Hi, my name is Alex. I’ve adjusted and switched my habbits to be able to work on my ipad and complete most of my work-related tasks. I did that because:
a) I love freedom that this provides
b) because I have an ADHD and finding new fun ways to do mandune tasks is my way to get those tasks done
c) because I’m sort of a tech geek and always wanted to to go full mobile.
First of all I need to came clean: I’m a game-dev professional but I’m working mostly with Art, Design and Project Managment. That means that I don’t have to use tools like Unity, Maya, Blender or Unreal very often. If you have to – I’m sorry. I don’t have a magical formula to make them work on iPad. But if you are like me and you spend many days working on documentations, sketches and responding to email – stay a while and listen… er… read. Stay and read.
About an year ago I’ve got this idea to setup iPad for both mobile use and as a stationary work in my office as my main tool. You may ask why? Why would I make my life more complicated and use a tool that is not really created for this scenario?
You see, I had my iPad for years, and although I often thought, „I can do everything on it if I need to,” I never did. It was simply easier to wait and do it on my PC at home or office. So when I’ve gone to visit my parents with just an iPad for a week I’ve simply fall back with a lot of work. I’ve joined meetings and responded to some emails but if something was even tad more complicated I just could not make myself do it. At the same time I loved the device itself. So I’ve got this crazy idea: to use it to it full potential I must make a full switch. The iPad should be my go-to device for majority of tasks.
Oh boy that was a bumpy road but here we are – I’m working almost fully on ipad on daily basis and I wanted to share with you what I’ve learned.
1) Simple and Obvious – Get Yourself a Keyboard and Mouse… and befriend dongles.
At first glance, this tip might seem almost too simple to mention, but trust me, it’s foundational. The addition of a keyboard and mouse transforms your iPad from a casual browsing device to a serious work tool. Now, the good news is that almost any mouse or keyboard will work. Whether you prefer Bluetooth connections or a wired setup with a USB-C dongle, the iPad’s versatility shines here.
But a word of caution: Beware of connecting too many Bluetooth devices at once. While it’s tempting to have everything from your mouse to your headphones linked up simultaneously, juggling multiple connections can create issues. It’s like trying to talk to five people at once – someone’s bound to get ignored! I’ve noticed some problems while having more than 4 devices connected.
Can you just use apple magic keyboard? Yes. Did that work for me? No. Why? I don’t really know. It still felt more like an tablet then work tool.
2) Setup Your Main Desk with an External Display
The ability to connect an external display to your iPad can be a game-changer, but there’s a catch: only iPads with M1 processors or newer can use external monitors as extra space. Older models will merely duplicate the screen, which, while useful for enlarging your view, isn’t ideal for some work scenarios.
Now, depending on your budget, you have options. You can splurge on a new and shiny high-resolution monitor with a USB-C connection that’ll not only dazzle your eyes but also power your iPad. Or you can follow my lead: be resourceful and use an old 4k TV with an HDMI connector. I simply plugged it into a dongle connected to my iPad via USB-C - it may not be the sleekest setup, but it gets the job done.
Why did I emphasize having an external display in the first place? Well, it enhances your workspace and allows your iPad to mimic a full-blown PC setup. It breaks down the mental barrier that an iPad is just for casual use and reinforces the notion that you can, indeed, do serious work on it.
Whether you’re going all out with the latest tech or making do with what you have, setting up your main desk with an external display can boost both your productivity and confidence in relying on an iPad for most tasks.
3) It’s Not So Easy – Be Prepared to Change Some Habits, But There’s Much to Gain
Transitioning to an iPad as your primary work tool is a journey filled with adjustments. You’ll need time to find app replacements and change habits deeply ingrained in us. For example, the way a mouse works on PC or Mac is not the same on an iPadOS. You’ll have to get used to many small things that differ, and it might feel slower at first. But with persistence, new methods will become second nature.
However, there’s a lot to gain from incorporating an iPad into your workflow. The mobility is an obvious advantage, but the real game-changer might be the touchscreen. Ever found yourself in a situation where you wanted to quickly present something and draw during a presentation, but your mouse-art was so poor that nobody understood what you were trying to show? Not an issue with an iPad and Apple Pencil. Tasks that were once difficult with a mouse and keyboard become intuitive and engaging.
So, while embracing the iPad as your main computer means breaking old molds and enduring an initial learning curve, the rewards are substantial.
4) Learn New Keyboard Shortcuts – They’re Your Best Friends
This one is quick: Learn Keyboard Shortcuts.
I cannot stress this enough: iPadOS is not perfect, and some things are… a bit clunky. Want to use your mouse to bring up your spotlight search? Ha. Good luck! But there’s a shortcut for that: Press Command + Space, and there’s your search bar! I swear I was going crazy not being able to get it.
Another life-saver is getting back that sneaky dock with apps. Normally, while using an iPad, it’s just a small swipe up from the bottom of the screen. But with a mouse? It can get tricky and frustrating. That’s where Command + Option + D will save you from going insane.
Don’t be like me and learn of them after almost year of trying to go full iPad.
5) It’s All Working Best… with Apple Devices
I’m not an Apple fanatic, but at this point, it’s just hard to ignore the fact that everything works better if you use another apple product. It is madding how this works. I had a great mouse – Logitech Anywhere 3. Worked great with my PC, my wife’s Mac and worked OK with the iPad. But something was always wrong with scrolling on ipad – It was just off. Not precise. Not fluid. And I had the same problem with MX Master and some Microsoft mouse I had laying around. I thought that this is how the scrolling works on ipad – no big deal. But we had an apple mouse in the office and I’ve connected it to my ipad out of sheer curiosity. It worked perfectly.
Was it the only example? No. For some context I’m one of those mechanical keyboard-ppl. I love all the click and claks those mechanicals keyboards make and for a long time I’ve looked for one that would work with my setup. I’ve ended up with wired keyboard because each and every one I’ve tested had some problems with missing some key-storks while connected via BT. Each and every. And one day I’ve connected my wife’s old white magic keyboard. Guess what? It worked flawlessly. In fact I’m writing this post using it.
I don’t like this situation – beliave me I don’t. But that’s just how it is: it works better with apple products. So if you don’t like the idea of getting deep into apple ecosystem this journey may not be for you.
Ok But Is It Worth It?
Great question! I think so. First of all I like my new workflow. I like being able to work with the same tools in the hotel, my office, home or even during road trips. It’s not the easiest transition but I like how it fits my life. There are some sneaky perks as well, like being able to just get up from my desk during call, grab ipad, go to kitchen or even take my dog for a short walk while nobody notice.
One thing is that if I would make the switch to mobile now… I’m not sure if right now I would choose iPad. Don’t get me wrong I love the device but honestly Samsung Dex looks soooo tempting!
No worries tho – I’m not planing on changing my setup now. Apple’s strategy of pulling you more and more into their ecosystem is working because right now I feel I’m in too deep to make a change and for sure I don’t have money for it.
I’ll post more about going mobile only in day to day work – visit me here again! I thinking about diving more into apps I use next time.
