Apple has brought the iPad ever closer to being a full-fledged workstation. Now, with the iPad Pro and iPad Air coming equipped with the M1 chip they have the power of a Mac.
Having the power and a slightly improved OS doesn’t quite get you there, however, so you’ll want to look into getting some better ergonomics and a few more connections.
Anker might just have the solution. Filmmaker Michael Tobin uses the 551 8-in-1 USB Hub with his M1 iPad so that he can use it in a similar manner to how he would use a Mac.
The biggest frustration with iPads is usually that there aren’t enough ports to do what you want to maximize its potential. With updates coming to iPadOS this power is being able to become much more usable.
The Anker dock is incredibly helpful for getting things working more like a Mac. Using the HDMI output and the Stage Manager feature with an external monitor it is starting to look the same as a full computer.
Image Credit: Anker
It connects to the iPad through a single USB-C hot connection. There is a full 100W Power Delivery USB port for pass-through charging. Two USB-A ports and a headphone jack complete the port layout. Also, there are microSD and SD card slots.
The dock itself will elevate and hold all sizes of iPads – from the mini to the Pro – and is sturdy. It’ll even fold up for storage and travel.
Compared to something like the Smart Keyboard, which is limited in positioning, the Anker stand is much more ergonomic.
The dock is a very well-built device.
What do you think about the dock? Does it make the iPad a better creative tool?
[source: michael tobin]
Order Links:
- Anker 551 8-in-1 USB-C Hub & Stand for iPad (Amazon)
- Apple iPad Pro with M1 Chip (B&H, Amazon)
- Apple iPad Air with M1 Chip (B&H, Amazon)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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