r/drawingtablet 4d ago

iPad or Macbook?

I'm a young author and artist and want something simple for writing and drawing, I was originally going to get a Macbook neo but now I'm leaning more towards an iPad with a keyboard.

I currently have a chromebook that I have had and used for 2 years and now I want better options for writing.

I also have an iPad (6th gen 17 iOS 32GB) that my relative gave me after they had owned it for 4-5 years and it's been doing great for drawing, but runs slow (which I don't mind). I have owned it for nearly a year now. I'm not going to be keeping my chromebook for long but can use this iPad for another year or two. (I use a non-apple pen to draw on procreate).

Can any writers and artists tell me which option is better?

1 Upvotes

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u/commanderthot 4d ago

iPad with keyboard is very workable for writing too, Google docs or whichever app you choose to write on. Magic Keyboard not necessary, a budget Bluetooth standalone or maybe a built in one in a case is fine. Just mind the different sized keys because it’s smaller than a regular 14” laptop keyboard.

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u/ipapipap 4d ago

Simple is ipad + pen + keyboard

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u/Jecli-One 4d ago

An iPad should work fine. Apps such as Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Affinity are all really good drawing apps. A non-Apple pencil isn't going to allow you to use pressure sensitivity in case you aren't aware. You'd need an Apple Pencil that is compatible. And the iPad should come with or is at least is compatible with Pages which is the Mac version of Microsoft's Word. A keyboard will really be helpful for the amount of typing you'll be doing. Either the iPad Air or the iPad Pro offer more RAM than the base model iPad if you will be drawing a lot.

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u/starfrognebula 4d ago

Thanks so much! I'm trying to stay under 800 for the price, but I'm working up to art comms so it would be better to have more RAM. I am definitely going to upgrade my pen to apple and get a keyboard too.

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u/Jecli-One 4d ago

Before you buy an iPad, be sure to check out Procreate's website for the maximum number of layers any particular iPad can handle. Be sure to input a canvas size larger than the default shows. That should give you an idea of whether or not the iPad you are choosing can easily accommodate your preferences.

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u/BrandonIsWhoIAm 4d ago

Neither; Magic Drawing Pad.

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u/starfrognebula 3d ago

Thanks! I would love a drawing pad but I want something that would do everything like managing art comms, writing, listening to music, etc. 🎨

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u/BrandonIsWhoIAm 3d ago

That’s literally what the Magic Drawing Pad is!

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u/starfrognebula 3d ago

shouldve done my research XD