I disagree. iPads are computers. Just not a "traditional" desktop/laptop computer, but a very capable "Tablet Computer" that can do a majority of the things a "traditional" computer can. Even able to replace a "traditional" laptop for many people.
The iPad can fulfill the computing needs and even replace the laptop for a large minority of people. Just like the laptop replaced the desktop for the majority of computer users, the tablet computer will replace the laptop in the near future for an increasing number of computer users. My M1 iPad Pro 11 replaced my MacBook Pro for my real estate businesses easily, and in the process reduced my workflow, reduced the number of devices I need in the field, and most importantly, made my work and personal computing use fun again. That is why I love my iPad Pro. For my needs I would rather have a tablet computer that can also be a laptop than a laptop that can't be a tablet any day.
The iPad is just as much a computer as the laptop or desktop. Just because it doesn't run MacOS or Windows does not change that fact. iPadOS may not be as advanced as its predecessors but it is a very capable OS developed for tablet computers just as it stands. Yes, it is still evolving as all computer OS's have, and still are, but has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Combined with the app store and the imagination and creativity of its users, the iPad has become so much more than even Steve Jobs could ever have predicted.
Makes me wonder in the 21st century how there are still people, especially in a tech community like this, who can't or won't admit that tablets and even smartphones are computers when the overwhelming evidence plainly proves otherwise. I can appreciate old farts like me who are stubborn, stuck in the past, and intimidated by new technology and the way it is used, but the world and tech just keeps on progressing and moving on with or without us.
A.) From Techopedia.com
A computer like anything else consists of the components that makes it what it is. In the case of a modern computer the list consists of:
1. CPU
2. GPU
3. Motherboard
4. Memory(RAM)
5. Storage
6. Power Supply
7. I/O - USB, SD and Micro SD cards, external HD's and SSD's
8. The ability to use keyboard and mouse
9. Operating System
This definition explains the meaning of Computer and why it matters.
www.techopedia.com
B.) From Dictionary.com
Computer
1. a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers,
tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of computers.
Computer definition, a programmable electronic device designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Mainframes, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, and smartphones are some of the different types of...
www.dictionary.com
C.) From Wikipedia.org
Smartphones and tablets run on a variety of operating systems and recently became the dominant computing device on the market.
en.wikipedia.org
D.) From Techtarget.com
From their list of computer types.
Smartphone - a cellular telephone designed with an integrated computer
Tablet Computer (tablet PC) - a wireless personal computer with a touch screen
The modern computer began as a machine the size of a room that used vacuum tubes, punched cards and magnetic drums to generate an output, and has since evolved into a collection of devices ranging from the tablet PC to the smartphone to the quantum computer.
www.techtarget.com
E.) From gcfglobal.org
Tablet computers—or tablets—are handheld computers that are even more portable than laptops. Instead of a keyboard and mouse, tablets use a
touch-sensitive screen for typing and navigation. The
iPad is an example of a tablet.
After reading this Computer Basics lesson, you will be able to answer the question, what is a computer?
edu.gcfglobal.org