In modern days, through social media, iPads have gained a lot of attention. Not going to lie, iPads offer a great interface specifically designed for creative work. However, their customization options and future-proofing capabilities leave much to be desired.
If you’re looking to step into more professional work, you’re in the right place! In this blog, we’ll discuss why iPads might not be the best choice and explore the best alternatives available. Whether you’re aiming for a budget-friendly setup, a high-end configuration, or a portable solution, we’ve got you covered.
Why iPads Fall Short for Professional Work
iPads are primarily designed for creative tasks, offering user-friendly software and an intuitive interface. However, they fall short in several critical areas that make them less ideal for professional workflows.
Limited Software Compatibility
While iPads have an impressive range of creative apps, such as Procreate and Affinity Designer, they lack the depth and versatility of software available on PCs or Macs. Many industry-standard tools, like full-featured versions of Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Blender, are either absent or offer scaled-down versions with limited functionality. This makes it challenging for professionals who rely on these robust programs to complete complex projects.
Additionally, certain niche or technical applications, such as 3D modeling software, coding platforms, or in-depth video editing suites, either aren’t available or perform poorly on an iPad. For professionals requiring specialized tools, this limitation can become a significant roadblock.
Multitasking Constraints
The iPad’s multitasking capabilities are not as seamless or efficient as those of a PC or laptop. While the iPad allows for split-screen functionality, it’s far less flexible compared to managing multiple windows and apps on a traditional desktop or laptop setup.
For instance, professional workflows often require simultaneous tasks, such as drawing while referencing animation scripts, editing videos while consulting storyboards, or copying and pasting files across different applications. On a laptop or PC, you can seamlessly switch between tasks, resize windows, and keep everything organized. On an iPad, managing files, opening multiple apps, or working across formats can feel cumbersome and time-consuming. This lack of fluid multitasking can significantly hinder productivity.
Pricing
When considering pricing, iPads are often not the most cost-effective option for professionals. The more powerful models, such as the iPad Pro with higher storage and processing capabilities, come at a premium price that can rival or even exceed that of a high-performance laptop or desktop.
For the same investment, you could purchase a laptop or desktop with far superior hardware, including more RAM, a faster processor, better graphics capabilities, and significantly larger storage. Not only are these devices more powerful, but they are also more versatile and future-proof, making them a better long-term investment for professional work.
Additionally, iPads frequently require additional purchases, such as the Apple Pencil or Magic Keyboard, which further inflate the total cost. When you add these expenses, the overall price can easily surpass that of a high-end PC or laptop.
Laptops/PCs: The Superior Investment
On the other hand, laptops and PCs have earned a special place in the hearts of artists and professionals alike, thanks to their power, versatility, and adaptability. Unlike iPads, laptops and PCs are designed to handle demanding professional workflows, offering unparalleled flexibility and the ability to cater to diverse creative needs. Whether you’re an artist, animator, video editor, or developer, laptops and PCs provide a comprehensive and robust platform that can grow with you over time.
Long-term Value Proposition
Laptops and PCs are built to last, offering excellent long-term value for your investment. A well-chosen laptop or PC from a decade ago can still run many modern software applications with minimal upgrades. This longevity is due to their ability to support evolving operating systems, handle software updates, and integrate newer peripherals.
Unlike iPads, which often become obsolete or unsupported after a few years, laptops and PCs can stay relevant for significantly longer. This makes them a cost-effective choice for professionals who want a reliable device without needing frequent replacements. Additionally, their durability and repairability mean that minor issues can often be fixed without replacing the entire system.
Upgrade Flexibility
One of the most significant advantages of laptops and PCs is their upgrade potential. Unlike iPads, which are locked into their original specifications, laptops and PCs often allow users to enhance their hardware as needed. For instance, you can upgrade the RAM to improve multitasking, replace the hard drive with a faster SSD for quicker load times, or even swap out the graphics card for better performance in video editing or 3D rendering.
While MacBooks are known for their sleek design, they lack this flexibility, making other laptop brands or PCs a more practical choice for those who want to future-proof their setup. When you invest in a laptop or PC, you’re not just buying a device for the present—you’re building a platform that can evolve with your needs.
Software Freedom
Laptops and PCs offer unparalleled software compatibility and freedom. They can run virtually any professional-grade application, from Adobe Creative Cloud and Autodesk Maya to DaVinci Resolve and Unreal Engine. Unlike iPads, which are limited to apps designed for iPadOS, laptops and PCs can run full versions of software, ensuring you have access to every tool and feature you need to excel in your work.
