Unify iPad and MBP 13 to a single device

[Segi_de]

Hey there,
for several years now I have been going through the various cycles of MacBooks and iPads (which I still both like) with one definite first-world problem in my mind: I would really like to unify my experience to a single device.

I have read through several reports regarding going for the iPad Pro (11) as a main device. While this seems tempting, I am not completely sold on this idea. While I do own a MBP 13 (2018), I do not consider myself being a pro rather than an enthusiast who does not have too much needs in regards to the MBP power. What I do appreciate however is a central storage of files (without the need of sync) a well as a certain amount of portability. I own a windows work laptop and and additional USB-C monitor which serves as my hub vor both the windows laptop and the MBP. I mostly use the MBP docked to the monitor while the iPP is my main device for traveling (which I do quite frequently).

As the old Macbook 12 (either m3 or i5 version of 2017) has been on sale for several times now, I was wondering whether someone of you made the switch of getting rid of both, MBP and iPP, and in turn getting a MB12? Or do you found yourself in a similar situation/ which and opted for a different solution?

 

[casperes1996]

With iPadOS 13 I really don't think that storage access is really a concern. The Files app is very flexible and a document browser connected to the Files app can be invoked from the web, you can drag and drop files to and from the Files app, and so on. But it's still not quite the same as macOS. Take background playback for instance. You can't just have audio play from one AVAudioPlayer while starting another. Two videos at once might seem like a weird thing to want, but it does happen. At least to me. The iPad is great, but I'd rather have a Mac and no iPad than vice versa.

 

[jerryk]

I use my 11" Ipad Pro as my main travel device. I have the Apple keyboard on mine so the typing experience is good. Also, I find when I travel I do not sit at a screen for hour after hour like I do at home or work, so the space restrictions are fine.

And with the iPadOS beta, which added mouse support, I find it is just about idea for the smaller documentation and coding tasks I perform. Because of the performance needs, I find myself doing more and more coding in the cloud and the iPad Pro does just as well as my 15" MBP at this, except for the screen real estate.

 

[casperes1996]

And with the iPadOS beta, which added mouse support, I find it is just about idea for the smaller documentation and coding tasks I perform. Because of the performance needs, I find myself doing more and more coding in the cloud and the iPad Pro does just as well as my 15" MBP at this, except for the screen real estate.

What code editor do you use? I can't really find anything I like for iOS. Textastic seems good but I'd like something with code completion for Swift, Java and if ideal, Scala but I can live without that one easily. Though I can advice having a look at Scriptable. It's a cool scripting tool that integrates with both Siri Shortcuts, Notifications and whatnot to allow you to automate a lot of tasks and write a whole bunch of interesting tasks; Syntax is JavaScript, but with a bunch of special functions and objects to work with iOS system calls.

 

[jerryk]

What code editor do you use? I can't really find anything I like for iOS. Textastic seems good but I'd like something with code completion for Swift, Java and if ideal, Scala but I can live without that one easily. Though I can advice having a look at Scriptable. It's a cool scripting tool that integrates with both Siri Shortcuts, Notifications and whatnot to allow you to automate a lot of tasks and write a whole bunch of interesting tasks; Syntax is JavaScript, but with a bunch of special functions and objects to work with iOS system calls.

I primarily do ML so I code a lot in Python. For that colab.research.google.com provide a superset of the functionality of Jupyter Notebook as well as access to CPU and TPUU acceleration. It has code completion and some checks like indentations.

For my web stuff I tend use Angular (usually Typescript over plain javascript) and VS Code is best environment for that. Unfortunately the VS Code port to IOS/iPadOS is not yet complete. So I use stackblitz.com as an online environment.

 

[infernoguy]

Did you read my mind? I was actually thinking the same thing. I have a 2016 MBP and a 11 inch IPP and I'd love for them to be the same device. I also have a work Windows laptop and an USB-C connection into my 4k monitor for both.

Do you carry them all to work or leave them at home?

