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All iPads The iPad is for creation and not just for consumption. A Rant.
- Thread starter TheScribe
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OP, first of all, sorry to hear about your job loss. It's interesting what you can do when your resources are cut back, I know.
A tablet is a quite capable device, it's just that most people don't actually try to make them into creation devices since they have their laptops for that. Then they shrug it off as just "a toy". Even software wise, you could use one of the millions of remote desktop solutions for the iPad and there you go Windows/OS X/Linux right on your tablet. You don't even need to own another computer, there are cloud hosting solutions.
However, I really think it comes down to what kind of "content creation" you want to do. If that workflow works for you, then great. Me on the other hand, if I only had the money for only a laptop or iPad, I would go for the laptop. I do software development and some vector graphics, which I would be a lot more comfortable working on a 13"+ screen and have a really good keyboard and track pad.
A tablet is a quite capable device, it's just that most people don't actually try to make them into creation devices since they have their laptops for that. Then they shrug it off as just "a toy". Even software wise, you could use one of the millions of remote desktop solutions for the iPad and there you go Windows/OS X/Linux right on your tablet. You don't even need to own another computer, there are cloud hosting solutions.
However, I really think it comes down to what kind of "content creation" you want to do. If that workflow works for you, then great. Me on the other hand, if I only had the money for only a laptop or iPad, I would go for the laptop. I do software development and some vector graphics, which I would be a lot more comfortable working on a 13"+ screen and have a really good keyboard and track pad.
I bought iPads 1, 2, 4 and now Air as device to generate content (writing and photography), and use very little else. I publish the work I make with it. I can't imagine regarding the iPad as anything but a tool to enhance my creativity. I know I'm in a minority but the App Store is full of creativity and office apps. Apple makes several itself.
If we looked at what most people do with their home laptops I expect most use them for content consumption more than creation. As a rule most people don't generate content, be it musical or written or artistic.
If we looked at what most people do with their home laptops I expect most use them for content consumption more than creation. As a rule most people don't generate content, be it musical or written or artistic.
Thanks. Just another casualty of a slowed and changing economy.
I get the "just a toy" thing. Actually, when I bought the ipad it was pretty much that. I had an iPod touch and enjoyed it...then wanted a bigger screen basically. A nice shiny new toy. If I was able, I would have returned the ipad for a refund and bought a new laptop...but alas, that window had closed...so I worked with what I had. It worked out beautifully. For everything I want or need to do, the ipad works perfectly.
It really does vary between people depending on what they like to do. I like making movies, making music, writing and playing games...along with other things...and whenever I run across a problem that the ipad can't tackle I find a way to make it happen.
My biggest gripe so far has been mentioned already...safari tabs reloading. I modified my web habits to make it not such a big deal, but I'll admit it is still annoying. Hopefully it can be fixed in a future software update and isn't purely a RAM issue.
As far as "workflows"...I make do without any issues. If I had a job that required me to be on the computer doing intense tasks, I would hope that my employer would supply the computer. But, since that's not an issue with me, it's not an issue for me.
If I could offer apple a suggestion or two, they would be simple. A) There is no reason I shouldn't be able to exit the youtube app and still have the sound playing. Pandora and iheart radio can do it, it shouldn't be an issue for youtube to do it. And B) I would like to be able to keep videos (youtube, netflix, etc.) playing in a small window at the corner of my screen while I do other things. I should be able to hold my finger down on a currently playing video (like with the "wiggle") and slide it to a corner to keep it playing on top. Repeat to reverse. This, I am sure, is only a RAM issue and should hopefully be available in future models.
The biggest obstacle was not having a file system/structure but I made that work too. I can send any photo, video or book/PDF I have as an attachment if I need to, and sometimes I have to do it with more than one email, but that's no biggie.
Basically, where there's a will there's a way.
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Yes...it is a tool...and quite an effective one too.
It just takes a little effort to learn "how to" and everything else just falls into place.
