I have an ipad - I looked at setting it up for "on the move" usage - obviously the fact that it has no connections other than the one proprietary plug was a major issue, so I purchased something for the ipad to sit in which afford me ways to plug other stuff, like microphones, into said iPad.

Unfortunately the piece of equipment that the iPad was to sit in, was large - in fact together, the iPad and the module were probably as large as my laptop and a lot more inconvenient.
I then started to try and use ipad - underpowered and apps a joke - in fact ipad is a toy (this was one of the original ipads)
So I keep the ipad for what I think it was intended for - I look at the news online sometimes and occasionally use it for emails, but my smart phone has really superseded it for that use. 

I think anyone who has tried an ipad know that once you look past the hype (and oh my goodness isn't there a lot of that) the ipad is just a low powered touch screen computer, that is little use for serious work, whether that be music or anything else.

So not for me but if other people want to use it great - and I'm sure over the years it will improve and improve.

What I think most people are concerned about is the fact the ipad and the ipad apps machine, offer companies a massively larger market to aim for than what our market can offer them.
The pricing model on apps is one that will also encourage  people to buy the stuff without thinking too much about it. So VERY large market plus apps pricing that encourages  improvident purchases can mean big profits.

So if software companies start to make more money selling cut down music apps, why waste time and effort on producing top quality software for use on DAWS - I would image producing intricate / complicated software for a DAW is infinitely more time consuming and difficult than producing relatively simple apps for an ipad. 
So if you make more money by doing ipad stuff, the software company may look at its bottom line and sideline their main software development for DAWs.

We have already seen this happen in a major way with IK Multimedia - unless the ipad craze stops (which I don't think it will anytime soon) I very much doubt we will see IK Multimedia dedicating enough resources to the DAW market to stay a major player - and once they start to lose market share (and sales) they will dedicate even less etc etc. The old vicious circle syndrome.

So I believe most people are concerned if other Companies follow IK Multimedia's demise.
In the past week I have had an email from Arturia announcing their entry into the ipad marketplace - even Steve from Hollow Sun is thinking about it  - the lure is strong.

Nigel

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I use Open Office too! Love it. To each their own. Can't judge a mans tools when the completed work says far more.

Then again, Beats by Dr Dre come in red.

All the pro's know that when it comes to mastering, green simply out performs all other colors.


If they want me to master on my iPad they better raise the price to at least $25.
More money + green headphones/earbuds = quality results.
It's simple physics.


How the hell is Monster missing out on all this?


Mike  

 As I type this I have two ideas I sent to myself in drop box which were made on different apps in my iPad.....I have Dropbox on my DAW. I can make a midi 3000 miles away from my DAW and when I come home it will be waiting to import into Sonar. I was able to hear the midi with some decent sounds on the iPad before I saved it. The apps I used were easy to work with. The ease of use coupled with the ease to export and use is tough to beat with anything else. I could use a laptop but the touch screen apps are easier than any laptop to use.

 I don't feel that people not jumping on this wagon are in any way missing anything if what they have works for them. In my case it is indispensable for when I can't be at my DAW.

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I am still waiting for the first DAW that integrates my mobile devices (iPhone and iPad) with my desktop and uses the same software.  There are applications where a desktop is essential.  It usually involves times when audio quality is critical and a treated environment is required.  Those would be tracking (audio only), mixing and mastering.

I want to be able to do the rest....audio editing, mix session setup, midi recording on my mobile devices on the same DAW software so I can really integrate music making into my life and not have it by appointment only when I have time to sit in my studio. I want to do these other operations waiting in the doctor's office, on the beach, wherever.

And then I want to transfer my work files to the cloud so I can freely work on my project wherever.

We are a long way from this reality.  For example, all the plugs and synths that we use on desktops have to be equally available on mobile devices.  Also not sure how a tablet would behave froma speed, etc standpoint.  However that problem will go away.  

Anyway, I am waiting for the first DAW to offer this.  If it isn't Sonar, I will still jump.  The technology could be used to really integrate this hobby I love into my life.

I've used my iPad to start quite a few songs since I bought it. As a matter of fact, its the main reason I bought one; to sketch out song ideas on the go.


Get a vibe in my head while I'm out? Whip out my trusty iPad, get the basic structure or groove down, email it or Dropbox it to myself and go on about my day. When I get home I can flesh it out to a full fledged production.
I think when we say we can't use an iPad (or a 4 track back in the day for that matter) to make music we become more about our tools than we are about our creativity and talent. Thats not a good thing.


Think about this; how many great songs and, or, records were recorded on four track machines as demos first?


Its the same principle, geesh. ...lol