iPad changes the way you work: From tablet to productive workstation
Currently, we are witnessing a profound shift in the way professionals work, with hy-brid work environments becoming increasingly prevalent. This trend has many iPad owners looking for accessories that can transform this powerful tablet into an effective laptop replacement.
Key accessories that enhance your iPad experience
In order to improve the iPad experience and make it closer to MacBook, users have adopted accessories such as wireless keyboards, wireless mice and trackballs. These accessories not only improve the convenience of operation, but also significantly enhance the work efficiency of iPad.
Stage Manager: New features to improve work efficiency
With the release of the latest version of iOS, Stage Manager has become an important tool for improving iPad work efficiency. Extended mode allows users to seamlessly connect iPad to a larger external display for optimized multitasking. This feature is not only beneficial for quick conference calls and online learning, but also provides great convenience for various collaboration and multitasking scenarios.
Comparison between extended mode and mirror mode
Before the launch of Stage Manager, Mirror Mode was the primary display duplication tool on the iPad. However, while Mirror Mode is capable of replicating anything on the iPad's screen, it doesn't support full-screen viewing for many apps, nor can it serve as a secondary display for background apps. In contrast, Stage Manager allows users to connect the iPad to an external monitor and use it as a standalone secondary monitor. By enabling Stage Manager, users get an additional work screen, enabling flexible switching between full-screen viewing and background application viewing.
Turn your iPad into a workstation
To transform iPad into a workstation-like setup, users can take advantage of an iPad-compatible mobile dock or a dedicated dock, such as Kensington's StudioDock. These docks provide essential support for iPad, ensuring an enhanced and efficient usage experience.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into how Stage Manager improves productivity through extended mode, and discuss in detail options for turning your M1 or M2 iPad into a laptop-like workstation. By understanding these tools and accessories, users can harness the full potential of iPad to work more efficiently and flexibly.
A few examples of how Stage Manager’s extended mode can be used to enhance your workflow include:
1、Conduct full-screen internet searches on an external display.
Your iPad can continue to function and accommodate additional applications on the external display. These applications will be represented as thumbnails on the side of your iPad, allowing for easy access and efficient multitasking.
2、Enjoy full-screen views of apps, websites, videos, and more on an external display.
Seamlessly move apps, windows, and content between the iPad and the external display, enabling smoother multitasking and improved workflow. You can arrange and customize the placement of apps, windows, and content on both screens, tailoring the workspace to your preferences and needs—and maximizing your visual experience.
3、Effectively collaborate on a video conference.
Utilize one screen for your video call and the other as a reference to the meeting’s agenda or your notes for discussion.
What You Need to Transform Your iPad into a Laptop-Like Workstation
To transform your iPad into a laptop-like workstation, you will need to consider the following:
。An iPad powered by an M-series processor, such as iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later), or iPad Air (5th generation) running iPadOS 16.2 or later
。An external display
。A cable to connect the iPad to your external display (such as a USB-C® to HDMI®, USB-C® Thunderbolt™ cable, or DisplayPort™ adapter)
。An iPad-compatible docking station, or the specially designed DS018R
。An iPad-compatible wired or wireless mouse, trackball, or trackpad
。An iPad-compatible keyboard (such as the Multi-Device Dual Wireless Compact Keyboard)
Choosing the best docking station for your iPad is essential to enhance its functionality and ensure a seamless user experience. When selecting a docking station, consider the type of iPad you have, the features you need, and your budget. Look for a docking station that is compatible with your iPad's charging port, has enough ports to connect all your peripherals, and supports fast charging. Consider the size and design of the docking station, especially if you plan to use it on a desk or a table.
Purplelec elegantly designed DS018R won the prestigious Red Dot award for design, and is a perfect docking solution for connecting your iPad to an external display. It attaches and detaches magnetically, seamlessly integrates with Stage Manager, makes connecting a wireless keyboard and mouse effortless, and can be purchased on Amazon.
Additional portable options include any of purplelec iPad-compatible mobile docks. The CM12 USB-C 9-in-1 Driverless Mobile Hub offers plenty of ports for connecting dongle-based wireless keyboards and trackballs, as well as Ethernet and card readers. It also offers the opportunity to use a USB-C® power adapter to charge your iPad while utilizing the dock. In addition, you can enhance any mobile dock setup by utilizing a Collapsible Aluminum Laptop Riser to neatly position your iPad alongside the external monitor.
How to Enable Stage Manager
Once you have all the components you need for your workstation, enabling Stage Manager is easy—simply swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPad screen to open the Control Center, then tap the Stage Manager button.
Conclusion
Whether you opt for the DS018R or a simplified mobile dock setup, the right accessories allow you to unlock the full potential of your M1/M2 iPad, transforming it into a laptop-like workstation. With the extended mode feature of Stage Manager, you can enjoy a customizable workspace, enhanced multitasking, and a full-screen experience, all while improving your productivity and workflow.
At Purplelec, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions to professionals, empowering them with highly efficient and productive workstations. Our unwavering commitment to continuous innovation has enabled us to design cutting-edge devices that optimize connectivity across various working devices, facilitating a seamless and productive workflow for our users.
