iPad Pro 12.9 iPP or MacBook Air from 11” iPP

[ssledoux]

Considering going bigger with my 11” pro. What I’ve realized is I just don’t ever remove it from the keyboard and use it as an actual tablet. I mean certainly I have that option, but I really just never do it. I wind up using my phone anytime I’m sitting on the couch or laying in bed.

So I’m considering either going 12.9, or maybe just going with a new MacBook Air. If I’m gonna be using it at the desk as a laptop, I feel like bigger would be better. Honestly, it’s cheaper to go MBA, but I just have no clue if I can stand life with no iPad. I’ve never NOT had an ipad, and I’ve never owned a laptop.

Just interested in hearing some input.

 

[VertPin]

MacBook Air.

 

[ssledoux]

MacBook Air.

Any particular reasons that would be your recommendation?

 

[KittyKatta]

So I’m considering either going 12.9, or maybe just going with a new MacBook Air. If I’m gonna be using it at the desk as a laptop, I feel like bigger would be better. Honestly, it’s cheaper to go MBA, but I just have no clue if I can stand life with no iPad. I’ve never NOT had an ipad, and I’ve never owned a laptop.

1) iPad 12.9 vs MacBook Air
One is a MacBook and one is an iPad in MacBook clothing. As much as I love my iPad, its limitations are almost entirely due to this being a powerful computer running a phone OS. Thats why multitasking sucks, why monitor/accessory support isnt great and why we are missing so many important apps.

2) Primarily used at a desk
While Keyboard accessories do make the iPad ”feel” more desk friendly, the iPad wasn’t designed to primarily be used at a desk. I’m following up on your comments from other threads, but if you are having compatibility problems with certain apps and websites then a bigger iPad wont solve your problems, it will only display the same old problems but on a bigger screen.

3) Life without iPad
Why would a new Mac mean getting rid of an iPad? For some the iPad is their computer replacement, but for others where the computer is still necessary then the iPad is the ultimate companion device.

I’m not recommending you to get an iPad or a Mac, but based on what you said on another thread about how you mainly use your phone and only use your iPad at a desk then I can’t help but wonder if getting a MacBook for the desk may free your iPad to actually get used as an iPad.

 

[EastHillWill]

I'm right now (and yet again, haha) making that decision, seeing if the M1 MBA will replace my 12.9 iPP w/MKB. I almost never remove the iPad either, but it is nice to have the touchscreen. If I had to make a decision between them *right now* I'd choose the MBA, as for me a laptop is just a better choice. It's very likely I'll end up keeping both, as I'm indecisive and really enjoy both units, but I know for a lot of folks that's not a smart or good option.

 

[AutomaticApple]

MacBook Air.

The M1 variant?

 

[thelookingglass]

If you've never used a laptop, it's going to be an adjustment. (Although didn't you say somewhere that you have an iMac? Or am I confusing you with someone else?)

On the other hand you might also find it liberating when it comes to file management and doing more computer-ish type activities. I like iPads, but they're just now flexible enough on the software side.

I'd recommend you just pick up a MacBook Air now. Apple has holiday returns up through a couple of weeks into January. That'll give you several weeks to play around with the computer and see if you like it.

 

[ssledoux]

The M1 variant?

Yes. That’s what has me interested.

 

[ssledoux]

If you've never used a laptop, it's going to be an adjustment. (Although didn't you say somewhere that you have an iMac? Or am I confusing you with someone else?)

On the other hand you might also find it liberating when it comes to file management and doing more computer-ish type activities. I like iPads, but they're just now flexible enough on the software side.

I'd recommend you just pick up a MacBook Air now. Apple has holiday returns up through a couple of weeks into January. That'll give you several weeks to play around with the computer and see if you like it.

I have used one - just never owned one. I’ve typically been a desktop person, and did have an iMac until selling early this year after all 3 of my part time jobs ended at one time. I just didn’t really need it, and was thinking I could pare down devices.

I have been thinking of ordering the Air to try - might be the smartest move.

