In February 2010, Steve Jobs introduced the iPad. He defined it as a product fitting a category between a phone and a traditional computer. It’s been steadily becoming more popular and powerful ever since, driving the competition forward on the market.
However, iPad hasn’t really been a serious threat to traditional personal computers. Its processor was significantly less powerful than Intel silicon used on Macs. Its camera technology used to be a year behind what was in smartphones. That all changed in 2015 when Apple introduced the iPad Pro.
The iPad Pro started to shrink the differences between a tablet and a traditional computer in terms of hardware. The first generation introduced A9X, an Apple-designed ARM processor that had nearly double the performance of its predecessor. The iPad Pro also was the first device to support Apple Pencil, a stylus that people thought Apple would never want to introduce.
The fact that iPad Pro was catching up with Macs in terms of performance and that Apple could do nothing about it raised a question among the customers, reviewers and engineers: can it replace a traditional computer? Not a lot of time has passed before Apple used that to challenge the definition of a computer.
They published a TV ad, depicting a girl asking „what’s a computer” as if she’s not familiar with the concept of a desktop or laptop machine. The ad’s reception was catastrophic — it quickly became a trending topic on Twitter. People just ranted everything about it, and especially that controversial question. It was so bad that Business Insider wrote a whole article about it.
Fast forward 10 months to October 30, 2018. Just a few weeks ago Apple introduced the 3rd generation of iPad Pro, a first complete redesign of iPad since 2013. It’s powered by the A12X chip which has so much in it, it’s hard to begin: 8-core CPU, 7-core GPU and 8-core Neural Engine that has the power to perform up to 5 trillion (that’s 12 zeroes) operations per second. This device is more powerful than 92% of all portable computers sold in 2018.
Such power didn’t go unnoticed as Apple invited Adobe to present a demo of a full-featured Photoshop running on iPad and specifically designed for it. It didn’t stop there — they also previewed a full-featured Autocad editor coming to iPad in 2019 as well.
However, many users and reviewers tend to agree that all this innovation in hardware is being held back by the limitation in software. Professionals just can’t do their jobs on an iPad because it doesn’t support their workflows. The whole situation could be summed up by a quote that I overheard in one of the podcasts I listen to: „I wish I was into iPad because this device is amazing. But I’m not.”
Earlier on Monday, I stumbled across a video that summarizes the situation very well, in my opinion. If you want to, just watch the following video at 1.25x speed.
Question 1. Do you own an iPad or any other tablet (not a convertible computer, so Microsoft Surface doesn’t count)? How often and for what tasks do you use it?
Question 2. Do you think tablets will eventually replace traditional computers, such as laptops and desktop Macs and PCs? What will be the breaking point?
Question 3. Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon, do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
Sources: iMore: iPad Pro 2017 Review, Apple: What's a Computer?, Business Insider: Apple is running an ad where a kid asks, "What's a computer?" and people find it infuriating, Apple: Apple Special Event 2007, Apple: Apple Special Event 2018, ATP: Protective Sandwich, iMore: iPad Pro 2018 Review.
Comments
I will use it mainly to watch something/surf the internet. I bought 15" laptop and it's not comfortable enough for me to watch something while laying in bed.
2. You know, why not. Nowadays, tablets are very powerful devices. I think that introducing macOS to iPads will be the breakpoint, cause it'll bring much more functionalities.
3. Of course it'll be a great opportunity for Apple to use their own chipsets. They'll become more independent.
I don't own such device - I thought about it, but I couldn't explain such expense to myself, if I alredy own a smartphone and laptop.
Question 2. Do you think tablets will eventually replace traditional computers, such as laptops and desktop Macs and PCs? What will be the breaking point?
I don't think so - I think that laptops will become smaller and lighter rather.
Question 3. Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon, do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
It might be a good decision for them - especially their new devices might work better, if they would be designed for their own chipsets
PC -- high modification capabilities, flexibility
Laptop -- high mobility with presence of the same input features from pc (keyboard, mouse, etc.)
Tablet -- even higher mobility, less flexible, no modification possible, no easy access to keyboard and mouse
Mobile phone -- very high mobility, versatile utility, the least amount of input features and processing capacity.
In my opinion, each device has its own fields of usage. Some may become obsolete, but will it happen with a laptop anytime soon? No.