 

[casperes1996]

For my web stuff I tend use Angular (usually Typescript over plain javascript) and VS Code is best environment for that. Unfortunately the VS Code port to IOS/iPadOS is not yet complete. So I use stackblitz.com as an online environment.

VS Code is getting an iPad port? That's great news! Hadn't heard about that but that's lovely. I really wish there were more and better text editors on the iPad. I get that the App Store doesn't permit arbitrary code execution, but just something to make the writing of code easier, with support for the languages I use, in an app format rather than a webpage would be nice. I find that the code completion in Swift Playgrounds is really crappy. It often bugs out for me and stops presenting anything at all, so even though it's otherwise a fine place for small swift experimentation, even with code execution, I don't like it so much.

Since you do Python, I'd just like to mention there's actually a Python Interpreter on the App Store. No clue how it got permission to go there, but it has a load of packages that you can actually pip install, it's got built in documentation (at least to some degree) and can actually execute what you write. It's input functionality is limited in some ways, but you can give it a CVS file or whatever just like you might otherwise do. But from what I've seen it can only get one input per program, so if you want to do more complex things you might need to combine the files and make a separator or something fancy to get around that limitation. - But sounds like you've gotten an environment set up that works well already.

Really I'd just like IntelliJ and Xcode on iOS; Even if it's just the editors and no execution capabilities, debugging or anything. Though obviously all that included would be even better.

 

[jerryk]

It will interesting to see how the come along with porting code to the iPad. I believe this is an un-official version. Talk is it will remotely execute on a server with the UI running on an IOS/iPadOS device. All of this very preliminary at this point. Sure hope it does happen.

 

[casperes1996]

It will interesting to see how the come along with porting code to the iPad. I believe this is an un-official version. Talk is it will remotely execute on a server with the UI running on an IOS/iPadOS device. All of this very preliminary at this point. Sure hope it does happen.

Remote execution with local UI is already a thing with VS Code so yeah, would be cool. People run VS Code on their local box, executing on an Azure or similar cloud provider instance. - Would be cool getting that on iPad as well!

 

[Mainsail]

This is a long standing debate on MR. The iPad is a great tablet, and the Mac is a great computer. Trying to consolidate them into one device is problematic. You can buy a 2-1 (MS Surface Pro), but it will involve compromises. If you want to whittle it down to one device, here is the way I see it:

• If you spend most of your time using a keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) for writing, coding, building spreadsheets, and/or navigating multiple windows, then get a MacBook (Air, Pro, whatever). Generally, this includes students because they frequently need to write reports and papers and must have multiple windows open for reference and sources. You can still use a paper notebook for meetings and classes.
• If you only occasionally need a keyboard, and can manage your workflow such that you primarily use one App at a time, then get an iPad. A tablet is a touch first device, so you will want to primarily use it with gestures and an Apple Pencil. The tablet is great for reading and annotating documents, taking hand written notes, sketching diagrams, making drawings, sharing photos or slides with clients, etc.. However, if you are frequently using a physical keyboard to type on your iPad, then I would say just get a MacBook (Air, Pro, whatever) and use a device with an OS that is optimized for keyboard/mouse input.

Of course, these are just general rules of thumb, so YMMV.

 

[jerryk]

This is a long standing debate on MR. The iPad is a great tablet, and the Mac is a great computer. Trying to consolidate them into one device is problematic. You can buy a 2-1 (MS Surface Pro), but it will involve compromises. If you want to whittle it down to one device, here is the way I see it:

• If you spend most of your time using a keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) for writing, coding, building spreadsheets, and/or navigating multiple windows, then get a MacBook (Air, Pro, whatever). Generally, this includes students because they frequently need to write reports and papers and must have multiple windows open for reference and sources. You can still use a paper notebook for meetings and classes.
• If you only occasionally need a keyboard, and can manage your workflow such that you primarily use one App at a time, then get an iPad. A tablet is a touch first device, so you will want to primarily use it with gestures and an Apple Pencil. The tablet is great for reading and annotating documents, taking hand written notes, sketching diagrams, making drawings, sharing photos or slides with clients, etc.. However, if you are frequently using a physical keyboard to type on your iPad, then I would say just get a MacBook (Air, Pro, whatever) and use a device with an OS that is optimized for keyboard/mouse input.

