I think you’d do better with a laptop. I’m an educator too, and I just can’t see trying to make ppt presentations even on my iPad Pro. It’s much easier to do on a laptop.
But applying for jobs definitely requires a laptop as far as I’m concerned. I just wouldn’t want the hassle of doing all that editing and formatting on an iPad.
I used my iPad for work, covering all the use cases you identified, I had a wireless keyboard when I needed to write documents (which meant I only needed to take it with me when I needed it). I now have both a MacBook and iPad, but only use the MacBook when I have to connect to the corporate network (not allowed to connect my iPad).
Grab yourself a Bluetooth keyboard, a Bluetooth mouse if that's what you prefer, and you have a machine that will 100% handle the tasks you plan to throw at it.
To be honest I have both, but use my iPad the most bc I travel with it all the time.
The pros about the MB is the keyboard and mouse, iPad is very portable and versatile but I don’t see myself working more than 2 hours in the iPad.
I think that you will regret it. Apart from Apple pencil usage there is nothing in your description which I would use an iPad for. Rather the opposite. It is still possible to use real paper and a real pencil. If it must end up in a computer you can scan it. Or you can get one of these: https://remarkable.com
For reasons we don't need to dwell on I have both iPad 11", iPad 12.9", MacBook Air 15" (M1) and iMac 24" (M1). I actually use them all for different purposes and situations. - For all the things you describe i would go to my 24" iMac. The actual screen area here is not far from 4 times an iPad 11". So on that device you could do all the things more or less at the same time (or at least having everything open on the device at the same time.) And you wont't have any of the limitations you will run into on the iPad all the time.
So your idea of using the iPad as a laptop is not good. But if you use an iPad as an iPad and not as a Mac Lite it would be great. Here are some examples of things where you want the iPad and not the Mac. If you use apps like these your iPad will be indispensable. So in that situation you wont regret having an iPad.
Handwriting to typed text: Nebo can turn whole documents into typed text which then can be exported to other apps. Ipad version only. Handles very bad handwriting and “small” language with special characters very well. Smart ways to edit your text both the handwritten and the converted text. It also have the more limited “lasso” function like other apps to convert snippets of text into typed text.
Handwriting and math/formulas: https://www.myscript.com/calculator/
Vector drawing for construction drawings : Graphic, iDesign, Concepts
Vector drawing for “art”: Affinity Designer, Linearity (formerly known as Vectornator)
Raster drawing apps for “art”: Procreate is for “digital art”. Aftrage Vitae is for all the classical art forms and can do much more than Procreate. (Procreate is the only major drawing app which is iPad only. So presently no iCloud and no Mac version.)
But, if you are totally new to all this Ipad drawing stuff you should actually start by using this app: https://www.tayasui.com
With this app you get all the basic drawing tools and you get used to the concept of using “layers” when you draw.
3D drawing and sculpting: Shapr3D, Nomad Sculpt, uMake
Scanning 2D: Swiftscan Document Scanner (best when you have to edit scans)
3D Scanning (newer iPad Pros only): Polycam
Space: Solar walk 2, Star Walk 2, SkySafari Plus, SatteliteSafari, Night Sky
Geography: Guru Maps Pro (vector app over the whole world in minute details, also for iPhone). - Google Earth app. Topo GPS (extremely detailed maps over several European countries).
Museums: Louvre HD, London HD, Prado HD, Metropolitan
History: World History Maps (more than one app)
Animals: iKnow Birds (several apps),
Medical: Atlas, Skeleton, Muscle (search for “visible body” to find these). Or search for “3d medical” to see a lot more options.
Science: Molecules, The Elements, The Elements in action (search for “theodore grey” in App store to find these three apps.)
I love love iPad but you will be frustrated at some point and that is a guarantee. And if you don’t have a laptop to handle what bothers you, I think you will regret it. Apple is deliberately limiting iPad so you need a laptop. So by design you will regret not having a laptop.
I think you may regret it. Generally “power users” (which I would use to describe myself) get frustrated faster than self proclaimed non-techies, so I (and much of Reddit) are biased… some people like it, which is why you just have to test it rigorously (see my other post). It’s personal preference.
But I love iPad for web browsing and email— and find it aggravating for just about anything else. I would never choose to apply for a job, make a PowerPoint, or do taxes on it. I find how you navigate files clunky / time consuming, and the over-engineered, watered down interface in Microsoft Office inadequate. But a lot of this has to do with getting the muscle memory… I’m used to “right click” and browsing folders traditionally because I’ve used them for 30 years on a computer, so it’s hard to train my brain to think in iPad. These things are all personal preference though; while I think you’ll regret it, who am I to discourage someone I’ve never met… your mileage may vary!
