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

[oldmacs]

Office 365 is actually pretty good. I wouldn't run a Monte Carlo analysis on it, but Word and PowerPoint are pretty good and Excel works for simple spreadsheets.

They are ok but do not live up to the desktop versions - its not really the individual apps that are the problem anyway. Its how the system communicates, how apps work together that really kill the work flow. I've tried and tried over the years to make it work even just for my basic university work, but its just not worth the hassle half the time.

 

[0007776]

It could for me if I could buy office for it instead of having to go with a subscription. My current laptop should last me until I'm done with university though so maybe I will be able to get away with just pages when it comes time to replace my laptop and I'll be able to go with just an iPad Pro.

 

[whodatrr]

Also it's an inch wider, an inch longer, and only 1/2lb lighter than the retina MacBook. Well, heavier and thicker than that by the time you add the keyboard.

 

[maxsix]

I don't think this "solution" is the best for "many, many people" either. A lot of tasks that people in various professions do require a true computer with a desktop OS, real keyboard, and mouse.

So true.

When in the lab I use a Mac Pro, when traveling for work it all depends on the trip and the tasks. 15" MBP, 13" MBA, or my latest acquisition, 12" MB. I enjoy having the choice of tools to suit the job, not to mention the boredom breaking variety.

 

[Esoom]

It looks pretty sweet, but I bought a retina MB, fits my needs much better, my primary laptop use is trading stocks and options, the brokerage's app is good, but not good enough to compete effectively with their website for what I do.

 

[oldmacs]

Anyway, may main point is that people should stop asking Apple to put OS X on an iPad or add a touchscreen to the Mac. They aren't going to do that. They might add some functionality to iOS. Push Apple to do that instead. It is more likely to be fruitful.

I'm not asking for OSX to be on the iPad, its a stupid idea. I want Apple to beef up iOS, but it scares me that Tim Cook through saying stuff like this does not seem aware that there are issues with the iPad and iOS that still need a lot of work.

An interesting tidbit I've found from working with a lot of people and iPads, is that they're most easily adopted (when the person wants to learn that is) by people who have barely used computers. These are the people who seem most at ease with using for example iOS's way of managing files as they've never known another way. I find it far harder to shift basic to basically proficient Mac or PC users onto using an iPad for productivity as these people have issues moving away from the OSX/Windows file system, they find iOS's system too complex as its so simple and thus limited.

 

[Benjamin Frost]

So Cook has confirmed that the Watch will remain a frippery with no serious sensors?

At least we know now.

If you have one, enjoy it for what it is. As long as you realise that you can't use it for marathons or serious health or fitness, you will be content. It's a fun diversion for those who can afford it, and there's nothing wrong with that.

 

[KPOM]

They are ok but do not live up to the desktop versions - its not really the individual apps that are the problem anyway. Its how the system communicates, how apps work together that really kill the work flow. I've tried and tried over the years to make it work even just for my basic university work, but its just not worth the hassle half the time.

I have a Retina MacBook myself. For me the iPad mini plus a MacBook is the better combination. But I can see how the iPad Pro could work for people.

The thing to remember is that Microsoft wanted the flexibility to use ARM. It didn't happen because people expect Windows to run their programs written 10-20 years ago. But there are a lot more iOS devices out there than OS X devices, so it makes sense for Apple to try to do with iOS what Microsoft failed to do with WinRT.

So Cook has confirmed that the Watch will remain a frippery with no serious sensors?

At least we know now.

If you have one, enjoy it for what it is. As long as you realise that you can't use it for marathons or serious health or fitness, you will be content. It's a fun diversion for those who can afford it, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Blame overregulation. Apple would add sensors in a Cupertino minute if DC would stay out of their way.

 

[Sasparilla]

"Yes, the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people."

Well, many, many people could mean like dozens or maybe even a hundred. Thinking this large iPad is going to lead a sales surge in desktop replacements is to not have a good grasp of the market IMHO (otherwise the regular iPad wouldn't be in a sustained sales slump & Chromebook sales surging). Hopefully this is just marketing talking and not Tim really thinking this on a widescale basis.

