Both the iPad and the MBA

[Bakari45]

I’m not trying to brag or anything, but I have to admit that I own both the iPad and the Air. I see both as almost the same, but I basically use the iPad for consuming media and the Air for writing. I really wish Apple would combine them both into one—running both iOS and OS X. The screen could be detached from the keyboard when you want to run the iOS. It would be re-attached when you want to do regular Mac computing.

For a while I put off buying the Air because I felt I should be able to get portable writing done on the iPad, but I just couldn’t make that happen. So I‘m now I‘m trying to balance both devices.

Anyone else having this problem?

 

[2IS]

Between my iPhone and MBA, I find the iPad a rather useless device. My iPhone is more than sufficient for any IOS apps I want to run which are generally social networking apps, sports apps to check the latest scores and schedules or to read/write a very short email. For web browsing, videos and typing out more than a couple sentences, I find the MBA to be miles ahead of an iPad.

 

[Bakari45]

Between my iPhone and MBA, I find the iPad a rather useless device.

I’m the opposite in this respect, and it makes me kinda frustrated. If I had to get rid of one of the three devices, I‘d let go of my iPhone. Since I started using the iPad, the iPhone become too small for me to read content and navigate stuff with. I still like it for its ultra portability, but I can read on the iPad much better. Since I got the iPad, I have not printed out a single document. And I pretty much take all my notes on the device. It’s so much easier to do all my reading on this device.

But with the Air, I can’t do that. Sure, I can surf the web and watch videos on it, but point and case: I was actually reading this forum thread on my iPad and then hopped over to my Air to write this post response. Something is a little wrong with this. Should I/we need three devices that overlap in this way?

 

[AMDGAMER]

I have iphone 4 and macbook air, so I returned the ipad.

 

[2IS]

I forgot to mention I also make and receive calls on my phone, so getting rid of it isn't exactly an option.

As far as "needing" three devices to overlap like that... You don't, you didn't need to read it on the iPad and respond on the MacBook. You could have done both on either device.

Since you cannot remove the keyboard from the macbook, why not just get a keyboard for the iPad?

 

[Bakari45]

Since you cannot remove the keyboard from the macbook, why not just get a keyboard for the iPad?

Well, I tried this with the Apple keyboard, but I realized that I really needed to do work using OS X system, as well. The iPad of course doesn’t allow this. I need to have more application running at the same time. I need run a clipboard manager, take selective screen shots, use other tools that help me get work done faster.

I typically read articles, ebooks, and PDFs while lying in bed, and the iPad works best for that. I can lie down and hold the iPad almost any way I want. And while I do write on the iPad, it’s ten times faster of course type on the Air as I‘m doing now.

I say Apple should combine the two devices into one.

 

[2IS]

What you want is an iPad running OSX which is really what the iPad should have been all along. As it is now, I see it as nothing more than a glorified ipod. I'm sure it'll come eventually but not until Apple milks this cow dry first.

 

[Bakari45]

What you want is an iPad running OSX which is really what the iPad should have been all along. As it is now, I see it as nothing more than a glorified ipod. I'm sure it'll come eventually but not until Apple milks this cow dry first.

Totally agree. But a "glorified iPod" is precisely what I like about the iPad. It's a dynamite media consumption device. I can read stuff without the interruption of a keyboard. But typing as I'm doing now on the iPad takes almost twice as long.

 

[Ronnoco]

I have an Iphone 4, a MBP 15" i5 and a MBA 11" Ultimate...I wanted to get an iPad but after demoing the 11" Air in the store I just couldn't justify buying the iPad and not the MBA for what I needed...Funny you guys mentioned "giant iPod" because I referred to the iPad as a giant ipod Touch...

Now, if the iPad2 has some new killer feature (I DO like the front facing camera/FaceTime rumors), then I will consider buying one (although I really do not need another ultra portable device now that i have the 11' Air, but the iPad is just a fun device and I still kinda want one...LOL

 

[deedas]

I find writing on the iPad is perfectly fine as long as it's kept to emails, tweets, IMing. In fact I only do those tasks on the iPad. I can't stand having them on a computer anymore. I think if the iPad had a better keyboard solution for more intensive writing and a camera for skype I would never have bought this MBA. Hopefully once the iPad 2 comes out, I'll have those two things fixed and I can finally get rid of any other portables I have, including the iPhone.

