@sigross Yes, I'm aware of the new iPadOS and the possibility to connect external disks now. I think this is a great way to enter into digital art with a minimum of expense and, as I said, it's definitely possible to do professional-level work on an iPad.
After years of working with the Adobe suite on a fully-fledged workstation (not only as an illustrator: I worked as a designer, art director, and creative director), there are just so many aspects of the process that are easier and more efficient for me on that platform and justify the expense in full. I think it's perfectly fine, however, to use the iPad as your workhorse. I just think it wise to warn that the professional world moves in the Adobe space and you may be faced with some limitations if you ignore that completely. For example, I had a client send me the print profiles they wanted me to use on the finals. How do you install those on an iPad? What happens when you're sent layout files set-up in InDesign?
I also have automatic backups set up for my drive, as well as a double safety net for files I'm working on right now, so that, even if my computer dies completely, all I need to do is unplug a drive and connect it to another computer and go on working as if nothing happened. This happened as well: one week before a deadline.
I'm not questioning the power of an iPad and the way things are moving, it may well substitute tablets in the long run. Just reminding that it is still not the same as a computer and that ignoring Adobe software is maybe not the wisest decision. Every art director or layout designer you work with will be on Adobe: if you do not, you have to make sure there are no translation issues.
