I’m having the same dilemma. I’m going to get the 12.9 because I love the touchscreen and the camera is so much nicer then crappy 720mp camera on the air. I’ll jus t wait for m2 I don’t really like buying gen 1.
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iPad Pro 12.9 iPP or MacBook Air from 11” iPP
- Thread starter ssledoux
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I faced similar (12.9" 1st iPad Pro, but primarily used with keyboard) and ended up going base model M1 MBP. A new 12" iPad Pro at equiv 256gb with magic keyboard is ~$1500, while MBP is 1200 and MBA is 999.
the MBP gives me the battery life of iPad, the cool-to-the-touch of iPad, runs all the same apps I use (office, zoom, ec) for work but with much better multitasking. Basically, I can use it as my work machine, which I could also do with my IPP, but so much better on MBP with multitasking, and with the ability to do more in photos and the occasional video edit.
As a media consumption device, its a wash.
The only thing missing is pencil which I only used on occasion to sign PDFs. when using iPad with keyboard, trackpad is actually better (and why Apple added a trackpad to the magic keyboard!)
so for my use case, I am basically done with the iPad for now!
the MBP gives me the battery life of iPad, the cool-to-the-touch of iPad, runs all the same apps I use (office, zoom, ec) for work but with much better multitasking. Basically, I can use it as my work machine, which I could also do with my IPP, but so much better on MBP with multitasking, and with the ability to do more in photos and the occasional video edit.
As a media consumption device, its a wash.
The only thing missing is pencil which I only used on occasion to sign PDFs. when using iPad with keyboard, trackpad is actually better (and why Apple added a trackpad to the magic keyboard!)
so for my use case, I am basically done with the iPad for now!
Thanks! I have pretty much made up my mind that if I decide to get an Air, I’m gonna keep my 11” pro. I am still on the fence about the Air - gonna try a bit more with my photo stuff on my iPad first, but I think having the LTE device for traveling and stuff like that is worth hanging onto.
if you're trying to manage a large library, its just so much easier to manage photos on a Mac. If you get the MBA, you can also use side car to use your iPad as a second screen!
Trust me as someone that has used both extensively it sounds like the MBA may be the better choice. As far as LTe it’s a non factor for my IPP setup. It’s already synced to my phone. I literally just connect automatically to my phone when not on WiFi. It’s seamless. The only drawback is slightly more battery drain on my iPhone.
That’s probably the best bet. I’ve been using and enjoying the M1 MBA, but sometimes I just want to interact with the iPad. Usually there’s not even a good reason I can identify; it’s just something I want to do. And if the budget allows and you don’t mind managing two devices, there’s nothing wrong with that setup!
I have a limit when using as a hotspot, and we have unreliable wifi as well, so I feel a bit better having the LTE on my ipad.
Got it. Check with your carrier though. Mine, Att, has limits on their data plans for iPads too. Similar to my hotspot limit.
I have unlimited data on my devices, that DOES get throttled if you go over 22gb per device, but I have even less when using a device as a hotspot. I have ATT as well.
Yeah I have the highest tier on ATT. I recall if I wanted to add a data only iPad it wouldnt be unlimited. But that was a year or two ago and cell plans constantly change. Good luck with your choice.
Well, I ordered a MBA today. Worst case scenario, I’ll return it, but at least I won’t wonder if I would like it or not.
Check out the new plans at AT&T.
We just switched from Mobile Share 35GB to the Unlimited Elite plan for the free iPhone trade-in upgrade. The new gives you 100GB high speed data per device including 30GB hotspot before throttling. Free HBO Max, too.
I think my aunt had the same Unlimited 22GB high speed plan as well and switching to the Unlimited Elite saved her $20 per month.
Caveat, FaceTime video calls stopped working on my iPad ever since we switched to the new plans. FaceTime audio and Wi-Fi calling works fine which is more important to me.
Yeah, I'm not getting FaceTime Video on cellular. Audio only works fine. I think it might be because the new unlimited add-on for the iPad doesn't allow hotspot and that seems a prerequisite for FaceTime Video.
On Wi-Fi at home (or even tethered to the iPhone on the same plan ?♀️), FaceTime Video works fine.
i think you’ll enjoy it. Let us know how it goes.
Edit - I just ordered one as well. It’s been sitting in my shopping cart on bestbuy which tempted me with all my money off certificates and great financing.
The IPP is a beautiful device. I just found myself again today frustrated by the awkwardness of trying to do some quick productivity.
My experiment with the IPP and MK is coming to an end. I’ll lose some cash selling it, but live and learn. If anything I’ll just sell the MK and hold onto the iPad.
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Lol..sounds like a lot of us are feeling this. Good thing I didn't keep the Magic Keyboard..and I'll just enjoy the iPad as a tablet and all its strengths. Granted, for quick light work, the iPad will still suffice.
If you’re really in the tech world—and a lot us on this forum are—this is such a common, needlessly self imposed scenario. So often I’ll be doing something on my iPP + MKB that I could do quicker and easier on my MBA, or any conventional computer. Good for you for ‘forcing’ the iPad to just be a tablet. I love the MKB, but for the reasons I just mentioned my life would probably be easier if I didn’t have it. But hey, who wants to make things easy?Lol..sounds like a lot of us are feeling this. Good thing I didn't keep the Magic Keyboard..and I'll just enjoy the iPad as a tablet and all its strengths. Granted, for quick light work, the iPad will still suffice.
Mine had been in the Apple cart for days before I checked out today. In fact, I had two in there because I couldn’t decide between silver and space gray. (Wound up going with the space gray, which is odd because I’m usually all about silver)
You'll have minimal ramp up time with the Mac.. The latest MacOS is almost styled like an iPad. I would not worry. The biggest change for you will be the file system with files app, which is superior, just a bit of a learning curve. But won't be too complicated.
I’m not too worried about MacOS. It hasn’t been THAT long since I had my iMac, and I’ve used Macs for years. I’m sure I’ll be comfortable with it fairly quickly, especially with my basic needs.
I did cancel the MBA. I decided a Mac mini makes more sense for my situation. I have the iPP with MK for portability, and to take when I travel - I mainly need something for my desk, and I think a bigger screen that’s more at eye level for me makes more sense.
It does limit the portability factor within the house for me, so I may have to consider relocating my workspace, which really isn’t a huge deal, and honestly, I’m not 100% positive I’ll keep it, but I think it’s already in processing, so I should have it to try soon enough.
I have gone with the 12.9" as my mobile device. Screen, Screen, touchscreen, cellular, wonderful new keypad, ability to do serious work, etc., all swayed me. That said, I do have iMacs at the office and at home.