Matt Gemmell, a writer specializing in thrillers and horror, shares his journey of using an iPad Pro for eight years before switching back to a Mac. He delves into the contrasting user experiences between the two devices, discussing the iPad’s strengths and limitations, particularly in creative tasks like video editing. The conversation also highlights the evolution of keyboard and trackpad usability on iPadOS and explores innovative e-ink writing tools. Gemmell's insights reveal the ongoing identity crisis of the iPad in a world leaning towards more powerful desktop solutions.
The speaker transitioned back to the Mac primarily due to expanding professional needs in music production and video editing, highlighting limitations of the iPad's software capabilities.
Despite moving to the Mac, the speaker maintains a fondness for the iPad, envisioning its use for focused writing and media consumption.
The podcast discusses the contrasting user experiences between macOS and iPadOS, emphasizing the iPad's streamlined interface versus macOS's overwhelming complexities.
Deep dives
The Journey of Transitioning from iPad to Mac
After eight years of using the iPad as his primary device, a novelist shares his experience of migrating back to the Mac. Initially starting with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in 2016, he gradually upgraded through various models, ultimately reaching the M1 and M4 versions. His reliance on the iPad grew as he began using it for novel writing while frequently utilizing external keyboards. However, he found that over time, he predominantly used the iPad docked in a keyboard case, leading to a reevaluation of its usability in his workflow.
Evolving Computer Usage and Expanding Needs
The transition in the speaker's computer usage reflects an expansion in his professional needs that increasingly aligns with desktop computing capabilities. As he delved into music production and video editing, he noticed limitations in the iPad's peripheral support for necessary hardware like MIDI controllers and advanced editing consoles. Despite the iPad’s strengths as a creative tool, the speaker found that certain software capabilities were only fully realized on the Mac. This shift highlighted the conflict between focusing on simplified usage and the need for more robust functionality in his day-to-day tasks.
Limitations of iPadOS in Video Editing and Audio Production
The speaker identifies significant limitations of Final Cut Pro and other music production applications on iPadOS compared to their desktop counterparts. He discusses how certain features essential for a smooth workflow, such as customizable interfaces and support for multiple audio streams, were either lacking or poorly designed. His frustration intensified with the inability to resize windows or manage projects effectively on the iPad. This ultimately led him to conclude that for complex editing tasks, the Mac was simply a more efficient and capable environment.
Experiences with E-Ink Tablets and Writing
In addition to the Mac transition, the speaker also explores his use of SuperNote e-ink tablets for writing, noting the unique tactile experience they provide compared to writing on iPads. He appreciates this device's ability to emulate the feel of writing on paper, significantly enhancing focus. While he acknowledges the allure of the iPad’s dynamic interface for certain tasks, he finds the e-ink tablet more conducive to uninterrupted writing sessions. This highlights his ongoing quest for the best tools that align with his writing habits.
The Future of the iPad as a Versatile Device
Despite transitioning to the Mac, the speaker expresses a continued admiration for the iPad and its potential, indicating it will still serve a role in his workflow. He envisions using the iPad mainly for focused writing and entertaining his child while acknowledging it as a capable media consumption device. The discussion includes reflections on how future generations will likely engage with tablets as primary devices, influenced by their intuitiveness and design. He affirms the need for users to reassess their needs periodically, highlighting the iPad's unique role in an increasingly diversified device ecosystem.
Navigating the Differences Between macOS and iPadOS
The conversation reveals stark contrasts between macOS and iPadOS, including how each operating system handles multitasking, notifications, and application management. The speaker expresses concern about the overwhelming notifications and complexities introduced to macOS over the years, comparing it to the cleaner, more focused experience of the iPad. He reflects on the evolution of user interfaces and interactions across both platforms, indicating a preference for the iPad’s more streamlined and engaging approach. However, he acknowledges that certain advanced computing needs can only be effectively addressed through macOS.
Matt Gemmell is a writer of thriller, horror, and suspense novels. The iPad Pro has served as his primary computer for the past 8 years. You can hear about those experiences on episodes 40 and 139 of this podcast. He recently decided to make the switch back to the Mac as his primary computer. In this episode, we discuss what made him rethink his computing approach and what he still loves about the iPad.
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