I'll probably get one of these later in the year to replace a gen 2 iPad, but there is no chance I'd replace a desktop with it anymore than I'd replace a desktop with my iPhone.

 

[Flow39]

I'm not asking for OSX to be on the iPad, its a stupid idea. I want Apple to beef up iOS, but it scares me that Tim Cook through saying stuff like this does not seem aware that there are issues with the iPad and iOS that still need a lot of work.

Very much so. The iPad version of iOS gained some ground with iOS 9, but it still has a long way to go. A file system on the iPad, IMO, is a necessary addition. There also needs to be a way to use a mouse or trackpad (at least in apps, maybe not the home and lock screen) before this will truly start to replace the traditional desktop OSes.

 

[VPrime]

For those saying can the iPad Pro run PRO Tools like Xcode, or other IDEs.. Sure, they may not right now.. But that doesn't mean they won't be coming.

The iPads are really capable devices, we (software developers) just need to think a bit differently. Yeah the touch screen sucks for writing code. So we have to change that, make the code visual. Make the code secondary.

We've been working on this problem for the past 4 years. Trying to develop a professional development platform on the iPad. I think we're really close! Our users have been able to create some really amazing apps all on the iPad, and the iPad PRO will make the experience so much better.

You can make a PRO app on the iPad, that is capable of creating PRO content without having to feel like a desktop app. It's possible, but it's hard .

 

[oneMadRssn]

It doesn't matter about price. The point is still the same. The iPad in whatever variations and configurations people choose is more than enough for most people's computing needs.

Really dude? Price doesn't matter? Price is the first thing people look at when buying consumer electronics. If both an iPad and a Macbook are more than enough for most people's computing needs, then they will look at price. When an iPad is much cheaper, it's a solid choice. When an iPad costs as much or more than some Macbook models, it's no longer a no-brainer.

Before, iPad was in a totally different price category than Macbooks and they weren't comparable. As of Nov 11, the iPad Pro and Macbook will in the same price category. That changes the economics of the decision greatly.

 

[oldmacs]

Very much so. The iPad version of iOS gained some ground with iOS 9, but it still has a long way to go. A file system on the iPad, IMO, is a necessary addition. There also needs to be a way to use a mouse or trackpad (at least in apps, maybe not the home and lock screen) before this will truly start to replace the traditional desktop OSes.

Yes iOS 9 is the first time apple has in a long time made the experience on the iPad better - The trackpad keyboard, iCloud Drive improvements and multitasking (though not on my iPad 2) have improved things, but there is still a lot of work to do.

I truly believe that iPad sales have slumped as Apple has not really upped the anti and improved the tablet experience that much since the iPad 2 days. All its been is hardware improvements really. Thus people have bought them and really only successfully adapted them to consumption so have not felt the need to replace them. iOS 9 is truly the first time with an iPad 2 I've actually felt that a new buying a new iPad would offer better features for a better tablet experience rather than just speed improvements.

 

[maxsix]

Tim Cook is an advertiser, not an innovator.

Tim just comes across this way because it was _Hammered_ into his mind by Steve Jobs. The ultimate dictator, believing in minimizing choices, he drove the concept of just a few choices of the various products.

Maxing out at a total of three in most cases, you'll notice the Pro brings the iPads in line with three models total. With flagging iPad sales, the price premium will serve Apple well. Even if it impacts the number of units sold, it will hold the high gross profit per unit, Apple focuses on.

Apple no longer needs the money anyway. Whatever they sell will be fine with them.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

How many people really need to run full Microsoft office or full Adobe? I guess if you use a lot of Excel macros and Visual Basic you would need to but is that as many people as we think? My guess is Cook was talking about general consumers not professionals. I know lots of people whose only home computer is a Chromebook. They are surviving just fine without Microsoft Office.

In your world, everybody is a casual user and doesn't need anything, in particular it seems. News flash! All those people already have tablets and smartphones or Surface Pro's and already don't have notebooks or desktops.

The iPad Pro is a niche product for a niche segment.

It's nice to see, for once, a majority of people here disagreeing with something Tim says.

