How Good is the iPad Pro Compared to Laptops or MacBooks?
The choice between an iPad Pro, laptops, and MacBooks often depends on your intended use case. While the iPad Pro offers numerous advantages in terms of portability and versatility, it may not be the best option for everyone, especially those requiring a full laptop experience for development or critical applications.
Artistic Use Case
If you're an artist, looking for a versatile device for drawing, painting, or any other form of digital art, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice. Its pressure-sensitive ProMotion technology and powerful onboard processing make it ideal for artists seeking to harness the full potential of tablet design tools.
However, one of my decision factors for choosing the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 over an iPad Pro was my primary role as a coder. I needed a device that could handle not just drawing but also coding and other software development tasks. The Surface Pro, with its full Windows OS and better keyboard support, was a more suitable choice for my needs.
Programming and Development
If your primary use case involves building code, development, or requiring a full-featured operating system, it's best to stick with a laptop. The Surface Pro series or MacBook is a better choice because full desktop applications and OS features offer better performance and compatibility.
While it's possible to write HTML code on an iPad Pro, the environment is not ideal for compiling programming code or running desktop-grade applications like Adobe Photoshop or professional-grade video editors. The performance and full capabilities of desktop software can't match the mobile equivalents on the iPad Pro in these cases.
Tablet vs. Full Laptop Experience
The iPad Pro excels in a tablet form factor and is a solid option for those who need a powerful device for content creation but don't require the full laptop experience. However, for users who need a full laptop OS and features like Linux support, a Windows tablet such as a Microsoft Surface Pro or Dell, Lenovo, HP, or ASUS models would be more suitable.
ChromeOS devices are making strides with Linux app support, but the learning curve may be too steep for users who are not comfortable with Linux. Windows tablets, on the other hand, offer a closer resemblance to a full laptop experience and are a more reliable choice for those who need a broader range of applications or OS features.
Cost and Performance Considerations
While the iPad Pro is undoubtedly a high-performing device, it comes with a higher price tag compared to Windows tablets. However, if you're willing to invest the extra money, the iPad Pro is an excellent device for content creation and general use.
If budget is a concern, you can explore various Windows tablets from brands like Dell, Lenovo, HP, or ASUS. These options offer solid pen support and are more budget-friendly. Conducting thorough research and reading reviews will help you find the best fit for your needs.
Whether you're an artist, a developer, or someone who simply needs a versatile device, the iPad Pro is a solid choice. However, it's crucial to consider your specific use case and balance the need for a full laptop experience against the benefits of a powerful tablet.
Remember, the best device depends on your requirements, budget, and personal preferences. For content creation and mobile productivity, the iPad Pro is an excellent choice. For development and a full laptop experience, a Windows tablet or MacBook may be the better investment.