iPad When do you think iPads will replace laptops?

[Altis]

The "post-PC era" only exists for people who use their computers for basic things and who also don't do a lot of typing. If your usage of a laptop is to read Facebook/Twitter, make a few posts, listen to Spotify, watch YouTube and the like, then yes.

... Unless you want to watch youtube while reading Facebook... then you're stuck. Can't even have a web page open while working on a document (a common thing in school and work).

I won't say they never will, as anything can happen, and the Windows tablets are already pretty much substitutes for laptops anyways (file structure, multiple apps at once, user accounts, USB peripherals/devices, external monitor output, hard keyboard case,...). I just think that the form factor is well suited for some things, but not suited for a great many tasks.

I think Apple is the furthest from it still, compared with Windows and Android. There are still many web pages that don't even show up properly still.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

... Unless you want to watch youtube while reading Facebook... then you're stuck. Can't even have a web page open while working on a document (a common thing in school and work).

I won't say they never will, as anything can happen, and the Windows tablets are already pretty much substitutes for laptops anyways (file structure, multiple apps at once, user accounts, USB peripherals/devices, external monitor output, hard keyboard case,...). I just think that the form factor is well suited for some things, but not suited for a great many tasks.

I think Apple is the furthest from it still, compared with Windows and Android. There are still many web pages that don't even show up properly still.

I also don't think Apple especially buys into the "post-PC era" nonsense. No matter what, tablets can never be a full replacement. It is impossible for a workflow as seamless as with a keyboard with all its shortcuts and macros, not to mention the lack of tactile feedback means typing will never be as quick and easy.

Tablets will replace laptops in one specific situation: people who don't need a full computer. This might mean a younger/older person who only need the basics on a device, or a person who has a big desktop that they do most of their work/gaming on and the tablet is just for sitting on the couch and while they're out and about. No matter what, the majority of people are going to need a real computer with an adequate screen, power, the ability to access the file system, and a keyboard. Not to mention a lot more storage without costing so much. 128GB is chump change for being a primary device.

The way to remedy all the above would be to beef up the processor, put a non-mobile OS on it, add a detachable keyboard, and increase the screen size. Congratulations, you just made one of those big Windows 8 dual-purpose devices. How are those selling, by the way?

Now, I suppose I could see tablets with a full-featured OS of some kind that could dock and use an external monitor/keyboard/mouse, but even that would require more storage space and that it have a LOT more power to it.

 

[booksbooks]

Saying that "lots of people" are replacing their laptops/desktops with iPads is pure BS. Show us the actual data that people are doing this.

Secondly, so what if someone is using a 5 or 6 year old computer like a laptop. That's a meaningless statement and you've missed the point.

By design laptops and desktops are best at productivity. That's the hardware and software. Point and click input (precise), bitmap screen, physical keyboard, large screen, powerful CPU/GPU, and software designed for such hardware. By design, smartphones and tablets are best at consumption. That's multi-touch input (imprecise), small screens, low power hardware, sans physical keyboard, stand, etc.

I design software for a living. For Mac OS X, Windows 8, and iOS (iPhone/iPad). My main piece of software I designed is a desktop publishing program. We're currently working on prototype designs for a browser based version and one that could run on a tablet (not shipping this latter).

There are so many problems with productivity on tablets and smartphones as discussed that it's not worth the effort for us or customers looking to be productive on a tablet or smartphone. Not for iOS anyway. For Windows 8 tablets and smartphones? Yes, it's much more tenable. Now that is an OS along with something like the Surface that goes way further along the line when it comes to productivity compared to the iPad.

Yet the Surface isn't as good a tablet as the iPad in terms of just holding it and using it as a tablet.

Without any file systems, no built-in stand, no physical keyboard, and low power hardware with limited software and imprecise input, devices like the iPad won't replace laptops and desktops for anyone needing to be productive on a computer. And it was never designed to do this either. If it was, by now, Apple's desktops and laptops should themselves be out of business. But they're not... and offices around the world would have just iPads sitting on the desks. But they don't, not that I've ever seen and I've been travelling for business and in and out of many offices over the past year.

What devices like the iPad and iPhone have done is supplemented and perhaps, in some cases, replaced certain specific tasks that people do on computers. For example, surfing the Web or reading PDFs. But their uses are limited in terms of what they're really good at. They fall flat on productivity (writing reports, managing files, desktop publishing, graphic design, research, etc.).

And here I am tonight trying to watch a movie on Netflix with the iPad Air. I got frustrated and switched to my laptop. Why? Because there's no bloody stand on the iPad! I got sick of it sliding around and having to hold it in place...

