iPad When do you think iPads will replace laptops?

[Michael CM1]

It's pretty close right now. I have a bulky HP notebook, but I'm planning on using my iPad 3 when I start college classes again next month. I mostly need it for taking notes but will also use it for any textbooks I can buy digitally.

If Apple releases a 12-inch iPad Pro, that might get you really close depending on what iOS 8 is like. An Apple-designed keyboard case that is very close to creating an iPad-keyboard clamshell would be a definite improvement. I love Apple's wireless keyboard, but you need to have a solid surface and not all cases are great at keeping your iPad steady.

But after lugging around that HP notebook a little bit, I really don't want to be dragging it around a huge campus. I know the difference in weight is just a couple of pounds, but it feels like 20 pounds.

 

[Misskitty]

I think if anything, we will start seeing more people downsizing their $2000 laptops to $200 chromebooks. Caise really its a huge waste of money for something that isnt used much anymore.

If there was a way to edit MS word files and print from a chromebook i would do this.

 

[Max(IT)]

Very good question, but very hard to find an answer.
For content fruition, in most of the cases tablets already replaced laptops.
For content creation they are still undepowered and lack a proper os and interfaces.

Every user has different needs, but in general terms I think it takes years.

 

[Zxxv]

When websites use iOS 7 dynamic text feature so people aren't squinting at the tiny text on a lot of websites.

I replaced my computer with iPad. But I did find I ran into some productivity problems, problems I created for myself by putting text in multiple apps. When I wanted to put the text into one pages book I found it difficult swapping between each app, but I created that problem myself.

I find the iPad mini is more productive for me for the type of creation I want to do just I got a crap screen. A full size ipad I find I consume more, I get distracted and just find myself off reading or watching something. iPad mini I feel like I'm working or should be.

I'd hazard a guess apple runs much of its business on iPads. And they are very (understatement) successful so maybe instead of fighting it , it's time to learn how to do things apples way.

 

[Northwestern]

Since I replaced my MacBook Air with my first iPad. I can do everything on my iPad I did with my MacBook Air, like Webbrowsing, Writing, Gaming, Skype, Watching Movies ... I also used my iPad on vacation in Iceland with Forever Maps as a Navigator. There are also a lot of Apps not available for Mac OS X. The weight is also perfect while sitting on the couch or in bed. There is no more need for a laptop for me. I am sure I will never buy a laptop again. Tablets are the perfect replacement.

 

[jojoba]

When it has the following three things:
1) file management
2) allows multitasking of two or more apps on the same screen
3) better keyboard navigation, i.e. use of tab and arrows to change the active area of focus.
Need keyboard to do work, but switching between touch and keyboard takes too long, need to do it all with a keyboard when work is being done. Touch is awesome for messing around, but a keyboard is essential for productivity.

This here. I love my iPad, but turn to my MBA exactly for these reasons.

 

[alex2792]

What? Basic users don't even do stuff like that. Hell, I consider myself a power user and even I don't.

It's impossible to replace a laptop with a toy that doesn't even have file system access. A chromebook is more functional than an ipad at this point.

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When websites use iOS 7 dynamic text feature so people aren't squinting at the tiny text on a lot of websites.

I replaced my computer with iPad. But I did find I ran into some productivity problems, problems I created for myself by putting text in multiple apps. When I wanted to put the text into one pages book I found it difficult swapping between each app, but I created that problem myself.

I find the iPad mini is more productive for me for the type of creation I want to do just I got a crap screen. A full size ipad I find I consume more, I get distracted and just find myself off reading or watching something. iPad mini I feel like I'm working or should be.

I'd hazard a guess apple runs much of its business on iPads. And they are very (understatement) successful so maybe instead of fighting it , it's time to learn how to do things apples way.

Haha yes we should all use an OS designed for mental midgets that has no file system access, doesn't support flash, offers no support for real multitasking, can't mount flash storage and do a million other things. No company can or will "run a business" on an ipad because it's only useful for light Web browsing (no more than 1 tab lol) and angry birds.

