iPad Pro iPad Pro vs 15" Macbook Air Pricing

[Ludatyk]

I have the 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, and at 2.4lbs it's heavier than the 12" MacBook that came out in 2015. There is an inherent weight to screen size cost to the iPad/Magic Keyboard, period. I don't think people realise it because Apple no longer sells an ultra portable laptop. But I wish they would.

I agree the MK is heavier in combination with an iPad Pro than the 12 inch MB, but as @darngooddesign mention there are alternatives to the MK like the Smart Keyboard or Logitech keyboard options.

Nah. But as I said, even if you don't personally notice 1 pound, add enough 1 pounds and eventually your bag will be too heavy. The weight of a device may not matter to you, but it matters to many.

Different strokes for different folks. I have no problem carrying my 14 inch MBP along with the 12.9 inch iPP. But mind you… I use a backpack rather than a messenger bag.

 

[Isamilis]

Literally everything about the iPad Pro is better than the M2 MBA and he is wondering why the iPad Pro is more expensive.

The MBA is an entry level machine while the iPad Pro is a premium device with premium hardware.

I disagree. I have M2 MBA and iPad Pro M1 + magic keyboard. I am very much comfortable working on MBA than iPad - even though the MBA is entry level machine. Plus 18 hours battery life is much better than 10-11 hours in iPad.

 

[Zest28]

I disagree. I have M2 MBA and iPad Pro M1 + magic keyboard. I am very much comfortable working on MBA than iPad - even though the MBA is entry level machine. Plus 18 hours battery life is much better than 10-11 hours in iPad.

How can you disagree with facts? And I own both the M2 MBA and 12.9 M1 iPad Pro too.
- speakers: M1 12.9 iPad Pro is better
- display: M1 12.9 iPad Pro is better
- Camera’s: M1 12.9 iPad Pro is better
…..

The M2 MBA should be compared to the iPad Air line.

Well, no wonder battery life is better because it has a 60hz IPS display and not a 120hz mini-LED display.

 

[ericwn]

Traveling overseas, I usually have a lot of other stuff on my backpack so every lb/kg counts. Some airlines also have a weight limit for carry on luggage (e.g. 7kg/15lbs for Philippine Airlines) and a padded laptop backpack by itself already weighs ~7lbs.

I never encountered an issue in my plenty travels but yes, pack less if your bag is heavy. Would that drive me to a tablet or a notebook? No.

 

[rui no onna]

I never encountered an issue in my plenty travels but yes, pack less if your bag is heavy. Would that drive me to a tablet or a notebook? No.

Personally, one of the reasons I bought the 2-lb ThinkPad X1 Nano is for its light weight for when I need to travel (mostly for iTunes backup and any emergency PC stuff that crops up). Granted, I still plan on carrying an iPad with me (11” iPP only, no physical keyboard).

 

[dumastudetto]

We're all moving across our different Apple devices everyday. iPhones and handing off to Apple Watches, and vice-versa, with AirPods Pros dangling from our ears, iPad Air and iPad mini while consuming content, iPad Pro for real work, MacBook Pros and Mac Pros for the occasional high-end task. Then when we're ready to kick back in the evenings and watch some Apple TV+ or listen to music, we naturally navigate to our Apple TVs and HomePods and AirPods Max.

This vibrant ecosystem caters to every need.

I can't wait to add Vision Pro to the mix.

 

[darngooddesign]

I have the 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, and at 2.4lbs it's heavier than the 12" MacBook that came out in 2015. There is an inherent weight to screen size cost to the iPad/Magic Keyboard, period. I don't think people realise it because Apple no longer sells an ultra portable laptop. But I wish they would.

All iPads and MacBooks below are the 8/256 models.

iPad Air M1 + Smart Keyboard Folio = 1.91lbs $928
12" MacBook = 2.03lbs $1299 (in 2023, the final MB costs $1699 at 2017 release or $1545 at 2019 cancellation)

Refurbished iPad Pro M1 13" + Smart Keyboard Folio = 2.39lbs $1158
MacBook Air M1 = 2.8 lbs $999

iPad Pro M2 13" + Smart Keyboard Folio = 2.39lbs $1378
MacBook Air M2 = 3.0lbs $1299

Nah. But as I said, even if you don't personally notice 1 pound, add enough 1 pounds and eventually your bag will be too heavy. The weight of a device may not matter to you, but it matters to many.