Of course, these are just general rules of thumb, so YMMV.

iPadOS adds mouse support and a more complete file system interface to the iPad's existing keyboard, pencil, touch, and other interfaces. So it blurs the lines.

For many tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, etc, the iPad can work the same as on a macbook. The limitations are within the IOS versions of the apps and are often because of the limitations of IOS. But once iPadOS comes out of beta this fall those apps will be updated to take advantage of the new iPadOS. For example, if you were a MS Office user and could run the same apps on iPadOS and MacOS you could switch platforms with minimal impact. After all MS does not care which platform you run, since Office 365 subscribers already get multiple platform support.

 

[Mainsail]

iPadOS adds mouse support and a more complete file system interface to the iPad's existing keyboard, pencil, touch, and other interfaces. So it blurs the lines.

For many tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, etc, the iPad can work the same as on a macbook. The limitations are within the IOS versions of the apps and are often because of the limitations of IOS. But once iPadOS comes out of beta this fall those apps will be updated to take advantage of the new iPadOS. For example, if you were a MS Office user and could run the same apps on iPadOS and MacOS you could switch platforms with minimal impact. After all MS does not care which platform you run, since Office 365 subscribers already get multiple platform support.

I think the iPad is an awesome tablet, and iPad OS is a significant improvement. Admittedly, I have not used the Beta version, but I have no doubt that it will make the iPad better when using productivity Apps.

That said, iPadOS is a touch first OS designed for a tablet. MacOS is optimized for keyboard and mouse interface. So....logically....if you primarily use a physical keyboard and mouse to interface with your device, you should use the OS optimized for that purpose.

I am not saying that the iPad can't be used for writing or spreadsheet work. I am simply saying that a MacBook is the better tool, especially if you need to rapidly and seamlessly move between windows to reference multiple document, navigate large spreadsheets and drag/drop content between applications. This is not a knock on the iPad, and I understand that you can do these things on an iPad......it's just not as efficient as a MacBook with MacOS. The iPad is a better tool for other types of productive activities (note taking, reading, sketching, etc..).

People shouldn't feel defensive about what tool they select as their primary device. It really depends on use case. For example, I have opted for a 2019 MBA because I maintain some property management spreadsheets for our family real estate business. There are 6 properties ranging in size from a 45 unit apartment building to single family homes. Honestly, this is not a complex operation, and the spreadsheets are pretty simple. However, when I meet with the book keeper each month to update income and expenses, it is immeasurably easier to use a MacBook rather than an iPad. Could I use an iPad? Absolutely. And, I have done it. But, the MacBook is a much better tool for the job.

 

[casperes1996]

I think the iPad is an awesome tablet, and iPad OS is a significant improvement. Admittedly, I have not used the Beta version, but I have no doubt that it will make the iPad better when using productivity Apps.

That said, iPadOS is a touch first OS designed for a tablet. MacOS is optimized for keyboard and mouse interface. So....logically....if you primarily use a physical keyboard and mouse to interface with your device, you should use the OS optimized for that purpose.

I am not saying that the iPad can't be used for writing or spreadsheet work. I am simply saying that a MacBook is the better tool, especially if you need to rapidly and seamlessly move between windows to reference multiple document, navigate large spreadsheets and drag/drop content between applications. This is not a knock on the iPad, and I understand that you can do these things on an iPad......it's just not as efficient as a MacBook with MacOS. The iPad is a better tool for other types of productive activities (note taking, reading, sketching, etc..).

People shouldn't feel defensive about what tool they select as their primary device. It really depends on use case. For example, I have opted for a 2019 MBA because I maintain some property management spreadsheets for our family real estate business. There are 6 properties ranging in size from a 45 unit apartment building to single family homes. Honestly, this is not a complex operation, and the spreadsheets are pretty simple. However, when I meet with the book keeper each month to update income and expenses, it is immeasurably easier to use a MacBook rather than an iPad. Could I use an iPad? Absolutely. And, I have done it. But, the MacBook is a much better tool for the job.

