iPad Pro How does it compare to my MacBook?

[AppleGoat]

As a digital artist, from the time I first drew on the iPad Pro, probably back in 2016, I have been smitten. I haven't yet picked one up but I think I am inching ever closer.

I was wondering -- how does the latest generation of iPad Pros stack up against my mid-2014 15" MacBook Pro? I have the base model with integrated (Iris Pro) graphics and 16 gigs of RAM. Should I expect the iPad Pro to feel snappier?

 

[AutomaticApple]

Should I expect the iPad Pro to feel snappier?

Yes, most certainly. It's on par with a 2018 MacBook Pro.

 

[hovscorpion12]

The latest iPad Pro is as powerful or just as powerful as a MacBook Pro. The custom 8 Core 2.5 Ghz with 6GB of ram is incredible. The iPad also has an impressive 8 Core GPU. (There's no way to compare the iPad's GPU to the rest, but impressive).

The only aspect that will be unimpressive are the apps. Developers such as Adobe are significantly behind in app optimization and features. photoshop on iPad is not the same as the desktop version.

 

[C. Robert]

The iPad Pro just works perfectly with anything that you can download on it or do with it.

 

[cupcakes2000]

If you buy a new 12.9 iPad Pro, the pencil and procreate, you’ll likely never open your MacBook again for digital art.

 

[aevan]

As a digital artist, from the time I first drew on the iPad Pro, probably back in 2016, I have been smitten. I haven't yet picked one up but I think I am inching ever closer.

I was wondering -- how does the latest generation of iPad Pros stack up against my mid-2014 15" MacBook Pro? I have the base model with integrated (Iris Pro) graphics and 16 gigs of RAM. Should I expect the iPad Pro to feel snappier?

A lot snappier. And not just because of hardware, the iOS is much more lightweight and fast.

With that said, that comes at a price: there is no serious 3D software for iPad (still), Photoshop is still in its infancy and some of the workflows will not transfer well. Mac is a workhorse.

Still, for drawing and illustration - it is just amazing. Procreate is really great, and if you need more, there is full Clip Studio Paint. There are plenty of other powerful apps as well.

They all work on a whole other level of responsiveness and are, may I say - more fun to use on an iPad than on “traditional” computers. With that said I still love my Mac and as powerful as iPad is, I still think of it as an amazing companion device, rather than a Mac replacement. But it’s probably one of the best tools for illustration.

 

[marty1980]

what aspect of the machines are you stacking against each other?

What task(s) are you asking would “feel snappier?”

 

[AppleGoat]

Thank you all for your feedback!

I ordered the 2020 12.9", 256GB, Space Gray, WiFi-only configuration. The Apple Pencil was an obligatory addition but no Magic Keyboard for the time being.

My iPad should be coming in the next few weeks, so long as a looter doesn't get to it first.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Thank you all for your feedback!

I ordered the 2020 12.9", 256GB, Space Gray, WiFi-only configuration. The Apple Pencil was an obligatory addition but no Magic Keyboard for the time being.

My iPad should be coming in the next few weeks, so long as a looter doesn't get to it first.

Excellent! Let us know how you get on!