The iPad is flexible enough to make you want to abandon your PC or laptop, but there are still some chores that you can only do on a desktop or laptop computer. So, in light of that, what benefits does a laptop still have over an iPad?
Some irreplaceable aspects of laptops to iPads are proprietary software and can’t compete with Windows and macOS; for example, advanced video editing software is still required even for the power-heavy iPad Pro. Other advantages include a larger display and software capable of running AAA PC games.
The iPad Pro was never intended to be a laptop replacement. And it’s still not. Instead, it is due to the decisions Apple has made in how iPadOS operates and the inherent restrictions that it imposes, rather than technological capabilities – the current model has few limits regarding raw power. With that in mind, let’s look closely at the iPad Pro (Apple’s latest 2021 release) and what a laptop can do better.
Why The iPad Can’t Replace Your Laptop
The most common reason you can’t replace your laptop with an iPad Pro is if you’re locked into proprietary software that isn’t accessible on the iPad.
While organizations are increasingly gravitating toward cloud-based solutions—a fancy way of saying they’re developing software on the web—many still rely on Microsoft Windows. As a result, the following are some excellent examples of where a laptop may have higher ground.
The Use Of Proprietary Software
Patented software is not just present in the workplace. Any program that runs on your Windows PC or Mac would require an iPad replacement. This substitution is simple for email and online surfing but may be more challenging for other apps.
The iPad has grown in the picture and video editing capability, and you won’t miss iMovie on your Mac when you have an excellent iMovie on the iPad. However, the iPad is not yet ready if you want professional video editing software such as Final Cut Pro. Although the iPad Pro has the processing capability, Apple has yet to release a version for its newest heavyweight tablet.
Currently, there is no method to install Windows natively on an iPad or any other mobile Apple device. However, because Apple is notorious for its “walled garden” approach to what may be connected to their hardware and software ecosystem, there is some workaround, but not all guarantee tip-top performance.
On the other hand, it’s doubtful that Apple will ever release an iPad that runs macOS – and that’s OK because you can install Mac OS X on your iPad without needing to jailbreak it using a few techniques. The procedure will not affect your warranty or interfere with iPadOS. However, the process still has numerous faults and hassles, much like when installing Windows.
Access To More Storage Space And Upgrades
Storage capacity is another issue with the iPad. While the internal capacity of an iPad may reach 2 TB with the newest Pro versions, this space is insufficient to match that of many computers.
The iPad, however, does not require as much storage. For example, operating Windows 10 requires around 16 GB of storage space. On the other hand, the operating system for the iPad takes up less than around 2 GB of hard drive space. The same is factual for software, with Microsoft Office requiring around 3 GB of space on a PC and around less than half that on an iPad.
Furthermore, laptops have a few upgradable components. Most include a few more ports, such as access to hard drive space, which can even include NVME SSD slots (or even upgrade existing hard drives) and RAM slot upgrades not only for better performance but also to increase the laptop’s shelf life.
The ideal answer for the iPad is cloud storage, such as iCloud, which also serves as a backup for this data in the event that your iPad is damaged. Although the service is free for a limited amount of storage, a monthly membership may be required to obtain enough storage to maintain your photo collection.
Laptops Have The Upperhand For Hardcore Gamers
Hardcore gaming is another section where the iPad will fall short of a laptop. This limitation may not be a big deal for Xbox and PlayStation gamers. However, since gaming-capable laptops have the necessary hardware and software coupled with a larger display, it’s easier to see where the title would end up.
Still, if your idea of fun is cutting down demonic hordes in World of Warcraft, farming for the best loot in Elder Scrolls Online, or throwing some beat-down in League of Legends (excluding LOL: Wild Rift, which is mobile only). You just won’t find the same experience on the iPad. There are several good games, but none can compete with Skyrim.
An iPad Pro (2018 or newer) has the hardware to run some AAA PC games at medium to low graphics. It already supports most, if not all, ‘heavy’ iOS games at 120fps or higher. However, because Windows cannot be installed on the iPad, the device cannot be used to play AAA PC games.
Although there are alternatives for cloud gaming for iPad users, this requires you to pay a membership fee, play only with controller support, and, depending on your location and internet service, possible small amounts of latency lag. The risks are currently far too significant for most hardcore pc gamers.
In What Ways Can An iPad Replace A Laptop?
Consider Apple’s most incredible iPad, the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro outperforms several entry-level computers on retail shelves. It earns the “Pro” moniker with a CPU comparable to a mid-level PC, a screen resolution that outperforms many identical laptops, and the graphics capabilities of an Xbox 360.
However, when these specifications are combined with an operating system that allows slide-over and split-screen multitasking and a virtual touchpad, it’s time to reconsider the iPad as a laptop replacement. So depending on your needs, the following are excellent examples of when an iPad can indeed replace your laptop.
Your Work Only Revolves Around Microsft Office
Productivity on the iPad has gotten more simple. The virtual touchpad simplifies text manipulation; the iPad supports Microsoft Office and has a free version of Apple iWork. Connect a Bluetooth keyboard if you do a lot of typing.
Filming And Editing Videos Basics
Perhaps the iPad can perform some jobs better than a laptop. It contains a back-facing camera, allowing you to create your own home movie. The movie will look excellent thanks to the iPad Pro’s 12 MP camera. You may also use your iPad to modify the video.
Need to connect to the internet while on the go? You don’t need to hunt for a Wi-Fi-enabled coffee establishment. If you get the iPad 4G LTE, you can connect on the same bandwidth as smartphones.
You Play Loads Of Mobile And Portable Games
The iPad has evolved into a portable gaming device. In terms of intense gaming, it can’t compete with a high-end PC, a PlayStation 4, or an Xbox One, but it’s more than adequate for most of us. The visuals are roughly on pace with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and the iPad may provide innovative ways to play some outstanding games thanks to its touch controllers and motion sensors.
Conclusion
The iPad Pro offers incredible features and may partially replace laptops depending on the application. However, due to the iPadOS system limitations, it will not totally replace the PC or laptop just yet. So, depending on your requirements from the perspective of a laptop, you may want to consider if the iPad can first meet them before pulling the plug on your laptop.
Where To Next?
This blog is a blog dedicated to using modern computing devices to run and manage a business. If you’re interested in using an iPad for your business, either as an entrepreneur, a small business owner or for your employees to use I recommend reading the following articles:
