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Comment by monkmartinez | Hacker News Reader

The second you want to branch out and try something different, you are going to be stuck as hell on the iPad. No way to run Fusion 360 for example. Try to work on dropbox documents locally? Just simple stuff like downloading MP3 files and playing them can be a pain.

Unless you are laser focused on one task (like you seem to be)... sure it looks like you have made the necessary adjustments to make it work. For the general computer where your hobbies, desires and programs vary... there are just too many tradeoffs. I mean... running another OS on my macOS device is stupidly easy. I can manipulate any file in almost any manner. I don't have to paw at my screen for text selection... and so on and on.

That all said, I would love an iPad pro with macOS.

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>No way to run Fusion 360 for example.

Actually there is, but how is this relevant? Some obscure CAD package is not exactly the litmus test of how usable an iPad can be.

> ...how is this relevant?

How is it not? This entire thread is about comparing iOS to a fully unrestricted desktop operating systems where we all work normally.

> Some obscure CAD package is not exactly the litmus test of how usable an iPad can be.

Actually, it is in this case. That was the entire point which was clearly stated from the first sentence:

> The second you want to branch out and try something different...

So the obscure CAD package itself is not the litmus test for how usable something is, no. However trying to use one or more obscure package is the litmus test for how usable the iPad is in its ability to let you branch out and try obscure things.

> Actually there is...

Well that would have really been some relevant information to reply with.

So what's your solution? Running a virtual machine containing a fully unrestricted OS on your iPad? (EDIT: I see someone below pointed out the "Fusion 360" iOS app which seems like a gimped, ahem I mean mobile, version of the full app.)

I can’t speak about the entire thread, but I didn’t intend to compare iOS to other operating systems. I just wrote that I can “work normally” on an iPad. The kind of work I do allows that.

If I want to “branch out” I have the Chromebook Pixel, and I can get another laptop if I need to. I can run a Mac or Windows system in the cloud — I’ve done that when I need to use tools not available on iOS, from POEdit to Eclipse. I didn’t mean to imply that I would force myself to use an iPad for everything and just throw up my arms if I couldn’t get something to work on it.

I would say "great"... but also, "Why bother?" You did compare iPad Pro and iOS to alternatives, no? Main computer and all that?

The point is "main computer" means main... not secondary or ancillary to my main computer. Your average person does not have a need for several thousands of dollars worth of screens, and would be much better off with a laptop vs. iPad pro. Furthermore, the premise of this "experiment" is extreme navel gazing.

"Hey look at me everybody! I bought a device for almost a thousand dollars then spent a lot more on apps, then wasted a shit pile of time for a gimped UX that sort-of works! You can do it too! Just get your check book out and be prepared to buy another laptop and/or VPS space because you'll need it!"

You can put whatever spin on it you want, I suppose. The iPad has more uses than as my main development machine. I would have bought it anyway for all the reasons people buy tablets. I don’t see it as a waste of money since I use it all the time, for work and non-work.

The few apps I paid for did not cost “a lot more.” A VPS costs $5/month, I already used a VPS anyway, and mostly I work on client systems already in the cloud. I don’t need to buy another laptop, I already have one that has worked fine for more than three years.

I didn’t suggest everyone try this, nor did I intend to evangelize iPads. Lots of people already have iPads or will buy one, and lots of people have expressed interest, for years, in using tablets as laptop replacements.

Fusion 360 for iOS: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/fusion-360...

I don't think anyone is saying that an iPad is a replacement for all computing tasks. But for many things it could come close.

"Laser focused on one task" might be a benefit here ;-)

Downloading and playing MP3 file: GoodReader

Dropbox docs can be opened in local apps.

You can share 'MP3' to Dropbox as well, then play them there. It's still a paid, but in dire situations it works.

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