replacement for unused windows 10 computer

In contrast to other views expressed here, I would counter than while an iPad is admittedly a different environment, it is very possible to use an iPad as an alternative to a desktop computer - be it a Windows computer, or a Mac. iPadOS has come a very long way in recent years.

There is an early learning curve - and some workflows may differ from what you are used to - but the majority of tasks are very achievable using an iPad. Coming myself (professionally) from a mainly Windows PC environment, I have for many years used an iPad Pro as my tool of choice when away from an office - so much so that when using a Windows PC or Mac, I find myself forever attempting to interact with a touch screen and cursing the computers lack of flexibility.

That said, there remain a few tasks that I find myself having to use a traditional computer. Similarly, there are many tasks that can't be as simply achieved as when using an iPad with an appropriate App.

If considering an iPad as your main replacement, I would strongly suggest that you entertain the larger 13" screen models of either iPad Pro or the new iPad Air M2/M3. Smaller screens can limit usability, but consider that external monitors can be used with iPad - in particular iPad models that support Stage Manager.

An iPad can access cloud storage in exactly the same manner as other computers. External USB storage is equally accessible from iPad models that feature a USB-C port - which encompasses all recent models of iPad permitting simple file portability and exchange with other computers. Some more advanced tasks benefit from use of some of the better third-party paid Apps - this being no different to PC or Mac.

In summary, only you can decide if you will find an iPad to be a useful or preferred substitute - and this decision may only come after experiencing the different User Interface and features over a reasonable period of time. A similar learning curve will be experienced when switching between PC and Mac - or other Operating Systems.

If I had to give an answer without knowing how you plan on using it, I would agree with Kurt. It's not a laptop replacement.

However, it doesn't sound as if you use the laptop for much. If all you ever do is read content on the internet and do some emailing, an iPad is probably fine. I have a lovely iPad Pro with a keyboard. It's useful for a lot of things. But it is, with the keyboard, heavier than a MacBook Air. It does become much lighter if you don't add the hardware keyboard. I also use mine a lot for taking handwritten notes, which is something my MacBook Pro can't do.

So, think about what you are planning on doing with any new device. While they are certainly not completely interchangeable, there is a lot of overlap between an iPad and a laptop.

I would also suggest that, if you have an Apple Store nearby, you visit and try out an iPad. The nice folks at the Apple Store can also, if you tell them what you want to to, make some recommendations.

Good points by both IdrisSeabright and LotusPilot.

What you plan on using it for is by far the most important part. I use my iPad all the time for internet searches, email, maps, taking quick notes, and games for when I want to do nothing important.

But, the biggest drawback for me with any iPad is the size. Even the largest iPad screen you can get at 13" is a postage stamp compared to my EIZO CG279X - a 27" screen.

I wouldn't even want to attempt the type of work I do in Photoshop, Affinity Designer or DaVince Resolve on such a small screen. Heck, even on a 27" screen, the number of almost always necessary panels you need open in Resolve really cuts down on the size of the video preview you can have up. And you'd be constantly hiding the panels in Photoshop just so you can see a decent amount of the image you're working on with an iPad.

If most of your work is word processing, Excel, email and internet, then an iPad will likely work well for you as a desktop/laptop replacement. These will generally always be smaller files you can transfer to save as a backup on another computer. Or, pull files to the iPad.

Transfer files between your iPad and your computer - Apple Support

In my opinion, no.

You can't use an iPad the same way as you can a desktop computer (or laptop). Getting files on and off of them is a royal pain. Getting third party fonts installed is a pain. Trying to outline any image with your finger is quite simply a joke. You'd have to use a Bluetooth mouse to make it at all possible to create a quality, tightly fitting outline. A Bluetooth keyboard would be a must as you'd get sick of the virtual keyboard very quickly.

Even if you get an iPad with as much storage as possible, it's not even close to what you can get in a desktop/laptop computer, not to mention attaching external devices for more open space. Especially if you plan on routinely working with large files for video editing, or large static images in an editor.

In other words, iPads are not laptops. They are highly locked down to prevent the user from introducing files or apps that could affect the OS. I would never try to use an iPad as a replacement for an actual work station. They were never really intended to be used as one.

Yes, vendors have made a lot of effort to make the user believe an iPad is just like using a laptop (they want to expand their sales capabilities), but it wouldn't take long for you to realize it's just not the same thing.

Deciding on the hardware first is, and without intending offense, somewhat backwards.

You'll want to figure out what you want to do (and not do) with your equipment, and then decide which of iPad, Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, or any of the many other fine choices are most appropriate for your case and your needs and your expectations.

Can iPad do what Windows does? Some of it, yes. Some of it, no. Some of it, differently.

But it's the tasks and particularly the associated apps that will drive which hardware is an appropriate choice.

Make an appointment at an Apple Store and see an iPad and the other available equipment for yourself, and discuss what you want to do with the Apple store staff. And what you don't want or don't need to do too, where that's important to you. That may all work well with an iPad, or the Apple staff might direct you toward a Mac, or toward some other solution. For some requirements, Apple TV 4K is a fine choice, for instance.

I make very heavy use of an iPad. I also make heavy use of a Mac. But I use these two platforms for very different requirements and different purposes.

One size does not fit all.

Kurt Lang wrote:

But, the biggest drawback for me with any iPad is the size. Even the largest iPad screen you can get at 13" is a postage stamp compared to my EIZO CG279X - a 27" screen.

I've been using Macbooks for so long without an external monitor. I currently have a 16" MBP. I do miss having a second screen, though. And for that, my iPad has been great.

Even at work, where I do have two monitors, I think the large one is only about 24".

But I mostly work with Word and Excel documents, reading PDFs. My MBP has a 500 GB drive that still has about 150 GB free.

I wouldn't even want to attempt the type of work I do in Photoshop, Affinity Designer or DaVince Resolve on such a small screen. Heck, even on a 27" screen, the number of almost always necessary panels you need open in Resolve really cuts down on the size of the video preview you can have up. And you'd be constantly hiding the panels in Photoshop just so you can see a decent amount of the image you're working on with an iPad.

That definitely doesn't seem like something I'd want to do on an iPad.

Pricier than an iPad (even a maxed out Pro model), but then you at least have what is essentially a combo device.