iPad Air Buy iPad Air 5 or wait for new Macbook Air/Pro?

[dcsr2212]

Do you folks think it's better if I get the new iPad Air 5 256gb or should I wait for the new Macbook Air or Macbook Pro to be released later this year?

Because I keep thinking, if I'm going for iPad Air 5 with the biggest memory, do I really need a new laptop? iPad Air 5 could work perfectly well as a laptop too, right? Given it's on M1 chip now vs iPad mini 6's A15. But there are other functionalities that a laptop can give me but not an iPad (such as hard drive connections, USB connections), hence I'm torn.

What do you guys think?

 

[BhaveshUK]

Hey dcsr2212 ?,

I'm in my own iPad quandary at the moment, and actually just heading into the Apple store before my next design client meeting this morning. I'm going to be viewing the iPad mini and iPad Pro 11 again and giving them a good play with for as long as I can. That way I can make a more informed purchasing decision.

My question to you is - have you used an iPad before? iPad is not a one-to-one transferable experience from a usual laptop. What I mean is you will have to learn new workflows (and some of your work may not be doable) only on an iPad. I'm lucky in that the iPad can do almost all the work a Mac can for me (the only big exception being designing client websites). But that's my experience as someone who runs my own design studio. It may be a different story for you entirely. Because of that, I'm always hesitant to recommend my friends or family getting an iPad as a laptop replacement if they have never experienced iPad before. For a better understanding of people's viewpoint of using iPad as a laptop replacement I suggest perusing this thread - iPad as a laptop replacement

In addition, if you do decide to get the iPad in place of your laptop, may I suggest considering spending a little bit more to get the iPad Pro 11? It has a faster transfer speed on USB connections, ProMotion, better back cameras, and 128gb storage as a starting point, all of which I think would work better for most people using it for professional needs. iPad Air (256gb) and iPad Pro 11 (128gb) are so similarly priced - look at the differences between them and decide which of those differences matter to you.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

Like BhaveshUK has outlined above, a consideration over what you hope to achieve is very important - as iPadOS and MacOS have their own relative strengths over the other.

 

[TechRunner]

Given how I use my devices, for me these two purchases would be unrelated. I need a laptop/desktop to accomplish my heavier tasks, so I couldn’t simply use an iPad. Like @BhaveshUK stated, you have some considerations before making the jump. Good luck with your decision!

 

[dcsr2212]

Hey dcsr2212 ?,

I'm in my own iPad quandary at the moment, and actually just heading into the Apple store before my next design client meeting this morning. I'm going to be viewing the iPad mini and iPad Pro 11 again and giving them a good play with for as long as I can. That way I can make a more informed purchasing decision.

My question to you is - have you used an iPad before? iPad is not a one-to-one transferable experience from a usual laptop. What I mean is you will have to learn new workflows (and some of your work may not be doable) only on an iPad. I'm lucky in that the iPad can do almost all the work a Mac can for me (the only big exception being designing client websites). But that's my experience as someone who runs my own design studio. It may be a different story for you entirely. Because of that, I'm always hesitant to recommend my friends or family getting an iPad as a laptop replacement if they have never experienced iPad before. For a better understanding of people's viewpoint of using iPad as a laptop replacement I suggest perusing this thread - iPad as a laptop replacement

In addition, if you do decide to get the iPad in place of your laptop, may I suggest considering spending a little bit more to get the iPad Pro 11? It has a faster transfer speed on USB connections, ProMotion, better back cameras, and 128gb storage as a starting point, all of which I think would work better for most people using it for professional needs. iPad Air (256gb) and iPad Pro 11 (128gb) are so similarly priced - look at the differences between them and decide which of those differences matter to you.

Hi, yes I’ve used an iPad before. I used to own an iPad mini 2 since 2013 until the screen gave up in 2020 (4 weeks into the lockdown). I haven’t replaced it since and am currently using my mom’s old iPad 3 which is stuck in iOS 10.3.4. What a bummer. Alternating it between using an old Android tablet which is buggy to say the least; I don’t like Android interface at all.

I’ll definitely take a look at the other thread you suggested, thanks for that.

 

[dcsr2212]

Hey dcsr2212 ?,

I'm in my own iPad quandary at the moment, and actually just heading into the Apple store before my next design client meeting this morning. I'm going to be viewing the iPad mini and iPad Pro 11 again and giving them a good play with for as long as I can. That way I can make a more informed purchasing decision.

My question to you is - have you used an iPad before? iPad is not a one-to-one transferable experience from a usual laptop. What I mean is you will have to learn new workflows (and some of your work may not be doable) only on an iPad. I'm lucky in that the iPad can do almost all the work a Mac can for me (the only big exception being designing client websites). But that's my experience as someone who runs my own design studio. It may be a different story for you entirely. Because of that, I'm always hesitant to recommend my friends or family getting an iPad as a laptop replacement if they have never experienced iPad before. For a better understanding of people's viewpoint of using iPad as a laptop replacement I suggest perusing this thread - iPad as a laptop replacement

In addition, if you do decide to get the iPad in place of your laptop, may I suggest considering spending a little bit more to get the iPad Pro 11? It has a faster transfer speed on USB connections, ProMotion, better back cameras, and 128gb storage as a starting point, all of which I think would work better for most people using it for professional needs. iPad Air (256gb) and iPad Pro 11 (128gb) are so similarly priced - look at the differences between them and decide which of those differences matter to you.

