quote:

Originally posted by Kevbo:
If you don't need things like office, etc, then absolutely

I haven't had a dedicated laptop for just me for the better part of a decade

Don’t they make Office for iOS now?

I have a desktop computer, I rarely turn it on. I use my iPad for most everything that I need a computer for.

If you're thinking about an iPad Pro, take a look at the Surface pro. It is a really good cross between a desktop (requires a dock station), a tablet, and a laptop. I haven't turned on a desktop or laptop in months. I do a lot of coding, document editing, and spreadsheets. A real keyboard and multiple monitors are a must have for what I mainly use a computer for. It also lets you use an external (USB) hard drive for disk storage. Neither are as cheap as a typical tablet.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:

quote:

Originally posted by Kevbo:
If you don't need things like office, etc, then absolutely

I haven't had a dedicated laptop for just me for the better part of a decade

Don’t they make Office for iOS now?

Yes and No.

MS really only offers the full featured version of their Office suite for PCs running Windows. Yes, they make a Mac version but it's severely compromised and lacks a lot of advanced features you'll only get with Windows. Fortunately for those who have a need to run Windows based software, Macs can be dual booted to run Windows side by side or in VM.

I wrote a good bit of VBA Macros for a work project at work. It was an absolute train wreck on the latest version of Office for Mac. I had to reinstall the 2011 version of Office for Mac and it still required a LOT of adjustments to run.

Based on my experience I wouldn't expect much from an iOS version of Office. I suppose it would be fine for building a checkbook ledger and checking email in Outlook on an iPad, but I sure wouldn't want to depend on it.

dj hit the nail on the head. It really depends on your intended usage. My mom does everything she wants on her iPad. If I had to rely on an iPad for work, I'd probably end up using a graphics app to make a bulls eye and I'd use it for a target at the shooting range.

Everything that I take for granted on a Mac or PC feels like simultaneously rubbing my belly and patting my head on an iPad.

They have made improvements, but the latest iOS file system is rudimentary at best. Don't have independent user accounts. Have to jump through hoops to store data externally, etc. Basically Microsoft kept beating their heads on their tablets until they got their Surface Pros to a point to where the iPad should have been from inception.

It's a different mindset. Microsoft products are of, by and for computer geeks.

Apple products are here, their queer, and their in your face... Pretty much a hipster/hippie's wet dream.

I'm pretty much all Apple at home and PC at work. They both have strengths and shortcomings. For me, an iPad is a luxury item not a real tool. I can see the newer Surface Pros raising the bar, but then again they're probably plagued by all the same stuff Windows products are famous for.

As far as I know the iPad does not support a mouse.

For me to be productive I would need a mouse and a keyboard

I'm so TOTALLY done with the iPad. Fooled once again, I bought the iPad Pro thinking the windowing and support of MS Office products would finally do it for me. The windowing is pretty much so rigid that it's fake. The support of Office is only if you have an Office 365 account and store in the cloud. And I'm sure as others have said it will be severely neutered.

I am (or was) an Apple Fanboy. I just got a MS Surface a few weeks back and using One Note, (for the first time in tablet mode) I'm a changed man. I'll never again buy an iPad. I do still like my Macbook Pro and the "Messages" app duality on the iPhone to Mac. But I'm starting to consider new options. Going "all in" on Google is a possibility for me someday.

Back to the iPad. It is (IMO) a telephone for computing power and resources. Employ those services from the cloud (and live with the limitations of windowing, screen size, and peripheral support) and it could work for you.

No, but a Microsoft Surface can. We have the Director of IT using it exclusively for all his needs. I am saving up for one.

You can make an iPad work. My wife uses her's exclusively. Me, I have one but only use it to read the morning paper (digital delivery) and occasionally to do web stuff. For me, a nice fast desktop with a large, bright monitor is much more comfortable to use and does more with a simpler interface.

I'd say no - when you need an actual PC (laptop/desktop) nothing will replace it. I'd say that a Surface would come much closer to bridging that gap since you can plug in USB devices (such as backing up your phone etc) - managing your wifi router/access point etc.

Phones/tablets are fine for browsing, but anything a little more serious and they are significantly lacking.

NO.... Not until Apple builds a decent file management system in the iPad. The file management in IOS11 is not the answer.

quote:

Originally posted by sreding:
I'd say no - when you need an actual PC (laptop/desktop) nothing will replace it. I'd say that a Surface would come much closer to bridging that gap since you can plug in USB devices (such as backing up your phone etc) - managing your wifi router/access point etc.

Phones/tablets are fine for browsing, but anything a little more serious and they are significantly lacking.

The Surface Pro is a full fledged laptop. There shouldn't be any gaps at all, other than requiring a flat surface to use the thin keyboard (the kickstand on the surface is hard to use on your lap). I went from a Surface back to a laptop because I wanted a dedicated video card, but otherwise, it was literally laptop hardware in a tablet form factor.

No.

Another MSFT Surface Pro user here.

Worked for me for many years. I still have a desktop (Mac Mini quad core with 16gb memory expansion, and 2 Hd slots and both will take SSD’s) that I boot up twice a month to pay bills and use for storage. So 99% is iPaD. I migrated to the large pad pro when they came out so the larger screen will be extremely beneficial if converting. Get the pro. Together with APPLE TV boxes, well the iPad serves as the controller and the remote. You can mirror the iPad on a flatscreen/tv, or use it to control the $79 Apple TV box. I’d do it tomorrow. Since leaving Microsoft I’ve spent zero time troubleshooting a g damn thing. My iPhone and iPad get backed up regularly to iTunes on my Mac mini. So if the phone or iPad ever takes a dump, I can wipe it and restore in minutes. Also helps as iOS isn’t targeted like MS Os is (virus, etc) so if it does catch a cold I can simply restore it. I very much like the simple iOS interface and light weightness of it compared to full blown OS for general surfing, buy/click stuff, and especially for Sig Forum use. I do not own a laptop and don’t need one. You can buy the wireless keyboard for the iPad and get the pen. I have a keyboard for mine but never use it. Apple stuff retains solid value as well so if you go iPad, get a hoss case that protects both sides when not in use, maintain it well, and you’ll get solid value for it when you choose to upgrade. If we looked at residual or resale value with puters then Apple kicks everyone’ ass Mike Tyson in his prime style.

I have a Mac upstairs in my office, but use my iPad and phone for 90% of anything I personally need.

My wife, on the other hand uses her iPad and phone almost exclusively. I think she's been up and used the computer 2-3 times over the past year. She, for one, can almost definitely go without an actual computer.


It's all about your usage and needs.

I have no experience with iPads, but I have trouble using anything with a display less than 17" diagonal (my laptop has one), and my desktop PC has a 27" wide monitor. (I LOVE it!) A full-sized tactile keyboard (the keys move and make noise) is also a requirement, as I'm a touch typist.

Ergo, for me an iPad would not work.

flashguy

I decided to forget the iPad idea and ordered a Samsung Chromebook instead.

I have an iPad Pro and a self built home computer. The iPad is great for email, games, and surfing the web but in no way could it replace my computer. I do all of my photo and video editing on my computer plus burning things to a cd, dvd, or blue-ray. Yes I can use a Photoshop or Lightroom on my iPad, but it is so much easier and better on my computer.

It is great to have both, but I don’t see the iPad replacing the computer.