Every entrepreneur knows the essential role that technology today plays in small businesses. As a result, entrepreneurs will need to become more tech-savvy, from utilizing the apps to handle client payments to incorporating productivity tools into fundamental business operations. That said, from the various models, you may wonder which iPad is the best, given that iPads are among the most popular choice.
For entrepreneurs, Apple’s iPad Pro is the ideal option. The visual quality of the 12.9-inch, 2,732 by 2,048 tiny LED display is exquisite. Currently, the iPad Pro’s desktop-class Apple M1 CPU, power, performance, and mobility are combined in a compact package with new M2 chips in development.
With iPad Pros’ performance, the pro-level iPads are on par with Apple’s Macs. However, the iPad Pro is not the only contender since the iPad Air has its benefits. Though the iPad Pro could replace your laptop, the decision is entirely up to the individual. So let’s examine what makes the iPad Pro the best choice for entrepreneurs and why you might consider the iPad Air.
NOTE: This article DOES NOT USE ANY AFFILIATE LINKS! When I link to a product I make no money from it. I am recommending this products from my own experience, since I own them, or from interacting with the products at my own office. I have a team of developers and content writers working with or for me that also use iPads and their accessories.
The Best iPad For Entrepreneurs
There isn’t much that can’t be done on a tablet in 2022 that can be done on a laptop or desktop PC, assuming you pick the proper one, of course. In addition, the mobility of a tablet is now more valuable than ever because many of us are adjusting to working remotely.
But it’s not just about the iPad Pro. Your budget may also have an impact on the model that is ideal for you. With that in mind, you may also consider the 2022 iPad Air, which is a more inexpensive option and slightly closes the gap in terms of performance when compared to the iPad Pro. So, let’s look at what the current iPad Pro offers compared to the cheaper iPad Air.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021: Best Choice For Entrepreneurs
The best got even better when Apple installed its incredibly potent M1 processor inside the already formidable iPad Pro 2021. That processor continued Apple’s reputation of packing a ton of power into its svelte tablets by setting new marks for tablets in Geekbench and Adobe Premiere Rush.
For example, the only tablet with Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display, which delivers substantially superior brightness — up to 1588 nits — is this 12.9-inch model. Additionally, Apple built it to do a novel video conferencing trick dubbed Center Stage, in which the camera follows and records your every move while you’re in a conversation.
Oh, and the fundamentals remain excellent. The quad-speaker configuration of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 booms, the optional Magic Keyboard provides a pleasurable typing experience, and the device’s 10+ hours of battery life is sufficient for a full day of use.
But since services like Hulu and HBO Max haven’t yet embraced HDR, the ultra-bright XDR display doesn’t always have access to HDR content. As a result, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 is also heavier, more costly, and bigger than the MacBook Air—at least when docked with the Magic Keyboard. However, your iPad transforms from a lovely tablet to a potent tool for business using a keyboard or a Stylus pen.
The 10.9-inch iPad Air (5) 2022: Best For Budget
The iPad Air 5 has superseded the excellent iPad Air 4 by striking the exact balance between mobility and power. As a result, the new iPad Air 2022 is excellent for reading and creating content, and many people can afford its $599 starting price for its 5th generation.
The iPad Air 2022 is now practically on pace with the iPad Pro, thanks to the inclusion of M1. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the Air has replaced the Pro, but the power difference is much less. It, together with its relatively low starting price, may make the new iPad Air more alluring than the iPad Pro for entrepreneurs on a tight budget who nevertheless want to obtain an exceptional budget-friendly iPad.
The iPad Air 5 is still a great tablet, even though there is space for improvement. Although the word “Pro” is right there in the name of the iPad Pro, the iPad Air can more than meet the needs of the majority of professional users.
Since it is compact and lightweight, carrying it around between meetings is simple. Furthermore, the processor will make it simple to multitask and access documents. Additionally, the add-ons (available separately) will enable you to customize it into a laptop substitute.
