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What do you still need your laptop for?

My MacBook Pro really gets used for moving large groups of files around and backing up my iTunes and Photos. The only other thing is when i run into a crazy website that won’t work with the iPad. It’s very rare these days but unfortunately does still happen.

I’ve been on board with iOS front he beginning. It’s the OS I’m the most comfortable with.
 
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I keep my Macbook Pro for Parallels to run AutoCAD Civil 3D and for League of Legends. Unfortunately those two programs will never make it to the iPad.
 
spiderman0616 said:
I only need my Macbook Air anymore for literally one thing: a piece of conference call software I'm required to use for work that only runs on Flash capable devices. Other than that, a full blown Mac or PC is not necessary in my life anymore, and since my Mac is supplied to me by my employer, I definitely don't need to own a personal one. If I were to (god forbid) lose this job and have my Mac taken away, I would still not buy one of my own. Macs and PCs, to me, are the past. I do all my work and play on the iPad Pro now.

And just in anticipation of people telling me that I'm probably not doing any "real work" on my iPad Pro, I use it for art, podcast recording/syncing/editing/publishing, recording and creating music, note taking, document creation, document markup, photo editing, and a bunch of other stuff I'm probably not thinking of. I am far beyond a "casual consumption" type of user, and I still would not miss my Mac for one second if it were gone.
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To play devils advocate a 12.9" display is a lot smaller then a 27" display.

I think we all understand that the iPad is growing past being a consumption only device. However it is still limited by the software. For you, you don't need a Mac or PC. That isn't the same experience for everyone. I couldn't do my job with an iPad in the slightest. It simply is not equipped with the software based tools that I need.

Is it possible the software could be released for the iPad? Sure

Will it happen? Almost assuredly not.

The reason is because of the $100 annual subscription pay wall to put your programs on iOS devices. Why would a manufacturer of hardware that needs to be programmed like AMX pay money to have their software tools published in a public manner when the tools are private for dealers and licensed programmers only? An enterprise license doesn't make sense either because the users of the software are not under one organization.

This is the core reason why the iPad will never fully replace Macs and PCs.
 
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Dave-Z said:
Maybe using Panic's Prompt app to SSH into the server and download the file directly? I don't have a QNAP but I manage several servers directly using this method.
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I'll check it out, but I actually have no issue getting the file onto the server itself. It's when you have to manually install an update, it has you do it through the web interface. When I click it on my iPad, it brings up the files app, but it won't allow me to select the .qpkg file. I am assuming because Apple doesn't recognize it.
 
EnderBeta said:
To play devils advocate a 12.9" display is a lot smaller then a 27" display.

I think we all understand that the iPad is growing past being a consumption only device. However it is still limited by the software. For you, you don't need a Mac or PC. That isn't the same experience for everyone. I couldn't do my job with an iPad in the slightest. It simply is not equipped with the software based tools that I need.

Is it possible the software could be released for the iPad? Sure

Will it happen? Almost assuredly not.

The reason is because of the $100 annual subscription pay wall to put your programs on iOS devices. Why would a manufacturer of hardware that needs to be programmed like AMX pay money to have their software tools published in a public manner when the tools are private for dealers and licensed programmers only? An enterprise license doesn't make sense either because the users of the software are not under one organization.

This is the core reason why the iPad will never fully replace Macs and PCs.
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And again, I seemingly haven't made my point clear--which was exactly what you think you're arguing about: It's not the same for everyone. My workflows need nothing more than a nice, powerful iPad. Your workflows require something different. I really don't care. Use what you like. I think I already made that clear, but I'm just reiterating it, because you didn't seem to see it the first time.

Also, me using an iPad does not invalidate anyone else NOT using an iPad. This is yet another gut reaction people seem to have when other people say they're iPad-only or mostly iPad. I will say it again: my iPad use does not invalidate anyone else's Mac use and I don't remember suggesting that anyone else do what I'm doing. All I suggested was that there are a lot of people out there who probably haven't tried it yet.

