The iPad Pro is more powerful than many of the entry-level laptops on the shelves. It earns that “Pro” moniker with a processor comparable to a mid-level PC and screen resolution that surpasses many of those same laptops, and the graphics power of an Xbox 360. When you combine these specs with an operating system that supports slide About and multitasking on split-screen and a virtual touchpad, it’s time to re-evaluate the iPad as a laptop replacement.
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When the iPad can replace your laptop
The common tasks people perform on their laptop or desktop PCs are the same tasks that the iPad excels at:
- Exploring the web.
- Check email.
- Find out what friends and family are up to on Facebook.
- Playing games.
- Balancing your checkbook.
- Write a letter or paper for school.
You are using Microsoft Office
Productivity just got easier on the iPad. The virtual touchpad makes manipulating text easier; the iPad supports Microsoft Office and includes a free version of Apple iWork. If you type a lot, connect a Bluetooth keyboard.
You film and edit videos
Perhaps just as importantly, the iPad can handle some tasks better than a laptop. It has a camera on the back so you can film your own home movie. With the iPad Pro’s 12 MP camera, the movie looks fantastic. You can also edit the video on your iPad. Do you want to be online on the go? No need to look for a coffee shop with wifi. If you buy the 4G LTE version of the iPad, you can connect to your smartphone anywhere. But for professional graphic design and video editing you need a laptop.
You play portable games
The iPad has become a portable slot machine. It won’t compete with a high-end PC, a PlayStation 4, or an Xbox One in terms of hardcore gaming, but it’s more than enough for most of us. The graphics are almost similar to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and with its touch controls and motion sensors, the iPad can offer unique ways to play good games.
When the iPad can’t replace your laptop
The main reason you can’t replace your laptop with an iPad Pro is if you’re tied to a proprietary piece of software that isn’t available for the iPad. While companies are increasingly leaning towards cloud-based solutions — which is a fancy way of saying they build software on the web — many of them still use software that requires Microsoft Windows.
You are using proprietary software
Proprietary software is not only found in the workplace. Every application you run on your Windows PC or Mac needs a replacement for your iPad. This replacement is easy for email and web browsing but can be more difficult for other types of software. The iPad has become more and more competent for editing photos and videos, and you certainly won’t miss iMovie on your Mac if you have a capable iMovie on the iPad.
However, if you need professional video editing software like Final Cut Pro, the iPad isn’t quite there yet. The iPad Pro may have the power to do it, but Apple has yet to make a version for its latest heavyweight tablet.
You need a lot of storage space
Another challenge with the iPad is storage space. While an iPad’s internal storage can go up to 1TB on the latest Pro models, this space doesn’t compete with the storage that many laptops offer anad you might need external SSD or hdd. The compensation for this is that the iPad doesn’t require that much storage space. For example, running Windows 10 will cost you about 16 GB of space. The operating system of the iPad takes up less than 2 GB of space. The same goes for software, with Microsoft Office taking about 3 GB of space to install on a PC and less than half that on an iPad. The portability of an iPad makes it great for videos, photos, and music, all of which take up storage space. The best solution for iPad is cloud storage, like iCloud, which also provides a backup for this data in case something happens to your iPad. While the service is free for a small amount of storage, you may need a monthly subscription to get enough storage space to support your photo collection.
You are a hardcore gamer
Hardcore gaming is another area where the iPad can’t compete with a PC. For Xbox and PlayStation gamers, this limitation may not be a big deal, but if your idea of fun involves pushing back the demonic hordes in World of Warcraft, you can farm for the best loot in Star Wars The Old Republic, or whatever throwing beat-down in League of Legends, you just won’t find the same experience on the iPad. You need a gaming laptop that can run games like Football Manager 2021. There are some good games, but nothing that can compete with a game like Skyrim . If an iPad doesn’t meet your needs, don’t worry. We’ve researched and reviewed a ton of laptops for you. Here’s our take on the best laptops to buy this year. Maybe one of those will work for you.