Edit: To anyone thinking OS X might someday come to a tablet, don't hold your breath. I don't think you understand the direction Apple (and computing in general) is taking.

 

[Gymgenius]

I've just sold my iPad to part fund an 11.6 inch MBA.
I've no need for both.

 

[KandyKane]

I just picked up my MBA the other day, but don't think I will be getting rid of the iPad or iPhone. The iPad will be good when Uni starts here again (my University is actually giving everyone in first year science degree iPads as they are moving to an online environment), I wouldn't write an assignment on the iPad though and it is almost useless without a computer to sync. The iPhone lives with me and I love the ability to have my calendar/mail/facebook/internet/whatever in my pocket. Sometimes I'll be surfing on it in bed before remembering the iPad is right next to me.

My poor MBP is sitting here copying files to my external drive before getting sold though

Right at this moment I'm using all 4 devices at once, lol. I think I fell hard for Apples marketing.

 

[St. G]

The best thing about the MBA is that you look only half as douchey using it in public as you do with the iPad.

 

[ZenoVT]

Between the iPhone and MBA 11in, I also find the iPad quite useless. I wanted the iPad, before I looked into the new MBA, but now with the new small form factor plus the new mac app store, there really isn't a point. Studying on the Air is a lot more efficient than studying on the iPad... taking notes is effortless.

 

[CristobalHuet]

I just sold my iPad to get the 2nd generation and bought a MBA a few days ago.

The way I see it, iPad is perfect for:
- Reading (books, blogs, essays)
- PDF/document viewing/storage
- Movies, TV Shows
- Browsing
- Email
- Photos
- Tweeting
- Light note taking
- Entertainment/References (ie Wikipedia, IMDB, Urbanspoon, NHL GameCenter)
- Extreme portability (easier to take around than the MBA thanks to the lack of a keyboard)
- Secondary screen/sidekick for MBA

The MBA:
- Serious writing
- Note-taking
- Multitasking (multiple windows)
- File management/processing
- Keynote/Powerpoint
- Excel/Numbers
- Long email
- Photo editing/processing (iPhoto/Aperture/Photoshop, to a certain extent)
- Research
- iTunes (duh)
- IM'ing (this sucks on the iPad due to its full-screen nature)
- Flash (someone had to say it - using Chrome so Safari doesn't get tarnished)

iPhone:
- Basically everything the iPad can do, in shorter burts of time (on the go) plus calling (duh lol)

So basically, at least for me, the iPad is a great heavy consumption/light creation device whereas the MBA is a great creation/management device. I love my MBA, but using a Mac isn't as fun or engaging as using an iPad and a touch screen interface. I know I'm making the MBA sound like no fun at all with this post, but what it does it does extremely well, just as the iPad. Both are a joy to use and I can't wait to incorporate both into my workflow with my iMac gone.

 

[WardC]

I currently have a 13" MacBook Air, an 11.6" MacBook Air, an iPad, and an iPhone 4. I'm thinking about ditching the 13" MacBook Air, keeping the 11.6", and getting a 15.4" high resolution MacBook Pro for my larger laptop. I am just not sure if I should hold out for now and wait for the Sandy Bridge models, which look to be right around the corner.

 

[Bakari45]

I just sold my iPad to get the 2nd generation and bought a MBA a few days ago.

