iPad Pro Ipad or Macbook air as only device

[spiderman0616]

I would try to get both - a Mac and an iPad, not necessarily top of the range, just something to cover your actual needs. Even the second-hand/refurbished ones will be better, IMO, than trying to get by with one type of device without any functional sacrifices. iPad as it is is held back by iPadOS limitations and if you need to print on old printers, perform some complex tasks or use random software pieces, it is hard to beat macOS. ?

Agree. Especially when it comes to battery. I always used to say that I wish iPads were invented back when I was in college, because they are so thin and light and last all day long on a charge. I could have really lightened my backpack load if such technology existed. Laptops back then were WAY too thick, heavy, underpowered, and most of all EXPENSIVE. And as far as battery life, you were usually lucky to get 3 hours before running for an outlet.

If I were in college now? MacBook. The same one I have on my desk right now: the M1 MacBook Air. Thinner and lighter than an iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, easier to open and pick up from a flat surface, runs ALL the software I need, and lasts a LOT longer than an iPad Pro on a full charge. And when I don't need that big of a system, the iPhone can do everything else.

In my mind, that squeezes out the iPad Pro, and is exactly why I don't own one anymore. iPhones become better and better pocket computers every single year due to bigger screens and better guts. M1 Macs have now destroyed almost every advantage I felt the iPad Pro had over them (heat, battery, speed, portability) save for the touch screen. Where does that leave the iPad in my workflow? Well, I still have an old mini sitting on my desk. Can't remember the last time I picked it up.

 

[lezmace]

MacBook and iPhone are the both devices i find the most important. An iPad Mini as an complement device is nice to have.

 

[rui no onna]

If I were in college now? MacBook. The same one I have on my desk right now: the M1 MacBook Air. Thinner and lighter than an iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, easier to open and pick up from a flat surface, runs ALL the software I need, and lasts a LOT longer than an iPad Pro on a full charge. And when I don't need that big of a system, the iPhone can do everything else.

While battery life and thermals are great on the M1 MacBooks, if I were in college, I'd probably still get a normal x86-based laptop.

We've been required to use Linux (Red Hat) a few times back then and I'm really not up to troubleshooting that on an ARM-based Mac.

Of course, college also means no money so I'd likely be on a cheap Android phone plus non-gaming Windows laptop. Couldn't afford Apple stuff back then. Those things are super expensive relative to income in the Philippines. Heck, a MacBook costs as much as a year of college (at least back in my day).

 

[spiderman0616]

While battery life and thermals are great on the M1 MacBooks, if I were in college, I'd probably still get a normal x86-based laptop.

We've been required to use Linux (Red Hat) a few times back then and I'm really not up to troubleshooting that on an ARM-based Mac.

Of course, college also means no money so I'd likely be on a cheap Android phone plus non-gaming Windows laptop. Couldn't afford Apple stuff back then. Those things are super expensive relative to income in the Philippines. Heck, a MacBook costs as much as a year of college (at least back in my day).

Yes, that's a good point. If iPads existed when I was in college, I wouldn't have had anywhere near the funding to actually buy one. ? Though shortly after I graduated, they started giving every student either a MacBook or Windows laptop (their choice) that could be kept forever after school was out, and I think now iPad Pro or Air is a third choice.

 

[ColdShadow]

Macbook Air M1.