Latest iPad Pro commercial wants you to think of it as a computer

02 August, 2016
Ever since Apple announced the iPad Pro last year, the company has been pretty insistent on trying to sell it as a computer replacement, maybe not for everything (since Apple does still make actual computer) but for basic tasks at least.

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AnonD-367917, 02 Aug 2016I am very new to iOS. I had to read a few articles to le... moretyping on touchscreen ain't decent, without gesture typing ( touch typing), it's frustrating and slow experience, also very clunky

even with gesture typing, it's ok, but never as good as real keyboard, on a phone, gesture typing is acceptable, but you can type without looking on the screen

not too dissimilar playing racing games or fighting games on phones/tablets, the lack of tactile feedback and precision is the reason touchscreen gaming and typing is never as good as a real keyboard/steering wheel/joystick/joypad

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    • AnonD-367917
    • i2s
    • 03 Aug 2016

    Tom, 02 Aug 2016iOS on the iPad Pro may be enough for you, but your computi... moreI love a reductionist argument...(?)

    "....Silly to think what is right for us is right for others" (not verbatim, but this is the sentiments that you wrote that responce to?)

    Whilst I see all types of 'typical forum' comments, and I would normally leave a statement like yours with no responce, leaving for the average forum goer to figure things out for themself..
    Writing a short 'clever' text like yours is exactly what a smartphone user might do...
    and it would be just as valid as one written from a laptop!

    I completely agree that meeting a USERS SPECIFIC NEEDS is important.

    The reason I bite?
    Because six days ago I sent an enquiry to a gumtree user selling a Nokia E7.
    It was the perfect fit for the father of my daughters brother (diverse world, diverse people, diverse needs).

    He is broke, writes lots of sms's, takes all his photos on some of the worst camera phones out there,.. and has proven capable of breaking tough phones in short peroids of time (accidently, always).
    My budget for replacing his phones will never go above a single bill.
    The E7 was the perfect fit.

    If ou tell everybody that Apple products don't meet their needs, you might not be listening to their actual needs.

    I remember when a man in my local township needed a replacement phone; he had left my loaner Galaxy S2 in a cab.
    He wanted a Note. I thought the phablet could only be practical with a bluetooth headset, and advised him heavily to consider other phones. He got the Note, and being a big man, actually worked yo have a 'slimming effect' on his appearance (like those birds who stack progressively larger blue objects towards their nest entrance so their mates think of them as Godzilla).
    The Note suited his larger fingers. And had exceptionally low SAR.
    Needing a phone for my daughter to use for calls to her mum, she has a Note 2 (I bought my Note for low SAR and the s-pen; which my daughter loved and used so much; thanks Aunty Em!)

    I gave solid reason why an iPad might be the perfect usage for some, if you cannot see what is plainly in front of you, (and just need to bash Apple)- thats on you.

    As their products mature, it would be silly if your attitude to said products couldn't follow suit ;-)

    (tone matched, game on?)

      • ?
      • Anonymous
      • iBQ
      • 02 Aug 2016

      With phone OS you can't have real PC. Just forget it.
      And iOS is worst of all , not having a real file manager.
      Well some ppl may say that iPad is enough for the most of the tasks they need, but do not believe them that they haven't real laptop(PC) at home too.
      Windows hybrid tablets, though can do EVERITHING in one .

        • T
        • Tom
        • Pwd
        • 02 Aug 2016

        AnonD-367917, 02 Aug 2016Different products entirely. Given most people who buy t... moreiOS on the iPad Pro may be enough for you, but your computing needs are only yours. The rise of smartphones seems to prove that for most people, even an 5,5'' Android phone is all what they need (because they don't write serious stuff, they don't print, etc).

        In my case, the time that I spend in a PC and working in the wild leaves me with no need for a smartphone, but I'll never state that using a Nokia E6 these days is the right thing to do.

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          • Anonymous
          • 0pb
          • 02 Aug 2016

          from a purely consumer perspective, that's fine, however when a £200/£300 laptop is more productive than a £750 iPad you've really got to question your priorities? surely an Apple fan would even choose the base MacBook as an everyday computer over an iPad... tablet PCs running iOS or Android are no competition to OSX or Windows.

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            • AnonD-491490
            • XQ%
            • 02 Aug 2016

            No matter how much manipulative they are in business they can't change the fact that their iPad Pro is not a computer and it is not even close to a computer.

            According to Apple if playing music and watching dumb shows in big screen is a computer then they shouldn't be in business.

            I own a i3 desktop which is 5 years old, the set up is lesser than half of what Apple iPad Pro cost.

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              • AnonD-367917
              • i2s
              • 02 Aug 2016

              imparanoic, 02 Aug 2016Does ipad pro allow cursor support with any Bluetooth key w... moreI am very new to iOS.

              I had to read a few articles to learn how to use one effectively.
              The myriad ways to interface with the touch screen surprised me. Not like anything I had used before... (which is a lot)

              Whilst I use a logitech k480 keyboard sometimes (I would have bought the Razer keyboard for the Pro otherwise).. when I need to move the cursor in a text field, iOS allows putting two fingers on the onscreen keyboard and it becomes a trackpad.

