iPad Pro Do I need a MacBook if I already have an iPad?

[redcarian]

We’ve all worked with Bob, right? (or Bobbi, but I’ll bet you a shiny pound coin it was Bob)

Bob is a senior software engineer* in his late 50s, and Bob is bloody good at his job. Bob is also highly efficient and regards use of any more than one finger as excessive phalange use. Bob will concede another finger or fingers if and only if modifier keys are required such as SHIFT or CTRL.

Bob, with his one finger, types not only surprisingly quickly, but also surprisingly loudly. Or unsurprisingly, if you consider that all the kinetic energy a normal typist would distribute across eight fingers and two thumbs is now being directed through one single meaty forefinger. Bob does not remove his eyes from the keyboard whilst typing. He knows what he’s going to write, be it code or English, and he does not need to see the screen to write it.

Bob looks at your fancy-pants touch typing with disdain.

*Other competencies and skillsets are available for Bob/Bobbi

 

[sonicrobby]

My current setup involves a PC desktop, Windows laptop and iPad Pro M4, I got the latter because I am a digital artist and primarily got it for drawing and general media consumption (some writing as well with a bluetooth keyboard)
Now while I plan to keep my desktop and upgrade it when appropriate, and primarily use it for gaming and intensive tasks like video editing and 3D modelling, my laptop is in an awkward position since specs wise my iPad blows it out of the water on every front, so my question is when it inevitably kicks the bucket, should I get a MacBook to replace it or just not bother with laptops if I already have an iPad and desktop?
I quite like my current ecosystem between the iPad and iPhone, and I may prefer MacOS over Windows, but would I really need a MacBook if I already have an iPad with a keyboard and mouse? Is there any key task that a MacBook and only a MacBook can do?

Compatibilty would be my concerns. What games do you play and 3D modeling software do you use? I have a steam library with 80+ games, but since switching to the M4 Mac, only 6 of them I can play now. I moved out of my gaming phase so its not a big deal, but just something for you to consider. There are apps like "parallels" and "crossover" where you could run windows and play the games, but you likely wont be able to get the graphics settings you want since the Mac is basically running two systems at once.

Same with 3D software. I did previously have luck using SolidWorks on Parallels on my M2 mac. It was a tad laggy for larger assemblies, but I made it work. Iver personally started using OnShape for 3D modeling now, its a web-based platform and does have an iPad app (and its free! but all of your work will be public - or you can subscribe monthly to have it private).

Personally, I still need/use all 3 devices. I use my PC laptop for certain work tasks for security reasons (pre-loaded VPN and Solidworks), but its too big and heavy of a laptop to travel with. So I travel mostly with my Macbook and iPad. I use my Macbook to get all of my casual work stuff done (reports, emails, spreadsheets, etc.). This can be done on the iPad too, but I find it more efficient on the Macbook for the multitasking. iPad is sort of my everything else device. Its great for taking to clients because its a much more portable device and easier to show information at a glance when needed, also good for note taking. As well as around the house and hotel for casual browsing and such.

I would say for one, test out the iPad + PC combo out for a week before your desktop kicks it, just to see what would be lacking from your workflow. I hate to admit it, but Ive bought Macbooks and iPads before to test them out to see if its worth it to me, but ended up returning some of them. You will have a small window to test out a Macbook to see if you do like it and then make that choice to see if its worth keeping or not.

 

[penlost]

Lol, the M1 MacBook Air was the first laptop I can actually comfortably use on my lap. All my previous ones got way too hot for comfort.

The MBA has been buried for months somewhere though as I prefer to use either the desktop or the iPad sans keyboard.

The iPad sans keyboard is such a great device! I just dictate emails and use the pencil.

 

[Cheffy Dave]

In System Settings, go to Displays, and click Advanced.

You now have options for working with your iPad

View attachment 2505250

You can also add your iPad as an extended display by clicking on the dropdown and choosing the relevant option:
View attachment 2505253

Many thanks to both of you! you’re very kind!!