It is a well kept secret that you can (1) skip all those pricey specialist keyboards for iPad and have your choice of any bluetooth keyboard for up to 90% less than what he uses and (2) get some cheap bluetooth mouse that will “just work” with the iPad.
I used an older iPad Pro 11 as my primary computer for a while, using Moonlight [0] to get my workstation onto the screen locally. Gaming even worked fine, with the caveat that there is no mic support via Moonlight so I had to use an alternate solution.
I found it perfectly workable, but a MacBook ended up just being better. If you only have/want one device (perfectly reasonable) then yes, an iPad can be amazing, either via apps or via RDP solutions. My primary issue was screen real estate, and the fact that a 12.9" iPad Pro was almost the same cost as the MBP I ended up buying (special case, evaluate your prices and values).
I still like the idea, and the newest M1 iPad seem more suited, but the cost is an issue when compared to a MBP or MBA, unless you have a specific use case for the iPad (art, etc.).
I'm a hobbyist developer too, and have noticed that it's the lack of programming-friendly environment that's kept me from switching to a tablet as well.
As it stands, I can do 95% of what I need to on a tablet, but that last 5% is where I need the capabilities of a real computer, and the mobile workarounds are enough of a hassle to not be worthwhile.
A few years ago, I wanted to switch my leisure time computing to a device that would basically keep me from being able to work when I'm not actually working. I'll often sit in front of a screen from the couch or whatever and I wanted to make it impossible for me to keep working.
I ended up buying an ipad for this and have been using it ever since. I will say that while the iPad has achieved the goal I set out, I do find it pretty frustrating to use at times.
- You are basically stuck with Safari in some form. You can install an alternative browser, but the "engine" behind rendering is basically Safari.
- The limited amount of system ram can become an issue while browsing. Now granted, I have the last iPad model before the M1 came out and it has a little less ram than these do. But, things can get really weird when you have multiple tabs. Some pages will even stop functioning until you reload them. Occasionally you have to restart Safari (though rare)
- Many native apps have an iPad version, but they are just a stretched out version of the iOS app and look terrible. You can mitigate this by using the "slide over" feature to dock the app to the side of the screen.
- I have the 12.9" iPad and it ends up being a weird middle ground. In landscape, especially when docked to the magic keyboard, it works pretty well. But it feels awkward and heavy (especially one handed) in portrait. When docked to the magic keyboard though, it's very back heavy and will often tip over if not supported.
I'm at a point where I am wanting to do a hardware upgrade, but having a really hard time deciding on "what". The 12.9" iPad I currently have is such a weird middle ground. A smaller device would be nice for reading technical books (or D&D stuff) in portrait. A model with more memory might sort out some of my browsing issues. A ultralight laptop would solve many issues and fit many of my use cases but not all of them. I'd love to just have one device, but I kinda feel like I'd be better off with two.
This is so funny to me and will never understand the logic in buying a more expensive stripped down laptop, then spending MORE money to upgrade it back into a laptop? Take away all the ports, then just buy a dock to add the ports back. Take away the keyboad and mouse, no problem, just buy a wireless trackpad and keyboard! Oh, speakers suck cause they are too small, just get out bluetooth speakers! They are made by Dr. Dre!!!
Are we just showing off how much money we can waste at this point?
I have the magic keyboard, which doubles as a case. It's actually a pretty decent keyboard, though it certainly adds to the weight of the device. Pretty easy to recommend though.
I have the apple pencil and it works pretty well for drawing, but I don't otherwise use it for anything else.
I don't really have anything else accessory wise :).
Your issues are valid and as a never-mac user for 10 years Ive been baffled watching tech friends buy and use Apple products.
Google says your ipad is 1.5 lbs, my thinkpad X1 nano 13" is exactly 2 lbs and does everything iPad does, WITH A KEYBOARD! 1 tb, 16 gb ram, even a sim card slot. Oh, and actual PORTS, for a COMPUTER, imagine?
It honestly looks like brainwashing, I've interrogated smart friends about why they use apple and I can NEVER get a straight answer. I think it is because they don't want to say the truth, they use Apple so other people know they can afford Apple. Thats it. The products such, the marketing is hype and they have no direction as a company.
