How (and Why) to Turn Your iPad or Other Tablet Into a Computer

If you don't want to spend money on a new computer or can't fathom adding a new device to an already crowded home, your tablet, such as an iPad, can easily transform into a laptop with an accessory or two.

After all, sometimes you might prefer a computer keyboard and mouse to get work done rather than tapping and swiping on a screen or using a stylus. Plus you can connect your tech to a larger monitor or television if desired.

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Turning a tablet into a laptop is probably best for basic tasks such as posting to social media, reading emails, web browsing and word processing. More memory-intensive applications, like playing multiplayer games while chatting on a headset, are better suited to a laptop or desktop.

Android and iPad tablets also don't have a USB port to insert a flash drive for added storage, though some Android tablets support microSD cards. So long as you're OK with these restrictions, here are a few ways to turn a tablet into a computer.

Transform an iPad into a laptop, of sorts

Apple iPad — the most popular tablet in the world — has supported Bluetooth wireless keyboards for several years now. Many double as a stand to prop up the device and a screen cover to protect it when not in use.

But only recently did Apple start offering support for a trackpad. A trackpad is a similar experience to using a mouse and moving a cursor along the screen to interact with content. What's more, the trackpad also supports intuitive multi-touch gestures, like a trackpad on a Mac, such as using three fingers to switch between spaces, pinching to zoom and swiping to go to the home screen.

To get going, you'll need an iPad running the iPadOS 13.4 operating system or newer. All supported iPad models are listed at the bottom of this webpage.

Be aware that Apple's own accessories are relatively expensive. Apple sells its standalone wireless mouse, Magic Mouse 2, for $79; plus it has the Magic Trackpad 2 for $149; and the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro for $349, which has an integrated stand, keyboard and trackpad. Sure, these are less than a new MacBook Air laptop, which starts at about $999, but it's something worth knowing.