How I Use the iPad for Work: iPad Pro M2 

Real Estate Broker here…I was a Windows and Android user. Friend of mine suggested I look into the iPad Pro. Love, Love, Love my iPad Pro gen4. Almost completely transitioned to the iPad. Not digging 16.1 makes my 12.9 feel small. I use dual monitors, excited to see 16.2 w external monitor support. The cellular service out in the field showing property…game changer.

Chris, loved that you took this from an angle of your own challenges and struggles. You perfectly illustrated how you utilize this device/apps to overcome some focus and production obstacles that I think we all can relate too. I too struggle with ADHD, and the iPad has so much potential, but sometimes I feel that multi-tasking is my ultimate undoing. Your suggestions with your shortcuts gallery, and recommendations on how to use this device as the best productivity tool allowed me to rethink my own day-to-day flow. I was able to tweak and make my iPad fit my own needs, with your help! Thanks again, and love your videos! Keep em' coming!! -BG

I just purchased the 11 inch m2 pro with 1tb and cellular. I came from the 2018 model, same specs. I'm a truck driver so I need the cellular so im not using my phones hotspot. I'm glad to finally see a tech reviewer give praise to the m2 ipad. I understand its not for everyone, but for my needs this thing is AWESOME!! I use lumafusion to edit my vidoes but I am curious to try DaVinci. Great review.

I ordered an iPad Pro 12.9” the day it first announced in 2015 with the purpose of using to play music. I soon came to love and followed up with getting the then folio keyboard to also use it for work to supplement my MacBook. Quickly I came to prefer the iPad Pro, but in those early days what it could do was severely limited. I watched videos and read up avidly to learn ways to overcome its limitations and increasingly used more for work, and came to much prefer to the Mac. That has continued ever since and when the iPad Pro 2018 came out and multitasking was added to the iPad through split screen, I moved to 99% iPad Pro use and since then only start up the Mac for an occasional task which cannot be done on the iPad, such as formatting an external drive, or updating my Sony camera software. I have come to use the iPad Pro to be the sole device I use to run an international business, pre-Covid travelling around the world. I also use for photo (LR) and video (Lumafusion) editing, as well as for leisure use. I often use 10+ hours a day and now have the 2021 M1 2TB iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard and pencil. Still after 7 years use I love the iPad with a passion and at least for me it is the only computer I want to use. I do hope Apple adds a 14” version - with the smaller bezels today, it would still be no larger than that first 12.9” and that extra screen estate would be so welcome.

You’re such a nice and sympathetic guy to watch man! Great video! Purchased my m2 iPad yesterday!! So hyped!!

Great Vid, Ive been using my ipad for work for 2 years now and love it.

Excellent video, Christopher. You brought so many topics to this video. In my early days as a College Professor, I had wanted o use the iPad as mobile teaching tool. At that time, this was no possible. Over the past number of years, that dream has come true. Now, with the iPad Pro, the sky is the limit.

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your thoughts. Blessings on your day 👍🏻

Great video as always Chris! As a full time college professor I take the iPad to work and use it for email, Word (which is much better on the iPad, IMHO), and writing, grading ,etc… I also use ForScore and my Apple Pencil to hold my music library digitally to teach and perform. I don’t use it in the orchestra much (my other full time job), but I love being able to leave my music on the stand at the concert hall (in case something happens and I get sick, I know the music is there for a sub) and being to practice at home. It’s also a game changer for teaching music. One thing- I would actually love a Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad Pro. The Magic Keyboard is great, but I wish I could fold it back behind the iPad to use it as a tablet like the Smart Keyboard cover. Function keys would be nice too. Thanks again for the great content.

Love this video. When I hear it said that an iPad can’t replace a laptop I always say to myself “wow am I using a different iPad then what’s out there”? So glad that you show the power and potential of an iPad. I personally do not want the iPad to run MACOS I like iPadOS to be a separate OS that has it’s own identity.

thank you for this video, I'm thinking about buying an Ipad and you have helped me a lot with my decision

Thanks for the video… Using a 12.9 iPad Pro to run my business & life… The portability and productivity aspect is second to none. Still using my MacBook Pro at home to do longer writing and accounting task but while I am at the office or on the road iPad Pro is the best thing I’ve ever encountered… use it continuously with note ability to take client notes… Absolutely seamless synchronization between all my devices. Changed my life… Thanks again for your video. Excellent help.

