I’ve used the iPad Pro as my primary computer for almost a decade. Here are four reasons you might enjoy making the M4 iPad Pro your laptop replacement too.
#1: Improved focus with iPadOS
Anyone can argue that the Mac is more powerful than the iPad, and that you can do more with it. That might be true. But focus is an area the iPad excels.
iPadOS offers several different ways to do multitasking, but much of the time my preference is to work with a single app on screen.
Having just one app in view, and the chance to use Slide Over to pop in and out of other apps as needed, is extremely useful for getting focused work done.
Sure you can make apps full-screen on the Mac, and hide the dock and other visual distractions, but the iPad was built from the start for single-app focus, and it works well for that purpose.
#2: True portability with cellular
Depending on your lifestyle, cellular support could either be entirely unnecessary or absolutely crucial.
For me, it’s a must-have.
I love having the freedom to work from anywhere, at any time, without needing to rely on a finicky hotspot feature or the availability of public Wi-Fi. Lots of the time I’ll work from the car while my wife drives, or while otherwise on the go.
On one recent occasion, I had just landed at an airport, and my wife and son popped into the restroom for a few minutes. I was able to quickly pull out my iPad, knock out a couple quick tasks, and get back to my day seamlessly.
Having my computer be constantly connected, just like my iPhone, is an asset.
#3: Two-in-one laptop and tablet
These days, my M4 iPad Pro stays in ‘laptop mode’ nearly 24/7 inside the Magic Keyboard. But in the past, I’ve used the iPad both as a tablet and laptop for different tasks.
Depending on your needs, the iPad can provide a killer two-in-one device that can do a lot more than your average laptop.
Having a touch screen in the first place is a win. Being able to grab the ultra-thin 5.1-mm iPad Pro off its Magic Keyboard and use it as a perfect tablet is a very nice feature.
Add accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro and there are even more new possibilities unlocked.
#4: Consistency across iPhone and iPad
If you’re reading this, you almost certainly own an iPhone, and the iPad offers a unique advantage for iPhone owners.
Simply put: iPadOS works very much the same as iOS.
For me, this was a big draw in my decision to go all-in on iPad. Using my iPhone and iPad as my two main devices is smooth and simple, because the two are so similar.
I can use the same apps across both devices, and get the same basic experience. Home Screens, Lock Screens, Control Center, widgets, and so on all work identically across iPhone and iPad too.
I’m a bit of a minimalist, I’ll admit. And there’s something so mentally freeing about using what’s essentially a single OS most of the time.
iPad’s not for everyone, but it might be for you
All of that said, the iPad isn’t a good laptop replacement for everyone. For some, years of muscle memory with the Mac, automations, and customizations make it like a supercomputer for them.
Also, some of the Mac’s pro tools simply aren’t available on the iPad at all. And it’s a big ask to try learning a whole new app or system.
But if the above reasons find resonance with you, there’s a good chance you might love giving the M4 iPad Pro a serious shot.
Are you interested in replacing your laptop with an iPad Pro? Let us know in the comments.
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