Turning An iPad Air 5 Into A Desktop: The Good, Bad, and UGLY!

MOFT Snap Float Folio for iPad: bit.ly/44pNK0g
ALL THE GEAR IN THIS VIDEO IS LISTED BELOW 👇
With the release of iPadOS 17 and Final Cut Pro for iPad, we're getting closer and closer to being about to have a true iPad desk setup. Today, I'm trying my luck and moving my creative workflow to the M1 iPad Air (although this can be created with the iPad Pro as well), and seeing what works, and what doesn't. Watch for more
Buy the 5th Gen iPad Air (M1) HERE: amzn.to/3PvQiWD
Orico 6-in-1 Hub | amzn.to/43B7ptX
MY DESK SETUP GEAR:
LG 27UQ850-W Ultrafine 4K Monitor | amzn.to/3o1Beoh
Vivo Monitor Arm | amzn.to/3CtYkWE
Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse | amzn.to/3mkvEfS
Logitech MX Keys Mini | amzn.to/3PrfUQE
Flexispot Standing Desk | bit.ly/3xUYJ40
Monoprice Cable Tray | amzn.to/3A5nb3t
Orbitkey Desk Mat & Keyholder | bit.ly/41jSoMg
Fluance Ai41 Speakers | amzn.to/3oi6wah
Kanto S4 Speaker Stands | amzn.to/3A6cWvw
CalDigit TS4 USB Hub | amzn.to/3Fc80Ji
Acasis USB4 SSD Enclosure | amzn.to/3L07z5V
Western Digital SN770 SD | amzn.to/3A6aZPI
Grid Studio iPhone Classic Kit | shrsl.com/3nsgi
BenQ ScreenBar Monitor Light | amzn.to/3w7DQBH
Gove RGBIC Strip Lights | amzn.to/3CvITx3
Mandalorian Lego Figures | amzn.to/3Et0oyB
Nomad Base One Max | www.dpbolvw.net/click-1004155...
Autonomous ErgoChair Pro | www.autonomous.ai/office-chai...
MUSIC I USE IN MY VIDEOS IS ALL FROM EPIDEMIC SOUND
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LINKS TO PRODUCTS CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS
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_______________________________
00:00 | Intro
01:20 | Getting Started
02:11 | Moft Snap Float Folio
04:03 | Hooking Up The Basics
05:00 | Productivity on iPad
06:25 | Creative Workflows
07:34 | Advanced Setup
11:48 | Wrapping Up
This video is sponsored by Moft
#MOFTFloatFolio #MOFTiPadCase #MOFTSnapFloatFolio

[@esadh]

Unlike any other review which mostly focus on aesthetics, this video is so practical yet still visually pleasing. Thumbs up 👍

[@tigerdigs8228]

So happy I found you, I have been researching stands. I wanted it up higher so I can get a monitor. Now to find a monitor. Thanks again

[@NavyDiver912]

I’m in marketing and I almost solely use my iPad for work. The only time I use my computer is when I’m working with excel (graphing and macros). And I love it.

[@chettystudios]

Awesome video! Replaced my laptop with the Air 5 back in September of last year and I never feel the need for a “real” laptop. As you mentioned some of the extra steps involved can be a pain when using it docked, but that’s why I have a PC. On the go its perfect for short video edits in resolve and i actually prefer it over my PC for photo editing as I like using the Apple Pencil to move sliders and such. Absolute beast of a machine

[@KyleErickson]

thanks for watching!

[@EriX88888]

hi mind letting us know what accessories u paired to make the air 5 a laptop? magic keyboard or logitech combotouch or other third party keyboards? and which mouse, thanks

[@lamaadministrator2595]

@@KyleEricksonDoes the ipad charge while it's connected to the monitor? Or the monitor just drains the battery?

[@ayushshankar8645]

Good question@@lamaadministrator2595

[@bryans8656]

Interesting experiment, although not something I'd want to try with my iPad Mini. However, I could see attempting this if my only device was an iPad Pro.

[@artjohnson01]

I’ve had MacBook and iPad for a long time. Now with the new iPad I find myself doing much more on the iPad. Rarely turn on the MacBook for daily use. Of course, the MacBook has a lot of folders stored there, etc.

[@DirettoIZM]

This is intriguing as someone who is using a MacBook Air (with an audio interface, speakers and external monitor) presently as my virtual synth. A touch screen would really improve my efficiency. Thanks for this video!

[@KyleErickson]

thanks for watching!

[@sivapathikarunanithi9400]

Love this video ❤

[@EmadApple]

Practical advice and review 👍

[@terrywarnold]

Great video!!! I'm currently considering going iPad only but have yet to make the jump. My current setup is a 10th Gen iPad with ESR Magnetic Rebound keyboard case and a mid 2011 iMac. I mainly use the iMac for consumption and to manage my local church's YT account. I know I can technically do all that on the iPad but the workflow I have works for me. I will say, I have all the accessories to go "iPad only" it's just a matter of going all in lol.