You can manage on an iPad. Unless $$ is really an issue or you’re really trying to push minimalism for fun, any significant office work is always going to be nicer on/with a laptop lol.
If you’re ok with Windows, you could always buy a used desktop and run it headless (without monitor) and set it up for remote desktop. Use your iPad to remote into it
I think you would get by without any issues, but I won't outright recommend an iPad over a laptop: you say the iPad could have "lots of good uses for work", but I don't feel like it does any specific work-related tasks on your list better than a regular laptop. There's no substitute for just trying it out, but I think you should do a bit more research into how *specifically* an iPad could be useful for work before diving in.
A regular laptop would do some of the more "important" tasks on your list more easily (i.e. taxes, powerpoints, applications, file work). The iPad is great for browsing, music, and video, but those aren't really things you need to be "better" imo.
By what you plan on doing you should be fine. I have used iPads for years as a primary device, as a realtor I love the pencil & the keyboard they make the iPad ideal for my use case. Highly recommend spending the money on the apps that will make your life easier, GoodNotes & Goodreader are by far the most used apps for my work. Also have a few browsers, (some things like salesforce and an online CEU platform do not play well with safari mobile) using them in desk top mode lets me use some online programs my company uses. I love it and my only suggestion would be get the biggest screen you can afford - having the extra space for multitasking is helpful.
You could definitely make it work with just an iPad. For a few years, I didn't have a laptop and exclusively used an iPad with keyboard attachment and Pencil, with very similar use case. After getting a laptop again, I know some of the things I did on my iPad took longer than doing them on a laptop, but I still usually reach for the iPad.
hello, fellow teacher here! disclaimer: I’m from Singapore and my school gives all full time staff a (Windows) laptop and an iPad 10 for teaching, and our classrooms are fitted with AppleTVs for ease of screen mirroring using AirPlay.
I typically use the laptop for creating worksheets & slides, emails, file management, converting file types, downloading/uploading videos, and web browsing. I leave the laptop in the staff room and I take the iPad with me into classes for presenting with slides, annotating worksheets, showing videos, sending and receiving worksheets from students through AirDrop (they all have school-given iPads too).
it’s been really useful! I especially love using the Apple pencil for annotations & note taking. I am not sure if I would survive with just the iPad alone, but I definitely view it as my primary teaching device!
Firstly, I can’t imagine doing that stuff without a keyboard… preferably the Magic Keyboard; it works well and the trackpad helps.
You should be able to do all of thsy; whether you find it more / less time consuming or easier / more difficult on an iPad is mostly personal preference. I find Office and navigating files to be clunky, so I wouldn’t want to make PowerPoints, apply for jobs (ie make a resume), or organize my google drive / one drive using it, just to name a few. But those things are all possible, so it’s a matter of what you’re used to. Since you have one already, I do think it’s just a matter of testing it out. If you’re enjoying all of those activities on the iPad then go for it!
Converting files depends on the files. Exporting google slides as any other format is a google feature, so you can do that, but it’s because google offers it regardless of you being on an iPad or other device. You can generally export any kind of file to PDF on iPad via the print menu. If you need other file conversions you’ll have to check the relevant app to see if they allow it.
Before you decide, I would specifically try making a resume, or other complexly formatted document (and presentation). It’s one thing to open Word, type some test words on the screen, and say “I could use this.” It’s another to actually use the interface to make complex formatting work in reality. So actually put in the hours to fully do it and work out the kinks. I would try copying and reorganizing a bunch of files in Google Drive, with a clear mission in mind. It’s one thing to move a single file and say “cool, i figured this out;” it’s another to need to reorganize 300 and see that the interface is easy to use in bulk. Etc etc. For all things you anticipate needing, give the iPad a tough test… and if you’re comfortable with the process, features, and how long it takes… go for it!
Make PowerPoint presentations: please get a Mac. I beg you. You will hate this on iPad. I love my iPad for all things but that - you will miss having multiple windows from other documents to drag and drop photos etc etc - don’t do it on an iPad!
You should be fine however (And this is coming as a big fan of the iPad) mind you some of these tasks will take a fair bit of time, patience and a bit of thinking.. nearly anything can be done on an iPad these days but you'll need to beware it can be different from a computer that being said enjoy the iPad
you will be fine.
An iPad with its compatible Magic Keyboard can accomplish lots. I personally would recommend a MacBook Air and then revisit the iPad at a later time.
I think you’d do better with a laptop. I’m an educator too, and I just can’t see trying to make ppt presentations even on my iPad Pro. It’s much easier to do on a laptop. But applying for jobs definitely requires a laptop as far as I’m concerned. I just wouldn’t want the hassle of doing all that editing and formatting on an iPad.
