A MacBook Air is quite a bit larger and heavier than an 11” iPad…You say "And I need something reliable to use on the go, that isn't super heavy."
A MacBook Air would certainly do the job and more. But if your mind is made up 100%, enjoy whichever iPad you choose
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iPad as a laptop replacement
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And @Ludatyk, if you want, I can make a Home Screen Icon with the wallpaper symbol for it when I get a bit of time to do it. 👍🏻
Going on a trip shortly and once again I'll be leaving the laptop at home and will take the M4 13" & MKB. I don't remember the last time I undocked my laptop.
He changed the requirements after my post so your comment is not applicable.
He said he was in the market for an iPad, and asked for a recommendation between the two iPads he was looking at. He wasn’t asking about MacBook Airs. So, respectfully, it was your comment that was not applicable…
You say "And I need something reliable to use on the go, that isn't super heavy."
A MacBook Air would certainly do the job and more. But if your mind is made up 100%, enjoy whichever iPad you choose
When @Expos of 1969 responded to @rletras , rletras had not yet clarified he was only interested in an iPad.😉Just edited my comment to clarify, I need it to be touch and smaller than my actual Pro. The 11' are perfect.
I know the MacBook would be amazing, but I just can't afford both and I need the tablet
Well, I use Stage Manager on the regular! For the most part, I share the same experience with you... I enjoy it. But I'd be lying to you if I was to say I won't be upset if nothing changes because it desperately needs more imrovements.
On the limited window topic, I am in agreement with you... allowing more windows will make it seemed more cramped. However, when plugged into a monitor... we should have the ability to add more windows. So, I'd like Apple to unlock more windows for external monitor support. The M1+ iPads should be more than capable of handling it.
I'm not bothered by the the lack of clamshell mode... I actually think it's nice to have the iPad opened, it has a touch-screen unlike the MacBook. Not sure why folks would want it closed.... maybe on a battery-life standpoint. But I don't think it's a priority. I think its more of a "oh it has it on the Macbook it shoud be on the iPad as well" kind of a thing.
I believe Apple should revamp App Exposé (or remove it completely), especially when Stage Manager is enabled... because we can't really make changes in that mode. I recall having a discussion with another member in this community... they are accusomted to rearranging windows in App Exposé. And when Stage Manager is enabled... it's impossible to do.
I told the user they need to rely on the Recent App on the right side to multitask and rearrange windows, but I have to admit the touch targets are small especially if you have 2 or more in a group. I would have to open the "Stage" and remove an app/window group from it... if I want to modify it. I believe Apple needs to address this. Because it should be easy to manage windows in the Recent App area.
Another improvement, really not anything major. But I'd like the ability to place a different wallpaper on the external monitor. I'm big on personalization/customization... so I dislike that we can't have two different wallpapers when plugged into a monitor. Should be an easy thing to address.. but I'd like to see this improvement.
Now let's go ahead and discuss the elephant in the room... simultaneously audio app playback. This most certainly needs to happen when Stage Manager is enabled. The fact that we can have 4 windows on display... have a video playing from YT and then audio from podcast or a music app gets paused. Yeah, we need that addressed.
And I have to take a step back to understand that not too many people really multitask from the iPad... most iPad users take the "single app at a time" approach, that's why I can understand Apple reluctant to add simultaneously audio playback. But I think Stage Manager changes the dynamics... not sure when it will be added, but I have a feeling we get this feature in the next 2 or 3 years.
One more thing, maybe changes to the dock... ability to change the size of it. And yeah, I agree... the control center behavior on external monitors should be fixed.
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I think there’s general confusion about this, but I read the comment before the OP’s edit, and he was still talking about being back to the iPad Pro and trying to decide between the M1 iPad Pro and the M2 iPad Air. As far as I’m aware, the only edit he made was at the end of his first paragraph, but there were two other paragraphs to that comment specifically referencing returning to the iPad Pro as an option, and trying to decide between the M1 iPad Pro and M2 iPad Air. Maybe there was a yet older version of the comment that didn’t have this part, but I was active in the thread when that comment came in, and I’m pretty sure that part was always part of the comment. But maybe I missed something… 🤷🏼♂️
I guess the part that struck me most is that @rletras himself understood and edited his own post for clarification.
Just edited my comment to clarify, I need it to be touch and smaller than my actual Pro. The 11' are perfect.
I know the MacBook would be amazing, but I just can't afford both and I need the tablet
Sorry guys, I see that I've created some confusion
I edited just to clarify, but never asked for nothing else than an ipad. My doubt is just which ipad to get.
And like I said, MacBook is an amazing option, but not for someone that needs touch like me
I edited just to clarify, but never asked for nothing else than an ipad. My doubt is just which ipad to get.
And like I said, MacBook is an amazing option, but not for someone that needs touch like me
I think those things make sense. I guess I don’t normally think about multiple simultaneous audio streams as being a Stage Manager improvement as much as an iPadOS improvement, as I would imagine it would probably have its own dedicated settings. But I do agree with you that that could be a nice option in combination with Stage Manager.