 

[ssledoux]

1) iPad 12.9 vs MacBook Air
One is a MacBook and one is an iPad in MacBook clothing. As much as I love my iPad, its limitations are almost entirely due to this being a powerful computer running a phone OS. Thats why multitasking sucks, why monitor/accessory support isnt great and why we are missing so many important apps.

2) Primarily used at a desk
While Keyboard accessories do make the iPad ”feel” more desk friendly, the iPad wasn’t designed to primarily be used at a desk. I’m following up on your comments from other threads, but if you are having compatibility problems with certain apps and websites then a bigger iPad wont solve your problems, it will only display the same old problems but on a bigger screen.

3) Life without iPad
Why would a new Mac mean getting rid of an iPad? For some the iPad is their computer replacement, but for others where the computer is still necessary then the iPad is the ultimate companion device.

I’m not recommending you to get an iPad or a Mac, but based on what you said on another thread about how you mainly use your phone and only use your iPad at a desk then I can’t help but wonder if getting a MacBook for the desk may free your iPad to actually get used as an iPad.

I know going to a bigger iPad won’t change things as far as the limitations of the iPad. It’s just that mine are so few. I just don’t really know that I need a laptop at all, and was thinking if I did keep just an ipad, and I’m using it pretty much solely at the desk, maybe a bigger display might be better.

I could definitely bring my iPad anywhere and use it - it’s just not typically what I’ve done. I tend to use my phone when I’m relaxing.

The truth of the matter is, my needs at this point aren’t that great, so I can’t really justify both. I need one that can pretty much meet all my needs. Since I have a phone that can do all the things my iPad can do (albeit on a much smaller scale), I wonder if a laptop might be a wise choice at this point, but I’m so used to my touch screen I can’t imagine how long it would take me to get used to a laptop.

 

[kristalsoldier]

I know going to a bigger iPad won’t change things as far as the limitations of the iPad. It’s just that mine are so few. I just don’t really know that I need a laptop at all, and was thinking if I did keep just an ipad, and I’m using it pretty much solely at the desk, maybe a bigger display might be better.

I could definitely bring my iPad anywhere and use it - it’s just not typically what I’ve done. I tend to use my phone when I’m relaxing.

The truth of the matter is, my needs at this point aren’t that great, so I can’t really justify both. I need one that can pretty much meet all my needs. Since I have a phone that can do all the things my iPad can do (albeit on a much smaller scale), I wonder if a laptop might be a wise choice at this point, but I’m so used to my touch screen I can’t imagine how long it would take me to get used to a laptop.

The last paragraph of your post is the reason, if you need one. Considering you prefer a phone when not at your desk, the iPad in the scenario you described is bordering on being superfluous. Your only point of resistance seems the “touch” factor. But then you have that with your phone. Maybe upgrading down the road to a larger phone may compensate for that loss.

 

[ssledoux]

The last paragraph of your post is the reason, if you need one. Considering you prefer a phone when not at your desk, the iPad in the scenario you described is bordering on being superfluous. Your only point of resistance seems the “touch” factor. But then you have that with your phone. Maybe upgrading down the road to a larger phone may compensate for that loss.

My only other drawback (I failed to mention) is my iPad has LTE, and the MBA wouldn’t. The LTE does give me some flexibility, especially because we have crappy, unreliable WiFi (although right now we also have crappy, unreliable cellular as well).

 

[paulmeyers42]

If you’re happy with the iPad user experience but just want something bigger, then get the 12.9”. Since a Mac is a completely different OS, you’ll need to adjust your apps, workflows, etc. It doesn’t sound like you’re unhappy with the iPad experience, or unhappy enough to want to switch.

There’s nothing wrong with using your iPad in laptop mode for the most part, especially if you prefer the experience over a traditional Mac/PC.

 

[ssledoux]

If you’re happy with the iPad user experience but just want something bigger, then get the 12.9”. Since a Mac is a completely different OS, you’ll need to adjust your apps, workflows, etc. It doesn’t sound like you’re unhappy with the iPad experience, or unhappy enough to want to switch.

