Can I switch to the iPad Pro from an iMac

Question

Level 1

4 points

Can I switch to the iPad Pro from an iMac

So this may not be the correct place for this question. If that's so I apologize.

I have an old iMac (2009) that I've already needed to change the HD after the previous one died. Currently I have a 3TB HD and 8GB RAM. I'm concerned I'm on borrowed time and think I need to move up to a new machine. I'm thinking of moving to either the iPad Pro or MacBook Air. I can go to a new iMac as well but the portability could be useful as I am a teacher and could use it at work in the future (haven't needed it yet). I'm not a gamer, nor do I do any major intensive work. Occasionally I edit some quick videos from my phone but nothing serious.

A couple of main questions I have is can the iPad Pro finally do the job of a computer (for light user) and probably more importantly can I transfer all my stuff from my iMac to the iPad Pro? For example Photoshop Elements.

I'm sure there are other things to consider and hopefully you guys can point it out for me.

Thank you

Posted on Jan 1, 2019 11:05 AM

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Answer 1

SravanKrA

Level 10

431,554 points

Jan 2, 2019 5:58 AM in response to MrMarco

While the MacBook is a full fledge laptop, the iPad is merely a multimedia device that can offer many of the MacBook's functionality but not all.

Overall, the specs of the iPad are much lower compared to that of a MacBook. ... On the other hand, the MacBook runs on Mac OS X and iPad on iOS

The Apps used in iPad are completely different from that of Mac.

Now to your transfer of data...

Yes, you can surely transfer all your Notes, Music, Photos, Mail, Books, Reminders, Contacts, Documents, Pictures and Videos to your iPad via iCloud. But many of the data created through Mac OS Specific apps cannot be transferred directly to iPad.

It is my personal opinion that if you were a Mac user, stick to Mac (MBA or MBP). If need be you may have an iPad as a secondary device.

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Answer 2

Jan 7, 2019 5:06 AM in response to MrMarco

One solution left if you don't want to buy a new mac right now.

Install Windows via Bootcamp (licence 10$)

Install Latest Itunes.

Voila.

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Answer 3

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jan 5, 2019 10:33 AM in response to MrMarco

You can always back up iDevice data to other online, offsite, “cloud” services, like Google Drive/photos, DropBox, Flickr ( for Photos/images ).

Google currently offers offsite data storage/backup at 15 GBs of storage for free and an additional 100 GBs of offsite storage for only $1.99/month or $19.99/year.

Flickr offers free 1000 photo/image storage for free and UNLIMITED photo/image storage for $4.12/month or $49.99/year.

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Answer 4

Jan 2, 2019 2:57 PM in response to MrMarco

I agree with the others who have responded already. I think if you switch form a Mac to an iPad Pro your will be sorry in the reduced service it will provide for you.

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Answer 5

MrMarco Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 3, 2019 4:06 PM in response to MrMarco

Thank you everyone for your input. You've addressed my concerns about the iPad. I will stick with MacOS machine (MacBookAir/Pro or iMac)

Thanks again.

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Answer 6

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jan 2, 2019 2:52 PM in response to MrMarco

An iPad Pro is not a Mac and does NOT use or support macOS.

iDevices run iOS which is a scaled down mobile OS for iDevices.

You cannot install applications from a Mac to any iDevices.

The devices run different incompatible operating systems.

If you get an iPad Pro, you will need to purchase all iOS compatible apps from Apple's iOS App Store.

IOS is an app based OS with limited multitasking and limited file system access.

Almost everything on an iDevice/iPad is done differently than on a Mac.

iOS and iPads is a whole ‘nother computer paradigm based on touch, stylus and keyboard only.

iPads/iOS DO NOT, natively, support mice or trackpads, at all.

This would be a whole, new computing experience for you.

It takes a long time to get used to working with iPads and iOS for any teaching/productivity work.

I have been using iPads as a smaller and cheaper laptop replacements for 8-years!

I am pretty used to how iPads and iOS work after many years of using these.

As a teacher, you will be better off sticking with what you know, with a MacBook/MacBook Pro.

Hey! That rhymes!

Good Luck to You!

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Answer 7

Jan 3, 2019 5:21 PM in response to MrMarco

I'm trying to use the Ipad as main device but a Mac is still important as "Mothership", may your old Mac does this job.

All what has been said is right but it's not impossible for everyone. It needs some research which Software alternatives you need and to understand how they work. I wouldn't say IOS is not mighty enough, may it needs some more time but there is something going on.

A friend of mine teaches music in school and has the biggest problem that the printers don't support wireless printing. So by using only his Ipad he can't print pdf s.

If you are unsure but have an eye on it, than just get a cheap one and look how far you can get with it.

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Answer 8

MrMarco Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 5, 2019 8:21 AM in response to Manamanesanesary

Using an iPadPro as a "helper" is an option in the long run, if I get another iMac. I have to get a main working machine first, do my customary 321 backups etc. Then if I get an iMac I can consider the iPad or if I go with one of the laptops I won't need both.

My main impetus to question all this is that I cannot backup my iPhone to my iTunes because it cannot be upgraded to the latest version because of my old machine. So not only do I feel like I'm on borrowed time with my current iMac, I can't backup my phone which bothers me also.

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