 

[Smeaton1724]

In March 2013 I jumped in to the whole 'iPad 128GB as main device'. I uploaded 8500 songs to Google Music, subscribed to Netflix, put my iPhoto library into the cloud arranged in to folders and uploaded all my documents to Dropbox and subscribed to 100GB for 12 months. I wont bore with what apps I had but there were around 200 on my ipad to replace everything my previous macbook could do.

It lasted until July, the apps added time to certain 'productive' tasks or the app was left wanting when it came to the technical side. For media it excelled and if you want to share anything socially then it's great. I also found the 5GB iCloud limit left me wanting more (Yes I can pay but those subs mount up).

The ipad is fantastic for Video, Music, Gaming (I prefer football manager on iPad to PC), social, pdf reading, sketching out ideas and has great battery life. For a lot of people that is enough.

In the end I went for a retina macbook 13 and portable 2TB drive attached. It's more flexible, way more powerful and I got it for a crazy low price. I now manage everything locally using USB devices and only sync to certain things I may need on my iPad and iPhone to dropbox. In effect I've come full circle and to be honest I'm more productive now that at any point between March - July.

 

[yegon]

I love my rMini as a consumption device, wouldn't like to be without it, but as a productivity tool/computer, it's like a Fisher Price toy next to my rMBP, or indeed any laptop/desktop.

When I hear people claiming an iPad is their one and only, I think one of two things applies, neither of which are a negative criticism;

1) They're exceptionally light computer users - browsing, video, social media etc

2) They like the idea of it being their one and only and are willing to suffer the massive limitations of tablets to achieve this end.

Either of these scenarios are fine, there's nothing wrong with these choices. It's when I hear category 2) people evangelise tablets as a viable, efficient replacement for laptops/desktops I groan and shake my head. A Surface Pro is closest to being a replacement, but that fails at the "efficient" part and is so riddled with compromises I'm puzzled how anyone could prefer such a device over a 2 device laptop/small tablet setup.

 

[Abazigal]

I don't see tablets replacing laptops, nor do I see the need for them to. I like the ipad precisely because it doesn't try too hard to mimic the laptop, and instead focuses on excelling in its own unique ways.

IMO, the tablet excels in letting me perform tasks in scenarios unsuited for a laptop. Sure, there are features I would like to eventually see implemented on iOS, such as better inter-app communication and more apps with UIs better unimagined for touch, but I impersonally like the ipad as it is.

 

[CEmajr]

Not for a while. There are still quite a few flash websites out there and the iPad can't access them. Just got reminded of that when I tried to use an eBook for one of my textbooks and it wouldn't load on the iPad because it's flash based. So I'll have to continue hauling around the MacBook Pro.

 

[DeathTheKid]

Not for a while. There are still quite a few flash websites out there and the iPad can't access them. Just got reminded of that when I tried to use an eBook for one of my textbooks and it wouldn't load on the iPad because it's flash based. So I'll have to continue hauling around the MacBook Pro.

You might want to try Photon or Puffin. Photon is better handling actual Flash. This has stereo and probably the smoothest in playing video. Puffin is just a better browser overall. It is the damn closest to a desktop browser that you can get.

Personally, I have both.

 

[Prise]

From my perspective and usage, I'm ready for the iPad to replace a dedicated laptop.

I still prefer typing on a keyboard over the screen, but that may change in time. These days, unless one really needs the capabilities, it's just difficult to justify paying so much more for a Macbook over an iPad.

 

[Amplelink]

Saying that "lots of people" are replacing their laptops/desktops with iPads is pure BS. Show us the actual data that people are doing this.

Secondly, so what if someone is using a 5 or 6 year old computer like a laptop. That's a meaningless statement and you've missed the point.

By design laptops and desktops are best at productivity. That's the hardware and software. Point and click input (precise), bitmap screen, physical keyboard, large screen, powerful CPU/GPU, and software designed for such hardware. By design, smartphones and tablets are best at consumption. That's multi-touch input (imprecise), small screens, low power hardware, sans physical keyboard, stand, etc.

I design software for a living. For Mac OS X, Windows 8, and iOS (iPhone/iPad). My main piece of software I designed is a desktop publishing program. We're currently working on prototype designs for a browser based version and one that could run on a tablet (not shipping this latter).

There are so many problems with productivity on tablets and smartphones as discussed that it's not worth the effort for us or customers looking to be productive on a tablet or smartphone. Not for iOS anyway. For Windows 8 tablets and smartphones? Yes, it's much more tenable. Now that is an OS along with something like the Surface that goes way further along the line when it comes to productivity compared to the iPad.