And finally, I immediately stop reading whenever anyone starts saying things like, "The iPad will never have _____" or "The iPhone will never be able to _______" or even "PCs and Macs can't _____". Nobody knows those things except the people working on the development of those products/services. One thing I personally am fairly certain on though, is that the Macrumors bubble of commenters is going to sit here and argue about this for probably the next few years, while the rest of the world slowly moves on from legacy systems and hardware. That may be by way of iOS/Android, or it may be something completely different, but it is going to happen. There's really zero point in sitting here splitting hairs about it.
 
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spiderman0616 said:
And again, I seemingly haven't made my point clear--which was exactly what you think you're arguing about: It's not the same for everyone. My workflows need nothing more than a nice, powerful iPad. Your workflows require something different. I really don't care. Use what you like. I think I already made that clear, but I'm just reiterating it, because you didn't seem to see it the first time.

Also, me using an iPad does not invalidate anyone else NOT using an iPad. This is yet another gut reaction people seem to have when other people say they're iPad-only or mostly iPad. I will say it again: my iPad use does not invalidate anyone else's Mac use and I don't remember suggesting that anyone else do what I'm doing. All I suggested was that there are a lot of people out there who probably haven't tried it yet.

And finally, I immediately stop reading whenever anyone starts saying things like, "The iPad will never have _____" or "The iPhone will never be able to _______" or even "PCs and Macs can't _____". Nobody knows those things except the people working on the development of those products/services. One thing I personally am fairly certain on though, is that the Macrumors bubble of commenters is going to sit here and argue about this for probably the next few years, while the rest of the world slowly moves on from legacy systems and hardware. That may be by way of iOS/Android, or it may be something completely different, but it is going to happen. There's really zero point in sitting here splitting hairs about it.
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First off I didn't say your work wasn't real. Nor did I in anyway invalidate your viewpoint for your use case.

I merely pointed out that you are a bit of a rare bird currently. There is no need to bite my head off. Be well.

One suggestion though if you are going to respond, please read the post. I take it that you skipped over the second half of my post. However if you had read it you might've gathered that I'm hoping something is done about it so that it can happen. Instead of jumping to conclusions that I'm dismissing the iPad.

I have a Verizon 512GB 12.9" iPad Pro and am eagerly awaiting iOS11. Trust me I am not dismissing the iPad at all. 🙂

Keep in mind looking into the Sci-Fi-Fi look into the world of tomorrow, Star Trek The Next Generation had devices that looked a lot like what iPads are becoming. However while they are capable of lots of work there are still computers in place for more specific tasks. I think you are right we will move in that direction.

I hope one day that Visual Studio, X-Code, Eclipse and my other programming tools can move over to iOS or something like it better then a Surface Tablet (horrible build quality from the brand makes me distrust Microsoft).
 
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Now that I am thinking of it, my laptop really doesn't see much use nowadays. Almost everything I can accomplish with my iPad Mini 4. The only time I really pull out my rMBP is when I post process my RAW files from my DSLR. I prefer the 15" screen on my rMBP to make localized edits in LR and PS than I would on any iPad (YMMV).

But for everything else (web browsing, checking email, social media, video consumption), I accomplish on my iPad and iPhone.

So could I go all iPad? Yes. Do I want to? No.
 
spiderman0616 said:
There is no "problem"--the people who do see limitations have other options as far as what hardware to use. I also don't really consider it "luck" that I can live without a laptop. I put in the effort about a year ago to figure out all my workflows on the iPad. They're not all the same as they were on my Mac but for the most part they are just as easy if not easier. The ones that aren't are going to be once iOS 11 drops. I think the difference between me and a lot of people is that I bothered figuring out what those different workflows are and decided to change my habits to fit them.

At this point, you're probably feeling the compulsion to tell me all the specific limitations specific types of users see with specific tasks. Or that some workflows are easier on Mac. Don't bother spending time doing that. I realize those situations exist and I don't really care. Use what makes you happy. What I'm saying is that I have a theory that a lot of people don't even know that their workflows exist in iOS because they haven't looked.

