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iPad Buy an iPad air or Macbook Air M2?

icedlatte4896

icedlatte4896

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 7, 2022
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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!
 
The iPad fits your usage profile better plus you get to save a lot of money.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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).
 
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
 
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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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.
 
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icedlatte4896 said:
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!
Click to expand...
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. 😊
 
TechRunner said:
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.
Click to expand...

Which apps do you use for photo editing?
Any slight slowdowns you’ve encountered yet on your base iPad when doing this?
 
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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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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jm31828 said:
Which apps do you use for photo editing?
Any slight slowdowns you’ve encountered yet on your base iPad when doing this?
Click to expand...
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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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.
 
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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nolem said:
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.
Click to expand...
Sorry if I sound crazy for asking but how do you do that? (Block ads on YouTube). Thanks.
 
nolem said:
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.
Click to expand...

He can already do that on his current laptop.

Besides, you can block ads on the iPad too on Youtube.
 
icedlatte4896 said:
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!
Click to expand...
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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