When Apple released the iPad in 2010, Steve Jobs touted it as magical. It has been that because it changed what we expect from our devices. I have been using it for over ten years employing the original iPad, the iPad 2, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Pro 9.7, iPad Pro 10.5, and iPad Pro 11. Each has been reliable, useful, and, yes, magical. I used Windows tablet PCs starting around 2004, and the iPad has always been a MUCH better device for so many reasons.
I have been using an iPad as my main computer for some time. I have had numerous Windows and Apple laptops over the years and have been frustrated by reliability issues. I push my technology and expect it to work flawlessly, and I have not had that with notebook PCs, especially Windows devices. The main problems are driver issues with docking stations, but it always seems to be something. In the fall of 2019, I decided to ditch the Windows laptops and use the iPad exclusively, along with desktops that include an Apple Mac Pro and an Intel NUC desktop.
It has worked very well for me!
I previously wrote about the software apps that can help you make your iPad into a computer you can use all the time. I expand here and add additional insight and some equipment that supports our objctive. This article will be more about the hands-on use of an iPad and some surprising improvements. Don’t worry; you will be in good company, the leader of the team that developed Windows 8 into a touch-first operating system now uses an iPad exclusively.
But first – a quick plug for the Erie Island Coffee Company – where I have found a Covid-19 home to work that is fun and productive, and where this picture was taken.
When will you be limited in using an iPad as a Main computer?
It may not be possible to go exclusively to an iPad, so I want first to state some use cases where you will fire up the PC. The prominent issues are when you need to access a specific application that requires Windows, like an ERP client or Microsoft Project or Visio. There may not be an option for use on an iPad. Generally, if there is a Windows or MacOS application required, the iPad will not work. You could still use the Jump Desktop app and connect to a dedicated Windows machine to run these apps occasionally, and that can work well.
Other situations where an iPad is not optimal include:
- High-end gaming – but games on the iPad have gotten quite good!
- When you need many ports and work with special USB devices like high-end cameras or sound equipment.
- Zoom meetings – in 2020, it is essential to participate in Zoom meetings fully. For a while, the iPad did not do this well, mainly if you wanted to do Zoom and another app side by side in split-view (for taking notes, etc.), but Zoom has fixed that for the most part (kb.danahall.org/using-other-apps-with-zoom/
- Maximum storage is 1 Tb, so if you have massive storage needs, it may not work as well, although external drives and cloud storage can help. But I have seen a popular Youtuber Christopher Lawley edit videos on an iPad.
Which model works best for an iPad as your main computer?
There are a few different iPads now; Apple’s site has them here. Here are a few comments:
- iPad Mini – Not as your primary computer; the same chipset is in the device as the regular iPad, but the small screen will be very limiting.
- iPad – an excellent iPad, but I would avoid it for being your main computer, as the Pencil and keyboards available are not as capable as the next two models.
- iPad Air – This new model for 2020 is excellent, with much of the same hardware as the iPad Pro, making it a lower-cost alternative. If your main goal is saving cash, this one is fine.
- iPad Pro – Close to the iPad Air, but the Pro models do offer some additional nice to haves. There are two Pro models; the only significant difference is the screen and keyboard size; choosing between them is a personal preference.
- 11″ – More tablet size, useful for reading, better portability, etc.
- 12.9″ – More like a laptop when combined with the Magic Keyboard, or a keyboard and mouse, but a bit large and unwieldy as a tablet.
I have the 11″ iPad Pro, with the Magic Keyboard and Pencil 2, and it works great as a small computer and tablet device. I use it all day!
Unexpected Benefits of using an iPad as a Main Computer
It may seem like all we will do is switch devices, but there are some surprising
benefits of using an iPad as your main computer, which you won’t realize until you do it for a while. Here they are.
Focus – This is the real benefit. When running full notebooks or desktops, we tend to have many applications open at once. The windowed interface encourages us to open tabs, open multiple document windows, and various other utilities. The problem is we tend to lose focus. For years I would open a Word document and leave it open for a week or more, sometimes almost forgetting it. It meant some deadlines being missed, being distracted, and not doing my best work, etc.
