Some of you are delusional...

[newellj]

This is the interpretation that Cook most likely meant. It refers to Jobs' comments years ago that tablets like the iPad are the future of computing. Laptops and Desktops as we use them today are "trucks" according to those comments. You still need them, but you aren't going to sell them to everyone when sedans will do.

The thing is, us debating on how useful the iPad is or how well it can replace a laptop is a bit like a bunch of ranchers saying how they could never use a 2-door convertible as their main work car. We are the part of the market most likely to be needing trucks, and having them around.

That said, I do agree that iOS has gaps that will prevent it from replacing laptops for many workflows. Some of it is hardware (the iPad Pro addresses a couple of them, while ignoring others). Some of it is software (extensions help make it a bit easier to access files between apps, but a shared file store would still be a huge boon). And some of it is apps that aren't being fleshed out enough on the tablet (which the Pro might spur some action on, it might not). So there is a bit of chicken/egg, but I don't disagree that tablets running something akin to iOS or Windows' "Modern" interface are the future. But it will be years before workflows for us truck drivers get anywhere near what's needed.

Agreed on basically all points, except that while "years" is clearly (to me) correct, it might turn out to be low single digits. It can't be as hard as Apple and Microsoft make it seem. The iPad Pro and the Surface Pro 3 are closing in on the same point. The question is whether either, or both, will get to the magic point, and when. Again, it really can't be as hard as they make it seem...

 

[HenryDJP]

I can't manage that list at 100% productively with any mobile OS. A file manger at minimum is important when using those apps on a regular basis. And there is no desktop, multiple work spaces, and etc. When I edit audio, video, or photos, I usually have multiple editors open at the same time and drag n drop between them.

I'm not saying the iPad Pro is not productive, but a desktop replacement .......HELL NO!!!

You should open your mind a bit. What do you think people in the arts did before there were computers to use? Heck, I graduated college on Pen and Paper and I went to school for Electronics. If you think the world can't get along easily on an iPad then you grew up during the entitled age.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

You should open your mind a bit. What do you think people in the arts did before there were computers to use? Heck, I graduated college on Pen and Paper and I went to school for Electronics. If you think the world can't get along easily on an iPad then you grew up during the entitled age.

My last sentence in my post is testament to having an open mind. This thread is about "Desktop Replacement", not whether the iPad Pro is productive or not.

And I'm 37 yrs of age. Grew up on Atari 7800, NES, Payphones, Pagers, IBM desktops, and etc. No entitled mindset here.

 

[Krevnik]

Agreed on basically all points, except that while "years" is clearly (to me) correct, it might turn out to be low single digits. It can't be as hard as Apple and Microsoft make it seem. The iPad Pro and the Surface Pro 3 are closing in on the same point. The question is whether either, or both, will get to the magic point, and when. Again, it really can't be as hard as they make it seem...

Well, except it isn't as simple as "build it and they will come". Traditional PCs are a form of inertia in the market that is growing increasingly risk averse as it matures. So even if Apple and Microsoft have built it, the app devs still need to follow. And right now, one thing I have seen is that tablets are not seen as a primary editing device by devs, so they don't add full-scale editing features.

But here's the other thing I see. Microsoft may see Win 10 as the target point, Apple certainly seems to see iOS as the target point, but I expect Apple will continue to expand iOS in fits and starts. But as it has a consumer focus, I really doubt Apple will do something like a "Pro(sumer) Update" to iOS that addresses the core OS gaps all at once. We will get it a feature at a time with a bunch of consumer features, like extensions in iOS 8.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Its a shame that the most vocal portion of the Apple Community is incapable of "Thinking Different" until given permission by a guy on a stage, but I agree completely about this form factor running OSX.

I'm exclusively an Apple user but due to a fantastic sale at Best Buy I ended up with a Surface Pro 3 as my couch computer. Desktop OS, Touchscreen, Voice Commands, Stylus, Removeable Keyboard etc. Everything about it was fantastic except for one minor thing... it didn't run OSX.

As much as I liked the Surface (and even Windows 10), I was a fish out of water without my iServices and Apple Apps. And thats why when I saw them demo the Stylus/Keyboard on the iPad Pro then all I could do is wish that the MacBook One and iPad Pro were combined into a single product because I know from experience on both sides of the fence that Tablet Form Factor + Desktop OS = It Just Works

I agree. But they would have to add more RAM, and at least a 256gb version. A iPad with full OSX would have Apple starting prices around $1600.

 

[inhalexhale1]

I get the top end 15" MBP every 3 years or so. I need mobility, but I don't have to do anything PC intense on the road. I could see splitting the cost between an iPad Pro with accessories, and a 21.5" iMac the next time I purchase. It would be about the same dollar-wise.