Try this statement on for size, "Personally, I haven't found it useful, but there are many others who do."
The existence of a "better" tool doesn't mean other tools are useless. A table saw is, for some things, far superior to a handsaw or a portable circular saw, yet all are used by professionals to get the job done. Away from the workshop? Portable circular saw. Off the grid? Handsaw.
The issue at hand is that, "best at content consumption" is conflated (by some) to mean, "only good for content consumption," and, "Best for my needs," is presumed to be best for everyone else.
Personally? I think the iPad is best at portability, but even when it comes to raw portability, there's something better - iPhone. I'm not about to suggest that iPad can't be used when portability is not required, or when an iPhone is available - portability is hardly iPad's only virtue.
My iPad is loaded with tools (apps) that help me do real work (and creative play) - content creation, business administration, communication, guitar tuning.... Passive content consumption is way down on the list of the ways I use it. It's not a matter of whether there's a better app on my desktop machine. There may well be, but I don't take my iMac along on my research trips.
All I need as a writer is a keyboard, basic text editing software, and a display. To deliver it to my editor, all I need is an email client or DropBox, and an internet connection.
I got my iPad (first edition) on day three of availability. After a few months of traveling with both laptop and iPad, I quit carrying the laptop. Plus, I would never have taken my laptop on a hike, exploring a new city, or down to the local tavern. The words come when they come. Some would say, "That's what a notepad and pencil are for," but I abandoned paper and pencil long ago as hopelessly inefficient. My iPad and Bluetooth keyboard are small enough and light enough to go with me anywhere, and they do. If I'm inspired, I don't have to wait to get back to the hotel or office to do a brain dump. The tool you have is far more useful than the tool you don't have.
I'm also a photographer. While I certainly prefer working on a Mac with industrial-strength photo editing tools, I rarely need those in the field. It's enough to be able to review my images at a decent size and maybe do some cropping and basic tweaking before upload. If my photographic/videographic needs were even a little different, the iPad might be woefully inadequate, but so what? Those aren't my needs.
And when I get a business management-related phone call while I'm away from the office or on vacation, all I'm likely to need to do is view some documents and spreadsheets, and maybe tweak them a bit. I don't want to build a huge, new spreadsheet in those circumstances (and have never had to), so I don't need a tool that would be better suited for creating one.
So, I'm with the thread-starter. For me, iPad has been a transformational content creation tool.
I highly doubt that. It's not the lack of apps that are the major block. In just about any business environment the lack of access to a file structure, the inability to attach more than one file to an email, the inability to attach a file(s) to an email reply, the inability to have more than one window open and visible at the same time. These are major blocks even apps can't fix.
And don't start on the 'you don't need a file system' BS. Anyone who has worked in a business environment and has much responsibility knows the need to be able to sort and organize files. I shudder to think how I would ever have performed my job without being able to organize my files by project. It would have been absolute chaos and totally time-consuming just to find and access the exact file I needed. Never mind archiving completed projects ( and yes, sometimes they still need to be accessed). Thinking this is unnecessary is just short-sighted.
As far as I'm concerned, this is a stupid debate. For some people their livelihood doesn't require more capability than already exists. For others the iPad is simply not robust enough for all the reasons I mentioned and I'm sure others (the need to run specialized software).
This debate is on par with the 'which is better, the Air or the Mini'. The answer is 'it depends on each individual's needs'
The file system issue can be solved by using an app like Documents or Goodreader. So can attaching more than one file to an email.
The fact of the matter is that the only thing limiting tablets from becoming the primary device is the current state of software and the processing power to handle industrial strength apps. That's it. And that's just a matter of time.
I really think the Op's rant was about the notion that an ipad is a toy or that you can't get real work done on a tablet. Frankly, I tire of those posts too. Everyone knows that tablets have certain inherent limitations. The issue is when folks extrapolate those limitations in blanket statements about the device.
