Macbook Air or the iPad 2.

[entatlrg]

I carry both an 11" iPad Air and the 32gb iPad1 3g unlimited. I see no need for the iPad2 just yet as the 1 serves me quite well. Now why do I carry both? Because there are times for both. The iPad, in an email mode or reading mode is perfect. Sitting in a meeting and having the iPad sometimes works, but more than once, the MBA has saved me. So, as a rule, I take the MBA to meetings and use the iPad around the house, on the deck, etc. On a plane, the iPad wins for movies, etc, but the MBA rules for email and research.

I also carry a MBPro 15 for serious development using VMWare. I am a software developer and need to have that ability with me. Soooooo .... all 3 have their place and are great additions to my life.

Just my 2 bits worth.....

What do you carry all this gear in, backpack or messenger bag?

 

[happyslayer]

I carry both my 11.6" Air and an ATT iPad2 16GB everywhere I go. I have a backpack with two padded pockets.

The iPad is great for reading, quick surfing and simple gaming (I like word games, if anybody cares

The Air is what I use for writing, using Excel and serious Internet usage for my job - I'm a computer consultant. The Air is really useful when I'm trouble-shooting a router or need to dial-in (RDP) to my customer's servers. (Yes that can be done on an iPad using an app like iTap, but it is not so nice when you need to spend a lot of time trouble-shooting an Exchange server for example.)

Both devices serve their purpose and both devices have a place in my day-to-dy life. Although, if push came to shove, I'd give up the iPad before my (precious!) Air.

 

[maclaptop]

One of the things I tell non-Mac users the most is that my MBA runs Win7 better than any Windows laptop I've ever seen. So I don't get your point.

If the iPad is for you then get one and enjoy. But please don't try to say that the iPad is better than an MBA.

I certainly agree, the iPad and MBA are two completely different items, and like you I have both.

What I don't understand is why so many Mac people keep saying a Mac runs Windows better than a PC. While once that was true, it's no longer the case.

Windows 7 SP1, runs extremely fast, smooth and stable on a well equipped PC. I've ran benchmarks and side by side tests with my 15" 2010 i7, 8GB MBP, and an identically configured PC laptop and the PC bests the Mac every time.

I'm NOT advocating for Microsoft just sharing facts. Between those two, the MBP is still my personal favorite by leaps and bounds.

 

[cheesymogul]

I would wait another month for the upcoming Air refresh.
The Sandy Bridge processor update will most likely bring the 11" model on par with the power of the current C2D 13" Air.

Have you ever considered this?
A maxed out next generation 11" Air plus a cheap non-Apple monitor.
You would get both worlds for less: Almost iPad level mobility in the class room but with a lot more options than the tablet, plus plenty of real estate for photoshopping at home.

 

[Blues003]

I have to say most of the people responding in this thread have no idea what they are talking about with regards to the iPad. The MBA is a great computer and far better than the iPad for "computer tasks". But for reading or medical apps I think the iPad is way better. Assuming your note taking is limited, the iPad is good enough. For presentations, Keynote is great but not as good as on the Mac.

Are you going to be doing tasks mostly on the go or when at a desk? If at a desk go for a laptop, if on the go then get an iPad if you have a computer someone to use for synching and setup. If you have no computer at all, then go for a laptop.

Last suggestion, assuming money is tight, I would do the refurbished section of the Apple store website. You can save significantly there and is the best value for the money.

Thank you. Finally, some well-directed, objective and concise answer to my specific question! Not that I don't appreciate other input, but I doubt most of those answers took in real account what I had said.

I have a laptop, and I'd still use it at home. But it is too heavy to carry around (3Kg), so I was thinking of getting the Air or maybe the Pro Macbooks. My first Mac product too!

Unfortunately on my country there is no refurbished option for us. We have to buy brand-new products.

your needs sound more on par with a macbook pro. the air is a great machine but its very underpowered and it is mostly ment as a secondary mobile computer.

What parts of my needs do you specifically think the Macbook Air would struggle handling?