 

[osx11]

If your laptop is not your primary computer, then yes, an iPad can/will replace your laptop.

In other words, (iMac/Mac Mini + iPad) > (iMac/Mac Mini + MacBook)

 

[s2mikey]

Very good question, but very hard to find an answer.
For content fruition, in most of the cases tablets already replaced laptops.
For content creation they are still undepowered and lack a proper os and interfaces.

Every user has different needs, but in general terms I think it takes years.

I agree totally with you here. When it comes to surfing, gaming, emailing, etc, etc it's hard to beat the tablet right now. But, for more serious gaming and productivity the tablets still come up a little short. The lack of File management and connectivity is a hindrance, especially for the iPad. I know, everyone uses dropbox or the cloud but that isn't always feasible or acceptable. Printing can also be tricky from a tablet.

As you said, it will be years and years.....

 

[pward]

iPads will never completely replace laptops. iPads are fine for content consumption but not so good for content creation.

In consumer-land iPads will replace laptops for many people but there will always be people with requirements for computing heavy-lifting; these people will still need laptops.

In commercial-land laptops will continue to be required; whilst one COULD work on complex spreadsheets or documents on a iPad, it's not something one WOULD do. Working for a very large IT company I see many, many laptops and the odd tablet; this situation will remain.

 

[Zxxv]

iPads will never completely replace laptops. iPads are fine for content consumption but not so good for content creation.

In consumer-land iPads will replace laptops for many people but there will always be people with requirements for computing heavy-lifting; these people will still need laptops.

In commercial-land laptops will continue to be required; whilst one COULD work on complex spreadsheets or documents on a iPad, it's not something one WOULD do. Working for a very large IT company I see many, many laptops and the odd tablet; this situation will remain.

I create spread sheets on my iPad and I actually belive its easier on the iPad mini. It's almost as if apple made sure ios 7 numbers has better touch areas on the iPad mini.

Try it for yourself. In apple store make one on mini and then on full size complete with formulas etc. I found mini way more consistent. Then paste it into pages and alter the text size via table settings etc and resize and make a presentation document. see which one is more consitant and more enjoyable. For me it was the mini

 

[nightlong]

iPads will never completely replace laptops. iPads are fine for content consumption but not so good for content creation.

In consumer-land iPads will replace laptops for many people but there will always be people with requirements for computing heavy-lifting; these people will still need laptops.

In commercial-land laptops will continue to be required; whilst one COULD work on complex spreadsheets or documents on a iPad, it's not something one WOULD do. Working for a very large IT company I see many, many laptops and the odd tablet; this situation will remain.

So sick of hearing this ... People who proclaim that an iPad is useless for content creation, just because they can't create anything on it!!!!

There are so many professional artists, composers, writers, performers using iPads exclusively. And ... In other types of serious professional use .... are those surgeons using iPads in operations really just watching YouTube?

 

[Count Blah]

There is only one correct answer. For some, it has already, for middle tier users it may in the next gen or two. For the power users, not any time soon.

For those pounding their chest saying it has already-dammit, I simply ask, can you make apps for the iPad on the iPad?

 

[alex2792]

So sick of hearing this ... People who proclaim that an iPad is useless for content creation, just because they can't create anything on it!!!!

There are so many professional artists, composers, writers, performers using iPads exclusively. And ... In other types of serious professional use .... are those surgeons using iPads in operations really just watching YouTube?

Yes, all professionals use an OS that doesn't even allow you to attach multiple (non picture) files to an email.

 

[nightlong]

Yes, all professionals use an OS that doesn't even allow you to attach multiple (non picture) files to an email.

Is that your only benchmark for professional use? How tragic.

iPads haven't replaced computers for me but I do use iPads for professional creative work, and so do many other people.

 

[alex2792]

Is that your only benchmark for professional use? How tragic.

iPads haven't replaced computers for me but I do use iPads for professional creative work, and so do many other people.

