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Sorry, Apple: There is no way an iPad can replace a Windows PC

Apple executives keep saying the iPad Pro can replace your computer.

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When Phil Schiller talked about the new 9.7-inch iPad Pro Apple announced on Monday, he made a big point that it could replace your old Windows PC.

The smaller iPad Pro could complement your Windows PC, but despite Schiller's claims, it realistically can't replace it.

New iPad Pro
Apple

iOS is limited compared to Windows

One of the main reasons the iPad won't replace PCs anytime soon is because of the software. The iPad Pro runs a mobile operating system called iOS, and Windows PCs run full desktop operating systems, whether it be Windows 7, 8, or 10 (or even XP! But don't use XP anymore, folks).

A Windows PC lets you multitask with as many open windows on your screen as you want. In contrast, iOS 9 on the smaller iPad Pro only lets you have two open apps at the same time.

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ipad air 2 split view
Split View on an iPad Air 2 running iOS 8. Apple

You also can't run full desktop versions of apps and software on iOS. For example, you won't find the full version of Microsoft Office, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, in Apple's app store.

Neither your finger nor the Apple Pencil can replace the mouse

At the end of the day, many of us use computers to do work. If you're sitting down to get some work done, imagine constantly raising your arm to tap around the screen to switch between web browser tabs or double-press the home button to open a recently-opened-app.

It's possible, but it's nowhere near as comfortable as a short reach to your mouse or trackpad. It's also not nearly as accurate, especially if you're working quickly. 

The good ol' fashioned mouse has been around for decades, and it's in Apple's sights as the next ancient technology to ditch in favor of Apple's Pencil stylus and your finger. But neither a stylus nor your finger can replace the mouse you use on your Windows PC (or any computer, for that matter).

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Apple Magic Mouse giftguide
Flickr/nyuhuhuu

Also, once Apple deems a technology obsolete, it ditches it entirely, like the CD drive in MacBook Pros from 2012 onwards. If Apple truly believed that we don't need mice anymore, they wouldn't be making new ones, like the Magic Mouse 2 it released in October last year. 

You can get a decent Windows PC for less

The new smaller iPad Pro costs $500 for the basic 32GB model. I just did a quick search and found a bunch of Windows laptops that come with powerful processors, larger screens, and over 500GB of storage for under $500.

These laptops also come with built-in keyboards, while you have to buy a separate keyboard like Apple's $149 Smart Keyboard if you don't want to use the iPad Pro's first-party keyboard. For $650, you can get a pretty good Windows laptop.

windows laptop
hostch/Pixabay

If you have an old Windows PC and you're looking to upgrade, save yourself money by getting a new Windows PC instead of the smaller iPad Pro.

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The only time it makes sense to replace your laptop with an iPad

If you use a computer solely to browse the internet, use social media, watch videos, and other light tasks, then maybe you could use an iPad Pro instead of a computer. 

There's no doubt that the iPad Pro is more portable than any laptop could ever be, but if you plan on doing productive work, you're still better off with a laptop.

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