There’s nothing wrong with using your iPad in laptop mode for the most part, especially if you prefer the experience over a traditional Mac/PC.

You’re right. The only thing I have trouble with is making photo Books/gifts. I’ve struggled with this for a while. I thought I found a solution for the iPad, but it just isn’t as easy to work with as I thought it would be, which has me considering the laptop. But honestly, I think maybe I just need to try to get a better workflow with it and see if I can work it out before jumping ship. I DO love the ipad experience overall.

 

[Amplelink]

You’re right. The only thing I have trouble with is making photo Books/gifts. I’ve struggled with this for a while. I thought I found a solution for the iPad, but it just isn’t as easy to work with as I thought it would be, which has me considering the laptop. But honestly, I think maybe I just need to try to get a better workflow with it and see if I can work it out before jumping ship. I DO love the ipad experience overall.

Having to shoehorn workflow to fit the iPad is the single biggest reason why I can’t use my iPad solely. I think you’ll love that aspect of the MBA. Maybe also get an external monitor to go along with it and you’ll have that bigger screen when you’re sitting down at a desk.

EDIT: mind you, I’m typing all of this from an iPad and thoroughly enjoying it. LOL

 

[ssledoux]

Having to shoehorn workflow to fit the iPad is the single biggest reason why I can’t use my iPad solely. I think you’ll love that aspect of the MBA. Maybe also get an external monitor to go along with it and you’ll have that bigger screen when you’re sitting down at a desk.

EDIT: mind you, I’m typing all of this from an iPad and thoroughly enjoying it. LOL

for me it’s just that one particular thing. It’s something I really want and need to do, but I just don’t know if it’s worth having a second device, and I’m just not sure I’m ready to give up the pad.

 

[kristalsoldier]

My only other drawback (I failed to mention) is my iPad has LTE, and the MBA wouldn’t. The LTE does give me some flexibility, especially because we have crappy, unreliable WiFi (although right now we also have crappy, unreliable cellular as well).

Your phone has LTE too, so you can tether. Would cost you battery. But investing in a battery pack is much cheaper.

 

[paulmeyers42]

for me it’s just that one particular thing. It’s something I really want and need to do, but I just don’t know if it’s worth having a second device, and I’m just not sure I’m ready to give up the pad.

Yeah, if it’s just one thing I’d definitely suggest the 12.9 and looking for another way to solve the books problem. Maybe there’s a different way to approach that problem, a different tool or website. Maybe even use a cloud Mac service like Macincloud where you can just pay as you go.

 

[Deliro]

As others said, it comes down to your use cases. I’ve owned variants of MacBooks since the first MBA. I recently sold my 2019 MB Pro. And use the 12.9 MK combo.

Do I miss it? A bit. When I try to mix in a more than a easy workflow with the iPad it can become frustrating. But this is why I have a desktop to do some of the heavy lifting. PadOS will continue to get better, no doubt, but I could not see myself in the near future being as efficient on a iPad as I am on a computer with a true multitasking OS.

My iPad compliments my desktop, and is capable of doing anything I want when I get the chance to travel.

If I had to choose the MBA or iPad as my only computing device, the MBA clearly wins, for me.

I use the iPad for what it is, while typing this reply with my MK is seamless, I use the touch functionality all the time. So it makes sense for me, currently. If you don’t I think you’re better off with a MBA, the new ones are beasts.

Have fun!

 

[Six0Four]

If you get the MBA are you planning to sell or keep you 11 inch pro ? For the price of a 12.9 iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard you could get a MBA M1 & an 8th Gen iPad. Then you can use side car and use the iPad as a second display or just use the iPad for chilling on the couch. As for no LTE on the MBA you can always use your phone as a hotspot.

 

[ssledoux]

If you get the MBA are you planning to sell or keep you 11 inch pro ? For the price of a 12.9 iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard you could get a MBA M1 & an 8th Gen iPad. Then you can use side car and use the iPad as a second display or just use the iPad for chilling on the couch. As for no LTE on the MBA you can always use your phone as a hotspot.

