Why I Finally Switched to an iPad After Using an Android Tablet for Years

Summary

• Seamless integration with MacBook and iPhone simplifies multitasking.

• The iPad Air’s large screen provides valuable desktop real estate.

• The iPad Air offers the applications and accessories needed for efficient light work.

I switched to an iPad Air after being an Android fan for years and using an Android tablet. I’ve never been a fan of Apple’s walled garden approach. However, after using my iPad Air, I don’t think I could go back to an Android tablet.

It integrates perfectly with my MacBook and iPhone

I don’t like how Apple keeps you stuck in their ecosystem, but it makes using all their products together much easier. I keep an iPhone as my work phone and bought a MacBook Air for work when I travel (although I still use my Windows laptop as my main device), so buying an iPad to replace my aging Android tablet only makes sense.

Another feature I like about using the iPad with my iPhone and MacBook is that it syncs the Do Not Disturb status across all devices. Plus, AirDrop makes it easy to transfer huge files between devices. Aside from that, since I prefer to work with three screens and my MacBook Air only supports one external screen, I used Sidecar to turn my 13-inch iPad Air M2 into a third display.

Availability of a Massive Screen for the iPad Air

I’ve always loved the desktop real estate afforded by larger displays. That’s why I love Samsung’s Note smartphones, and every laptop I’ve ever owned has had a 15-inch screen. That’s why I was happy when Apple launched the 13-inch iPad Air for only $799, because I didn’t need to spend $500 extra to get the iPad Pro 13-inch.

Samsung has the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra with its largest 14.6-inch, but this one is priced at $1,200. There’s also the Galaxy Tab S10+, which has a similar screen size to the 13-inch iPad Air, but was more expensive at $999 when it launched. Although the price on Samsung’s website now says $849.99, this is still $50 more than what Apple is offering.

I still feel that the 13-inch screen is cramped, especially if I’ve been working all day. However, it provides the perfect balance between screen size and portability, especially as I take it with me every time I leave the house. It is also a better screen to enjoy movies whenever you fly.

It works well as a laptop alternative for light work

Another reason I bought an iPad was that it’s great for light work. I have a more optimized workflow on my Windows PC, and there are some things I can do on my MacBook Air that I can’t on my iPad, but both aren’t as portable as my Apple tablet. So, whenever I go out, I take my iPad with me, just to make sure I can do things in case of an emergency.

For example, we had to go to the hospital because my wife was scratched by a rusty nail. While we were in the emergency department waiting for some labs and X-rays, I was able to sneak in some work and finish an article on my iPad.

Aside from writing, the iPad is also useful for professional photographers. I use it to edit photos on the go, and when I have to set up a studio, I use it as a wireless monitor. This allows me and my clients to see the images I take on a larger screen instead of relying on my camera’s small display.

It has all the apps I need

One of the reasons why iPads are ahead of Android tablets is the number of well-designed applications that you can find on the App Store, as well as the typically longer software support that Apple gives its products. For example, Adobe Lightroom, which I use to edit photos, arrived earlier on the iPad than on Android devices. All the applications I use for work are also easily available on the App Store and usually work better on iPadOS, even if they are not Apple software.

So even though the apps I primarily use—Microsoft 365, OneDrive, Google Drive, Asana, Trello, and Slack—aren’t developed by Apple, they still play nice with the iPad. This means I can seamlessly switch between my iPad, MacBook Air, Windows PC, iPhone, and even Samsung phone without having to worry about manually transferring things.

Accessories make productivity easier

Aside from its large screen, the other thing I like about the iPad Air is its USB-C port. This means that I do not need a private cable to connect accessories and charge the device, unlike my iPhone 14. In addition, my iPad has a USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 port, which means I can transfer data at 10 Gbps.

Because of this, I can easily add a USB Hub to the tablet, like this one Baseus Metal Gleam Series II I reviewand add several accessories to make the job easier. This means I can easily attach an external drive, especially when I’m working with large files, and even use a wired mechanical keyboard if I’m in the mood to type.

I also bought one iPad keyboard case that is just right for me. It allows me to take my tablet out of my bag and start writing or editing photos ergonomically at any time. If you don’t want to pay a premium for Apple accessories, there are still plenty of them cheaper alternatives to the Magic Keyboard which are so good.

Here are some reasons why I finally switched to the iPad Air after many years of owning an Android tablet and sticking to Android devices. While Samsung’s giant Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is a tempting offering, I finally found a better value in the 13-inch iPad Air M2, and I’m perfectly happy with this device.