When comparing the battery life of an iPad Pro to a laptop while running AutoCAD, several factors come into play, including the device's hardware, software compatibility, and usage patterns.
iPad Pro Battery Life
The iPad Pro generally offers excellent battery life for typical tasks such as browsing, email, and note-taking, with an average battery life of around 10 hours[7]. However, running demanding applications like AutoCAD is not feasible on the iPad Pro due to software compatibility issues. AutoCAD does not have a native version for iPadOS, making it impractical for heavy CAD work on the iPad Pro[6]. Some users have reported battery life issues with newer iPad models, especially after software updates, but these are generally not related to running CAD software[9].
Laptop Battery Life with AutoCAD
Laptops designed for running AutoCAD typically have more powerful processors and graphics cards, which consume more power and reduce battery life. For example, laptops like the ASUS ProArt P16 or Lenovo ThinkPad models, which are optimized for CAD work, can offer around 5 to 10 hours of battery life depending on usage patterns and settings[5][10]. However, when running demanding applications like AutoCAD, especially with 3D modeling, battery life can be significantly reduced to around 1-5 hours, depending on the laptop's specifications and power management settings[8][10].
Comparison
In summary, while the iPad Pro offers superior battery life for general tasks, it is not suitable for running AutoCAD due to software limitations. Laptops, on the other hand, can handle AutoCAD but often have shorter battery life when running such demanding applications. For users needing to run AutoCAD, a laptop with a robust battery and powerful hardware is more appropriate, though it may require more frequent charging compared to an iPad Pro used for lighter tasks.
Practical Considerations
- Software Compatibility: Ensure that the device can run the necessary software. For AutoCAD, a laptop is more suitable.
- Battery Management: Laptops can be kept plugged in while working, which is safe for modern devices, but it's advisable to discharge the battery periodically to maintain health[2].
- Usage Patterns: High-intensity tasks like 3D modeling in AutoCAD will significantly reduce battery life on laptops.
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/1fpl3ir/considering_switching_to_surface_pro_from_ipad_pro/
[2] https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/700337/is-it-safe-to-keep-my-laptop-plugged-in-at-100-all-the-time-while-using-autocad
[3] https://fullfocus.co/ipad-experiment/
[4] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2018-11-ipad-pro-battery-life-concern.2374394/
[5] https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/d/laptop-for-autocad/
[6] https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-for-mac-forum/autocad-macbook-pro-vs-ipad-pro/td-p/7843443
[7] https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/is-3-4-hours-typical-battery-life-on-an-ipad-pro-12-9.2370561/
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/ZephyrusG15/comments/kypj3t/115hr_battery_and_poor_performance_on_autocad/
[9] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255197409
[10] https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-laptop-for-cad
[11] https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-for-mac-forum/can-i-use-my-autocad-license-in-an-ipad-pro/td-p/12871852