Until 2020, I used a dying 2013 MacBook Air with a broken screen.
From 2020 to 2023, I used an iPad Pro to do everything.
From 2023 to this moment, I've used both my iPad and an M2 MacBook Air.
I've experienced every side of the iPad vs Mac debate. Here's what I've learned.
Where the MacBook wins
Coding
Coding is a big part of my workflow.
I am a data science student. A lot of my work involves coding and other technical stuff.
Doing this on an iPad is hard, if not impossible. The iPad simply isn't meant for coding.
There are some apps that you can use. Carnets is one that I've used over the years. However, these don't come anywhere near the power of VSCode, PyCharm, JupyterLab, and other desktop apps.
Getting Homework Done
If I have to write essays or read online textbooks, I use my MacBook.
This work is boring for me. Using my MacBook helps me finish this work faster than I could on an iPad.
This is one aspect of the MacBook that's tough to ignore—it's more efficient at getting work done with an iPad, especially if you're using clunky software or doing work in Safari.
Now if I really want to engage with the homework I'm doing, I use my iPad. The extra interfaces through touch and stylus are powerful tools that enhance my understanding.
For instance, I use my iPad to do all of my math homework and computer science theory readings.
But for the most part, I use the MacBook for homework.
Where the iPad wins
Notes
When it comes to notes, the iPad + Apple Pencil is the best combination in the world. Nothing can make me change my mind.
In class, I always use apps like GoodNotes and Concepts to take notes.
From my experience, handwritten notes are 10x better than typed notes. They're far more effective at helping me learn and retain new things.
Thus, the iPad is 10x better for note-taking than the MacBook.
Creativity
This is tough to explain.
The best way I can put it is that the iPad has a more creative vibe.
Whenever I use the iPad, I want to create and design new things. My brain enters a creative flow that I just can't achieve with a MacBook.
I still write every blog post on my iPad. I design wallpapers on my iPad. I brainstorm startup ideas on my iPad.
When it comes to being creative, the iPad is superior to the MacBook (at least for me).
If I had to pick one...
The MacBook Air.
Ironic considering I write a blog about iPads.
When I only had an iPad, I was always worried about things not being compatible or software not working. This a problem you will not have with a MacBook.
The MacBook can also do more things.
While the iPad is better for entertainment and note-taking, the MacBook can still do these tasks. On the other hand, there's some things you can do with a MacBook that you can't do with an iPad.
Don’t get me wrong—going iPad-only is manageable. But for my personal workflow, it’s impossible.
Final Thoughts
"The iPad is powerful. Apple just needs to make use of it."—a random person on the internet
Thanks for reading!
Adi
Concepts
Concepts is an "unlimited canvas" note-taking app I've used for years (if you don't believe me, check my post history). I use it to take notes, brainstorm article ideas, and come up with startup ideas.
It's one of the few apps I highly recommend for every iPad user out there. And I genuinely believe this (again, check my post history if you wanna verify this claim).
Concepts has been kind enough to offer a free 30-day trial. And no, you don't have to enter your credit card info.
Show Concepts some love ❤️—they're amazing sponsors.