I am looking for much needed advice. For the past few years, I have been utilizing an IPad Pro for all of my writing. Unfortunately, I feel limited in doing so. I primarily use Pages and heavily depend on email and texts. I’m a rather simple guy. Which laptop should I invest in?
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPad Pro, iPadOS 18
Bengalboy1991 wrote:
Thank you, Tom. My iPad feels sluggish and not as responsive as it once was. I’d also like the ability to use a monitor, larger keyboard and mouse. I have a keyboard designed for the iPad but I feel constrained. And I must be honest, I simply want a new writing tool.
〰️With existing gear…
All of that can work with an iPad, with the details and options depending on the particular iPad model and its connector.
Connect iPad to a display with a cable - Apple Support
etc.
Third-party and Apple external Bluetooth keyboards work, as well.
As for the sluggishness, this can be an older or low-end iPad, or with some other issue or limit.
Which iPad model?
Identify your iPad model - Apple Support
Do you have a “coffee shop” VPN or other add-on security apps installed? That can hinder performance, as well.
〰️With new gear…
A Mac mini will absolutely do all you want. (Get 16 GB memory for best longevity, though.) The downside of the mini is choosing and connecting all the add-on parts from Apple or from a third-party. (Yeah, the Mac Studio Display is very nice, but it’s also very expensive.)
An iMac will also do all you want, and the keyboard and mouse or trackpad are usually purchased with and included with the order. Less things to choose and buy and integrate.
Same for a MacBook Air. It’ll do what you want. Again, go for 16 GB memory.
Solely for writing, you don’t need the capabilities of a MacBook Pro, or a higher-end desktop Mac.
〰️Path to picking the replacement gear:
If there is an Apple Store around, most definitely visit and look at (and try) the options available, as mentioned above.
Thank you, Tom. My iPad feels sluggish and not as responsive as it once was. I’d also like the ability to use a monitor, larger keyboard and mouse. I have a keyboard designed for the iPad but I feel constrained. And I must be honest, I simply want a new writing tool.
Is there an Apple Store near you? That would let you see how well the various models meet
your needs regarding keyboard and screen size. You might find the Mini a good option, since with that you choose monitor and keyboard/mouse separately, including from non-Apple providers.
Bengalboy1991 wrote:
I feel limited
Could you explain why exactly? It's not clear what capabilities a laptop would add to an ipad for your purposes.
Which MacBook model is best for writing a book?
