Now that most people are used to using small devices for work, like smartphones and tablets, many have chosen to skip laptops and desktop computers altogether. At first glance, this might seem like it only works for leisure and wouldn’t be possible for someone who runs a business. The truth is that an iPad can completely replace a computer with the right accessories and enough power.
Think of your iPad as your CPU
When you look at a desktop computer, the tower and monitor are two separate pieces of equipment. When it comes to an iPad, the screen and computer are one device. Desktop computers are usually far more powerful than tablets and have more options for applications, which is why most people don’t rely solely on tablets.
Current models come with more power and disk space than previous generations. For instance, now you can get up to 2TB of storage and up to 16GB of RAM. That’s definitely enough to run a business. You can also find durable iPad cases so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged.
While an iPad can’t replace a full-sized desktop computer on its own, it can when you use your iPad as the CPU. For instance, a functional setup would include an iPad and a monitor that function just like a standard desktop computer. The only difference lies in the types of cables and connections required to make it work.
When you think of your iPad as your CPU, that’s when options open up. For example, if your iPad has enough disk space and RAM to run all the applications you rely on to run your business, that’s all you need in terms of a CPU. You don’t have to be concerned with the small screen or the requirement to tap and swipe the screen to navigate through applications. Those limitations can be taken care of with a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
A Magic Keyboard is ideal
Your keyboard matters, and a good one will support your productivity. A bad keyboard will only slow you down. If you look at the way most people set up their iPads with keyboards, you’ll see a lot of those folio-type stands that come with a little keyboard that folds down and is attached to a flap. Those are okay if you’re sitting at a coffee shop searching Google for a new craft idea or recipe for dinner, but it won’t cut it for serious work.
If you’re going to use your iPad to run your business, you need a Bluetooth keyboard, and the Magic Keyboard is an excellent choice. It’s got just the right tilt to make typing easy, and the keys are somewhat flat and extremely quiet compared to other keyboards. It doesn’t take much pressure to hit the keys and the battery lasts for a long time.
Most staple apps are available for iPad
In the past, it was difficult to get business apps for tablets, but that’s changed. Now you can get the full Microsoft Office suite for your iPad, which gives you access to all the usual files you might need to use for business. For example, you can create and open Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, and PowerPoint files.
In addition to covering the basics, you also have plenty of options where business marketing tools are concerned. For instance, many popular CRMs and email marketing companies make apps available for iPad, which means you don’t have to use the browser version. Sometimes it’s easier to use native apps over browser-based versions of marketing tools because they’re less buggy and easier to navigate.
Best of all, core communication apps, like Slack, and some project management tools, like Asana, are available for iPad. You never have to worry about getting behind on projects, deadlines, or missing out on team communication.
iPads are an affordable alternative to desktops and laptops
iPads are great if you need a computer to run your business, but don’t want to spend a lot of cash. When you already own an iPad, you can use it as your main computer and save your hard-earned money for more important things. You’ll have to buy a few accessories, like a keyboard, mouse, and monitor, but those can be found for less than what it costs to buy a good laptop.
In the end, you’ll have a device with a great battery life and enough power to get your work done and relax with some entertainment before you go to bed.
to be quite honest this is what I’m doing as well I’m using my iPads as a computer for the last two years and a lot of these little tools are very very helpful