Hi, yes I’ve used an iPad before. I used to own an iPad mini 2 since 2013 until the screen gave up in 2020 (4 weeks into the lockdown). I haven’t replaced it since and am currently using my mom’s old iPad 3 which is stuck in iOS 10.3.4. What a bummer. Alternating it between using an old Android tablet which is buggy to say the least; I don’t like Android interface at all.

I’ll definitely take a look at the other thread you suggested, thanks for that.

 

[Apple_Robert]

With the state of iPadOS, having the M1 in an iPad comes down to a sales tactic and nothing more.

When buying electronics, buy for what you need today not what you hope will be released in the future (that goes for hardware and software).

Create a list with columns for day to day need and forum induced want. If you do that and are honest with yourself, you are going to find out you don’t need a Mac. Looking for forum induced reasons to justify a purchase will only leave you with regret

 

[BhaveshUK]

Hi, yes I’ve used an iPad before. I used to own an iPad mini 2 since 2013 until the screen gave up in 2020 (4 weeks into the lockdown). I haven’t replaced it since and am currently using my mom’s old iPad 3 which is stuck in iOS 10.3.4. What a bummer. Alternating it between using an old Android tablet which is buggy to say the least; I don’t like Android interface at all.

I’ll definitely take a look at the other thread you suggested, thanks for that.

It's excellent you have used an iPad before because it makes me worry less that you wouldn't be happy with the experience, especially if you are looking for it to replace a laptop. From what you wrote, it sounds like you're actually quite proficient in using multiple tablets.

As I mentioned in my original reply, I went to the Apple Store this morning to work out my own needs. My conclusion was that the iPad Pro 11 with Magic Keyboard would make the most sense for me. I tested the iPad Air whilst I was there and it is very good - you won't be disappointed. But I still can't help but think 64gb is too low for the base model, and the 256gb is not good value. If you need more storage than the base iPad Air can provide and this is purchased with the intention of becoming your laptop replacement, my suggestion is to pay a little bit more for the base iPad Pro 11 with 128gb storage. This is my opinion so don't take it as fact.

I'm still hesitant to say iPad could be your laptop replacement. There's so many variables to consider and we need to consider your workflows.

With the state of iPadOS, having the M1 in an iPad comes down to a sales tactic and nothing more.

When buying electronics, buy for what you need today not what you hope will be released in the future (that goes for hardware and software).

Create a list with columns for day to day need and forum induced want. If you do that and are honest with yourself, you are going to find out you don’t need a Mac. Looking for forum induced reasons to justify a purchase will only leave you with regret

Which brings me to agree with @Apple_Robert. Buy the device you need now to meet those workflows rather than waiting for what may or may not be released in the future. Also definitely make that list of all your day-to-day needs - I did that myself before going into the Apple Store this morning and I rated/ ranked each iPad based on my personal needs. Use us on this forum and share the list you come up with. Then we can better advise you! ?

Finally, can you visit an Apple Store and test the devices for yourself? I think seeing the iPads and MacBooks in person will help you decide which operating system is going to be the best at getting you from point A to point B.

 

[JPack]

A better question is, have you used a Mac before?

The two devices are quite different. It's like saying, "if I have a spoon, I don't need to buy a fork, right?"

 

[VaruLV]

iPad wont be true laptop replacement for foreseeable future AFAIK, iPadOS isnt there yet and it lacks ports.

So, I think that new Macbook Air could be worth waiting for.

 

[Isamilis]

Hi, yes I’ve used an iPad before. I used to own an iPad mini 2 since 2013 until the screen gave up in 2020 (4 weeks into the lockdown). I haven’t replaced it since and am currently using my mom’s old iPad 3 which is stuck in iOS 10.3.4. What a bummer. Alternating it between using an old Android tablet which is buggy to say the least; I don’t like Android interface at all.

I’ll definitely take a look at the other thread you suggested, thanks for that.

Just want to share my experience. I learned that the new iPad didn’t give more core functionalities compared to the old one. Newer means only better experience (better screen, faster CPU, more RAM, better speaker, lighter, bigger, etc). I still have my iPad 2 (bought it in 2011 - 11 years ago), its main functions for me are remain same with my new iPad Pro, as book / document reader and note taking.
For OP, I would suggest to check whether the current iPad (iPad 3) functions really fit-in with the workflow, since the new iPad will unlikely change its current core functions - IMHO.

 

[rui no onna]

Hi, yes I’ve used an iPad before. I used to own an iPad mini 2 since 2013 until the screen gave up in 2020 (4 weeks into the lockdown). I haven’t replaced it since and am currently using my mom’s old iPad 3 which is stuck in iOS 10.3.4. What a bummer. Alternating it between using an old Android tablet which is buggy to say the least; I don’t like Android interface at all.

Note, the iPad 3 maxes out at iOS 9.3.5. You might have the iPad 4 (Lightning port) which is actually much faster. Alas, it’s also really way behind at this point in time.

With that said, I wouldn’t buy an iPad expecting it to be a full laptop replacement. As long as the funds permit it, I prefer to have both iPad and traditional computer. I like using iPad more (and use it for ~90% home use) but there are just some tasks that are easier, more efficient or only possible with a traditional desktop OS.