Is the M4 iPad Pro a True MacBook Replacement? Let’s Find Out!
Key Takeaway:
Switching from a MacBook to the M4 iPad Pro for work and travel revealed surprising advantages and limitations, highlighting its potential and current drawbacks.
I recently embarked on an experiment, replacing my trusty MacBook with the M4 iPad Pro to see if it could handle my demanding work and travel needs. Here’s what I discovered:
Travel and Portability
The iPad Pro’s portability was a major win. During my airport downtime, I efficiently managed emails, messages, and even edited our filming schedule. Its 99% battery life after light use was impressive, although I had to adjust to the keyboard’s weight distribution.
In-flight Productivity
On the plane, I downloaded shows swiftly and was blown away by the iPad’s 600 nits screen brightness, surpassing my MacBook Air. Its tablet classification allowed uninterrupted use during takeoff and landing—a perk my MacBook couldn’t match.
The Bumpy Road: Challenges Faced
However, not all was smooth sailing. Issues like Safari’s behavior, difficulty in managing multiple tabs in Notion, and limited multitasking capabilities in apps like iMessage posed significant challenges. These hurdles often disrupted my workflow, making simple tasks more cumbersome than on my MacBook.
Workarounds and Limitations
Creating ZIP files, managing emails, and accessing certain functions felt restricted compared to macOS. Features like selecting text or managing chat windows were less intuitive, highlighting the gap between iPadOS and macOS functionalities.
Media Consumption and Entertainment
Yet, the iPad Pro shined in media consumption. Watching “For All Mankind” with its bright, nanotexture screen was a joy, even in bright sunlight—an experience far superior to any MacBook.
The Verdict
Ultimately, while the M4 iPad Pro excels in portability, display quality, and some productivity tasks, it falls short as a full MacBook replacement. iPadOS limitations, especially in professional workflows and app functionalities, hinder seamless integration compared to macOS.
Conclusion
Would I recommend the M4 iPad Pro? For media consumption and light productivity tasks, absolutely. But as a complete MacBook replacement, it still has ground to cover. Whether you’re considering it for travel, media, or light work, understanding its strengths and limitations is crucial.
In conclusion, while the iPad Pro M4 has fantastic hardware and potential, it’s clear that bridging the gap between iPadOS and macOS functionalities is essential for it to truly replace a MacBook in professional settings.