I think the market of laptops and tablets will remain diverse in terms of size and weight — some professionals, like video editors, that take advantage of large screen "real estate".
When it comes to performance — well, the data says otherwise. The A12X used in iPad Pro is rivalling Intel Core i7. A12 used in iPhone XS is as performant as Intel Core i5. I wouldn't call that "the least processing capacity" — as stated in the article, the iPad Pro is faster than 92 computers (that includes laptops) sold in 2018.
I don't think that they will replace computeres because PC's are like associated to your own place where you can work, watch films, relax and so on. Tablets are something small and it's portable so its just another think that you can carry anywhere you go. I like to have this one place in my home that I can custom every square of it. and I love that Pc's are huge for example with water cooling and few graphic's cards.
I think they will try to get rid of intel some day but it will take them a while. I think it will be a long process and we still don't know what intel will invent soon. As we all know technology is still changing and everyone is creating something new and innovative. So all I can say is they want to have everything as their product. They don't want to be dependent on something.
As for the Intel transition — I agree that we don't know what Intel has to offer in the coming years but I bet Intel shares its roadmap with Apple. And Apple has been subtly emphasizing that their own chips are superior. I also agree that Apple tries to have control over every single aspect of their products and that one of the biggest arguments for transitioning to their own silicon.
Do you own a PC with a colorful water cooling system? :)
2. Yes, it is quite possible, but I do not believe that in the near future. Of course, tablets are becoming more powerful every year, but for me, the laptop is still preferable. Also, tablets are limited by the system, which is not the case with computers whose systems are very flexible. I think it is a full-fledged operating system that will become a turning point.
3. Undoubtedly this should happen because Apple likes to produce its own products. But I will not hurry with the purchase, but wait a year or two to see how the new processors behave.
I don’t think that tablets will eventually replace traditional computers. First of all, in my opinion tablet itself is some kind of computer. However, it has different purpose then pc or laptop and because of it tablets can be so slim and light. Powerful gaming laptops are so heavy because there is a lot of hardware which cannot be replaced by single processing unit.
I think Apple may start using their own processors for their devices. If they would catch up witch price to performance ratio to Intel processors that would be smart move. It would make them independent from another company and allow them to customize their hardware even more.
Surface doesn’t count)? How often and for what tasks do you use it?
The iPad Pro was proved to be useful in a student environment, but it’s just priceless in a business one especially as a portable notepad. And the voice record function of notability let you get reassured that you grasp every detail of the conversations.
On your way back to home you can even take out iPhone to listen to some details.
Question 2. Do you think tablets will eventually replace traditional computers,
such as laptops and desktop Macs and PCs? What will be the breaking point?
You can't beat a desktop PC for productivity. As far as price goes you will always be able to get
more power for less money with a desktop, and cost sensitivity will always be an issue.
You will never see phones become the prevalent workstations in a cubical farm,
and even in the home you will likely never see phones completely replace the comfort of a decent sized screen with a full sized tactile keyboard and some form of mouse input.
The size of the box that sits next to the monitor/keyboard/mouse will no doubt change as
it already has but you will never see a twenty page report typed out on a phone.
Anyone who says otherwise (including the people at Google who said in 2010 that smartphones would
replace PCs within three years) is attempting to push a shitty product
or one of the morons who bought into the marketing scheme.
Question 3. Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon,
do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in
Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
The cost of design and production of such chips is tremendous
In case of laptops I think it is possible, but I doubt if desktops could be ever replaced by tablets. New iPad Pro can easily replace a laptop in terms of hardware, but some people say that they don't find iOS suitable enough for some tasks that they perform on their laptops. There are also opinions that iOS doesn't allow to unleash the full potential of this new chip.
I think that Apple will definitely start using their ARM chips for Macbooks, it's just a matter of time.
2. In my opinion it will not happen in the near future, these devices are designed for different environment and performing different tasks, e.g.: it would take time to make tablets industry standard in banks or offices as current infrastructure is designed for using traditional PCs and laptops .
3. I think that one of the reasons for designing high performance processors by Apple was to be able to replace externally supplied Intel chips with in house CPUs that can increase performance of Macs taking advantage of e.g.: some improvements in processors’ architecture that would better cooperate with Apple OS.
