iPad Pro or MacBook? If you are undecided, please read this

  The launch of Apple's iPad Pro has sparked a discussion about whether tablets can really replace traditional laptops . If you are hesitating between iPad Pro and MacBook, this article may help you make a decision.

performance

The iPad Pro has the performance to make it a primary workstation. In the tablet category, the A9X processor scores far better than previous iPads and other competitors, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. In fact, the iPad Pro's processor and graphics performance are comparable to Intel's Core i5 processors, which puts it on par with the MacBook Air and some MacBook Pro models.

Even better, the performance boost comes without sacrificing battery life: The iPad Pro offers more than 10 hours of battery life, compared to 9 hours for the 12-inch MacBook.

However, the iPad Pro is more limited in terms of storage capacity. It can be equipped with up to 128GB of storage space, which may be enough for most users, but it is less than half of the MacBook's minimum flash storage space of 256GB.

In general, if you usually just use your laptop to browse the web, send and receive emails, process spreadsheets or documents, or even do graphics processing, then the iPad Pro can basically meet your needs. Compared with the hardware performance, the software level is probably what makes you make the final decision.

software

Whether "traditional work" can be transferred to tablet computers is a focus of debate in the industry.

To be honest, tablets and touchscreen interfaces do have inherent limitations. For example, users have always had mixed reviews of third-party iPad keyboards and keyboard cases. The shortcomings of these accessories are mainly concentrated on the limited keyboard space and the inability to adjust the screen viewing angle. For users who are accustomed to full-size keyboards and traditional monitors, this may not meet their requirements for work efficiency.

Likewise, tablet software is limited. Prior to iOS 9, the iPad couldn't even multitask, which was a limitation for document and spreadsheet processing. In addition, tablet apps still lack the functionality of their PC or Mac counterparts.

The good news is that these issues have begun to be taken seriously. The iPad Pro's Smart Connector interface supports a variety of different keyboards and hybrid keyboard cases, including excellent products such as the Logitech Ultrathin that can be adjusted at different angles.

In addition, the increased screen space also makes tablets more than just multimedia consumption devices. They can now also be used for writing or other creative work that requires multiple windows.

price

When choosing a product, price is naturally one of the most important factors to consider. If you add the cost of purchasing the Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil (a total of 2,016 yuan), the price of the entry-level iPad Pro reaches 7,904 yuan, which is higher than the price of the entry-level MacBook and MacBook Air, and the price difference with the 13-inch MacBook Pro is also very small.

Summarize

For creative workers, students and light computer users, iPad Pro brings new possibilities and can basically meet their needs. However, this tablet still cannot completely replace laptops, especially for those who are more accustomed to traditional desktop operating systems. In addition, if your budget is limited, then iPad Pro may not be the best choice.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.