You can use your iPad as a laptop, but it is smart to purchase a keyboard, for example. We’ll tell you which accessories you need for the ultimate ‘iPad-as-laptop’ experience!
Apple iPad as a replacement for your laptop
Your Apple tablet is of course excellent without using accessories, but with a few extra tools you can turn the iPad into a great replacement for your laptop. We have already collected the best accessories for you to use your iPad as a laptop from now on.
1. Keyboard: nicer than typing on the screen
Perhaps the most important tool for using your iPad as a laptop is a keyboard. If you want to purchase a keyboard for your Apple tablet, you are faced with a pretty difficult choice, because you can choose from a Magic Keyboard, a Smart Keyboard or a standard keyboard with bluetooth. Don’t worry, we’ll help you choose. Which keyboard for your iPad suits you best?
Magic Keyboard: beautiful, but pricey
The Magic Keyboard from Apple is pricey (339 euros), but then you have something. The design fits seamlessly with the iPad. It has a backlit keyboard with touchpad. It’s a shame that the cover barely protects your iPad, so you still have to be careful when moving it.
- View the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro 12.9 inch at Bol.com
- View the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro 11 inch and iPad Air at Coolblue
The floating design of the Magic Keyboard is very nice. You click your iPad into place magnetically and then tilt the iPad to the desired viewing angle. Note: This Magic Keyboard is only available for the iPad Air and iPad Pro, specifically the iPad models below.
- iPad Air 2020
- iPad Air 2022
- iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch 2018
- iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch 2020
- iPad Pro 11-inch and 12.9-inch 2021
Smart Keyboard: also for the normal iPad
Don’t want to spend that much? Or do you have an iPad 2020 or iPad 2021 that you want to use as a laptop? Then check out the Apple Smart Keyboard (179 euros). This one looks a bit like the Magic Keyboard, but you miss the touchpad.
Read more: Magic Keyboard vs Smart Keyboard, this is the best iPad keyboard for you
In addition, the stand with which you place the iPad upright is less attractive, you cannot adjust the iPad and the keyboard has no lighting. With this keyboard you also have to take into account the type of iPad you have.
- View the Smart Keyboard for Apple iPad 2020 or iPad 2021 at Coolblue
- View the Smart Keyboard for iPad Air 2020 and 2022, iPad Pro 11 inch 2018, 2020 at Coolblue
- View the Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro 12 inch 2018, 2020, 2021 at Coolblue
Bluetooth keyboard: for any iPad (and iPhone)
Do you have an older iPad or want a keyboard that you can use with just about any iPad? Then buy a keyboard with bluetooth. You connect it wirelessly to your iPad.
One of the better keyboards with bluetooth to use your iPad as a laptop is the Logitech K780 (95 euros). It even allows you to connect multiple devices and the keyboard has a slot in which you can place the iPad upright.
Read more: How to connect keyboard (and mouse) to your iPad
2. Mouse: when you don’t want to tap the screen for a while
A mouse is of course also indispensable, even if you already have a Magic Keyboard with a touchpad. A mouse sometimes works just that little bit better when you spend a lot of time behind your tablet. You also have a huge choice here if you are looking for a mouse for the iPad. You should in any case make sure that the mouse has support for bluetooth.
Logitech Signature M650 Wireless Mouse: mouse-of-everything
A good and affordable mouse is the M650 from Logitech (45 euros). It fits comfortably in the hand and the mouse clicks are very quiet. It also has a special mouse wheel that allows you to scroll at lightning speed.
Fastic Wireless mouse: colorful and good
Do you want a mouse that is a bit cheaper to use your iPad as a laptop? And can the mouse also look a bit more colorful? Then take a look at the Fastic Wireless mouse (22.19 euros). This mouse clicks gently, lies well in the hand and can be used for up to 168 hours after a two-hour charge. Don’t like the colored RGB LED lighting at all? Don’t worry, the lights can also be turned off.
3. Power bank: (almost) never an empty iPad again
It’s not necessary, but it’s that easy. Are you on the road a lot and can’t always charge your iPad? Then a power bank is also handy to have with you when you use the iPad as a laptop. You will not suddenly be left with an empty iPad.
There is a wide choice of power banks, but usually the more expensive, the more often you can charge. Some power banks also have support for fast charging, which is of course always extra handy.
Xtorm Powerbank: when you need some extra power for your iPad laptop
The Xtorm Powerbank (49 euros) has enough power to charge your tablet and iPhone. It also has support for fast charging. You can also charge devices that cannot fast charge, but not extra fast. It has 3 USB ports (you can charge three devices at the same time) and a USB cable is included.
MojoGEAR Powerbank: affordable powerbank with three USB ports
An alternative is the MojoGEAR Powerbank (33 euros). This power bank also has three USB ports with which you can charge three devices at the same time. It also supports fast charging.
- View the MojoGEAR Powerbank at Bol.com
buy iPad
As you can see, with a few accessories you can use your iPad as a laptop. Don’t have an iPad yet and do you really want to buy an iPad after reading this? Then read the article below carefully and check our iPad comparison!
Read more: What’s the Best Cheap iPad of 2022?
Do you want more tips about the iPad and how to use the tablet as your laptop? Then sign up for our newsletter, download the free app and keep an eye on our website!
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