iPad Pro iPad Pro or MacBook Air

[Ojc_123]

Good evening, I can only imagine how fed up everyone is with that question, but I'm really not sure which would do its Job better for me. I've decided that I'll buy a MacBook Air later this year, until today. I took a look into the iPad Pro and now I'm really uncertain which to choose. I would use both only for school work, as well as watching Netflix/Youtube videos and maybe play some games, but thats unnecessary. My biggest problem with the iPad is that it isn't able to use 3rd party software, for example only the mobile version of office. I have a very old iMac(2011 I think) and Gen. 6 iPad. The iPad would be a little less expensive but it doesn't really make much of a difference, also I could sell my recent iPad and safe a little money. Atm I'm leaning more on the iPad side, because taking notes with the Apple Pencil is a little more comfortable I reckon. Also, I would write longer essays/ bigger texts on my iMac anyways so I wouldn't even need a good keyboard for the iPad. Is there anything I didn't thought of or some important differences I don't know about. I appreciate any tips or help. 😁
Also if there is a similar thread with the exact same problem a link would be great.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Good evening, I can only imagine how fed up everyone is with that question, but I'm really not sure which would do its Job better for me. I've decided that I'll buy a MacBook Air later this year, until today. I took a look into the iPad Pro and now I'm really uncertain which to choose. I would use both only for school work, as well as watching Netflix/Youtube videos and maybe play some games, but thats unnecessary. My biggest problem with the iPad is that it isn't able to use 3rd party software, for example only the mobile version of office. I have a very old iMac(2011 I think) and Gen. 6 iPad. The iPad would be a little less expensive but it doesn't really make much of a difference, also I could sell my recent iPad and safe a little money. Atm I'm leaning more on the iPad side, because taking notes with the Apple Pencil is a little more comfortable I reckon. Also, I would write longer essays/ bigger texts on my iMac anyways so I wouldn't even need a good keyboard for the iPad. Is there anything I didn't thought of or some important differences I don't know about. I appreciate any tips or help. 😁
Also if there is a similar thread with the exact same problem a link would be great.

Go for the iPad. Use the web version of Office if you need more advanced functionality.

 

[Geoff777]

I agree with AA, I'd go for the iPad and if you can afford it get the Magic Keyboard as an add-on (now or later).
As a student I would think the ability to take handwritten notes and markups will be important and using Goodnotes or Notability on an iPad is a fantastic way to do it.
I am signed up to MS Office 365 and the iPad versions of Word, XL and PP are just fine for what I do.
Good luck!

 

[mikedude86]

Another vote for iPad here, def consider Magic Keyboard at some point

 

[Seanm87]

I actually would go for the MacBook. I still think a laptop is better for work/school.

 

[blaugrana69]

MBA and a cheaper iPad ?

 

[jinnyman]

I still believe two machines are really meant for different users.
If ipad pro is enough for whatever purpose you plan to use, why not?
However, if you need MacOS, you don’t have a choice.

 

[secretk]

I actually would go for the MacBook. I still think a laptop is better for work/school.

Same. At least in my case university meant not just taking notes but also doing projects, papers, presentations and quite often it included working with USB drives and quite specialised software (coding, software engineering, graphic design like 3D max studio and some pure regular technical engineering stuff like SolidWorks). I do not see the iPP equipped to handle this.

What do you study? I am asking because some majors/subjects require specialised software and this needs to be considered when choosing a device. Like if you do not have the needs that I for example I had, it is obviously different matter on which device to choose.

 

[iDron]

What are the reasons for you to get an iPad? Is it only the pencil? If it is just that, get the pencil for your iPad.

I personally see the iPad pro kind of either as a luxury toy or specifically as a work tool for people in photography, video and painting as that stuff can be done quite elegantly while on the road on an iPad.

I assume that as a student you are on a budget and macOS still does a lot more than an iPadOS. You might need to do coding, use the Terminal for sth, work with Linux or Windows etc... Also the file management in macOS is much better, as is multitasking etc... For that, I'd get a Mac if it will be your primary machine.

The iPad Pro is definitely a faster computer, it's very nice and elegant to use but I'd only get it if you are a professional in a field where you really need those features or if money is not an issue.

