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Apple reportedly wants to turn the iPad into a smart display with a new dock

matthewsinclair 4y ago
This reminds me a bit of this [0]. I hope it doesn't have the same fate! [0]: https://www.engadget.com/2007-09-06-apple-hi-fi-rip-2006-2007.html https://www.engadget.com/2007-09-06-apple-hi-fi-rip-2006-200...
culopatin 4y ago
It would be really cool if they made this work with older iPads since that would be a good use for them. But I doubt it.
- Bilal_io 4y ago
  I also doubt it. I am almost certain they won't even use USB-c as the dock connector to prevent anyone from making them. They'll probably create some contact connector.
  - sandis 4y ago
    Many iPads already have a 3-pin magnetic Smart Connector on the back that's currently being used for power & data transfer with Smart Keyboards.
wodenokoto 4y ago
Haha, iPad docks are so last decade they’re slated to become in again!
rchaud 4y ago
I read some statistic a while back that said the majority of tablet owners use them at home, 90% of the time. So this accessory makes sense as it's designed to make the tablet serve more home-based use cases. I've found this to be true in my own use. I've owned tablets for years, but I always, always seem to go for my smartphone first; it's portable, it has all my apps and bookmarks, and most importantly all my notes and thoughts. Once I realized this, I got a foldable phone with a pen. Best of both worlds IMO, although I do have to keep a power bank on me nowadays.
pdimitar 4y ago
For repurposing iPads to smart-home-ish devices I think that's a great idea. But for secondary displays? I'd not go there. My wife used her iPad Pro relentlessly, for anywhere from 3 to 12 hours a day, for 5 years, and it finally died a few months ago. Now imagine you have your iPad's screen always on while your computer is on -- which is at least 6h a day all the way to 18h. How long will these devices last like this? My number #1 question however would be: how far in the past would this go? I imagine a lot of people have iPads lying around and they use them no more than 2h a day for some videos or music. This initiative could definitely breathe new life in them and help people get the maximum of their money's worth.

This reminds me a bit of this [0]. I hope it doesn't have the same fate! [0]: https://www.engadget.com/2007-09-06-apple-hi-fi-rip-2006-2007.html https://www.engadget.com/2007-09-06-apple-hi-fi-rip-2006-200...

culopatin 4y ago

It would be really cool if they made this work with older iPads since that would be a good use for them. But I doubt it.

Bilal_io 4y ago
I also doubt it. I am almost certain they won't even use USB-c as the dock connector to prevent anyone from making them. They'll probably create some contact connector.
- sandis 4y ago
  Many iPads already have a 3-pin magnetic Smart Connector on the back that's currently being used for power & data transfer with Smart Keyboards.

wodenokoto 4y ago

Haha, iPad docks are so last decade they’re slated to become in again!

rchaud 4y ago

I read some statistic a while back that said the majority of tablet owners use them at home, 90% of the time. So this accessory makes sense as it's designed to make the tablet serve more home-based use cases. I've found this to be true in my own use. I've owned tablets for years, but I always, always seem to go for my smartphone first; it's portable, it has all my apps and bookmarks, and most importantly all my notes and thoughts. Once I realized this, I got a foldable phone with a pen. Best of both worlds IMO, although I do have to keep a power bank on me nowadays.

pdimitar 4y ago

For repurposing iPads to smart-home-ish devices I think that's a great idea. But for secondary displays? I'd not go there. My wife used her iPad Pro relentlessly, for anywhere from 3 to 12 hours a day, for 5 years, and it finally died a few months ago. Now imagine you have your iPad's screen always on while your computer is on -- which is at least 6h a day all the way to 18h. How long will these devices last like this? My number #1 question however would be: how far in the past would this go? I imagine a lot of people have iPads lying around and they use them no more than 2h a day for some videos or music. This initiative could definitely breathe new life in them and help people get the maximum of their money's worth.