Tim Cook: iPad Pro Will Replace Notebooks and Desktops for 'Many, Many People'

[ke-iron]

By your definition, ANY ipad can do that, and thus can replace a PC.
But the question here is, how does the PRO replace the PC better than any of the lesser expensive ipads?? How can you make a case for people to buy the PRO over the regular ipad?

Any iPad can do that but the iPad pro can do it better. It's the same with smaller sized computers vs larger and more powerful computers. The larger or more powerful computers do tasks better.

I'm buying an iPad pro simply because of the larger display where I can fit full sized PDF files on screen or side by side with a note taking app or safari open. I sold my 15 inch MacBook Pro since I seemed to have less use for it every year.

I didn't store anything much on it, pictures were on my Mac but it's also in iCloud Photo Library, documents are in iCloud, music is purchased with Apple iTunes and now I use Apple Music, movies are bought from iTunes since I ran out of space for blu-rays and the quality is almost indistinguishable.

You guys are over estimating how much people use computers as their primary device and under estimating what they actually use the device for. A lot of people even use their cell phones or phablets as primary devices. A computer for many people just isn't necessary and a large tablet is more ideal for their life style.

 

[klky]

I'm not sure why Apple would even try to market the iPad Pro as a notebook and desktop replacement. Granted, an iPad may be enough for "many, many people" and their mobile iOS devices have been outselling Macs for some time, but are they no longer interested in selling notebooks and desktops? Or perhaps more to the point, are they no longer interested in selling you both?! I have always seen Macs and iPads as complementary products, not straight forward alternatives. Also not sure why people in here feel the need to argue which is better. They're both great at doing certain tasks, or being used in certain situations. As much as I love my new Retina MacBook, it's just awkward on the loo!

 

[CmdrLaForge]

Maybe for many many but for sure not for me. I prefer a notebook for work anytime. I Understand the value if you are a creative artist.

 

[Tech198]

Way to go Tim.. raise the bar *rolls eyes*

Maybe he's only talking for himself. as its defiantly not for 'most' Allot yes... but that's not most.

Business perhaps, but unless u'r drawing all the time, why do u want a pencil ?

U saying u wanna be precise *all the time* ? I don't think that's possible.

 

[Ries]

If anything replaces the laptop or desktop, it will be the surface pro, not an enlarged restricted iPad.

 

[ke-iron]

One could argue that it's about having some control over your computing experience. I like to live in a world where a person can still choose a computer environment with file systems, feature-filled software, accessories and a certain level of personalization. iOS devices (iPads and iPhones) represent a simplified, consumer oriented experience. I will not argue, perfect for many! But it seems like you're suggesting that we all get used to devices that only do things in one particular way. Luckily, for now, I think Apple is trying to hold on to all of us.

I'm not suggesting Apple dumb down all their software or devices for everyone. But why do you think you need an accessible file system? What accessories do you use? And exactly what personalization do you need to have?

 

[Tech198]

Surface is in the same bracket... more so, but still restricted..

When was the last time u played call of duty on a tablet ?

Different needs for different people...


Lets just all cram everyone into a taxi, stuff 'em in, bust the locks so no one can get out ever..

(what a terrifying thought)

I like the Pro, but making users witch over to it as say"Its only going to be this, or that" leaves the question open of choice for Apple. unless that's what their saying "u will have no choice moving forward, but only these two devices."

 

[George Dawes]

I was really looking forward to the pro , but tbh it's really underwhelming.

Also where's the force touch ?? iPad Pro 2 Nov 2016 ???

 

[doelcm82]

"PCs are going to be like trucks. They are still going to be around. However, only one out of x people will need them."
- Steve Jobs

For a lot of people, this idea that only some people need a full fledged laptop or desktop computer is already a reality. Us techie people don't see it though, because we love our computers. We're the truck drivers.

When packing up my mother's kitchen a couple of years ago to move her to a new home, I came across a small canister of baking powder. It was unopened, and there was a "use by" date stamped on the bottom. The date was in the 1980s. I showed the canister to my mother, and she said she had grown up when baking powder was an essential ingredient in every kitchen. Then came boxed cake mixes and Bisquick, and for many kitchens, baking powder was rarely, if ever, needed.

