One thing you can consider is to get a keyboard for your iPad. They even have iPad cases with integrated keyboards and touchpads. That will allow you to interact with your iPad in a macbook kind of way.
One option to get a cheap macbook is to look for refurbished and surplus sales. Businesses and schools often rotate through their computer equipment on a periodic basis. The older laptops are typically fine and still in the support window for the operating system. Schools may have regular surplus sales to get rid of the old equipment. Some computer stores in your city may sell used equipment bought from businesses. You can get a good deal if you don’t need the latest and greatest equipment. Don’t buy computers from sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace unless you’re really knowledgeable with computer hardware. You never know what you’re getting when you deal with an individual. But the stuff from businesses and schools is typically maintained by an IT department and will be in reasonably good shape.