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 finished at AppleInsider.
If there’s one factor I like writing about, it is my setup and workflows. There’s lots happening 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 mirror the remainder of my colleagues, and that is positive. I am blissful that I get to determine new and attention-grabbing methods to deal with issues which 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
Once I joined AppleInsider in 2019, I used to be already deeply concerned within the “iPad as a computer replacement” 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
In the event you’re conserving 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 big mark on my workflows, particularly after the introduction of Apple Intelligence.
In the present day, I’ve acquired a number of items of know-how in my lineup, and every serves a selected function in my work and life. So, let’s talk about every.
M4 iPad Professional with Nano Texture and an iPad mini 7
The king of my setup is the M4 iPad Professional (examine greatest costs), Apple’s greatest tackle the bare robotic core so far. Which means, it could tackle any type it wants based mostly on what it’s paired with.
iPads all the way in which down
The iPad Professional is a superb pill with its skinny and light-weight design, massive 13-inch show, and Apple Pencil Professional. I do not typically use the iPad Professional as only a pill, however with 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 after I get to take the iPad with me to the lounge, my favourite brewery, a resort room, or a picnic desk and get work finished 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 is usually 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 exploit 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 higher 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 essentially the most half, however capturing audio, video, and microphone proved difficult, however potential with some workarounds. Maybe I will write about it at some point.
For now, it nonetheless works as a superb method to get a recreation console like Nintendo Change or PlayStation 5 onto the Studio Show via 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 hook up with my whole desk setup was with 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 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 deal with one or two professional person complaints, however 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 want. That pill is the iPad mini 7, Apple’s greatest iPad-as-a-tablet in its lineup because of its energy and type issue.
iPad mini 7 is a good pocket companion
The iPad mini is my private pc that goes with me in all places. Its show is greater and extra sq. than the iPhone, so it is excellent for viewing media, studying textual content, or enjoying video games.
Once I’m working, the iPad mini is with me on the desk, however it’s typically turned off. Once I want a second show for no matter motive, that is when the iPad mini is pulled in.
My iPhone acts as a knowledge viewer, like exhibiting battery ranges, rain, or now enjoying music on the workplace HomePods because of 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 blissful it is there after I want it. Plus, if I need to take a video I am watching with me or one thing comparable, I can seize it from its stand and stroll away.
iPad mini can 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 model of setup is a remnant of the pre-Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional that would change sooner or later.
Having two iPads turns into way more helpful after I’m away from the desk. Since I haven’t got the Studio Show with me, I like having my major 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 precise aspect of the desk to podcast, that method I am dealing with a wall of froth.
My important 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 pictures station. I place totally different mats and backdrops to supply totally different kinds for my product pictures that you’ve got undoubtedly seen throughout AppleInsider. You may normally discover it is mine due to my tendency to make use of darker colour palettes and moody lighting.
A 3rd desk, that I feel is technically additionally a desk, is used to carry additional tools, upcoming overview merchandise, and my printer. Beneath the desk is a bunch of storage containers crammed with 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 varied 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.
Once I have to 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, supplied it hasn’t been too lengthy since its final wake.
Then, if I have to 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 capabilities 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 easy with an exterior battery
I am blissful to have the M4 Mac mini. It will function a great entry level to macOS, and a minimum of it could run a Gamecube emulator if I need 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 method to entry the Mac via 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 thus far as a result of it sits at an attention-grabbing spot in my workflow. It consistently competes for my favourite piece of know-how versus the iPad Professional, however falls simply brief.
Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional continues to be a bit early for prime time
When Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional was launched in February, it shortly turned my major pc as a result of it might do every part my M1 iPad Professional might. Nevertheless, the M4 iPad Professional stole the highlight after that via overview wants, then Apple Intelligence sealed the deal.
See, Apple Intelligence nonetheless is not out there on Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional, and I want it for my workflow. I dumped Grammarly after Apple’s Proofread perform in Writing Instruments acquired ok and have not regarded again.
If I actually need to, I might open Drafts within the Mac mini Digital Show and run Proofread, however it’s simply not the identical. The little bit of friction there has introduced me again to my favourite setup with iPad Professional.
Once I have to get one thing finished as quickly as potential, I nonetheless depend on the iPad for that. Nevertheless, Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional continues to be my go-to system for long-form content material. This story was written principally 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 could possibly be completed through native apps in visionOS, I would be there extra typically.
Till then, Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional has taken a again seat to iPad Professional. I exploit it a couple of instances per week, typically for hours at a time, however it actually is not the first machine.
One use you’ll be able to rely 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 feel Apple has one thing particular with Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional, and I am unable to 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 pleased with my areas. I will repeatedly 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 choice
I believed and hoped Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional would have a bigger influence on my workplace. Actually, 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 improper, I am nonetheless tempted to try this if and when the time comes, however Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional nonetheless must do every part 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 every part traces up, in order that prospect sits consistently on the sting of my ideas.
Typically it is good simply to get out of the workplace too
I do know my time on this area is proscribed, so I am doubtless 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 house.
Maybe my new residence and new workplace shall be constructed across the elevated prominence of spatial computing. Solely time will inform.
Journey
A part of what I like about my job is its portability. So, I wished to speak a bit about how I get work finished exterior of the workplace.
iPad Professional makes an awesome compact laptop computer
I’ve acquired a little bit of a weekly ritual, supplied the climate holds. I wish to hop on my e-bike and experience into city on Fridays so I can get work finished someplace apart 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 motorcycle lock, iPad mini, recreation controller, and a battery pack with a kickstand.
Once I’m arrange at an area place, it is normally 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 enjoying video games on the go than something.
Extra severe outings require greater baggage. If I will carry what’s principally my whole workplace, I’m 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 huge 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 residence, 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 good in-between. To date, I discover it is best after I’m visiting an area good friend and need to present them the headset.
Backpack for Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional has a hammock for the headset
The best 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 performing 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 pictures and a great video digital camera for recording the HomeKit Insider Podcast.
Sony a7II taking pictures the iPad mini with iPad Professional performing as a backdrop
In the event you see a photograph taken in my workplace, in a lightweight sales space, or in any other case in my residence, chances are high these photographs have been taken with my trusty Sony a7II. All the things exterior the home, like photographs for my bike opinions or the outside photographs of Apple Imaginative and prescient Professional in Virginia Seashore, are taken with the iPhone.
I’ve at all times cherished iPhone pictures, however it’s unimaginable how highly effective the digital camera has grow to be. I discussed within the iPhone 16 Professional Max overview how vital I believed Digital camera Management and reversible Photographic Types have been for a motive.
Whereas iPad mini 7 (examine sale costs) is my go-to private pc for leisure or studying whereas I am at residence, the iPhone is my pc in all places else. And naturally, if I need 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 knowledge, handle my residence with Reminders, talk with my family and friends, and a lot extra.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 is an extension of the iPhone, performing as a window into my exercise and life. AirPods Professional 2 are at all times on my individual, in my pocket or looped via my belt, and let me cover from the noise or improve what I hear.
The iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch I preserve with me all day day-after-day ended up on the finish of this checklist as a result of it is truthfully tough 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, know-how 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.