Yet the Surface isn't as good a tablet as the iPad in terms of just holding it and using it as a tablet.

Without any file systems, no built-in stand, no physical keyboard, and low power hardware with limited software and imprecise input, devices like the iPad won't replace laptops and desktops for anyone needing to be productive on a computer. And it was never designed to do this either. If it was, by now, Apple's desktops and laptops should themselves be out of business. But they're not... and offices around the world would have just iPads sitting on the desks. But they don't, not that I've ever seen and I've been travelling for business and in and out of many offices over the past year.

What devices like the iPad and iPhone have done is supplemented and perhaps, in some cases, replaced certain specific tasks that people do on computers. For example, surfing the Web or reading PDFs. But their uses are limited in terms of what they're really good at. They fall flat on productivity (writing reports, managing files, desktop publishing, graphic design, research, etc.).

And here I am tonight trying to watch a movie on Netflix with the iPad Air. I got frustrated and switched to my laptop. Why? Because there's no bloody stand on the iPad! I got sick of it sliding around and having to hold it in place...

Most of the issues you mention with tablets can be solved. Tablet sliding around? Use a case with a stand. No precise input? Use a Bluetooth keyboard and a mouse (not yet for the latter). Software and hardware too limited? Just a matter of time.

At this point in time, we're still too premature in the game. But honestly, you can't see how tablets could take over in 5-10 years time? Apple has to play a careful balancing game lest it wipe out its entire line of notebooks. But technologically, creating a tablet that can be as productive as a laptop is just a matter of time. Sure you will need accessories, but in the rest of the time you don't need them, you'll have a nice and light form factor.

 

[AdonisSMU]

When iPads have Mac OSX on them.

 

[booksbooks]

Most of the issues you mention with tablets can be solved. Tablet sliding around? Use a case with a stand. No precise input? Use a Bluetooth keyboard and a mouse (not yet for the latter). Software and hardware too limited? Just a matter of time.

At this point in time, we're still too premature in the game. But honestly, you can't see how tablets could take over in 5-10 years time? Apple has to play a careful balancing game lest it wipe out its entire line of notebooks. But technologically, creating a tablet that can be as productive as a laptop is just a matter of time. Sure you will need accessories, but in the rest of the time you don't need them, you'll have a nice and light form factor.

No, they can't. And the reason is because what you think the tablet needs to solve, it can't. Because it's not a tool for it. An analogy is this: we all think a hammer can replace a screwdriver. We start buying accessories for the hammer to make it work like a screwdriver. We can velcro onto the hammer a metal nub that comes with multiple screwdriver bits. You can then use that screwdriver nub with bits and try and use the hammer as a screwdriver. But the hammer is heavy. Bulky. Large. Awkward. It's completely superfluous to the screwdriver itself to the point where the hammer isn't needed in the equation at all.

With something like the iPad, you can go out and spend up to hundreds of dollars, adding weight, etc. by velcroing on a accessories to make it resemble a laptop. But it's still a crappy laptop. Just like if you need a screwdriver. Get a screwdriver, not tacking on a screwdriver to a hammer. Get a laptop if that's what you need, don't get a limited, tiny screened tablet computer with imprecise input and velcro on laptop stuff to make it work like a laptop.

Having said all this, here are three main reasons why tablets won't replace laptops/desktops:

• Tiny screens. As discussed, this limits the efficiency of being productive and what you can do on these devices. As well as the software that's designed for them.
• Multi-touch input. It's imprecise and terrible for productivity. A point-and-click device is so precise that the mouse arrow effectively clicks 1 pixel. Multi-touch input is meaty fingers. It's over 50 times+ less precise because everytime you touch the screen with your meaty finger you're touching dozens and up to hundreds of pixels each time. You cannot use anything but rudimentary software with this because the software has to be designed in much more simple ways (larger buttons thereby making user interfaces more basic with less features). And the few that have some powerful features... it's inefficient to use your hands and arms moving to interact with productivity software like this. It's called FITTS principle. The travel/distance/time between the starting point and the hit target point. You have to move your arms more than you do with a multi-touch trackpad... it's why you don't see touch screens on Apple's laptops. And touching things in an imprecise fashion is troublesome for productivity. Here're the results of one of the many tests we performed.
  
  -1.75 seconds to make text bold in Pages 09 on a MacBook Pro. Selecting text then making it bold with secondary toolbar option.
  -1.20 seconds to make text bold in Pages 09 on a MacBook Pro. Selecting text then making it bold with keyboard COMMAND+B.
  
  -6 seconds to make text bold in Pages for the iPad. Selecting text then making it bold with bold menu option.
  -5 seconds to make text bold in Pages for the iPad. Selecting text then making it bold with bold keyboard option.
  