 

[KPOM]

An interesting tidbit I've found from working with a lot of people and iPads, is that they're most easily adopted (when the person wants to learn that is) by people who have barely used computers. These are the people who seem most at ease with using for example iOS's way of managing files as they've never known another way. I find it far harder to shift basic to basically proficient Mac or PC users onto using an iPad for productivity as these people have issues moving away from the OSX/Windows file system, they find iOS's system too complex as its so simple and thus limited.

So my 5 year old nephews would be great with an iPad Pro. Don't laugh too hard, though. In a few years they could be the rebellious teens who are responsible for creativity in the tech industry.

In your world, everybody is a casual user and doesn't need anything, in particular it seems. News flash! All those people already have tablets and smartphones or Surface Pro's and already don't have notebooks or desktops.

The iPad Pro is a niche product for a niche segment.

It's nice to see, for once, a majority of people here disagreeing with something Tim says.

News flash. In its worst quarter in 2 years the iPad sold 80% more units than the Mac in its 2nd best quarter ever. If Apple gets 20% of iPad buyers to get this instead of a cheaper iPad it will be a success for Apple.

 

[joueboy]

Hey Tim people buy PC because it's cheaper and can do more than browsing and visiting social networks. Don't act like this product can replace PC and Macs. Wake-up from your dream because you need to run a company not a dreamland.

 

[oldmacs]

So my 5 year old nephews would be great with an iPad Pro. Don't laugh too hard, though. In a few years they could be the rebellious teens who are responsible for creativity in the tech industry.

I think iOS's file management would probably suit the younger generation and new users , but I do think that Apple should radically rethink it so its somehow still simple but becomes much easier to use for actual work as right now I think its a step backwards.

 

[KopThat]

Aussie pricing is a bit too steep because of exchange rate:

iPad Pro WiFi 32GB $1249
iPad Pro WiFi 128GB $1499
iPad Pro WiFi+4G 128GB $1699

Apple iPad Pro Smart Cover $89
Apple iPad Pro Silicone Case $129
Apple iPad Pro Smart Keyboard $269
Apple Pencil $165

 

[oneshotpro]

yea, great....let me buy a iPad pro and when a OS update comes the next year, it slows to half its speed. wow, great pro device or I can just keep a desktop/laptop that lasts 5-10 years even with updates.

 

[dylin]

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 would agree. Many people, especially the younger generation just seem to be on their phones, tablets, and other hand held devices. I can't think of many kids these days wanting to use a laptop over an iPad. I feel that future generations will be moving in this direction.

As for tim's quote about "many, many people." That could mean 10,000 people. I think that does count for many, or even 1000. We will know once numbers show for how many people buy it this week.

 

[Flow39]

I think iOS's file management would probably suit the younger generation and new users , but I do think that Apple should radically rethink it so its somehow still simple but becomes much easier to use for actual work as right now I think its a step backwards.

I agree. The file system is so simple that it is impeding the user from actually working.

 

[az431]

Can it run Xcode or other IDEs? No. Can it run any of the full desktop Adobe Suite? No. Can it run the full MS Office Suite? No.

Can it replace notebooks for "many, many people"? No.

The average person doesn't use Xcode, IDEs, or the full Adobe or MS suites. For many a desktop or laptop is used for web browsing, emailing, video, music, games, and other tasks that an iPad is plenty suited for.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

For those saying can the iPad Pro run PRO Tools like Xcode, or other IDEs.. Sure, they may not right now.. But that doesn't mean they won't be coming.

The iPads are really capable devices, we (software developers) just need to think a bit differently. Yeah the touch screen sucks for writing code. So we have to change that, make the code visual. Make the code secondary.

We've been working on this problem for the past 4 years. Trying to develop a professional development platform on the iPad. I think we're really close! Our users have been able to create some really amazing apps all on the iPad, and the iPad PRO will make the experience so much better.

You can make a PRO app on the iPad, that is capable of creating PRO content without having to feel like a desktop app. It's possible, but it's hard .

But the big questions, is WHY? Why go through all that trouble? Why take something that doesn't do what you want and invest all that effort to accomplish, what? Go get a Macbook Air.

 

[macfoxpro]

I think many, many people will indeed buy a iPad Pro