iPad Pro Anyone Combo the 12.9 M1 iPad Pro and a M1 MacBook Air?

[16bitplus]

Trying to make a decision on returning the M1 12.9 IPP. Currently I have an M1 MBA that I do most of my work/internet stuff on and a 2017 10.5 IPP for watching TV/Movies and browse when relaxing.

I was lucky to get one of the M1 12.9" IPPs last week and I really enjoy using it, especially for watching video. It's tough to go back to the LCD of the 10.5 IPP or even the 11" where everything black looks grey.

I guess my question is, would the M1 12.9" iPP be a bit much paired up with a M1 MBA? Does anyone else use this setup?

 

[rui no onna]

Does it count if I have the M1 MBA but never use it?

If you don't think the 12.9 is too big or awkward to use or unwieldy, I see no reason why you shouldn't keep it. The size works nicer for Sidecar than 10-11", too.

 

[applematic]

In the same conundrum somewhat, trying to figure out if I should go with the 11 or the 12.9 but also have an M1 MBA which I was primarily using as my couch/bed surfing/watching device … watching this thread 👀

 

[HerbertDerb]

I do have 2019 MBA (non M1 one obviously).... It's in the box ready to be shipped to the seller who bought it from me.

12.9 M1 iPad replaces it. Faster and better screen.

I do have however multi-monitor beast of a windows 10 rig for work/gaming. So there's that.

 

[Expos of 1969]

An interesting question and difficult decision for some. Even taking the operating systems out of the decision making process, for some users it comes down to where they usually use their device or devices. In my case, most of my use is sitting in an easy chair with my recently purchased M1 MBA resting on my thigh or thighs with my legs stretched out straight to use a footstool. This gives me easy access to the keyboard and the screen is at a good angle for viewing.

I have used my basic generation 8 iPad in this location and it is ok but due to screen angle I must hold it in my hand or hands more. If I had an iPP with an external keyboard, I can't see it being very stable when resting on my lap or thighs due to the iPad itself being a bit top heavy in that configuration.

But everyone has different use locations and likes and dislikes.

 

[Jamacfer]

In my opinion best combo is M1 MBA + iPad 11”…the larger one makes no sense having same display size.

 

[tekchic]

My current dev machine is a 2015 MacBook Pro, so I'm looking to upgrade to either an M1X/M2 Air or the 14" MacBook Pro. I use my 11" Pro for reading, textbook study, movies, online learning, and digital art, so I'm still going to "size up" eventually to a 12.9" for drawing and the larger screen, mostly.

I like to keep my MacBook Pro mostly for work (software development), and ebook downloads to store on my NAS, etc. I prefer to use the iPad for everything else. Now that I WFH most of the time, it's nice to close the MacBook Pro and just use the iPad in my off hours when I don't want to deal with code.

 

[MacBrim]

I have an m1 MacBook Air and an Ipad pro 12,9 with magic keyboard.
since I have the iPad I haven’t used the air anymore …

 

[applematic]

I have an m1 MacBook Air and an Ipad pro 12,9 with magic keyboard.
since I have the iPad I haven’t used the air anymore …

This is what I’m afraid of.

 

[Jamacfer]

My suggestion is to make up your mind about the usage of the iPad. Do you consider it as your primary device or as a secondary one? In first case just buy the 12,9” and a Magic Keyboard. In second one the iPad Air or 11” is a better choice. Last year I tried to use the 12,9” instead of my laptop but the experiment did not succeed (I do prefer MacOS for my job) so I decided to sell the 12,9” and to buy a M1 MBA and an iPad 11”.

 

[benobi]

I just purchased the 12.9" iPad. I also have a M1 MBA and an iPhone. I did not have an iPad before. I have been giving this question some serious thought recently and have basically come down to this: I now have 2 beautiful and equally capable devices that are both pleasures to use - but come with different strengths. I’ll pick up whichever device is best suited for the task at hand.