Bluetooth kb/trackpad makes editing easy, can sect desktop versions of webpages in browser settings, so no difference from laptop
The difference is that it is easier on the laptop to do things.
I used my iPad for work, covering all the use cases you identified, I had a wireless keyboard when I needed to write documents (which meant I only needed to take it with me when I needed it). I now have both a MacBook and iPad, but only use the MacBook when I have to connect to the corporate network (not allowed to connect my iPad).
Grab yourself a Bluetooth keyboard, a Bluetooth mouse if that's what you prefer, and you have a machine that will 100% handle the tasks you plan to throw at it.
For that you should be more than fine...in fact, except for making ppts, you could do all that fairly confortably on your phone
Yeah, ppt on a phone. lol
You’ll survive.
I don’t want to just survive though. I’m trying to gauge if I’m gonna regret it!!!
To be honest I have both, but use my iPad the most bc I travel with it all the time. The pros about the MB is the keyboard and mouse, iPad is very portable and versatile but I don’t see myself working more than 2 hours in the iPad.
I think that you will regret it. Apart from Apple pencil usage there is nothing in your description which I would use an iPad for. Rather the opposite. It is still possible to use real paper and a real pencil. If it must end up in a computer you can scan it. Or you can get one of these: https://remarkable.com For reasons we don't need to dwell on I have both iPad 11", iPad 12.9", MacBook Air 15" (M1) and iMac 24" (M1). I actually use them all for different purposes and situations. - For all the things you describe i would go to my 24" iMac. The actual screen area here is not far from 4 times an iPad 11". So on that device you could do all the things more or less at the same time (or at least having everything open on the device at the same time.) And you wont't have any of the limitations you will run into on the iPad all the time. So your idea of using the iPad as a laptop is not good. But if you use an iPad as an iPad and not as a Mac Lite it would be great. Here are some examples of things where you want the iPad and not the Mac. If you use apps like these your iPad will be indispensable. So in that situation you wont regret having an iPad. Handwriting to typed text: Nebo can turn whole documents into typed text which then can be exported to other apps. Ipad version only. Handles very bad handwriting and “small” language with special characters very well. Smart ways to edit your text both the handwritten and the converted text. It also have the more limited “lasso” function like other apps to convert snippets of text into typed text. Handwriting and math/formulas: https://www.myscript.com/calculator/ Vector drawing for construction drawings : Graphic, iDesign, Concepts Vector drawing for “art”: Affinity Designer, Linearity (formerly known as Vectornator) Raster drawing apps for “art”: Procreate is for “digital art”. Aftrage Vitae is for all the classical art forms and can do much more than Procreate. (Procreate is the only major drawing app which is iPad only. So presently no iCloud and no Mac version.) But, if you are totally new to all this Ipad drawing stuff you should actually start by using this app: https://www.tayasui.com With this app you get all the basic drawing tools and you get used to the concept of using “layers” when you draw. 3D drawing and sculpting: Shapr3D, Nomad Sculpt, uMake Scanning 2D: Swiftscan Document Scanner (best when you have to edit scans) 3D Scanning (newer iPad Pros only): Polycam Space: Solar walk 2, Star Walk 2, SkySafari Plus, SatteliteSafari, Night Sky Geography: Guru Maps Pro (vector app over the whole world in minute details, also for iPhone). - Google Earth app. Topo GPS (extremely detailed maps over several European countries). Museums: Louvre HD, London HD, Prado HD, Metropolitan History: World History Maps (more than one app) Animals: iKnow Birds (several apps), Medical: Atlas, Skeleton, Muscle (search for “visible body” to find these). Or search for “3d medical” to see a lot more options. Science: Molecules, The Elements, The Elements in action (search for “theodore grey” in App store to find these three apps.)
I love love iPad but you will be frustrated at some point and that is a guarantee. And if you don’t have a laptop to handle what bothers you, I think you will regret it. Apple is deliberately limiting iPad so you need a laptop. So by design you will regret not having a laptop.
I think you may regret it. Generally “power users” (which I would use to describe myself) get frustrated faster than self proclaimed non-techies, so I (and much of Reddit) are biased… some people like it, which is why you just have to test it rigorously (see my other post). It’s personal preference. But I love iPad for web browsing and email— and find it aggravating for just about anything else. I would never choose to apply for a job, make a PowerPoint, or do taxes on it. I find how you navigate files clunky / time consuming, and the over-engineered, watered down interface in Microsoft Office inadequate. But a lot of this has to do with getting the muscle memory… I’m used to “right click” and browsing folders traditionally because I’ve used them for 30 years on a computer, so it’s hard to train my brain to think in iPad. These things are all personal preference though; while I think you’ll regret it, who am I to discourage someone I’ve never met… your mileage may vary!
