Wesley is again to being a full-time iPad Professional person, however there is a splash of Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional and a mountain of different tech concerned within the day-to-day. This is how he will get work completed at AppleInsider.
If there’s one factor I like writing about, it is my setup and workflows. There’s so much occurring right here, and except you are new right here, you may already know I am all in on iPad and a bit obsessive about Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional.
My setup and workflows do not replicate the remainder of my colleagues, and that is tremendous. I am comfortable that I get to determine new and attention-grabbing methods to sort out issues that may in any other case be solved by merely utilizing a Mac.
It has been a little bit of a rollercoaster of tech these previous few years, however no matter my experiments, I at all times landed again on the iPad. Whilst Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional makes an attempt to show its place within the lineup, the iPad has solidified as the way forward for computing, a minimum of for me.
A fast recap
After I joined AppleInsider in 2019, I used to be already deeply concerned within the “iPad as a pc alternative” mentality. Regardless of being extremely into the concept, I fell in love with the Mac once more after Apple Silicon took off, so I switched to a 14-inch MacBook Professional, a minimum of till Stage Supervisor debuted.
Issues have come a good distance since December 2019
If you happen to’re protecting rating, that is two years of iPad adopted by a 12 months of Mac, and now one other two years of iPad. Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional swung in however could not make a major mark on my workflows, particularly after the introduction of Apple Intelligence.
Right this moment, I’ve obtained a number of items of expertise in my lineup, and every serves a particular function in my work and life. So, let’s focus on every.
M4 iPad Professional with Nano Texture and an iPad mini 7
The king of my setup is the M4 iPad Professional (test greatest costs), Apple’s greatest tackle the bare robotic core so far. That means, it could possibly tackle any type it wants primarily based on what it’s paired with.
iPads all the way in which down
The iPad Professional is a wonderful pill with its skinny and light-weight design, massive 13-inch show, and Apple Pencil Professional. I do not usually use the iPad Professional as only a pill, however having the ability to pull it shut and manipulate work with a finger or stylus is great.
Connect the Magic Keyboard (on sale at Amazon), and the iPad Professional turns into a laptop computer. That is once I get to take the iPad with me to the lounge, my favourite brewery, a lodge room, or a picnic desk and get work completed with a trackpad and keyboard.
Slap the iPad into one among many magnetic stands, and the iPad can grow to be a floating show. I can pair it with a gamepad and use it as a bit TV, or have it by my bedside for studying or watching media.
iPad Professional generally is a pill, laptop computer, or desktop relying on context
Set iPad Professional right into a magnetic stand and join a Thunderbolt cable, and it turns into a desktop pc with a second 27-inch 5K monitor. I take advantage of a StarTech Thunderbolt 4 dock to attach the iPad Professional to a Studio Show, Magic Trackpad, ASUS TUF seize card, Keychron Q3 Professional SE mechanical keyboard, and a Samsung 1TB SSD.
The seize card was bought as a part of a better experiment that did not fairly make all of it the way in which to fruition. I wished to see how streaming would work with iPad Professional because the managing pc, and it labored for probably the most half, however capturing audio, video, and microphone proved difficult, however doable with some workarounds. Maybe I will write about it sooner or later.
For now, it nonetheless works as a superb approach to get a recreation console like Nintendo Change or PlayStation 5 onto the Studio Show by means of the hooked up iPad. I can use the setup to seize incoming video and audio too, which might be nice if I ever wished to get into making movies of gameplay.
iPad Professional may even be a monitor for Nintendo Change
The wonderful thing about having a single cable connect with my total desk setup was having the ability to simply swap the iPad Professional for the 14-inch MacBook Professional and file the AppleInsider Podcast. I traded that MacBook in for an M4 Mac mini, which I will get into later.
I really like working from the iPad Professional regardless of Apple’s continued insistence on kneecapping the working system and software program with arbitrary limits. Yearly, Apple manages to handle one or two professional person complaints, nevertheless it’s not assured.
Because the 13-inch iPad Professional represents my office, I’ve taken to utilizing a second iPad that is smaller, however nonetheless can do most of what I would like. That pill is the iPad mini 7, Apple’s greatest iPad-as-a-tablet in its lineup due to its energy and type issue.
iPad mini 7 is a superb pocket companion
The iPad mini is my private pc that goes with me all over the place. Its show is greater and extra sq. than the iPhone, so it is good for viewing media, studying textual content, or taking part in video games.
After I’m working, the iPad mini is with me on the desk, however it’s usually turned off. After I want a second show for no matter cause, that is when the iPad mini is pulled in.
My iPhone acts as a knowledge viewer, like exhibiting battery ranges, rain, or now taking part in music on the workplace HomePods due to StandBy, so no, the iPad mini is not doing that both.
