If you’re torn between grabbing a laptop or an iPad Pro, you’re not alone. Both are powerful tools, but they shine in different ways. The iPad Pro, with its sleek design and impressive Apple Pencil support, feels like a magical little tablet. But—and this is a big but—there are some things laptops can do that the iPad Pro just can’t quite match. Let’s dive into what separates these devices, especially if you rely on heavy-duty software, multitasking, or professional workflows.
Software and Applications: Laptops Wear the Crown
Why Some Programs Only Run on Laptops
One of the biggest differences? Laptops can run a wider range of software. Think about Adobe’s full Creative Suite like Photoshop, Illustrator, or Premiere Pro—they’re available on macOS or Windows but only in limited or stripped-down forms on iPadOS. The iPad Pro has apps like Photoshop and LumaFusion (a solid video editor), but they’re not quite the same as their desktop counterparts, lacking some advanced features that pros swear by. For instance, Photoshop on iPad doesn’t support all the plugins or batch processing you might need.
Similarly, programmers often prefer laptops because they can run full integrated development environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio, Xcode, or IntelliJ IDEA. Sure, you can code on an iPad using apps like Swift Playgrounds or Textastic, but the experience and toolset are nowhere near as robust. You’re often limited by the iPad’s sandboxed environment, which means you can’t just install any software or tweak the system like you can on a laptop.
And let’s not forget about specialized software for business, engineering, or scientific research. Tools like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or financial trading platforms typically require a full desktop OS. So, if your work depends on these, a laptop’s your go-to.
What About Web Browsers and Extensions?
The iPad Pro’s Safari has improved a lot, now supporting desktop-class browsing and extensions. But if you’re someone who depends on complex browser setups—think multiple tab managers, VPN extensions, or developer tools—laptops still edge out the iPad. You get a full Chrome, Firefox, or Edge experience, including the vast extension libraries, which browsing on iPadOS can’t fully replicate yet.
Multitasking: Laptops Are Built for It
The iPad Pro’s Split View and Slide Over
Apple has made some strides with multitasking on the iPad, introducing Split View and Slide Over so you can run multiple apps side by side. It’s neat and helpful for quick tasks like chatting on Slack while browsing, or taking notes next to a PDF.
But here’s the catch: multitasking on an iPad Pro feels like opening a few windows on a small desk. You can’t resize windows freely or layer them like you would on a laptop. Apps are locked into fixed sizes, and switching between them isn’t as fluid or intuitive. And when working with many apps at once—say you’ve got your email, calendar, a browser with multiple tabs, Photoshop, and a spreadsheet open—it quickly becomes frustrating.
The Laptop Advantage: Multiple Full-Fledged Windows
On a laptop, managing multiple apps across multiple windows is second nature. You can resize, overlap, or snap windows anywhere on the screen, use multiple monitors, and switch between desktops seamlessly. Keyboard shortcuts and trackpad gestures make this a breeze.
Imagine working on a big research project: you’re juggling a dozen browser tabs, a Word document, a spreadsheet, and a PDF reader. On a laptop, that feels natural. On an iPad, it’s like trying to fit a dozen papers on a tiny desk—you can do it, but it’s cramped and awkward.
Hardware Limitations: Where iPad Pro Falls Short
Ports and Connectivity
Here’s a sore spot for iPad Pro users: ports. Most iPads only have a single USB-C (or Thunderbolt 4 on newer models) port. That means plugging in multiple peripherals requires dongles and hubs. Laptops, on the other hand, usually include several USB-A or USB-C ports, HDMI, SD card slots, and sometimes Ethernet. So if you’re into connecting external monitors, printers, or a wired network, laptops have the edge.
Keyboard and Trackpad Integration
Yes, the iPad Pro has keyboard covers and trackpads now, and they work surprisingly well. But they’re still accessories, not built-in features. On a laptop, the keyboard and trackpad are designed together for a better typing and navigation experience, often with better tactile feedback and shortcut integration.