              Nothing in the GUI (graphical user interface) feels like it needs mouse control.
              When the 12.9" launched it was obvious that iOS9.3 was 'functional', but navigating such a large amount of screen space was unthought out.

              Having the Pencil, and iOS 10 might add the '3D touch' interface from the iPhone series, it is all pretty functional.
              Definately a learning curve of a couple of days to retrain interfacing with the iOS interface. Long presses selecting text differently to short ones etc,.. it becomes second nature pretty quickly,.. but I would definately recommend an article or two on 'iPad tricks',.. cause so much advanced stuff I would never have guessed existed is there to be utilised.

              A fifteen minute read, once, will get people using iOS like a Pro! (pun intended)

              Whilst I haven't tried a bigger keyboard addon with a trackpad (I like the k480s ability to switch 'on the fly' between three bluetooth devices), I wouldn't wish to be further from the screen with a 'deeper' keyboard and trackpad.
              The screen is the trackpad, and keyboard as well.
              I could touchtype on the 12.9" due to the huge size of the screen. Felt weird, but, very capable.

              I rarely use a physical keyboard with it, and I type a lot ;-)

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                • AnonD-367917
                • i2s
                • 02 Aug 2016

                Different products entirely.

                Given most people who buy these sorts of things already have infrastructure in place,.. a supplemental device is quite handy.

                In the last few days I have done the math... I have fired up my i7 desktop(4.5ghz watercooled, gtx780, dual solid state drives, 3x hard drives, 16Gb high speed ram), my i7 laptop (dell xps, solid state drive, triple monitor, wacom), and 13" Vaio (dual solid state),.. about ten times since march across all three systems,.. mostly just to put media on a thumb drive or load my iPad Pro up with media.


                Sure we can argue that iPad are only for consumption, but combined with the Pencil, and the pure raw speed of the Pro... with ample storage, I have few and far between reasons to fire up the desktops.

                Sidekick Pro does require that I use a certain naming structure for the files for it to do everything my new business could need for infield management.
                VLC allowed me to dump flac files directly into its folder, bypassing iTunes annoyances for media management.

                And the amount of programs on iOS that cost vastly less than the PC equivalent, in many cases being equal in featureset and capability; I honestly cannot see a lot of validity to 'haters' comments about ipad software functionality.

                When I fired up some CAD software, and the realtime render actually floored me (I truly didn't believe at 5.6 million pixels per frame the ipad would ever render textured 3d models in realtime that smooth.

                The only app I saw lag was a 2013 app for ios6 that wasn't 64bit optimised (iOS 10 warning me so), and it was simply because it was trying to build a file database for some trick business software.

                All inventory management was created on the free office suite (Apple gave everything from Garageband to office software free with the 'Pro').

                It has been an excellent tool.
                I don't think it could replace all other IT,.. but knowing that the people whombuy these have exising systems in place, and knowing that iOS 10 and onwards will grow the featureset,.. it is pretty nice.

                Vs a win 10 environment?
                Win 10 is getting better. One day may prove to be the best microsoft platform to date.
                For many IT professionals; that wouldn't be saying very much...
                Linux is solid, most use windows for legacy software compatibility...
                I would use windows for games (dirext x 12-eek), and my 13" vaio infield for some stuff like firmware upgrading equipment and network testing etc.

                The speed and battery life and consistant Apple iOS interface definately increases productivity, and I feel less fatigue, never 'fighting' the system.

                Sure iOS might be seen as a kiddies OS to many. It certainly originated that way!

                I am no loyalist to any platform, but do see benefits, many, for using the iOS platform.
                Most people on GSM are enthusiasts, and can use technology.
                Most people in the general public are not confident, and something that just works might suit them.
                We mostly feel confident in Windows due to the huge time we have spent learning it... and Microsoft intentionally change their interface with every new release.
                I agree that there is phenominally more power in competing platforms, but Windows is one of the worst ways to access that, and none of us notice because all technologynhas ridiculous grunt.

                If an iOS tablet has equivalent power to an average spec laptop from even a few years ago, that IS sufficient for majority of users, especially if not bogged down by an inefficient front end. And iPad Pro has power in excess.

                A surface might win out by spec and 'familiarity' for some.. and range of software (designed for large monitors and a different interface),.. but iOS is usable for the masses.
                Things like no overt file system on iOS is a strength for many, especially for creative types who might not want to delve into the technworld but want the benefit of 'digital'.

                iPad Pro took an iOS disliker (me) and blew me away. iOS 9 (and now 10), did incredible stuff that I never knew iOS could. iOS 10 on the 12.9" Pro is getting a lot of love, and I have zero need to go elsewhere; not what I bought this tablet for, I have found my productivity has gone way up.

                Also, for people who don't use the platform, maybe they are not aware of things like SD card readers and USB drives that do interface directly.