The long and short of it is that the audio quality of my podcast files is worlds better than I ever got it to sound on the Mac. (That could be due to my lack of skills in Mac software, but that just strengthens my case for using the iPad instead.) I'm creating art again, which is something I never bothered with on a laptop. My handwritten notes and Office/iWork documents are all created and organized nice and neatly on a thin and light device. Same with the music I write/record. iPad Pro is my dream computer--the one I've been wishing for since I was a kid.
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Trying to avoid delving too much into the semantics of what is lucky and what is a problem, the bottom line is your needs can be fulfilled by an iPad. At this point, mine can't as there are simply too many things missing so I do have other hardware I have to use.
 
Photo and video editing

Also, I enjoy docking my laptop to my desk setup (keyboard, mouse, speakers, and external monitor) to browse the internet, listen to music, and watch videos.

I couldn't go without a proper computer.

edit --

I also just appreciate having a trackpad and keyboard. And laptops work really well on my lap, the way that they prop the screen up and all. The name fits. 😛
 
I'm traveling at the moment and brought along my iPad Air 2, Galaxy Tab S2 8" tablet, and my Dell XPS 13 laptop. I have used everything but the iPad. The Galaxy tablet was a more convenient size for reading and watching videos on the airplane and the laptop is used for processing and sorting out a large number of RAW photo images with Lightroom. I prefer using LR with a mouse and I save and sort to the same file structure that I'll transfer to back at home. I find I even like web browsing more on the laptop. As others have said, it's a lot of personal preference and for me on my next trip the iPad will probably stay at home.
 
I’m a multiple window computer user. When I’m on my Mac I have all of this running at once and I’m bouncing back and forth between everything. I’m coding, ripping DVDs and getting them into plex, and transferring my kindle books into caliber. When I’m in computer mode I don’t just do one thing.

Safari with 3 tabs open to the Apple developer site
Xcode
Simulator
I’m running through the swift tutorial which is more interruptible than doing a full blown coding session

Safari tabs with one pointed to my plex server, then other tabs for IMDb.com, thetvdb.com,moviedb.com
Handbrake and ripping new DVDs I’ve purchased. Yes, we buy DVDs.

Kindle app download books from amazon
Caliber app importing from the books I just downloaded.

And then of course I’ve got my iPad next to me so I can be distracted by email, general internet news, twitter.... sometimes I feels like that octopus alien in Men in Black that running all the monitors...
 
Maybe I haven't figured out the keyboard functionality yet, but I struggle that I have to do lots of "touching" with my iPad to get things done. I know that my fingers are my mouse but it's annoying. There are many things the iPad should be able to do but the basic OS that is dependent on the web and apps that developers create for it limits is full functionality and potential.

For me, the iPad is not a laptop replacement. I tried. The current design with the magic keyboard is awkward and I feel like dropped the ball on the design (should have had a way to protect the back of the iPad). And, in my oppinion, rarely to I come across an 3rd party cover/keyboard that isn't ugly and ruins the ascetic the iPad has.

I'll say this, I believe that the iPad can be a great word processor and consumption device. BUT that is it for me. It's awkward to use in excel. I tried to show some co-workers something on apple maps and the search took up half the screen (idk why it isn't easy to get rid of the search). I think its fun to be able to draw on as well.

But does it replace a laptop. No.

So I'll say this as well, the iPad has lots of potential. I felt like this from the beginning of when it was released. iOS is a great os for consumption and phones. But its not a productivity OS yet. I think there is potential there but Apple hasn't found it's voice. For some basic users the iPad is going to be more than enough. For me it needs some work. It needs to feel complex, have better multitasking, and stronger interface to apps than the keyboard and fingers (maybe more shortcuts on the keyboard or something to help with multitasking).