A google search shows me that there are plenty of recipes out there still that call for baking powder, and the users of those recipes look at the people in baking powder-free kitchens as NOT REALLY PEOPLE (or something like that). My mom spent the last 25 years of her life without needing to open that can of baking powder. And towards the end, she stopped using the computer I gave her in favor of the iPad.

 

[gijoeinla]

Any iPad can do that but the iPad pro can do it better. It's the same with smaller sized computers vs larger and more powerful computers. The larger or more powerful computers do tasks better.

I'm buying an iPad pro simply because of the larger display where I can fit full sized PDF files on screen or side by side with a note taking app or safari open. I sold my 15 inch MacBook Pro since I seemed to have less use for it every year.

I didn't store anything much on it, pictures were on my Mac but it's also in iCloud Photo Library, documents are in iCloud, music is purchased with Apple iTunes and now I use Apple Music, movies are bought from iTunes since I ran out of space for blu-rays and the quality is almost indistinguishable.

You guys are over estimating how much people use computers as their primary device and under estimating what they actually use the device for. A lot of people even use their cell phones or phablets as primary devices. A computer for many people just isn't necessary and a large tablet is more ideal for their life style.

Agreed. I think what many here don't get is that the "Pro oriented Apple" of years and years ago -- sold a quarter of a BILLION -- iPhones 2015 fiscal year...

Clearly the CEO of the company that completed such a feat can exclaim that "a lot of people will ditch their PC (that they use ONLY to check email and cruise the Internet) will jump on a full screen tablet.

Yea I agree with him.

And oh, I'm a creative professional working in the film industry in L.A. While I will need and want a desktop for probably years to come (because I prefer it) the fact is that tons of new customers who are new to the Apple tent will be plenty satisfied to have a CONSUMPTION device like a iPad pro serve as "their" PC..

He's right.

 

[Col4bin]

This is true.

I have a wide network of people across all ages and professions, and it's quite surprising how many people tell me that they barely touch their computer because the iPad does everything they need.

I guess if your definition of "many people" are only sending emails, playing iOS apps and surfing Facebook, then sure... Your network doesn't seem to include the millions of people globablly who actually use the Mac platform and real pro applications for their professional livelihoods. For these individuals, the iPad Pro is essentially just a glorified and overpriced iPad. The real irony is, this is the consumer demo that Apple is actually attempting to target with this product.

 

[Jethrox]

Just a nice trackpad/keyboard/case with a pencil holder would hold for a while until they can upgrade the funtionality of the OS....it could replace my laptop eventually

I have faith in Apples ability to innovate on this design.

 

[doelcm82]

I was really looking forward to the pro , but tbh it's really underwhelming.

Also where's the force touch ?? iPad Pro 2 Nov 2016 ???

Probably 2017 or later. Apple needs to come up with a display and drivers that handle both force touch and the Pencil input without the two interfering with each other. And Apple doesn't appear to be updating every iPad every year any more. (Grumble, grumble.)

I guess if your definition of "many people" are only sending emails, playing iOS apps and surfing Facebook, then sure... Your network doesn't seem to include the millions of people globablly who actually use the Mac platform and real pro applications for their professional livelihoods. For these individuals, the iPad Pro is essentially just a glorified and overpriced iPad. The real irony is, this is the consumer demo that Apple is actually attempting to target with this product.

Hmm. "playing iOS apps" covers a lot of ground. Why did you specifically mention sending emails and surfing Facebook as though they were not included in "playing iOS apps"?

Aren't people who use Windows just "playing Windows apps" and people who use OS X simply "playing OS X apps"?

 

[chaosbunny]

I still have not found an answer to the question: Why would I buy an iPad? No really, why would I buy one?

 

[Marx55]

"Tim Cook: iPad Pro Will Replace Notebooks and Desktops for 'Many, Many People'".
No way. Apple should make a Mac tablet.

