There are those who say that it is not possible, there are those who guarantee that it is the best thing in the world, there are those who have the will to use and who never tried. The fact is that it is not enough just to change the operating system, you must also change the way of thinking when adopting a new system like iOS to perform the main tasks of your workflow.
I have been a software developer (programmer) since 2001 and I left Windows in 2003, migrating to GNU/Linux and BSD systems; in 2009 I used Mac OS X on a Hackintosh to then buy my first 11" MacBook Air in 2010. The first iPad, in its first release, I can’t remember exactly when it was purchased. Over time I began to believe that the iPad could be my perfect computer if I had the necessary apps and, after going through other MacBooks, iPads and a Chromebook, today I have been doing my activities on a 12.9" iPad Pro and used a 2012 MacMini as my build and data server.
While browsing the internet we can find reports of several people in various professions who, since the launch of the iPad Pro, have intensified the use of iOS in their daily tasks and gradually ceased to use the macOS to the point where some are living 100% using their iDevices. Among them are the stories of Federico Viticci, Fraser Speirs, Ben Brooks and others that can be found on social networks and blogs. It is worth noting that not necessarily they began to think of iOS as their main operating system from the launch of the iPad Pro, but rather from the moment that the iPad and iOS itself allowed the best execution of tasks relevant to their routine. I will not argue here that everyone should make this kind of change, I will only show that in my case and some other people this is possible and has brought benefits – it may not be your case.
The concept that most worries people and the largest amount of complaints from anyone trying to make this transition is with regard to iOS not owning a file manager. For those who are used to organizing files and folders in a structured way, they are frustrated with the organization of files by the applications and prevent them from progressing with their work. Changing the way of thinking is fundamental at this point because it is perfectly possible to open files in different apps and transfer from one to the other, either using some area of iOS as an exchange area (Photos, for example), or by using a Cloud storage or by using the button to share what you are doing. Think of a software that is widely used by you today and remember how it was when you learned how to use it, the difficulty even getting accustomed, or if you migrated to the current after times using another … Your mind should learn how iOS works so your workflow is not impaired, or a new workflow must be created.
If you already works with full-screen programs in macOS and switches between them through the workspaces using gestures on the trackpad or keyboard shortcuts (I’ve gradually narrowed the number of windows open simultaneously on the same desktop), you’ll be comfortable when using iOS. I also got used to invoking Spotlight on the keyboard and finding what I needed, and the shortcuts work the same on iOS 10.
With each new app focused on the professional use of iOS, the simpler the transition became. A good example is the Workflow app, which works as an Automator for iOS, fully graphical and full of “recipes” for various actions. It makes the repetitive work of some tasks much easier – it is worth checking for those who do not know.
Specifically for my area, any pure text editor is enough to edit the codes of desktop programs, apps, web and games. I have used the Coda because it is more stable in iOS 10 than the Koder app I used previously. It allows me to directly access files via FTP, SFTP, SSH or WebDAV. When there is a need to see or test something that can not be accessed through the browser, I use any remote connection such as VNC or Chrome Remote Desktop to view my MacMini with macOS Sierra. In the eventual need of code compilation or creation of new projects, only access through SSH using the Serverauditor app and execute the necessary commands. I also keep a copy of the projects I’m working on in Dropbox and Google Drive for security reasons, and for access when I can not connect to the server. It is possible, depending on the type of project, to carry out all the programming directly on the iPad, but my workflow was already as I do today and I didn’t have to change it, I just changed some tools.
Some people have already asked me about the “gorilla arms”, which refers to the tiredness of raising their arms to touch the screen of the iPad during their use, and I can say that it is more a matter of getting used to it. It is also barely noticeable to anyone who is accustomed to using keyboard shortcuts. What bothers the most is the position of the screen depending on the chair / table that is used and requires some adjustments (point to the Surface Pro!).
Overall, iOS has become my primary operating system and the iPad Pro, my replacement for the MacBook. There is, yes, much to go forward in several aspects but we can not expect iOS to become a macOS, its proposal is not the same and its operation requires the user who wants to use it in a professional way, that adapts to obtain the best use.
Pros
- If it’s a determining factor for you, the weight of the iPad Pro combined with the Smart Keyboard is great for carrying in the backpack or even in a compatible sized folder.
- The great screen resolution combined with the Night Shift feature allows you to work for hours without tiring your eyes, the size also helps making a large area available for codes or use another app on the side with Split View.
- Fast and fluent access and switching between applications is great and I have not noticed slowness in any time so far.
- The Smart Keyboard is great, responds quickly and after you get used to it and the low profile of the keys, it becomes much more agile for typing tasks.
- The battery, in continuous programming, has lasted two days, and I put it to recharge when it is at 10% – I did not exactly measured its duration in hours, but we know that this can vary depending on several factors.
- If you enjoy listening to music while you work, the sound is indeed very good and clear. Be careful not to disturb the neighbors!
- The security of iOS is indisputable.
Cons
- Not being able to adjust the tilt of the screen can sometimes bother. There are other third-party keyboard options on the market that can improve this, but I have not tested any.
- Do not order files on a USB stick or other external media for co-workers or customers, as there is no way (as I know of) to access them in any app even if you have an adapter (if anyone knows, you can suggest in the comments, like iXpand).
- For those who are not accustomed to using cloud services and do not work with multiplatform languages, it may be difficult to try to use your preferred IDE only via remote access. If it is mandatory to use any RAD tool to create interfaces in your projects, it will be even worse.
- If you do not have an internet connection at times, for example, you do not even have access to the 3G / 4G of your mobile phone to share with the iPad, some tasks can turn out to be bad to do (some, Your workflow).
It is difficult to clarify all the points that might motivate someone to decide on this type of change or test, there are many professions whose work would be impossible to perform in iOS and many that have been proving possible. It is up to the reader to determine if they could adapt their routine using primarily an iPad or not.
This article was originally published on MacMagazine.
