This is not as crazy as it sounds. The iPad can make a good student computer especially for the price.

A baseline iPad 9th Generation costs $320.

A baseline MacBook Air costs $999.

For some the comparison ends at the price. I want to go a little deeper.

You waste the iPad’s potential if you only get the iPad with no accessories.

So you will want a keyboard. You can get Apple’s offerings for $159.

If you want a better feature set for cheaper I would go for the Logitech Combo Touch for $150. It has a hard case, keyboard, Apple Pencil Loop, and a track-pad. The keyboard can also detach if you want a lighter carry.

The Combo Touch makes Apple’s keyboard kinda look silly in comparison. Though it defiantly is more bulky.

Now we have two devices that have keyboards.

iPad + Keyboard Case: $479.

MacBook Air: $999.

When it comes to what I normally do everyday in classes everyday I am going for the iPad.

The iPad is more portable, most things I do does not require a lot of storage or it is done online.

Writing documents, sending emails and reading textbooks they can all be done online.

The webcams for digital classes and meetings are so much better on the iPad.

The iPad has a 1080p webcam while the MacBook air has a 720p webcam. If online classes are a reality for you there is no competition.

Well lets sweeten the deal for those with a little more money to spend.

The Apple Pencil first generation, is an indispensable tool. If you prefer hand writing notes, or have artistic pursuits it makes for a great drawing tablet with the right apps.

The Apple Pencil first generation goes for $99. Lets even go further and upgrade the storage of the iPad to the same as the baseline MacBook air.

Now lets compare prices.

256gb iPad + Keyboard case + Apple Pencil: $728

MacBook air: $999

Unless you really prefer having a laptop, to use MacOS exclusives like Final Cut or the Adobe suit you can really make an iPad your work horse for school.

Though even when it comes to video editing, apps like LumaFusion make it possible, and effective for less complex projects as a student.

Also if you school provides computer labs, like mine does, there is even less reason for getting a MacBook or any laptop for that matter. If you can’t get it done on the iPad, just take a trip to the computer lab. Save yourself some money and space in your luggage and get an iPad.