Wish List:

It would be awesome to move between apps without touching the screen (might be something they are developing or already exists)
Quick views of apps like Mail without touching the screen (to see if you got mail and NOT relying upon notifications that popup - I disable immediately)
Favorite apps button on keyboard to bring that app back to the screen
The ability to have Multiple apps showing in the background or the side that I could see and read (I think multitasking is coming in iOS11)

The keyboard is my primary way of interacting with the iPad for productivity. The more I have to touch the screen, double click the home button and interact with the components that make iOS a cell phone os the less like a real laptop replacement the iPad seems. Oh and fix Dynamics CRM showing up in mobile format for the webpages versus the full format I get on my pc or iMac. Oh and fix any web pages that go to the mobile setting for the iPad (iOS) that should be fully functional and showing properly on the iPad.

There is still lots lacking. There are things Apple can do to make this machine competitive. I don't look forward to using this as my daily input device for work. I would rather use myMacBook Pro.
 
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I use my laptop (with its keyboard superiority) for Numbers, Pages, Notes, iTunes and iBooks purchases, mobile device syncs/backups, Photos, Finder for local files organization, Time Machine ad-blocked surfing and online banking with Safari or Firefox. It is easy to launch Notes, Calculator and Dictionary when needed. I am too "old school" to dump everything into iCloud or to do/trust mobile banking. I love my iPad mini and iPod touch, but neither would do as a "primary", except for Mail, some streaming, reading and listening to audiobooks, music playing, and Camera.
 
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Wow. Lots of great conversation. I keep getting drawn to the Surface Pro. But I tried one for a month last year and returned it. I bought it for my wife’s business and she didn’t like it, so I tried it for myself for a while but ended up something was just off. Apple is definitely right that a desktop OS and a tablet OS need to behave differently. Using the Surface in tablet mode wasn’t as good as the iPad. Using it in desktop mode wasn’t as good as a computer. A larger trackpad would be a great step. As would a better tablet platform. I do think the iPad Pro’s are capable of running a switching OS like Windows has done. They have the tablet nailed. File management isn’t that big a deal to me. I can adapt to the way the iOS apps handle that. The single biggest thing is merging photos in something like Photomatix and editing them in something like DxO. I don’t doubt there are some ways out there, so maybe I just need to keep digging. As for my smart playlists, I think I can work around that as well. I feel like I’m on the cusp and need to just hold tight and not replace my 2015 15” rMBP. By the time I want to replace it I suspect I won’t need one.
 
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Need:
Xcode
Coding via RDP to Windows (contemplating a VM).

Prefer:
I actually prefer using my MBP when just browsing the net. I find it more comfortable on my lap with my hand resting near the trackpad and not having to lift my arm to touch the screen.

I bought the iPad Pro with the intention of using it more than my MBP but it never happened. It's been relegated to playing simple games when I'm lounging.
 
Need:

Bigger screen
Mouse / trackpad
Multi window support
Final cut
Full applications (and not dumbed down)
Ports

I doubt an iPad will ever support the above, I believe its a great additional device but not one which will replace my workflow setting.
 
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spiderman0616 said:
...

And finally, I immediately stop reading whenever anyone starts saying things like, "The iPad will never have _____" or "The iPhone will never be able to _______" or even "PCs and Macs can't _____". Nobody knows those things except the people working on the development of those products/services. One thing I personally am fairly certain on though, is that the Macrumors bubble of commenters is going to sit here and argue about this for probably the next few years, while the rest of the world slowly moves on from legacy systems and hardware. That may be by way of iOS/Android, or it may be something completely different, but it is going to happen. There's really zero point in sitting here splitting hairs about it.
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Move on? Maybe but I seriously doubt it. Perhaps with the next revolutionary redesign of iOS.

I have helped test run the use of iOS at an enterprise level for two companies; one global and one local. In both cases there was software both off the shelf and custom that will never see the light of the iOS environment. iOS has too many limitations by design and by cost. Mostly design.

Based on the trials I have been involved in, a touch based OSX is more likely to be adopted. At the end of the day, for most, replacing Linux or Windows with iOS and in a tablet environment is going to be a no-go. Square peg, coin slot. Wish it was different.
 
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