Since its introduction , the iPad has incite many people to require whether it can replace their laptop . For the most part the answer has been no , but the recent foundation of iPadOS , new hardware , and the migration of people to online services means this may no longer be the case .
In this clause we compare Apple ’s two mobile workstation platforms to see which of the iPad and MacBook can better foregather your need .
What models of iPad are there at the moment?
Apple has four character of iPad in its range at the minute , with a fittingly wide reach of Price to equal . These are the iPad , iPad mini , iPad Air and iPad Pro .
While each group has multiple storehouse choice ( and the Pro has both 11 in and 12.9 in display options ) , these are the prices for the base models of each category . Of course , higher capacities are usable if you ’re willing to bear more .
you’re able to crop the full selectionon Apple ’s website .
What models of MacBook does Apple offer?
As with the iPads , Apple has several choices for those who prefer a laptop computer . At the time of writing there are three MacBook variance usable , let in the following :
Again , there are options for higher capacity of entrepot as well as dissimilar CPUs and made - to - parliamentary law conformation if you purchase from the Apple Store . you could regard the full selectionon Apple ’s site .
What do you need your device to do?
Before trying to work out which eccentric of equipment is the one for you , it ’s a secure idea to think about what you need it to do the absolute majority of the time . While iPads are excellent for watching media or graze the web , if the elemental action you ’ll be engaged in is complex redaction of Excel documents or needing to manage multiple files in Word then you might find the tablets frustrating .
Conversely , if you only need to write a few reports , keep on top of your email , and play some games then iPads are groovy , especially when combined with a Bluetooth keyboard . So take some time to part down what your needs are , then it will make it much easier to purchase the machine that ’s correct for you .
Can I use an iPad for work?
One of the questions we get postulate a slew at Macworld is whether an iPad can replace a laptop in terms of work . The appeal of this is obvious , as MacBooks are immensely more expensive than iPads ( at least the non - Pro variety ) and tablets extend the advantage of being lightweight and operational for a multifariousness of entertainment - based tariff once the power closes .
Whether iPads can be used as your only twist , though , count hard on the job you do . For those in more administrative or clerical roles , Microsoft offers highly functional version of its Office entourage on the tab , which can allow you to create , edit and share file in Word , Excel and Powerpoint . This mean you’re able to be trusted your document are compatible with other workfellow ’ and should asseverate any data formatting or macros that you produce .
Unless you ’re using the 12.9 in iPad Pro , then you ’ll have to take over working on a smaller exhibit size , which in the case of Excel can be a bit cramp for some , especially if you choose for the powerful , affordable , but dinkyiPad mini ( 2019)with its 7.9 in screen . It should be noted that whereas in the yesteryear Microsoft offer its Office apps for free on iPads , this was only to devices with display 10 in or under . When Apple update the iPad ( 2019 ) it move to a 10.2 in show size , the result of which is that you ’ll now want anOffice365 subscriptionto use the apps . This will set you back £ 59.99/$69.99 per yr or £ 5.99/$6.99 per calendar month for a exclusive exploiter subscription .
Another thoughtfulness is that your company may use bespoke software program for some essential elements of your line , so it ’s good to mark off with your IT department to see if there is a version available for iPads . You ’ll also require to factor in the price of a Bluetooth keyboard if you intend to do any typewriting beyond just the basic casual replying to emails . We ’ve put together a roundup of theBest iPad keyboardsso you may price up the total cost of an iPad for employment .
MacBooks are at rest home in most ferment environs , due to the fact that they ’re muscular laptops that can handle pretty much anything you throw at them . If your work involves grind big numbers ( such as animation and picture product ) then these are definitely preferable to iPads . The software generally has more feature and you ca n’t underestimate the might of a full file organisation until you have to deal with the compromise version used on an iPad . Again , thanks to the declamatory display , trackpad and keyboard , MacBooks are quick - made for task that ask preciseness and working with a extensive raiment of information on the screen .
If you ’re in any doubt as to whether you require a MacBook or iPad as your main working machine , then check which software system is essential and believe about how you like to work : at a desk with a big display or on the move with as little a rig as potential .
ReadHow to use your iPad for workfor more item .
Are MacBooks and iPads compatible with accessories?
One important consideration when deciding between a MacBook and iPad is what other gimmick you intend to use with them . iPads can connect to external displays via adapters , but if you also want to use an outside keyboard and mouse then matter will get messy very rapidly .