If weight matters maybe don't carry the heaviest iPad Keyboard; no need for trackpad when the entire screen is a trackpad, or just toss a cheap plastic BT mouse in your bag. It's not Apple's fault if your back hurts because you chose the wrong bag or the heaviest keyboard with your heavy load. No matter how you slice it, iPads with keyboards weigh less.

PS: I agree about noticing even 1 pound if you are carrying a lot; back when I was carrying two laptops to work I simply used a backpack instead of a messenger bag.

 

[cupcakes2000]

MacBook air comes with a screen, touchpad, keyboard, and front facing camera 😉

The iPad also comes with a screen (??! This is a weird ‘plus’), which is a giant touch pad, and an onscreen keyboard, and a front facing camera.

Further, you can (if you want to) add any BT mouse, track pad, keyboard or stylus to it.

So- what is your point?

 

[Student of Life]

A more apples to cucumbers comparison would be;

12.9" M2 iPad Pro, 256gb Storage, 8gb ram (no Magic Keyboard), $1,199

13.6" M2 MacBook Air, 256gb storage, 8bg ram, $1,099

Now at least the screen size is more comparable and the iPad doesn't need the overpriced magic keyboard it has a virtual on screen one built in the software.

Now like others have said getting to an apples to oranges comparison would be;

10.9" M1 iPad Air, 256gb Storage, 8gb ram (no Magic Keyboard), Apple Pencil, $869

13.3" M1 MacBook Air, 256gb storage, 8bg ram, $999

The beauty of all of these products is that we have so many options to find the one that fits us the best. And if value is you top priority then a Mac mini with third party peripherals is the best option. If the largest portable screen size is your priority then the 15 MBA. See where this goes, its not a one that is best or the one that has the best perceived "value", its what fits what you need.

and really the best value that gets you the best of all worlds is;

13.3" M1 MacBook Air, 256gb storage, 8bg ram, $799 from microcenter
and
8.3" iPad mini, 64gb Storage, 4gb ram $349 from apple with the $150 gift card deal.

Where are you seeing the iPad mini as part of the back to school promotion, I can’t seem to find it. I just see a 100 dollar gift card for the iPad Air and iPad Pro

 

[teh_hunterer]

All iPads and MacBooks below are the 8/256 models.

iPad Air M1 + Smart Keyboard Folio = 1.91lbs $928
12" MacBook = 2.03lbs $1299 (in 2023, the final MB costs $1699 at 2017 release or $1545 at 2019 cancellation)

Refurbished iPad Pro M1 13" + Smart Keyboard Folio = 2.39lbs $1158
MacBook Air M1 = 2.8 lbs $999

iPad Pro M2 13" + Smart Keyboard Folio = 2.39lbs $1378
MacBook Air M2 = 3.0lbs $1299

If people want to buy the Smart Keyboard Folio and not have a trackpad that's up to them. That's not really relevant to my point, which is that there is an inherent weight inefficiency to turning an iPad into a laptop, which is that what is initially the lightest and most portable device actually becomes heavier than laptops that have bigger screens.

You can like other cases that don't have trackpads all you want.

It's not Apple's fault if your back hurts because you chose the wrong bag or the heaviest keyboard with your heavy load.

That's kind of a bizarre comment. Who is saying it's Apple's fault if someone's back hurts?

Given how much weight is saved by a laptop, I'm interested to see if Apple someday brings touch to the MacBooks and hinges that fold all the way around. Thinking about weight is useful for thinking about how Apple might design a hybrid device in the future.

 

[Isamilis]

How can you disagree with facts? And I own both the M2 MBA and 12.9 M1 iPad Pro too.
- speakers: M1 12.9 iPad Pro is better
- display: M1 12.9 iPad Pro is better
- Camera’s: M1 12.9 iPad Pro is better
…..

