The iPad combines a high level of functionality and portability, so there are many reasons why you might want to buy one. But should you? That depends on what you want to use it for. Find out some of those needs and whether they would be better served by an iPad or another type of device.

With the iPad you can perform common tasks:

There are certain tasks that an iPad cannot perform. For example, you cannot develop the cool applications that you use with an iPad on an iPad. For that, you need a Mac. There are also other applications that require Windows or macOS to run. If you need some of those applications for work or personal use, then a laptop might be a better choice.

Some laptops come with built-in features like USB ports, a disk drive, and options to extend the screen, such as via an HDMI or VGA port. Getting a disk, flash drive, or external monitor to work with an iPad requires more work than just plugging it in, like with a laptop.