How I moved from Macbook Air to iPad Pro for work and home
Two weeks ago I started an experiment to see if I could move to exclusively using an iPad Pro. To overcome my impulsiveness to chase shiny…
Two weeks ago I started an experiment to see if I could move to exclusively using an iPad Pro. To overcome my impulsiveness to chase shiny things, I did this experiment.
I writing this on my new 12.9 inch iPad Pro. I’ve been using this for two weeks as my primary device, at work and home.
What works well:
The screen is big enough for all day work.
Multitasking / split screen work
Swiping apps in from the right to quickly access Dashlane for passwords or search Google
We’re locked in to Outlook at work so the maturity of the office apps matters. Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word are excellent and work well together.
The Apple keyboard is excellent. real keyboard size and great feel.
Very fast
I’ve had two occasions to go back to the Mac. One to edit a PowerPoint file created on the Mac where the image showed as a block with a small red x, and the second to print something before I discovered an app for that.
An unexpected side benefit is improved focus on tasks. Knowing I can only have a maximum of two ‘Windows’ side by side creates an additional switching cost so I complete what I’m working on and then consciously switch.
I didn’t realise the mental overhead of multiple windows available to switch between or ‘quickly check’ on the Mac.
Sinofskys article talks about reduced file management and he’s right. I no longer care about files to the same extent. If it’s on Dropbox, I’m done.
What takes getting used to
No mouse. The touch interface is good, but I’m quickly learning the keyboard shortcuts. The reason is that constantly reaching up and forward is tiring and takes getting used to. There’s even a term for it – Gorilla Arms! Long press the Command Key to get the shortcuts for each app.
Ergonomic setup. I’ve raised the iPad on a laptop stand and keep it close to me to make touch easier. I use an Apple Bluetooth keyboard. I found I was hunched over and stared down at the iPad if used the iPad keyboard.
Network Printing. Not everyone is blessed with AirPrint but luckily there’s and app for this. (See Apps Below)
Export to PDFs from office apps. Use the printing app above.
Apps
Luckily iPad apps have matured since the last time I attempted this 3 years ago. I mainly use:
IThoughts for Mindmapping
Dropbox for everything
Dashlane for passwords
Trello for planning and tasking
Evernote for notes
Flipboard for news
Canva for images. The missing link for simple image creation
PrintCentralPro for Network and PDFs
The Photoshop Image editing tools. Ps Express, Lightroom and Photoshop Mix.
And the rest is done via a browser.
Why do this at all?
I’m an early adopter so I like to try new tech and ways to work.
I’m also challenging my current ‘normal’. Why is a 40 year old mouse the best interface? Is shuffling Windows around the screen an effective way to work? Why do I care so much about where files are stored? Do I need a huge screen? Is working on two screens more productive? (No) Is a tablet usable over the longer term?
This gives me a lot of freedom and the portability of having a single simple device is working for me. I’ll let you know how it goes after a few weeks.
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