Apple’s phone strategy is solid and sound, the iPhone will be a powerhouse for the foreseeable future. But when it comes to tablets and computers, their strategy, well, they don’t even have a strategy at all!
For the iPad, initially they were adamant that the iPad was strictly a tablet and they won’t attempt to turn it into a hybrid because toaster fridges are stupid, then the iPad Pro and now iOS 11 happened, so clearly they’ve changed their mind. I tried out the new 12″ iPad Pro yesterday and as excellent as it is (I gave the software a pass because iOS 11 isn’t out yet), it’s a poor excuse for a laptop. No USB C port, no trackpad (this company is famous for having the best trackpads) and the keyboard is a joke compared to a Macbook keyboard. So I read about what people think of the keyboard for the iPad Pros and one point I saw brought up many times was “Apple won’t put out a great macbook-like keyboard because they don’t want you to use the iPad Pro as a laptop, they want you to buy a Macbook if you want a laptop”.
But this just isn’t true! Apple REALLY doesn’t want you to buy a Macbook. They refuse to make touchscreen macs, and they know this is crippling. They are deliberately not putting out modern Macbook Airs, because they want you to buy an iPad Pro. The uselessly small mini Macbook (which is way over priced) still has a 480p FaceTime camera… I could go on and on.
It seems like Apple is having some kind of struggle, they don’t want to make a firm decision. So we have this mess, both the iPad and Macbooks aren’t ‘complete’. This is a real shame because I think an iPad Pro with a USB-C port and detachable Macbook keyboard would sell like hot cakes, I’d certainly buy one. Instead, I’m getting one of the Surface Pro clones that has a USB C port, which are magical, amazing devices. If you’re having a hard time choosing between a iPad Pro or Macbook, I suggest you do the same. The HP and Samsung look especially nice.
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#133037"><em>In reply to Bdsrev:</em></a></blockquote><p>YMMV. I had a touchscreen on a laptop and never used it. My wife liked it though. I just don't see the value of a touchscreen on a non-tablet. </p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#132868"><em>In reply to Chris_Kez:</em></a></blockquote><p>IMO, the existence of the iPad Pro proves that Jobs was fundamentally wrong. He envisioned a touch-based tablet that would replace most of the need for a PC. A keyboard doesn't really fit in with that vision. </p><p><br></p><p>He was against the idea of an iPad mini because he didn't believe it was large enough to be a PC replacement. I suspect he made the original iPad as small as he could and while still allowing it to be large enough to be effective.</p>
Locust Infested Orchard Inc.
<blockquote><a href="https://www.thurrott.com/forums/apple/uncategorized/thread/when-in-comes-to-tablets-and-computers-apple-has-no-strategy#132868"><em>In reply to BDSREV:</em></a></blockquote><blockquote><em>Quote: "When in [sic] comes to tablets and computers, Apple has no strategy"</em></blockquote><p>With the highly-respected master (RIP) no longer at the helm at the now seemingly barren Orchard Inc. (innovation-wise, though not $$$-wise), it may appear to the uninitiated that it has no strategy, however that would be an inaccurate reading of their dastardly plan, for their strategy is increasingly evident for all to see – their mantra is: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.</p><p>Surface FTW. ????</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#132954"><em>In reply to jimchamplin:</em></a></blockquote><p>Financially it sounds like the strategy you describe is a wash. Replace Mac sales with iPad sales. Even if Xcode runs perfectly on an iPad it would still be an inferior experience. Maybe if they made an iOS based all-in-one or a iOS based laptop it would measure up to using a Mac. But again, what's the point? </p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#132976"><em>In reply to jimchamplin:</em></a></blockquote><p>Optimally you need a mouse and a keyboard. Yes, you can buy a keyboard for the iPad, but these sort of keyboards (and this applies to Surface devices as well) aren't particularly good compared to keyboards for desktops and laptops. Form-factors matter no matter how much the current fad is to pretend they don't.</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#133153"><em>In reply to jimchamplin:</em></a></blockquote><p>Easy to say "just forget it". Do you use your finger to select text? Are you a master of navigating through a document using keyboard shortcuts? Why wouldn't you want to use a mouse or a trackpad when doing coding? What am I missing?</p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#136185"><em>In reply to jimchamplin:</em></a></blockquote><p>If keyboard shortcuts work for you, fine. I don't think most developers would embrace that particularly since the mouse was the original defining characteristic of Mac computers. To me touchscreen and keyboard shortcuts are at opposite ends of the usability spectrum. </p><p><br></p><p>I don't like trackpads either, I just included them since some people do. </p>
skane2600
<blockquote><a href="#133119"><em>In reply to wshwe:</em></a></blockquote><p>I mostly agree although IMO it's Surface Pros vs iPad Pros not any category of iPads.</p>