2. It's really hard to say now whether tablets will replace traditional computers. I think that for people that use their computers to write emails, documents or browse documents, a tablet is an awesome solution. But if somebody i.e. edits 4k videos every day then he or she will still need to use a computer because of the computational power and bigger screen. As far as I don't worry that much about the computational power, 12.9-inch screen is still not enough for this kind of work.
3. Well, again hard to say what may happen in the future and if Apple will move this way. The system works awesome with current components. Apple likes to have control over stuff so it's highly possible that finally, they will make it, but I have no idea when.
I think the tablet will never replace a computer. I have recently seen new iPads that came out 2 weeks ago and are great and can be used for very demanding tasks, but I think that the computer will always have an advantage.
I think they can leave Intel as soon as they can create their own layouts. Then they won't be independent from Intel. And, however, it will be a cheaper solution for them for the future. I think so.
Laptops are more flexible rather than tablets and support multitasking in the greater way. Therefore, tablets because of their limitations won't replace laptops. However, I like the idea of hybrid computers - a combination of computer and tablet. I think it's a way the producents will go in the nearest future.
It will be a good call for them. However, they need some time to introduce their own chipsets and get rid of Intel.
The biggest breakthrough would be if I cold code on my iPad as easily as on my computer. I think tablets will not replace all computers. There is still need for special equipment that only connects to computer.
Probably they will ditch from Intel soon simply because they are just as capable as they are and that could make more money selling their own processors.
I don't think tablets will replace computers. Computers and hardware that can be connected to them are to complicated to be replaced with the single tablet. And I doubt that tablets can be as powerful as some PC. And I doubt even more that tablets will ever have such customization possibilities as PC, especially if Apple will be the leader on the market.
2. I don’t think it can happen. Tablets are still too far away in doing typical computer stuff. That poor management of I/O is just one of many examples. Another one personally would be staining the screen in a long work session. I would have to wipe the screen every 20minutes to be able to work comfortably. Also, I just prefer trackpad than clicking things on the screen.
3. I think that’s the inevitable path for them but it is still too early. There weren’t any MacBooks with that processor, but I think that Macbook air is a good candidate for that experiment. The difference with the new one and Macbook pro is so little now, that I think it is not very convenient for customers to choose between them. And that’s also the great news for other parts of the market. Intel recently acts like they would have the monopoly and tries to dictate the terms. Maybe a new big player could cause more competitivness in that area
Well, yes and no. I have no doubts that tablets and smartphones will become as powerful as laptops one day but PCs will still be the most popular computer form factor for home computers.
If it's wise idea from business point then yeah. They should try to start making their own chips but I feel that in that case price would probably raise.
I think not, the tablet will never be as efficient as a desktop computer.
Some things are enough but programming, for example, has no chance of success.
I am for it to be so for years apple produces the best goods on the market and they should continue
I use MS Surface Pro 4, but more as a 'normal' computer than a table. Very rarely I use the touch-screen, and I am focused on operational functionality. Generally, I have only one computer, so I use the one at work, home and travel. The one + Internet is all-sufficient for me. Much crucial data I store in a data cloud, so I am not worried to lose data with the laptop.
Question 2. Do you think tablets will eventually replace traditional computers, such as laptops and desktop Macs and PCs? What will be the breaking point?
I don't think so. I think here is comming the end of the individual-computer era. We will implement tablets functionality in microwave ovens, cabinets, vacuum cleaners. No computer needed when all staff around us will have processors.
Question 3. Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon, do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
I am not sure. Let see what's going to happen.
I don’t think so. Maybe it will be good for designers, but I don’t think that it can render video as well as desktop PC or IMac. Also I think that it’s too small for game dev. Programing on touch screen it’s bad idea, so you should carry with you keyboard and maybe mouse. If you should carry tablet, mouse and keyboard you can replace it with one laptop. Laptops today are slim, light-weight and powerful.
I think that in the nearest future Apple will use only Apple processors in their products. That make sense, because you can control level of security everywhere. Now security of theirs products depends external manufacturer. Most of us hear about Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities in Intel processors. I was one more reason for Apple to produce their own processors.
No, I think industrial-scale tablets will not replace powerful traditional computers. It could replace laptops in some moment.
It seems to me that the tablet will suit designers.