 

[ipedro]

Don't get me wrong, I love my pocket computer too. It goes everywhere with me. But I love the interaction with my desktop more. Maybe as someone who is older I appreciate the curatorial aspect of an iMac...a place to collect things. I think of iOS devices as temporary or throwaway...a place for fun, consumption, sharing. All good things, but little permanence. But you're absolutely right, the Snap Chat generation doesn't care that much about archiving a life, but about living it in the moment. Apple should try to capitalize on that.

But we've gotten away from the main subject of this thread, the iPad Pro. It doesn't really do the trick for either generation: the older Mac fans and power users who need file systems, backups, USB ports, and professional software; nor the young kids who want instant gratification in the palm of their hands. I believe the iPad Pro will only find a niche audience for now.

Apple has been playing the long game with the "Post-PC era". Training people to use touch screens and incrementally adding complexity, fostering an app ecosystem that has itself grown in power and complexity and staunchly refusing to add physical ports to its iOS devices are all moves that are now culminating in the iPad Pro being able to replace a PC for "many, many people". Not all people. Many of them.

Look at this chart. Look where it's headed. Fast forward another year when the A10x chip is faster than most PCs today. When Bluetooth 4.0 peripherals all but make physical ports obsolete. When new apps being designed for iPad Pro obsolete apps designed decades ago for PCs. When iCloud negates the need for finite onboard storage and file management. Now imagine a 27" iPad mounted on an articulated arm on your desk that you can lower to manipulate while sitting at your desk or raise to face a room. I can't see many people needing a traditional PC by then.

 

[Tech198]

Its also developer driven as well... I doubt every available mac app will also have a iOS app that does exactly the same without any limitation to what's archival... past and present.

U have allot of apps as is, but there are differences. allot of mac apps don't have ios apps.

til that day comes, Mac's are still in.

 

[Michael Scrip]

Yah that's not gonna happen.

You're severely underestimating what people do with their computers.

My guess would be at least half of all teens code today - from making school projects to coding their Tumblr themes. Photoshop is also extremely popular with the creative crowd, and then you have MS Office for anyone with a job. So, between the three of them, you're covering a very large portion of computer users... at least half. These things are needed for anyone to consider them to be able to replace laptops.

I've seen the opposite.

There are some people who may have an old Windows laptop... but they never turn it on anymore. The iPhone and/or iPad is what they use now.

It doesn't make sense to me... but I'm the type of person who has a monster PC tower full of hard drives, dual monitors, nice speakers, etc. Then again... I make money with my computer (video production / photography / graphics)

The average person used a computer to get online, check email and surf the web. The computer was just the particular tool that facilitated that.

Now the tool has changed. It's the phone or tablet that they use for those tasks.

I'm not saying that EVERYONE will dump their computer for a phone or tablet.

But there are some people who only had a computer because that was the only device at the time that could get them online.

Now those people don't need one anymore.

 

[JesterJJZ]

Well of course all of "us" disagree…

You guys realize he's talking about people that have never even been to a site like Macrumors right? For every one of us there are hundreds of regular folks, like my mom, that only check email and do Facebook. Those people don't need desktops or laptops.

 

[amnichols10]

I'm going to need full Mac OS, force/3D touch, and some "pro" apps (preferably Xcode)

Although I can see it replacing the "PC" as a secondary machine. An iMac + iPad pro combo is a good look. Need that force touch integration.

 

[nando87]

Well of course all of "us" disagree…

You guys realize he's talking about people that have never even been to a site like Macrumors right? For every one of us there are hundreds of regular folks, like my mom, that only check email and do Facebook. Those people don't need desktops or laptops.

And your mum would spend 1000 dollars on a tablet to check the mail and facebook? Don't pretend to believe that such a thing is common

 

[R3k]

iOS is a pain in the ass and slow on an iPad. I can't bare to use it for anything where I need to be productive.

 

[Tamagotchi]

Cook don't lie. If it were like Windows and you could switch from phone/tablet to a full desktop, yes.

 

[chasemac]

iOS is a pain in the ass and slow on an iPad. I can't bare to use it for anything where I need to be productive.

Oh, cry me a river. Buy something else.

 

[chatin]

iPad Pro should run a special version of UNIX that makes it operate like a Surface device. So this is a really big deal in terms of a touch laptop. Forget iOS and think industrial strength peripheral app lifting power.