If you’re frequently on the move for work or leisure, finding the perfect portable tech setup is crucial. While the MacBook Air is a capable travel laptop, I consistently choose my 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard—and here’s why this powerful combination beats a traditional laptop for working on the go.
iPad Pro: The Best iPad for Travel and Work
The iPad Pro M4, when paired with the Magic Keyboard, becomes an incredibly versatile workhorse. It delivers much of the power you’d expect from a laptop while remaining lighter and more compact. Whether you’re drafting emails in a cab, editing content at the airport, or catching up on Netflix during a flight, the iPad Pro adapts to your needs.
Unlike the MacBook Air, the iPad Pro with cellular connectivity lets you work from anywhere—no need to rely on tethering or flaky airport Wi-Fi. That built-in 5G connection is a game-changer for digital nomads and business travelers.
Portability Meets Power
Even with the Magic Keyboard attached, the iPad Pro remains travel-friendly. The keyboard acts as a case, trackpad, and stand—saving you the hassle (and weight) of carrying extra accessories. Plus, if you add an Apple Pencil, it becomes the ultimate portable productivity setup for designers, note-takers, and multitaskers.
While technically heavier than the MacBook Air when fully geared up, the iPad’s modular design offers greater flexibility. Detach the keyboard and you’ve got a sleek tablet for media consumption or quick browsing. Need to write or edit? Snap the keyboard back on and you’re good to go.
iPad Pro vs. MacBook Air for Battery Life
When comparing iPad Pro vs. MacBook Air battery life, the iPad often comes out ahead, especially for streaming and light productivity. Plus, with its smaller battery (38.99 Wh vs. the MacBook’s 52.6 Wh), the iPad charges faster and works great with compact portable power banks—ideal for long flights or layovers.
Cellular iPad vs. MacBook with Tethering
Apple’s seamless ecosystem is great, but tethering a MacBook to an iPhone still has its quirks. Connections drop when your Mac sleeps, and re-pairing isn’t always instant. That’s why the iPad’s built-in cellular option is such a strong advantage. Whether you’re on a train, in an Uber, or stuck at a remote work site, having that constant internet connection just works.
Where the iPad Still Falls Short
As much as I love my iPad Pro for travel, it’s not perfect. Some professional software and internal business systems still don’t support iPadOS, which can limit access depending on your workflow. While multitasking and Split View have improved, managing multiple windows can still be clunky compared to macOS.
There are also occasional hiccups with keyboard shortcuts—like ⌘-Tab not always responding when switching apps—and certain apps not playing well with iPad multitasking.
Final Thoughts: Is the iPad Pro Enough for Business Travel?
For casual travelers and many professionals, the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard can absolutely replace a laptop on the road. It’s lighter, more flexible, and often better suited for dynamic travel environments. The iPad’s performance, battery life, and cellular support make it ideal for digital-first workflows—especially if you’re not dependent on niche desktop applications.
Of course, if your job requires full macOS capabilities, you may still need to pack the MacBook. But for me, the iPad Pro is my preferred travel device—whether I’m working remotely or streaming Bluey to keep the kids entertained in the backseat.
