Can an iPad Pro replace your laptop if you’re a blogger?

After having a MacBook Air for over 5 years, it unfortunately started to slow down. I had used it to get through A-Levels and my degree, with it been used all day, every day. Not only that, it had seen me through the majority of my blogging journey.

Deciding on a replacement really did take a lot of contemplation. I had a work laptop and whatever I bought would be used primarily for blog writing and associated tasks that come with being a blogger and freelance writer.

In the end, I felt an iPad Pro with a keyboard would suit all my needs and would actually have added benefits to purchasing another MacBook or laptop.

Portable

For me, this was crucial. I love to write while on the go and I spend quite a lot of time on trains. While MacBooks aren’t that heavy, the size and ease of an iPad was very appealing.

With it being a portable device, I’m able to open up my iPad wherever I am and write content or capture an idea. It doesn’t matter if I don’t have a table or if I’m off on a weekend away — my iPad Pro can come along.

Apps

This has probably been the biggest difference for me since getting an iPad. For me, it has enabled the iPad to suit my work needs as well as having all the entertainment that I might want!

Notion has to be my favourite app that I have used since getting my iPad Pro. It has enabled me to plan all my blog content, ideas and freelance work in one place. Not only that, this app can organise pretty much anything in your life. The block system allows you to place tables, to-do lists and a calendar on the same page, with the ability to link to other pages within Notion.

Here are a few of my favourite apps that can be used on the iPad and help with blogging:

• Mailchimp
• Canva
• Google Analytics
• WordPress (I mainly use this through Safari)
• Microsoft Word

Combining a tablet and a laptop

I have the best features of a laptop and the benefits of a tablet. The iPad Pro isn’t a laptop replacement, but is probably as close as you can get. Here are a few features I think are specifically useful for bloggers and freelance writers:

Keyboard

I think the one hesitation that I did have was the keyboard. With it’s main purpose obviously being to create content, I needed a keyboard that was functional and easy to type on. I believe the iPad Pro keyboard delivered just this.

• Very easy to type on.
• Keys that move and give great tactile feedback.
• A good size and able to comfortably type for a long time.
• Unfortunately, the keyboard isn’t backlit which is a minor drawback.

Using USB-C to expand possibility

Like many other bloggers, I often rely on external hard drives and need an SD slot to get photos off my camera. Can the iPad Pro do this?

With PadOS being available for iPad Pro’s, it has opened up a lot of possibilities. After purchasing an adaptor, the USB-C port can now be used to connect hard drives, SD cards, USB, as well as a HDMI port. As a result, it’s very possible to connect a mouse to the iPad, or even link it to an external monitor when you are not on the go.

Also, the iPad Pro has a new file management system which makes transferring and saving files really quick and easy. Before my MacBook had really had enough I uploaded all the files I needed to iCloud. This means I can access all my old work through the iPad and continue to use my original file setup.

Handwriting

I love to writing out blog posts by hand, even if this is just a rough plan. With the iPad this is now a possibility when using an Apple Pencil. It allows you to be versatile with how you work and could even aid elements of graphic design that you wanted to include in your blog.

Despite not owning an Apple Pencil, I still believe this to be a noteworthy feature that I hope to benefit from in the future. I also have seen the pencil being used within an educational setting which also seems have similar benefits.

EDIT: I now have the Apple Pencil and love it! With the new iOS14 update, this allows you to turn handwritten notes into text. For me, this is a major bonus. The pencil is easy to use and makes the whole experience really immersive.

What’s missing?

I absolutely love the iPad Pro and believe for me, this was the perfect option considering what I use it for. However, I want to also be honest and show the few downsides which you should also consider.

• It doesn’t run desktop downloads like Chrome.
• The screen can only be used at two different angles.
• A smaller screen (although I have never had an issue with this).
• No function keys on the keyboard.

The added benefits

Since getting my iPad Pro, it really has become my favourite device. I use it for pretty much everything. It cover all my needs as a blogger, plus much more.

I use my iPad for games, TV, journaling, reading, shopping and connecting with others. It has a long battery life that can keep up with day-to-day tasks and enables productively or downtime wherever you are.

I appreciate that the iPad Pro won’t be for everyone. To be honest, I was sceptical about whether or not this could become my main device for writing content. Yet after a lot of research and months of use, I don’t think I’ll be buying a laptop anytime soon.

~ Chloe x