Do you believe that with the breadth of apps now available that the iPad is sufficient as an independent computing device for your needs? Enough so that it could replace your personal computer, be it a laptop or desktop?
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Would an iPad be enough to replace your Desktop or Laptop?
- Thread starter east85
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Nope, iPad can't handle the heavy browsing and online games I play. I just like the feel of a laptop and the bigger screen. I like the iPad for light web browsing and apps, but it can't replace my laptop just yet.
Not for me. I have too many heavy lifting type of projects that require more power, real multitasking, keyboard and mouse control. Plus I like the 27" screen size of my iMac.
I love my iPad, but I don't think it will ever replace my desktop or laptop.
I managed to go four days without my computer, just by working from my iPad. It works great for generic things like email, web browsing and five-minute-time-killer game. But if you do any sort of heavy work, the iPad is no replacement.
A wireless keyboard a good case with stand can get you through most writing/coding assignments. If you get pages on OS X and on iOS, you can finish any essay or document anywhere with iCloud syncing/saving.
A wireless keyboard a good case with stand can get you through most writing/coding assignments. If you get pages on OS X and on iOS, you can finish any essay or document anywhere with iCloud syncing/saving.
I use my computer considerably less -- I can go for several days without using my computer. But there are a few odd tasks here and there that the iPad doesn't handle, like properly formatting Word documents, backing up my media files to external hard drives, converting video and ebook formats, etc.
Very very no.
It's awesome, but it's not a laptop/desktop replacement of any kind. I mean, unless you don't do much on the computer...
It's awesome, but it's not a laptop/desktop replacement of any kind. I mean, unless you don't do much on the computer...
Nope! I love the iPad for browsing and movies while on the couch or in bed. Then the morning comes I open my laptop and get to writing and doing all sorts of things for hours. I'd prefer it over my iPad.
The iPad is great and my daughter uses it for the most part but my Retina MBP is my baby.
The iPad is great and my daughter uses it for the most part but my Retina MBP is my baby.
Oh god no!
The iPad is great for consuming media and wasting some time with apps/games. However it cannot and will not ever replace the laptop or desktop. I even prefer using a laptop for even web browsing while watching TV. I could never type a long paper on it.
However, I am quite interested in some of the Windows 8 laptop/tablet hybrids that were demoed at Computex. I think that may be my next PC purchase if they pan out.
The iPad is great for consuming media and wasting some time with apps/games. However it cannot and will not ever replace the laptop or desktop. I even prefer using a laptop for even web browsing while watching TV. I could never type a long paper on it.
However, I am quite interested in some of the Windows 8 laptop/tablet hybrids that were demoed at Computex. I think that may be my next PC purchase if they pan out.
my computer can have up to 1TB internal HDD, adn a bunch of external HDDs. My iPad has 32GB... 32GB vs a whole bunch of TB.
But size aside, i often think about replacing my laptop with my iPad (still need desktop for business). I mean I have a case, I have a keyboard, and i have the apps. I could make it work, but it really isn't worth the hassle. They each have their own uses for me- and i would hate to eat near my iPad
But size aside, i often think about replacing my laptop with my iPad (still need desktop for business). I mean I have a case, I have a keyboard, and i have the apps. I could make it work, but it really isn't worth the hassle. They each have their own uses for me- and i would hate to eat near my iPad
Well, if you are talking about home use and not work, then I sometimes go months without using the family laptop. When I do, it is usually to do a software upgrade or some type of maintenance. I am starting to use cloud storage for photos and it works just fine. I rarely need to write long documents, so Pages for ios is just fine. While we were on vacation last month, my daughter easily wrote a 500 word college admission essay on the iPad. iMovie for iOS is more than sufficient for my needs, and it works great.
Like most people, my work computer is provided by my employer. There just isn't much reason for me to buy a laptop or desktop for my personal use.
If I were a student, it would be a different story, since some type of laptop or desktop would be essential for completing assignments.
Like most people, my work computer is provided by my employer. There just isn't much reason for me to buy a laptop or desktop for my personal use.