Yeah I have definitely considered getting the MBA and having a cheaper iPad. I actually gave one of my grandkids my mini with LTE, and could probably get a 6th/7th gen for him and take my mini back (it would be cheaper and then I could still have an LTE pad). Lots to consider.

 

[ssledoux]

As others said, it comes down to your use cases. I’ve owned variants of MacBooks since the first MBA. I recently sold my 2019 MB Pro. And use the 12.9 MK combo.

Do I miss it? A bit. When I try to mix in a more than a easy workflow with the iPad it can become frustrating. But this is why I have a desktop to do some of the heavy lifting. PadOS will continue to get better, no doubt, but I could not see myself in the near future being as efficient on a iPad as I am on a computer with a true multitasking OS.

My iPad compliments my desktop, and is capable of doing anything I want when I get the chance to travel.

If I had to choose the MBA or iPad as my only computing device, the MBA clearly wins, for me.

I use the iPad for what it is, while typing this reply with my MK is seamless, I use the touch functionality all the time. So it makes sense for me, currently. If you don’t I think you’re better off with a MBA, the new ones are beasts.

Have fun!

I definitely do use touch constantly, and I’ve gotten so accustomed to it that I tried touching the screen of my iMac all the time. It just becomes habit. I definitely love the iPP/MK combo, but when I think of going to the larger, I just can’t help but think that I’m spending $500 more than I’d spend on the MBA. That just seems crazy when the MBA can do those couple things for me the iPP can’t. But yet I still can’t imagine no iPad.

I may just suck it up and have both. I don’t really feel like I can justify it, but it’s not like I can’t afford it. I just hate to feel like I’m being wasteful with my spending.

 

[IngerMan]

I would wait till at least the end of the 1st quarter. Are you not interested in the potential LED iPP refresh, as well as MacBook, and MacBook Pro 4 port?

I have interest as well going larger then my current 11" iPP, I was tempted to pull the trigger on the M1 MBA. But I think I would have issue focusing on a new screen that is not equal to the current iPP.

I am waiting for the next screen refresh which from all the rumors is going to be very soon.

Either way the iPP 11” is staying in the home.

 

[nburwell]

I'll basically reiterate what others have said on here. It all comes down to your intended use.

For me, there was a time where I was perfectly fine with my iPhone and iPad. As I got back into photography, I realized the iPad really wasn't going to cut it. I ultimately invested in a MBP while still owning the iPad. Granted, I have the Air 3, but I get a ton of use out of it since I use it throughout the day to stream media while working -- along with messaging, light web browsing and reading. My MBP is primarily for photo processing, but I also use it for web browsing, MS Office and email as well.

If the OP can swing it, I would certainly recommend adding a laptop to the mix. If she finds herself not really using the laptop much, she can always sell it to recoup some (or most) of her money back.

Personally, I couldn't do without my iPad, but that's just me. But my MBP has definitely found a good amount of use in my daily life.

 

[ssledoux]

I would wait till at least the end of the 1st quarter. Are you not interested in the potential LED iPP refresh, as well as MacBook, and MacBook Pro 4 port?

I have interest as well going larger then my current 11" iPP, I was tempted to pull the trigger on the M1 MBA. But I think I would have issue focusing on a new screen that is not equal to the current iPP.

I am waiting for the next screen refresh which from all the rumors is going to be very soon.

Either way the iPP 11” is staying in the home.

I would wait for the refresh if I were gonna go with another iPP. I don’t really know anything at all about laptops - what would be the benefit of a 4 port over the M1 MBA that is currently available?

I had no issues going from my iMac screen to iPP screen when I had my iMac - I don’t know why I’d have an issue with the current MBA vs my iPad. Like I said though, with this kind of stuff, I’m not real tech savvy.

At this point I’m leaning toward either figuring out a way to make stuff work on the iPP and then maybe going ahead with the 12.9 once the new ones release, or just sucking it up and getting the MBA, and keeping my 11” pro.