With technology advancing at incredible speeds, tablet computers have gained significant ground as reliable, powerful devices. With the release of Apple’s iPad Pro, the iPad has even started to outperform some cheaper laptops. So, can you actually replace your laptop with an iPad Pro?
Whether you can replace your laptop with an iPad Pro depends on how you use it. If you’re primarily checking social media, browsing the web, and/or emailing, then you can likely get away with only an iPad. However, if do a lot of typing or need certain specialized software, you may need a laptop.
Those are just a few of the factors to keep in mind, but there’s a lot to consider if you’re thinking of ditching your laptop for an iPad. Let’s go through the details so that you can weigh the pros and cons of making an iPad Pro your main device.
Can an iPad Pro Replace a Laptop?
The iPad Pro (on Amazon) is a powerful and versatile device that has become increasingly popular as a laptop replacement in recent years. However, whether it can fully replace a laptop depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
For many people, an iPad Pro can certainly serve as a suitable alternative to a laptop. Its hardware is highly advanced, featuring a fast processor and high-quality graphics.
You can also purchase accessories for the iPad Pro, such as a stylus (on Amazon) and a keyboard cover (also on Amazon), making it easy to use the device for both work and entertainment. Additionally, the iPad Pro has a long battery life and is highly portable, making it an attractive option for people who need to work on the go.
All that said, there are still limitations to the iPad Pro that may make it insufficient for certain users. For example, while the iPad Pro’s screen is larger than a standard iPad, it may not be large enough for some people to comfortably work on.
Another thing to consider is the fact that the iPad Pro’s operating system, while highly functional, does not support all the same software and applications as a traditional laptop.
For people who primarily need a device for internet browsing, document creation, and basic tasks, an iPad Pro can be a great choice. But for those who need more advanced software or prefer the ergonomics of a traditional laptop, a laptop may still be the better option.
What to Consider Before Buying an iPad Pro
Some of the main things to consider before you purchase an iPad Pro are the storage space you’ll need, how much battery life you desire, and the way you plan on using the device. Let’s go through each of these factors to help determine whether an iPad Pro is the device for you.
Storage Space
The iPad comes in a variety of storage sizes, ranging from 128GB to a whopping 2TB. The storage capacity of an iPad Pro can greatly impact how you use the device, as it determines how much data you can store — including photos, videos, documents, and apps.
The cheapest iPad Pro model comes with 128GB of storage, which is a decent amount that’ll be enough for most people’s needs. This size is suitable for casual users who primarily use their device for browsing the web, social media, and light productivity tasks.
For those who use their iPad Pro for more intensive tasks, such as creating and editing large files or videos, the higher storage capacity models may be more suitable. The mid-tier model comes with 256GB of storage, while the high-end model comes with 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB.
The thing is, most laptops also clock in somewhere between 128GB to 2TB, depending on their price. This means that the iPad Pro can actually compete with pretty much any laptop in the industry when it comes to storage space (click here for a laptop storage guide).
Battery Life
One of the key features of the iPad Pro is its long battery life, which is essential for those who use it for work or entertainment on the go.
The latest version of the iPad Pro features an impressive battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge. This is thanks to the tablet’s energy-efficient A12Z Bionic chip and the 36.71-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery that powers the device.
Of course, the actual battery life of the iPad Pro can vary widely depending on how you use it. If you’re using demanding apps or streaming video, you may see a shorter battery life than if you’re using it for more basic tasks like browsing the web or reading eBooks.
Additionally, if you use the iPad Pro with accessories like the Apple Pencil or the Smart Keyboard, this can also impact battery life.
If you want the best out of your iPad Pro’s battery life, you’ll need to do things like adjusting the display brightness and turning off unnecessary features (like Bluetooth) when not in use. You can also use the low power mode feature to extend the battery life even further.
Once again, these stats are comparable to those found on the average laptop. Laptops generally get somewhere between 8 and 10 hours of battery life from a full charge, though the number may be something more like 3–4 hours if you’re using the computer for something more intensive such as playing high-end games.
Type of Use
The main thing to consider regarding whether you should buy an iPad Pro over a laptop is what you plan on using it for. As we said before, the touchscreen of the iPad Pro makes it a great device for things like sending emails, browsing the internet, and checking social media. You can also buy an Apple Pen for your iPad to turn it into a fantastic tablet for drawing or creating any kind of art.
The main thing that would likely make someone want to stick with a laptop over an iPad Pro is if their work involves a lot of typing. While you can buy add-on keyboards for your iPad, these are typically rather small and not very ergonomic, meaning if you have to type for long periods, the laptop may still be your best option.
You also may not want to rely entirely on an iPad if your work involves things like intense video editing or programming. These activities often involve third-party programs that may not be available on the iPad Pro.
