IPad or MacBook? Which one to travel with

I’ve been travelling with my 12.9” iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard and a 2019 16” MacBook Pro, both offer different experiences and the use case depends on the situation. 

Which is the best for travel?

That depends. 

Using the iPad

My favourite time to use the iPad is when I’m in “student mode.” This means I’m using it to learn Thai by writing out the Thai alphabet with the Apple Pencil. 

Also reading books on the iPad is extremely enjoyable, even with the 12.9” format. In fact, I enjoy the lager iPad size compared to my 11” iPad because it just feels nicer to read on something with more screen real estate. 

I’ll have to admit, I don’t use my iPad as often as I do with my MacBook Pro. 

Using the MacBook Pro

Something about using a traditional laptop makes me feel more productive. It’s the all-a rounder that I can rely on using to get things done. Weather it’s learning how to code or using the Adobe Suite, it can handle anything I throw at it. 

The physical size of the 16” MacBook Pro has a better “lapability” feeling to it, not having to worry that it will slip off if you sort of have it sitting more on one side more than than the other. The iPad is top heavy and feels like it can flip any time I let it free. 

Having the abilities to put windows side my side, or having multiple desktop views is something that is missing with the iPad. This traditional feature is what enables laptops to feel like a true tool.

Which would I choose to travel with? 

Hands down the MacBook Pro only if I wasn’t learning a new language. But because I am, I’ll be using both in the meantime.