External Displays and GPU Power
While the iPad Pro supports external displays, the experience is limited. It usually mirrors the iPad screen rather than extending it like on a laptop, and apps often don’t scale well on big monitors. Plus, laptops often have dedicated GPUs or powerful integrated graphics that handle 3D rendering, complex video editing, or gaming way better than the iPad’s mobile chipset.
Professional Workflows: Laptops Still Lead in the Trenches
File Management
One frustration iPad users often mention is file management. iPadOS has improved with the Files app, but you’re still working within a sandboxed environment. You can’t just drag and drop files anywhere or run scripts to automate bulk operations. And accessing network drives, external storage, or complex file hierarchies is clunkier compared to the straightforward “Finder” or “File Explorer” on laptops.
For professionals who deal with tons of files—photographers managing RAW images, developers juggling code repositories, or accountants handling spreadsheets—the iPad’s file system can feel restrictive.
Peripheral Support
Certain peripherals are a no-go on the iPad Pro. Want to plug in a professional-grade audio interface, a multi-monitor setup, or a USB dongle for security authentication? Laptops handle this with ease; iPads sometimes don’t recognize specialized hardware or require expensive adapters.
Customization and Power User Features
Laptops are more customizable. You can install full software suites, customize your workflow with third-party tools, and automate tasks with scripts or macros. Need a complex setup with virtual machines, Docker containers, or dual-booting? Not on an iPad.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Laptop | iPad Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Software Compatibility | Full desktop apps, IDEs, etc. | Mobile/optimized apps only |
| Multitasking | Free window resizing, multi-desktops | Split View, Slide Over, limited resizing |
| Ports and Connectivity | Multiple ports, HDMI, Ethernet | Mainly USB-C/Thunderbolt, needs adapters |
| File Management | Full access, drag-drop, network drives | Limited, sandboxed, Files app |
| External Monitor Support | Extended displays, multiple monitors | Mirror display, limited app scaling |
| Peripheral Support | Wide peripheral compatibility | Limited, needs adapters |
| GPU and Performance | Dedicated GPUs, thermal management | Powerful but mobile chipsets |
| Customization and Automation | Extensive (scripts, virtual machines) | Limited |
Addressing Common Pain Points
Limited Software Compatibility
If you’re someone who needs specialized software, the iPad Pro will feel limiting. Adobe’s Photoshop might be on the iPad, but without support for plugins or batch editing, it’s not a replacement for the desktop version. Similarly, software for coding, data analysis, or 3D modeling is often just not available or is too pared down on iPadOS.
Restricted File Management and Multitasking
Ever tried to manage complicated file systems or juggle multiple complex tasks on an iPad? It can be frustrating. The Files app is a good start, but it doesn’t compare to desktop file explorers. And multitasking, while improved, isn’t quite there for power users.
Peripheral and External Device Support
If you rely on connecting to multiple devices—external drives, specialized keyboards, printers, or monitors—a laptop is more straightforward. While the iPad Pro works well with some peripherals, it can’t handle everything, which can be a dealbreaker in professional setups.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If your work or hobbies demand heavy-duty software, complex multitasking, or tons of connectivity, a laptop remains the better choice. But if you want portability, a gorgeous display, and a tactile, touchscreen experience for creativity or media consumption, the iPad Pro might be perfect.
At the end of the day, it’s about what you need to get done—and how you like to work.
References
[1] According to Adobe’s official site, Photoshop for iPad lacks some desktop features such as plugins and batch processing: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/ipad.html
[2] As stated by Apple, iPadOS supports multitasking through Split View and Slide Over, but with limitations on window resizing and app behavior: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207582
[3] According to a review by The Verge, iPad Pro’s external display support currently mirrors the screen rather than extending it: https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/20/22392760/ipad-pro-m1-external-monitor-support-review
[4] According to Apple’s technical specs, iPad Pro features a single USB-C/Thunderbolt port, while most laptops include multiple types of ports: https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/specs/
[5] As explained by PCMag, laptops provide a fuller multitasking experience with multiple resizable windows and virtual desktops: https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-laptops
Feel free to ask if you want a deep dive into a specific workflow or software!
Danny Inayat