I also didn’t think about the window limit on the external monitor. To be honest, I don’t consider the windowing limit that often, because even on my desktop monitor and even when using my Mac Mini I tend to keep app windows organized in tidy little stages with around 3-4 app windows at most, but most of my design software’s I like to run full screen or at most split-screen with another photo app or something for reference. But I guess it wouldn’t necessarily feel as cramped on an external monitor. 👍🏻
I don’t think I have any real disagreements with that list. 👍🏻
But I believe Apple will keep the feature locked to Stage Manager and be exclusively for M1+ iPads. That's why I noted... most iPad users don't really multitask. I think if users have Stage Manager enabled... they are more likely to multitask.
I don't often push the limit on my setup... I use a 15-inch portable display for external monitor support, so it's not like I have a large monitor to work with (keep the ultra-wide monitor for the Mac).
No worries, I hope you find an iPad that suits your needs! Feel free to ask if you have any other questions. 👍🏻. Also, I write a SubStack, and most of my content is geared toward the iPad since I use my iPad as my primary computer, so if you’re interested, you can find some of my work there. I just wrote an article about font management on iPadOS recently, I’ve been trying to cover some topics that don’t tend to get as much attention that I think could be helpful. I also have a few GitHub repositories with some little Siri Shortcuts I’ve made. 👍🏻. Again, feel free to ask if you have any questions, I like to try to be helpful with info when I can. 👍🏻Sorry guys, I see that I've created some confusion
I edited just to clarify, but never asked for nothing else than an ipad. My doubt is just which ipad to get.
And like I said, MacBook is an amazing option, but not for someone that needs touch like me
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Tech and App Reviews & Thoughts. Click to read ByteBits, by Kaleb Cadle, a Substack publication. Launched 6 months ago.
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I’m a freelance graphic designer and programming beginner. - KalCadle
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I guess that would make sense. I was thinking they’d possibly make the audio control settings for that feature a Control Center Applet, kind of like Print Center is. To where you access it from the Control Center, and it opens an app window with the audio controls. Now with the improved Control Center, I think we have the foundations for that kind of a feature to be added in a logical and intuitive way. 👍🏻. It would make sense if it was the default behavior of Stage Manager, even if it could be enabled separately from Stage Manager.
Yeah, eventually I’m wanting to get a portable monitor to expand my workspace on the go. Currently I mostly work with my iPad’s display, and dock it with my desktop monitor when I want a bigger screen to work with. A portable monitor would be great because I could have extra screen real-estate away from my desk. I think I’ve decided on sticking with the 11” iPad Pro when I go to upgrade to the M4, and consider getting a portable monitor to complement it if/when I want more space for things. Especially for my 3D work that could be handy for filling one of my screens with my 3D software, and the other with a set of reference photos or something else. 👍🏻 I just love the 11” form factor. I got to look at a 13” M4 iPad Pro at Best Buy, and it’s significantly lighter and thinner than prior models, and I probably could go that route, but I like that the 11” has a smaller footprint and is easier for me to carry around. 👍🏻. I’ve been thinking that if I invest in a portable monitor, I can kind of have the best of both worlds. 👍🏻
Another anecdotal reply
Good for your mum
Let users be happy with what they are use to or comfortable with, be it a laptop, phone or tablet IMO
An IPad is far from an ideal device for many yet others thrive on it
I agree that many are capable of thriving on an iPad, and because the iPad has become so useful….they are now discovering they have no need for a laptop.😉An IPad is far from an ideal device for many yet others thrive on it
The iPad was the perfect device for my Mom, living on her own in her 90's.
On another note, I just made a Home Screen icon for that Wallpaper shortcut another commenter shared earlier. 👍🏻. It has a transparent background, so will work with either light mode or dark mode! 👍🏻.
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I am thinking an M2 iPad may be better, in that the newer processor should allow it to keep receiving software updates for another 1-2 years over the M1 iPad. The landscape front camera may also matter more?
A computer is still more convenient, Ipad's functionality is not enough.
On the other hand, for many...the iPad’s functionality is plenty enough, and a laptop is overkill for their needs. My experience is that the iPad is more convenient for my needs than a laptop. For my use, I can do things with my iPad that a laptop just cannot do. I replaced my 2019 16" i9 MBP three years ago for my mobile needs in my real estate and property management business and could never go back to the laptop. IMO, the iPad is the most flexible device Apple has ever made.😉
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I just want to share with the community… what I just picked up, I’m excited.
Been waiting for this kind of case since the M4 iPad dropped, I stumbled upon this morning and when it arrives I’d share my initial impressions. I use my iPad docked to the Magic Keyboard majority of the time, but this case can help me use it more as a traditional tablet.
TineeOwl for iPad Pro 13 inch (M4) 2024, Adjustable Kickstand Cover - Infinite Viewing Angles, Portrait/Landscape Stand, Apple Pencil Charging, Wing Series, (Black)
✔️ Adjustable Kickstand ▶ Enjoy infinite adjustability with the built-in kickstand to achieve the perfect viewing angle. ✔️ Landscape to Portrait Instantly ▶ Best for book reading, video calls, gaming, or scrolling through long spreadsheets and documents. ✔️ Kickstand Stops at Typing Angle ▶ The ...
www.amazon.com
Been waiting for this kind of case since the M4 iPad dropped, I stumbled upon this morning and when it arrives I’d share my initial impressions. I use my iPad docked to the Magic Keyboard majority of the time, but this case can help me use it more as a traditional tablet.
