Travel Story: How the iPad Pro has changed the way I travel

I’ve been using my 2018 iPad Pro 11-inch during my travels around Southeast Asia for a while now and it has changed the way I travel entirely.

Previous to my iPad, I was travelling around with my 13-inch MacBook Pro 2017 base model which would handle all my computing needs. However after a couple of months on the road backpacking my way around places to places, I decided one thing. The MacBook is too heavy to lug around in my bag and the computing power is just barley enough it edit the 4K content I shoot for my travel videos.

It didn’t fit my needs.

So when I was in Malaysia I decided to pick up the latest iPad to take as a test drive and sent the MacBook Pro home.

Ultra Portable

I’m always so amazed how Apple designed such a premium device in a compact, lightweight form factor. Made with mostly an aluminum casing weighing only a total of 1.03 lbs. In the hands it feels comfortable to carry for long periods and in the bag it doesn’t create strain on the back. 

The size of the device brings advantages as well being it is easy to prop up on an airplane tray table even when the person in front of you reclines their seat all the way back. 

Ultra Powerful

The A12X processor is so powerful that it can easily edit and playback 4K video. The benchmarks for this processor leaves all other competitors mobile processors in the dust. In fact, this processor is more powerful than my 2017 MacBook Pro and it shows during editing my travel videos with the lagless experience.

Apple Keyboard Cover

Some people hate it, some people love it. I fall in the latter group. Sure it’s expensive, but it’s the best  keyboard cover you can get for the iPad. The firm backing gives it the support to reduce the risk of the iPad bending in your bag, and the soft touch easy to clean keys feel amazing once you get used to it. Plus they don’t make a lot of noise which is great for when you’re working in quiet public spaces. Sizing and spacing is just right. 

Plenty of apps

When you’re working on a tablet, you’re reliant on a good amount of apps to fuel your workflow needs. Luckily the App Store is supported by so many popular developers and updates are frequent, giving you the best mobile tablet experience money can buy.

It’s a different experience

I’m going to go on a length with this point because I think it’s important.

When I use a computer, I want to feel a certain way. Like in an office workspace I enjoy using a desktop computer + monitor set up with a full size clicky keyboard and mouse, because it gives me a feeling of professionalism and in control of my work.  

The same feeling of professionalism doesn’t happen say, if I was using a laptop hunched over my desk squinting at a 15 inch screen typing on the mushy keyboards that economical business laptops come with. 

The feeling you get using your device makes a difference in your overall use of the device and the likelihood you’ll pick it up again to use it for your next computing task. It plays a huge factor. 

With the iPad Pro, it’s a feeling of work and play in perfect harmony. 

Get straight down to business with a connected mouse + keyboard case and start working away like you would on a laptop. I’m left feeling satisfied, especially after spending a whole afternoon at a Cafe writing. The 11-inch is sleek enough to look professional and working on it gives me good professional vibes. 

After the work burn out, I switch my brain to artistic/creative mode and start drawing on it like a tablet with the Apple Pencil. Just like that, with a flip of the keyboard cover, I’m in play mode.

Or when I’m in student mode, the Apple Pencil plays a vital role in allowing my to practice writing Thai alphabets while using related apps to play pronunciation sound tracks to help me learn. 

How about when something photo worthy is happening and your phone or camera isn’t around? Pick up your iPad and take a photo! 

The flexibility of use cases for the device brings an enormous value and it is the reason why the iPad has changed the way I travel. I’m free to do anything with it and go anywhere knowing I have all I need in one device.