If you’re a creator working with video, you’ve probably wondered: can an iPad Pro really replace a laptop?
I’ve been running a 2017 MacBook Pro and a 2021 iPad Pro side by side (get it on Amazon, if you want), and the difference between them is honestly massive—especially for video editing. What started as a secondary device has now completely taken over my editing workflow.
Here’s how it breaks down, and what you should know before investing in an iPad Pro as your main machine.
Overview / First Impressions
Here’s the basic comparison between my two machines:
2017 MacBook Pro
- 2.3 GHz dual‑core Intel Core i5
- 8 GB RAM
- Traditional laptop form factor, macOS, full desktop apps
2021 iPad Pro
- Apple M1 chip
- 16 GB RAM (on the 1 TB version)
- Runs iPadOS with touch, Apple Pencil, and keyboard support
- Final Cut Pro now available for iPad
On paper, you might think the MacBook Pro still has the advantage because it’s a “real computer.” In practice, the iPad Pro absolutely smokes it for video work. The speed difference is so big that I’ve completely stopped editing on the MacBook Pro—it just can’t keep up anymore.
Build Quality & Design
Even though this isn’t about guitars, I look at gear the same way I look at instruments: how it feels, how it responds, and whether it gets out of the way of creativity.
MacBook Pro (2017)
- Classic aluminum laptop design.
- Decent screen and keyboard, but starting to feel dated.
- Thermals are an issue with intensive tasks—fans ramp up, performance drops, and everything starts to lag when you push it with video.
iPad Pro (2021, M1)
- Slim, light, and extremely portable.
- High‑refresh‑rate display that feels incredibly responsive.
- Touch interface plus optional keyboard and trackpad make it flexible: tablet when you want it, “laptop‑ish” when you need it.
- No fan noise, no heat issues like the older Intel MacBook.
For mobile creators—especially if you’re filming guitar content, lessons, or demos—being able to throw an iPad in your bag and edit anywhere is a big win.
Features & Functions
Performance & RAM
This is where the iPad Pro really pulls away.
MacBook Pro (2017, Intel i5, 8 GB RAM)
- Struggles with modern video editing.
- Frequent buffering, lag, and occasional crashes.
- Timeline scrubbing and playback are often choppy, especially with higher‑resolution footage or multiple layers.
iPad Pro (M1, 16 GB RAM on 1 TB model)
- Handles video editing smoothly and quickly.
- Faster exports, smoother playback, much more responsive overall.
- Feels like a modern, powerful machine—even though it’s “just” a tablet.
If you’re considering an iPad Pro, the storage tier matters. On the M1 generation, the 1 TB version comes with more RAM (16 GB vs. the lower‑storage models), and that extra memory makes a real difference for heavy workflows like video editing.
Final Cut Pro on iPad
The game changer for me was Final Cut Pro on the iPad:
- Project playback is smoother.
- Editing feels snappy and responsive.
- Crashes and slowdowns are dramatically reduced compared to my old MacBook.
For anyone editing guitar videos, playthroughs, lessons, or demo content, this means you spend more time actually cutting and less time watching a spinning wheel.
How It Fits Creators & Guitarists
From a guitarist/content‑creator perspective, here’s where the iPad Pro shines.
Recording and Filming
- Shoot with your phone or camera, transfer to the iPad, and start editing immediately.
- Great for quick Instagram, YouTube, or short‑form content around riffs, licks, or pedal demos.
Editing Guitar Content
- Multi‑angle lesson videos, gear reviews, or performance clips are much easier when the device doesn’t choke on the footage.
- Cutting, trimming, and arranging clips is fluid, which keeps you in a creative headspace.
On‑the‑Go Workflow
- Perfect if you’re traveling to gigs, rehearsals, or sessions and want to edit in downtime.
- No need to lug around a heavier laptop that struggles with the workload.
If you’ve ever tried editing a multi‑camera guitar lesson on an older Intel MacBook, you know how brutal the lag and buffering can be. The iPad Pro feels like stepping into a new generation of speed.
Limitations / Things to Know
The iPad Pro isn’t perfect, and it’s not a one‑to‑one replacement for a Mac in every situation.
Software Differences
- Final Cut Pro on iPad is powerful, but it’s still not identical to the full desktop version in every feature.
- Some desktop‑only plugins and tools won’t be available on iPadOS.
File Management
- iPadOS file handling is much better than it used to be, but still not as flexible as macOS for complex projects and large archives.
- If you juggle tons of drives and folders for long‑form content, you may miss the traditional desktop environment.
Upfront Cost
- To get 16 GB of RAM, you need the higher‑storage (e.g., 1 TB) model, which is more expensive.
- Still, when you factor in performance, it may be a better buy than an older or lower‑spec MacBook.
Not a Full “Laptop Replacement” for Everyone
- For coding, heavy audio production, or very specific desktop apps, a Mac might still be necessary.
- But for video‑focused creators, especially in the guitar/YouTube world, the iPad Pro can absolutely take over as the main editing machine.
Final Thoughts
After using both side by side, I’ve reached a clear conclusion: for modern video editing, my 2017 Intel MacBook Pro is done. The iPad Pro has completely taken its place.
The combination of the M1 chip, 16 GB of RAM (on the 1 TB model), and Final Cut Pro on iPad makes it dramatically faster and more reliable than my old laptop. It’s not just a little upgrade—it’s a night‑and‑day difference.
If you’re a guitarist or content creator thinking about what to buy next:
- An older Intel‑based MacBook Pro with 8 GB of RAM will likely struggle with today’s video workloads.
- An iPad Pro with M1 (or newer M2) and higher RAM is a much better long‑term investment for editing guitar content, lessons, and demos.
In short, this “tablet” outperforms my laptop so completely that I’ve stopped editing on the MacBook altogether.
Resources & Next Steps
If you’re considering this kind of setup, here are the key things to look at:
- Look specifically at M1 or M2 iPad Pro models.
- If you plan to do serious video editing, aim for the 1 TB storage tier (for the extra RAM).
- Explore Final Cut Pro for iPad as your main editing platform—it’s where the iPad Pro really shows its power.
For guitarists building a mobile content rig, pairing an iPad Pro with your usual recording gear (interface, mics, modelers, etc.) can turn it into a compact, powerful hub for shooting, editing, and publishing your music and videos.