You probably don’t need a laptop in 2024

Most people don’t need a laptop anymore for their computing needs in 2024. Don’t get me wrong, I’m right there with you if a laptop is your preferred device and the one that helps you be more productive, but there’s a good argument to be made that a tablet – and one of the best iPads in particular – is now such a versatile companion that it can do everything you’d be relying on your laptop for.

The iPad Air: a more portable and convenient alternative to laptops

It’s possible to now fully replace a laptop with a more portable iPad – it’s not without its minor drawbacks but there are some major benefits, and it can be more affordable too.

To put the notion to the test, I’ve spent the last month with my personal laptop stashed away in a drawer. Of course, I’ve continued to use my work computer for my job, but once I’m off the clock I’ve been heading straight to the iPad Air for emailing, online shopping, photo editing, entertainment, browsing, reading and much more.

Here are four reasons why I’d happily stick with the iPad as my main computer, along with the two things I missed from my laptop (an M1 MacBook Air):

The Benefits of Using an iPad as Your Main Computer

1. An iPad is super portable and convenient

This one’s an easy win for the iPad. At its lightest, an 11-inch iPad Air is a mere 462g. To put that in perspective, it’s lighter than a bag of spaghetti.

The significant weight difference between a laptop and an iPad

Either way, it’s incredibly portable. It goes up to a higher weight once you add a Magic Keyboard (around 600g), which is a helpful accessory to make the tablet feel more like a laptop. Overall, though, this is a versatile and lightweight companion that you’ll find slips into your bag more easily than a laptop, especially if you don’t need the keyboard.

It’s more than actual on-the-go use, though. Even just for use around the house, an iPad feels more convenient. Whether I’m hopping on a FaceTime call, sending an email, watching some YouTube videos or jotting down notes, the touch interface is more intuitive overall than a laptop.

2. It’s a better entertainment device than a laptop

An iPad is a natural device for reading, viewing TV shows and movies, and basic gaming. As I’ve already said, you’ll have no problem holding the lightweight tablet in one hand, and it’s simple to go into all the apps you’re already used to using from your phone.

The iPad: a great device for entertainment on-the-go

The screen is bright and goes into distraction-free fullscreen by default.

It’s helpful whether you are accessing your favourite streaming services and catch-up platforms to press play on the next episode of Bridgerton, watching the latest movies on Disney+, reading the news, or pageturners within Apple Books, the Kindle app or Kobo.

One of the greatest benefits I use all the time is the ability to download shows and movies to the iPad ahead of flights and long journeys. This is sometimes possible on a computer, but often more challenging. With the iPad, it’s easy to accomplish via each streaming service’s app, as long as downloading is supported (you’ll find it is on Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video and more).

3. It keeps you focused on one task at a time

A big criticism of the iPad is that it’s not a great device for multi-tasking and productivity, but I think this all depends on what you’re trying to do. It’s certainly possible to employ multiple windows on an iPad, especially side-by-side to refer to some research on one side of the screen and jot down your notes on the other side.

The iPad: a device that helps you focus on one task at a time

I tend to view this as a benefit rather than a downside, though, because I find myself getting far less easily distracted when working on an iPad.

4. It’s a more versatile product overall

I keep coming back to the iPad for its sheer versatility. I like to travel light, so it has ended up being what I’ve brought with me on work trips over the laptop. I’ve had no problem using it for writing with the Magic Keyboard, communicating with colleagues, answering emails, managing and editing photos taken on my phone and my dedicated camera, and jotting down notes with the Apple Pencil.

And, when you’re not working, it becomes a terrific device for catching up on TV programmes and films (especially when paired with a pair of Apple AirPods for the “spatial audio” effect) or for reading the headlines. Much of this might sound like what you’d do on your phone, but there’s a genuine appeal to a large screen that you won’t have to squint to use.

The Drawbacks of Using an iPad as Your Main Computer

Now let’s take a look at some of the minor downsides. After all, the laptop holds some unique appeal for its versatility, background processes, multitasking and window management too.

These are the two things that stuck out to me during this hands-on test:

1. Multi-tasking is far better on a laptop

You’ll have guessed that this point was coming, but yes, you’ll find a proper laptop is significantly better for juggling lots of different jobs in one go.

The laptop: a better device for multitasking

2. Battery life is much better on the MacBook Air

I think I’d still pick a MacBook Air if you’re deciding between the two and you know that battery life is a major concern for how you use a computer. Every single iPad is developed to deliver a satisfactory battery life of 10 hours (although this can end up being less under intense usage) while a MacBook Air can reach up to a whopping 18 hours of life.

The MacBook Air: a laptop with an impressive battery life

Verdict: iPad vs Laptop

So, at the end of this process, am I going back to using my laptop or iPad primarily? Because of my job as a technology journalist, I’ll always have a bit of balance between the two but I think my personal laptop is staying in the drawer for the time being.

Outside of work, there’s very little that I’m struggling to get done on the more portable computer, and my multitasking needs are minimal – overall, the iPad ticks enough boxes while being just a bit more convenient and better for focusing on my work.