Is it time to swap your Laptop for an iPad?

The iPad's evolution

When it was first released in 2010, the iPad was primarily a device for media consumption. Since then, it’s matured into a powerful tool capable of competing with many laptop models used for business. The introduction of the iPad Air in 2013 and iPad Pro in 2015 accelerated this leap, offering enhanced processing power and additional tools that make them ideal for both work and play. One key innovation is the chipset used in iPads; the latest models use the same chips as a MacBook, offering the same processing power as a laptop in a quite literal sense.

Compatible accessories have brought iPads even closer to laptops in terms of functionality. The Magic Keyboard, introduced for iPad in 2020, makes typing easier than relying on iPad’s touch screen. The Apple Pencil can be used with the iPad mini 6th generation and above, iPad Air 4th generation and above, and iPad Pro 3rd generation and above. A multiport adapter lets any iPad connect to HDMI cables without losing access to the USB-C port and a standard USB port, making it perfectly compatible for monitors or TVs.

Laptops vs. iPads at a glance

Key factors in the Laptop vs. iPad debate

• Performance and power

When it comes to performance, iPads, especially some later models, rival many mainstream laptops. Many generations are available with similar features as standard laptops, including 8GB RAM starting with iPad Air 5th generation and iPad Pro, and 256GB of storage starting with iPad 9th generation, iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad Pro, and iPad mini 5th generation.

When opting for an iPad model with similar RAM and storage, browsing the web, watching videos, writing emails, and using social media are all supported just like on a laptop. If you need a device that takes things to the next level—say, for content creation or editing video—some newer iPads can compete. Adobe products like Illustrator and Final Cut Pro, as well as Apple creative software like Logic Pro and GarageBand, are available on iPads just like they are on Mac computers.

• Software and applications

Through the App Store, you can access apps for entertainment, productivity, and more for your iPad. Many of these apps have web-based applications, or more accurately, the web-based application has an app. This means you can expect to log into a browser or software on your laptop and have access to your data or resume that movie where you left off. The app version is typically optimized for the iPad experience, modifying the program to fit your screen and for use with a touchscreen.

Keep in mind, though, that the features between the software and the software’s app can vary. You may not get full functionality on one or the other, so it’s best to do your research on the apps you plan to use the most to make sure you’ll be able to access everything you need on iPad.

• Portability

You can buy a data plan for your iPad, removing limits from your connectivity. Laptops don’t have data plans, so you’re reliant on a Wi-Fi connection or a personal hotspot, which requires a separate device. An iPad with a data plan ensures you can meet that deadline or finish and share that LinkedIn post wherever you may go.

Weight and size also play a factor. The smallest iPad mini weighs just above 10 ounces, while other models weigh just over a pound. Most laptops weigh between 3 and 6 pounds. The thinnest iPad is just over 5mm thick, while the thinnest laptops are typically more than double that. If you plan to carry around your computer, an iPad may be the better choice.

• Battery life

Some models of iPads offer a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge. Many laptop models offer similar performance, while some models, like MacBooks, exceed the expected battery life. 

Ultimately, battery life will depend on how you plan to use your device. Whether you buy an iPad or a laptop, running multiple applications with full-screen brightness will drain the battery no matter what.

• Price

While plenty of laptops are available starting at just a few hundred dollars or even cheaper, premium features will run up your tab. Greater RAM, a newer chipset, larger storage, and bigger screen size are just three of the specifications that can make a laptop a very expensive investment, sometimes running thousands of dollars.

With an iPad, you can get many of the same features you want out of a laptop for a fraction of the price. By shopping for refurbished iPads, though, you can save as much as 70% without sacrificing the features you want.

MacBook Pro or Air vs. iPad Comparison chart

*There are many hundreds of laptop models available on the market, and it’s impossible to compare them all in a simple chart. For the sake of simplicity and remaining within the Apple ecosystem, this chart draws specifications from MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

When an iPad shines as a Laptop replacement

Think about carrying an iPad between classes or sales meetings. Lightweight and thin devices with enough battery life to get you through the day are just right for showing presentations or taking notes. And when you add peripheral support with devices like the Apple Pencil or the Magic Keyboard, note-taking, presentation delivering, and email writing get a whole lot easier.

Limitations of using an iPad as a Laptop replacement

While the split screen and Slide Over features on some iPads can help with multitasking, it’s still way easier to switch between tasks and view multiple programs on a laptop. If you bounce between files and apps all day, a laptop may be a better option for you. File management may also be easier on a laptop than iPad. Some software and development tools are not available on iPads, which can be a dealbreaker if you’re in a specialized field. 

The best iPad options for different uses

• Students

The iPad strikes a balance between performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for anyone heading back to school. Paired with the Apple Pencil or the Magic Keyboard, it becomes a powerful tool for note-taking, sketching, and studying.

• Graphic designers

The iPad Pro, with its brilliant display and powerful processors, is ideal for graphic designers. The Apple Pencil provides precision for designers to freely create directly from mind to hand while turning their drawings into digital products. Apps like Procreate and Adobe Fresco offer robust design tools, while graphic designer must-have platforms, like Adobe Illustrator, have iPad versions that are optimized to work with the Apple Pencil.

• Small business owners

Manage documents, spreadsheets, and communications from one central hub no matter where your business takes you. From running financial reports to enhancing productivity to taking Zoom calls with clients, iPads check many of the boxes on a small business owner’s computer must-have checklist. The portability and battery life are added benefits for businesses on the move.

• Teachers

Educators can benefit from the iPad's versatility in creating and sharing educational content. The iPad, combined with apps like Notability and Google Classroom, facilitates interactive teaching and efficient organization. iPads open a world of possibilities for educators beyond basic note-taking and presentation creation. With the right apps, teachers can manage their classrooms, take their students on virtual field trips, tap into professional development webinars, and much more, all from a single device

• Analysts 

The iPad can handle data analysis tasks using apps like Numbers, Data Analysis, and Microsoft Excel. Many apps draw from cloud-based databases so your team is working seamlessly from the same dataset, no matter when or where you may access it. And for the math whizzes, the Calculator app is finally coming to iPad with the release of iPadOS 18.

• Everyone else

Need a Netflix machine, a bigger screen to see Instagram posts, or a way to send dinner party invitations from your couch? iPad can handle it all, without spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars more on a laptop. You can even use it as an e-reader for e-books or graphic novels with its great screen resolution.

It's affordable, reliable, lightweight, and user-friendly, an excellent value for casual laptop users.

Making the switch from Laptop to iPad: Considerations and recommendations

First, assess your computing needs. Consider the types of tasks you perform daily and whether an iPad can handle them efficiently. Make a list of everything you’ll need to make sure you don’t overlook any details. If your work involves specialized software or intensive multitasking, make sure the iPad offers what you need. Our guide to buying a used iPad can put you in the right direction.

Next, choose the right iPad model. With your computing needs in mind, look through the different features and specifications of iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. For high-performance needs, the iPad Pro is unmatched. The iPad Air offers a balance of power and affordability, while the standard iPad is perfect for basic tasks. 

Not sure where to start? Check out our refurbished iPad buying guide to get started, and watch our iPad buying guide:

Then, head to Back Market to shop for refurbished iPad models; great for your wallet and our planet.