You can manage on an iPad. Unless $$ is really an issue or you’re really trying to push minimalism for fun, any significant office work is always going to be nicer on/with a laptop lol. If you’re ok with Windows, you could always buy a used desktop and run it headless (without monitor) and set it up for remote desktop. Use your iPad to remote into it
I think you would get by without any issues, but I won't outright recommend an iPad over a laptop: you say the iPad could have "lots of good uses for work", but I don't feel like it does any specific work-related tasks on your list better than a regular laptop. There's no substitute for just trying it out, but I think you should do a bit more research into how *specifically* an iPad could be useful for work before diving in. A regular laptop would do some of the more "important" tasks on your list more easily (i.e. taxes, powerpoints, applications, file work). The iPad is great for browsing, music, and video, but those aren't really things you need to be "better" imo.
By what you plan on doing you should be fine. I have used iPads for years as a primary device, as a realtor I love the pencil & the keyboard they make the iPad ideal for my use case. Highly recommend spending the money on the apps that will make your life easier, GoodNotes & Goodreader are by far the most used apps for my work. Also have a few browsers, (some things like salesforce and an online CEU platform do not play well with safari mobile) using them in desk top mode lets me use some online programs my company uses. I love it and my only suggestion would be get the biggest screen you can afford - having the extra space for multitasking is helpful.
Use the iPad for while and see if you need more from it than it can handle. Then decide if you also need a MacBook. Enjoy.
You could definitely make it work with just an iPad. For a few years, I didn't have a laptop and exclusively used an iPad with keyboard attachment and Pencil, with very similar use case. After getting a laptop again, I know some of the things I did on my iPad took longer than doing them on a laptop, but I still usually reach for the iPad.
I believe that you should be fine with just your iPad. I actually haven’t pulled out my laptop in years
hello, fellow teacher here! disclaimer: I’m from Singapore and my school gives all full time staff a (Windows) laptop and an iPad 10 for teaching, and our classrooms are fitted with AppleTVs for ease of screen mirroring using AirPlay. I typically use the laptop for creating worksheets & slides, emails, file management, converting file types, downloading/uploading videos, and web browsing. I leave the laptop in the staff room and I take the iPad with me into classes for presenting with slides, annotating worksheets, showing videos, sending and receiving worksheets from students through AirDrop (they all have school-given iPads too). it’s been really useful! I especially love using the Apple pencil for annotations & note taking. I am not sure if I would survive with just the iPad alone, but I definitely view it as my primary teaching device!
Firstly, I can’t imagine doing that stuff without a keyboard… preferably the Magic Keyboard; it works well and the trackpad helps. You should be able to do all of thsy; whether you find it more / less time consuming or easier / more difficult on an iPad is mostly personal preference. I find Office and navigating files to be clunky, so I wouldn’t want to make PowerPoints, apply for jobs (ie make a resume), or organize my google drive / one drive using it, just to name a few. But those things are all possible, so it’s a matter of what you’re used to. Since you have one already, I do think it’s just a matter of testing it out. If you’re enjoying all of those activities on the iPad then go for it! Converting files depends on the files. Exporting google slides as any other format is a google feature, so you can do that, but it’s because google offers it regardless of you being on an iPad or other device. You can generally export any kind of file to PDF on iPad via the print menu. If you need other file conversions you’ll have to check the relevant app to see if they allow it. Before you decide, I would specifically try making a resume, or other complexly formatted document (and presentation). It’s one thing to open Word, type some test words on the screen, and say “I could use this.” It’s another to actually use the interface to make complex formatting work in reality. So actually put in the hours to fully do it and work out the kinks. I would try copying and reorganizing a bunch of files in Google Drive, with a clear mission in mind. It’s one thing to move a single file and say “cool, i figured this out;” it’s another to need to reorganize 300 and see that the interface is easy to use in bulk. Etc etc. For all things you anticipate needing, give the iPad a tough test… and if you’re comfortable with the process, features, and how long it takes… go for it!
Make PowerPoint presentations: please get a Mac. I beg you. You will hate this on iPad. I love my iPad for all things but that - you will miss having multiple windows from other documents to drag and drop photos etc etc - don’t do it on an iPad!
You should be fine however (And this is coming as a big fan of the iPad) mind you some of these tasks will take a fair bit of time, patience and a bit of thinking.. nearly anything can be done on an iPad these days but you'll need to beware it can be different from a computer that being said enjoy the iPad
If its a newer iPad with a USB-C port you can get a dongle that gives you a few USB ports a PD port and a HDMI out and use it that way if you wish.