[tapoxi]

>An iPhone that’s able to project something more like iPadOS (or, ideally, but not definitely wishful thinking on my part — macOS) when connected to a screen could easily replace a laptop for probably a significant portion of the population, including for casual computing, and for the work tasks of the bulk of the knowledge workforce.

No, it wouldn't, because you'd need a display and input device(s) at your destination. So then we ended up with these laptop-style shells for Android and Windows Phone devices that supported this model and suddenly you can't use your phone separately while you're in laptop mode. It's easier to just bring a laptop/Chromebook with you.

There's no need for the device's local storage when you're already syncing important documents to the cloud anyway. This is a "cool" solution in search of a problem.

[eropple]

> No, it wouldn't, because you'd need a display and input device(s) at your destination. So then we ended up with these laptop-style shells for Android and Windows Phone devices that supported this model and suddenly you can't use your phone separately while you're in laptop mode. It's easier to just bring a laptop/Chromebook with you.

Maybe for you. For me, I rarely actually use my Macbook Pro in a laptop mode - it's docked at one location or another (but different locations and different Macs, including ones owned by different people). Being able to do that with a phone and not carting around an extra screen and extra keyboard would be pretty nice, as it happens!

[nicoburns]

> There's no need for the device's local storage when you're already syncing important documents to the cloud anyway

Syncing to the cloud is a pain, requires an internet connection, etc. If I could just carry everything around on a personal device and leave the cloud as backup only I would love that.

[ianburrell]

It is possible to sync documents over the local network. Both Apple and Google have ways to connect devices without the Internet.

The fact that they haven’t done is good argument that it isn’t wanted. Partly cause the subset of people who work on planes and don’t pay for Internet is pretty small.

[scarface_74]

And you’re in a minority. It’s 2023. At least two of the major airlines have free wifi. Delta being one and i don’t know the other.

[nsonha]

The problem is having too many devices. Most people should just need a phone that can also serve as a personal computer. A personal laptop is a hassle, remember we already have a work computer provided by our employers

[hotnfresh]

I rarely open my personal laptop anymore. Maybe once a month? I don’t really do computer-tinkering as a hobby, these days. I have a windows desktop for games, but zero important things happen on it (I mean—it’s Windows). Just games. It’s not logged into any non-gaming accounts at all.

Important personal stuff’s all on my phone. Hell, I basically bought my last house entirely from my phone, including the paperwork, and that was a few years ago. Adding a laptop to the mix wouldn’t have helped. House projects? Phone is several tools for those, laptop’s useless. Banking? Family photos and videos? Notes, alarms, shopping lists, timers, calendar, email, messaging? Document scanning, sending stuff to the printer? Shopping? Ride hailing? Reservations and tickets? Phone. There’s little room or need for a laptop. And I grew up pre-smartphone (hell, didn’t have the Internet at all until I was like 12) so I was well-accustomed to using desktop computers in the before-time.

[edgyquant]

> remember we already have a work computer provided by our employers

What a ridiculous and privileged thing to say. Most people do not, in fact, have a computer provided by their employer.

[nsonha]

Even if they don't they shouldn't be forced to choose between buying yet another computer they rarely use and doing personal things on a laptop where they also do important works.