Why I finally switched to an iPad after using an Android tablet for years

I upgraded 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 can go back to an Android tablet.

Fits perfectly with my MacBook and iPhone

I don’t like the way Apple keeps you stuck in its ecosystem, but it makes it much easier to use all of its products together. 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 primary device), so buying an iPad to replace my aging Android tablet was right up our alley. logical fact.

Another feature I like about using the iPad with my iPhone and MacBook is that it syncs the Do Not Disturb state across all devices. Additionally, AirDrop makes it easy to transfer large files between devices. Aside from that, since I prefer to work with three displays and my MacBook Air only supports one external display, I use 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 space that larger screens offer. That’s why I loved Samsung’s Note smartphones, and every laptop I’ve owned has had a 15-inch screen. That’s why I was thrilled when Apple released the 13-inch iPad Air for just $799, because I didn’t need to spend an extra $500 to get the 13-inch iPad Pro.

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

I always feel like the 13-inch screen is cramped, especially if I work on it all day. However, it strikes the perfect balance between screen size and portability, especially since I take it with me every time I leave the house. It’s also a better screen for watching movies when I fly.

Works great as an alternative to a laptop for light work

Another reason I bought an iPad is 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 do on my iPad, but they 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 get things done in case of an emergency.

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

Besides writing, the iPad is also useful for professional photographers. I use it for editing photos on the go, and when I need 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 the small screen on my camera.

Has all the apps I need

One of the reasons iPads are ahead of Android tablets is the number of well-designed apps you can find in the App Store, as well as the generally longer software support Apple offers its products. For example, Adobe Lightroom, which I use to edit photos, came to the iPad earlier than to Android devices. All the apps I use for work are also available on the App Store and generally work best on iPadOS, even if they’re 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 work well with the iPad. This means I can seamlessly switch between my iPad, MacBook Air, Windows PC, iPhone, and even my Samsung phone without having to worry about manually transferring items.

Accessories make productivity easier

Besides its large screen, the other thing I like about the iPad Air is its USB-C port. This means I don’t need a proprietary cable to connect accessories and charge the device, unlike my iPhone 14. Additionally, my iPad has a USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 port, which means I can transfer data up to 10 Gbps.

For this reason, I can easily connect a USB hub to the tablet, like this Baseus Metal Gleam Series II that I reviewed, and add several accessories to it to make working easier. This means I can easily connect an external drive, especially when working with large files, and even use a wired mechanical keyboard if I feel like writing.

I even bought an iPad keyboard case that works 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 lot for Apple accessories, there are also plenty of cheaper alternatives to the Magic Keyboard that are just as good.

These are some of the reasons why I finally upgraded to the iPad Air after several years of owning an Android tablet and sticking to Android devices. Although Samsung’s giant Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra was a tempting deal, I ultimately found better value in the 13-inch iPad Air M2, and I’m perfectly happy with that device.