If I were a student, it would be a different story, since some type of laptop or desktop would be essential for completing assignments.
I think it's not correct to talk about replacing a laptop with an iPad. The iPad is a strong adjunct to your laptop or your desktop computer. For most people, it is unlikely to replace that computer entirely.
Love how the tablet is advertised as a post PC device, this poll proves otherwise. Of course someone is going to come in here a post PC sales vs tablet sales which is comparing a device that has been around for dozens of years to the point almost everyone has one against a device that has just taken off two years ago.
Specifically for the ipad the lack of a file system cuts it short from doing a lot of things a regular computer could do. Yes you can use online storage solutions but it is a extra unnecessary step.
I dont see tablets ever replacing PCs (at least not for a very long time) unless they get some serious usability upgrades, even then I cant see Apple putting in a file system because of the potential to hurt mac sales.
Right now they are neat toys that can make a great companion to the PC, they aren't replacements.
If you have mastered the keyboard, mouse shortcuts and are a fast typist the PC is still the superior device in speed and ease.
Specifically for the ipad the lack of a file system cuts it short from doing a lot of things a regular computer could do. Yes you can use online storage solutions but it is a extra unnecessary step.
I dont see tablets ever replacing PCs (at least not for a very long time) unless they get some serious usability upgrades, even then I cant see Apple putting in a file system because of the potential to hurt mac sales.
Right now they are neat toys that can make a great companion to the PC, they aren't replacements.
If you have mastered the keyboard, mouse shortcuts and are a fast typist the PC is still the superior device in speed and ease.
IMO, the people here are missing the point.
The tablet was never meant to succeed the laptop, I feel it was intended to serve as an alternative for people wanting the traditional processing power of a computer, but hating the bulky and unwieldy nature of a laptop.
I will give an example. I am a teacher in an elementary school using interactive whiteboards (IWB). Prior to the ipad, we had to plug our tablet laptops to the board using a myriad of cables. This meant I was tethered to my desk, and often found myself stepping or tripping over some wire or another.
I am currently trying out the apple tv + ipad combo in my class, and although it is just the 1st day, I am genuinely impressed (previously, I used my ipad + vga adapter). I can circulate freely around my class while still updating the board from anywhere. The keyboardless form factor of the ipad lets me hold in one hand while annotating with the other. The camera lets it function as a makeshift visualiser. The long battery life means I can last a full day without worrying about running out of juice. Writing on goodreader or educreations app feels more fluid than activestudio, while the iworks suite runs way more smoothly than office.
In the same vein, while each classroom in my school is equipped with laptops for every pupil, I sometimes wish they were ipads instead. The biggest flaw posters are bemoaning here - the lack of a proper file system, would actually be a boon! 7-9 year olds no longer have to fiddle with confusing directories to locate the files they want. Instead, all the documents they have ever created are sorted by app (and folder if they want) and laid out in a clear graphical arrangement. If I want to continue working on a ppt presentation from last time, I don't need to first open PPT, then click on open and hunt for the save-file in question. I just fire up keynote and tap on the file in question. Less time is spent troubleshooting and this means more time on the task at hand.
Likewise, the ipad offers instant-on, cheap learning apps (better than the school having to spend money on custom software that is often obsolete by the time it is released), takes up much less space, and kids seem more adept manipulating a touchscreen over a trackpad and its interface is easier to navigate.
The point here is that not everyone needs to use their laptop in the "poweruser" manner in which the people here are claiming. You have to realise that this forum tends to attract people who I find tend to be much more tech-savvy than the typical PC user.
I think I can confidently say that the ipad will well replace my laptop entirely for my classroom teaching. Just about everything (except accessing the school network drive) I was using my school-issued laptop for, the ipad is doing just as well, if not better. I think this is what Steve meant - tablets replacing computers in tasks that laptops were just ill-suited for in the first place, for which there are many, because not everyone is a web-designer, app-creator, photographer or needs to run 3 virtualisations on their desktop.
The tablet was never meant to succeed the laptop, I feel it was intended to serve as an alternative for people wanting the traditional processing power of a computer, but hating the bulky and unwieldy nature of a laptop.