 

[scupking]

I would say base MacBook Air and iPad 7. You can have both for the price of a base MacBook Pro.

 

[Ojc_123]

I actually would go for the MacBook. I still think a laptop is better for work/school.

Is there any specific reasons why you would recommend a Macbook?

Same. At least in my case university meant not just taking notes but also doing projects, papers, presentations and quite often it included working with USB drives and quite specialised software (coding, software engineering, graphic design like 3D max studio and some pure regular technical engineering stuff like SolidWorks). I do not see the iPP equipped to handle this.

What do you study? I am asking because some majors/subjects require specialised software and this needs to be considered when choosing a device. Like if you do not have the needs that I for example I had, it is obviously different matter on which device to choose.

I'm in eleventh grade in a Gymnasium, I don't think theres any tasks the iPad couldn't handle. I don't really know what I'm going to study but I don't thinks its going to be something it couldn't handle either. It would be more something to make my live easier, for example with handling the school stuff, also out teachers are beginning to use online media more and more so that I don't have to print out 20-30 sheets a week. I take a programming class but even those a iPad could easily handle
[automerge]1593348960[/automerge]

What are the reasons for you to get an iPad? Is it only the pencil? If it is just that, get the pencil for your iPad.

I personally see the iPad pro kind of either as a luxury toy or specifically as a work tool for people in photography, video and painting as that stuff can be done quite elegantly while on the road on an iPad.

I assume that as a student you are on a budget and macOS still does a lot more than an iPadOS. You might need to do coding, use the Terminal for sth, work with Linux or Windows etc... Also the file management in macOS is much better, as is multitasking etc... For that, I'd get a Mac if it will be your primary machine.

The iPad Pro is definitely a faster computer, it's very nice and elegant to use but I'd only get it if you are a professional in a field where you really need those features or if money is not an issue.

I thought especially because of money being an issue the iPad would be a good option, id had to pay less but still am able to do all the things I need. Also, I still have my old iMac which I can use for all the things, which I am not able to get done with the iPad

 

[Expos of 1969]

Is there any specific reasons why you would recommend a Macbook?


I'm in eleventh grade in a Gymnasium, I don't think theres any tasks the iPad couldn't handle. I don't really know what I'm going to study but I don't thinks its going to be something it couldn't handle either. It would be more something to make my live easier, for example with handling the school stuff, also out teachers are beginning to use online media more and more so that I don't have to print out 20-30 sheets a week. I take a programming class but even those a iPad could easily handle
[automerge]1593348960[/automerge]


I thought especially because of money being an issue the iPad would be a good option, id had to pay less but still am able to do all the things I need. Also, I still have my old iMac which I can use for all the things, which I am not able to get done with the iPad

How many more years of high school do you have before going to university? 2 or 3? I think you could be making a mistake by thinking that the iPad will be able to handle whatever you end up studying in the future. Can you continue using your old iMac and your current iPad until either one dies and then make a decision as to what to buy? If not, I would recommend getting a basic MacBook Air which will provide you with lots of flexibility.

 

[secretk]

I'm in eleventh grade in a Gymnasium, I don't think theres any tasks the iPad couldn't handle. I don't really know what I'm going to study but I don't thinks its going to be something it couldn't handle either. It would be more something to make my live easier, for example with handling the school stuff, also out teachers are beginning to use online media more and more so that I don't have to print out 20-30 sheets a week. I take a programming class but even those a iPad could easily handle

What programming class are you taking? iPad would not be enough if you want to dig deeper into programming. I am telling you this as a person that has studied computer science (granted my major was not just programming but computer engineering in itself) and as a person working in a software company.

However as you don't know what you will study I think that it will be easier if I share the shortcomings of an iPad (from my point of view):

1. Not a good setup for programming - I mean setting up projects, compiling, running code on servers. And all the things that come with it - UML diagrams, architectural design and all that.
2. No proper external display support - it duplicates the screen, it does not extend it
3. Not efficient when it comes to working with spreadsheets
4. For me personally is also not good for general research as I prefer to have two monitors - one for the browser, the other for taking notes from what I read
5. Not good multi tasking. The iPad is one task at time device. You cannot send a bigger file in chat or email and in the same time do browsing. Nah, you need to wait for the iPad to finish the file upload.
6. Ergonomics. The screen is not big enough for long hours working on it like say typing a paper. I get neck pain.

