What Is A Computer, Tests on a Lent iPad
Preface: #
I've been lent an iPad (with usb-c port) and wanted to test the motto "What's a computer?",
so I've tried to use it as a companion device (NB: not my main device which still is and will be a proper computer).
the device has:
- 11" screen
- usb-c port
- external keyboard with trackpad (not Apple)
- glass screen protector
- not an M1 model
Checklist: #
Important features: #
- [x] git repos: can pull (also in a local folder), modify and push multiple repos, using Working Copy (20usd) which also has a very nice editor.
- [ ] syncthing: there is a closed source client (Mobius Sync), not tried and don't think I will
- [x] nextcloud: supported via it's official app, seems to work well
- [x] password manager: sorta yes with workaround, see dedicated section
- [x] external monitor support: yes, see dedicated section
- [x] local shell: yes with iSH, see dedicated section
- [x] local port forwarding via ssh: yes in iSH with caveats.
- [x] printing: yes with airprint, see dedicated section
- [x] VPN: yes/sorta, see Comms and dedicated section
Comms: #
- [~] whatsapp: via web version in a browser, no notifications but works well enough for me
- [x] telegram: has app with multiple clients supported, so no sweat here
- [x] signal: has app and will join as a connected device
- [x] jabber: via chatsecure, works but the problem is with the omemo keys which get scrambled and my interlocutors get pissed.
- [ ] TINC vpn: not supported, only via cydia
- [x] WireGuard VPN: supported and very well via it's app
Misc: #
- [ ] Isolate work apps: no multiple user support
- [ ] Multiple identities in browser: not supported
- [ ] adblock on youtube: not supported
- [ ] sorta no adblock in the browser (you can do something in settings)
Devices: #
- [~] AC511 Dell Soundbar: supported if connected directly, but not trough USB-C hub
- [x] USB-c hub with power delivery to connect everything with one cable
- [x] Usb storage devices: pens and disks work, they mustn't be power hungry.
iSH: #
The joy of my eyes: iSH
it's Linux shell environment running locally, using a usermode x86 emulator, based on Alpine.
It's performances are not stellar since it's an emulation, but you have a complete (but limited) working environment.
PROs:
- almost complete work environment
- SSH port forwarding works well, as long as you keep iSH in the foreground, which with split screen view is quite comfortable and usable, when iSH goes in background after a bit the SSH sessions goes down and with it your port forwarding.
- ability to install packages with "apk add"
CONs:
- Lack of ALT or ESC button: even on hardware keyboards like the ones in the cases there is no ALT or ESC, but you can work around it with a soft-button in the bar of iSH, hardware keyboard connected via bluetooth however have the ALT key and with the best testeditor (obviously nano) works very well.
- NO NETWORK SUPPORT: you can use the network but you cannot modify anything, this means that tinc vpn won't work because it would modify netowkr interfaces, however Wireguard, via it's app, provides everything I need.
- slow, but that's a compromise worth doing.
Password Manager: #
I am using Unix Pass as my password manager,
because it's on CLI and because I can use a gpg key to encrypt and decrypt my passwords, I can keep everything in sync with a git repo and it's fully functional.
I've tested with a new keypair and repo, in iSH and there's everything you need to have: git, pass, gpg, It's not very fast but it works.
It has no completion with tab when you go around in the secrets list.
VPN: #
some of my VPNs are Tinc vpn, which unfortuntely is not supported.
However wireguard has a very good app that works well,
I've tried bridging multiple vpns on a vm so I can connect via wireguard but use resources on the Tinc vpn and it works, quite well (you'll exit "natted" to the Tinc vpn, with the Tinc ip of the bridge machine).
Other more commercial VPNs are supported but don't need 'em.
External Monitor: #
Works well via adapter or via USB-c powered HUB,
it won't cover the whole monitor, I am using a 1920x1080 screen and I have 2 black bars to keep the aspect ratio of the iPad monitor,
on almost 47cm of horizontal I have 38cm of image and 9cm of black bars (4.5cm per side).
Printing: #
Works with a workaround:
I've installed an old Single Board Computer with CUPS and enabled an AirPrint server.
I think I followed this guide
Works surprisingly well.
Accessories: #
There's a wide gamut of accessories for these devices,
with a lot of money to spend.
The keyboards with a decent touchpad that support gestures make the iPad a notebook, more surface-y, like device.
The gestures on the trackpad are really nice and ease moving between apps.
Media consumption: #
It was made for media consumption, so we are ok.
Battery life: #
From what I've tried the battery life is very good, confronted with my old Surface Go the iPad can show 1h of Netflix or do 1h of videocall using very little battery,
I think that it would last more than a day.
Conlusions: #
The experience is eerly,
it's quite a capable device that wants to look like a computer but still tries to keep it's distance from being one. (I'm still doubtful why Apple won't run MacOs on the M1 iPad.)
Limited to my (uncommon) use case: this solution has many compromises, particularly security wise:
it can do almost everything I need swiftly, but I have to trust it (or it's apps) with some of my most beloved "keys".
This device looks like the missing link between a PC and a device that can be mobile, that lasts on battery and has a neat interface (more when paired with a trackpad and keyboard),
and it looks like a device that is keeping all the promises the Surface Go made, promises that even on Windows (Linux is clunkier on the Go) are not kept.
It feels like choosing between what it couldn't be and a compromise.