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iPad vs Mac: Which one to choose for study and work? Here's everything you need to know!

The time when you have to buy a new computer for home, study or work is filled with a lot of questions. Will it be enough? What's right for me? One of the most common questions we receive at iSTYLE is whether to buy a Mac or an iPad. Here we will help you decide!

iPad vs Mac: A simple and yet complex question
The versatility of an iPad, the features of a Mac – There are many factors that sway us one way or another when deciding to buy an iPad or a Mac. This article looks at different situations and uses so you see which suits your needs, and you can finally decide between getting an iPad or a Mac. Let's get started!

iPad vs Mac – Design
This is perhaps the biggest difference between an iPad and a Mac. On the Mac you have the choice between a desktop (iMac) and a laptop (MacBook Air or MacBook Pro). The only fair comparison is between a MacBook and an iPad, since you can carry them both with you. Based on that, a MacBook has a traditional screen + keyboard concept. With an iPad you have many more possibilities: You can add an external keyboard, a keyboard case, a trackpad keyboard case, a mouse, or even use it as an iPad without any accessories.

iPad vs Mac – Operating System and Apps
The Mac has macOS, and the iPad iPadOS: Two very different operating systems. macOS is a traditional computer system. With windows, and a desktop, which will allow you to be much faster and more productive to work with several Apps at the same time.
iPadOS is a newer system with a different use. More and more work programs are available, for example Office or Photoshop. The advantage of the iPad is that you have millions of entertainment Apps and games which are not available on the Mac. In short: The Mac is focused on being a work or study computer. The iPad succeeds in combining both work and leisure.

The iPad is perfect for drawing or taking notes by hand.
Since the iPad has a touch screen and an accessory as special as the Apple Pencil, it is an absolute treat for designers and people who want to take notes by hand. With the Apple Pencil you can do an infinite number of things: highlight PDFs, sign documents, make diagrams, draw. Whatever your mind desires!

iPad vs Mac – Connectivity and Battery
Both the iPad Pro and the Mac have USB-C connectors. You can use adapters to connect hard drives or flash drives to either. Regarding the battery, both can be used all day without the need to carry the charger with you. However, the Mac will give you much more freedom, as the iPad has 10 hours of battery life and the MacBook Air has 18 hours. The iPad does have a special feature. You can get the Cellular option that allows you to insert a SIM card into the iPad to have mobile data whenever you don't have Wi-Fi. That way, you're always connected to what matters most.

iPad vs iMac

Should I buy an iPad or a Mac?
It is a personal decision that is greatly influenced by the type of things you are going to do with your device. Here are some examples to help you decide.

  • If you are looking for a device to surf the Internet, social networks, manage your email and take some small notes, watch series and movies, an iPad is the best choice for you.
  • If you are looking for a computer to work intensively with heavy programs such as large Excel spreadsheets, photo or video editing, a Mac would be best for you.
  • If you are going to mix it up, i.e. use it as a leisure device, and also take notes or do small jobs, the iPad is a good choice. Together with a mouse and a keyboard, the iPad is a very versatile piece of equipment.
  • If you love to draw, or you are looking for a digital notebook where you can write down everything and update your diary. The iPad is also for you.
  • If you are a salesperson, or you visit clients with presentations or reports, the iPad is perfect for you. You'll have a lightweight device with a large screen to show your clients.
As you can see, the iPad is much more versatile than the Mac. However, the Mac is still the ideal device if you are looking to work and enjoy more complex programs and a more traditional experience. Are you still in two minds? If you want, you can stop by any of our stores so that our sales consultants can recommend what suits you best. Do you prefer to do it from home? You can contact us via WhatsApp or on our social networks so we can advise you on just what you need.