Also, the Apple VR headset is idiotic and sure to be a flop.
I appreciate your stance, though it's dripping with the zealotry you are complaining about. Just in the other direction. :)
I like the nano, but it suffers from the "I may find myself doing work on it when I'm trying to not be working" problem. The X1 series are great though, I've been a big fan and user of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon for several years.
I will say, my iPad had nothing to do with any kind of love for Apple. Buying the iPad was to prevent myself from being able to use it for work, and I do think it's served that purpose pretty well. It also beats the hell out of my X1 Carbon for watching movies.
But I don't really understand how people can seriously claim they use it to entirely replace a laptop. It's just too awkward of a device for that use case.
> Also, the Apple VR headset is idiotic and sure to be a flop.
As someone who spent a lot of time looking into it, as well as talking to a couple friends working at Apple who use it near daily, I have a feeling that this comment is gonna age about as well as the infamous “why cloud storage, just use rsync, it is that simple” comment.
> did something once unthinkable: I left the laptop at home and took my iPad.
Leave them both at home. You’ll be surprised how freeing it is.
I like to think of it as privilege. At one point it was privilege and cool to have a portable computer at all, now (and for a long time) it’s privilege to travel without any.
The big iPad Pro with keyboard case is very nice. My primary usage, since the iPad 1, which I still have, is to display music scores at the piano. Since I got it, I realized that just dropping the music stand lets me use a laptop, though having both the iPad and new laptop is not just expensive, but confusing. Further, ForScore runs on the new mini with very large display, which is just behind the Roland keyboard, which is down for the regular swapping of key levers (what a horrible design. They break so easily and repair parts are hell to find) Dead keys are at the top and bottom now.
All that said, no regrets, and the iPad pro has the distinct advantage of also being able to show off my best photos to friends, and not being instantly stolen, as sharing on the internet implies.
My word of warning: I got really tired (OK angry) with ios losing HTML textareas for any reason, because it's too easy to poke the wrong button with fat fingers and go to another page and sometimes lose all the text, or when the server balks and asks me to go back and "repost the form". Well, that doesn't work all the time. I resolved to make my mobile forum use (including this one) read-only and send URLs to the desktop, which is more stable and has no touchscreen (not even a trackpad at this time) AND I looked for external text editors for browsers and found one that works ... GhostText, and (clicking it now) opens Sublime Text with a live mirror of my type. Should even survive a power outage. Most textareas I have seen are not expandable, as well.
Next best thing would seem to be a tablet with keyboard (and trackpad) like Apple's but with antistatic wrist straps on both hands to keep fingers off the screen. I hate poking the wrong button, accidental clicks while scrolling, and selecting text with a finger, --- across several screens.
20 comments
[ 4.8 ms ] story [ 48.6 ms ] threadIt is a well kept secret that you can (1) skip all those pricey specialist keyboards for iPad and have your choice of any bluetooth keyboard for up to 90% less than what he uses and (2) get some cheap bluetooth mouse that will “just work” with the iPad.
I found it perfectly workable, but a MacBook ended up just being better. If you only have/want one device (perfectly reasonable) then yes, an iPad can be amazing, either via apps or via RDP solutions. My primary issue was screen real estate, and the fact that a 12.9" iPad Pro was almost the same cost as the MBP I ended up buying (special case, evaluate your prices and values).
I still like the idea, and the newest M1 iPad seem more suited, but the cost is an issue when compared to a MBP or MBA, unless you have a specific use case for the iPad (art, etc.).
0: https://moonlight-stream.org
So for, I see in general tablet are mostly used for:
- content consumption (Youtube, Netflix, etc)
- email and MS office documents
- graphic design/image editing
Well, don't see myself quickly ditching laptops.
As it stands, I can do 95% of what I need to on a tablet, but that last 5% is where I need the capabilities of a real computer, and the mobile workarounds are enough of a hassle to not be worthwhile.
I ended up buying an ipad for this and have been using it ever since. I will say that while the iPad has achieved the goal I set out, I do find it pretty frustrating to use at times.
- You are basically stuck with Safari in some form. You can install an alternative browser, but the "engine" behind rendering is basically Safari.
