Five months ago, while I was test-running the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 released, I had this strong perception that there is one big question that would be asked.
One question I’ve asked myself over and again concerning the iPad Pro 2021 but yet to come to terms with the answer I got is this – can iPad Pro replace the MacBook? I’m pretty sure this question has crossed your mind too.
Could it be that the tech geeks in Apple Inc. had this in mind when putting together the iPad Pro for release? Well, that I can’t say but someone’s got to decipher that.
I crave your indulgence to help decipher that – well, in all sincerity, that was never the plan, the iPad Pro wasn’t Produced to replace laptops.
Recently, it dawned on me that this question could be a muse for writing you an article to that effect.
You seek an answer that’s why you’re reading this now and you sure would get an answer if you follow through meticulously.
So, in this article, I’d answer the pertinent question of can iPad Pro be used as a laptop and also help you understand how the iPad Pro can replace a laptop.
Also, I’d help analyze and compare the advantages and disadvantages of the iPad Pro and laptops, and also their usage scenarios.
In addition, I’ll Proffer suggestions that would help you maximize your iPad Pro just in case you want to use it in place of a laptop.
Let’s get right into this article, don’t forget to grab some crispy chips and juice as we coast off.
One thing I would like to reiterate as I take you through this article is that the iPad generally, would continue to remain super-efficient and effective for your daily tasks and on-the-go trips.
This is not to say that the iPad is a replacement for MacBook but they come in handy and perform above expectations.
However, there are quite a couple of things you can achieve with a laptop but may likely not be achievable using the iPad Pro. And I’ll show you that later on in this article.
The iPad Pro is rounded and rectangular, made of metal and glass. Recall that the first model of the iPad Pro was first released in 2018. And subsequent yearly release has been about little upgrades sprinkled all around the device.
So, one visible upgrade that distinguishes the iPad Pro 2021 is seen in its thickness – this makes it comfy to your grip.
The latest mini-LED display is super amazing and comes with awesome HDR content and this upgrade is absent in the 11-inch model.
It has four speakers for better sound output so, it doesn’t matter the placement of your device, you’d still get to enjoy cool sounds.
Also, the new ultra-wide selfie camera is structured such that while it’s static, it remains fixed on you (despite you moving around) during video calls.
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch is powered by an M1 chip (the same chip that powers Apple’s latest macs) and 16GB RAM which is enough to accommodate the apps that gulp the majority of your storage space.
It comes with a thunderbolt port which grants access to wider hardware to enable quick file transfer from external storage while plugged into an external monitor.
So, to answer the question of an iPad Pro replace MacBook, the answer is an outright ‘NO’ – did that come as a shock? Well, I’d rather you come with a shock absorber, next time.
Can iPad Pro be used as a laptop?
Well, yes, it can. The iPad Pro is powerful and it’s likely to replace the laptop. To burst your bubble, some people already use the iPad Pro as a laptop!
However, the iPad Pro 2021 can serve as a safe substitute for your laptop. Now you ask, how iPad Pro can replace laptop and I’ll show you how in the subsequent paragraph below;
Your iPad Pro can pass as a laptop when it is magnetically connected to a magic keyboard. Also, some parts of iPadOS can make the iPad work as a laptop since the macOS and iPadOS share some similarities.
Advantages of the iPad Pro
- It is the best handheld computer you can ever imagine and it is exceptionally powerful.
- It has a high-tech screen and an upgraded front-view camera which is centered.
- If you’re into graphics and design, the iPad Pro will be of huge benefit to you as you can use the Apple Pencil to draw.
- Also, if you love the total concentration on just a single task, the iPad will be just perfect as it will help you eradicate two-up app and replace it with only one in full-screen. Compared with the distraction that comes using laptops or macs.
- In addition, the iPad Pro offers a lot more than the MacBook and it is efficient to use.
Disadvantages
- As a result of its thickness, the iPad Pro 12.9 is heavier as a device. Also, the front camera placement doesn’t sit right.
- Working with the iPad Pro will only heighten your frustration as music, video, or photo editor as you’d be limited by screen confinement.
- Lastly, it is expensive and the prices are listed in the table below;
Storage Capacity | 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi) | 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi-Fi + cellular) |
128GB | $1,099 | $1,299 |
256GB | $1,199 | $1,399 |
512GB | $1,399 | $1,599 |
1TB | $1,799 | $1,999 |
2TB | $2,199 | $2,399 |
Advantages of the Mac Over the iPad Pro
Taking into consideration, the WWDC21’s iPadOS 15 announcements, the unique feature of the iPad is seen in its universal control meaning you can place your iPad next to your MacBook and move the mac cursor across to the iPad display (requires no set-up) and control the iPad using your MacBook’s keyboard. This feature can be used to move documents and other contents from your Mac to your iPad.
Suggestions
If you are using the iPad Pro (12.9-inch) as a laptop, I’d suggest you pair it with accessories like the magic keyboard mentioned above and also with a digital pencil say, an Apple pencil for maximum benefit.
So, there you have it, hopefully, you found this helpful.