Accessories That Work With The iPad Pro And iPad Air
The iPad Pro and Air have the technology and software that entrepreneurs need and can also be paired with various accessories to boost productivity even further.
The Pro and Air only have one connector, making it challenging to attach various peripherals to the tablet. For instance, you must disconnect the keyboard if you’re using the iPad with a USB keyboard and want to move some files to an external SSD.
A USB-C port is present on the iPad Pro 2021 and the fifth-generation iPad Air, as well as on earlier iPad Pro models and the iPad Air 4. It is worth stating that the most recent iPad Pro also supports Thunderbolt in addition to USB-C. As a result, you may immediately connect Thunderbolt monitors to the tablet and benefit from faster file transfer rates.
On the other hand, several hubs and docks make it simple to connect the iPad to many devices and peripherals, including external displays. These gadgets were chosen to appeal to entrepreneurs, from those needing only a few more ports to those needing a dedicated workstation. Below, you’ll discover a few gadgets from different manufacturers at varying pricing ranges.
Apple USB-C AV Digital Multiport Adapter – Amazon Link
Apple’s USB-C converter was first made available for MacBooks, but it also functions with the business’s iPad Pro and Air tablet lines. However, purchasing an Apple product comes at a cost. The AV Multiport Adapter has only three ports: HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C.
While the USB-C port only serves as a power pass-through for charging your iPad, the USB-A port can be used with external hard drives or other accessories (or MacBook). In addition, for all iPad models and a small number of MacBook models, the HDMI connector supports up to 4K at 60Hz.
Apple’s hub was placed on the list because it’s likely that you already own one of these adapters if you’ve owned a MacBook after Apple moved to USB-C. However, it also works with the iPad Pro or iPad Air and does an excellent job of requiring only a few connectors. Admittedly, it’s pricey for what it provides, but Apple accessories are often costly (as well as their products).
Anker USB-C 7-In-1 Hub – Amazon Link
The USB-C 7-in-1 hub from Anker is the cheapest alternative, but don’t undervalue its capabilities. The hub’s name indicates its many ports, as is frequently the case with hubs.
It contains 2 USB-A ports, 1 USB-C port with Power Delivery at up to 85W for charging your iPad or laptop, 1 USB-C data port, 1 HDMI port, one microSD card slot, and one standard SD card slot, to be exact. This Anker hub also has 1 HDMI port.
The USB ports (both A and C) allow up to 5Gbps file transfer rates, while the HDMI port supports a single 4K monitor with a frame rate of 30Hz.
HyperDrive Power 9-In-1 Hub – Amazon Link
With good cause, the HyperDrive Power 9-in-1 hub is among the priciest docks discussed here. There aren’t many things you can’t connect to or do with the HyperDrive because it has nine total connections and a long USB-C cable that connects to the iPad.
One Gigabit Ethernet, one 4K@30Hz, one microSD, one SD card reader, three USB-A (5Gbps), one USB-C PD at 60W, and a 3.5mm headphone jack are among the ports. At first sight, the headphone jack can seem complicated.
However, according to reviews, users have recalled that the iPad always sends all audio over the HDMI connection if you use a dock or hub with it. So you may listen to system noises or music by plugging a speaker or a set of headphones into the audio socket on the Power hub.
The HyperDrive Power is the best option for anyone who requires more than one or two USB ports and wants a hardwired Ethernet connection, ultimately setting up your iPad as a solid workstation.
Conclusion
You would want an iPad that best fits your schedule or enhances it as most entrepreneurs manage their own distinct routines.
The most recent iPad Pro could be a bit powerful for some standard business requirements; if all you need is anything for is email, Slack, and the occasional spreadsheet, the iPad Air will do. Fortunately, both iPads can accept add-ons that facilitate productivity. However, if you want a little more power for heavier workloads, the iPad Pro is the ideal option.
