All iPads The iPad challenge! [CHALLENGE OVER]

[Night Spring]

I use good reader. But I also need to run the program's I download and only my laptop can do that

Ah. Gotcha. But in my view, the problem isn't that those programs don't run on the iPad, but that there hasn't been an app written to do what those programs do. For instance, I like to edit ePubs -- I notice a typo, I want to fix it! (Yeah, OCD, I know). For this, I have to use my desktop, but I don't think there's any reason why someone couldn't write an app that does that on the iPad. It probably hasn't been done because the number of people OCD enough to want to fix typos in their ebooks are too small to be a viable market, lol. Sure, there are some tasks that can't be done on the iPad because Apple doesn't allow them, but I think the majority of things that can't be done on an iPad today can't be done simply because no one has written an app for it yet.

 

[TechGod]

Ah. Gotcha. But in my view, the problem isn't that those programs don't run on the iPad, but that there hasn't been an app written to do what those programs do. For instance, I like to edit ePubs -- I notice a typo, I want to fix it! (Yeah, OCD, I know). For this, I have to use my desktop, but I don't think there's any reason why someone couldn't write an app that does that on the iPad. It probably hasn't been done because the number of people OCD enough to want to fix typos in their ebooks are too small to be a viable market, lol. Sure, there are some tasks that can't be done on the iPad because Apple doesn't allow them, but I think the majority of things that can't be done on an iPad today can't be done simply because no one has written an app for it yet.

Don't worry, typos annoy me immensely as well

That is valid but I hate the smaller screen and keyboard.

 

[dumastudetto]

This is a fascinating experiment and it's good to see someone finally taking on a challenge like this. I think it can be done, because iPad truly is a true productivity device as well as consumption. I'll be following the updates to this thread religiously for the next week. Please keep posting as often as possible. Good luck with the venture!

 

[TechGod]

This is a fascinating experiment and it's good to see someone finally taking on a challenge like this. I think it can be done, because iPad truly is a true productivity device as well as consumption. I'll be following the updates to this thread religiously for the next week. Please keep posting as often as possible. Good luck with the venture!

This gives my inspiration to continue
I will definitely be updating this as much as possible.

 

[wib]

Good luck with the challenge.

Just out of interest, is there any reason why you're not using a Bluetooth keyboard with it?

I think if you paired it up with a decent-sized one (not a small case-type), a lot of your frustrations with the onscreen keyboard would go away.

wib

 

[QCassidy352]

This is a fascinating experiment and it's good to see someone finally taking on a challenge like this. I think it can be done, because iPad truly is a true productivity device as well as consumption. I'll be following the updates to this thread religiously for the next week. Please keep posting as often as possible. Good luck with the venture!

It CAN be done (for users with limited power and screen-space needs) - but why? The ipad is very good at some things and not good at others. Why try to force it to be something more than what it's good at? What does that get you?

When you come right down to it, the iPhone can do everything the ipad can (with very few exceptions) since they run the same os. So you COULD make an iPhone your sole computer - but the disadvantages are numerous and (hopefully) obvious. The ipad isn't as bad because of the extra screen space, but the idea is the same.

 

[TechGod]

Good luck with the challenge.

Just out of interest, is there any reason why you're not using a Bluetooth keyboard with it?

I think if you paired it up with a decent-sized one (not a small case-type), a lot of your frustrations with the onscreen keyboard would go away.

wib

Simply because my iPad is not a laptop and while going to school I don't wanna turn my super portable iPad into a MacBook Air. I'm getting used to the keyboard and the superb auto correct helps greatly.

 

[Wbutchart]

I have been using an ipad exclusively for three years now. This includes the following -

Uni notes
Essays
Bible research
Sermons
Dissertation

I have found it to be quite efficient in all these things. Have just went from an ipad 3 to a iPad mini retina, will be interesting to see how this effects productivity.

 

[miamialley]

I turn on my home computer MAYBE once every 2 to 3 weeks to use it for a few minutes. Work is a different story, but I don't even need a computer at home anymore.

 

[TechGod]

Another day passes and I get more used to the iPad.

Loving the battery life, can eek out two days of 14 hours total one screen.

 

[wrinkster22]

I was joking ipad is never going to replace a macbook for me anyway, although my parents in their late 60's got a iPad mini and don't use their pc anymore. It does everything they need.

My mother has been using her iPad 3 and iPhone 5s exclusively. She uses the PC sometimes while on the phone or to play candy crush LOL.

 

[yinz]

Congratulations on making it to day 4. And you said you'd be done by day 2.

My sister had used it exclusively for a year, but she didn't have to be productive, so it was fine. She kind of regrets getting a MacBook Air now since she doesn't use it that often.

I do have to agree with your day 3 conclusion though. The productivity aspect is 'doable but not desirable'. I think temporarily, it can be done, but long term, a person may be better off with an actual computer.

That said, I think an iPad can be used primarily if the user only works occasionally. Also, if all entertainment is placed on the iPad, a cheapo desk top for word processing can be had without any distractions. Those nettop things can actually be a thing.

 

[Tsepz]

I'm not surprised. All the talk about iPads or any tablet being someone's only computer are just that....talk! It's just not going to happen unless ones usage is extremely basic and simple. I'm a online poker player so that right there forces me to hit the laptop. So does some games I play.

It's just not feasible for like 90% or more of the users out there. Enjoy the tablet for what it is. I sure do. But, I am not mistaking my tablet for a true computer. Nope.

So true, it will be quite a few years before people can use tablets as main computers and even then a laptop will be needed for somethings that are more demanding.

 

[s2mikey]

So true, it will be quite a few years before people can use tablets as main computers and even then a laptop will be needed for somethings that are more demanding.

