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icedlatte4896

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 7, 2022
3
1
Hello everyone. I am looking for a new device as my Christmas gift. I recently have a budget to buy a new iPad air 5 64GB WiFi or Macbook Air M2 256 GB. To be fair, I really like these two devices. I wish I could afford both, but my budget says no for now. Therefore, I have to decide which device that I'm gonna buy next week. Currently, I own an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an i3 ASUS laptop used for light office work. This new device will be used for media consumption most of the time. I don't do video editing and stuff. I do catch some netflix, youtube, and football matches a lot when I have a free time.

My question is, which device should I get based on my needs? Thank you in advance, cheers!
 

sunking101

macrumors 604
Sep 19, 2013
7,423
2,659
The iPad fits your usage profile better plus you get to save a lot of money.
 

Basic75

macrumors 68020
May 17, 2011
2,101
2,448
Europe
If it's just media consumption I'd buy the entry-level iPad (or if you don't need mobility a display with an Apple TV). You don't need much CPU or RAM to watch Netflix.
 

PlayUltimate

macrumors 65816
Jul 29, 2016
1,007
1,856
Boulder, CO
I agree with what most say re: getting the base iPad. Only caveat would be if you want a pencil. In that case I would upgrade to the Air in order to get the Pencil 2.
 

TechRunner

macrumors 65816
Oct 28, 2016
1,345
2,327
SW Florida, US
I use my iPad for the exact things you describe, plus some blogging and light photo editing. And while I agree the base iPad will get the job done (that's what mine is; three years and still going), it's Christmas, so I'd splurge and treat myself to that M1 and slightly bigger, laminated screen.
 

hoo-man-b-ing

Cancelled
Mar 13, 2022
116
111
I’d opt for the iPad as well for media consumption, primarily because you can download shows which is super handy for traveling.

I’m not sure where you’re located or what sort of pricing is available to you, but assuming you’re in the US the iPad Air 5th gen starts at $599. However, if you‘d like a bigger, brighter screen and one with ProMotion, you could opt for a refurbished 12.9” iPad Pro 4th gen for $70 more with double the storage (128GB). And if you’d prefer a smaller screen, you could save money and go for a refurbished 11” iPad Pro starting at $469.

Both of those will be slower than the iPad Air 5th gen, but if you’re really just using it for media consumption, the iPad Pro screens are brighter by 100 nits, offer ProMotion and come in at a lower price point (leaving you money for accessories if you like).
 

Marsikus

macrumors 6502
Feb 12, 2020
262
224
AE
If you buy Macbook, you will have a new good laptop perfectly compatible with your phone.
Also, it is comfortable to flood on forums with proper physical keyboard! :D
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,916
13,260
If you can still tolerate your Asus laptop, then I suggest going for the iPad.

I like the iPad a lot for media consumption on long car rides or flights.

If you're unhappy with your current laptop, then prioritize the MacBook.
 
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snipr125

macrumors 68020
Oct 17, 2015
2,010
3,124
UK
Personally I would get the M2 MacBook Air. It’s more of a complete, better value and versatile device which you can make the centre of your Apple ecosystem and you probably won’t have to replace it for at least 5 years as it’s so powerful. You can then look for deals on iPads later on, that’s what I would do anyway.
 

Mark Stone

macrumors 6502
Mar 20, 2022
497
551
In its case.
Hello everyone. I am looking for a new device as my Christmas gift. I recently have a budget to buy a new iPad air 5 64GB WiFi or Macbook Air M2 256 GB. To be fair, I really like these two devices. I wish I could afford both, but my budget says no for now. Therefore, I have to decide which device that I'm gonna buy next week. Currently, I own an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an i3 ASUS laptop used for light office work. This new device will be used for media consumption most of the time. I don't do video editing and stuff. I do catch some netflix, youtube, and football matches a lot when I have a free time.

My question is, which device should I get based on my needs? Thank you in advance, cheers!
Out of the two you listed, I’d go with the Air. It’s an awesome performer, especially for your stated purposes. However, like several others have mentioned, a base iPad may be all you need. 😊
 

jm31828

macrumors 65816
Sep 28, 2015
1,394
896
Bothell, Washington
I use my iPad for the exact things you describe, plus some blogging and light photo editing. And while I agree the base iPad will get the job done (that's what mine is; three years and still going), it's Christmas, so I'd splurge and treat myself to that M1 and slightly bigger, laminated screen.

Which apps do you use for photo editing?
Any slight slowdowns you’ve encountered yet on your base iPad when doing this?
 

JPack

macrumors G5
Mar 27, 2017
13,544
26,168
MacBook Air offers better value and can serve as both a media consumption and productivity device.

If your PC is starting to age, I’d suggest getting MBA first.

Spending $599 on a premium media consumption tablet wouldn’t be my suggestion. You can always pick up a $329 iPad later.
 
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Bodhitree

macrumors 68020
Apr 5, 2021
2,085
2,216
Netherlands
It really depends on what form factor you are comfortable with. An ipad is like a big iphone and very useful in bed and on the couch, but I hear that the new Macbook Airs have tremendous battery life and are able to instant-wake-from-sleep just like an ipad, so maybe theres not that much extra convenience in an ipad. And with the Macbook Air you get macOS and a wider range of capabilities.
 
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TechRunner

macrumors 65816
Oct 28, 2016
1,345
2,327
SW Florida, US
Which apps do you use for photo editing?
Any slight slowdowns you’ve encountered yet on your base iPad when doing this?
Mostly I use Pixelmator Photo. It's not "Wow!" fast when doing the basic editing tasks I use, but it's not slow enough to be annoying.

Edit: It's just over three years old, and I bought it to last three years, so I'm hoping to upgrade after the holidays.
 
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RRC

macrumors 68000
Nov 3, 2020
1,692
2,697
I was considering getting the M2 Macbook, but my M1 is still an excellent machine so opted to get an iPad instead, have ordered the 11" Pro M2 and Apple Pencil. Would have probably got the M1 iPad Pro but got an excellent deal on the M2 through Sky Mobile (UK) so decided to get the newer model. Looking forward to testing it out when it arrives.
 

nolem

macrumors member
Jan 9, 2004
58
3
If you spend a lot of time on youtube, being on an m1 or m2 MacBook air means you can block video ads with ease. That alone is a major perk to me. I have the M2 MacBook Air(love it) and a Pro Max iPhone.
 
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outlawarth

macrumors 6502a
Mar 20, 2011
555
774
If you spend a lot of time on youtube, being on an m1 or m2 MacBook air means you can block video ads with ease. That alone is a major perk to me. I have the M2 MacBook Air(love it) and a Pro Max iPhone.
Sorry if I sound crazy for asking but how do you do that? (Block ads on YouTube). Thanks.
 

Zest28

macrumors 68030
Jul 11, 2022
2,581
3,933
If you spend a lot of time on youtube, being on an m1 or m2 MacBook air means you can block video ads with ease. That alone is a major perk to me. I have the M2 MacBook Air(love it) and a Pro Max iPhone.

He can already do that on his current laptop.

Besides, you can block ads on the iPad too on Youtube.
 

russell_314

macrumors 604
Feb 10, 2019
6,671
10,269
USA
This new device will be used for media consumption most of the time. I don't do video editing and stuff. I do catch some netflix, youtube, and football matches a lot when I have a free time.

My question is, which device should I get based on my needs? Thank you in advance, cheers!
iPad Air all the way. I have both the iPad Air and M2 MacBook Air. The vast majority of my content consumption like YouTube is on the iPad. It's much more convenient. Especially since you already have a laptop this is a no brainer.
 
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