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iPad mini iPad Mini 6 vs Macbook Air M1

iPad Mini 6 or Macbook Air M1

  • iPad Mini 6

    Votes: 4 13.3%

  • Macbook Air M1

    Votes: 26 86.7%
  • Total voters
    30
B

bubulol

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 7, 2013
967
274
Hey i am quite torn between buying an iPad Mini 6 or Macbook Air M1
For the record, i owned iPad Mini 4 and 5 until recently (i have sold my iPad Mini 5 since few months) and my last Macbook Air was from 2013
I like iPad Mini 6 form factor and size, no doubt about it but my main usage would be watching videos (movies, netflix, streaming, youtube..)
The reason why i am want a Macbook Air M1: longer battery life, 16:10 screen ratio, bigger display (13.3), no ads on Youtube (safari/chrome with anti-blocker extension) at same time iPad Mini 6 is an iPad, small one! and cheaper (559€ against 1k€+ for the MBA M1)
Which one to buy?
Thanks
 
bubulol said:
Hey i am quite torn between buying an iPad Mini 6 or Macbook Air M1
For the record, i owned iPad Mini 4 and 5 until recently (i have sold my iPad Mini 5 since few months) and my last Macbook Air was from 2013
I like iPad Mini 6 form factor and size, no doubt about it but my main usage would be watching videos (movies, netflix, streaming, youtube..)
The reason why i am want a Macbook Air M1: longer battery life, 16:10 screen ratio, bigger display (13.3), no ads on Youtube (safari/chrome with anti-blocker extension) at same time iPad Mini 6 is an iPad, small one! and cheaper (559€ against 1k€+ for the MBA M1)
Which one to buy?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Just get the 8/8 MacBook Air if you can afford it at $1,249 list, EDU $1,149.

I can tell you the 8.3" iPad mini 6 with its speakers is a smaller wonder with 4K HDR videos. $499 list, EDU $449.

But the air doesn't require getting a specific case to protect it from damage where as the MacBook Air which you just can store in a decent pouch.

Note the air display is 400 nits, while mini 6 is 500 nits. MBP 13" is 500 nits.

 
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The Brave browser on iOS also doesn’t display ads on YouTube.

Or maybe get a smart tv and pay YouTube to avoid ads.
 
Unless you think that the small size will make consumption easier, like in bed maybe, the M1 MBA is simply superior for watching videos, and since it has noticeably better speakers than my 9.7' iPad Pro, it's probably better sounding than the Mini. Apple can say "spatial audio" all they want, but speakers (even equal quality speakers) pointed in your direction are better than speakers pointed to the side. However, if you regularly use a BT speaker audio quality won't matter.
 
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darngooddesign said:
Unless you think that the small size will make consumption easier, like in bed maybe, the M1 MBA is simply superior for watching videos, and since it has noticeably better speakers than my 9.7' iPad Pro, it's probably better sounding than the Mini. Apple can say "spatial audio" all they want, but speakers (even equal quality speakers) pointed in your direction are better than speakers pointed to the side. However, if you regularly use a BT speaker audio quality won't matter.
Click to expand...

I was under the impression that spatial audio really only refers to the AirPods lineup? The effect is pretty pronounced.
 
Harmonious Zen said:
I was under the impression that spatial audio really only refers to the AirPods lineup? The effect is pretty pronounced.
Click to expand...
I know they said that the new iMac has it despite having its speaker pointed down at the table, and I seem to recall their saying the iPads have it as well, but obviously I cant check now. My point was more about speaks that point to the side aren't going tone as good as speakers that point at you; ignoring surround sound systems that is.
 
bubulol said:
Does anyone own both?
If yes what are your favorite device for media consumption?
Click to expand...

Depends on whether you sit on a chair or lay on a sofa when using the device. If you sit in front of a table, use a laptop for its bigger screen and easier typing experience. If you lay on a sofa or sit in the public place, get an iPad mini
 
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I have both. I use them for various uses. Great devices and I bet you’ll be happy with either one. The air is such a great device for the money. Mini 6 is special in its own way.
 
UltimateSyn said:
What are the other devices you own? That would help me recommend which of those two devices would best amplify your tech setup.
Click to expand...
Only my iPhone 12 Mini, i have sold my iPad Mini 5 which was my secondary device
 
bubulol said:
Only my iPhone 12 Mini, i have sold my iPad Mini 5 which was my secondary device
Click to expand...
You should get a MacBook Air. It will introduce more added value than a miniature iPad. Down the line, when finances are right, you can add an iPad to the setup.

My recommended priority of device ownership will always be iPhone > Mac > iPad > Watch
 
Thanks
Out of question, what is the best video player for M1?
I ve been using mpc-hc on windows, never found any similar player on Mac
 
I have an M1 Air, 11 Pro and now a Mini 6. I think an iPad is the better device for media consumption but I am not a heavy user of either. The Mini works best for me at bedtime but the Pro around the house or traveling.
 
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