I’m a filmmaker (writer and director) and so my work follows a fairly predictable cycle. This is a bit of an oversimplification but the cycle basically goes: researching/brainstorming, writing, coordinating, filming, editing, release/marketing. I think the iPad will work beautifully for the researching/brainstorming and filming steps. I got the 5G version and an Apple pencil, so i can take it anywhere and jot down notes, really letting my brain wander and feel inspired. Once it’s time to be on set directing, it will also be amazing to carry with me, being able to pull up the script on the fly, look at dailies on the XDR display, view reference images/clips etc. However, the MBA will shine with the other steps. It will always be my primary writing machine, and Mac OS is Best for coordinating and communicating across multiple teams. it also has the best editing support for programs like Premiere, Avid or Final Cut. My work goes through cycles, and I anticipate my device usage will be the same.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Trying to make a decision on returning the M1 12.9 IPP. Currently I have an M1 MBA that I do most of my work/internet stuff on and a 2017 10.5 IPP for watching TV/Movies and browse when relaxing.

I was lucky to get one of the M1 12.9" IPPs last week and I really enjoy using it, especially for watching video. It's tough to go back to the LCD of the 10.5 IPP or even the 11" where everything black looks grey.

I guess my question is, would the M1 12.9" iPP be a bit much paired up with a M1 MBA? Does anyone else use this setup?

I think you would do fine with returning the new iPad and keeping what you had. I think you may have gotten caught up in the new device hype on the forum. If it was a compelling upgrade that really made a difference for you, you wouldn't be struggling for opinions from strangers.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Does it count if I have the M1 MBA but never use it?

Just out of curiosity, what did you plan on using it for?

 

[rui no onna]

Just out of curiosity, what did you plan on using it for?

Remote desktop to the office while quarantining in my bedroom (was exposed to someone COVID positive and I was waiting for my test result).

My Windows laptop gets too hot to use on my lap. Alas, I hated the keyboard layout on the MBA so I ended up going back to the 7-year old Windows laptop and just used it on a breakfast tray.

 

[JamestheCharming]

Exactly the same situation here. I am struggling to make a decision as you. Let’s see how the WWDC goes for the iPadOS. And I’ll make my own decision.

 

[mauriziocorso77]

I actually use both! (Albeit a 2018 12.9” iPad Pro).
i use both devices as much as each other. The MBA I use for work, it enables me to print to non-airprint printers, use software that I can‘t get on the iPad (that I need for work).
The iPad Pro I use to write notes and as a couch machine, consumption etc. I’m typing on that right now for this post.
I tried to see the 11”, but the fact that the 11“ doesn’t allow 2 side by side iPad apps is a deal breaker for me when I’m writing notes.

 

[nStyle]

I tried to see the 11”, but the fact that the 11“ doesn’t allow 2 side by side iPad apps is a deal breaker for me when I’m writing notes.

It does? I can have two apps open side by side on my iPad Air…or maybe you mean something else

 

[Surfman]

I had a late 27” 5K iMac, a M1 Air, 2018 11” iPad and 12 pro max. I got the new 12.9” iPad Pro and MGK, sold the iMac and the 11” iPad, gave the M1 Air to my daughter for uni. iPad and iPhone only now.

 

[mauriziocorso77]

It does? I can have two apps open side by side on my iPad Air…or maybe you mean something else

the 11” iPad doesn’t display 2 apps that are iPad sized. It uses the iPhone sizing to display them side by side.
notice the app on the left’s interface: https://www.reddit.com/r/ipad/comments/cgrdfl

 

[VaruLV]

I could say that I have similar questions regarding 12.9 and 13.3 being too close in size and now with M1 also in power. Aside from iOS limitations that is.
I still think, despite me having iPP 10.5 for almost two years as my main device(aside from desktop Windows machine at work and gf’s Surface Book for movies at home) I find that if touch screen is not a must have feature then whichever M1/M1X/M2 Macbook would be better investment money wise at least for an average person.

Truth be told, Im not that average or sane fwiw lol, so I have 12.9 on order and watching closely what/if WWDC brings to iPadOS this year in regards to proper’ish multi tasking and full’ish external display support. Perhaps it will be big enough of an update that I will upgrade to 1Tb model and forget about Macbooks for a while.
Only thing that current crop of M1 laptops have better for the money is battery life and included keyboard and also 256Gb as base level storage, battery life being imho the biggest factor out of all mentioned.

Im also looking forward WWDC to see if they introduce new Macbooks with more ports and slimmer bezels. If they do, prices on current crop of M1 should come down even more in even more markets and stabilise there.
Then it could be 12.9 iPP now and 14/15/16” MBP/MBA redesigned in a year for me.

So, perhaps you could wait and see what WWDC brings?