The M2 MBA should be compared to the iPad Air line.

Well, no wonder battery life is better because it has a 60hz IPS display and not a 120hz mini-LED display.

Probably on paper yes. From my experience and usage, MBA wins on the following areas:
- better keyboard
- larger screen
- more eyes-friendly display (I knew this is subjective, but I can not use iPad more than a hour straight)
- better battery life, especially for light task like reading docs
- full scale computer. Software that I used a lot, Ms Excel runs much better on Mac

My point is comparing Mac vs iPad is like comparing Apple and Orange. It will end up to subjective user’s experience.

I agree, iPad Pro is better in everything *compared* to iPad Air. Same, MBP is better compared to MBP and so on.

 

[darngooddesign]

If people want to buy the Smart Keyboard Folio and not have a trackpad that's up to them. That's not really relevant to my point, which is that there is an inherent weight inefficiency to turning an iPad into a laptop, which is that what is initially the lightest and most portable device actually becomes heavier than laptops that have bigger screens.

Only if you buy Apple's heaviest keyboard. I have even demonstrated that the iPad Air+Keyboard is lighter than the 12" MacBook.

You can like other cases that don't have trackpads all you want.

I like that the combo is still lighter than a MacBook Air.

That's kind of a bizarre comment. Who is saying it's Apple's fault if someone's back hurts?

What is bizarre is blaming the Magic Keyboard's weight instead of the person for using the wrong type of bag for their heavy load.

Given how much weight is saved by a laptop, I'm interested to see if Apple someday brings touch to the MacBooks and hinges that fold all the way around. Thinking about weight is useful for thinking about how Apple might design a hybrid device in the future.

No weight is saved with a laptop. The 13" iPad Pro + Smart Keyboard Folio is lighter than a MacBook Air. The iPad is only heavier if you choose Apple's heaviest iPad Keyboard.

 

[culo77]

Where are you seeing the iPad mini as part of the back to school promotion, I can’t seem to find it. I just see a 100 dollar gift card for the iPad Air and iPad Pro

Sorry I thought I saw that on macrumors the $150 back to school promo (gift card). Either way you can get it for $399 at a few places.

 

[culo77]

Why is everyone so hung op on the Magic Keyboard for the iPad? There are a bazillion other bluetooth keyboards a physical being can use with the iPad.

You don't need a track pad when you can touch a screen. Also with speech to text getting better each year, you won't even need to type anymore. (okay I know thats a stretch, seriously apple get your sh** together Siri never understands me)

 

[teh_hunterer]

Different strokes for different folks. I have no problem carrying my 14 inch MBP along with the 12.9 inch iPP. But mind you… I use a backpack rather than a messenger bag.

Sounds like the dream setup. I briefly did this, and the 12.9" and 14" feel like they're made for each other. It's just so damn heavy!

 

[Ludatyk]

Sounds like the dream setup. I briefly did this, and the 12.9" and 14" feel like they're made for each other. It's just so damn heavy!

Dream setup, indeed. But if I'm taking my 14" MBP... I won't need to pack up the Magic Keyboard.. Because that would appear redundant (to me).

I have one of those TenOne Mountie that can clamp onto the MBP and I can use the 12.9" as a secondary screen. However, I might abandon the TenOne soon and pick up that Rolling Square Edge Pro because the setup looks much better (imo).

 

[teh_hunterer]

Dream setup, indeed. But if I'm taking my 14" MBP... I won't need to pack up the Magic Keyboard.. Because that would appear redundant (to me).

I have one of those TenOne Mountie that can clamp onto the MBP and I can use the 12.9" as a secondary screen. However, I might abandon the TenOne soon and pick up that Rolling Square Edge Pro because the setup looks much better (imo).

I just carried it in the smart folio and propped it up next to the MBP.

 

[Digitalguy]

Only if you buy Apple's heaviest keyboard. I have even demonstrated that the iPad Air+Keyboard is lighter than the 12" MacBook.

I like that the combo is still lighter than a MacBook Air.

What is bizarre is blaming the Magic Keyboard's weight instead of the person for using the wrong type of bag for their heavy load.

