Many use i pads with keyboard cases or chrome books instead. These allow typing with a physical keyboard but a set of capabilities and an interface akin to that of a cellular phone.

Not many are writing papers on their iPhone, but many do on iPads. Mouse and keyboard support are good and so are the apps.

I think the average person that doesn't need to do heavy editing, coding, etc. can get by with an iPad Pro w/ some accessories.

I think they probably could get by with an ipad pro but they could do the same thing on a chromebook for a fraction of the price. The ipad pro is only really worth it if you need the pencil.