 

[HenryDJP]

My last sentence in my post is testament to having an open mind. This thread is about "Desktop Replacement", not whether the iPad Pro is productive or not.

What you can do on a desktop computer that could also be done on an iPad Pro "IS" the point of this thread. It was you that said you couldn't see how anyone could be productive on an iPad Pro with the list of things I mentioned. Not to start an argument but how could you turn this around and make this about me when it was you that brought it up? All I was doing was addressing the OP who seems to feel that an iPad can't be used to replace a desktop. Most of the stuff people do on a daily basis on a desktop computer could easily be done on an iPad, especially when attaching the keyboard.

I'm not saying an iPad Pro "IS" a desktop replacement, I'm saying that many people that want to dump their desktops and don't care to spend money on a Macbook or any laptop could buy an iPad Pro and they won't miss their desktop machines. Many people don't need a file manager these days. If that were the case iPads wouldn't be used in hospitals, banking institutions and enterprise environments.

 

[Dreamliner330]

tldr: Put OS X on this new iPad so we can do different things other than play bubble pop games.

I think an iPad that ran OS X AND could run iPad apps would be AMAZING!

I need Verizon connectivity and apps that are polished really well on iPad. I'd like a surface, but touch apps are nearly non existent on Surface and it really blows to try and use a full PC or website with one had while your walking around.

 

[rillrill]

The new iPads are the most capable tablets from Apple yet. So much so that I sold my wife's slowing MacBook when we upgraded. Boy, that was a mistake. There are so many unforeseen instances that you need a robust OS, and they come up on the most irritating times. My wife wants to print some labels from Avery. Yep. The iPad's margins don't line up. Oh, you want to make a photo album? Sorry, you'll need a browser on an OS we can work with. Then I get to hear, "you had to sell the laptop, didn't you."

If you have to pick between a laptop and a tablet, do yrself a favor and get the laptop. The iPad's a toy.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

What you can do on a desktop computer that could also be done on an iPad Pro "IS" the point of this thread. It was you that said you couldn't see how anyone could be productive on an iPad Pro with the list of things I mentioned. Not to start an argument but how could you turn this around and make this about me when it was you that brought it up? All I was doing was addressing the OP who seems to feel that an iPad can't be used to replace a desktop. Most of the stuff people do on a daily basis on a desktop computer could easily be done on an iPad, especially when attaching the keyboard.

I'm not saying an iPad Pro "IS" a desktop replacement, I'm saying that many people that want to dump their desktops and don't care to spend money on a Macbook or any laptop could buy an iPad Pro and they won't miss their desktop machines. Many people don't need a file manager these days. If that were the case iPads wouldn't be used in hospitals, banking institutions and enterprise environments.

I can't manage that list at 100% productively with any mobile OS. A file manger at minimum is important when using those apps on a regular basis. And there is no desktop, multiple work spaces, and etc. When I edit audio, video, or photos, I usually have multiple editors open at the same time and drag n drop between them.

I'm not saying the iPad Pro is not productive, but a desktop replacement .......HELL NO!!!

As you see, I try my best to word things carefully.

As the OP mentioned, there will be plenty of limitations from iOS apps vs using the full program on a desktop. Which is also limited by iOS itself.

 

[Dreamliner330]

The new iPads are the most capable tablets from Apple yet. So much so that I sold my wife's slowing MacBook when we upgraded. Boy, that was a mistake. There are so many unforeseen instances that you need a robust OS, and they come up on the most irritating times. My wife wants to print some labels from Avery. Yep. The iPad's margins don't line up. Oh, you want to make a photo album? Sorry, you'll need a browser on an OS we can work with. Then I get to hear, "you had to sell the laptop, didn't you."

If you have to pick between a laptop and a tablet, do yrself a favor and get the laptop. The iPad's a toy.

iPads are for consumption, not creation.

There isn't a graphic designer on the planet worth their salt that will take an iPad Pro + Pencil over any computer + Wacom.

 

[urkel]

iPads are for consumption, not creation.

iPads are for whatever the guy on stage tells us its for.

 

[mixel]

iPads are for consumption, not creation.

There isn't a graphic designer on the planet worth their salt that will take an iPad Pro + Pencil over any computer + Wacom.

There isn't a graphic designer on the planet who'd say no to both though. Wacom isn't handy to do sketches on the train, or pull out to show your work. Companions screen isn't good enough to be a digital portfolio.

They have complimentary strengths.

And iPads aren't just for consumption, we see that from the amount that's already created in the smaller models.

 

[Kal-037]

...if you think the pro will replace your laptop/desktop. Lot of threads and comments referring to the iPad pro replacing your current laptop/desktop and I just don't understand how people can think that. It will run with iOS not a full OS like the surface does.