Apple has just declare that thelatest translation of iPadOS(13.4 ) will enclose mouse and trackpad support for all iPads , making the tablets far more virtual as laptop computer replacements , but you ’ll still have to check to see whether printers , cameras and other devices are compatible . Many will work via Bluetooth or Wi - Fi , but ensure this is the pillowcase before take in your decision .
This should n’t be an consequence with MacBooks as they generally intercommunicate with pretty much any New peripheral . Due to the USB - C only ports , though , you ’ll probably need to endow in some sort of hub or a grasp of adapters to stop up in any of the billion of accouterment that most people use everyday , such as international keyboards , computer mouse , displays , external hard drives , cameras , mike , webcams and others .
SeeBest USB - C adapters for Macto work out what you ’ll demand .
Which is the best device for creating content?
Should you be the originative type , you ’ll find that both equipment have their pros and bunco .
We know of some industry professional that use an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to storyboard movies and develop artwork for rigid design and the costume department . In fact , iPads ( specially the Pro stove ) are well suitable to aesthetic pursuits thanks to the natural interface provided by the Apple Pencil , along with some powerful software offering that allow the twist to produce some seriously telling material .
Those leaning more towards film - qualification , YouTube content or podcasting may be able-bodied to use the iPad ( with piles of fiddling with adapters ) but would find the MacBook range far well suited to the redaction and assembly stages . Software likeFinal Cut Pro XandLogic Pro Xare unbelievably herculean and well above what an iPad can achieve .
If you just want to put together a quick video - web log , then an iPad is an easy choice . If you want a podcast with multiple tracks for audio , call - ins on Skype , and any optical effects , a MacBook is gross .
Writers have the woof of the crop , as they can easy habituate either . iPads make an excellent choice for novelists , biographer , poets , film writer or blogger as there is a broad range of decent software available , you could take an iPad anywhere , and if you have the keyboard cover then you ’re ready to start type the moment inspiration strike .
Which is best for gaming?
This is a slippery one . For AAA title with cutting - edge graphics , deep gameplay and compatibility with gaming controllers and headsets , the MacBook is the hand - down winner . But developers have often neglect macOS as a serious selection for gaming and as such you ’ll often find out that many of the biggest title simply do n’t make it to the political platform . you could of courseinstall Windows on a Macand gain access to the Brobdingnagian selection of games on offer , but that requires corrupt a Windows licence and sacrificing hard - drive space on your Mac .
iPads have come into their own as play devices , particularly when combined with an external controller such as those you ’ll discover in ourBest iOS controllersroundup , which includes both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 gamepads .
Apple has also enhanced the attraction of the iPad with the launch of Apple Arcade , a often updated selection of more than 100 mellow - quality titles that are n’t available on Android . These all work well on the iPad , which is arguably the most Arcade - suitable gadget ; many of them also work out on Mac , but not all , and its deficiency of a touchscreen makes it a less experience for many more .
Arcade costs £ 4.99/$4.99 p / m. To see our selection of what ’s currently on crack , readBest game on Apple Arcade .
Which is best for my kids to do their homework?
If your children are young , as in pre - school or master school age , then there ’s not much that ca n’t be done on an iPad . The only veridical problem could be with flash - based sites that some teachers advocate , as parent describe when home - civilise their tiddler as the coronavirus put an other end to the 2020 leap term in the UK .
MacBooks can navigate this issue by using Chrome as a web browser , thanks to the progress - in flash support . This should become a moot item though by the ending of 2020 , as Flash itself will no longer be supported by its creators Adobe .
A laptop cost the good part of £ 1,000/$1,000 seems overkill for children , so we ’d unquestionably commend an iPad for those not in secondary education .
What if I just want to keep in touch with family and store pictures?
While MacBooks are secure for middling much everything you want to do , if your need really are quite low and all you need is a reliable twist that can apply social media , TV - call your kinsperson , easily range the web for shopping , and flirt a smirch of Netflix while travelling or on the lounge , you should n’t take care past an iPad .
If you have an iPhone then sign up up to an iCloud storage subscription will see any photos you take as if by magic appearing on the iPad almost straight off . or else , if you do n’t require to drop any money there ’s always Google Photos that will do the same and also works with Android smartphones .
For the majority of the great unwashed we ’d propose either the 10.2 in iPad ( 2019 ) 128 GB model that costs £ 449/$449 oriPad Air ( 2019)64 GB that will fructify you back £ 479/$479 . Just avoid the entry - level 10.2 in iPad ( 2019 ) as the 32 GB of storage is something that belong back in 2017 .
For more details read ouriPad buying guideandMacBook buying templet .