- The limited amount of system ram can become an issue while browsing. Now granted, I have the last iPad model before the M1 came out and it has a little less ram than these do. But, things can get really weird when you have multiple tabs. Some pages will even stop functioning until you reload them. Occasionally you have to restart Safari (though rare)
- Many native apps have an iPad version, but they are just a stretched out version of the iOS app and look terrible. You can mitigate this by using the "slide over" feature to dock the app to the side of the screen.
- I have the 12.9" iPad and it ends up being a weird middle ground. In landscape, especially when docked to the magic keyboard, it works pretty well. But it feels awkward and heavy (especially one handed) in portrait. When docked to the magic keyboard though, it's very back heavy and will often tip over if not supported.
I'm at a point where I am wanting to do a hardware upgrade, but having a really hard time deciding on "what". The 12.9" iPad I currently have is such a weird middle ground. A smaller device would be nice for reading technical books (or D&D stuff) in portrait. A model with more memory might sort out some of my browsing issues. A ultralight laptop would solve many issues and fit many of my use cases but not all of them. I'd love to just have one device, but I kinda feel like I'd be better off with two.
Are we just showing off how much money we can waste at this point?
I have the apple pencil and it works pretty well for drawing, but I don't otherwise use it for anything else.
I don't really have anything else accessory wise :).
Google says your ipad is 1.5 lbs, my thinkpad X1 nano 13" is exactly 2 lbs and does everything iPad does, WITH A KEYBOARD! 1 tb, 16 gb ram, even a sim card slot. Oh, and actual PORTS, for a COMPUTER, imagine?
It honestly looks like brainwashing, I've interrogated smart friends about why they use apple and I can NEVER get a straight answer. I think it is because they don't want to say the truth, they use Apple so other people know they can afford Apple. Thats it. The products such, the marketing is hype and they have no direction as a company.
Also, the Apple VR headset is idiotic and sure to be a flop.
I like the nano, but it suffers from the "I may find myself doing work on it when I'm trying to not be working" problem. The X1 series are great though, I've been a big fan and user of the ThinkPad X1 Carbon for several years.
I will say, my iPad had nothing to do with any kind of love for Apple. Buying the iPad was to prevent myself from being able to use it for work, and I do think it's served that purpose pretty well. It also beats the hell out of my X1 Carbon for watching movies.
But I don't really understand how people can seriously claim they use it to entirely replace a laptop. It's just too awkward of a device for that use case.
As someone who spent a lot of time looking into it, as well as talking to a couple friends working at Apple who use it near daily, I have a feeling that this comment is gonna age about as well as the infamous “why cloud storage, just use rsync, it is that simple” comment.
To actually use anything digital for leisure, I use a TV or an e-reader to avoid going in the scroll hole, which is like counterfeit leisure.
Leave them both at home. You’ll be surprised how freeing it is.
I like to think of it as privilege. At one point it was privilege and cool to have a portable computer at all, now (and for a long time) it’s privilege to travel without any.
All that said, no regrets, and the iPad pro has the distinct advantage of also being able to show off my best photos to friends, and not being instantly stolen, as sharing on the internet implies.
Someone agrees with this:
https://photographylife.com/enjoying-photography-in-a-high-t...
My word of warning: I got really tired (OK angry) with ios losing HTML textareas for any reason, because it's too easy to poke the wrong button with fat fingers and go to another page and sometimes lose all the text, or when the server balks and asks me to go back and "repost the form". Well, that doesn't work all the time. I resolved to make my mobile forum use (including this one) read-only and send URLs to the desktop, which is more stable and has no touchscreen (not even a trackpad at this time) AND I looked for external text editors for browsers and found one that works ... GhostText, and (clicking it now) opens Sublime Text with a live mirror of my type. Should even survive a power outage. Most textareas I have seen are not expandable, as well.
Next best thing would seem to be a tablet with keyboard (and trackpad) like Apple's but with antistatic wrist straps on both hands to keep fingers off the screen. I hate poking the wrong button, accidental clicks while scrolling, and selecting text with a finger, --- across several screens.
I am jealous of the 1,000 nit display though, if only i could get a mouse cursor instead of a "moving touch bubble" for RDP sessions over iOS...