The iPadOS system is different, limiting options to open multiple windows. You can have various Microsoft Office documents open, but the operating system does not encourage it as it does in Windows or MacOS. For the most part, you will have only a single application on the screen at any one time, and only two are possible at once. This keeps it simple, so other things do not get in the way, and you can focus on the task at hand without the distractions of other work in progress.
Another unexpected benefit related to focus is the iPad limits what you can do – to focus your work and tell others – “you need to do that.” I mentioned before that if you need an ERP client installed, or high-end applications like Microsoft Visio or Project, you will not be able to do that. If you do not have access to these apps, it naturally limits what you can do, so when someone asks you to update the project plan you can say – “no, I cannot do that, you will have to.” This is great for a busy executive who needs to delegate work to staff – it is a natural impediment to being drawn into the weeds.
Other benefits of using an iPad as a Main Computer
The following benefits are more obvious but are important.
- Quick Access: There is no booting up an iPad, and user authentication is fast with a Face ID or a fingerprint; this makes you productive almost immediately.
- Connected all the time – if you get the optional cellular connection, the device not only comes on instantly, it is up to date with any recent email, notifications, and other streaming data.
- Maximum Portability – While some laptops are smallish, the iPad is especially thin and light and highly portable, and the accessories, like chargers, are smaller than notebook accessories.
- (Mostly) all-day battery life – the iPad usually gets 10 hours of use before it is desperate for a charge, that is most of the day. Many laptops offer that, and maybe even more like the latest M1 MacBook Air, but it is worth noting that the iPad’s battery should serve you well for the day.
Equipment to Help Use an iPad as Your Main Computer
The iPad is excellent, but some additional accessories will help maximize productivity; here is a list of items I use. The links are to an affiliate account at Amazon, where a small % of the purchase comes back to me. It is helpful if you use them, but if something is of interest to you, purchase it where and how it makes sense.
Keyboard – I have tried many keyboards, from Zagg, Brydge, Logitech, and others. They all generally work well, but I find the Apple keyboards, particularly the Magic keyboard, a better match. The trackpad’s gesture support is phenomenal, and it is thin and light. My only complaint is the lack of a dedicated function key row to control sound and music, etc., but that is a minor complaint. Here are links to buy the one you need, based on your iPad’s size: the 11″ keyboard, and the 12.9″ keyboard.
Mouse – Many people are not aware of the iPad’s support for a mouse or trackpad. It allows you to navigate apps, select objects, and menu options, and generally work without touching the screen all the time. While any Bluetooth (or even wired) mouse could work, there are two models that work very well:
Trackpad – I find the Apple Magic Trackpad 2 is a better option when using the iPad in a desktop mode with a full keyboard. The trackpad adds three-finger gestures to switch apps quickly, or see what is running and switch. You can get it here at Amazon.
Pencil – Apple started providing a Pencil with the first iPad Pro and has since improved its operating system and apps capabilities. I use a pencil all the time for handwritten notes in meetings. I prefer the iPad to be on the table in front of me and avoid the keyboard. The physical barrier created by an iPad propped up (or a notebook with the screen open) can reduce trust and connections between participants. Here is a link to Amazon for purchase.
USB Power brick – as stated earlier, the iPad usually gets 10 hours from a full charge, so you may not need this, but for long days, a small USB power brick can extend that without adding a lot of weight. You can also drop a wall charger in the bag, but this maximizes your portability and is not usually an option for a notebook, so why not?! This model has served me well and is an Amazon choice product.
Carrying Case – the iPad, with these accessories, will need a carrying case. I prefer a minimal bag to reduce weight. My preferred case is no longer produced and comes from MacCase. It is a beautiful leather case with a small accessory pouch and pocket. Since it is no longer available for purchase, this bag from Amazon may be of interest.
Are you excited to try an iPad as a Main Computer?
Ready to dive in and try? The best place to start is the current iPad Air or Pro with the Magic keyboard. It will provide an excellent experience and allow you to test this option.
Happy Computing!
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