The Rise of the iPad: A Surprising Alternative to Laptops
TechRadar, 02 September 2021 – In an unexpected turn of events, renowned laptop reviewer Pierre Herubel has traded in his trusted laptop for an iPad. Despite initial skepticism, Herubel decided to give Apple’s tablet a chance and was pleasantly surprised by the results.
The decision to make the switch came while Herubel was preparing for a trip. Instead of cramming his laptop into his carry-on bag as usual, he decided to leave it at home and opt for his three-year-old iPad instead. Equipped with the Smart Keyboard Folio, a protective case that doubles as a stand and keyboard, the iPad was transformed into a laptop-like device.
As someone who writes long articles for a living, Herubel initially had doubts about whether the iPad could handle his workload. However, he quickly discovered that the iPad App Store offered a wide array of applications that he relied on for his work. From Photoshop to Microsoft Word and Google Chrome, Herubel found mobile versions of his essential tools, ensuring a seamless transition from laptop to tablet.
Furthermore, cloud-based services allowed Herubel to access his files stored in Google Drive and OneDrive, making syncing between devices a breeze. Despite primarily using Windows laptops and PCs, Herubel found the iPad’s compatibility impressive, even when switching from different manufacturers.
One of the key factors in Herubel’s successful switch was the Smart Keyboard Folio. Acting as a cover for the iPad’s screen, it provided a physical keyboard that was essential for his work. The intuitive design and comfortable typing experience surpassed his expectations, effectively replacing a traditional laptop keyboard. Additionally, the ability to use keyboard shortcuts, mirroring those found on Mac computers, proved to be a game-changer.
Notably, the absence of a touchpad on the Smart Keyboard Folio forced Herubel to rely solely on the iPad’s touchscreen. Initially skeptical, he found that iPadOS, designed specifically for touchscreen controls, made the transition smooth and intuitive. Herubel even went so far as to challenge the late Steve Jobs, former Apple CEO, who famously claimed that a touchscreen MacBook wouldn’t be practical. After using the iPad as a laptop alternative, Herubel disagreed, stating that touchscreens offer a valuable method of interaction alongside traditional input methods.
At the end of the week-long experiment, Herubel was convinced that the iPad could serve as a viable laptop replacement, particularly for travel purposes. The thin and lightweight design made it a practical and efficient option. In just a week, Herubel had proven himself wrong and defied Jobs’ skepticism.
As the lines between laptops and tablets continue to blur, it appears that Apple’s iPad is emerging as a formidable contender in the market. With the right accessories and a robust app library, it can provide a viable alternative to traditional laptops. Only time will tell if this trend will continue to gain traction among professionals seeking a versatile and portable computing solution.
Sources:
TechRadar – https://www.techradar.com/news/the-ipad-has-taken-over-from-my-laptop-it-turns-out-steve-jobs-was-wrong/