As a software developer who has been running the iPadOS Beta since the first developer release; With Smart Keyboard folio and all that jazz..... I agree with you entirely. There are still soooo many keyboard shortcuts missing, AVPlayer can't play in the background when another AVPlayer instance is activated; Split screen is cool and all, but it's nothing like have Spaces and MultiFinder on the Mac; Oh wait no, we haven't called it MultiFinder since the days of Classic... But you know what I mean

 

[Segi_de]

@All: Thank you for your comments- anyone opted to go for the "consolidate" into the Macbook 12 route? I somehow do feel this might be superior to an iPad with a keyboard...

 

[casperes1996]

@All: Thank you for your comments- anyone opted to go for the "consolidate" into the Macbook 12 route? I somehow do feel this might be superior to an iPad with a keyboard...

That's the one I agree with
Not that I've done it; I have many devices... But I'd say it's the best choice if you want a consolidation

 

[Mainsail]

What is interesting is that the prices of these devices have really converged. iPad Pro 11 inch can be bought on sale for $650 plus Apple Keyboard Case and Pencil = about $900. You can get a 2019 MBA on sale right now for $900 at BB. So, it boils down to personal preference.

Personally, I would pick the 2019 MBA over the MacBook (which hasn't been updated for a couple of years), unless weight and portability are a huge factor.......we are only talking about .75 lbs difference.

 

[jerryk]

Thank you for your comments- anyone opted to go for the "consolidate" into the Macbook 12 route? I somehow do feel this might be superior to an iPad with a keyboard...

I have a hard time recommending the discontinued MacBook 12. An Air would be a better choice at lower price.

 

[smetvid]

As amazing as the new iPadOS is it is still greatly lacking for development work. I develop mobile apps and it really shocks me Apple doesn't have a Xcode for iPad yet. There are some online solutions that handle cloud based builds but its is a serious limitation vs a MBP for development work on the road.

To be honest the best solution so far is to just VPN with the iPad to a Mac at home/office

 

[jerryk]

As amazing as the new iPadOS is it is still greatly lacking for development work. I develop mobile apps and it really shocks me Apple doesn't have a Xcode for iPad yet. There are some online solutions that handle cloud based builds but its is a serious limitation vs a MBP for development work on the road.

To be honest the best solution so far is to just VPN with the iPad to a Mac at home/office

Does Apple still have the requirement to compile on a MacOS system? A couple of years back, some people I know where write their code on other platforms but still had push to a mac server to compile. Sounded sort of crazy.

 

[casperes1996]

Does Apple still have the requirement to compile on a MacOS system? A couple of years back, some people I know where write their code on other platforms but still had push to a mac server to compile. Sounded sort of crazy.

The App Store does not allow apps that can perform arbitrary code execution for security purposes. That then thusly includes user written code. Their own Swift Playgrounds can compile and execute code but it has some limitations.
There's also a Python Interpreter that was somehow allowed. But yeah generally you need to go through a Mac. You can also sort of go through a Windows box, but it's not really a supported solution.

 

[jerryk]

The App Store does not allow apps that can perform arbitrary code execution for security purposes. That then thusly includes user written code. Their own Swift Playgrounds can compile and execute code but it has some limitations.
There's also a Python Interpreter that was somehow allowed. But yeah generally you need to go through a Mac. You can also sort of go through a Windows box, but it's not really a supported solution.

Python interpreters are usually written in c/c++. So not much different than an app. Maybe they just treat it like an app and the interpreter is validated to not do anything bad.

 

[casperes1996]

Python interpreters are usually written in c/c++. So not much different than an app. Maybe they just treat it like an app and the interpreter is validated to not do anything bad.

Right no, yeah. I’ve written my own interpreter before. But the App Store guidelines literally prohibit code execution in your app. Same reason web browsers can’t use custom engines; That’d require running JS and such. They have to use the Safari backend and just put their own UI on it.
Still seems strange to me it was allowed in.