No weight is saved with a laptop. The 13" iPad Pro + Smart Keyboard Folio is lighter than a MacBook Air. The iPad is only heavier if you choose Apple's heaviest iPad Keyboard.

I have tried going with the smart keyboard but I had 2 major issues (that for some might not matter). The smart keyboard is virtually unusable on your lap, contrary to the MK. Also when I used my cellular iPad as my on the go device I often remoted into my laptop/desktop because of the iPad limitations and without a trackpad it's a nightmare. The MK addressed those issues. At some point, I moved to a 13" cellular laptop (since I am fortunate enough to prefer Windows to MacOS and therefore have more choice) which was even lighter than the 11" + MK.

 

[teh_hunterer]

Only if you buy Apple's heaviest keyboard. I have even demonstrated that the iPad Air+Keyboard is lighter than the 12" MacBook.

And that's a fine setup you are talking about. Good for you, and anyone else who enjoys that. However my point was that turning the iPad into a laptop comes with weight inefficiencies that might surprise the average person. I would say both a trackpad and keyboard is what's required to classify it as turning it into a laptop. And if you do that, your iPad set is simply going to be heavier than a laptop of the same screen size.

Nobody is saying you have to use it, but to take my iPad to work instead of my MacBook, both a trackpad and keyboard are required.

What is bizarre is blaming the Magic Keyboard's weight instead of the person for using the wrong type of bag for their heavy load.

Who is "blaming" anything? It's such loaded language for such an uncontroversial topic. I am talking about the weight difference between different products in the lineup and you're saying I'm blaming Apple because I'm carrying the wrong bag... what?

No weight is saved with a laptop. The 13" iPad Pro + Smart Keyboard Folio is lighter than a MacBook Air. The iPad is only heavier if you choose Apple's heaviest iPad Keyboard.

I get what you're saying. But if you are adding both a keyboard and trackpad to the iPad, then you would actually be saving weight with a laptop.

Granted, you get the flexibility of having the touch screen, being able to take the iPad off the Magic Keyboard, you get other advantages of the iPad. But you do pay a weight penalty. And if you use a keyboard case without a trackpad and don't pay that weight penalty, congratulations I guess.

 

[Tagbert]

The 15" MacBook is only like .3lbs heavier as well, which just goes to show the inherent weight inefficiency of the whole Magic Keyboard needing a bunch of dead weight to properly support the iPad situation.

I just use the Smart Keyboard Folio + a mouse. It’s lighter and my typing is mostly posts on the iPad.

 

[darngooddesign]

And that's a fine setup you are talking about. Good for you, and anyone else who enjoys that. However my point was that turning the iPad into a laptop comes with weight inefficiencies that might surprise the average person. I would say both a trackpad and keyboard is what's required to classify it as turning it into a laptop. And if you do that, your iPad set is simply going to be heavier than a laptop of the same screen size.

The entire screen is a trackpad.

Nobody is saying you have to use it, but to take my iPad to work instead of my MacBook, both a trackpad and keyboard are required.

Or you could just leave a BT mouse at work. I used to do that with chargers so I didn't have to carry one.

I get what you're saying. But if you are adding both a keyboard and trackpad to the iPad, then you would actually be saving weight with a laptop.

Granted, you get the flexibility of having the touch screen, being able to take the iPad off the Magic Keyboard, you get other advantages of the iPad. But you do pay a weight penalty. And if you use a keyboard case without a trackpad and don't pay that weight penalty, congratulations I guess.

You only pay a weight penalty if you use the heaviest iPad Keyboard you can get. There are plenty of lighter options.

 

[teh_hunterer]

The entire screen is a trackpad.

The screen is a screen. If you can get by without a trackpad and a mouse, great. Don't expect everyone else to.

Or you could just leave a BT mouse at work. I used to do that with chargers so I didn't have to carry one.

I travel from site to site and I need the iPad to have a trackpad and keyboard for the work I do. It's that simple.

You only pay a weight penalty if you use the heaviest iPad Keyboard you can get. There are plenty of lighter options.

