Is an iPad Pro 2017 with Apple Pencil a Viable Laptop Replacement for Students Selling Their 2012 MacBook Pro?
When considering whether a student should sell their 2012 MacBook Pro and purchase an iPad Pro 2017 with an Apple Pencil, it's crucial to weigh several factors against whether a tablet can truly replace a laptop. In this discussion, we'll explore what an iPad can and cannot do compared to a MacBook, and why a full replacement may not be the best idea for every student.
The Pros and Cons of Replacing a MacBook with an iPad Pro
Is it a good idea to replace a MacBook with an iPad Pro?
Simply put, no. Replacing a MacBook with an iPad Pro is not a good choice for most users, especially students who need a powerful and versatile tool for academic and creative work. While the iPad Pro is undoubtedly an impressive device, it falls short in several areas critical for productivity and creativity.
Why is an iPad Pro not a suitable laptop replacement?
The iPad Pro, with its Apple Pencil, excels in the realm of creative and graphical work, making it an excellent choice for artists, designers, and creators. However, it falls short in terms of processing power, software compatibility, and file handling. The iOS file system is not designed to work seamlessly with external media like USB drives and HDDs, which places a significant limitation on the iPad's utility for content creation and storage.
Software and Hardware Limitations
One key aspect to consider is the software availability and performance on an iPad. For example, professional software like Adobe Photoshop or Final Cut Pro, which are widely used in creative and educational settings, are not as robust or user-friendly on an iPad compared to their MacBook counterparts. These applications are engineered with laptop-specific hardware in mind, and running them on an iPad can result in a subpar experience.
Applications and Workflows
The iPad Pro's ecosystem is designed for content consumption and basic tasks such as email, light multimedia processing, and simple word processing. While these tasks are certainly doable, they are far from the range of functionalities that a dedicated laptop provides. For in-depth editing, development, and complex workflows, a MacBook Pro remains the superior choice.
Professional Use and Productivity
It's important to note that even for professionals, an iPad Pro is not a viable replacement for a MacBook or Windows laptop. Professionals in fields like coding, development, and video/photo editing require more advanced tools and hardware to maintain high levels of productivity. While there are alternatives available, they often do not match the robustness and capabilities of software designed for laptops.
Exceptional Cases
There are some cases where an iPad Pro with Apple Pencil might serve better than a standard laptop. For example, a designer or an art student might find the iPad Pro more suitable for drawing and creative work. However, this is a niche use case and does not make the iPad Pro a general-purpose laptop replacement.
Conclusion: When an iPad Pro is and is Not Suitable
In summary, for students primarily focused on email, light multimedia tasks, and basic document editing, an iPad Pro can be a very good solution. However, for more complex workflows, coding and development, or content creation, a MacBook Pro or a Windows laptop is still the better choice. Investing in a full-fledged laptop offers better performance, more versatile software options, and a more comprehensive file system, ensuring that students can maintain high levels of productivity and creativity.
Tl;dr: If your needs are simple – like email, light video and basic word processing – an iPad Pro can serve well. For anything more, a laptop remains the superior choice.