All professionals also use iwork, which sucks compared to office. I

 

[Zxxv]

All professionals also use iwork, which sucks compared to office. I

Yea It sucks so much apple uses Microsoft office to run its multi billion dollars worth of the most successful branded business

Oops they don't haha

About time others gave up on this office is better crap and realised apple uses iWork and is doing very well. They should just learn how to use it

 

[alex2792]

Yea It sucks so much apple uses Microsoft office to run its multi billion dollars worth of the most successful branded business

Oops they don't haha

About time others gave up on this office is better crap and realised apple uses iWork and is doing very well. people should learn how to use it

I hope that nobody at Apple tries to automate their spreadsheets with the amazing Number application.

 

[Zxxv]

I hope that nobody at Apple tries to automate their spreadsheets with the amazing Number application.

I'm sure Tim Cook uses Microsoft office

Or

he took time to understand how to use numbers

One of these is true

 

[MisakixMikasa]

Is that your only benchmark for professional use? How tragic.

iPads haven't replaced computers for me but I do use iPads for professional creative work, and so do many other people.

That is one benchmark, but not all. For me, whenever iOS allow true multitasking like OS X or Windows do and multi-windows, then i would consider replacing my laptop with iPad, until then, no,

By the way, you still need a laptop or desktop to sync your iPad. So whenever that is not necessary, you can truly say, iPad could replace laptop.

P.S. 10 inch is still to small for me to do any meaningful work. I cannot stand typing documents on iPad. Larger iPad is required for any meaningful work.

 

[TWO2SEVEN]

That is one benchmark, but not all. For me, whenever iOS allow true multitasking like OS X or Windows do and multi-windows, then i would consider replacing my laptop with iPad, until then, no,

By the way, you still need a laptop or desktop to sync your iPad. So whenever that is not necessary, you can truly say, iPad could replace laptop.

P.S. 10 inch is still to small for me to do any meaningful work. I cannot stand typing documents on iPad. Larger iPad is required for any meaningful work.

I do not use my computer to sync either iPad or iPhone in our house.

I do meaningful work, including creating documents for school on my iPad.

 

[kap09]

I hope that nobody at Apple tries to automate their spreadsheets with the amazing Number application.

Basically this. I actually use iWork more and more now. Unfortunately I'm a heavy excel user and numbers just doesn't come close.

I also have the need for Quicken personally, so that still brings me back to my MBA too.

I am finding myself using my iPad to replace more and more tasks though and see the trend continuing. I think it's becoming more and more about the iPad being increasingly useful as the "go to" device. I've also recently stopped carrying my MBA out with me daily as the Air is usually sufficient most days now.

Now I'm wondering if I should have gotten an iMac instead of my MBA.....haha.

 

[MisakixMikasa]

I do not use my computer to sync either iPad or iPhone in our house.

I do meaningful work, including creating documents for school on my iPad.

You do not use iTunes to sync does not mean other won't. There is no way for me to download stuff on iPad or iPhone in a simple way. I have to use computer to download music, videos, documents then transform to my iPad.

If you ever written any lab report or mathematical document, you will know how Pages on iPad sucks in big time.

 

[PDFierro]

So sick of hearing this ... People who proclaim that an iPad is useless for content creation, just because they can't create anything on it!!!!

There are so many professional artists, composers, writers, performers using iPads exclusively. And ... In other types of serious professional use .... are those surgeons using iPads in operations really just watching YouTube?

I completely agree. I use my iPad for professional productivity work. Some people just aren't aware of some of the apps out there for the iPad. Believe it or not, you can get serious work done on the iPad.

Am I suggesting that the iPad is a complete replacement for a laptop? No, but it's more than possible to be productive on an iPad. In fact, I'm finding that I'm more productive on an iPad.

 

[sixrom]

Tablets are very useful depending on your needs.

They are not a laptop replacement for serious computing.

For the average consumer, tablets are fine.