 

[Ojc_123]

Also, thank you all for your quick replies and suggestions, you all are helping me a lot
[automerge]1593350473[/automerge]

What programming class are you taking? iPad would not be enough if you want to dig deeper into programming. I am telling you this as a person that has studied computer science (granted my major was not just programming but computer engineering in itself) and as a person working in a software company.

However as you don't know what you will study I think that it will be easier if I share the shortcomings of an iPad (from my point of view):

1. Not a good setup for programming - I mean setting up projects, compiling, running code on servers. And all the things that come with it - UML diagrams, architectural design and all that.
2. No proper external display support - it duplicates the screen, it does not extend it
3. Not efficient when it comes to working with spreadsheets
4. For me personally is also not good for general research as I prefer to have two monitors - one for the browser, the other for taking notes from what I read
5. Not good multi tasking. The iPad is one task at time device. You cannot send a bigger file in chat or email and in the same time do browsing. Nah, you need to wait for the iPad to finish the file upload.
6. Ergonomics. The screen is not big enough for long hours working on it like say typing a paper. I get neck pain.

The programming class is just something I had to pick, I was always more focused on arts and languages, atm im thinking of studying something like law/psychology but that could change in the next few years. I would by the bigger iPad which would just be 0.1 inches smaller than the MacBook Air, also I think I would write essays/ long texts on the iMac anyways. if I understand you correctly I would have to monitors I could work with, the iPad as well as the iMac
[automerge]1593350611[/automerge]

How many more years of high school do you have before going to university? 2 or 3? I think you could be making a mistake by thinking that the iPad will be able to handle whatever you end up studying in the future. Can you continue using your old iMac and your current iPad until either one dies and then make a decision as to what to buy? If not, I would recommend getting a basic MacBook Air which will provide you with lots of flexibility.

It will be two years, but thats kind of my problem. I think a iPad would be a little bit better to work with right now, but it don't know if that will change with whatever I'm going to study.

 

[ascender]

If all your apps are available on iOS, definitely consider an iPad with Magic Keyboard.

Better screen... FaceID... faster... Pencil support... two-in-one... much better front-facing camera... cameras!

It all depends on what you’re going to use it for, but the recent native mouse support and keyboard accessories have definitely opened it up as a potential machine for many more people IMO.

 

[secretk]

Also, thank you all for your quick replies and suggestions, you all are helping me a lot
[automerge]1593350473[/automerge]

The programming class is just something I had to pick, I was always more focused on arts and languages, atm im thinking of studying something like law/psychology but that could change in the next few years. I would by the bigger iPad which would just be 0.1 inches smaller than the MacBook Air, also I think I would write essays/ long texts on the iMac anyways. if I understand you correctly I would have to monitors I could work with, the iPad as well as the iMac
[automerge]1593350611[/automerge]

If you keep your iMac for university than I see why you go for the iPad. Just a note to yourself though consider whether you would live in dorms or not. It obviously depends on the country but man was my dorm small. Like really small and the desk itself was also smaller. It was kind of difficult to have a lot of devices on it. Also consider how far the the university wold be from where you live. What I mean is that if there is a lot of distance you would appreciate not having to transfer your iMac there.

Yes the issue is not in the iPad screen is it how it sucks with external monitors. I use 14 inch laptop at work but I can hook up two 23 inches monitors to it. That is workable. Whenever I use my iPad with keyboard (11 inch though) for more than few hours I get neck pain. And I am on the short side (like just 5.3). For a taller person it would be even worse.

Now the iPP with pencil is definitely great for art so if you are interested in arts I am sure that you will appreciate it.

If you are interested in psychology is it clinical or regular? I am asking because I have a friend who works in clinical psychology and they work a lot with spreadsheets as they need to do a lot of trails, gather data, analyse statistics. And trust me spreadsheets and iPad is not a good combination.

I assume for the most part law means words processing - meanings lots of research, lots of books reading and lots of papers to write. For that the iPad should work. I don't know if there is special software for the people studying law.

