Testing the Viability of iPads as Laptop Replacements
For several years, discussions have circulated regarding modern iPads potentially serving as substitutes for traditional laptops. To investigate this for myself, I decided to use my iPad exclusively for a week while pursuing my studies.
My Week-Long iPad Setup
As a full-time student, my daily activities typically revolve around college-related tasks, which include taking notes during lectures, studying, completing assignments, and watching recorded lectures. While I generally rely on my MacBook for work, my iPad plays a crucial role in my educational framework.
In aiming to evaluate the iPad’s capabilities in a professional context, I chose a week devoid of classes. This arrangement enabled me to focus solely on work without the distractions of my student life.
Before diving into this experience, I acknowledged the Apple Pencil as an accessory purchased with my iPad. However, since my work primarily involves typing rather than handwritten notes, my setup consisted solely of my iPad and a keyboard.
Setting Up for Work
To enhance my iPad’s functionality, I opted for a third-party keyboard, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s, rather than Apple’s proprietary options like the Magic Keyboard. Coupled with an ESR MagMouse, my setup consisted of an M1 iPad Air, a Logitech keyboard, and a wireless mouse.
The Positive Aspects of Using an iPad
I have prior experience using my iPad for work tasks. As I often transit between college and home, I’ve adapted to completing light work assignments on my iPad, which convinced me to invest in the keyboard. Yet, the primary purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the iPad’s capability to manage workflows over an extended duration.
Typically, I would use my iPad for brief tasks in between classes. In contrast, this trial required me to draft articles, manage emails, upload files to my company’s content management system, and participate in meetings entirely on the iPad.
Portability: A Notable Advantage
One of the most significant benefits of working from my iPad was its portability. While my MacBook Air is also lightweight, the iPad easily outmatches it in this category. My gear totaled just 952 grams (approximately 2.1 pounds) with the iPad, keyboard, and mouse, making it an exceptionally mobile work setup.
For comparison, the M2 MacBook Air weighs about 1.24 kg. When excluding the keyboard, the iPad setup weighs only 537 grams, significantly less than the MacBook configuration.
Comfortable Typing Experience
As my work predominantly involves typing, I was pleasantly surprised by the typing experience on my iPad using the Logitech keyboard. While the keyboard primarily influenced the comfort level, the overall experience on the iPad was much better than anticipated.
Efficient Multitasking
Equipped with an M1 chip, my iPad performed seamlessly without any lag, even during multitasking. Utilizing the Split View feature, I could maintain two windows for research and writing, which made handling tasks simpler and more efficient.
Additionally, using a wireless mouse significantly enhanced navigational fluidity. I no longer needed to constantly shift my hands from the keyboard to the screen, creating a smoother workflow.
Display Size Compatibility
Although my MacBook Air features a larger 13.6-inch screen compared to the iPad’s 10.9-inch display, the screen size did not hinder my productivity during the week-long trial.
Areas Where the iPad Lacks
Despite Apple’s push to establish iPads as suitable laptop alternatives, some limitations became apparent throughout my experiment.
Insufficient Battery Life
One of the most notable disparities is the battery longevity between the iPad and MacBook. Apple’s M2 MacBook Air claims battery life up to 18 hours for video playback and 15 hours for web browsing. In contrast, the M1 iPad is rated for approximately 10 hours of internet use or video playback.
While my MacBook can comfortably last the whole day with one charge, the iPad required recharging by midday during this more intensive work. This unexpected hurdle was frustrating, as I had to monitor battery levels throughout my workday.
Challenges with Mobility
Since I often shift locations while working, I found the iPad less accommodating than my MacBook. Working comfortably without a proper surface posed difficulties; while using the iPad in a relaxed position was feasible for drawing or writing with the Apple Pencil, it was not practical for typing tasks.
Multitasking Limitations
Though the iPad supports multitasking features, the experience was not as fluid as that on a MacBook. Switching between multiple windows or desktops on a Mac is relatively simple with trackpad gestures, whereas managing the same tasks on an iPad felt cumbersome. The Stage Manager feature did not resonate with my workflow, introducing obstacles rather than enhancing productivity.
Conclusion
While the experiment confirmed that I could complete work tasks on my iPad, it also highlighted the device’s shortcomings. The iPad serves as a functional work tool but lacks several features that would make it a true substitute for a laptop. For those considering making the switch, it’s essential to weigh both benefits and limitations carefully.