I have owned an ipad since first launch, and it has been a great tool for me. I don't expect it to do everything that my desktop computer can do, but I sure can get stuff done when using it. Also, I can definitely create content and be productive using an iPad. So, I must admit that it kind of irks me too, when folks say that an ipad is just for content consumption and games because that is just not consistent with my experience.
I have owned an ipad since first launch, and it has been a great tool for me. I don't expect it to do everything that my desktop computer can do, but I sure can get stuff done when using it. Also, I can definitely create content and be productive using an iPad. So, I must admit that it kind of irks me too, when folks say that an ipad is just for content consumption and games because that is just not consistent with my experience.
Only if you are comfortable leaving your docs on someone else's cloud servers. And many companies won't do this. Plus if you travel not having all your files locally just doesn't work.
And still doesn't solve the file(s) attachment to email replys.
When your job depends on your content creation, maintenance of that creation and circulation of that creation work-a-rounds are the last thing you want to do. In it's current configuration the iPad simply doesn't work in many cases. I know for a fact that I could not have made it work in my job. And that doesn't include all the other stuff I had to have a desktop/laptop for (like the databases I maintained for statistics).
Having said that I will restate, this is a bogus debate. Some people can make it work quite well. Others simply cannot. Doesn't make either point of view less important. But trying to convince someone it will work because it does for you, or trying to convince someone it doesn't work because it doesn't for you is plain riduculous.
And to be frank, I'm pretty sure Apple has never intended for it to be a laptop/desktop replacement. Doesn't make it any less useful, just a different tool.
There are many businesses now building their own apps using their own personal clouds.
My company solves this problem by using 2X to log in to desktops in the office. This works on my Mac, my iPad, and even my iPhone. Even company issued laptops are no more than a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to our desktops.
As you and others have stated though, the debate does get old. Some people will be able to make it work, others won't. At least we can all enjoy our iPads
Really? You've never tried to browse Facebook while listening to something on YouTube? Or tried to take notes in one app from a web page in another? Or had a web page not load properly, making it unusable? Even just having to highlight a few separate lines of text to make them bold or something can be such a chore.
Wait... what? Games with touch in mind are among the best? iPad games? I feel I must be misunderstanding you.
I see the iPad like a Swiss Army Knife. It has lots of functions it can do, but it only defeats a toolbox in terms of convenience. You can use it a Swiss Army Knife to do all kinds of things, but it's never really the best tool for the job. It isn't ergonomically ideal for many of its functions, either. A toolbox full of proper tools is generally much better, but you aren't as inclined to get it out for the smaller jobs, let alone want to bring it anywhere.
At the end of the day, having a file structure, monitor output, usb devices (for things like cameras, external drives, printers, and precision point/mouse), proper web browser, user accounts, multiple apps at once, etc... it won't be my tool for creation. And that isn't just a knock at all tablets, as the Windows tablets do all these quite well.
As a teacher, my iPad factors heavily into my workflow and teaching.
In class, my iPad is mirrored to my classroom's smart board via my macbook air running air-server. This lets me control the content on the board while being free to move around the classroom (rather than be tethered to the front of the class). In addition, I can access more apps on my iPad than on my locked-down Windows Laptop, which in turn lets me do more. For example, I can annotate on PDFs just fine using notability; the laptop doesn't even have onenote.
Second, I am trying to record screencasts using apps like educreations, which I find to be more convenient than using software such as screencast-o-matic on my laptop, not least because the iPad app automates the whole process of recording and uploading it to their website.
Notability also holds all my teaching documents and materials (in pdf format), which I heavily refer to when preparing for lessons or teaching in class. I also use iWork's (numbers for tracking assignments, keynote for presentations, pages for word processing). I have also transitioned to iWork's on the Mac for documents which I feel I will not need to share with other colleagues, so Office gets used less and less every day. Other productivity apps like dropbox and evernote need no introduction.