The way I see it, iPad is perfect for:
- Reading (books, blogs, essays)
- PDF/document viewing/storage
- Movies, TV Shows
- Browsing
- Email
- Photos
- Tweeting
- Light note taking
- Entertainment/References (ie Wikipedia, IMDB, Urbanspoon, NHL GameCenter)
- Extreme portability (easier to take around than the MBA thanks to the lack of a keyboard)
- Secondary screen/sidekick for MBA

The MBA:
- Serious writing
- Note-taking
- Multitasking (multiple windows)
- File management/processing
- Keynote/Powerpoint
- Excel/Numbers
- Long email
- Photo editing/processing (iPhoto/Aperture/Photoshop, to a certain extent)
- Research
- iTunes (duh)
- IM'ing (this sucks on the iPad due to its full-screen nature)
- Flash (someone had to say it - using Chrome so Safari doesn't get tarnished)

iPhone:
- Basically everything the iPad can do, in shorter burts of time (on the go) plus calling (duh lol)

Excellent summary, Cristabal. If you don’t write an article or blog based on this, I will do it. Lol. So let me know.

 

[gwsat]

I got an iPad in early April, shortly after it was introduced. I considered selling it when I got an MBA in October. I soon changed my mind, though, because the iPad is the perfect Web browsing device for me to use when I am watching TV or wandering around in my house. Do I get enough utility out of the iPad to have justified buying it after I got an MBA? Of course not, but it still has enough utility to justify my holding on to it.

I like the iPhone 4 I got recently, too, but find its tiny screen too constricting to ever use when either the iPad or the MBA is available as an alternative. I suspect that some of you with younger eyes than I have aren't as bothered by the iPhone's tiny screen as I am but it's just too hard for me to use for Web browsing for more than a few minutes at a time.

 

[Bakari45]

Do I get enough utility out of the iPad to have justified buying it after I got an MBA? Of course not, but it still has enough utility to justify my holding on to it.

I like the iPhone 4 I got recently, too, but find its tiny screen too constricting to ever use when either the iPad or the MBA is available as an alternative.

Gwsat, I‘ve often thought about letting my iPhone go as well. It just doesn't make sense to have all three devices that essentially do the same thing.

After letting go of the iPhone, have you ever longed to have it back?

 

[jsilas]

Between my iPhone and MBA, I find the iPad a rather useless device. My iPhone is more than sufficient for any IOS apps I want to run...

I WANT an iPad just because I think it's such a neat device. However, this is the conclusion I've come to over and over. Between the Air, my 17" MBP and my iPhone, I just have no need at all for an iPad.

 

[thelookingglass]

Gwsat, I‘ve often thought about letting my iPhone go as well. It just doesn't make sense to have all three devices that essentially do the same thing.

After letting go of the iPhone, have you ever longed to have it back?

I wrestled with this same issue. It doesn't make sense at all to have all three devices (not that I could control myself from buying them all ... damn you, Apple!) given how much at least two of them, the iPhone and the iPad, overlap. I decided to hang onto my iPhone since it's much easier and more convenient to have on me at all times. As Gwsat said, the iPad still has enough utility (but barely) that I don't need to sell it, but these days it hardly gets touched. I will probably pass on the iPad 2 as well.

 

[gwsat]

Gwsat, I‘ve often thought about letting my iPhone go as well. It just doesn't make sense to have all three devices that essentially do the same thing.

After letting go of the iPhone, have you ever longed to have it back?

I apparently misled you. I still have my iPhone and like it a lot. For example, today, I used it during a long wait in a doctor's office to read an ebook on the Kindle iPhone app. Later, I used its IMDb app at Blockbuster to check the IMDb records on movies I was thinking of renting. I have used smartphones for several years and the iPhone 4 is the best yet. Before I got the iPhone I had an HTC G1. It was decent but not in the same world with the iPhone. The iPhone's main limitation to me is that it's not well suited for me to use for very long at a time. That's what the iPad is for.

 

[Bakari45]

I apparently misled you.

Opps, my fault. I misread what you wrote. But, it’s the same me. Now that I read on the iPad, the iPhone doesn’t seem as useful. I hang onto it though because I like checking mail and using a few other apps, as well making of course phone calls.

 

[CristobalHuet]

Excellent summary, Cristabal. If you don’t write an article or blog based on this, I will do it. Lol. So let me know.

Haha feel free to go ahead dude, link us up when you got it ready!

 

[Bakari45]

Haha feel free to go ahead dude, link us up when you got it ready!

Cool man, thanks. I’ll probably write it for AppleMatters.com, and I‘ll definitely be giving you credit.