[@pedrolago6167]

hey, have you done that? I am an iPad only user, but I need some accessories and a M1 chip - mine is and iPad Air 4. How is it going?

[@tekiro]

@@pedrolago6167 You will definitely need to go Air 5 or 6 to have stage manager to really do desktop like things.

[@micksmithson6724]

A great video, I have the M1 12.9” 512GB and use it most of the time, I dock it with the Caldigit TS3+, 34” Ultrawide, Epomaker TH66,/MXmaster 3, and with iPadOS17 I often forget I’m not on a Mac. In fact I use it more than my M2MBA, while Stage Manager has improved greatly over iPadOS16, I wish Apple would just copy Samsung’s Dex, My Fold 4 can also dock with the above setup (Via an old Plugable USB C dock I originally bought for my old 12” MacBook. And as a daily portable device it’s a phone, mini tablet and desktop all in my pocket. (It’s also a great mini console paired with a controller for Crazy Taxi and MAME sessions). Apple need to drop the iPadOS restrictions on Emulators, introduce a proper desktop mode as file management is painful, even with FileBrowser professional, it also needs two USB C ports and Vapor chamber cooling (like the S9 Ultra) Having said all this, the frustrating part about the iPad is that it’s so close to perfection. And I started out with 8bit Z80 Computers like the ZX80 and Atari 800XL.

[@bottlefish6386]

This will work just fine for students

[@JezArnold]

Up to 18 … yeah you’re right. At University? Depends what you’re studying

[@ivanlin9850]

Thank you for your wonderful sharing of the working methods of the iPad and Monitor. I am very curious as I usually use the horizontal screen for handwriting. I would like to ask if there is a use situation of using the straight screen. Btw, How do you use universal controls?

[@Gilfordd]

Since September my iPad Air 5 has been the only official computer I have (my 2015 MacBook Pro passed away) I think Files is alright especially if I am just looking for well files lol I mostly use it for content consumption, Documentations etc I’m a basic computer user, even if I need it for work, it doesn’t consists of graphic designing, etc I’ll use stage manager, connect it to my 50 inch tv monitor, use my Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse (I’ve gotten as gifts) 1st gen along with my iPad and I’m set. Overall it’s great, if I need anything more hectic, I have my thinkpad laptop from work I can grab.

[@edwardlustigman2568]

Thanks for the video. It helps as I am considering replacing my windows laptop with an air 5 or pro. I currently have an Air 3 and use it with my windows pc which is clunky.

[@gtbweo]

Amazing video

[@simonleferink1248]

Two years ago I replaced my laptop with the iPad 8 and combo touch case from Logitech and I've never looked back! Probably will get one of the M-chip iPad's soon to have a little better multitasking and some more power, but I can't see myself ever switching back to a normal laptop.

[@CarlLoop]

Thank you , great information. I have the M1 iPad Pro 5th gen with cell plan. Really enjoying doing more work on the iPad now with stage manager and external devices. I have a uGreen external 9 in 1 hub and have power in PD USB C port (handles up to 100W), external display (4K 60hz Sony a80k 65 inch) in HDMI port, and external video (with CamLink) in 10Gb/s USB A port. One problem I have is when I connect my Blue Yeti external mic. When I put it into a USB A 5 GB/s port, it removes the Sony audio out, but does keep the Sony display. So, it gives me audio choices of iPad OR Blue Yeti mic. And, it only lets me choose One device for both audio in and audio out. So, if I choose Blue Yeti, then I have to use the headphone jack. If I choose the iPad, then I get the iPad mic and the iPad speakers (which aren’t bad). What I want is to keep audio out sound on the Sony Tv external display, and the Blue Yeti for microphone sound input. Do you (or maybe your viewers) have any suggestions please? I do a lot of Zoom calls… Thank you!

[@user-fm2ej4in9k]

I have a big questions that have been rolling in my mind since along time ago. Do you always use your iPad plugged to the charger? I mean, when you connect the monitor to the iPad. This makes me think that I am damaging my battery life but when I unplug the charger, battery goes down quickly.

[@tekiro]

Can you do an updated video when iPadOS 18 releases in the fall? I'm hoping the developer conference in June sheds some light on what to expect for the M series on iPad's going forward.

[@christiannemike]

If the ipad mini has this desktop mode. That would be awesome

[@lwpweb]

most important no fan noise on heavy loads as you have it on all macs

[@deacbeugene]

Hi! Thank you for the video! Actually, just one stupid thing is preventing me from buying M-based iPad for desktop setup: audio is routed to display output when you have external display connected. Why would you have bluetooth headphones connected but your audio goes somewhere else?