I'm in the IT field and I love my iPad for lounging on the couch and surfing the web or playing games on the toilet. However, that's where it stops. No MS suite, Adobe suite, or real programs in general. The off chance that one of these programs has an app for iOS will be functionally limited to a word viewer or something of that nature.

The age of the tablet is dying and the more time apple wastes with this 13 inch candy crush player the more people will move to a "hybrid" like the surface 3/4 running a full windows 10 OS that can double as a tablet.

Here's a pov from a web designer...your meeting a client and you bring the surface you can load up dreamweaver, Photoshop, or any other program and make changes on the spot. With the iPad pro all you can do is take notes while playing hill climb.

tldr: Put OS X on this new iPad so we can do different things other than play bubble pop games.

What are you... 12? Calling people delusional for having different views Is ridiculous.
I used my original iPad (2010) 75% of the time and my laptop for 25% ...that was until the newer iOS systems came out. I have been using them for everything with no issues, I use my iPad for school, homework, essays, work, digital design/drawing, media consumption, and most everything else. I haven't touched my PC laptop for anything since 2013, I also haven't used my MBPr since I bought it in July.


Kal.

 

[Mivo]

iPads are for consumption, not creation.

There are many types of "creation". I could do all of my writing on an iPad without too much hassle, which would cover the majority of my paid work. The iPad Pro is even more suitable for that type of creative activity. With apps like Auria, I can also do a good amount of audio-related work on an iPad.

People have different needs and expectations, so absolute statements fall short. It's all relative.

 

[Dreamliner330]

There are many types of "creation". I could do all of my writing on an iPad without too much hassle, which would cover the majority of my paid work. The iPad Pro is even more suitable for that type of creative activity. With apps like Auria, I can also do a good amount of audio-related work on an iPad.

People have different needs and expectations, so absolute statements fall short. It's all relative.

Right. I'm sure you are much more productive on the iPad than a laptop.

Hope you bill by the hour on your iPad work. For your sake, of course.

Finally, "without too much hassle" implies deep down, you know I'm right.

 

[Mivo]

Right. I'm sure you are much more productive on the iPad than a laptop.

I didn't make that claim. I said I can do a large part of my work on the iPad without too much hassle. In some ways, I actually am more productive on the iPad because there are fewer distractions, so I do get done more. Would I replace my laptop with just an iPad? No. There are tasks I need a full computer for, and I do need a proper file system. But the gap is getting increasingly more narrow.

 

[driftless]

I'm not even going to sit down and discuss how unprofessional it is to be developing a client's product in their presence during a meeting. We'll just skip over that.

I agree with that statement. I suspect that the new iPad Pro will be very good at presenting a project though.

I don't quite understand the Surface vs. iPad Pro discussion. My wife has an iPhone, iPad Mini and a rMB but for work she is on a Windows/Office platform. Surface Pro 4 would be ideal for her. I happen to like that the iPad Pro is running iOS. iOS does a lot of things very well, it does a lot of things differently than OS X does. I am excited about the new apps that we had a peek at during the Keynote. It is shocking how much work I can do on my iPad. The solutions and the apps are different than what I use on OS X, but the iPad can a productive tool.

 

[driftless]

I get the top end 15" MBP every 3 years or so. I need mobility, but I don't have to do anything PC intense on the road. I could see splitting the cost between an iPad Pro with accessories, and a 21.5" iMac the next time I purchase. It would be about the same dollar-wise.

I use the iPad in conjunction with an iMac, nice one-two combo.

 

[driftless]

iPads are for consumption, not creation.

Ahh, no. You are not very creative if you can't be creative on an iPad.

 

[spiderman0616]

Ahh, no. You are not very creative if you can't be creative on an iPad.

I have never agreed with the statement that iPads are not for creation. You CAN create stuff on them, and for some types of content creation, it's easier than on a computer. The problem is that people don't. It seems the vast majority of people who own tablets are using them for Netflix and Facebook. The iPad Pro is putting tablets up on a pedestal that I don't think they're ready for yet.

What they are doing with the iPad Pro is something I already tried. I didn't mind the screen size of my iPad Air, so I stuck a keyboard on it and tried to use it as my primary laptop with my Mac mini as my main full blown OS X machine. It was an unmitigated disaster. And I'm not talking about the "pro" things I tried to do with it--I'm talking about things like just simply creating a document and saving it somewhere. The constant switching between touch screen and keyboard is annoying.

I think the real issue is that most people don't need the full functionality of a computer OR a tablet unless they're at work where they just use whatever computer they're given. The iPhone has a unique advantage here, because it's everything you probably need while out and about, but compressed into bite sized pieces. On the other hand, it's just as easy to curl up in bed with a larger screened iPhone and watch TV. The tablet has become more of an add on to that idea, and the computer has been relegated to "the heavy lifting" as it should be.