Additionally, PCs support a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows, macOS (on some systems), and Linux, giving you complete control over your workflow. This freedom allows you to choose the software and tools that best align with your professional goals, whether you’re creating digital art, developing games, or editing films.
Moreover, laptops and PCs are not restricted by the proprietary ecosystems of companies like Apple, meaning you can explore open-source alternatives or niche tools without compatibility issues. This level of flexibility is crucial for professionals who require specific software that might not be available or fully functional on an iPad.
Maximizing Your Productivity with External Art Displays
If you’re looking to level up your creative process, external art displays and digital drawing pads are absolute game changers. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or animator, these tools can help you work faster, stay organized, and bring your ideas to life more efficiently. When paired with a laptop or PC, they give you the flexibility and power you need to take your skills to the next level.
Why You’ll Love Digital Art Displays and Pads
Digital art displays, like Wacom Cintiqs or Huion Kamvas, are designed with creatives like you in mind. These devices offer incredible precision and responsiveness, giving you a smooth and natural drawing experience. They’re also packed with features like pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, and customizable shortcut buttons to make your workflow seamless.
Unlike an iPad, these tools are built specifically for professional work. That means you can enjoy a larger screen, sharper resolution, and full compatibility with powerful software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Blender. And if you prefer a more traditional feel, standalone drawing pads like the Wacom Intuos or XP-Pen let you sketch while working on a separate screen, giving you even more flexibility.
The Magic of Multi-Monitor Workflows
Ever feel like you’re running out of space on your screen? That’s where a multi-monitor setup comes in handy. By using an external art display alongside your laptop or PC, you can split your tasks and keep everything organized.
For instance, you can draw or paint on one screen while referencing photos, tutorials, or notes on another. If you’re animating, you can keep your timeline and tools visible on your main screen while focusing on the artwork on your display. It’s like having a bigger desk everything you need is right there, and you’re never scrambling to find the right window.
This setup is especially useful for larger projects or when you’re juggling multiple tools. You’ll save time, stay more focused, and avoid the frustration of constantly switching between apps.
Affordable Options That Pack a Punch
Here’s the best part: you don’t need to break the bank to get started with a great digital art display. If you’re just starting out, budget-friendly options like the Huion Kamvas or XP-Pen Artist series deliver professional-grade features at a fraction of the cost of an iPad Pro.
For those of you looking for top-tier performance, high-end models like the Wacom Cintiq are worth every penny. They’re durable, reliable, and built to grow with your needs. Plus, with an external display or pad, you’re not locked into one system. If you upgrade your laptop or PC down the road, your drawing display stays relevant no need to buy a whole new setup!
Building a Future-Proof Workstation
Let’s build the ultimate setup tailored to your budget! Before diving in, we’ll go over the technical side of things to ensure you know what to look for. A workstation isn’t just about looking cool—it’s about having the right tools to get the job done efficiently and without frustration.
Choosing the Right Laptop
For digital art, the most important part of a laptop is its CPU (Central Processing Unit). A powerful CPU with multiple cores ensures smooth performance, even when working on heavy files or multitasking. Aim for something with at least four cores—the more, the better!
Next up is RAM. This helps your laptop manage multiple tasks without lag. At a minimum, you’ll want 8GB, but 16GB or more is ideal if you’re working with advanced software or larger projects.
When it comes to storage, go for an SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives (HDDs), helping you access programs and save files quicker. While HDDs are cheaper, aim for 512GB or more of SSD space to store your art and programs.
Finally, think about the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). A decent GPU is crucial for tasks like 3D modeling or rendering. Look for a laptop with at least 4GB of dedicated GPU memory, though more is always better for handling complex visuals.
Choosing the Right PC
When building or buying a PC, the same principles as laptops apply—but with even more flexibility! PCs are easier to customize, so you can start with a basic setup and upgrade as you go.
- CPU: Opt for a high-performance CPU with multiple cores. AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors are great choices.
- RAM: Start with 16GB, but having 32GB or more can future-proof your setup.
- Storage: Combine a fast SSD (512GB or higher) for your programs and files with a larger HDD for backups.
- GPU: If you’re into heavy rendering or animation, look for GPUs like NVIDIA’s RTX series or AMD Radeon, with at least 6GB of VRAM.
The advantage of a PC is that you can easily upgrade individual components, making it a solid long-term investment.
Choosing the Right Drawing Tablet
Here’s where your creative process truly comes to life. There are two main types of tablets:
- Screen Tablets: These let you draw directly on the screen, mimicking a pen-on-paper experience. They’re fantastic for precision and intuitive workflows.