I will admit, the iPad mini is a bit redundant on the desk, however I am comfortable it is there once I want it. Plus, if I wish to take a video I am watching with me or one thing related, I can seize it from its stand and stroll away.
iPad mini could be nice for handwritten Journal entries, trace trace Apple
That is 4 lively shows at my desk in entrance of my eyes at any time. Truthfully, that fashion of setup is a remnant of the pre-Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional that might change sooner or later.
Having two iPads turns into rather more helpful once I’m away from the desk. Since I haven’t got the Studio Show with me, I like having my main work on the 13-inch iPad Professional and have the iPad mini as a secondary show.
A desk-filled workplace
The desk setup is supposed to be considerably modular. I work from an L-shaped desk by Uplift that has confirmed to be a favourite. I flip to the suitable aspect of the desk to podcast, that method I am dealing with a wall of froth.
My principal desk gives loads of area for spatial computing
Behind me is a standing desk by Flexispot. I additionally use the C7 chair.
That second desk is my images station. I place completely different mats and backdrops to supply completely different kinds for my product images that you’ve got undoubtedly seen throughout AppleInsider. You may often discover it is mine due to my tendency to make use of darker shade palettes and moody lighting.
A 3rd desk, that I believe is technically additionally a desk, is used to carry further tools, upcoming assessment merchandise, and my printer. Under the desk is a bunch of storage containers full of cables, HomeKit gadgets, keyboard elements, and extra. The rolling cart coated with stickers is extra of the identical.
A bookshelf within the reverse nook of my workplace accommodates numerous Apple and online game memorabilia. However most significantly, it is the place my Mac mini lives.
M4 Mac mini
Humorous sufficient, there’s not a lot to say concerning the M4 Mac mini (on sale now). It exists solely to file podcasts with out trouble.
My M4 Mac mini exists nearly solely for podcasting
The job was beforehand held by my 14-inch MacBook Professional, however I figured that show was being wasted in clamshell mode on a bookshelf.
After I must entry the Mac mini, I wake it utilizing a Magic Mouse that is on the far proper aspect of my desk. My Apple Watch wakes it, offered it hasn’t been too lengthy since its final wake.
Then, if I must do something with the Mac mini, I placed on the Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional and interface from there. It is principally only for podcasts and testing features for articles.
A transportable monitor sits on the base of the bookshelf behind closed doorways so the Mac mini has some form of show if wanted. Though, even whether it is awake, I nearly by no means have a look at it.
Making Mac mini transportable is straightforward with an exterior battery
I am comfortable to have the M4 Mac mini. It’s going to function entry level to macOS, and a minimum of it could possibly run a Gamecube emulator if I would like it to.
One factor I’m experimenting with and can revisit in 2025 is the Mac mini and making it transportable. It makes for a neat approach to entry the Mac by means of a Digital Show with out a want for an outlet.
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional
I have been dancing round Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional to this point as a result of it sits at an attention-grabbing spot in my workflow. It continually competes for my favourite piece of expertise versus the iPad Professional, however falls simply brief.
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional remains to be a bit early for prime time
When Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional was launched in February, it rapidly turned my main pc as a result of it might do all the pieces my M1 iPad Professional might. Nonetheless, the M4 iPad Professional stole the highlight after that by means of assessment wants, then Apple Intelligence sealed the deal.
See, Apple Intelligence nonetheless is not accessible on Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional, and I would like it for my workflow. I dumped Grammarly after Apple’s Proofread perform in Writing Instruments obtained adequate and have not seemed again.
If I actually wish to, I might open Drafts within the Mac mini Digital Show and run Proofread, nevertheless it’s simply not the identical. The little bit of friction there has introduced me again to my favourite setup with iPad Professional.
After I must get one thing completed as quickly as doable, I nonetheless depend on the iPad for that. Nonetheless, Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional remains to be my go-to machine for long-form content material. This story was written largely in Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional.
iPad Professional is a little more sensible in public areas and extra transportable
I am one of many few that may declare zero discomfort from utilizing Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional and the Solo Knit Band. If extra of my workflow may very well be completed by way of native apps in visionOS, I might be there extra usually.
Till then, Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional has taken a again seat to iPad Professional. I take advantage of it just a few instances per week, typically for hours at a time, nevertheless it actually is not the first machine.
One use you may depend on is me sporting it whereas recording the AppleInsider Podcast. It lets me view my Mac show, Safari, and present notes with out having a big piece of glass in entrance of my face, thus inflicting echoes.
I believe Apple has one thing particular with Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional, and I can not wait to see extra apps and experiences on the platform. We’ll see what 2025 has to supply — maybe I will be writing about it overtaking the iPad earlier than 12 months’s finish.
An workplace in flux
I am by no means proud of my areas. I will constantly search methods to tweak and optimize workflows as new merchandise emerge and applied sciences enhance.
