There’s a growing movement advocating for using an iPad as a laptop replacement. As someone who is constantly on the go and attending various tech events, I decided to put this theory to the test. Could I actually ditch my 14” MacBook Pro for the smaller iPad Pro? Recently, we were invited to Italy by OnePlus for an event they were hosting, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to see if I could survive with just an iPad.
Writing and Planning with Google Docs
Starting off, I used Google Docs to write the outline for this post. To streamline my process, I utilised Apple Notes in split-screen mode on the iPad to flesh out my ideas. The Magic Keyboard was surprisingly comfortable to use, despite being smaller than the MacBook Pro’s keyboard. Typing was seamless and didn’t cause any issues.
Using the iPad as a Camera Monitor
One of the handy features of the iPad is its ability to act as a remote monitor for my Sony Camera. This functionality is incredibly useful for setting up shots without needing an extra pair of hands.
Uploading Footage to Google Drive
Uploading footage to Google Drive presented a minor hiccup. While copying files to my Personal Google Drive was straightforward, our team stores all footage in a Shared Drive. This required an extra step of moving files from my personal drive to the shared one using the Google Drive app.
Remote Access with Duet
When our Plex home media system stopped working, I turned to the Duet app to remotely access my Mac Mini at home. Duet has proven to be more reliable than TeamViewer, offering a free tier for occasional use, which is perfect for situations like this.
Managing Emails with Missive
For emails, I’ve been using Missive, which integrates seamlessly with Gmail and offers additional team features. It worked perfectly on the iPad, allowing me to manage my emails and send a quick message to my children’s school governors about missing a meeting due to my trip to Italy.
Zoom and Slack Calls
Zoom and Slack calls were also handled well on the iPad. While there is a minor inconvenience of the camera disabling when switching apps, it’s a manageable issue.
Security with Yubikey
Using my Yubikey for secure logins was another concern, but the iPad handled it without any issues. Plugging in the Yubikey and touching it to authenticate was as easy as on a laptop.
Note Taking with Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil turned the iPad into a fantastic note-taking device. Whether typing notes or scribbling with the Pencil, it was convenient, especially for annotating documents for the governors’ meeting.
Home Automation
Managing home automation through the Apple Home App was just as effective on the iPad. I could monitor cameras, control lights, and even open the garage door remotely.
Tattoo Ideas with ChatGPT
On a lighter note, I used ChatGPT on the iPad to brainstorm ideas for a tattoo. While the AI’s responses varied in quality, it was a fun and creative use of the iPad.
The iPad Pro M4: Is It Worth It?
Does the M4 iPad Pro matter? Honestly, not much. It feels similar performance-wise to my older M1 iPad Pro. If you’re considering an iPad, an older generation or even a base model with the A Series chip will suffice unless you’re waiting for Apple to bring full macOS to the iPad.
Entertainment and Reading
For entertainment, the iPad excels. The OLED screen is perfect for watching downloaded films and TV shows during travel. Apps like Duolingo and reading books are also more enjoyable on the iPad compared to a laptop.
Social Media and To-Do Lists
Social media apps, like Twitter (or X), work well on the iPad, although Instagram’s lack of a desktop app is a minor annoyance. Ticking off to-do lists and FaceTiming with my kids was also seamless, thanks to the iPad’s larger screen and well-placed camera.
So, can you use an iPad to replace a laptop? For some people, absolutely yes. My experience in Italy with just an iPad Pro proved that it’s a viable option for many tasks, making it a powerful and portable alternative to a traditional laptop.