There are also a variety of useful apps to try out in class like group maker (for quickly assigning pupils into random groups). Once, when I went out on an overseas exchange programme with my pupils, I used my iPad to take photos and update my school's blog via the wordpress app directly. The best part was that I was doing this real-time, while my colleague was struggling to get a wifi connection on her laptop to do the same, not to mention all the work involved in extracting photos from her digital camera, compressing them and uploading them at the end of the day, when you are already so tired and just want to rest.
My iPad is also my news reader, web browser and light gaming machine at home. As an example of how heavily it is used, I can end the day with it being at 30-50%.
TL;DR - I feel the iPad can be used for meaningful work, but it ultimately depends on the nature of that work, and whether people are willing to invest sufficient time and energy into discovering how to make that work and integrate it into their workflow. You are right, but it doesn't mean that other people are wrong, because it is true that there are still many tasks that the iPad (or any other tablet) can handle at the moment.
In class, my iPad is mirrored to my classroom's smart board via my macbook air running air-server. This lets me control the content on the board while being free to move around the classroom (rather than be tethered to the front of the class). In addition, I can access more apps on my iPad than on my locked-down Windows Laptop, which in turn lets me do more. For example, I can annotate on PDFs just fine using notability; the laptop doesn't even have onenote.
Second, I am trying to record screencasts using apps like educreations, which I find to be more convenient than using software such as screencast-o-matic on my laptop, not least because the iPad app automates the whole process of recording and uploading it to their website.
Notability also holds all my teaching documents and materials (in pdf format), which I heavily refer to when preparing for lessons or teaching in class. I also use iWork's (numbers for tracking assignments, keynote for presentations, pages for word processing). I have also transitioned to iWork's on the Mac for documents which I feel I will not need to share with other colleagues, so Office gets used less and less every day. Other productivity apps like dropbox and evernote need no introduction.
There are also a variety of useful apps to try out in class like group maker (for quickly assigning pupils into random groups). Once, when I went out on an overseas exchange programme with my pupils, I used my iPad to take photos and update my school's blog via the wordpress app directly. The best part was that I was doing this real-time, while my colleague was struggling to get a wifi connection on her laptop to do the same, not to mention all the work involved in extracting photos from her digital camera, compressing them and uploading them at the end of the day, when you are already so tired and just want to rest.
My iPad is also my news reader, web browser and light gaming machine at home. As an example of how heavily it is used, I can end the day with it being at 30-50%.
TL;DR - I feel the iPad can be used for meaningful work, but it ultimately depends on the nature of that work, and whether people are willing to invest sufficient time and energy into discovering how to make that work and integrate it into their workflow. You are right, but it doesn't mean that other people are wrong, because it is true that there are still many tasks that the iPad (or any other tablet) can handle at the moment.
Most of the comments here have touched on what we all know. One thing that's ironic for sure is that you can NOT create any apps for the iPad on the iPad. How sweet would it be if there was a mobile dev kit that you could use to whip up at least some simple apps?
As for content creation and editing..... As most have said: you can certainly create and edit docs and spreadsheets. However, if those docs get heavy with formatting, calculations, or just end up being huge files then the tablet starts to get taxed. You also run into storage space issues and lets not forget that a ten inch screen is awesome for couch usage or portability but it's pretty small for large scale tasks.
I truly enjoy my iPad and will always have one. But, the laptops in the house ain't going anywhere for a while!
As for content creation and editing..... As most have said: you can certainly create and edit docs and spreadsheets. However, if those docs get heavy with formatting, calculations, or just end up being huge files then the tablet starts to get taxed. You also run into storage space issues and lets not forget that a ten inch screen is awesome for couch usage or portability but it's pretty small for large scale tasks.
I truly enjoy my iPad and will always have one. But, the laptops in the house ain't going anywhere for a while!
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He's probably meaning a computer in general. Tons of people don't have desktops nowadays. I haven't owned one in 10 years, but I do need a laptop
1000 row spreadsheet? How often do you do that?
What I don't understand is that the 11" Macbook Air was hailed as the ultimate in portable productivity. Business professionals in various fields use it to "take care of business". Grad students use them for for the papers. Yet I don't see the same thumbing a nose in the air (pun intended) about needing a "real" laptop.
