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The Daily Insight

Is it better to get an iPad Pro or a MacBook?

Author

Daniel Martin

Updated on March 27, 2026

The iPad Pro is the better option for those who want to travel light and who want a touch-first experience with a superior display. Bottom line: The iPad Pro is the best tablet you can buy that can double as a laptop for some people, and the MacBook Air is the best laptop for most people.

Regarding this, is an iPad Pro better than a MacBook Air?

Both the ‌iPad Pro‌ and the MacBook Pro outperformed the cheaper ‌MacBook Air‌ with its Core i3 processor when it came to multi-core performance, but the ‌MacBook Air‌ won out over the MacBook Pro in single-core performance. The ‌MacBook Air‌ earned a single-core score of 1076 and a multi-core score of 2350.

Furthermore, which is better Apple iPad Pro or laptop? The new iPad Pro got a nice upgrade, and it makes a tempting laptop replacement. Apple's new 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pros are great. Apple's new added mouse support for iPads makes these, and other iPads, much more powerful work machines that really can replace your laptop.

People also ask, can an iPad Pro replace a MacBook Air?

The iPad is rarely thought of as a proper computer, but times are changing. Apple's hardware, software, and marketing suggest the latest iPad Pro and its Magic Keyboard are the closest laptop replacement Apple has ever made.

Should I buy an iPad if I have a MacBook?

So if one has a Mac and an iPhone the one should consider getting an iPad for browsing the internets only if the iPhone is version 5 or below as the screen is very small for regular browsing. And the iPad is a lot more convenient compared to lugging a laptop for casual browsing.

Related Question Answers

Can iPad Pro 2020 replace laptop?

Apple's newest iPad Pro has all of the makings of a great computer, but it's still not ready to replace my laptop. The iPad Pro's long battery life, fast performance, and new trackpad support make it a compelling laptop alternative in 2020.

Should I buy an iPad pro?

The 2018 iPad Pro is still worth buying if you can find it for $700 or less. It's very powerful and matches the 2020 model in many ways. The Magic Keyboard with Trackpad supports it too.

Can iPad replace laptop?

Yes, Your iPad Can Replace Your Desktop or Laptop. Apple's latest souped-up iPads, along with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and software enhancements in iPadOS, have turned the company's tablets into bona-fide desktop and laptop replacements.

Can Apple pencil work on MacBook Air 2020?

The ‌iPad Pro‌ can support 4K and 5K displays, while the new ‌MacBook Air‌ works with 4K, 5K, and 6K displays, but the ‌iPad Pro‌ also works with Apple Pencil, while the ‌MacBook Air‌ does not.

Which Apple laptop should I buy?

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is the model we think that most consumers should buy to use as their everyday workhorse, and as such it is our current Editors' Choice award winner for best mainstream Mac laptop.

Is iPad Pro like a computer?

One of the biggest benefits of the iPad Pro is that it's smaller and weighs less than a laptop. In many cases, it's also much more powerful. If you plan to keep a desktop or laptop computer around, but want something you can grab and take with you to get work done on the go, the 11-inch is just as powerful.

Can you print with an iPad pro?

The easiest way to print from any iOS device, including an iPad, is to use a printer that supports AirPrint. Connect your iPad and your printer to the same Wi-Fi network. Find the document, web page or email you want to print. Click the share button (usually at the top or bottom of the screen) and select "Print."

What can't you do on an iPad?

Things Your PC Can Do That Your iPad Can't
  • Upgrade to Add Years to PC Life.
  • Use a Mouse.
  • Share Documents.
  • Play DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs.
  • Connect Multiple Monitors and Multitask.
  • Develop Apps.

Is the iPad Pro worth it for students?

You should choose the iPad Pro for college if:

You're planning to use it as your primary device and need a powerful tool that can keep up with everything you might want to do with a laptop. You're a true Apple fanatic. The iPad Pro incorporates all of Apple's most impressive technology together into one sleek package.

How long will an iPad last?

about 4 years and three months

Can an iPad Pro replace a laptop for a college student?

For the majority of people, when iPadOS releases in the fall, an iPad could replace your laptop completely. Aside from the high upfront cost, this new iPad Pro is truly the best refresh to an Apple device in years.

What can't you do on an iPad pro?

Don't believe Apple's flashy ad.
  • It can't run any Apple pro apps.
  • It doesn't have a real file directory.
  • It's not comfortable to use for long stretches.
  • You can't connect an external hard drive.
  • It's more expensive than most Macs.

What can a laptop do that an iPad Cannot?

iPad cannot truly multitask the way laptop does e.g. you can't open two word files and copy/paste among each other. However, the new iOS version will allow to multiple 2 side by side applications and toggle between multiple apps.

Can iPad pro use Microsoft Word?

If you have an iPad Pro and are looking to complete your on-the-go productivity solution, start by getting Office 365 today! The OneNote and Outlook apps are free to use on the iPad Pro. Install Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook and OneDrive today on your iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini or iPhone.

Can you print from an iPad?

The iPad can print to any AirPrint-compatible wireless printer. Many printers include AirPrint, making this an easy option.

Can you use Word on iPad?

Word for iPad®, Excel for iPad, and PowerPoint for iPad have the robust capabilities and familiar look and feel of Office, while offering a fantastic touch experience built from the ground up for iPad. With the free versions of the apps, you can read your Word documents, use your Excel data and present with PowerPoint.

How do I use my iPad as a laptop?

For the ultimate laptop experience, you can also add a mouse or trackpad to your iPad, either via Bluetooth or a USB-C connection. Just go to Settings, select Accessibility, Touch, AssistiveTouch and then Devices.