10.5 Pro or 2017 12 inch MacBook?

[lax28]

Faced with similar, I can't go iPad only. I have a 2012 rMBP that I use for work regularly. One of our main uses is a website that doesn't load at all on the iPad, also as good as the MS office suite is on the iPad there are just too many functions (for me) that are not available on the iPad or are much harder to navigate and do. Of course YMMV but I would still recommend keeping some sort of laptop or desktop around for the few uses that iPads just can't handle or handle well yet. Other than that I highly recommend getting an iPad Pro with the pencil and some sort of key board. I tried and didn't care for the ASK last year, and opted to go with a Smart Cover and keys to go Bluetooth keyooard.

 

[Wide opeN]

Yeah, if I go back to school in the fall, I know I'd feel more comfortable with a MacBook Pro.

Naturally, for me, that's easier said than done. I have more options to get an iPad faster than a MacBook Pro. So that makes the decision that much more complicated.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[sam2428]

OP, you basically answered your own question. You are looking to upgrade to a shiny new toy without really having a need for it (I have the same problem haha). Go with the iPad Pro.

For starters, you asked this question in the "iPad" Forum...which to me means thats what you really want. Its cheaper and you are looking to give up your Air to your wife regardless. You also still have your macbook pro for when you need to do anything the ipad cant handle.

Seems like a no brainer to me

 

[darkarn]

OP, see which one you are already using more often and upgrade just that hardware?

Whatever you have right now is more than enough for your usage

I am siding with getting the Macbook since your needs are not iOS-exclusive (i.e. macOS can also satisfy your needs and better) and neither does it seem that you need the Pencil ability; it is a good-to-have at best.

 

[FilmIndustryGuy]

Look, I write code, write novels, and create art. I have a macbook pro 15" 2014 and an original iPad Pro 12.9". If I had to absolutely give one up, I would give up the iPad. If I were making music, I would give up the iPad. The iPad CAN do most things anymore. I use procreate and affinity photo to create artwork on my iPad Pro. I use Scrivener and Blogo to write (as well as MS Office on the iPad), and GarageBand is certainly usable. However, it doesn't mean it does them well for 50 hours a week. You can't use external monitors, ergonomic keyboards, custom USB instruments, etc. In other words, just because you can do a thing, doesn't mean you should do a thing.

If you had to choose, I would go MacBook now and save for the iPad later. The iPad is great when you just want to grab and go.

I agree with this. I have the rMB 2015 and now 2017. I bought the 12.9 iPad as well and saw its a nice tool if u write with pen a lot but the rMB was the game changer for me. I travel often enough and move around constantly. I also use the LG 4k monitor on a treadmill desk when i need to go bigger. the iPad pros can't replace my rMB and all the typing I do. Also I can't deal with some floppy screen on airplanes, in cars, typing in bed.

The question is, are you watching videos and writing notes with a pen 95% of the time? I find that the 2017 rMB is a true portable device along with my larger iPhone. I'm always working on getting away form the youtube, games, entertainment and being productive in the smallest package. I also don't like tone limited and I never fell fully fulfilled with the iPads.

 

[ericwn]

iPad can do it all now. Nobody needs a Mac anymore.

Except for the thousands of posts all over Macrumors that say the opposite.

 

[ericwn]

Trying to decide between the two. Not a power user at all. Mostly media consumption, email, internet, etc... Once you add up the 256gig 10.5 plus keyboard and pencil you are at $1,000. For $200 more I can get the MacBook. Thoughts?

As background I have 2013 MacBook Pro Retina and an iPad Air 2. If I get the Pro I'll keep old MacBook and wife gets air. If I get MacBook wife gets both.

Which of your current devices do you like using the most? Update that one!

 

[yang88she]

I use both, 2015 Macbook 12" as my primary work machine, and my 10.5 pro as my media, news, sketch, downtime zone out tool

 

[Badrottie]

Trying to decide between the two. Not a power user at all. Mostly media consumption, email, internet, etc... Once you add up the 256gig 10.5 plus keyboard and pencil you are at $1,000. For $200 more I can get the MacBook. Thoughts?

As background I have 2013 MacBook Pro Retina and an iPad Air 2. If I get the Pro I'll keep old MacBook and wife gets air. If I get MacBook wife gets both.

Let your wife have both. 2017 MacBook is awesome.