Yep, and I don't even believe we'll ever have tablets as our only computers! The tactile mouse precision and regular keyboard are simply important tools for many of us. I'm sticking with my belief that tablets are one of many computing tools we will be using in our households and workplaces. Not the only tool.

 

[cynics]

Lol I used an iPad, iPhone and Motorola Xoom in place of a computer for about a year and a half.

Only recently did I get a Mac. It's actually a bit tough adjusting back but the added functionality is a god send.

 

[TechGod]

Lol I used an iPad, iPhone and Motorola Xoom in place of a computer for about a year and a half.

Only recently did I get a Mac. It's actually a bit tough adjusting back but the added functionality is a god send.

I fully agree. Really missing the keyboard and the big screen. What this challenge is teaching me is that, if my MacBook every goes to repairs or something I can live with iOS for the repair time which is a good thing to learn.

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Congratulations on making it to day 4. And you said you'd be done by day 2.

My sister had used it exclusively for a year, but she didn't have to be productive, so it was fine. She kind of regrets getting a MacBook Air now since she doesn't use it that often.

I do have to agree with your day 3 conclusion though. The productivity aspect is 'doable but not desirable'. I think temporarily, it can be done, but long term, a person may be better off with an actual computer.

That said, I think an iPad can be used primarily if the user only works occasionally. Also, if all entertainment is placed on the iPad, a cheapo desk top for word processing can be had without any distractions. Those nettop things can actually be a thing.

Thanks yeah the iPad has massive disadvantages and massive advantages the thing is the disadvantages aren't worth it compared to the advantages and as soon as day seven is over I'll be back to normal.

 

[Freyqq]

I have been using an ipad exclusively for three years now. This includes the following -

Uni notes
Essays
Bible research
Sermons
Dissertation

I have found it to be quite efficient in all these things. Have just went from an ipad 3 to a iPad mini retina, will be interesting to see how this effects productivity.

Not being able to put two windows side by side makes it hard for me to use a tablet as a primary device. For instance, I could not have safari and pages open side by side in order to write a research paper. Not being able to attach files to email replies is also an issue.

 

[TechGod]

Not being able to put two windows side by side makes it hard for me to use a tablet as a primary device. For instance, I could not have safari and pages open side by side in order to write a research paper. Not being able to attach files to email replies is also an issue.

To be honest here, my MacBook screen size is to I small for two apps side by side as well. That's why I use the desktops feature.

 

[Freyqq]

To be honest here, my MacBook screen size is to I small for two apps side by side as well. That's why I use the desktops feature.

The high ppi (2048x1536) makes it surprisingly possible to multitask with side by side windows. Small text is readable, and zoom is easy with a pinch gesture.

 

[TechGod]

The high ppi (2048x1536) makes it surprisingly possible to multitask with side by side windows. Small text is readable, and zoom is easy with a pinch gesture.

I have a 2011 13"

 

[Wbutchart]

Not being able to put two windows side by side makes it hard for me to use a tablet as a primary device. For instance, I could not have safari and pages open side by side in order to write a research paper. Not being able to attach files to email replies is also an issue.

Hi, I agree that is a bit of an inconvenience, I have found work arounds for most things quite well. I use copy and paste quite a bit to put text into documents, works quite well, copy it in focus on the document then delete the text.

For emails I have documents by readdle (free!) which I can open documents into, or save them into from the internet and email as much of them as attachments as I need (never noted a limit). Takes a bit more organisation but works fine for me.

I have found for everything there is a workaround, can make it a bit untidy but have worked around it not too bad.

 

[TechGod]

Hi, I agree that is a bit of an inconvenience, I have found work arounds for most things quite well. I use copy and paste quite a bit to put text into documents, works quite well, copy it in focus on the document then delete the text.

For emails I have documents by readdle (free!) which I can open documents into, or save them into from the internet and email as much of them as attachments as I need (never noted a limit). Takes a bit more organisation but works fine for me.

I have found for everything there is a workaround, can make it a bit untidy but have worked around it not too bad.

True. But I don't want to deal with the work arounds.

I will sum up the challenge tomorrow when I can.

 

[Cubytus]

For instance, I like to edit ePubs -- I notice a typo, I want to fix it! (Yeah, OCD, I know). For this, I have to use my desktop, but I don't think there's any reason why someone couldn't write an app that does that on the iPad. It probably hasn't been done because the number of people OCD enough to want to fix typos in their ebooks are too small to be a viable market, lol. Sure, there are some tasks that can't be done on the iPad because Apple doesn't allow them, but I think the majority of things that can't be done on an iPad today can't be done simply because no one has written an app for it yet.

What is the name of this epub-editing application on Mac? I do know about Calibre, but it's cumbersome.

Otherwise agree with your criticism, as an example I don't know of any application that would "patch" Safari or another browser to allow for storing research papers in Zotero in one tap.

 

[Night Spring]

What is the name of this epub-editing application on Mac? I do know about Calibre, but it's cumbersome.

ePubs are just zip files with HTML files inside. I just unzip them and use a plain text editor to edit the HTML files, then zip them back up. In order to do this on an iPad, an app would have to handle the zipping and unzipping, but since apps like GoodReader can zip/unzip files, I assume it is doable.

 

[Cubytus]

ePubs are just zip files with HTML files inside. I just unzip them and use a plain text editor to edit the HTML files, then zip them back up. In order to do this on an iPad, an app would have to handle the zipping and unzipping, but since apps like GoodReader can zip/unzip files, I assume it is doable.

That's what Calibre is doing. I can edit the source HTML and correct typos. But nowhere as streamlined as clicking an "edit" button or better yet, clicking where the typo is, correcting it, then saving file.

Most of the time when I'm reading a buggy ePub, I don't feel like going back to Calibre, opening it, correcting, saving, exporting to iTunes, plugging iPad, then syncing again.