Apple's iPad lineup is more powerful than ever, and for that reason, Apple continues to position it as a potential laptop replacement. If you're not someone with big needs like photo or video editing, an iPad can be a pretty good machine. On the other hand, if you need five apps open at once, an iPad simply can't replace a laptop. So how do you know if an iPad is right for you as a laptop replacement? Let's find out.
SummaryiPad can replace your laptopThere's an app for thatDesktop browserOffice suite and accessoriesMulti-taskingiPad won't replace your laptopUnderpowered for business appsNo proprietary softwareNot (like)customizableFor many computer users, their laptop or desktop is primarily a way to explore the web, use Facebook, or check email. If this is your case, the iPad can absolutely replace a laptop. With millions of apps available, the iPad has become an incredible productivity machine. There are apps for almost every bank, so you can easily manage your finances. All major retailers have apps available, so you can shop till you drop without ever leaving your couch.
Combining Apple's iWork desktop-grade suite of apps with Microsoft Office apps makes it easy to duplicate work at a laptop. You can design a PowerPoint, fill out a spreadsheet, or write an article for the class, all from your iPad. And with dozens of Bluetooth keyboards and cases available, it's easy to connect a keyboard to your iPad for easier typing. The release of iPadOS 13 even made it easier to connect a mouse. That alone makes it even more believable that an iPad can replace a laptop.
And multitasking? One of the features laptop users need the most is the ability to open multiple apps at once. You can open Outlook alongside Chrome while watching Netflix. Although it doesn't work exactly the same on an iPad, you can absolutely achieve the same goal.
Multi-window apps allow two apps to work side by side. This means you can have one side open with a browser and the other side of your screen populated with the Notes app. Netflix can also play in a smaller window in the corner of the screen, so you won't miss any of your favorite shows. Instead of Netflix, you can open another app, such as Photos, which will slide to the side as needed.
While the idea of using an iPad as a laptop isn't for everyone, some specific groups of people come to mind first.
The easiest to identify are those that need professional photo or video editing software. The iPad has a number of great photo and video editing apps and they come very close to desktop support. Unfortunately, they don't always come close enough, and to make them work on an iPad, compromises have to be made. For millions of professionals, that simply won't be enough.
If your office is running some type of proprietary software, that may also make it an immediate no-no for an iPad replacing a laptop. Too many companies still use their own software to get things done. Even with the millions of apps available, there may not be one to replace that particular piece of software. Even without proprietary software, some presentations require desktop-grade Office software. PowerPoint for iPad is really great, but it's not great for desktop computers. If you rely heavily on it for work, the iPad as a laptop is not for you.
The idea of a desktop operating system is that you can easily customize it to your liking. This is not really the case for the iPadOS. Although it comes with a dock that looks like macOS, its internals are still pretty locked down with limited customization options.
Can an iPad really replace a laptop? The answer to this question depends on what you use your laptop for. It's not so black and white. It really depends on your needs. Can the iPad replace a laptop for most people? Of course, but in this case, a smartphone too. For those who really only need a few critical apps and a web browser, a smartphone does a good job. Anyone who needs professional software should think of the iPad more as an entertainment device than a productivity machine. And you? Have you used the iPad as a laptop? Let us know your experiences in the comments.
