Since the first Apple iPad release over a decade ago, it has been Apple’s mission to replace the laptop and computer with a lightweight alternative. It has taken some time (some would argue too long), but Apple looks to be closer than ever. Many aspects have aided Apple’s progress, here are just a few of the reasons The iOutlet team thinks Apple are close to achieving their mission.
It goes without saying that the majority of people have experienced working from home in the last year or so. From transforming their kitchens into offices, downloading Zoom for the first time and cutting the daily commute to work to a matter of seconds. The way people work has taken an unpredictable turn. With some businesses, this may become “the new normal”, in which the iPad can assist with ease. Instead of taking computers home during these times, people have opted to use the iPad to work remotely. Scanning through emails, catching up on video chat, along with tens of thousands of extra applications to download, the iPad can replace a laptop for some users already.
Talking of apps, Apple offers an updated variety which goes from strength to strength year on year. This helps enormously, as some of these could only initially be used on a computer. Take the Microsoft offering for example. Apps such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint have made replacing your laptop much easier. For the designer professionals, Adobe Inc offers a range of apps, such as Illustrator for graphic design and Presenter for taking presentations to the next level. The Adobe applications can initially be downloaded for free too!
Apple has showcased graphic design with their iPad’s over the last few years, introducing the first iPad Pro in 2015. With this iPad, the Apple pencil was also launched, beginning the surge of accessories that the iPad can incorporate into daily use. The first accessory that comes to mind is the keyboard. With the keyboard taking up half the screen when in use, people can’t see this being a sustainable way to use an iPad for completing assignments for example. Up steps the magic keyboard. Nowadays there’s a whole marketplace for these. Cases can be bought individually that connect via Bluetooth, keyboards that act as a stand when in use and even slim-fit cases with integrated keyboards. The most impressive aspect is the standard magic keyboard for an iMac can be used universally, including iPads released back in 2012.
With lockdown measures easing, school re-openings are imminent. As an alternative to laptops, iPads were used for homeschooling. This was made easy with portal app’s being made accessible with each school, going hand-in-hand with Zoom sessions. Schools have certainly seen a change with this and are looking to stock iPads instead of laptops for tasks. Classes such as information technology (IT) and business studies will benefit with these changes, as well as other subjects that can now introduce technology to aid the class without the need for a full computer suite. Take physical education (PE) for example. With the iPad being lightweight and great to use on the move, data analysis can now take place during practical tasks, even on a sports day.
In the first 10 years of the iPad release, it is clear that this industry shows no signs of slowing down. More technology can be added to the iPad to strengthen its case to replace the laptop. For the average consumer, the iPad can for certain replace the laptop; so watch this space.
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