Okay, I’ll admit, this mostly applies to the iPad Pro. The cheaper iPads offer options to people who don’t need more than just the iPad, and if it works for them, that’s great!
And I’m sure there are people that get by just fine with just the iPad Pro and a phone, too. But, for the majority of people that consider getting it, it is ONLY needed because Apple is too stubborn to incorporate elements of the iPad into MacBooks (or even vice versa!)
As a student that needs access to running some computer programs, if I wanted an iPad for notetaking, barring accessories like AirPods, I would have to take:
My phone
My MacBook
AND My iPad
This is just clunky. Keeping track of 3 batteries every day is annoying, and having to take out the MacBook and the iPad on a desk to do computer work and Pencil notetaking is just clunky.
The iPad doesn’t need to exist. If the MacBook had a touch screen (or even just Apple Pencil support) I wouldn’t have to worry about taking the clunky iPad with me for notetaking. But they won’t because they’re stubborn. Hell, if the iPad supported third party apps or MacOS apps, this could even go the other way around and I could ditch the laptop!
Neither of those will likely happen, though.
I’d pay more for a MacBook that can fold 180 and turn into an Apple Pencil supporting iPad, but they likely won’t offer it anytime soon and I’ll be stuck with an additional device that doesn’t need to exist.
Just like how the iPhone took the role of the iPod, I hope that the MacBook takes the place of the iPad soon.
Can anyone else think of a better reason for the iPad to exist other than Apple’s stubbornness? Only one I can think of is mobile gaming, and honestly, I still prefer the convenience of my phone.
The iPad is a great ultra-light and portable device for drawing, document annotation, and reading/media consumption. Overall it excels at viewing tasks that require little-to-no text input.
I know that some people swear by yoga-style laptops, but I just see that as a novel liability by subjecting your device to extra external stresses. At the end of the day it’s just a tool, and if it doesn’t fit your workflow don’t use it.
I wouldn’t feel like this if they give us the OPTION for the MacBook to replace the iPad by giving it a 180° touchscreen with Pencil support, or for the iPad to replace the MacBook by allowing us to run external apps or MacOS.
On second thought, this is not about at home. Actually, an iPad synergies pretty amazingly with the other devices when being over-encumbered or away from an outlet isn’t an issue!
It’s just that on the go, ANOTHER device to deal with is annoying. It’s like bringing an external keyboard to use with your laptop because the keyboard is broken. You wouldn’t have to if it worked fine in the first place.
That’s why it doesn’t fit my workflow and I wish they gave us other options.
I bring an external keyboard with me because I can only tolerate typing on a mechanical keyboard now. I spoiled myself lol.
Well there’s no denying that’s inconvenient even if it’s what you prefer.
But why? I use a Leobog Hi75 on my PC which is a very thocky mech board, but I still appreciate the MacBook keyboard for being a decently satisfying keyboard especially considering how thin it is.