In my first six months as a freelance writer, I got by thanks to my old, trusty iPad Air 2. I made the most of the tablet until I shifted to a Windows laptop, and eventually, a MacBook Air. But it got me thinking – could an iPad truly be a viable long-term solution for freelance work? And should other freelancers use an iPad? Here’s my experience.
Why An iPad?
My primary reason for choosing an iPad for freelance work was practicality. I’ve often been issued a laptop or a PC while working in corporate. However, freelance projects typically require contributors to use their own equipment. All I had with me was my iPad.
My clients required me to write articles, strategize social media plans, and curate graphic designs. Thankfully, I knew my way around the Apple ecosystem, so there wasn’t much of an adjustment.
I particularly enjoyed the iPad’s multitasking/split-screen feature. On the left side of the screen, I’d have a browser open for my article references. On the right side, I’d have Google Docs open to write my articles.
Image credit: Reddit
Compared to a conventional laptop, my iPad didn’t take up a lot of space on my home office desk, and it was easy to keep in my bag and bring with me anywhere. The iPad Air 2 also had a separate headphone port from the Lightning cable jack, so I could plug in my wired headphones and listen to music while working.
The iPad also proved to be highly functional for me, even in my leisure time. After work, I simply closed my work apps, switched the device on Do Not Disturb mode, and watched my favorite videos or chatted with friends. I kept my work and personal apps on two separate screens. This way, I could delineate what was needed for work and what wasn’t.
Which Apps And Hardware Were Useful For Me?
Google Workspace apps played a crucial role in my daily tasks, especially Docs, Sheets, and Slides. I could collaborate with my clients and apply changes in real time, regardless of the device I was using. My iPad only had 64GB of space, so instead of iCloud storage, I opted for Google One for easier file backups.
Even when I had clients at the time, it didn’t hurt to find more. I crafted my CV on Canva, and having pre-made templates made things much easier. Meanwhile, Adobe Scan did the trick when I needed to send digital copies of important documents. I kept track of my tasks with Tweek, which was simple and intuitive to use.
Image credit: Reddit
When I got the iPad, it came with a generic Bluetooth keyboard, which made typing faster and more efficient. Later on, I upgraded to a Machenike K7, a mechanical Bluetooth keyboard. My initial keyboard became my backup when the Machenike ran out of juice.
What Are The Cons Of Using An iPad For Freelance Work?
The iPad, for all its usability, also felt limited for freelancing. The apps I downloaded could not function as seamlessly as their web-based counterparts. When I had to transfer file ownership on a Google Doc, for example, I couldn’t find a way to do it via the app. Until now, Google maintains that you can’t transfer ownership when you’re on an iPhone or iPad.
When I had to do light content management for one of my clients, previewing ready-to-publish pages posed to be a challenge. Likewise, creating images on Canva was not as seamless on a touchscreen device.
I switched to a secondhand Windows laptop after six months with the iPad. When my computer encountered problems sometime later, I gravitated back to the iPad as a backup. At the time, I was dealing with more complex tasks, particularly on Sheets, that the iPad could not perform.
Will I Use An iPad For Freelance Work Again?
For all its wins, I’d still choose my MacBook over an iPad. My iPad Air 2 was already seven years old when I started freelancing. It paled in comparison to the current generations of iPads available today.
But for all its major upgrades, the iPad still doesn’t seem to be a direct Mac alternative. iPadOS, after all, is specifically designed for touch input and a host of tablet apps. MacOS, on the other hand, leverages its features for productivity and multitasking–not to mention that window management is so much easier. MacBook models also run on longer battery life (14-16 hours vs. 10 hours).
If you’re looking to use an iPad to do freelance work, you may want to consider these suggestions. It still serves as a great secondary device or second screen. But you still might want to invest in a MacBook Air or Pro, depending on your specific project requirements.
You may also be looking to switch from Windows to Mac (like I once did) or check out why an iPad is a great study essential.