I believe that many companies are developing something new, not yet used. Therefore, if ARM displaces Intel, there will be a company that displaces ARM.
Of course, tablets will never replace computers. Touch screen is very nice addition in everyday use but keyboard and the mouse is much more efficient. Tablets have one basic advantage, it is easier to use it by older people without a lot of experience in technology.
Own production of computer components is much more profitable but in my option apple will use subcontractors because in China they can make a lot of components cheaper than in USA.
I am the owner of a tablet from the Sony company (it's already my years), I use it mainly to watch movies on netflix.
You also asked if tablets would displace computers, I think not.
Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon, do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
For sure you use your own processors because you can match the device to its capabilities
I think tablets will never replace traditional computers, because it has a bit too small screen. Making its screen bigger, tablets will become non practical. But I believe that it’s enough for many people.
Start using their own ARM chips will make them independent and let them make their products more expensive. But I’m not sure when they change Intel chips for their own it will improves Macs.
I'm not sure that it will ever happen. Only if they will be as powerful as gaming laptops, and still I would't be comfortable to play some shooters. So I doubt that tablet will replace a laptop.
To be honest I have no idea because I'd never herd that they were producing ARM chips. I guess if it's going to be reasonable for them to use it e.g cheaper, better performance, independence. So why not ?
No, I don't think tablets will replace traditional computers. I think it will be the opposite and iPads will be withdrawn for sale within a few years. Probably, the same situation as with MP3 or MP4. When I was younger, these devices were very popular? What now? No one use them because smartphones have a lot of additional functions.
I don't know a lot about Apple components but I think that they want to be independent. It's normal situation because thanks for that they can make their devices autonomously. It's what I would do if I were them.
This is impossible in real life, only in theory. Tablets are just a screen for watching movies or playing games, nothing more. Performing "real work" on such devices is inconvenient.
Own production of ARM chips is a good way to increase efficiency and optimize software, but there are many competitors with better price/performance offer on the market.
I don't believe that tablets will replace traditional computers, but it all depends. As an owner of the tablet, I can say that for work and some specific tasks I still need my laptop. But I believe, a lot of people due to the specifics of their work/lifestyle don't need laptops and etc.
Honestly, I am not "tech guy", but it's sounds reasonable for them to start using their own ARM chips for better efficiency of devices and ecosystem. However, I don't doubt that there are nuances concerning technical and business aspects of introducing their own chips.
I think so. It's hard to say what the critical point will be. I think that this is slowly taking place because I notice more and more people are using a tablet instead of a computer.
I think this is inevitable and Apple will stop using Intel processors forever.
I am sure that tablets will never replace computers. And though we are committing the computer ending era i don't think that this also going to be soon. Moreover even if it's fascinating to use the touchscreen, it is not really that fast usage, much easier and faster people are using the mouse and keyboard.
Probably its is a good idea to have such a thing for Apple, but on the other side the costs of its creation could be enormous, so it is not certain if it is good or bad.
I do not think that tablets will replace computers, but they will merge into hybrids as it does today, an example of this is Surface Book from Microsoft. Mobility and accessibility in every situation will be a turning point of this technology.
Most people can not afford their latest products. What Apple presents at the moment does not move the technology forward even by a step, such processors could already be used earlier in tablets, while costs did not allow it. By paying several thousand zlotys for a tablet, I would rather buy a laptop and a desktop computer at the same price.
- Yes, I have got an iPad Mini. I have bought it because I wanted to read on it and play mobile games like. Right now it is too old to play video games, so I only use it to read PDFs files and watch Netflix while travelling.
2) Do you think tablets will eventually replace traditional computers, such as laptops and desktop Macs and PCs? What will be the breaking point?
- I think that tablets will not replace desktop Macs and PCs because of cooling and performance of bigger machines but I think that tablets and laptops will become the same device - just take a look at Microsoft Surface Pro.
3) Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon, do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
- Probably yes, it is always better to create every part by yourself so your company is independent of others.
Yes, I have a Samsung tablet It stays on my wardrobe, I don't use it a lot, I used just it for Android tests.
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Question 2. Do you think tablets will eventually replace traditional computers, such as laptops and desktop Macs and PCs? What will be the breaking point?
