I have long expected that tablets would gradually take the place of laptops. I consciously, specifically recall the day the iPad was announced, and on the southbound train from San Francisco that evening, thinking that this would be a turning point in technology. That desktops were already becoming niche market needs, that laptops had reached a limit of their own, and that tablets were poised to replace them over time. I also specifically stated to colleagues and friends that in time, the predominant use of laptops and desktops would reduce to a subset of tasks, the dominant of which would likely be the creation of apps for tablets.
From where I sit today, I think that time has come.
It’s taken awhile for things to flesh out, and earlier versions of iPads did not quite provide the fluid and necessary functionality to replace a laptop. But with changes to the operating systems, enhancements to user experience continuity, and the incorporation of keyboards within cases, it’s pretty much done.
I’ve been spending the past week doing a trial run us using an iPad over a MacBook for all of my computing needs. I’d purchased a 12” iPad Pro awhile back, for my mom’s use, but found quickly that the transition was not one she’d easily make. It’s not one anybody who’s really entrenched in and accustomed to the use of Mac OSX can expect to be immediate. It requires patience, diligence, and even a bit of perspective and insight into the transitional point the two experiences are at. One is, as I’d anticipated, gradually replacing the other, and with that in mind, adoption and transitioning to the iPad’s proven to be possible.
- Portability: it’s thin, light, and even with the Apple Keyboard cover, it’s a fraction of the bulk of a laptop. And if you opt for a 10” iPad Pro you’re getting even less bulk, with the modest trade-off of a slightly compressed but still functional keyboard. (The 12” case/keyboard is ‘full size’).
- Cost: a new laptop can easily run over $2k. An iPad Pro with a keyboard comes in just over $1k. Half the price.
- UE Continuity: it’s an adjustment to not have multiple windows visible when jumping between applications. But they’re all there and available via command-tab just like a Mac, via the iOS dock, just like a Mac, and the addition of the split screen functionality allows users to set up views that coordinate like-need apps on a single screen. (Example: Having Slack and email both open on one screen, or having work and personal calendars side-by-side).
THE GOOD:
- THE BAD:
- It’s not an ideal ‘laptop’ as far as setting it on your thighs while typing. It’s manageable but a bit awkward since you can’t angle the screen, it’s in a fixed orientation.
- There’s far less support for OS add-ons, so some of the ease-of-use enabled by 3rd parties slips through the cracks.
- There’s no backlit keyboard for dark environments.
THE UGLY:
- Moving between the two devices has resulted in my attempt to use a phantom trackpad on the iPad, and tapping unsuccessfully on the screen of my MacBook. It’s a bit confusing.
- I prefer the 10” iPad Pro over the larger one because in it’s larger size, there’s less of a benefit over the laptop option, size-wise.
I’m really excited to be taking the initiative to test this, continue doing so, and to roll this out to a trial group within our company. I want to move this concept forward because it makes sense. 50% the cost, increased employee satisfaction with the smaller lighter option. Win-win. It's time.