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Cool! I was thinking about getting or making a case like this for my M1 iPad Pro! So you upgraded to the M4? I’m hoping to try to upgrade to the M4 sometime in the next year or so, and I think I’m going to stick to the 11”. For the kinds of things where I’ve thought about using additional screen real-estate like 3D modeling, I think a portable monitor plus an 11” iPad may be a better combo for my use-case. I’m guessing you opted for the 13”? How do you like the display? I got to see a display model for the 13” (still haven’t seen a display model for the new 11” because the Best Buy I was at didn’t have a display for it), and the the display quality looked amazing! As an 11” user, the switch to OLED will be awesome because the 11” models never got the MiniLED displays. But I do have to say, that 13” model is quite a bit lighter than previous ones, and I was a bit tempted to plan on upgrading to the 13”. But I think I’m settled back on sticking with the 11”, because I really like the footprint of it, and carrying it feels more like carrying a book or clipboard than carrying a laptop. 👍🏻I just want to share with the community… what I just picked up, I’m excited.
TineeOwl for iPad Pro 13 inch (M4) 2024, Adjustable Kickstand Cover - Infinite Viewing Angles, Portrait/Landscape Stand, Apple Pencil Charging, Wing Series, (Black)
✔️ Adjustable Kickstand ▶ Enjoy infinite adjustability with the built-in kickstand to achieve the perfect viewing angle. ✔️ Landscape to Portrait Instantly ▶ Best for book reading, video calls, gaming, or scrolling through long spreadsheets and documents. ✔️ Kickstand Stops at Typing Angle ▶ The ...www.amazon.com
Been waiting for this kind of case since the M4 iPad dropped, I stumbled upon this morning and when it arrives I’d share my initial impressions. I use my iPad docked to the Magic Keyboard majority of the time, but this case can help me use it more as a traditional tablet.
I hope you enjoy that case, it looks very handy! 👍🏻
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True for you but it depends on your needs and what you like to use so it is not universally true.
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It almost completely depends on what a user finds to be “convenient”. For me, it’s much more convenient to do my freelance graphic design and digital artwork on an iPad Pro than a MacBook. Same with my 3D sculpting/modeling. Same with my writing for my SubStack (due to it’s smaller and lighter form-factor that makes it easier and more convenient for me to take it with me more places). Same with experimenting with coding I do. For me, my iPad Pro is far more convenient than a MacBook could be, and more importantly, more capable and versatile. It’s not really even much of a contest. I do have a Mac, but it’s a Mac Mini, and I mostly use it for plugging in external drives so that I can have essentially my own private cloud storage for storing my larger files. I also use my Mac Mini for emulating some Windows games, running Blender occasionally, and running the desktop versions of my Affinity design software occasionally. But I actually prefer the iPad versions of the Affinity apps over the desktop versions, I find them to be more efficient for my workflow. And I prefer Nomad Sculpt + Valence3D for my 3D workflow over Blender. For me, the iPad is a far better option than a MacBook.
It’s true, for some, the MacBook is a better fit than the iPad. But this is hardly true for everyone, and I think in many cases, it isn’t for lack of the potential of the iPad to replace a MacBook for a user’s needs, but rather simply a matter of personal preference. Some people just prefer the older and more established system because they’re used to it, that’s their comfort zone. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But some are also open to using the modern, forward-thinking system that iPadOS is, and have a different set of preferences, or don’t have the same years worth of “comfort-building” if you will with macOS. And anymore, in many ways both are extremely similar.
Again, nobody here is judging those who prefer Macs. That is perfectly fine. What I don’t appreciate is the group of people who come around telling people you “can’t do real work on an iPad”, or “you can’t be a real pro and use an iPad” (insert arbitrary concept of pro workflow with some niche workflow as standard), or “ the iPad isn’t a real computer”, etc. Yes, the iPad is a real computer. Yes, there are many professional workflows for which the iPad Pro is wonderfully suited, and I would say better suited for than the MacBooks. Yes, you can do real professional work on an iPad…
I think also, often these discussions/reviews/articles are framed “can an iPad replace a MacBook?”, when an equally valid question that’s rarely if ever raised is “can a MacBook replace an iPad?” For many MacBook users, a iPad could likely replace their MacBook, and for many iPad users, a MacBook could likely replace their iPad. But it again mostly goes back to user preferences. Time and time again in these kinds of articles, I see the author appealing to his own personal preferences as if it’s some sort of universal truth/standard, as a reason why the iPad can’t replace a MacBook. I think often this question has far less to do with objective facts and much more to do with user’s personal preferences. There are some edge-cases where one device seems to objectively have an advantage over the other, but most people live in the middle. It mostly really depends on your personal preferences. My personal preference is towards the iPad, and the iPad objectively is better suited for my freelance digital art and graphic design workflow thanks to Apple Pencil support. 👍🏻