5 ms·

At this point is seems more likely we'll get an iPadOS laptop aimed at the non-pro market and macOS will become a pro-only system.

kennywinker 7y ago
What is the difference between an iPadOS laptop and an iPad with a keyboard-case?
- Wowfunhappy 7y ago
  Well for starters, it's difficult to balance an iPad + keyboard-case on your lap.
  - zarify 7y ago
    The new folios work really well on your lap (and are quite pleasant to type on as well, once you get over the emoji key and lack of escape key). I paired a bluetooth mouse to mine on the iPadOS beta and have been using it for work for a couple of weeks. Much nicer to use than my work-supplied Surface Pro which isn't saying much, since they are awful at using on your lap).
- wffurr 7y ago
  Same as the difference between any other detachable or clamshell devices. They have usability tradeoffs in different scenarios. A clamshell has better balance because of the battery and internals in the keyboard half instead of in the screen. It has better screen angles and is usually smaller and lighter than both parts of a detachable. It doesn't work at all as a tablet though, and a touchscreen is an afterthought.
- harrygeez 7y ago
  This may sound crazy to some people but I still prefer a sturdy built in keyboard and hinge
  - solarkraft 7y ago
    This may sound crazy, but I love my Surface Pro 4 clone. It has the same specs of a good laptop, the type cover is sturdy (but easily replaceable in the worst case), removable for tablet use and the screen doesn't wobble a bit. I consider it a lot more flexible (and studry, since there is no hinge to break) than a traditional laptop. Yes, the screen could be larger.
    - jasomill 7y ago
      Doesn't sound crazy to me…the Surface Pro (3) is the first non-Apple laptop I've owned that I actually like enough to avoid using since…well, I suppose the Compaq Portable II isn't a laptop, so, ever. And the closest I've come to using it in "tablet mode" is to pop off the keyboard[1] to save space when using the Surface to calibrate my desktop display. The type cover is not only "good enough" for all but full-time use, it's also upgradeable — which I've taken advantage of — and easily replaceable in the case of damage. As for the screen size, I agree in part…but if it were any bigger, it wouldn't fit perfectly in the back of my camera bag, which, for my purposes, is a significant benefit. This coming from someone with a mechanical keyboard, two pointing devices (Magic Trackpad and wired, many-buttoned mouse), and a 55" 4K display on his desk. [1] And using the Microsoft Bluetooth folder…also a surprisingly usable device given the limitations inherent in its design…as a temporary alternative.
gfody 7y ago
I've been using an iPad w/Brydge keyboard as a laptop replacement for a while - mouse support in iOS 13 is closing the remaining gaps.
tonyedgecombe 7y ago
I'm imagining a MacBook Air 11 type device with iPadOS and an ARM processor. If the promises of good mouse/trackpad support arrive in iPadOS I think that could be quite compelling.

kennywinker 7y ago

What is the difference between an iPadOS laptop and an iPad with a keyboard-case?

Wowfunhappy 7y ago
Well for starters, it's difficult to balance an iPad + keyboard-case on your lap.
- zarify 7y ago
  The new folios work really well on your lap (and are quite pleasant to type on as well, once you get over the emoji key and lack of escape key). I paired a bluetooth mouse to mine on the iPadOS beta and have been using it for work for a couple of weeks. Much nicer to use than my work-supplied Surface Pro which isn't saying much, since they are awful at using on your lap).
wffurr 7y ago
Same as the difference between any other detachable or clamshell devices. They have usability tradeoffs in different scenarios. A clamshell has better balance because of the battery and internals in the keyboard half instead of in the screen. It has better screen angles and is usually smaller and lighter than both parts of a detachable. It doesn't work at all as a tablet though, and a touchscreen is an afterthought.
harrygeez 7y ago
This may sound crazy to some people but I still prefer a sturdy built in keyboard and hinge
- solarkraft 7y ago
  This may sound crazy, but I love my Surface Pro 4 clone. It has the same specs of a good laptop, the type cover is sturdy (but easily replaceable in the worst case), removable for tablet use and the screen doesn't wobble a bit. I consider it a lot more flexible (and studry, since there is no hinge to break) than a traditional laptop. Yes, the screen could be larger.
  - jasomill 7y ago
    Doesn't sound crazy to me…the Surface Pro (3) is the first non-Apple laptop I've owned that I actually like enough to avoid using since…well, I suppose the Compaq Portable II isn't a laptop, so, ever. And the closest I've come to using it in "tablet mode" is to pop off the keyboard[1] to save space when using the Surface to calibrate my desktop display. The type cover is not only "good enough" for all but full-time use, it's also upgradeable — which I've taken advantage of — and easily replaceable in the case of damage. As for the screen size, I agree in part…but if it were any bigger, it wouldn't fit perfectly in the back of my camera bag, which, for my purposes, is a significant benefit. This coming from someone with a mechanical keyboard, two pointing devices (Magic Trackpad and wired, many-buttoned mouse), and a 55" 4K display on his desk. [1] And using the Microsoft Bluetooth folder…also a surprisingly usable device given the limitations inherent in its design…as a temporary alternative.

gfody 7y ago

I've been using an iPad w/Brydge keyboard as a laptop replacement for a while - mouse support in iOS 13 is closing the remaining gaps.

tonyedgecombe 7y ago

I'm imagining a MacBook Air 11 type device with iPadOS and an ARM processor. If the promises of good mouse/trackpad support arrive in iPadOS I think that could be quite compelling.