I love the iPad Pro 12.9 + magic keyboard as well! I wouldn’t replace it with anything. I just hate “texting” haha thank GOD there is voice to text but even editing I prefer an actual keyboard above on screen. Plus I am fairly new to iOS so the traditional keyboard (I’ve used in the past with the lamp looking mac) is nice with only one change in the cmd/control swapped vs. ctrl/alt. Although now that swype has been added I do love the floating keyboard option as well for iPad. I have only used the aforementioned older iMac for a short time, switched to an iPhone in 2018 (yay!) and loved it so much I decided to invest in iPad as a “new laptop” instead of legitimately replacing my laptop (HP) once Apple had switched over to their own processors so mine would not become too quickly outdated...hopefully! The magic kb was honestly a surprise, I logged in the first day of the release and purchased it and the pencil prior to the iPad so I’d have a case upon arrival.
The reason I prefer some remote access is purely personal preference. I am a fast typist who has little patience, though I hope to gain more lol, for use of an onscreen keyboard and cursor. I do most of my work, studies and text edits on the magic kb setup and typically browse/spend freetime this way as well. However, I chose iPad Pro for its accuracy in drawing a circle precisely as I largely hold an interest in design.
As for portrait view, a few apps I commonly use have not yet come out with an actual iPad OS app, instead they use the iPhone format and refuse to turn / rotate screen orientation. For these few apps, I would like to use a physical keyboard to browse, navigate, and type.
I figured I would be better off coming up with a way to extend that connection since it is not already formatted to portrait in case I wanted to remotely utilize the keypad. An example of needing portrait or remote view of any kind, though I’m sure there are more, would be video creation of online tutorials for processes that incorporate a lot of typing.
I think the best alternative for me would be to purchase a Mac Mini, full numeric Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse; later a trackpad; and finally to complete the “main” setup would be a customized iMac Pro. The ability to carry the iMac Mini and iPad would give me a quick fix for a portable desktop if ever needed once iMac Pro mini SuperComp was obtained which only ads value to the rather cost effective price of the mini.
Now that Apple has chosen to include ARM processors, I am even more apt to purchase Apple before PC simply due to the likelihood of innovation that outlasts that of the PC programs available. Added security is also a major consideration but Apple is already well known for this... BUT the absolute best part is seeing Apple put in fabless ARM processors because it can potentially make streamlining a permanent reality over all products & possibly ensure new iMac/Macbooks are given a lifespan even longer than the already long decade life expectancy given today for past models. (Since, hopefully Apple would allow all processors to either be upgradeable to a longer point or all OS to be compatible with processors over 10yrs of age if able)
I first purchased iPhone +Apple Watch, then in the airpod Pro (as I did not like how far the bottom of the earpiece hung on the first two I said I would get them if they ever shortened the Airpods...and they did lol) They all worked way better than I ever expected as I thought it was more fan-based enthusiasm than anything. The seamless ability to streamline between devices was and is invaluable.
Recently, I decided to invest in iPad for studies and it has proven to be the best tool in both work and school with the Magic Keyboard + Apple Pencil.
I never thought the iMac vs PC debate teams lol were correct in stating that Mac is too expensive or luxurious...it’s a sellers choice and honestly, I’ve never been anything but happily surprised with the quality received of even outdated Macs. Now, using new items, I can say my previous notion in believing that some qualities were over-exaggerated by major fans are incorrect.
Though I’m rather impartial, I don’t see myself choosing PC over a Mac unless it is to program something available to an open source market...in that case I would set my work/studies/personal endeavors around my main tech & its more secure base + choose a PC like a fun “add on” or accessory allowing me to utilize whatever Android/Google OS/Linux/Windows system I needed.
TLDR-Agreed :) + a Mac Mini