  Selecting the text is frustrating as its much less efficient than using a point-and-click device. And it's frustrating having to use the arms/hands to travel to the top of the screen for the bold menu option.
  
• Lower power hardware. And it's low power because these devices are completely designed for portability.

The MS Surface/Windows 8 is leaps and bounds better than the iPad/iOS for productivity but even still, because of its small screen and low power, it's not a laptop/desktop replacement. It's a supplement to these things for productivity... an on-the-go-device. But it's got one major thing that iOS doesn't: mouse input (precise) and software that's designed for this input. The well integrated keyboard cover with backlit that includes a trackpad is what brings it all together.

 

[sracer]

...
The MS Surface/Windows 8 is leaps and bounds better than the iPad/iOS for productivity but even still, because of its small screen and low power, it's not a laptop/desktop replacement. It's a supplement to these things for productivity... an on-the-go-device. But it's got one major thing that iOS doesn't: mouse input (precise) and software that's designed for this input. The well integrated keyboard cover with backlit that includes a trackpad is what brings it all together.

You can add support for second display and extended desktop to the Surface mix.

My "lowly" Surface RT can drive a 2nd display, even a 60" HDTV at native resolution.

Printer support too. I've been able to print to every network printer that I've come across, none of them AirPrint-capable btw.

 

[booksbooks]

You can add support for second display and extended desktop to the Surface mix.

My "lowly" Surface RT can drive a 2nd display, even a 60" HDTV at native resolution.

Printer support too. I've been able to print to every network printer that I've come across, none of them AirPrint-capable btw.

Ya I know. The point is that on its own it's low power with a small screen. Even though you can do what you're doing it doesn't mean anyone serious about productivity would. But you make a good point with this use case.

With an iPad, forget it. It's not designed for point and click devices.

 

[Sean006]

Already did for me. Have not seen my MacBook Pro since the day I came home with my iPad air.

 

[osofast240sx]

I also don't think Apple especially buys into the "post-PC era" nonsense. No matter what, tablets can never be a full replacement. It is impossible for a workflow as seamless as with a keyboard with all its shortcuts and macros, not to mention the lack of tactile feedback means typing will never be as quick and easy.

Tablets will replace laptops in one specific situation: people who don't need a full computer. This might mean a younger/older person who only need the basics on a device, or a person who has a big desktop that they do most of their work/gaming on and the tablet is just for sitting on the couch and while they're out and about. No matter what, the majority of people are going to need a real computer with an adequate screen, power, the ability to access the file system, and a keyboard. Not to mention a lot more storage without costing so much. 128GB is chump change for being a primary device.

I think you underestimate the power of a tablet. Uganda's government operates exclusively on iPads.

 

[s2mikey]

Maybe replace isn't the right word here. I suspect I'll always have a laptop at some level. Just gotta have one around in case. However, most use and content consumption happens in our house on iPads. Even light documentation and some basic productivity tasks. Instead of replace lets maybe say "pushed to the back" when discussing tablets replacing iPads.

Our laptops are still here but they have been relegated to the basement or maybe a bedroom only to be used when you really need them. Like certain games or heavy productivity.

 

[OSMac]

To replace a laptop the ipad would need a physical keyboard.
The current iPad Air screen is just too small for most when used with existing keyboard cases.

If the larger iPad Pro rumors are true it could be another step towards the end of tradition laptops for more users. For many people even now laptop use drops extremely once a ipad is purchased.

 

[CmdrLaForge]

To me the question needs to be separated in two areas

1) iOS
I think it will be just a just a matter of time until iOS is as usable as Mac OS X . iOS 8 already makes a Great Leap Forward in that regard due to iCloud drive and more inter working between apps. I think it won't before long I can work on the iPad as well as on the Mac

2) physical appearance
Well. In that regard really never for me due to the fact that it doesn't have a keyboard and it is operating in just one plane and the very small screen and the touch input in the one plane. Now I know you can add an external keyboard and all that and make it like a laptop. But then what is it then? What is a iPad that is configured like a laptop? Where is the difference?

What I can see is that iPads get so powerful that I dock mine during the day for working, attach it to a keyboard, mouse and big screen and do my work on it. Key is here that I want a mouse. To me the human body is just that hands and eyes just do not work ergonomically in one plane. I have to tilt my head to much down for a 8-10 hour work day.

At the moment I have both and apple can sell me two devices (3 if you add the iPhone ). I use all 3 during the day for various things.

 

[Silver78]

My Mbp lays in a drawer and only used for photoshop.

I use my ipads and iphone 95-98% of the time.

