Do you use the iPad as your primary computer?

[mikedoyleblogger]

I've used my 12.9" iPad Pro as my *only* computer (save for my iPhone 7 Plus) for more than a year, with no problems doing so whatsoever. Within a month after purchasing it, I realized I was never--not rarely, but never--using my 12" Retina MacBook. So I sold the MacBook last spring and have lived exclusively in iOS ever since. If the Smart Keyboard had a trackpad, it would be perfect. I think when iOS 11 comes out with its very desktop Mac-like features, more people will "get" what folks like me already do about the iPad Pros. Playing with Mac laptops in an Apple Store now feels so retro to me now, and not in a good way either.

 

[sjohnvivian]

I am always debating whether I can move exclusively to my iPad Pro. I think for 95% of what I do it would be an excellent solution. But it's just the 5% is an important 5%. For instance, access to a traditional file system is something that's hard to get used to not having, despite most of my stuff being in the cloud. I have a large library of movies, photos and music that live on a personal cloud server that, for some reason, can't be accessed from or by my iPad. But I think with iOS beginning to evolve more towards some of the traditional Mac features it won't be long before the iPad Pro becomes my sole device.

 

[chrisreed]

What computer?

What computer? I have exclusively used my 12.9” iPad Pro since purchasing it over a year ago at home. With resent upgrades at work I use it more and more at work as well. The only thing keeping the iPad Pro from being my primary device at work is archaic software that we are currently required to use. Within a year it will become my primary device at work also. I edit photos and video with ease. Use it for social media, YouTube, web browsing, Netflix, movies, reviewing and editing Microsoft office docs and spreadsheets. The list goes on and on. I have found that most friends, family and coworkers that cling to a pc or Mac is primarily because they are resisting the change. They are accustomed to using software on the Mac or pc that is familiar to them. With a litttle research and an open mind you will find that there is truely an app for that. The combination of the touch interface, Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil makes it a much more immersive experience.

 

[big45-70]

Since I've picked up my 10.5 about a month or so ago its been my main device. Now with full disclosure the only real work I use a computer for at all is the occasion word document so my requirements are fairly simple. Most of my other uses include media or web surfing so all in all my ipad satisfies these almost better then my PC did. The only thing I have fired up my PC for is to download a few things. If I was able to do this with an ipad my PC use would be done actually.

For me any maybe most general PC users I think the only thing I would miss about a PC and the reason while I will continue to own one is gaming. I know this thread is suppose to be about the MacBook Pro but I feel a PC user on an ipad is also relevant to the convo.

 

[munichblue]

For some months the iPad 10.5 with a Smart Keyboard is my primary device not only because it is capable to be but because I just wanted to make it happen. But it means you have to be flexible enough to think different and try new workflows and solutions.

It has paid out and I got the best mobile device experience: very lightweight (which is a relief), always on, easy to use and full of fun. Cheers Apple! Can't wait for iOS 11 ...

 

[TripleOne]

I can see why having the iPad as a primary device can make life a lot easier and simpler.. I just can't let go of my rMBP just yet.

iOS 11 will convert more consumers gearing towards the iPad as their primary computer. It's that good and it's becoming more powerful year after year.

 

[smart_burro]

Currently I have a 12.9” iPad Pro, a 2013 15” MBP and a Mac Mini. I use my Mac Mini exclusively as a Plex and macOS server. My MBP is primary work device when I am at my office. I work in finance and typically have multiple excel models, word documents, and PDF’s open a the same time along with too many safari tabs. For this I need lots of screen real estate which currently only my MBP and dual 34” monitors allows.

When I’m on the go, I find that I am starting to use my iPad Pro instead of my MBP more and more. For writing, I am more productive on my iPad than my MBP because it makes me focus on only what I am writing. I will eventually buy a 5k iMac and use it as my primary device when I am at the office. When I’m on the go I will use my iPad Pro. If I need to access macOS on the go, or want to use a mouse, I will use Jump Desktop to access my iMac and my Citrix mouse (adds mouse functionality when remotely using macOS on an iPad).

iOS 11 has made my iPad a much better MBP supplement, but it’s still not a full Mac replacement for me. If Apple added external monitor and mouse/trackpad support and allowed multiple instances of the same app (other than safari, need multiple MS office windows) I could definetly use my iPad Pro as a full Mac replacement.

It still baffles me that Apple calls the iPad Pro a laptop replacement and then says touchscreen on a laptop is a terrible UI because you can take your hands off the keyboard to touch the screen. A touchscreen laptop would allow users to use trackpad/mouse or touch whereas with the iPad Pro if you are using it with a keyboard your only choice when navigating is touch. If Windows 10 wasn’t as terrible as it is there’s a good chance I would have switched to the Surface Book already.