I Regret Buying the iPad Pro; This Amazing Windows Tablet Made Me See the Light.

Since Apple introduced the M1 processor in the iPad Pro, I have used this device as a computer. However, after spending $1,800 on the new model with all the included accessories, I regret not opting for the Asus ProArt PZ13 instead. Choosing it would have meant an $800 savings, allowing me to purchase a good laptop or even a Mac mini M4 for my desk. Beyond the economic impact, it would have spared me the daily frustrations of using iPadOS for my tasks.

The Asus ProArt PZ13, which runs a version of Windows designed for Arm, turns out to be a surprisingly reliable laptop that resembles a tablet. When it comes to expensive tablets, the primary goal is to perform serious work. The iPad Pro is especially popular among graphic designers, media editors, and note-takers. To maximize its performance, both a stylus and a keyboard are required, and these Apple accessories are not exactly affordable. When considering the price difference between the iPad Pro kit and the Asus device, there is a gap of over $600, which is certainly a significant amount.

Unlike Apple, Asus includes a full-size keyboard and a reliable stylus with physical buttons as part of the ProArt PZ13 package, providing certain advantages over Apple’s peripherals. In interviews with creative professionals, all expressed their preference for physical controls on the stylus rather than the Apple Pencil. The Asus Pen 2.0 features three customizable buttons, and its sensitivity is comparable to that of the Pencil. Although I do not use all the advanced functionalities of styluses, for my tasks, the Asus stylus meets my expectations.

There are notable differences in the keyboard as well. Apple's Magic Keyboard is aesthetically pleasing but presents stability issues when used with a stylus. In contrast, the design of the ProArt PZ13 provides a stable base during touch use. Additionally, its support offers greater versatility in viewing angles compared to Apple’s keyboard. The typing experience is also satisfactory, with a design similar to Microsoft’s Type Cover, offering good travel and comfort.

Performance is another aspect to consider. Apple launched the iPad Pro with a 9-core processor and 8GB of RAM in its basic version, which can be insufficient for creative tasks. I often faced unresponsive Chrome windows on the iPad. On the other hand, the Asus ProArt PZ13 has 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, allowing for smoother video editing tasks. The software does not face the same setbacks when running on Windows, even comparing favorably to the MacBook Air.

The transition of x86 applications to Arm instructions may result in a performance decrease, but in practice, this impact was minimal in my experience. Programs like Wondershare Filmora ran smoothly, allowing me to export videos quickly. Furthermore, many Adobe-based applications are moving towards a native Arm build, enabling better integration with Asus hardware.

However, it’s not just about the applications but also the overall user experience. Unlike iPadOS, which can be limiting, Windows on Arm offers a complete desktop experience. Many professionals, including journalists and designers, prefer the flexibility and guaranteed performance of a machine with Windows. It has become common for users seeking more functionality to express that the iPad Pro is more a tablet than a true computer.

The ProArt PZ13 is definitely a more adaptable option for those seeking an efficient and versatile device. My experience with display and battery life on the Asus exceeds expectations. This tablet can handle tasks for an entire day, which has become an essential requirement for work outside the home. The arrival of new processors from Qualcomm could further enhance performance in the future, with the Asus ProArt PZ13 shaping up as a standout option over the iPad Pro in terms of productivity metrics.