 

[Ojc_123]

If all your apps are available on iOS, definitely consider an iPad with Magic Keyboard.

Better screen... FaceID... faster... Pencil support... two-in-one... much better front-facing camera... cameras!

It all depends on what you’re going to use it for, but the recent native mouse support and keyboard accessories have definitely opened it up as a potential machine for many more people IMO.

thank you, I thought the same thing initially

 

[Ojc_123]

If you keep your iMac for university than I see why you go for the iPad. Just a note to yourself though consider whether you would live in dorms or not. It obviously depends on the country but man was my dorm small. Like really small and the desk itself was also smaller. It was kind of difficult to have a lot of devices on it. Also consider how far the the university wold be from where you live. What I mean is that if there is a lot of distance you would appreciate not having to transfer your iMac there.

Yes the issue is not in the iPad screen is it how it sucks with external monitors. I use 14 inch laptop at work but I can hook up two 23 inches monitors to it. That is workable. Whenever I use my iPad with keyboard (11 inch though) for more than few hours I get neck pain. And I am on the short side (like just 5.3). For a taller person it would be even worse.

Now the iPP with pencil is definitely great for art so if you are interested in arts I am sure that you will appreciate it.

If you are interested in psychology is it clinical or regular? I am asking because I have a friend who works in clinical psychology and they work a lot with spreadsheets as they need to do a lot of trails, gather data, analyse statistics. And trust me spreadsheets and iPad is not a good combination.

I assume for the most part law means words processing - meanings lots of research, lots of books reading and lots of papers to write. For that the iPad should work. I don't know if there is special software for the people studying law.

I have literally no idea what my living situation will be like, but I think taking the iMac there will not be a big problem. thanks for your help

 

[secretk]

I have literally no idea what my living situation will be like, but I think taking the iMac there will not be a big problem. thanks for your help

Then you are covered. Plus you can buy now an iPad and if in the end it turns out that it is not enough you can use it to finance another purchase like Macbook Air. It is either way 2 years until university. No one is forcing you to keep whatever you buy now and to not change the setup if needed.

 

[iDron]

To me it sounds like you want the iPad and you are asking here to justify your purchase.
It is a great device, but as ppl mentioned here, getting a MacBook gives you much more flexibility as your only studying device.

 

[StevenB14]

Go for the iPad. Use the web version of Office if you need more advanced functionality.

Any way to stop iOS from opening up the app version automatically when opening a document in safari? Was hoping there would be a way without uninstalling the apps.

 

[Ojc_123]

Then you are covered. Plus you can buy now an iPad and if in the end it turns out that it is not enough you can use it to finance another purchase like Macbook Air. It is either way 2 years until university. No one is forcing you to keep whatever you buy now and to not change the setup if needed.

Absolutely true. I think thats the way to go. thank you very much
[automerge]1593434459[/automerge]

To me it sounds like you want the iPad and you are asking here to justify your purchase.
It is a great device, but as ppl mentioned here, getting a MacBook gives you much more flexibility as your only studying device.

I realized that as well. I do that sometimes when I begin to justify an idea that seems great in that moment. I still have time anyways and like secretk said either way if I'm unhappy with the setup I can still resell it and use it as a finance.

 

[0128672]

Any way to stop iOS from opening up the app version automatically when opening a document in safari? Was hoping there would be a way without uninstalling the apps.

Try disabling Settings > Safari > Siri & Search > Learn from this app.

 

[iDron]

I realized that as well. I do that sometimes when I begin to justify an idea that seems great in that moment. I still have time anyways and like secretk said either way if I'm unhappy with the setup I can still resell it and use it as a finance.

Don't see a computer as "finance". Once you have purchased, opened the box and used it even for a brief period of time, it'll drastically lose value. You might get half of your investment back after a year, especially if you go for the pricier versions.

 

[Jaekae]

Get ipad pro with the pencil and a magic keyboard.. if writing essays you can connect it to the imac screen at home and use bluetooth keyboard. You can use a better writing app than microsoft word too.. like ulyseeus or ia writer and just export the text into word later if the school need it like a word document