The Benefits of an iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is a powerful device that offers several benefits over traditional laptops. Let’s go through some of the advantages of owning an iPad Pro over a laptop.
First, the iPad Pro is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around with you wherever you go. This makes it an ideal choice for people who travel frequently or need to work from various locations. The device is also thin, so it can easily fit in a backpack or a large purse.
Second, the iPad Pro has a long battery life. You can use it for up to 10 hours on a single charge in optimal conditions, which is more than most laptops can offer. This means you can work for longer periods without worrying about your device dying suddenly.
Third, the iPad Pro has a touchscreen interface, which allows for more natural interaction with the device. You can use your fingers to swipe, pinch, and zoom, just like on a smartphone. This makes it easier to navigate the device and complete tasks quickly.
Fourth, you can buy an accessory for your iPad Pro known as the Apple Pencil (on Amazon), which is a highly responsive and accurate stylus. This makes it ideal for artists and designers who need to create detailed drawings and sketches.
Fifth, the iPad Pro has a powerful processor and plenty of RAM, making it capable of handling even the most demanding tasks. You can use it to edit photos, videos, and music, as well as play high-quality games.
Overall, the iPad Pro offers a convenient, portable, and powerful alternative to traditional laptops. It’s an ideal choice for people who need to work on the go, want a more natural interface, and need a device that can handle a wide range of tasks.
The Benefits of a Laptop
As we’ve said before, when it comes to choosing between a laptop and an iPad Pro, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. However, there are several benefits to owning a laptop over an iPad Pro that may make it the better option for certain users.
First off, a laptop typically has a larger screen size than an iPad Pro, which can be beneficial for tasks such as video editing or working on multiple documents at once. The larger screen can also provide a more immersive gaming or streaming experience.
Another advantage of a laptop is the availability of a physical keyboard. While the iPad Pro does offer a keyboard attachment, it’s not as comfortable or efficient to use as a traditional keyboard on a laptop. This can be particularly important for users who type frequently or for long periods of time.
Laptops also offer more ports for connecting peripherals. This will allow you to use your laptop with other devices such as external hard drives, printers, and additional monitors.
Finally, for users who need to run complex software, a laptop may also be the better choice. Laptops typically have more powerful processors and graphics cards than an iPad Pro, which can make a significant difference in performance when running demanding applications.
Basically, while the iPad Pro certainly has its benefits, particularly for users who prioritize portability and touch-based input, a laptop may be the better option for users who require a larger screen, physical keyboard, more storage space, and more powerful performance.
Can an iPad Pro Download Microsoft Word?
Microsoft Word is a powerful word processing tool that allows users to create, edit, and share documents. It’s often one of the most commonly used programs on any computer, and some users consider the program so important that they wouldn’t buy a device that can’t use it.
So, can an iPad Pro download Microsoft Word?
Thankfully, the answer is yes; an iPad Pro can support Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word is available as a free app on the Apple App Store, and it can be downloaded onto an iPad Pro in just a few simple steps.
To download Microsoft Word on an iPad Pro, open the App Store app and search for “Microsoft Word.” Once you’ve located the app, click on the “Get” button to initiate the download process. You’ll need to enter your Apple ID and password, and once the download is complete, you can open the app and start using it.
It’s worth noting that while the app is free to download, some advanced features may require a subscription to Microsoft 365. However, many users find that the basic features available in the free version of the app are sufficient for their needs.
The fact that it can be downloaded means that Microsoft Word should not be a determining factor in whether you should get a laptop or an iPad Pro. This may come as a relief for people who rely on the program for their day-to-day work.
How to Choose
When it comes to deciding between an iPad Pro and a laptop, it’s important consider all of the factors that we mentioned above. Both devices have their unique features and benefits, and the right choice for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Think about what you use your computer for, the specifications you require, and where you’ll be using it.
If you need a device for heavy-duty tasks like video editing, graphic design, or programming, a laptop may be the better choice. Laptops also typically have more processing power and a wider range of software options than an iPad Pro.
On the other hand, if you primarily need a device for browsing the web, checking email, and using basic productivity apps, an iPad Pro may be more than sufficient. The iPad Pro is also slim, lightweight, and easy to carry in a bag or backpack. Laptops, while still portable, tend to be a bit bulkier and may be more difficult to carry around.
When it comes to user interface, the iPad Pro has a touchscreen that allows for easy navigation and interaction with apps. This can be a big advantage for tasks like drawing or taking handwritten notes. Laptops typically rely on a keyboard and trackpad, which can be more difficult to use for tasks like drawing or handwriting.
Another consideration is cost. Generally speaking, iPads tend to be less expensive than laptops, but the iPad Pro can be quite pricey, especially if you opt for the larger screen size and cellular connectivity. If cost is a major concern, a cheap laptop may be the better choice.