17 Ways the iPad Pro Replaced My Laptop

For an entire work trip abroad, I attempt something pretty bold – ditching my 14” MacBook Pro and using just an iPad Pro for everything. You’ve probably seen loads of YouTubers trying this, but most of them are likely just pretending 'for the content!' So I thought I'd put it to the test in a real-world use case test during my trip to Italy for a OnePlus event. Will I survive replacing my laptop with an iPad?

By the end of this video, you’ll see if an iPad can replace a laptop in many use-cases. Spoiler: It’s more possible than you might think. Stick around and see if you’re ready to make the switch too!

First up, I dive into productivity with Google Docs and Apple Notes in split-screen mode: Apple's Magic Keyboard is pretty solid despite being smaller than my MacBook's. Then, I show you how I use the iPad as a remote monitor for my Sony camera. Trust me, this trick is a lifesaver for creators and creatives!

Uploading footage to Google Drive has its quirks, especially moving files to a shared drive, but I’ve got some tips for you. Plus, I tackle a home emergency using an app to remote into my Mac Mini. And let’s not forget security – using a Yubikey on an iPad is just as easy as on a laptop.

For note-taking, whether you’re typing or using the Apple Pencil, the iPad is great, especially for document annotation. And entertainment-wise, the OLED screen is a game-changer for watching shows and movies when you're travelling.

I even dabble in some home automation and share my thoughts on getting a tattoo with the help of ChatGPT – the versatility and portability of an iPad really does mean that you don't need to be bringing a hefty laptop with you on trips!

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⏩ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Can you use an iPad instead of a laptop in 2024?
0:44 Can you just take an iPad on a work trip?
2:07 Using Google Docs on iPad
2:43 Using an iPad as a remote monitor / remote access
3:28 Using Google Drive on an iPad
3:44 Video calls and screen sharing on an iPad using Slack
4:18 Taking notes and annotating on an iPad
5:07 Do you need the nano-texture upgrade on iPad?
6:39 The best email client for iPad?
7:24 Do you need WiFi + Cellular?
7:55 Home automation control on iPad
08:18 Do you need the M4 iPad model?
9:07 Entertainment on an OLED iPad
10:15 Using the iPad as a Kindle to read books
10:36 Using an iPad for social media
10:56 Can you use a Yubikey with an iPad?
11:18 Using to-do lists on an iPad
11:29 Using ChatGPT on iPad
12:18 Bonus content: A cheaper ecosystem than Apple

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Disclosures: All opinions are my own. Some links in the descriptions are affiliate links that if you click on, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

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[PeteMatheson]

Now, I know there will be loads more things that people would have wanted 'tested' in this video but, alas, a fully comprehensive iPad replacing laptop video would have been logistically impossible whilst away in Italy. So, here's your chance to share what features, apps, or user experiences you'd like me to test out next time! One, two, three... COMMENT! 😉

[jebaker]

Filming an iPad video at a OnePlus launch of their new tablet. Too funny! 😂

[MrWanted]

I tried to use iPad pro as a my daily on the go device, but it takes double the time to complete a simple task compared to a real laptop. And plus the limitations of the browser without the power of the extensions was a huge disappointment for me

[TheJp]

Great video. I sold my MacBook air for the 13 M4 and get a mini for for the office.

[christimm]

Very prominently displayed the Pepsi can. You should reach out to them for sponsorship. I am a shareholder so I would approve 🙂

[templeowls]

I’m sure it all depends on what you do for a living, but as someone in the white collar/business travel world, the iPad is plenty to get me through a travel week. I also have the MacBook Pro as my laptop so sure there are differences, but personally I can get away with working from the iPad like 70% of the time.

[DariuszTech]

Cheers 🥂
Love the video ❤
Italy was amazing and it was a pleasure to spend the time together.

[kakarot-cn]

I haven't used the latest paperlike screen protector but with what it would do to the clarity and contrast of the tandem oled display, it feels like a crime to put it on an m4 iPad pro. I admit that it feels a lot worse to write on glass as the screen grabs on your palm and it leaves visible grease on the screen.

[cappuccinofrosties]

My workaround if there’s any software limitation (like MS powerpoint in ipad doesnt let me edit the way I used to in MacOS) is to use remote computing. I don’t need to bring any laptop, just my M4 and I forgot I was doing work in an iPad.

[painfullyhonesttech]

Don’t forget the M4 will help with whatever Apple will do with AI. 🤷
Nice job on the video, man!
ChatGPT for tattoo design? No!!!

[arnevesper]

I use my ipad 10 instead of my stationary computer. I write my job applications there, I read and write all my mails. There are still a few things that I use my computer for, gaming is one. But my standard ipad 10 with a nice keyboard is my main man.

[TheNewbiecheese]

I am currently watching this on my IPad Pro, not the new one but the 6th generation. I also have a MacBook Air, which both are very capable of many things. They can’t replace each other fully, but the OS really screws it over imo. They have a lot of potential that I feel like is restricted by some of the dumbest things.

[Dave-mywe]

I am 95% iPad Pro (M1) right now. It does virtually everything that I need to do flawlessly. The remaining 5% will be a slog though…. For instance, I do print some of my work on a canon pro 300 and I do need a color-managed workspace/ICC profiles. As of now, it is my understanding that can’t be done on iPadOS. There are some creative tools that are a bit “dumbed down” too but I have work around for those. 3-years ago, my iPad was probably 65% capable as a replacement for ME. It’s gotten much closer, but is falling just short for what I do.

[shawnevans]

Everything I do I can do on an iPad vs a MacBoook. Yes there are some things you have to have a MacBook to do, but I don’t do any of those things.

[nachovmenendez]

The iPad Pro is like a reverse Stephen Hawking. Amazing hardware but handicapped by its joke of an OS.

[Karusss]

Never been this early, love your videos! Keep up tje great work❤

[TechYourNeeds]

I don’t need MacOS on the iPad. What I need is something like Samsung DEX (Desktop Experience) I know that the iPad has Stage Manager but at the current moment is not it. MacOS is not build on a touch screen interface rather than giving us a half bake OS I rather something else. That is my take on it.

[dirkackbar]

If the iPad Pro alllows full functionality of office 365 that would be great

[shaldon]

If you’re on the move in your work, having mobile data built in makes a huge convenience gain

[driver]

Hi! I wish I only did light work on my computer like you so I could just use an but I use MSI packaging, intone packaging, powershelgl scripting and management so I in fact need to use BOTH a PC and a Mac to get my work done. I do intone publishing for Mac apps too and run VMs on both OSs to test policy settings login flows and software distribution and create instructions manuals and how-tos with screenshots from both environments... Sure, I DO own an iPad Pro too and iPhones and android devices for testing pretty much app packages and policies on them too for our customers, but I could NEVER manage with just an iPad. im happy you said "for some" but id say for a few. no one in IT infrastructure and support will manage with an iPad... but you would almost manage with an iPhone...