Great video as always.

I have watched a lot of premium tubers. You have educated me in types of apps different professionals use in the industry. Thank you. Ps I like your style more than the repeats on the tubes. Thanks:)

Amazing topic 👍

Excellent video. I am now starting to utilize my m2 iPad Pro for everything. I appreciate the convenience of it and pencil features. It’s adaptable to everything in my life, personally, professionally, creatively. Thanks for the hub recommendation. Using your link now to purchase the 551.

I’ve been iPad-only since around 2016. Hung on to the 2018 12.9 model until this month, when I upgraded to the M2 12.9. I am absolutely in love with this platform. It’s a tablet when I want to flip through articles on the couch. It’s a laptop when I need a keyboard and will be multitasking. It’s a desktop when I plug in an external display and need the bigger screen real estate. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to macOS again at this rate.

I like the iPad’s simplicity. The most troubleshooting I ever need to do is a restart, and I haven’t even done that in a long time. I use the Notes app every day, and I use the Photo captions to take notes about places I’ve visited. When I’m writing something much longer, I use either the web-based Medium site or I re-subscribe to Ulysses for something I’ll be publishing. I use Google Sheets, and VN to make Instagram reels. Then for relaxation, I use the Kindle app and RU-vid. (I bought the first iPad back on the day after launch day, and it’s been my main computer ever since.)

you are one of the iPad pro gurus. you make really good videos describing the product, accessories, apps, etc.

I have moved all my graphic & photo design, web coding editing, youtube video editing, book writing work all to ipad. I forcing myself to get used to it. And all the recent update as help a lot to make it smooth compare to many years before. And now i have completely ditch my macbook. I think our brain will rewire according to what we want. And we will eventually find ways to solve our problem. Before that i export my video from final cut pro takes hours and I couldn’t do anything during that time. Now, it took me only maximum 20-30 minutes to export the same video with ipad pro m1 chip. And i’m happy to carry around my ipad compare to carry my macbook many years ago. I’m grateful~ 😊

Loved this video! Thanks Christoper!

Regarding the storage for videos, I do wonder how well a NAS or some Thunderbolt storage attached to a dock might work if you like the idea of having a single computer? What are the downsides of that system relative to buying a Mac Studio instead? Been really enjoying these: in fact I just bought an iPad Pro and keyboard last week based on this. For me I’m just looking for a way to get rid of my desktop and replace with a docking station, to do some writing, notes, bills and the like. A dock means when it’s time to work, I can grab my Windows laptop work provides and plug that into the same dock, being able to plug in whichever device is appropriate is really nice, and external monitor support was really what clinched the deal for me in moving over.

What a great video, thanks

Hey man great video I haven’t watched for a while and just came back you look quite different than last time I saw you I just hope you’re doing well ❤❤

Hi Chris, I’m doing the same thing on my iPad M2 for video editing as well as other stuff every single day. I also have MacBook Pros “more than one” which I hardly use anymore. What is nice about the iPad Pro is, you can also use a Magic Mouse. And that’s pretty much was a deal breaker for me to switch to iPad Pro. I have bought iPad Pro since it first came out and continue to trade-in for a newer device when it’s available. So much portability and I just love my iPad Pro because it pretty much do everything a MacBook Pro can.

I absolutely love my m2 iPad Pro it’s a beast ❤

If you are an educator, having the 12.9 inch iPad Pro is an amazing game changer. Taking it from one class to another, planning lessons, taking observation notes, pair it to an Apple TV and go through notes on the smart board. It’s be the best tool in my arsenal for teaching and staying productive and organized.

I loved your stand presentation!

Nice video. I got the new 10th Gen iPad and love it. The OG pencil support was huge for me since I have 2 of them (we had 2 of the OG iPad Pros). I tried the whole iPad-first/only a few years ago and failed. I am a single monitor guy, but use my iPad an ancillary device off to side for things I might use on a 2nd screen. So, I'm a single-monitor, two device person. So, I'll be using the 10th gen to take notes during meetings, etc.