For many use cases, an iPad with a keyboard does indeed suit the needs for productivity and content creation. Not for everybody. Just like the netbooks of 6 years ago fit a need for many. This combination fits below the MBA in computing solutions. The fact that Apple updated the bluetooth stack in iOS to support keyboards should be a clear indication that this is Apple's intention. Many have forgotten that iPad produced a keyboard dock for the iPad 1. (I had one, still do, it was terrific) Keyboards for iPads is a booming sub-industry.
There is this psychological phenomenon of people who think simply because a device wasn't "born with a keyboard" then it should never have a keyboard. "Use the dang thing the way god intended it! If god wanted it to have a keyboard, he would've made it with one!" It's silly.
You mention "best tool for the job" and then you infer your definition of what the "job" is and what is "best" for that job. That's your opinion, and that is good.
But then you also say, While it may irk you that people say that the iPad is best for content consumption (and I'm one of them), its the truth."
That's not the truth, that is your opinion.
I don't think it's about whether the iPad can do something, because it can do most things; it's more about whether it can do them well.
My job, which involves a heck of a lot of typing, is far better suited to a physical keyboard, mouse and monitor setup than a tablet.
I'd use the iPad only when a desktop wasn't available.
My job, which involves a heck of a lot of typing, is far better suited to a physical keyboard, mouse and monitor setup than a tablet.
I'd use the iPad only when a desktop wasn't available.
I don't need to even read your whole rant to know that the iPad was designed for consumption first.
That's true. If you could develop apps for the ipad WITH the ipad, that could be a game-changer. I'd really like to see that happen.
I believe that the touch interface is really limiting for such a software. I don't think it is possible, but of course who knows what will happen in 10 years or more..
This whole 'debate' is completely pointless because the original poster built a straw man, namely that "Everyone" says that you "can't" create content on an iPad. In fact, almost nobody says this. Clearly, from the examples in this thread and others, it is possible to create content on an iPad.
On the flip side, it's equally inane to claim somehow that the iPad is almost always the best tool for the job. The most ridiculous example in this thread is that using an iPad to remote desktop into a Mac/PC to do work through that computer is a reasonable solution for anything beyond the most trivial tasks.
Only somewhat more ridiculous is the assertion that the various workarounds for iPad limitations (for instance, emailing files to oneself) are in any way optimal and efficient given any other reasonable alternative.
I love my iPad, and use it every day. In a pinch, I can "create content" on the iPad and often do because I'm sitting on my couch, commuting, etc. However, it is a fact that if I had to switch to using only the iPad, a massive drop in productivity and efficiency would result to the point I would consider it impossible (ease of data/text entry and manipulation, multitasking, screen size, would be just the start). I think this is true for many if not most people involved in heavy "content creation", very specific niches not withstanding.
On the flip side, it's equally inane to claim somehow that the iPad is almost always the best tool for the job. The most ridiculous example in this thread is that using an iPad to remote desktop into a Mac/PC to do work through that computer is a reasonable solution for anything beyond the most trivial tasks.
Only somewhat more ridiculous is the assertion that the various workarounds for iPad limitations (for instance, emailing files to oneself) are in any way optimal and efficient given any other reasonable alternative.
I love my iPad, and use it every day. In a pinch, I can "create content" on the iPad and often do because I'm sitting on my couch, commuting, etc. However, it is a fact that if I had to switch to using only the iPad, a massive drop in productivity and efficiency would result to the point I would consider it impossible (ease of data/text entry and manipulation, multitasking, screen size, would be just the start). I think this is true for many if not most people involved in heavy "content creation", very specific niches not withstanding.
You might want to get your eyes checked. I never said "Everyone" says anything. The 'debate' is not pointless because it is not a debate to begin with. I was merely expressing my frustration with those who assert that the ipad was designed as a consumption device and not a creative one.
Nice try though.