iPad only for years, glad to be back (M1 Mac Mini)

[c14nhl]

For anyone that’s thinking about it.

I am by no means a heavy user when it comes to computing. My last Mac was the 17” MacBook Pro, not because I needed the power but because I wanted the best.

Ever since the iPad Pro, I’ve never replaced my Mac and have basically been Mac-less for years. I’ve found different ways of working for all of my requirements. I love taking pictures and videos, all on my iPhone and DJ Osmo Action cam. I enjoy tweaking with pics and videos using my iPad. I felt hard done by until Luma Fusion was released for iPad. Since then, I’ve been able to do most of what I need with video but have always been interested in the full features available via Final Cut Pro.

I’ve held off buying a Mac as I cannot justify paying a fortune for a computer that can deal with video footage my iPhone and iPad can deal with, although it means I miss out with the addition features available via FCP.

M1 peaked my interest immediately because of this. For me, and I appreciate I’m in the minority, I was waiting for the power of the iPad to come to the Mac.

I bought the base model Mac Mini. 8GB ram (more than in my iPad 12.9” 2020) and 256GB (I have an external SSD). For my use, and again appreciate I’m far from a pro, this machine is unreal. I use the previously named iWork apps, I use Office365, I’ve downloaded the trial of FCP and already appreciate the extra functionality for making my silly wee personal videos.

I’m not telling anyone they need to buy a M1 now. What I do believe though, even if I’ve been able to achieve what I’ve needed to with iPads for years, I’m a technical person and do understand computers and what they can offer. This is the start of something really exciting for Apple. I wouldn’t be going near a M1 if I made my income from some non-Apple apps just now, although I’ve yet to run into Rosetta 2 issues. Once third parties harness the power to the M series chips, it’s going to be big for all consumers. I truly believe that.

My 2 cents from a non-pro tech lover.

 

[Zazoh]

I use my iPad while on the couch, like now, or in bed. I have the M1 Air. I wouldn’t use in bed, or slouching on the couch. I’ve toyed with the opposite of what you did, but having the comfort of both formats is something I’m not willing to part with.

Do you plan to continue to use both as well?

 

[c14nhl]

I’m still a massive iPad fan and will continue to be iPad first.

I’ve spent years learning to do things differently where the iPad had limitations. Due to the progression of iOS, I don’t really have limitations with my iPad use anymore. I use my iPad everyday for note taking with the Apple Pencil.

The Mac Mini will be used for FCP stuff, that’s all at the moment. I can do everything else on my iPad.

Not that this will ever happen but if Apple were to release FCP for iPad, that would tick all boxes for my current requirements.

 

[Yebubbleman]

It's funny. I have one more Intel Mac purchase left in me (x86 virtualization and Boot Camp ability are important to me, as are some games that are likely not making the jump to Apple Silicon). After that, I'm thinking about leaving the Mac platform and keeping my Apple affinity stationed with my iPad and iPhone while my computing tasks are handled by Windows 10 systems. Everything I used to do on a Mac is either more conveniently done on iOS/iPadOS or better/more flexibly handled by Windows. That and I'm really sick of Apple's QC track record with macOS releases being that only one in every three releases doesn't suck. That's getting REALLY old to me.