The latest Apple iPad Pro delivers blazing-fast performance, thanks to its advanced silicon and support for accessories like the Magic Keyboard and trackpad. These enhancements bring it closer than ever to a traditional notebook experience. The hardware gives users the confidence that the iPad Pro isn’t just a tablet—it can handle demanding apps, multitasking and creative workflows with real power.

Magic Keyboard and Trackpad Bridge the Gap between Tablet and Laptop

Pairing the iPad Pro with a refined Magic Keyboard-including a full-sized trackpad-allows users to type and navigate in a way that’s already familiar from laptops. The form factor, hinge design, and accessory ecosystem all support the idea of using your iPad Pro in a clamshell setup. For many users, the transition from tablet to laptop feeling begins here.

iPadOS Improvements Still Leave One Limitation Unaddressed

Despite the leap in hardware, software remains the crucial limiting factor. This is because while iPadOS has improved its multitasking, file-management, and windowing features, it still lacks the full flexibility and application ecosystem of a true laptop operating system. The result is that many users find themselves bumping into limitations when attempting to run legacy desktop workflows, specialized tools, or manage files as they would in macOS or Windows.

When you try to do complex workflows—such as compile large codebases, manage many external drives, install full desktop software suites, or run virtual machines—the iPad Pro falls short. As much as it “feels” like a laptop in so many ways, these functional gaps continue to be the barrier that prevents it from fully substituting a traditional notebook for power users.

Choose Between iPad Pro and Laptop Depending on Your Use

If your day-to-day involves document editing, web research, creative sketching, or media consumption, the iPad Pro is now a highly compelling alternative. But if your workflow depends on full desktop-level flexibility like custom apps, multi-monitor setups, advanced development, or enterprise software, then a traditional laptop still offers a more complete experience. It becomes a question of how often you hit that “one very important thing” that the iPad can’t yet deliver.

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News Source: PCMag.com