Yes, you have pointed out there are lighter options. I don't know how many times I have to tell you, if you want to use your iPad as a laptop, say it with me: laptop, you pay a weight penalty for it.

I think your problem here might be that you expect everyone to use their devices in the exact same way you do.

 

[darngooddesign]

The screen is a screen. If you can get by without a trackpad and a mouse, great. Don't expect everyone else to.

So use a lightweight mouse and a lightweight keyboard.

I travel from site to site and I need the iPad to have a trackpad and keyboard for the work I do. It's that simple.

There are lighter keyboards with trackpads, often with the Fn row, but you bought Apple‘s heaviest one.

Yes, you have pointed out there are lighter options. I don't know how many times I have to tell you, if you want to use your iPad as a laptop, say it with me: laptop, you pay a weight penalty for it.

You seem to applying your decision to buy Apple’s heaviest keyboard as a blanket rule that iPads are heavier than MacBooks. Most people aren’t obsessed with slight weight differences between the two, at least not as a way to suggest that iPads with keyboards are worse than MacBooks.

I think your problem here might be that you expect everyone to use their devices in the exact same way you do.

Probably not since just like you, I have a Magic Keyboard.

TLDR - For your specific needs, which seem to be driven by weight, a MacBook Air would be better and you should buy one of those. Of course you would lose the touchscreen, pencil support, and have a lower quality screen but it would run MacOS And be lighter.

 

[teh_hunterer]

So use a lightweight mouse and a lightweight keyboard.

Stop moving the goalposts. I said when you turn the iPad into a laptop, it's heavier than a same sized screen laptop.

You then tried to say keyboards without trackpads are light - OK, but that's not a laptop.

You then tried to say a screen is a trackpad - a screen isn't a trackpad, a trackpad isn't a trackpad.

And now you're telling me to use a lightweight mouse and keyboard - as I said, when you turn the iPad into a laptop, it's heavier than a same sized screen laptop.

You seem to applying your decision to buy Apple’s heaviest keyboard as a blanket rule that iPads are heavier than MacBooks.

You seem to be really offended by the fact that turning an iPad into a laptop incurs a weight penalty. Again, this is a completely bizarre argument and I don't know why you are getting so snippy and accusatory about it.

Most people aren’t obsessed with slight weight differences between the two, at least not as a way to suggest that iPads with keyboards are worse than MacBooks.

That's just projection. Pointing out a simple fact isn't obsession.

TLDR - For your specific needs, which seem to be driven by weight

Nope, more projection.

a MacBook Air would be better and you should buy one of those. Of course you would lose the touchscreen, pencil support, and have a lower quality screen but it would run MacOS And be lighter.

Nah, I shouldn't buy a MacBook Air. But you should stop projecting your own obsessions on to me. It is totally bizarre that you've latched on to a very simple post of mine:

"I think it's also fair to point out how much more weight you have to cart around for the screen size when you're talking about an iPad and Magic Keyboard combination.

That's why I'm still very interested in the idea of a 12" MacBook (or 12.5" with today's bezel size), because you can have a laptop with a 12.5" screen at 2lbs, compared to the 11" iPad Pro and MK at 2.4lbs and 12.9" iPad Pro and MK at 3lbs.

It opens up some interesting comparisons when you look at the weight."

To go around in circles like that and keep trying to tell me what to buy and what to use is just odd. I think you need to touch grass, my friend.

 

[Ludatyk]

"I think it's also fair to point out how much more weight you have to cart around for the screen size when you're talking about an iPad and Magic Keyboard combination.

That's why I'm still very interested in the idea of a 12" MacBook (or 12.5" with today's bezel size), because you can have a laptop with a 12.5" screen at 2lbs, compared to the 11" iPad Pro and MK at 2.4lbs and 12.9" iPad Pro and MK at 3lbs.

It opens up some interesting comparisons when you look at the weight.“

But @darngooddesign issue is that you called out the heaviest iPad keyboard accessory to prove a weight factor. When they are merely suggesting there are alternatives where weight would be negligible.

But I do get your point… when looking at what Apple offers with the iPad and MK combination having a 12” MB would be better in terms of weight comparison.