I use my iPad Pro for writing, my sketch art, photo editing, and schoolwork. I love it! It is my only computing device (besides my phone). In the near future I will add a monitor to help with sketching and photo editing.

good video laid out smoothly and informative !

Thanks for the great video. I have been using the m1 11 inch pro model for work for over a year and it has plenty of power and battery life for a full work day(6-7 hours of screen on time). I typically have 2-4 apps open so Stage Manger was a welcome addition. To the extent that I purchased the 12.9 iPad m1 as the additional screen is easier to work with. However I have a question for you or your viewers know of a camera app that allows for a window that is resizable? So far I have been unable to get the native camera to do this. All of my reports require pictures and sometimes it’s necessary to both take the picture in the app I use to submit reports and a second one for my on backups. Thanks again.

I use iPad for all things productivity. Loving it honestly. Very useable and portable. Love it

Getting my 1st iPad ever. Can’t wait. I’m going to use it to tether my photo shoots with capture ones latest. Then cull through the images on the iPad. Then do the major stuff on my MacBook Pro m1 which I really love.

Great video as always, Chris! Please, how to get this wallpaper of the thumb?

Hi, you mentioned that you’re using the Apple mail app. Could you please let me know how do you handle the signature? I can’t find a way to submit a proper signature e.g. with a company logo or similar and not only text.

Great video Chris! I like the products from your sponsor; I will get them this Black Friday :) You got yourself a new subscriber!

My favorite iPad workflow is to use the ESR 12.9 inch iPad case, which attached magnetically and is the thinnest protective case, so my iPad is super thin and ready to go anywhere. I then always have a Satechi Slim X1 keyboard in my bag, which I can whip out and use when working in a Starbucks or whatever. It’s fantasatic: I have a thin iPad but with full productivity when I need that. The keyboard can also connect to my iPhone for occasional emergency work, and my PC for gaming.

Just a pity that we still have Microsoft office “lite” word and excel apps on iPad

I help run an animal rescue and use my iPad for that specifically. We have to put out tons of social media and market for donations/adoptions, and my iPad works with the iPhone (i specifically bought that to take pictures of the animals) seamlessly. I’m not at all a tech or marketing person, but I’m the one who’s willing so here we are. i have learned most of my navigation and use of my iPad from you, so thank you for making the process less cumbersome than it would have been otherwise. I want to figure out how to edit/work in our website and really work on a storefront to try and maximize income streams. Hoping to eventually get a MacBook to help with that and editing pics. Thoughts on what would be the best value and hold up the longest? Or would you stick with an iPad for all of that? I have the base model iPad so it’s not fancy. As you might imagine, Rescue doesn’t exactly pay or reimburse. 😅

Fantastic video! Which charging cable are you using from the anker doc to the ipad?

Great video, you are the reason I change from macbook to only ipad user and bought my ipad pro 11 inch with magic keyboard, and it became my all in one (gaming console, laptop, library, music center, email, video creation, edit photos, etc etc) by the way, I wait for stage manager for a lot and now i really dislike it, the way I used to use my ipad on multitasking was perfect!!

You mentioned in the beginning the Anker stand for the iPad would be for the M-Series iPads, does this mean, I cannot use my iPad Air 4th Gen with it?

Any idea when DaVinci Resolve will be out on iPad? That’ll be a full professional editing line up!

As always, great and fun content from Chris

When the country shout down with Covid I stepped up to the plate and purchased a I-pad pro 2020. Love the system and can’t say enough about the system. Still learning and having a blast with the system.🇺🇸🐻

I’ve been trying to decide between building a budget PC and getting a refurb 14 MacBook Pro Or getting the Asus G14 and Mac Mini I already have an M1 iPad Pro 11. What would work best for my setup? Leaning towards the G14/Mini but would love a gaming PC tbh

Hi Chris - I've been watching and loving your work for quite a while now. Thank you for everything you do!! I've also been using my iPad more and more as a replacement for my Macbook. However, I still find the Files app leaves *a lot* of room for improvement as compared to Finder. So, my question is do you have any strong alternative app for managing files? And is it even possible, since part of my frustration is when, e.g. saving PDFs from websites or emails or messages and coming into the default save files dialog which inevitably requires me to navigate to the same folders over and over again. Look forward to your thoughts!

