iPad Pro, Citrix Receiver, X1 Mouse create laptop alternative

 By Chris Fleck

For the past two months, I have left my laptop in the office and used only my iPad Pro for mobile work. On my desk, I still want a large display and multiple monitors. But when I’m roaming to office conference rooms, working from home or traveling, I’ve switched over to the iPad Pro – exclusively – to get the full experience.

Gear

Belkin B2B064 Sleeve: Offers good iPad protection plus a zipper pocket for accessories

Apple Smart Keyboard: The smallest, lightest integrated option

Citrix X1 Mouse: Essential for navigating Windows apps hosted on XenApp

Apple Pencil: Great for drawing and notes

Lightning to HDMI Connector: Good for presentations

Apps

Citrix Receiver: Provides access to my XenDesktop Virtual Desktop and Windows work apps, SAP, etc.

WorxMail: Secure work email

WorxWeb: Secure web browser

WorxNotes: Work notes

Citrix ShareFile: Document storage, allows online or offline access with sync

GoToMeeting: Online meetings

Messages: For work and personal messages

Slack: For team engagement

With this setup, you can definitely leave your laptop at home (or work) and do everything you need. There are many pros and a few cons.

Pros

Lightweight: the iPad Pro is only 1.6 pounds, plus 11 ounces for the Smart Keyboard. I tried other keyboards, but I liked the ease of flipping to tablet mode with the Smart Keyboard.

Battery: The 10-hour battery life makes all-day work easy.

Cellular: The option for built-in cellular data makes the iPad Pro more mobile than most laptops.

Mouse: Using the Citrix X1 Mouse makes all the difference when connected to a virtual desktop or Windows app. Right-click, drag and drop, scroll – everything works as expected.

Stylus: The Apple Pencil works great for native apps like drawing or editing photos. It feels better than any other stylus I have tried. It also works well inside a XenApp session and can be used instead of the mouse.

Comfort: The ability to easily rotate and sit back in couch-surf mode with touch is something I do almost every evening and is preferable to a laptop.

Split screen: The coming version of Receiver enables the Split View feature. I often have my virtual XenDesktop in three-quarters of my display and local Slack or Messages in the one-quarter sidebar.

Cons

Offline: There are still times when working offline is required. I can use the native apps but full-feature PowerPoint is not an option.

Keyboard lighting: The Apple Smart Keyboard keys are not backlit, which is a problem in dim light. Logitech and others have backlit keys, but are heavier

Screen sharing: Sharing the local screen in a GoToMeeting (or other web meetings) does not work due to iOS limitations. The remote Virtual Desktop can be shared but not a local app.

Chris Fleck is on the board of the South Florida Technology Alliance and vice president of emerging solutions for Citrix Systems (NASDAQ: CTXS), a Fort Lauderdale company that provides secure delivery of applications and data. 

You May Also Like
BankMiami: Miami’s Newest Bank Set to Open March 17

BankMiami will be the first de novo bank to open since 2008, and the first woman-founded bank in Miami.

Read More
Real Estate Company Secures Four Law Firm Office Leases in Boca Raton

The offices are at the Eighteen Zero One and Boca Corporate Plaza buildings.

Read More
Office Leases in Boca Raton
Get Ready to Haggle If You Want a Buyer’s Real Estate Agent

Lawsuits are claiming that the commissions paid to the buyer’s agents shouldn’t be dictated by the Multiple Listing Service.

Read More
Real Estate Agent
Hard Work Pays Off

A food empire is growing in South Florida because of Mike Linder’s focus on food and service and a twist on locations.

Read More
Other Posts
One of the World’s Richest Women Makes a Major Gift

West Palm Beach is poised to establish a core of top-rated medical centers.

Read More
An Unknown Side of Cancun: Enjoy a Luxurious Stay at the JW Marriott Resort and Spa and Bring Your Taste for Adventure

Treat yourself to luxury, relaxation and unforgettable experiences at this fantastic resort.

Read More
Steiger Facial Plastic Surgery Offers Pamper Mom Facial Special

The offering is available through May 31.

Read More
NAIOP South Florida Appoints Officers, Executive Board and Board of Directors for 2022

NAIOP South Florida, a Commercial Real Estate Development Association offering advocacy, education and business opportunities to its members, has announced the following officers for the 2022 Board of Directors: President:

Read More