Why the iPad Pro is My Sole Computing Choice for the Time Being

I’m a big fan of my M4 iPad Pro, which serves as my primary work device. Still, I have a growing interest in returning to a Mac for my full-time needs. However, the lack of cellular support on the Mac prevents that from being feasible for me. Here’s why the iPad Pro remains my sole computing option for now.

Interested in Mac, but no cellular is a dealbreaker

I haven’t always prioritized using an iPad for my computing needs. This shift occurred with the launch of the iPad Pro back in 2015.

Before that, I enjoyed using various Macs, including the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, with my first Mac being a classic white plastic MacBook.

Over the past decade, there were times when my Mac was my go-to device due to work demands that the iPad couldn’t fulfill. Nevertheless, my preference for the iPad has never waned.

It’s been quite a while since I gave the Mac a serious chance, and I’ve found myself increasingly intrigued by the idea of fully switching to a MacBook Air, at least as a temporary experiment.

However, without cellular capabilities, that option isn’t viable for me. Here are a few real-life scenarios illustrating why.

Working seamlessly from anywhere

Most of the time, I work from the comfort of my home with a stable Wi-Fi connection.

I enjoy exploring the city, often working from coffee shops that offer Wi-Fi, which keeps me connected.

However, there are countless situations where I require internet access to get work done, and Wi-Fi isn’t an option.

Not long ago, while out of town, I found myself walking to a restaurant about a 10-minute stroll from my hotel.

As I was returning with lunch in hand, a significant news alert came through that I needed to cover.

Right there on the sidewalk, I pulled out my iPad, quickly wrote the article, and continued on my way.

It felt a bit odd to be sitting in the middle of the sidewalk.

But there wasn’t anyone nearby to bother, and there were no benches or buildings around—just an empty suburban sidewalk.

If I had been on a Mac, I would have needed to connect to my iPhone’s hotspot.

While that might have worked, it would have taken additional time, and my past experiences with hotspots have been hit or miss. The iPad’s cellular connection is consistently reliable and hassle-free.

Additionally, after a flight recently, while at the airport waiting to hail an Uber, my family stopped for a restroom break. During their time inside, I swiftly pulled out my iPad, completed some work, and packed it away without any disruption.

The convenience of built-in cellular allows for these quick moments of productivity, whereas relying on a hotspot is fraught with delays and unpredictability.

Lastly, there have been numerous occasions when I’ve worked from the passenger seat of a car.

With my wife or an Uber driver at the wheel, I can continue to be productive using my iPad.

I’ve done this for hours during road trips. Thanks to the integrated cellular option, it feels quite similar to working from home or any other stable environment.

For now, the iPad Pro is my computer

These stories, along with many others I haven’t detailed, make it essential for me to work from an iPad. They also leave me puzzled about why Macs still lack cellular connectivity.

In my personal and professional life, a reliable internet connection everywhere I go is a fundamental necessity. That’s one (of many) reasons why the iPad Pro is my preferred device.

If a cellular-capable Mac were available, would you consider purchasing one? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Top iPad Accessories