I just purchased the new M2 iPad Pro. I was hoping to replace my MacBook Pro and use it for excel spread sheets which I have my home business on. However I am having trouble with excel on this iPad as it really isn’t supporting excel efficiently. Any suggestions?

is it possible to use the anker usbc hub on a Samsung tab s8?

Great video thank you. It's the first one I have seen that showed how much an iPad can do. I use a Microsoft Surface as my everything home PC. tablet mode to watch RU-vid, or docked for emails, writing, paying bills, and a laptop occasionally at home or away. Tablets are now viable for entertainment, creating, and everyday computing.

It would be cool to see a video of all of the main apps you use for your work day!

Excellent video, as always! I learn more about using my iPad Pro and magic keyboard from you than anyone else on YT. I tried the new M2 Air, but kept reaching for the screen to launch apps or scroll through documents or web sites. It just was instinctive after using the iPad's touch screen for so long. The only reason I'd upgrade from my current iPad (M1 12.9") would be for the rumored 14" version.

Hi, why do we need cellular service when we can enable personal hotspot on iPhone and let iPad go online?

I am with you about the kickstand cases. I have the Logitech Combo Touch and I am not a fan. I am a little late to return it though. I suppose I could sell it.

New subscriber. Thanks for the good content. I actually like using "Stage Manager" on macos much better than ipad os.

Hey Chris, I’ve been following you for quite some time now and I would like to ask you if you could show us how you edit your photos using you iPad. There’s not a lot of stuff out there on iPad editing photos using Lightroom and I’d really like to see your work

Thanks Chris! Great video! I've been off and on with switching to iPad Pro as primary versus a MacBook for years...but Stage Manager and external monitor support is the clincher for me. Now maybe I can get it to work. In technical pre-sales so it's a lot of zoom meetings and project management....lot of note taking and calendar work.

How did you change the iPad ratio when you connect it to your monitor? Whenever I connect to my monitor I have black bars across each side because the aspect ratio of the iPad Pro doesn’t match the 16:9 monitor :/

Great video as always, Chris. It would be amazing if you made a video like this but with the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Greetings from Mexico.

Do you use a screen protector? And where can we find that wallpaper?

Howdy. Would you have any discount codes for the Anker products I could use during checkout?

I really liked how apple implemented the stage manager on iPad OS 16 where you can access the apps by moving your cursor on the left of the screen even though you are in an app that is in full screen mode. This is something I can't do on MacOS Ventura which breaks the flow and pisses me off.

I use my 11” iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil for photo editing with Affinity Photo V2 and video editing with LumaFusion. I use a MacBook Pro for heavy excel work, and I would love to do this work on my iPad too. Is there an iPad app that offers multiple copy/paste? I use an pp on the MBP that offers it, and it’s a life changer.

Hey Chris! I like your videos and have provided good information on how to optimize my ipad usage! Im a healthcare professional and would like to do more with it and i have some ideas! Do think is possible i can contact you more directly to ask you more questions? Thank you!

Did i miss it or he didn’t mention what his video editor of choice lately ? (replacing lumafusion)

I think the most underrated set up is Mac mini and iPad set. (Or for more ‘Pros’ Mac Studio and iPad pro)

How would it handle a 35" Ultra wide monitor running 3440x1440?

Nice video Chris new subscriber to your channel ✌️😊

In first place, thank you Chris, if I may call you Chris, for all your content great quality and all you say is from a user experience. So thanks again. I bought my first iPad when the iPad 2 came out to market, but immediately I thought this could be in the future my just one computer. In 2019 I bought an 12.9” iPad Pro and again I thought I could replace my MacBook Pro. However the pro apps is what is taking me off that dream of just one device. Unfortunately where I work and the kind of work I do I use a lot Power Point, and in the iPad it really sucks and no way to use Keynote cuz is just rework. A question: What do you think about stage manager? And how are you handling your focusing problem with it? Be cause you said in your video one of the reasons you have an iPad is the ability to just focus in one app. Take care, big hug.

Excellent info, maybe I missed it but did you already go through OS 16 Apple notes and reminders features?

