How close are IPad's from replacing Laptops/Desktops?

inovo

As the title suggest.

I feel myself that tablets/IPad's have quite a bit to before this happens. Thoughts?

whiterebel

Really, again? Done to death every few weeks.

Sad Professor

They'll never replace desktops/laptops. People need keyboards. iPads are mostly for relaxing rather than real work. Many people may find they no longer need a laptop and that an iPad sufficiently fills their mobile needs, but most people will still need some form of personal computer.

biko

Not very close. For entertainment use closer than for business use imo.
It's very handy as an intelligent clipboard that will sync with the "real" computer when you get back to the office.

gzoladz

Never, unless the input method evolves to become more efficient that a mouse and a keyboard.
Also, some of the tablet versions of productivity applications have a quite a bit to go.

Dades

Just look at Star Trek TNG - they use a lot tablets but they still have desktops too!

Also some of us need BIG screens to work on.

keith_d99

gzoladz wrote: »

Never, unless the input method evolves to become more efficient that a mouse and a keyboard.
Also, some of the tablet versions of productivity applications have a quite a bit to go.

Microsoft Office is rumoured to be coming to iPad - Microsoft are taking a gamble there if they do allow it

harney

keith_d99 wrote: »

Microsoft Office is rumoured to be coming to iPad - Microsoft are taking a gamble there if they do allow it

Why do you say that? I was under the impression that Office generates more money than Windows does. This move would allow it to be installed on a whole new range of devices, and if installed through the app store it would reduce licensing issues.

Edit:

This link breaks down where Microsoft's money came from in 2008. The Office division generated more money, but overall is slightly less profitable than the Windows division.

http://www.tannerhelland.com/882/where-does-microsoft-make-its-money/

gzoladz

keith_d99 wrote: »

Microsoft Office is rumoured to be coming to iPad - Microsoft are taking a gamble there if they do allow it

Yes, specially if they are planning a windows tablet.

Unless they do a washed down version for the ipad, as they have for Mac.

120_Minutes

Recreationally, if my iPad had full Facebook integration and full flash ( or everyone dropped flash for HTML 5) I wouldn't have to open my laptop again

For everything else I'd still need it

keith_d99

gzoladz wrote: »

Yes, specially if they are planning a windows tablet.

Unless they do a washed down version for the ipad, as they have for Mac.

That's it, they have big plans for the tablet market once Windows 8 is ready

keith_d99

120_Minutes wrote: »

Recreationally, if my iPad had full Facebook integration and full flash ( or everyone dropped flash for HTML 5) I wouldn't have to open my laptop again

For everything else I'd still need it

The gap I see is - backing up digital camera photos.

Dropbox is great for sharing photos between devices, but getting photos from digital camera onto iPad without iTunes .... is there an easy way???

jamesjoyce

In about 5-10 years apples iOS and whatever the next iterations of osx will be completely unified. (I know ios is build on osx) In future they will be exactly the same os fully integrated. It's going that way, same with windows phone and whatever iteration of desktop widows. Mobile devices getting more powerful by the year pumped up specs. It wont be too long till the convergence is here.

L1011

jamesjoyce wrote: »

In about 5-10 years apples iOS and whatever the next iterations of osx will be completely unified. (I know ios is build on osx) In future they will be exactly the same os fully integrated. It's going that way, same with windows phone and whatever iteration of desktop widows. Mobile devices getting more powerful by the year pumped up specs. It wont be too long till the convergence is here.

That convergence will likely be at the expense of the features OSX has over iOS, such as being able to access the actual file system and shell without having to hack the unit.

Desktops and full laptops will never dissapear in business use, pro use or for enthusiasts - effectively what the entire market was prior to 1998 or so.

120_Minutes

keith_d99 wrote: »

120_Minutes wrote: »

Recreationally, if my iPad had full Facebook integration and full flash ( or everyone dropped flash for HTML 5) I wouldn't have to open my laptop again

For everything else I'd still need it

The gap I see is - backing up digital camera photos.

Dropbox is great for sharing photos between devices, but getting photos from digital camera onto iPad without iTunes .... is there an easy way???

Yrs, it's called the 30 euro apple camera adaptor.

keith_d99

120_Minutes wrote: »

Yrs, it's called the 30 euro apple camera adaptor.

Or a tenner on eBay ... not so bad.

inovo

I think the next step for ipad and also iphone should be interfacing with peripherals which we use day to day via usb or a hub. SD cards, mem keys, printers. Also the NFC which was rumoured would be a great step for apple IMO

gzoladz

inovo wrote: »

I think the next step for ipad and also iphone should be interfacing with peripherals which we use day to day via usb or a hub. SD cards, mem keys, printers. Also the NFC which was rumoured would be a great step for apple IMO

To Apple eyes, that would be a step back. They would expect those peripherals to be able to send the content to the cloud and the ios devices to retrieve it from there.

Do not be surprised if the next generation cameras come with icloud integration or something like that.

unclebill98

Got an iPad in jan. Have used the iMac once to update software. My laptop has never been used since getting iPad.

The Scientician

When will television replace radio?