- Non-Screen Tablets: These are more budget-friendly and connect to your PC or laptop, letting you draw while looking at a separate monitor. They’re great if you’re comfortable with this setup.
If you’re opting for a screen tablet, here are some key factors to consider:
- Screen Size: Larger screens give you more space to work, but they can be bulkier. Pick one that fits your desk and your preferences.
- Nib Angle and Parallax: High-quality tablets reduce the gap between the pen tip and the screen (parallax), making your strokes feel more natural.
- Shortcut Keys: Tablets with customizable hotkeys can save you tons of time by keeping your most-used tools a button press away.
Some of the best brands in the game are Huion, XP-Pen, and Wacom. Wacom is known for its premium quality, while Huion and XP-Pen provide excellent features at more affordable prices.
My Favorite Setups
Whether you’re working on a tight budget or looking for the absolute best gear, I’ve got some great recommendations for you. Here’s a breakdown of reliable PCs, laptops, and drawing tablets to fit your creative needs.
Budget-Friendly Options (Under $500)
If you’re just starting out or need a dependable setup without spending too much, these options deliver excellent value:
PCs:
- Dell OptiPlex 7040 Small Form Factor RGB Desktop PC
- Specs: Intel Quad Core i5-6500 (up to 3.6GHz), 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
- Price: $189
- Great for beginners and basic digital art.
- Dell RGB Gaming Desktop Computer
- Specs: Intel Quad Core i5-6500 (up to 3.6GHz), GeForce GT 1030 2G, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
- Price: $279
- Perfect for light 3D work and multitasking.
- HP RGB Gaming Desktop Computer
- Specs: Intel Quad Core i5-6500, GeForce GT 1030 2G, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD
- Price: $300
- Reliable for smooth creative workflows.
- STGAubron Prebuilt Gaming PC Desktop
- Specs: Intel Core i5 (up to 3.7GHz), AMD Radeon RX 550 4G, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Price: $419
- Good option for intermediate users needing more GPU power.
Laptops:
- Acer Aspire 3 A315
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, AMD Radeon Graphics, 8GB LPDDR5, 128GB NVMe SSD
- Price: $279
- Lightweight and portable.
- ASUS Vivobook Go 15.6”
- Specs: AMD Ryzen 5 7520U, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
- Price: $309
- A solid all-rounder for drawing and photo editing.
- ASUS Chromebook Flip CX1 Convertible Laptop
- Specs: Intel Celeron N6000, 8GB RAM, 128GB eMMC Storage
- Price: $379
- Great for quick sketches and note-taking.
Drawing Tablets:
- Inspiroy Dial 2 – $159
- Compact and portable for sketching on the go.
- Kamvas 13 – $239
- A budget-friendly screen tablet with excellent color accuracy.
- Deco Pro SW/MW – $129
- A non-screen tablet that’s lightweight and great for beginners.
- Artist 10 (Gen 2) – $169
- A solid entry-level screen tablet for those transitioning to digital art.
High-End Options (Under $1500)
For serious creators and professionals, these setups provide power and features to match your ambitions:
PCs:
- ASUS ROG G13CH (2024)
- Specs: Intel Core i7-14700F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 1TB NVMe SSD, 16GB DDR5
- Price: $999
- Handles complex 3D rendering and high-resolution projects effortlessly.
- Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop
- Specs: Intel Core i5 13400F, NVIDIA RTX 4060, 1TB NVME SSD, 16GB DDR4 RAM
- Price: $849
- Excellent for gaming and creative multitasking.
Laptops:
- ASUS ROG Strix – $1399
- High performance for digital art, gaming, and animations.
- ASUS Zenbook Duo UX8406MA-DS76T – $1300
- Dual screens for ultimate multitasking efficiency.
Drawing Tablets:
- Artist 24 Pro (Gen2) 4K – $1209
- Stunning 4K display with ultra-accurate colors and sharp details.
- Kamvas Pro 19 – $1099
- A great balance of screen size, resolution, and budget.
Portable Suggestions
For portability, laptops like the ASUS ROG or Zenbook Duo are excellent choices. Pair them with a drawing tablet like the Artist Pro 19 or Kamvas 13 for maximum versatility.
When it comes to battery life, look for laptops with a high watt-hour (Wh) rating to ensure your setup lasts through long drawing sessions.
For displays, screen tablets from XP-Pen or Huion are more versatile and cost-effective than an iPad, especially for professional work.
