How to Build a Portable Creator Setup with Just a Tablet and a Hub
Laptops have long been the default choice for mobile content creators but they’re no longer the only option. Modern tablets, paired with the right hub, can handle surprisingly demanding creative tasks, from 4K video editing to high-resolution digital illustration. They’re lighter, more compact and often have better battery life than many laptops.
We show you how to turn a tablet into a fully functional, travel-friendly creator workstation using just one extra accessory a USB-C or Thunderbolt hub plus a few smart add-ons.
For filmmakers, photographers, podcasters, and illustrators alike, this approach makes it possible to work anywhere without sacrificing capability.
Why Go Tablet-First?
Switching to a tablet-first workflow offers a few game-changing advantages:
Portability and weight savings A tablet plus hub setup is often less than half the weight of a laptop and power brick.
All-day battery life Many modern tablets last 10–12 hours on a single charge, making them perfect for shoots, travel days, or outdoor sessions.
Versatile input Touchscreen gestures, stylus precision, and optional keyboards give you multiple ways to work.
Creative app ecosystem Tools like Procreate, LumaFusion, Affinity Photo, and DaVinci Resolve for iPad have brought pro-grade editing to mobile.
For creators constantly on the move, these benefits mean less bulk, faster setup, and more freedom to work anywhere — from a café table to a mountaintop.
Here is a list of the Pro Apps for tablet that will replace the creative processes typically performed on the desktop or laptop.
Recommended Pro Apps to Get Started
If you’re ready to go all-in with a tablet-first creator setup, here are a few must-try apps that bring desktop-class power to your tablet:
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Procreate (iPad) – The gold standard for digital art and illustration.
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LumaFusion (iPad, Android) – Professional multi-track video editing on the go.
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DaVinci Resolve for iPad – High-end color grading and editing tools, now touch-optimized.
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Adobe Lightroom (iOS, Android) – Full RAW photo editing, just like on desktop.
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Cubasis 3 (iOS, Android) – A portable DAW for music production and podcasting.
Choosing the Right Tablet for Creators
Not all tablets are built for creative workloads. If you’re going tablet-first, you’ll want to focus on:
Performance Look for at least 8GB RAM and a fast processor (Apple M-series, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2+, or Intel Core in Windows tablets).
Display quality A colour-accurate, high-resolution screen (preferably with 100% sRGB or better) is vital for photo, video, and design work.
Operating system
- iPadOS: Best for app stability, creative software variety, and Apple Pencil support.
- Android: Flexible file handling and wider device options.
- Windows tablets: Full desktop software compatibility for heavy workloads.
Stylus support — An accurate, low-latency stylus (Apple Pencil, S Pen, Surface Pen) can transform your tablet into a sketchbook, retouching station, or storyboard tool.
The right tablet depends on your creative discipline: photographers may prefer a colour-accurate display, video editors might prioritise storage speed, and illustrators will value stylus precision above all.
The Role of the Hub
A tablet alone is powerful, but a hub turns it into a true creator’s workstation. A good USB-C or Thunderbolt hub expands your connectivity so you can:
Connect external displays via HDMI or DisplayPort for better editing accuracy.
Transfer media quickly with built-in SD/microSD card readers.
Plug in accessories such as audio interfaces, USB microphones, or external drives.
Use wired internet for faster uploads when travelling or working in shared spaces.
Charge while working thanks to Power Delivery (PD) pass-through support.
For maximum portability, choose a hub with the essential ports you need rather than the largest one you can find — travel-friendly doesn’t have to mean carrying a brick in your bag.
Essential Accessories to Pair with Your Tablet + Hub
While the tablet and hub form the core of your portable creator setup, a few well-chosen accessories will make it truly production-ready:
Portable external SSD: For storing large video or photo libraries without slowing your tablet’s internal storage. Look for NVMe drives for the fastest speeds.
Compact wireless or Bluetooth keyboard for tablet: Ideal for writing scripts, metadata tagging, or extended typing sessions.
Precision mouse or trackpad: Useful for video editing timelines and design software requiring pinpoint control.
Portable tripod or stand: Keeps your tablet at an ergonomic viewing angle whether you’re editing or sketching.
Active stylus: A must for illustrators, retouchers, and note-takers.
Protective case: Especially if you’re travelling often or working on location.
Keyboard cover for your tablet: preferably one with adjustable viewing angle and full size buttons with backlit as well as touchpad with gesture support.
Use the links in the list above to search for the relevant accessories on Amazon.
A small gear pouch for your cables and adapters will help keep everything organised and prevent lost components in transit.
Setting Up Your Workflow on the Go
A portable setup should be just as efficient as your desk-based one. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Pre-load project files before you leave, especially if you’ll be working without internet access.
Use cloud sync for lightweight files, but keep large assets on your external SSD to avoid slow transfers.
Optimise app layouts — Many creative apps let you customise toolbars and shortcuts for faster work.
Consider split-screen multitasking — Use reference material, a chat app, or music player alongside your main editing space.
Back up daily — Mobile setups are more vulnerable to damage or loss, so use automated backups to the cloud or an extra drive.
Once you’ve dialled in your workflow, switching between on-the-go and at-home work becomes seamless.
Power Solutions for All-Day Use
Even the most efficient tablet will eventually run out of juice, especially during demanding creative tasks. To stay powered:
High-capacity power bank — Look for at least 20,000mAh with USB-C PD output (30–65W) for faster charging.
Wall charger with multiple ports — Lets you charge both tablet and accessories overnight with a single plug.
Solar charger (optional) — For remote shoots or outdoor work where no power outlets are available.
Spare stylus and keyboard batteries — If your accessories are battery-powered, keep backups ready.
A well-thought-out charging plan ensures you can work uninterrupted for an entire day without worrying about finding an outlet.
Real-World Examples of Tablet + Hub Creator Setups
Different creative disciplines require different gear priorities. Here are a few examples:
- Videographer on the move — iPad Pro + Thunderbolt hub + external SSD + SD card reader + USB-C PD power bank.
- Digital illustrator — Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 + S Pen + slim Bluetooth keyboard + folding stand.
- Podcaster — Microsoft Surface Pro + hub with audio interface + XLR mic + closed-back headphones.
- Photographer — iPad Air + hub with SD/microSD slots + Lightroom Mobile + portable SSD for RAW file storage.
- Travel blogger — iPad Mini + compact hub with HDMI output + foldable Bluetooth keyboard + USB-C card reader + lightweight tripod for quick video clips.
- Music producer — iPad Pro + audio interface via USB-C hub + MIDI keyboard + noise-cancelling headphones + DAW app like GarageBand or Cubasis.
- 3D modeller — Surface Pro 9 + hub with Ethernet port for stable asset downloads + Bluetooth mouse + stylus + external SSD for project files.
- Remote educator — Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra + USB hub with HDMI + portable projector + wireless presentation clicker + lapel mic.
- Graphic designer — iPad Pro + Thunderbolt hub + colour-calibrated portable monitor + stylus + hub-powered SD card reader for client asset transfers.
- Event photographer — Surface Go 4 + USB-C hub + dual card readers + external SSD + Lightroom Mobile for on-site previews and edits.
These setups show that with the right hub and accessories, a tablet can handle serious, professional workloads.
Summary
A tablet paired with a capable hub can replace — and in some cases surpass — a laptop for mobile creative work. You gain portability, battery life, and flexibility while still being able to connect professional gear when needed.
From editing a short film on location to illustrating a children’s book in a café or recording a podcast in a hotel room, this setup frees you from heavy bags and bulky chargers. With the right planning and accessories, your portable creator workstation can go wherever inspiration strikes.
