Apple’s 2020 iPad Pro has been available for about a month, and it has generated significant interest among tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. The device costs the same as a MacBook Air, but the burning question remains: can it truly replace one?
Aaron from Zollotech provides an in-depth look at the new iPad Pro and its extensive range of features. Let’s delve deeper to find out if this device can indeed replace a MacBook.
Performance and Usability
As we can see from the video, when used with the new Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro can perform many of the tasks that you would typically use a MacBook for. The iPad Pro is powered by the A12Z Bionic chip, which offers impressive performance and efficiency. This chip includes an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, making it capable of handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease.
The Magic Keyboard, which features a trackpad and backlit keys, transforms the iPad Pro into a more traditional laptop-like device. This accessory enhances the usability of the iPad Pro, making it suitable for tasks such as typing documents, browsing the web, and even light photo and video editing. The trackpad support in iPadOS further bridges the gap between the iPad and a traditional laptop.
Cost Comparison
The iPad Pro costs $999 for the 11-inch model and $1099 for the 12.9-inch model. The Magic Keyboard, which is essential for using the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, costs $299 for the 11-inch model and $349 for the 12.9-inch model. In comparison, Apple’s MacBook Air starts at $999. Therefore, when paired with the Apple keyboard, the iPad Pro becomes more expensive than the MacBook Air.
However, it’s important to consider what you are getting for the price. The iPad Pro offers a versatile touch interface, Apple Pencil support for drawing and note-taking, and a high-resolution Liquid Retina display with ProMotion technology. These features make the iPad Pro a compelling choice for creative professionals and those who value flexibility in their devices.
Software and Ecosystem
One of the key differences between the iPad Pro and the MacBook Air is the operating system. The iPad Pro runs on iPadOS, which is designed specifically for touch interaction and offers a range of apps optimized for the iPad’s capabilities. While iPadOS has come a long way in terms of functionality, it still lacks some of the advanced features and software available on macOS, which powers the MacBook Air.
For instance, professional-grade software like Final Cut Pro and Xcode are exclusive to macOS, making the MacBook Air a better choice for developers and video editors. On the other hand, the iPad Pro excels in areas such as digital art, thanks to apps like Procreate and the seamless integration with the Apple Pencil.
Portability and Battery Life
The iPad Pro is incredibly portable, weighing just over a pound for the 11-inch model and slightly more for the 12.9-inch model. This makes it easier to carry around compared to the MacBook Air, which weighs around 2.8 pounds. Additionally, the iPad Pro offers excellent battery life, with up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, making it ideal for on-the-go productivity.
In conclusion, whether the iPad Pro can replace a MacBook Air depends largely on your specific needs and use cases. If you require a device for general productivity tasks, creative work, and value portability, the iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard is a strong contender. However, if you need access to professional software and a more traditional computing experience, the MacBook Air remains a better choice.
Source & Image Credit: Zollotech
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