[@maniojha4389]

Awesome video man I had a question Do I need the Apple Pencil or should I go with ESR stylus Thanks

[@KyleErickson]

depends on if you want the pressure sensitivity or not!

[@chavanont563]

I am using LG Ultrafine 4K and Ipad Air 5 does not support thunderbolt. Please help to recommend best and affordable way to fix this.

[@rishisrivastava1197]

Im a medical student i use ipad for note taking. I jst wanted to use moniter for media consumption on a big screen and use some social media apps on full screen Did it support youtube X and insta as full screen?

[@jadhal9280]

sir can we used type c to hdmi cable or need to used type c to hdmi convertor ?

[@schwererastder1363]

Is it possible to connect a USB-A mouse and keyboard with an USB-C multi hub? Or do i need a bluetooth mouse/keyboard because of the missing thunderbolt port on the iPad air 5? Edit: And is it possible to connect an 1080p HDMI monitor with an USB-C multi hub and charge the iPad air 5 at the same time with that hub?

[@hooelse]

I am a photographer, and I replaced my mbp 15 with iPad Air 5(still on iPadOS16). I am happy to have a smaller package for tethering with capture one. Especially on location. So compact.(just that I need to add a power bank to charge it) Down side is the interface is too (early day) windows, less of drag and drop..etc. And I am actually looking forward to get a 27inch monitor.

[@aliciasam5239]

How long does the battery life last?

[@hooelse]

@@aliciasam5239 iPad air 5 only last for 2hours. As it is charging up my a7r3. So my current solution is to power it up with a 140W powerbank thru usb hud.

[@aliciasam5239]

@@hooelse I should’ve known it had such terrible battery. I only get 4 hours from it and l only use it for gaming , art and to surf the web. My iPad 8 th gen with a failing battery is better than this as doing the same tasks in its prime it could have lasted 6 to 8 hours

[@nghiabuinhan2398]

Air 5 can not using hdd and external monitor in the same time?

[@jesuschrist338]

Does ipad have fullscreen on external display or it has black bars?

[@antoniomaximilianotorquato6725]

Please, do an update with the final version of iPadOS 17

[@jayoolong279]

Yes, the new stage manager pretty much changed the device

[@V1TORrrr]

Can u help me pls Kyle I am buying a iPad Air 5 and idon’t know to buy 64gbs or 256gbs I have never owned a iPad or laptop I use the library’s computer.

[@freddyluvless1063]

Kyle, the Airs and Pros have ALT displayport and can run full 4K on separate channels without hitting the USB C channels. DisplayPort over USB-C is what Apple is calling it in their notes. Some USB hubs and displays do this switch in the settings.. your LG might ..check the settings? What you’ll end up with is on the Airs the full 10 Gbs for peripherals and a 4K/60 video feed

[@KyleErickson]

Yeah, this may have been a bug first testing this out while iPadOS 17 was still in beta a year ago when I made this, but you're exactly right. It won't affect it at all, verified this with all the latest iPads as well.

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

I’ve been using an iPad Air 5 for six months and would like to ditch the old windows PC. The two programs I still need it for are my main CAD program and DaVinci Resolve. I hope that changes in the next year or two but I think I’ll try a Mac Mini in the meantime which should play better with the iPad and run those two apps.

[@wandrs]

DaVinci Resolve is already available on iPad

[@user-fm2ej4in9k]

Which CAD are you using?

[@ArnoldRowntreeTeachesFusion360]

@@user-fm2ej4in9k I teach Fusion 360 here on Yt.

[@sustainablewww6715]

That day you get the full experience developing/coding in VS Code on IPad I will switch out my MacBook in a heartbeat.

[@KyleErickson]

It would be so nice to be able to code on these, but unfortunately we're not close at all there. Playgrounds is the best thing out there right now and you're not using that for any actual coding lol

[@sustainablewww6715]

@@KyleErickson Yes sadly. Let’s hope it will change in the future. I guess code servers would work, but then you rely on other technology and not only the iPad.

[@rappr88]

@@KyleEricksonI’m experimenting with building one of my side project apps with swift playgrounds. I’m surprised with how far you can actually get, and parts of it are actually better than Xcode.

[@elliottpalmer7624]

What’s the drive speed testing app shown ?

[@shahrulmy820]

can i do this on my ipad air 4?

[@mateusnature]

Onde encontro este papel de parede?