I will give an example. I am a teacher in an elementary school using interactive whiteboards (IWB). Prior to the ipad, we had to plug our tablet laptops to the board using a myriad of cables. This meant I was tethered to my desk, and often found myself stepping or tripping over some wire or another.
I am currently trying out the apple tv + ipad combo in my class, and although it is just the 1st day, I am genuinely impressed (previously, I used my ipad + vga adapter). I can circulate freely around my class while still updating the board from anywhere. The keyboardless form factor of the ipad lets me hold in one hand while annotating with the other. The camera lets it function as a makeshift visualiser. The long battery life means I can last a full day without worrying about running out of juice. Writing on goodreader or educreations app feels more fluid than activestudio, while the iworks suite runs way more smoothly than office.
In the same vein, while each classroom in my school is equipped with laptops for every pupil, I sometimes wish they were ipads instead. The biggest flaw posters are bemoaning here - the lack of a proper file system, would actually be a boon! 7-9 year olds no longer have to fiddle with confusing directories to locate the files they want. Instead, all the documents they have ever created are sorted by app (and folder if they want) and laid out in a clear graphical arrangement. If I want to continue working on a ppt presentation from last time, I don't need to first open PPT, then click on open and hunt for the save-file in question. I just fire up keynote and tap on the file in question. Less time is spent troubleshooting and this means more time on the task at hand.
Likewise, the ipad offers instant-on, cheap learning apps (better than the school having to spend money on custom software that is often obsolete by the time it is released), takes up much less space, and kids seem more adept manipulating a touchscreen over a trackpad and its interface is easier to navigate.
The point here is that not everyone needs to use their laptop in the "poweruser" manner in which the people here are claiming. You have to realise that this forum tends to attract people who I find tend to be much more tech-savvy than the typical PC user.
I think I can confidently say that the ipad will well replace my laptop entirely for my classroom teaching. Just about everything (except accessing the school network drive) I was using my school-issued laptop for, the ipad is doing just as well, if not better. I think this is what Steve meant - tablets replacing computers in tasks that laptops were just ill-suited for in the first place, for which there are many, because not everyone is a web-designer, app-creator, photographer or needs to run 3 virtualisations on their desktop.
Since I got my iPad I barely touch my PC - and a couple of weeks ago my PC died. It's actually gone better than I expected, but I still need a computer.
'Post PC' is a bit of an exaggeration. But the role of a PC could change. For me I see it much more as a mas storage media streaming device going forward.
'Post PC' is a bit of an exaggeration. But the role of a PC could change. For me I see it much more as a mas storage media streaming device going forward.
I enjoy my iPad and use it daily, but it's certainly not a replacement for either my iMac or MBP.
Not in any way at all.
The iPad cannot run any of the software I use ever single day on my PC.
To be correct, the only things it can actually do that I also do on my PC is get emails and browse the web on it's tiny screen, and have slow editing/typing if I wish to post to a forum or answer emails.
Apart from that it's got no REAL use that my proper computer offers me ever day.
The iPad cannot run any of the software I use ever single day on my PC.
To be correct, the only things it can actually do that I also do on my PC is get emails and browse the web on it's tiny screen, and have slow editing/typing if I wish to post to a forum or answer emails.
Apart from that it's got no REAL use that my proper computer offers me ever day.
iOS is no way comparable to Mac OS/Windows, neither was it designed to be. I don't see them replacing PC anytime soon.
Nope. Can't run heavy duty applications or games on it. Why does it matter? If it suits your needs then go with it.
The iPads I own are quite nice.
Yet they are no substitute for a true computer.
Between the lack of a high quality Mac keyboard, the small display, the lack of a file system, not to mention a plethora of other reasons... the bottom line is no.
They cannot possible replace my computers today, tomorrow, or anytime soon.
Yet they are no substitute for a true computer.
Between the lack of a high quality Mac keyboard, the small display, the lack of a file system, not to mention a plethora of other reasons... the bottom line is no.
They cannot possible replace my computers today, tomorrow, or anytime soon.