPad.

 

[Night Spring]

The 12.9 iPad replaced my iPad Air2 and my MacBook Air. However, the iPad mini is another matter entirely. I don't currently have a mini, but I had one before, and I can see myself getting a mini and using it alongside my 12.9 iPad. In fact, if Apple ever allows Apple Watch to work with an iPad, I'd get an LTE mini to replace my iPhone, and use that along with my 12.9.
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All I need to do is figure out how to import my OS X pages into my iOS device.

What is there to figure out? Don't they just sync through iCloud?

 

[ctg7w6]

Would love to replace my MBA with a 12 inch iPad Pro. Just can't do it. Need the full desktop OS. What I would REALLY love is to get rid of my 9.7 iPad Air 2 and MBA in favor of a 12 inch iPad Pro and iPad mini. Just not there yet. If they ever put OS X on an iPad (not holding my breath, though), I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

[sracer]

Until I have native mouse support I don't think I can switch to an iPad as a replacement for a laptop. I do too much work in Remote Desktop, etc.

I have been eyeing the iPad Pro 12.9" though greatly. Looks amazing.

When, not if, Apple provides support for mice, the 12.9 pro is going to be amazing for Remote Desktop.

 

[capathy21]

When, not if, Apple provides support for mice, the 12.9 pro is going to be amazing for Remote Desktop.

Do you really think it's going to happen? Mouse support I mean.

 

[sracer]

Do you really think it's going to happen? Mouse support I mean.

Yes I do. It is easy to do and won't compromise Apple's vision for the iPad. I don't have any inside info but I have a pretty good track record of predicting what Apple is going to do. But this is more wishful thinking than any actual info.

 

[Night Spring]

Yes I do. It is easy to do and won't compromise Apple's vision for the iPad. I don't have any inside info but I have a pretty good track record of predicting what Apple is going to do. But this is more wishful thinking than any actual info.

I'd give it 50/50. I personally a satisfied with not having a mouse, but I can see the pov of the people who do. However, if Apple does add mouse support, then I fear people would expect Apple to add a trackpad to the Smart Keyboard, and if they do THAT, then... I start having nightmares about app developers becoming satisfied with porting mouse based UI to iOS instead of further developing touch based UI.

What I'd rather see is the Pencil turning into a mouse substitute. That, I can get behind.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

What I'd rather see is the Pencil turning into a mouse substitute. That, I can get behind.

This. It is almost there already, really. Doesn't the new USB 3 - Lightning adapter already support USB keyboards? It says so in Apple's description for it.

 

[gtjeta]

Do you really think it's going to happen? Mouse support I mean.

There are two mouses which can be used for remote desktop access, Citrix X1 and swiftpoint gt. Both support jump desktop application, and a few others. You may look for a thread in the forum where me and others discuss on this particular item.

 

[Eric5273]

The basic dilemma when having these comparisons is the old saying "jack of all trades, master of none". The machine that does everything "pretty good" usually does nothing "exceptionally".

I suppose it's up to everyone whether you want more devices, allowing a single device for each specific task you do. That would probably make each task easiest, but would probably require having many devices floating around and could be its own headache for that reason.

As an owner of the iPad Pro 12.9", I certainly do agree that this is not a replacement for an iPad mini. Not even close. It's much closer to being a laptop replacement, and it has served that purpose for me very well. However, I never use it while laying in bed, and I only take it outside of the house when I'm traveling, similar to how I used to take my laptop with me.

So then what are the advantages of the iPad Pro 12.9? Very simple.... It's more portable than a laptop with equal screen size, being much lighter. It runs iOS, which some of us prefer over Mac OSX. It has built in 4G. I can pull the Smart Keyboard off in about 2 seconds and then use it in my hands like a tablet. Or I can sit at a desk/table and use it like a laptop with the Smart Keyboard attached.

It provides a ton of flexibility. But no, it is not small and portable like an iPad Mini.

In response to the OP, it's interesting how you say you would love to just have an Apple Watch and an iPad Mini. I have been considering trying to get by with 2 devices going forward -- the iPad Pro 12.9" as my main computer, and am considering getting the 5.5" iPhone. Or instead of the large iPhone I could get the small iPhone SE and an iPad Mini. But back to that dilemma.... How many devices do I want or need.

 

[Jasmynp]

The basic dilemma when having these comparisons is the old saying "jack of all trades, master of none". The machine that does everything "pretty good" usually does nothing "exceptionally".

With his statement, you got to the crux of my argument so much better than I did. It doesn't do all things well. When weighing all the iPads against that standard -Which iPad iteration does even most things well? The 12.9" Pro is definitely beat out by the other two current models. When compared to laptops, maybe the larger iPad Pro is still at the bottom of the list because of the cap at only 2 app multi-tasking, the fact that all apps are not included in multitasking, and the fact that not all apps have full functionality (Word and some of my job's browser based systems just don't work as well as on the 13" Pro).

I guess this has flummoxed so many people because of the Pro moniker and this talk of replacing laptops, when for me, it's not the best iPad out right now or the best laptop out right now.

I will say this though, I like the experience of buying apple products. From the keynote right to pre-order to stalking the delivery guy all the way down to the unboxing and setup. They have certainly mastered that part of the process. I strongly consider buying just about every new iPad and iPhone they put out ~and I suppose that's the point.

 

[maflynn]

Given my needs, an iOS device cannot replace a device that's running windows or OS X. One size doesn't fit all, and in my case the iPad is a poor replacement of my Surface Pro3 or iMac.

 

[Night Spring]

when for me, it's not the best iPad out right now or the best laptop out right now.

Hmmmm. This is weird, because the 12.9 iPad has basically replaced my laptop (I still keep an iMac), but I don't think of it as a laptop. For me, it's just the best iPad, period. Sure, it's not as portable as the smaller iPads, but that's about the only drawback of the 12.9. Everything else is better with a larger screen. Web browsing is better, reading documents is better, note taking is better, watching videos is better, games graphics are gorgeous, and the kinds of games I like to play don't require on-screen controls or tilting, so the size of the iPad doesn't interfere with the experience.

Sure, there are some limitations of iOS that are annoying -- the other day, someone sent me email with five attachments that I needed to save to Dropbox, and it was very annoying to have to save them one by one! But those annoyances are minor compared to the convenience of being able to work anywhere I happen to be. The 9.7 was good for doing work in a pinch, when something needed to be done urgently, but for regular work I went to my iMac or laptop. But the experience on the 12.9 is better than my laptop, and while the iMac is better at multitasking, and things like saving multiple attachments at once, to use the iMac I have to sit at my desk, which is in a different room from my TV. The iPad lets me work in the commercial breaks between the various sports and news programs we watch, and I've actually become more productive, because all those little 5 minute chunks of time that I'd been wasting before do add up. And I never managed to do this with laptops and with smaller iPads, but I do manage to do this with the 12.9 iPad. I do realize that some people manage to do work with laptops or with smaller iPads, and for them the 12.9 iPad doesn't do anything better. But for me, the 12.9 is the first device that makes me feel like it's a natural thing to work from my living room sofa. No other device has felt like this before.

 

[AlexJoda]

There are two mouses which can be used for remote desktop access, Citrix X1 and swiftpoint gt. Both support jump desktop application, and a few others. You may look for a thread in the forum where me and others discuss on this particular item.

Sadly they are only usable for remote sessions. After working with my X1 mouse I often catch myself trying to use it with IOS Apps.....Scrolling a website with the scroll wheel alone is worth it compared to constantly touching the screen.