Ipad splashtop and a small fanless dual core 2100mhz atom via hdmi to tv.
(No keyboard and mouse)

I get windows on ipad via splashtop. Its only for basic tasks, torrents etc.

I have 2 of these fanless atoms standing at home and sommerhouse.
When sitting on train away to sommerhouse i wake the sommerhouse server on "wan" via airport express and set to download stuff for when i get there.

I often just watch movies on ipad with headphones streamed for the servers and watched via Nplayer (highly recommended)

My answer is YES ipad will replace laptop for most users depending on how you define the ipad... Formfactor yes... OS maybe not.

 

[Jessica Lares]

I recently bought a Clamcase for my iPad Mini. It feels so much like using the keyboard of my MacBook Pro (I can type as crazy fast on it), that I try and use the non-exsistant trackpad every time.

I find it annoying to have to reach up to the screen and tap on things. So I use it with a Mighty Mouse via a jailbreak tweak. I'm thinking of getting a Magic Trackpad, heh.

Yes, at that point it's basically a regular computer. Except one runs Editorial.

I like that I can put it, and the keyboard in my coat pocket/small handbag, and I like that I can use Screens VNC to get back to my desktop.

But it will never replace the desktop. For me it's just a tool to use alongside it.

 

[maflynn]

But it will never replace the desktop. For me it's just a tool to use alongside it.

This is my perspective as well. I use the best tool for the job, while an iPad could do many of the tasks of a laptop, that does not mean I want to use it, especially since its a lot easier with the MBP.

 

[Billy95Tech]

If the question was will tablets replace you regular computer? I would say Windows tablet is already capable if you buy one that has the core I processor.

There are several Windows tablets that support everything most people do the only issue is there heavier and thicker than the iPad. And of course they run windows not iOS.

I personally don't see my retina iPad mini being my primary computer anytime soon.

Cheers,

Not sure I agree with that. The latest more powerful Windows Tablets like the Surface Pro 2, Sony Tap 11 and Dell Venue 11 Pro all have Core i processors and are fully capable Windows computers. They are not as light or have as long battery life as an iPad but they certainly can replace a Windows Desktop or laptop for everything except heavy gaming or workstation level work. The average office worker could use a Windows tablet and never have to access a dedicated PC.

The docking station with monitor and keyboard add functionality but don't detract from the fact you can have a fully functioning tablet as your primary computer. . . Just not one made by Apple

Cheers,

I think the full windows tablets (not the windows rt crap) could replace laptops for the generic users

I 100% agree, i think Windows 8 tablets are laptop/desktop replacements.

I have a powerful 11.6 inch Windows 8 tablet Acer Iconia W700 with a I5 Core with 4GB of RAM and i am very happy with it and it is very good at heavy tasks like Video editing, Photoshop and it has pretty much replaced my laptop for everything but i still use my laptop for Hardcore gamng like FIFA and it is more light weight and way more portable than my laptop.

And plus some of the Windows 8 tablets have a I5,7 CPU so you can have a very powerful(desktop like) Windows 8 tablet at the palm of your hands and can do some very heavy tasks like Video editing, Photoshop.

I seen reviews and heard the Baytrail Atom powered Windows 8 tablets are very good and the new Atom CPU are way better than the old Atom Netbooks and have very good battery life as well.
___________________________________________________________________

For the Ipad and Androids tablets.

I think they can be laptop replacements for people, even for content creation/productivity tasks like video editing, Office documents despite having a Mobile OS with some limitations.

 

[chupachup]

I see topics every now and then pop up on this site about how someone can't decide between a traditional laptop or just an iPad.

Or someone will make a post asking if it's possible to just use an iPad instead of a computer.

Obviously the laptop market will never go away, but my question is more asking, when do you think an iPad will be just as good as a laptop.

Personally, I'd say about 2 more generations. Right now, I own an iPad 3, and I mostly use it instead of my laptop, but when those college papers need writing, I spend my time on that. This semester I had to make videos, write 10+ page papers, and download files and share them with other users. The iPad just can't handle all of that right now, and yes there are workarounds, but I'd personally prefer doing it all on a PC.

Obviously for a paper you'd need a blu tooth keyboard, and that will never change unless the iPad comes out will holographic keys. Give a few more generations to put some more RAM and increase processing power and I think you'd have a legitimate device without the need for a computer.

They will replace laptops when you say "hey, I can replace my laptop with an iPad". Then you go out and get an iPad and sell your laptop. That's when.

Aside from that, laptops, desktops, tablets, they're all going to be here forever in one form or another.

When operating systems stop being either mobile or desktop and you can run the same software on all your devices, then we won't have this conversation.