Can an iPad replace a laptop for writing text

By Anders Boholdt…, 5 August, 2022

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

Hi everyone

For 7 years now I have had an laptop. This laptop is at the time I write you slowly.

Can an iPad replace my old laptop, if I primary should use the iPad to write text, and if yes, can I so use a wireless keyboard to write text on the iPad?

Thanks in advance for your answer, and have a nice day.

Regards,
Anders

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Comments

By Cobbler on Monday, August 22, 2022 - 14:41

If you are prepared to discover and use different tools, explore different ways of doing things, and, shed some muscle memory, an iPad can likely replace a laptop for many use cases.

The smaller form factor, touchscreen, and access to apps that you likely already use on an iPhone can help make for a positive experience.

However, text composition is where the iPad fails for VoiceOver users. There are simply too many issues involving navigating and selecting text. It's been this way since the iPad was launched, and Apple appears to have no interest in doing anything about it.

If you still have a laptop, it's likely that you would find your self reaching for it over the iPad when needing to do anything involving text.

If you go in to things knowing this, understand that there will be times when you will reach for the laptop and other times when you will reach for the iPad, and are prepared to accept the hassle and cost of having both a laptop and iPad, then go for it and enjoy what each has to offer.

By Anders Boholdt… on Monday, August 22, 2022 - 14:41

Hi

Very thanks for the answers above.

Is it understand correct, that a Mac have the same issues regarding selection of text as iPad have for users of VoiceOver, or can I fine use a Mac to write and edit text?

Regards,
Anders

By Moses Gitari on Monday, August 22, 2022 - 14:41

When it comes to the pure typing experience, MacBooks still have the upper hand for a couple reasons.

First off, everything on a MacBook is spacious and more comfortable. The keyboard layout is wider, the trackpad is broad, and the wrist rests are taller. The Magic Keyboard is good enough in these areas, but if you had to pick a better typing experience, you’d choose the MacBook every time. The Magic Keyboard also doesn’t have a function row, which is pretty useful when it comes to quickly adjusting settings or accessingShortcuts.

When it comes to managing all your files and projects, iPad users get the short end of the stick. Instead of being able to keep files organized on your home screen like on a Mac’s desktop, iPad users will have to keep all their data on the built-in Files app, which can quickly turn into a frustrating experience when managing hundreds of files.

Although Apple brought true multitasking to the iPad, it’s not the same experience you’ll get on a MacBook. iPadOS will only let you view up to three apps at once, and even then, it can become a cluttered mess where it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on. This article explains Why an iPad Pro can’t replace the MacBook, even with the Magic Keyboard