Actually, until now no, I think tablet or any device depends on personality works, In general, everyone searches about the flexibility on (his / her) device to be useful for life or work, I think for the user! PCs or laptops will win.
the breaking point the future will determine it.
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Question 3. Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon, do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
Apple is a unique company, It’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips to be masters of the next future.
Currently not, but in the past I had ipad 2 and I was using it mainly for web browsing, some gaming and video watching when travel.
Question 2. Do you think tablets will eventually replace traditional computers, such as laptops and desktop Macs and PCs? What will be the breaking point?
I think tablets won't replace computers. Companies like Apple don't want to, becouse tablets are additional products for the same user to buy.
Question 3. Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon, do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
It's difficult to say. I think Apple'd like to switch to their own manufactured processors, but is not as easy as we can think for example waht with bootcamp?
In the past Apple switch from PowerPC to Intel so they can do similar thing.
In my opinion there is very good video about that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VObg5BiXx6I&index=169&list=WL
It's little bit silly to combine words Apple and progress because last their inventions are inconvenient and horrible.
2. I think, that probably in the future tablets could be at the same level as camputers, with similiar performance. But in my opinion PC will always be PC, easier to manage and replace parts. I think gamers will stick to it, artis and creators on the other hand probably change to the tablet, because of it usability and simplicity.
3. As far as Apple are concerned the own ARM chips could be a good option - if the'll be be as good as their Iphone technology, they can win the market. It's great opportuinty for them to become fully independent.
I consider that it will be not soon. Tablets are still too weak to compete with the computer.
And here with the third question. It will show us time. The world of technologies is unpredictable!
I don't have any electronic from apple but.
I think that all companies make huge progress for portable devices and not only Apple. So I think that there no reason to tell that Apple is the only company that make something.
No they wont, tablets are just tad bit small to house whats needed for devices longevity battery and component wise. Most users dont want to get Apple'd when they are buying portable solutions and we like our things to last and be relevant for years to come
No not at all, 5 trillion (that’s 12 zeroes) operations per second its ARM so "simple" compared to Intels offering operations per second. While there is a case to ditch the x86 operation set ARM's are long way till they can replace any of Intels processors.
I think that it is not possible. Tablets are on the market many years and since that nothing really changed in PC industry.
Apple are pioneers in new technologies and try to be independent so this is very possible scenario.
2. Never, never, never. there are many things like work that can only be done on "expensive massive PCs". Really the breaking point will be never cause of performance loss on tablets and unconfortable little screen.
3. I don't think that Apple will make better processors than Intel. Okay, Apple's software is just fine, but the hardware in their products... please... it's trash.
I don't have any tablet of my own and I don't really want one. I can't find any reasonable argument, which would convince me to buy one.
Question 2. Do you think tablets will eventually replace traditional computers, such as laptops and desktop Macs and PCs? What will be the breaking point?
I think they already had a breaking point and it's selling will decrease. Mobile is perfect for compact usage and pc/laptop for full experience.
Question 3. Having seen the amazing progress in Apple-manufactured silicon, do you think it’s inevitable for them to start using their own ARM chips in Macs and ditch Intel once and for all? Why?
I think that iPhones have proved us that Apple produces the best mobile processors, it is a matter of time to put Apple's original CPUs to their laptops.
What data are you basing your claim about the cost, though? Apple has been making custom chips for years now, I don't think the production of a custom one is more expensive than licensing it from Intel. Currently, Mac is Apple's only product line that has Intel chips in it. If your claim was true, it wouldn't be the case.
I recently saw a video on YouTube in which a professional studio editor used the latest iPad pro for editing a 4K video. He was surprised to find out that it was smoother than on some models of MacBook Pros. Keep in mind that A12X chip is rivaling some models of Intel Core i7!
However, when I go for a holiday I tend to not take my computer and instead take my iPad. I just realized I've been fully able to do everything on it that was not related to my work — and that's what I think makes tables a desirable product.
I think the most difficult part of transitioning would be the processor architecture. Apple would have to manage the lack of Intel's X86-64 somehow.
I'm pretty confident that your claims about not moving the industry, performance and cost are not backed by any data, just negative emotions towards Apple. One googling would be enough to find counterevidence.
The gaming aspect you mentioned is a very valid argument. The fact that you put (or attach) a high performance GPU in your PC is a huge deal.