To me, the iPad Pro is overkill as a tablet, and underkill as a laptop. But it's perfect for people who want to use the Pencil functionality. That thing is drool-worthy.

 

[cardfan]

I'm buying an ipad pro. But I'm not remotely dreaming about it replacing my laptop or desktop. It's simply an entertainment device. It's an ipad air on steroids. Improved bigger screen, sound, ram, processor, etc. I'll even get a pencil to screw around with but I'm no artist and have no intention of using it in any kind of productive way. I don't want the kb and will never buy that accessory.

It's a break from OSX or Windows. It's a device where everything is made for multitouch. Eye candy. Reading comics. Playing a few exclusive games that I simply just like on the ipad.

Now for those that can only afford one device in that price range and have nothing else? You'd be nuts to get this. Get a laptop or a Surface.

I understand Apple is trying to aim it more towards productivity (showing off gimped versions of Office and some adobe apps) users but good luck with that. Right now, it's a small niche that uses an ipad in that way.

 

[Nebrie]

To understand where the iPad Pro fits into the world, you have to understand that the shift from laptops to tablets is more of a generational shift. The same thing happened with other technologies such as the car. The car was noisy and a menace to children. The horse was graceful and gentle. Because their whole workflow was already setup around the horse and places that the horse could optimally go, they couldn't see the advantages of the car. You basically had to have a whole new generation take over from the previous one before the horse finally went away.

You have your apps, your workflow, and your habits set and refined over many years and they work perfectly for you, so why change? There's no incentive. But when you watch a lot of young people, people who grow up on mobile devices, you realize that they don't come with any of this legacy baggage. They won't need to use an old label maker software or play their favorite nostalgic game. They'll be learning creative tools beginning with the iPad and won't lament the lack of features they never knew existed before. Touch is Star-Trek intuitive and mouse manipulation is what grandpa does. Many of them are perfectly happy to bang away at a short essay on a glass keyboard because they've been doing it since birth. So that's who the iPad Pro is for. And if this is who the iPad Pro is for, why drag in all of the OS X legacy baggage? That's like the first steam powered ships which still had masts for sails only because old sailors were afraid to leave port without them. This is what Tim Cook meant when he said that the iPad Pro was "the future of computing." He's taking a long(er) term view of technology.

The product is not quite there yet and will take another product generation or three to refine, and the key user groups for the product are still quite young, but Apple has no choice. It has hypotheses about use cases that need to be tested and refined in the real world and it can only do that by shipping out real products and observing what people do with them.

 

[spiderman0616]

To understand where the iPad Pro fits into the world, you have to understand that the shift from laptops to tablets is more of a generational shift. The same thing happened with other technologies such as the car. The car was noisy and a menace to children. The horse was graceful and gentle. Because their whole workflow was already setup around the horse and places that the horse could optimally go, they couldn't see the advantages of the car. You basically had to have a whole new generation take over from the previous one before the horse finally went away.

You have your apps, your workflow, and your habits set and refined over many years and they work perfectly for you, so why change? There's no incentive. But when you watch a lot of young people, people who grow up on mobile devices, you realize that they don't come with any of this legacy baggage. They won't need to use an old label maker software or play their favorite nostalgic game. They'll be learning creative tools beginning with the iPad and won't lament the lack of features they never knew existed before. Touch is Star-Trek intuitive and mouse manipulation is what grandpa does. Many of them are perfectly happy to bang away at a short essay on a glass keyboard because they've been doing it since birth. So that's who the iPad Pro is for. And if this is who the iPad Pro is for, why drag in all of the OS X legacy baggage? That's like the first steam powered ships which still had masts for sails only because old sailors were afraid to leave port without them. This is what Tim Cook meant when he said that the iPad Pro was "the future of computing." He's taking a long(er) term view of technology.

The product is not quite there yet and will take another product generation or three to refine, and the key user groups for the product are still quite young, but Apple has no choice. It has hypotheses about use cases that need to be tested and refined in the real world and it can only do that by shipping out real products and observing what people do with them.

I know plenty of "young people" who need a lot more than a tablet to get things done. They have grown up on tablets and smartphones, but still sometimes need something more than a mobile OS to do different kinds of work.

 

[Nebrie]

I know plenty of "young people" who need a lot more than a tablet to get things done. They have grown up on tablets and smartphones, but still sometimes need something more than a mobile OS to do different kinds of work.

Sometimes, but PCs are not the go-to products for them in the same way that they are for us. Like I said, the tablet still has a few generations left before it is ready so obviously they will still need a PC for some tasks. For the youngest generations, by the time they fully enter the computing world, the tablet will be ready for them as a full-time device. Tim Cook is a very patient man.