I really wish we got full versions of Microsoft office or iWorks. I’ve had a few cases where I would do full reports off my iPad Pro then when opening in desktop Microsoft office the formate would be messed up. I personally prefer pages to Microsoft word but I always end up having to export it to word then fixing the formatting then sending it off and it’s just annoying. I know the m1 and m2 iPads can run desktop class apps…it has to be the next step but how long will apple make us wait for it

Oh honestly we’ve had a similar experience I think with the video editing. I was using that software for hundreds and hundreds of projects and suddenly when the M1 chip came out I ran into issues. I do think it has been for the most part fixed I am using it again. But because of miscellaneous computers that my team members use, we are already using da Vinci for them. And it’s hard for me to answer questions for them about file set ups because I just don’t use it. So I am having to research and explain methodologies to them. So I ofcourse will be loading it on my iPad as soon as it hits market. I use an Apple Pencil and paper like extensively. As well as a magic keypad. But I also have a reference monitor for editing work that I was loving the external monitor in beta testing. Using in conjunction with a Magic Keyboard and magic trackpad. Thanks for producing the content you do it’s super helpful for all of us using Apple workflow.

For the price of a brand new Apple Magic Keyboard, I thought of getting the Logitech MX Keys Mini as keyboard and MX Master 3 as mouse. Bought a cheap iPad stand from Ikea and then it's sorted. I mostly work on a desk though.

Is that anker hub $20~25? Or better: my issue with hubs with headphone jacks is that it disables the device’s speakers - is there a switch to toggle that on/off?

Modularity FTW. I do like switching between the Smart Keyboard Folio, Magic Keyboard, and naked iPad. I still also have a Surface Pro and MacBook for development though

Good morning. I have a Samsung S8 plus. Will other anker multi port work besides the one mentioned in this video? Thank you in,advance.

Chris have you seen that Serif is teasing an Affinity announcement for Nov 9th? No clue if anything ipad specific is coming but i know publisher for ipad has been in the works for years so im hoping their whole line is getting updated across the board and across all platforms. Love this video! I have a pro 2018 12.9 so no full external monitor support but im still finding some uses for stage manager

I run a locksmith business with my 2018 6th Gen iPad and it does everything from inventory to invoicing. I use it for my daily living and have found products that help compliment the use. I have a card reader that allows me to use a flash drive, so cards, compact flash cards and even external herd drives so I dont have to take up a lot of space on the iPad itself…after all, it is only 32 gig… I have been able to find 3rd party alternative pencils from JamJake and a flip screen with keyboard from TypeCase and also a 2 way use Bluetooth/wireless mouse for it… I use it everyday. I am not a content creator so this iPad has completely replaced my computer…takes up less space and is way faster to turn on and start…lol

The modularity you speak of with the ipad is why I have been using a Surface Pro for years. I still like the ipad but mainly because of cellular connection. I am still hesitant to use the new Arm based Surface Pro.

Nice video! Besides mail, Netflix, web browsing, I use my iPad Pro for photo and video editing on the go. Otherwise I’d rather use my Mac for those tasks. Since I am a software developer for iOS, I would really like to have Xcode and iPhone Simulators, Terminal, better Files app, SourceTree for repositories. Also I would really like support for more than one external display.

Lovely way of looking at the iPad differently to other reviews. Why is Luma Fusion not a video editor of choice now and you mentioned ‘pins’ I think for read it later? I can’t find much about that?

I haven't bitten the bullet yet on an iPad Pro, but I watch videos like yours to both motivate myself to put away the money for one - and on the other hand, assuage the frustration at not having one. if I can't have one for myself, at least I can watch it in action on your channel! 🤣 I do a lot of pretty basic video editing on Lumafusion on my iPad mini. It works amazingly well, but it would be nice to have a larger canvas. Only twice have I actually maxed out the Mini's capability, so that it started lagging and hanging up, but it would be nice to have assurance that this won't happen again. I might use the iPad Pro for some writing, and I certainly want to try, but more likely I would use it as a second monitor for my MacBook Air. One of the best uses for me might turn out to be Keynote. I give a lot of presentations using my iPad mini, but it's obviously not a great machine for creating a Keynote presentation. I end up doing most of the creation on my MacBook, but I find that really cramps me in. Keynote seems like a very logical place for picking things up with your fingers, moving them around and manipulating the size and orientation. So right now, the iPad Pro is in the "would be nice" category, but not at all in the "must have" category. Lots of my work would be easier to do on the iPad Pro, but there's almost nothing that I can't do on my existing Apple hardware.

