PowerPoint on iPad vs Mac

Hello AkhriPasta,

Having never used either MS Powerpoint or MS Word on Apple devices, I cannot judge their value in the iOS/iPadOS/macOS context.

I know both of those Microsoft apps quite well (used on Windows PCs), but over time I have replaced them with the Apple Keynote and Apple Pages apps, which I find truly excellent and complete.

That said (and mine is obviously a subjective choice), if you don't want to invest in learning the aforementioned Apple apps, the suggestion would be to go with option #1.

If, however, after having tried the Keynote and Pages apps (which are free) on the iPad, you consider them valid substitutes for the Microsoft apps, option #2 could prove to be a winning one.

The arduous sentence is yours ;).

Regards

Giulio

Both options #1 and #2 have benefits. Ultimately only you can decide which is the better option for your needs.

If your budget can be stretched to a Mac and an iPad Pro, you will have the best of both worlds. A modern iPad, in particular a current iPad Pro, is a very capable device. Speaking personally, my fifth generation iPad Pro 12.9" is now my go-to device of choice - although on rare occasion use a more traditional computer for some tasks.

Microsoft productivity Apps for iPad are increasingly nearing parity with their desktop counterparts - although some features are still the preserve of the desktop version. Don't forget, while there is a full suite of Microsoft App for iPad, Apple also has its own productivity Apps, including Keynote (alternative for MS PowerPoint), Pages (alternative to MS Word) and Numbers (alternative for MS Excel) - which can natively open/import MS files, or export to MS Apps.

Be aware that an iPad Pro has capabilities, features and performance beyond those of other models...

All iPad models have broadly the same core capabilities. Models essentially differ in their ultimate performance and physical attributes. iPad Pro models use FaceID for biometric user-authentication, while others use TouchID.

You can compare iPad models here:

iPad - Compare Models - Apple

The iPad9 is the current entry-level iPad. The iPads Pro are the opposite end of the scale - top of the range, with cutting edge capabilities and hardware. Between these two extremes is the iPad Air5, this model offering a mid-range high performance option. The new iPad10 is cheaper than the iPad Air - and differs in position of the front-facing camera. The iPad mini6 is perhaps an entirely different proposition - offering a smaller form factor and other differences in hardware and ultimate capability.

Continued...

All current models of iPad support either the first or second generation Apple Pencil; models with a USB-C port also support the new USB-C Pencil. For handwritten notes and sketches, support for Apple Pencil may be relevant. Ensure that you choose the correct Apple Pencil for your chosen iPad - as they are not interchangeable. Here is the definitive compatibility list:

Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support

iPad models that support the second generation Apple Pencil are paired and charged using the magnetic charging dock on the edge of the iPad. This greatly simplifies charging of the Pencil - as the Pencil is kept optimally charged whenever it is not being actively used. The second generation Pencil has some additional features - aiding drawing capabilities. Also consider that the USB-C Pencil does feature pressure sensitivity.

Also perhaps consider that the iPad Pro 12.9" model is the only iPad to use the miniLED backlit XDR display. This display is not only the largest in the iPad range, but is also the most power-efficient and offers greatest contrast and brightness of any model iPad - and also includes reference modes for professional colour grading. Also note that the current iPad Pro models with 1TB/2TB storage options have 16GB RAM, whereas the others have "only" 8GB RAM (this still being greater than other iPad models).

Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.

A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth.

Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device. 

Also consider the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Aside from the obvious Cellular functionality, only WiFi+Cellular models include GNSS/GPS location capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping. 

Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model provides access to precise location services, but does not commit you to using Cellular connections. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GNSS/GPS functions at all.

If shopping for an iPad, perhaps wait until after Apple's next "event" scheduled for 7th May. You may have some additional choices from which to choose...