For at least 10 years, I’ve wanted an iPad that could be my full-time computer. That feeling is stronger than ever since Apple released its fast, beautiful and capable new iPads. So, Apple, please make it happen.
I’m writing on an iPad Pro now. I work on my iPad. Many people do. It’s got a great keyboard and trackpad case. A nice, vivid OLED display. Of course it’s a computer. But I know I’ll inevitably drift back to my MacBook Air at some point. Maybe later today when I file this story or resolve some notes in Google Drive. My workflow will shift back.
Why does this happen? Put a MacBook and an iPad Pro with its Magic Keyboard side by side, and you have, by all appearances, two laptops in parallel evolution. They’re so similar looking at first glance that you may not even know which is which.
There are some differences between them. The MacBook has a rear hinge between its keyboard and screen, no touchscreen and more ports. The iPad snaps into a floating-back keyboard case, has a single port and has a touchscreen. But in terms of hardware, I’m having a harder time telling you the differences. They both have Apple M-series processors: the M2 and M4, respectively. They both have landscape-oriented front cameras for video chats. Aren’t I looking at two flavors of the same thing?
“Don’t put MacOS on an iPad,” some shout. iPadOS is fine, don’t change what makes iPads great. “iPad Pros should be Macs already,” others yell. Microsoft’s Surface Pro has existed for years with full Windows on it, and Apple is still making us buy two expensive machines when we could just have one.
I’m here to argue, why can’t we have both?
It’s not crazy to want an iPad to be a Mac. With its keyboard on, it’s like I’m looking at something with a long trunk, thick legs and big ears. But there are many voices — including Apple’s — telling me it’s not an elephant.
Let iPads be iPads
I’m not here to say an iPad should never be an iPad. My kids use iPads. My wife uses an iPad. My mom uses an iPad….
Read the full article here
