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The second you want to branch out and try something different, you are going to be stuck as hell on the iPad. No way to run Fusion 360 for example. Try to work

The second you want to branch out and try something different, you are going to be stuck as hell on the iPad. No way to run Fusion 360 for example. Try to work on dropbox documents locally? Just simple stuff like downloading MP3 files and playing them can be a pain. Unless you are laser focused on one task (like you seem to be)... sure it looks like you have made the necessary adjustments to make it work. For the general computer where your hobbies, desires and programs vary... there are just too many tradeoffs. I mean... running another OS on my macOS device is stupidly easy. I can manipulate any file in almost any manner. I don't have to paw at my screen for text selection... and so on and on. That all said, I would love an iPad pro with macOS.

walterbell 9y ago
Downloading and playing MP3 file: GoodReader Dropbox docs can be opened in local apps.
- wingerlang 9y ago
  You can share 'MP3' to Dropbox as well, then play them there. It's still a paid, but in dire situations it works.
threeseed 9y ago
Fusion 360 for iOS: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/fusion-360-mobile-ios-android/ https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/fusion-360... I don't think anyone is saying that an iPad is a replacement for all computing tasks. But for many things it could come close.
goerz 9y ago
"Laser focused on one task" might be a benefit here ;-)
coldtea 9y ago
>No way to run Fusion 360 for example. Actually there is, but how is this relevant? Some obscure CAD package is not exactly the litmus test of how usable an iPad can be.
- hungerstrike 9y ago
  > ...how is this relevant? How is it not? This entire thread is about comparing iOS to a fully unrestricted desktop operating systems where we all work normally. > Some obscure CAD package is not exactly the litmus test of how usable an iPad can be. Actually, it is in this case. That was the entire point which was clearly stated from the first sentence: > The second you want to branch out and try something different... So the obscure CAD package itself is not the litmus test for how usable something is, no. However trying to use one or more obscure package is the litmus test for how usable the iPad is in its ability to let you branch out and try obscure things. > Actually there is... Well that would have really been some relevant information to reply with. So what's your solution? Running a virtual machine containing a fully unrestricted OS on your iPad? (EDIT: I see someone below pointed out the "Fusion 360" iOS app which seems like a gimped, ahem I mean mobile, version of the full app.)
  - gregjor 9y ago
    I can’t speak about the entire thread, but I didn’t intend to compare iOS to other operating systems. I just wrote that I can “work normally” on an iPad. The kind of work I do allows that. If I want to “branch out” I have the Chromebook Pixel, and I can get another laptop if I need to. I can run a Mac or Windows system in the cloud — I’ve done that when I need to use tools not available on iOS, from POEdit to Eclipse. I didn’t mean to imply that I would force myself to use an iPad for everything and just throw up my arms if I couldn’t get something to work on it.
    - monkmartinez 9y ago
      I would say "great"... but also, "Why bother?" You did compare iPad Pro and iOS to alternatives, no? Main computer and all that? The point is "main computer" means main... not secondary or ancillary to my main computer. Your average person does not have a need for several thousands of dollars worth of screens, and would be much better off with a laptop vs. iPad pro. Furthermore, the premise of this "experiment" is extreme navel gazing. "Hey look at me everybody! I bought a device for almost a thousand dollars then spent a lot more on apps, then wasted a shit pile of time for a gimped UX that sort-of works! You can do it too! Just get your check book out and be prepared to buy another laptop and/or VPS space because you'll need it!"

walterbell 9y ago

Downloading and playing MP3 file: GoodReader Dropbox docs can be opened in local apps.

wingerlang 9y ago
You can share 'MP3' to Dropbox as well, then play them there. It's still a paid, but in dire situations it works.

threeseed 9y ago

Fusion 360 for iOS: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/fusion-360-mobile-ios-android/ https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/fusion-360... I don't think anyone is saying that an iPad is a replacement for all computing tasks. But for many things it could come close.

goerz 9y ago

"Laser focused on one task" might be a benefit here ;-)

coldtea 9y ago

>No way to run Fusion 360 for example. Actually there is, but how is this relevant? Some obscure CAD package is not exactly the litmus test of how usable an iPad can be.

hungerstrike 9y ago
> ...how is this relevant? How is it not? This entire thread is about comparing iOS to a fully unrestricted desktop operating systems where we all work normally. > Some obscure CAD package is not exactly the litmus test of how usable an iPad can be. Actually, it is in this case. That was the entire point which was clearly stated from the first sentence: > The second you want to branch out and try something different... So the obscure CAD package itself is not the litmus test for how usable something is, no. However trying to use one or more obscure package is the litmus test for how usable the iPad is in its ability to let you branch out and try obscure things. > Actually there is... Well that would have really been some relevant information to reply with. So what's your solution? Running a virtual machine containing a fully unrestricted OS on your iPad? (EDIT: I see someone below pointed out the "Fusion 360" iOS app which seems like a gimped, ahem I mean mobile, version of the full app.)
- gregjor 9y ago
  I can’t speak about the entire thread, but I didn’t intend to compare iOS to other operating systems. I just wrote that I can “work normally” on an iPad. The kind of work I do allows that. If I want to “branch out” I have the Chromebook Pixel, and I can get another laptop if I need to. I can run a Mac or Windows system in the cloud — I’ve done that when I need to use tools not available on iOS, from POEdit to Eclipse. I didn’t mean to imply that I would force myself to use an iPad for everything and just throw up my arms if I couldn’t get something to work on it.
  - monkmartinez 9y ago
    I would say "great"... but also, "Why bother?" You did compare iPad Pro and iOS to alternatives, no? Main computer and all that? The point is "main computer" means main... not secondary or ancillary to my main computer. Your average person does not have a need for several thousands of dollars worth of screens, and would be much better off with a laptop vs. iPad pro. Furthermore, the premise of this "experiment" is extreme navel gazing. "Hey look at me everybody! I bought a device for almost a thousand dollars then spent a lot more on apps, then wasted a shit pile of time for a gimped UX that sort-of works! You can do it too! Just get your check book out and be prepared to buy another laptop and/or VPS space because you'll need it!"