I’ve been using my iPad as my daily driver for the last few months, first my Mini, then the 12.9-inch iPad Pro I purchased after the release of the 9.7-inch Pro.
I’ve been on the lookout for a replacement for my 2009 MacBook Pro 13-inch for a couple of years now. I first thought it would be the 12-inch MacBook for the portability and power of OS X. But it seems like a computer built for last year rather than next year. I’m fine with one port, but I would have preferred Thunderbolt 3. And though I don’t have a 4K monitor, I would like the ability to run one at 60Hz if I’m going to keep a computer for another 5 years.
The iPad Pro intrigued me when it was first released, but it seemed too large, and the software didn’t seem to differentiate it from the smaller iPads.
But a lot changed in my workflow in the intervening time. I used my iPad Mini more and more for writing because it was much easier to take with me to work and the coffeeshop, especially in addition to my work computer. An 4.5 pound computer isn’t much on its own, but it’s considerable as extra weight. My iPad and keyboard were about 1 pound combined. I kept them with me in my bag.
And, despite a more active writing schedule, I wasn’t actually using my laptop as much, even at home.
Occasionally, I would pull my laptop out for paying bills. And I only did that because that’s where my passwords are stored. I created most of my accounts before I could sync them across devices, before there were even devices available to sync across. And while I do update passwords, inertia has kept them on my laptop.
The iPad Pro is able to take over almost every function of my laptop. Passwords and setting up my website are the last two reasons to use my laptop for me. And, I’m looking at other options, such as 1Password for my passwords. I’ve just done some maintenance on my website, so it can probably last for another 6 months to a year without further need of FTP or command-line work.
The iPad makes for a great writing environment, as good as a laptop. And it’s an even better editing environment, with the ability to write directly on documents using the Apple Pencil. I am able to replace my paper-based revision and editing process, and able to keep more notes in reach without having to carry extra paper, folders, and notebooks around. When updating my stories and articles, my marked-up document sits comfortably beside my text editor on the 12.9-inch screen.
The iPad Pro and iOS can’t do everything an desktop-OS computer can, but it can do enough for now. I’ll be handing my laptop to my wife to replace her white MacBook soon. And I’ll keep a bootable backup on hand in case I need to reach any data (thanks SuperDuper!). If I need a desktop computer in the future, I’ll get one. But, since we’re almost there with mobile-first hardware and operating systems, maybe we’ll actually get there first.