Friday, February 11, 2022

Can Your iPhone/iPad Replace A Laptop?


When I look which devices, I use the most, I seem to use these in this order:

  1. iPhone
  2. iPad
  3. MacBook Air
  4. Desktop PC

The device that I always have with me is my iPhone so I wondered if it could replace my laptop or desktop.  I have found that it does come pretty close, but it doesn't completely make my laptop or desktop replaceable.   In my mind, our phones are much like mini-computers which we take with us everywhere we go.  By itself, the iPhone is okay but limited in some ways.  Let's take a look at what you need to make your iPhone like a laptop.

Keyboard - The first thing your phone needs is a physical keyboard.  I know we have all become good with typing with our thumbs on the iPhone's on-screen keyboard; however, it doesn't really do well when you really need to do some serious typing.  I have tried a BUNCH of Bluetooth keyboards with my iPhone, the absolute best is the Logitech Keys-to-Go keyboard.  It is very quiet, portable and easy to clean.  The next best keyboard is the Jellycomb keyboard with a slot for your iPhone.  This works fine as long as you don't a very bulky case.  On a beach trip last year, I only took my iPhone and Logitech keyboard and it worked fine.  The options here depend on whether or not your iPhone case has a kickstand.   You will need some way to stand it up while you are typing.  




Monitor - Okay, the screen is a bit too small sometimes for me.  There are several options for external monitors, and it is helpful to have an HDMI adapter to plug into your iPhone.




Mouse - You can add a Bluetooth mouse to your iPhone "laptop" configuration.  

Okay, so now to make your iPhone like a laptop, you need a bag to carry all this in.  Suddenly your mobile device comes with some baggage.  

I always wondered if there could be a laptop where you could simply plug your iPhone into.  The iPhone could be the hard drive and operating system.  Apparently, someone leaked that Apple was looking into that.  Looks pretty cool but then you wonder - if you need that then why not just take your MacBook with you?


Years ago, this device was introduced but it never really took off.   It was called the iType where you could insert your iPhone in the top and function as a laptop.  I don't know what really happened with this idea.

So, what about an iPad functioning as a laptop or PC?  Certainly, the larger size helps to be able to use without the need of an external monitor, but can it really be a good replacement?  It truly can - in most cases - function as a laptop.  The primary accessory needed is a keyboard.  I have tried many and eventually I have come up with two very good options.  First, Apple's smart keyboard is a very good one and it connects through Smart Connectors on the iPad instead of Bluetooth so you never have to worry about charging it.  Depending on your lap situation, it is pretty steady using on your lap even though the keyboard is very slim.  The other option is the Brydge keyboard.  It truly transforms your iPad to a functional laptop but also easily detaches when you want to use your iPad as a tablet.  It also has backlit keys which is almost a necessity.  You could also use the on-screen keyboard, but it really takes quite an effort to do it since you have no place to rest your palms and you truly have to be gifted in touch typing since you can feel the physical keys on your fingers.  



I would almost say that you could do away with a laptop or desktop computer; however, there are times you just need a REAL computer.  I have found that some websites with forms won't display properly unless you access them on a computer.  If you are working from home, chances are you need a laptop or desktop computer to do the heavy-duty work and sufficient screen real estate to function.

I don't think we're there yet where we can totally throw out the laptop or desktop but we're pretty close.