[@diotitus]

iPad Air + MacBook Pro = Ultimate Productivity

[@JanKahl-nr6to]

I get 600MB/s with an external SSD connected via a Dell thunderbolt dock even when running 4k/60Hz on an external display (on an iPad Air 5)

[@freddyluvless1063]

Yes i think Kyle is forgetting that the iPads Air and Pro have USB-C over DisplayPort. It’s other wise known as ALT DisplayPort. It uses its own channel wires just for the video and leaves the usb channel alone with no hit on the usb speed. Hence why you’re getting great speeds on the SSD and full 4K.

[@neeljoshi3553]

Hi I have the 2020 IPad Pro before the M1 chip. Could I still do this setup?

[@KyleErickson]

I believe you need an M series chip to enable this unfortunately

[@WatchSparkkTV]

If you have an iPad Pro you can use a Thunderbolt 4 Hub to solve the drives and monitor issue. iPad Pro's have a Thunderbolt 4 port instead of USB-C. So you can still power a 4K monitor at full 60hz and have an SSD at mega fast speeds, especially if you use a Thunderbolt SSD.

[@jx5b]

Yeah, he said that.

[@cnovalles73]

can this setup work with an external dock or does the ipad HAVE to have a direct connection to the monitor?

[@KyleErickson]

can use a hub or a dock provided it has proper display support - I probably would only use one with the iPad Pro though, not he Air, there's just not enough bandwidth

[@cnovalles73]

@@KyleErickson well, since I only have the Air, I guess that kills MY plans! 😂🤣

[@Elias-mj3hf]

i have an ipad air 5, mouse and keyboard both have a dongle which i plug into my adapter which my monitor is also plugged into. yet i cannot use my monitor as an extended monitor…in the settings im not able to change any settings

[@iMetaTV]

you need a power source the apple one 20 w wont cut it. in-had extra power cord for a chrome book with 45w plug into power in the worked wide screen 34 asus wide screen.

[@xavierbreath2227]

So your monitor has a USB C port and you just connect the Ipad directly USB C to USB C?

[@KyleErickson]

Affirmative

[@devinjansa9329]

To be clear, you are not running the desktop operating system, you are using the iPad operating system? And you are limited to apps found in the App Store? I want to run OS X on my iPad but so far I haven’t found a way to achieve this.

[@rynojansen8898]

As soon as I connect hdmi to my monitor the speakers on the ipad goes off. My monitor doesn’t have speakers. And tried connecting bluetooth speakers with ipad. Same thing happens when i connect the hdmi. Any solutions?

[@CarlLoop]

See if this solves it, it does for me… Run a KZbin video. Open control center, look for the display icon in top right box, click it and put check next to external display.

[@iMetaTV]

am replacing my lenovo y540 with air pad 5 gen

[@blakerudler5266]

Where did you get those wallpapers that are in the thumbnail?

[@TheFibo91]

Yess please share🙏🏻

[@tahirmajid3679]

I really want the iPad wallpaper

[@mhw1138]

Why no one talk about your ipad battery drain drastically when connected to external monitor it's useless if i get 2 hours screen time no matter how good stage manager is

[@vong4518]

I have an M1 pro and one thing i utterly hate, loathe even, is that cursor snapping to icons when using a mouse… First world problem i know, but that sh*t is just annoying

[@chimika5025]

wont the ipad heat up alot?

[@KyleErickson]

not that I ever experienced

[@chimika5025]

@@KyleErickson ohh thats pretty good

[@tanakamasikinye9519]

iPad > MacBook

[@theonlinething1039]

Nah, definitely not if you really need to work

[@HookEmNBookEm]

@@theonlinething1039not everyone can have mommy and daddy fork out 2k

[@Zaidoesstuff]

Ipad + Desktop Mac > MacBook + Desktop Mac

[@dylantech]

*If all you do is draw and play mobile games.

[@IdentityConfidential]

Yea no, sorry

[@papillon5537]

did not see any productivity for a iPad as desktop setup.. instead of just use macbook, of course just in my case.

[@gojosatorusboi1814]

my air 5 battery life is not that good, how bout yall

[@martharodriguez3888]

Same, I exported a video and dropped it from 50% to 5%.

[@travistravis7190]

why? just get a pc

[@Zaidoesstuff]

Where’s the fun in that

[@RajSharma-zj2tt]

You talk to much instead of explaining

[@chev3893]

Why insist in making the iPad work like a laptop or desktop when it’s not that at all!?

[@MarcosTiti-wg2ww]

Then go watch a different video

[@chev3893]

@@MarcosTiti-wg2ww why would I do that!? Be logical! If I don’t see the video I wouldn’t know they say that BS! F*ck *ff!!!!

[@rubenalbertoni1065]

I feel so robbed of the fact that my iPad Air 4 didn’t get stage manager 🥲

[@joshnurse7227]

I know how you feel my iPad came out after and it still can’t support it