                Anyhow, lets keep forums on GSM useful.
                Everyone has different tech needs, yours might not be somebody else's.
                Like I said above, most GSM frequenters are not the norm in the 'real world'.
                What we find easy to use (based off using for years)mmight not be the best platform for a newbie.
                Given I help many people from school students to pensioners, I know their needs vary.
                A small increase in outlay that drops just about all need for tech support, and gives reliable working hardware might be their only need.

                So before we are vocal and try and sway 'the masses', understand our readers on GSM might be here to learn. You know, the 100,000 casual hits that are comparing *specs* on a potential purchase.
                Value for money on Apple is, in a 'total cost of ownership' metric, pretty awesome.
                For some, time is more valuable than a small one off price difference.
                Time learning Windows and 'servicing Windows, and learning about how to secure Windows, and why we shouldn't have 'installed that' or 'clicked on that', can be pretty frustrating, and frustration is the bane of productivity.

                The iPad Pro is useful for business users.
                I have 'small' rants scattered all over these boards; one on the iPad Pro (12.9") page lists why the Pro is suitable for business use.

                For all the haters; it is mostly ignorance of others needs.. in a world as diverse as ours, silly to think what is right for us is right for everybody.

                Most reading this, who are angry by this point of my 'diatribe' are not aware of my general platform neutrality.
                I can be impartial, generally have unconditional positive regard (for humans), and put my own beliefs aside to truly 'hear' the needs of others.
                This is my profession/how I earn my crust.
                I take giving advice seriously due to the responsibility it carries.

                Lets build a mature community, yes?

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                  • AnonD-442781
                  • HD8
                  • 02 Aug 2016

                  ZXcorr, 02 Aug 2016Surface is honestly way superior.Yep. If you want a hybrid there simply isn't a proper viable alternative for the surface.

                  But if you are willing to buy an overpriced product, and all you want is a tablet with a keyboard, mainly consumer oriented, then I guess it is worth using android or iOS so you can play candy crush.

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                    • AnonD-404954
                    • GT9
                    • 02 Aug 2016

                    this must be joke

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                      • AnonD-443963
                      • rAW
                      • 02 Aug 2016

                      Apple is dreaming to replace a full-fledged Desktop with a device running useless mobile OS (iOS). iPad Pro is simply a iPhone with larger display & battery which can replace a Mac but not a WINDOWS PC. IPad pro can’t match the productivity of a PC.
                      ‘DESKTOP REPLACEMENT’ this term suits better for devices like SURFACE and Tab PRO S.
                      If someone really want to replace the desktop then device like SURFACE and TAB Pro S are the best choice.
                      “Mac REPLACEMENT” it sounds much better.....

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                        • Anonymous
                        • 39x
                        • 02 Aug 2016

                        sfunny, I think of it as one more apple c i a spyware product, after they crafted the no backdoor scam , so they could handle inthe issue in a disinfected publicly controled space, but, ahh , it didn't go away. apple and microsoft..steer clear.Windows mobile stuff is already dead. Have a nice private day.

                          Well they are doing free advertising for Microsoft since the video focuses on their apps for productivity. MS did a good thing supporting ios.

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                            • AnonD-485191
                            • CAn
                            • 02 Aug 2016

                            This side by side comparison between the iPad pro and the surface 4 pro makes the iPad pro look like a joke to me.

                            http://newatlas.com/surface-pro-4-vs-ipad-pro-9-7-comparison/43066/pictures?thumb=true#picture3

                              Does ipad pro allow cursor support with any Bluetooth key with nub control/trackpad? If no, very limited usage as replacement to a computer

                              Android allows this, why doesn't apple allow it (regular ipad or iPhone)

                                its funny that always when I say that android and iOS are useless for real work... someone always bring that to conversation: "but you can type quick, its good for writing!"
                                Its actually only thing that they can bring to say that iOS and android can beat normal systems like linux/windows or even mac.

                                No matter how good typing on it is, iOS and Android systems are made purely for media consumption and social interaction, and even if this is half of current things most of people do, whole point of more advanced system is to know that you can use it for work and fun, without any trouble. And apps for iOS and Android, even those advertised as professional, are really dump, and cant do anything. starting from video editing, image processing. working in database, programming, design work(2d, 3d and CAD) or even email sending(editing text is slow and annoying)

                                So calling iPad a "computer" is like saying that chiuaua is predator similar to wolf, it is technically a dog, but in real life its just annoying rat that cant even fetch a ball.

                                  Decent Multitasking ability oh my!!!

                                  is he ever compare multitasking between ios and windows 10?

                                    • Z
                                    • ZXcorr
                                    • iie
                                    • 02 Aug 2016

                                    Surface is honestly way superior.

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                                      • Anonymous
                                      • v0q
                                      • 02 Aug 2016

                                      Dear Author, Apple can't match Windows' legacy apps, UWP apps, and Bluestacks 2.

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                                        • AnonD-210527
                                        • bJ5
                                        • 02 Aug 2016

                                        Or you get a Surface type cover, which in my opinion is a must buy. It gives Keyboard & mouse and you have touch screen too.

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