Apple released a video about the iPad Pro being a replacement to a computer quite a while ago.

Video courtesy of Apple.

Many people did not agree with this, but it is interesting to analyze the iPad Pro 10.5 inch (2017) to see if it is indeed a replacement for writers.

I have been using it for a few months now to help me write my blog posts for this website, and thought I would share my experience for other writers.

Pros at a Glance

• Extremely portable. This is useful even in a house/apartment/etc.
• Easy to wake the machine.
• If you invested in the cellular model, you can use data without having to link your device to any dubious Wi-Fi networks if you are on-the-go a lot.
• Multiple free writing software's available. (Notables are Pages and Google Docs.)
• Apple Pencil is great for writers that NEED to write by hand every now and again.
• The iPad Pro 10.5 has a great camera for recording quick videos or getting images. Computers just do not have this functionality.

Cons at a Glance

• Depending on what kind of writing you do, it is a little bit distracting to have to close your current app in order to access something else.
• If you need specialized software such as FrameMaker or InDesign, you will have no luck on the iPad.
• Writers will need to add the expensive iPad Pro Smart Keyboard or a bluetooth keyboard to the setup. The on-screen keyboard is NOT recommended for long writing sessions.  
• Notifications can be distracting.
• Be ready to use Google Drive or Dropbox to save your materials. These are the only secure ways to get your writing off of your iPad and backed up to make sure no materials are lost. 

Discussion on the Pros

All in all, the iPad Pro 10.5 is extremely portable. As a note though, if you use a bluetooth keyboard there might be additional things to carry.

Conducive to Quick Bursts of Writing Insight

In addition, since the iPad Pro 10.5 inch is woken up with just a tap of a finger, it is easy to dive into writing the moment inspiration strikes. Personally, I have trouble with suspending my mental process just to wait for a computer to wake up. If you are a person like me, the iPad Pro 10.5 is great because it does not have this problem. If you also buy an Apple Pencil, writers also have the option to start writing by hand on the lock screen. This is great for jotting down quick ideas and notes.

Safer Cellular Option

In general, I am wary of connecting to Wi-Fi networks outside of my house or a friend’s house due to security concerns.

With the iPad Pro 10.5 this problem is resolved if you invest in the cellular model. It is nice to even throw on a Youtube video when you are out and about while writing. In addition, if you need to view websites for your writing then it is helpful to feel safe doing this.

Free Writing Software

As another note, both Pages and Google Docs are free on the iPad. Both of these are great to use and I haven’t really encountered any problems. The problem with traditional Windows PCs is that writers are forced to use Google Docs or pay quite a bit for Microsoft Word. Personally I like to use Pages since it is better with images, or Google Docs since everything is saved easily across devices without any extra work.

Apple Pencil

One of the things that made me opt for the iPad Pro 10.5 was the ability to use the Apple Pencil. When I was younger most of my writing was done with a pencil/pen and paper. As a result, sometimes writing by hand just feels faster and more natural, especially for quick ideas or drafts. If you have the same tendencies, the iPad Pro 10.5 with the Apple Pencil is invaluable. I use the Apple Pencil all the time and do not regret getting it.

iPad Pro has a Great Camera

In addition, the iPad Pro 10.5 has a great camera. Since I do blog work, it is great to be able to take pictures and videos. Computers just do not have usable cameras built into them. This makes it easier to take a photo and add it to a document if you are writing right on the iPad. No need to hook in peripherals to a computer.

And if you are using Google Drive or Dropbox  then it is extremely easy to add your photos and videos from the iPad to your online storage provider to make your materials available across all of your machines. 

Discussion on the Cons

The only problem with the iPad Pro 10.5's screen is that it should be dedicated to one app at a time. Multitasking is possible, but the 10.5 inch screen gets a little cramped with two apps open. In addition, only two apps can be open with any functionality. This makes the iPad Pro 10.5 much less useful than a dedicated computer. (Users can try to use the web browser instead on an iPad, but sometimes this can be wonky.)

Can’t Replace Specialty Software

However, sometimes writers need very specific software depending on the type of work being done. Technical Writers need FrameMaker and InDesign in particular. If you fall in this category, you will have no recourse on the iPad Pro 10.5 for now.

As a note, Affinity Photo is a good replacement for Photoshop if needed. So sometimes app/software work-arounds can be found. A little bit of research before making this investment is a good idea.

Get Ready to Buy a Keyboard

Writers will absolutely require a keyboard for long writing sessions. The on-screen keyboard is comfortable in general, but since writers have to watch the keyboard to see what keys need to be pressed it in general interrupts the writing process. Any Bluetooth keyboard will fix this issue though (I recommend the Logitech K380 in particular).

All in all, I would not consider paying the absurd price for Apple’s Smart Keyboard. That is a steep price for writers just to keep the slim profile, and it only comes in the color black. I would expect a premium product to at least give additional color options, especially for creatives.

Make Sure to Backup your Materials

Google Drive or Dropbox  are the best ways to go about this. Writers can use their computer to backup the entirety of the iPad, but that defeats the purpose of using the iPad as a solitary machine to a certain degree. If your idea of an iPad is to be a companion though, weekly backups will do the trick.

Why Should I Buy the iPad Pro Instead of the Base iPad or iPad Mini?

In general, it all comes down to the Apple Pencil. If you would use it extensively, go for the iPad Pro. If not, go ahead and feel safe saving the money by buying a cheaper iPad.

Final Thoughts

Is any iPad a replacement for writers? It depends. If you need a fast, adaptable machine then this is a great product to invest in. Since it wakes up quickly it is much more conductive to writing. Writers are able to use the machine instead of bending their own mental process around waiting for technology to work for them.

If you do not or can not use Google Drive or Dropbox then there are serious dangers to losing your work on the iPad. You will need to backup routinely to your main computer to get around this issue. If that is a concern for you, then you may not want to invest in this product.

If you need specialized software, then the iPad is unlikely to be a companion machine. And it certainly will not be a replacement to a Mac or Windows PC.

Thanks Apple for creating this great device and software! This blog is a lot easier to write and upkeep thanks to this device. (As always, I am not paid in any way for this review.) Thank you!

Further Reading