The workplace is continually altering, both for opinions or private desire
I believed and hoped Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional would have a bigger influence on my workplace. In actual fact, I assumed I’d even clear off the desk to have a form of empty platform for digital objects and home windows.
Do not get me flawed, I am nonetheless tempted to do this if and when the time comes, however Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional nonetheless must do all the pieces with out compromise, and that features Apple Intelligence. I am in a relentless battle between my love of the iPad Professional and Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional, so for now, my workplace is a spot that helps each.
This house is a rental, and if you have not heard earlier than, I will let you know right here — I am getting married in October 2025. We plan to purchase a house in 2026 if all the pieces traces up, in order that prospect sits continually on the sting of my ideas.
Generally it is good simply to get out of the workplace too
I do know my time on this area is proscribed, so I am possible to not change an excessive amount of over 2025. My setup has come a good distance since my little nook desk in a Virginia Seashore condo.
Maybe my new dwelling and new workplace will probably be constructed across the elevated prominence of spatial computing. Solely time will inform.
Journey
A part of what I really like about my job is its portability. So, I wished to speak a bit about how I get work completed outdoors of the workplace.
iPad Professional makes an incredible compact laptop computer
I’ve obtained a little bit of a weekly ritual, offered the climate holds. I prefer to hop on my e-bike and trip into city on Fridays so I can get work completed someplace aside from my workplace.
My go-to bag for these outings is the Nomatic Navigator 10L. It carries my iPad Professional within the Magic Keyboard, a motorbike lock, iPad mini, recreation controller, and a battery pack with a kickstand.
After I’m arrange at a neighborhood place, it is often simply the iPad Professional, however I do like utilizing the battery pack to carry the iPhone up so I can view StandBy. The iPad mini is extra for taking part in video games on the go than something.
Extra critical outings require larger baggage. If I will carry what’s principally my total workplace, I am going for the AirPorter Backpack by Waterfield, which is an ideal companion for the Defend Case.
The Defend Case and Air Porter Backpack are nice for long run journey
This massive bag holds my iPads, Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional, Mac mini, batteries, controllers, chargers, and nonetheless leaves area after. It is a superb choice for my annual out-of-state journey.
It nonetheless scares me a bit carrying my Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional out of my dwelling, to not point out utilizing it in public. However I do have a cool resolution for that when the Defend Case and Air Porter Backpack are overkill.
The Backpack for Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional by Waterfield is a superb in-between. To this point, I discover it is best once I’m visiting a neighborhood good friend and wish to present them the headset.
Backpack for Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional has a hammock for the headset
The good a part of the Backpack are these two zipper baggage included with it. They’ve grow to be my journey companions no matter what bag I am carrying since they maintain my cables and folding 3-in-1 iPhone charger.
iPhone 16 Professional Max and the remainder
I’ve talked about my iPhone 16 Professional Max all through this write-up, however I wished to carve out a bit spot for it right here. It is the core of Apple’s enterprise, however humorous sufficient, not likely a giant work software for me.
Past appearing as a StandBy machine at my desk and overseas, my iPhone serves two particular functions in my work. It is an incredible digital camera for product images and video digital camera for recording the HomeKit Insider Podcast.
Sony a7II taking pictures the iPad mini with iPad Professional appearing as a backdrop
If you happen to see a photograph taken in my workplace, in a lightweight sales space, or in any other case in my dwelling, chances are high these pictures have been taken with my trusty Sony a7II. Every little thing outdoors the home, like pictures for my bike opinions or the out of doors photographs of Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional in Virginia Seashore, are taken with the iPhone.
I’ve at all times liked iPhone images, however it’s unimaginable how highly effective the digital camera has grow to be. I discussed within the iPhone 16 Professional Max assessment how necessary I believed Digicam Management and reversible Photographic Kinds have been for a cause.
Whereas iPad mini 7 (test sale costs) is my go-to private pc for leisure or studying whereas I am at dwelling, the iPhone is my pc all over the place else. And naturally, if I wish to write in Apple Journal, I nonetheless have to take action from the iPhone solely.
Apple’s iPhone stays my go-to digital camera because it’s at all times on me
The iPhone goes properly past simply leisure too. It is how I log my energy, view well being information, handle my dwelling with Reminders, talk with my family and friends, and a lot extra.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 is an extension of the iPhone, appearing as a window into my exercise and life. AirPods Professional 2 are at all times on my particular person, in my pocket or looped by means of my belt, and let me conceal from the noise or improve what I hear.
The iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch I preserve with me all day on daily basis ended up on the finish of this record as a result of it is truthfully troublesome to recollect they’re there. I did not even get into Apple Residence, HomePods, Apple TV, and the opposite tech that surrounds me and is a part of my work.
For higher or worse, expertise surrounds us. It is why I am on this occupation, so I can clarify it, criticize it, and be part of the dialogue about these life-changing merchandise.