Interesting take on how much you like the iPad Pro platform. I considered what you have but ended up getting an M2 MBA for my pedestrian usage. I had crappy keyboards in the past & now I have one that is (IMO) the gold standard. The keyboard is important - The Trackpad response & it's size are just as important. The apple ecosystem is 3rd most important on my list. #4 Portability of the MBA

Amazing video as always although i'm also curious to know what backpack you're using?

Great video. Currently using the mini (planning, notes, light video editing and podcasting). I want to upgrade, but can’t choose between 11” and 12.9”. I would love if you did an updated video on this.

nice lego sets :)

what is the total disk usage of default operation system with default application? Which disk space I should buy 128 or 256?

I'm so glad apple decided to bring stage manager to the older iPad Pro 2018. It definitely usefull and make my iPad more like a computer. As a IT professional, I wish apple would add tools like a terminal and the ability to format USB drives so I can completely ditch my laptop. My iPad paired with the Logitech folio touch turns my iPad into a Surface. I've used a Surface and hated using windows on a touch screen, very clunky and not fun to use. One thing I love about the surface was the kickstand and the detachable keyboard. The Logitech folio case and keyboard turns my iPad into a Surface like experience without the clunky windows user interface. I have a detachable keyboard which is awesome since I don't always need a trackpad and keyboard connected. It had a nice protective case and a built in kickstand so my iPad is always propped up when I need it. In my opinion, the kickstand on the Logitech case is far superior to the Apple Magic keyboard. Even though I can't type on my lap as good as the Apple Magic Keyboard lol. At least I can turn my ipad into a tablet by detaching the keyboard and still have my ipad protected and have a kickstand.

I dont have adhd but im currently in school. One thing I’ve noticed about using my windows laptop, stuff like the taskbar can be very distracting, simply working on a word document and seeing the internet icon is enough to distract me and stop the work im doing. Hence why I love using the iPad. One app open at a time with no distractions around me. Just me and the task at hand. And all the focus modes to help me not see other apps on my other home screens.

I have a 12.9 2021 but after finishing Graphic design idk where to start working lol

I was able to buy the iPad Pro 12.9” M1 at Best Buy for $820 (open box excellent condition). But the blooming effect is really noticeable in dark mode. Maybe I will exchange it for the silver model and maybe the blooming is not that bad on another 12.9”.

You mentioned you will sit in your brothers truck and work. How long does your battery last? I have a M1 iPad, almost a year old, the battery is horrible. It will last 2 hours at most. Is this common?

I've been watching your videos but am somehow not convinced to switch to an iPad for productivity. I think the keyboard, ports, etc. are gonna keep me on the MacBook longer.

Hey, dying to know what app you are now using to edit videos? Ima Big lumafusion fan and curious what you switched to and why? Thanks for such great content.

I use mine for research, field research, and the occasional substitute teaching. The iPad as you said was originally for quick field notes and educational activity. You could take a photo, jot some notes, & quick sketch on one page and send it to the lab for whatever file. All from the field. (Cellular is a plus but satellite would be awesome) One day …😊 You have to be careful wanting ports and Pro Apps on an iPad … there’s no fan with the slim factor of an iPad. You’ll melt the chip with processor intensive Apps running. Ergo, why actual laptops exist. Too many people forget an iPad is a Tablet. A Tablet that is way too good for itself. 😊

Hello. Out of curiosity, what RSS client do you use and what "read later" app do you use? Thank you!

All right, I have a question about Wi-Fi versus cellular. I have an iPhone with a built-in hotspot. Anywhere I go my iPhone goes. So would I really need to pay extra for the cellular feature? I can’t think of any reason, but I would love to see if someone has thought of something that I haven’t. 11:15

Is it good for office work or not

I love the Anker iPad stand. It is perfect! Good partnership. Apple will never port their Pro apps to iPads. They want you to buy both computers, as you did. + Da Vinci Resolved will have only selected features on an iPad. It may be due to its interface and iOS limitations as well. The chip is the same but iOS is different.