iPad Pro Macbook or iPad Pro. Hear me out.

[snfrd84]

I'll start out by saying that my 2017 MacBook serves my purposes pretty well. Not a heavy user, surfing, listening to music, works great. With that say, I'm still looking at iPads all the time.

I'm wanting to really maximize my experience and get the best for what I need.

During the day, on the couch, or at night, maybe just want to check out some sites and wish I had an iPad. But I also love coming into the office, sitting at the desk and getting on the MacBook.

Was thinking, kill two birds with one stone and get, not even an new M1 Pro, but maybe a 2018 or 2019 and get the Brydge keyboard for when I need.

Sounds rational?

 

[bsamcash]

If you don’t do a lot of production and you don’t have any MacOS specific apps you need to use, then an iPad should serve you well.

 

[snfrd84]

If you don’t do a lot of production and you don’t have any MacOS specific apps you need to use, then an iPad should serve you well.

That's what I was thinking. Just a Joe Schmoe doing average tasks. Nothing heavy.

 

[Tsepz]

If you don’t do a lot of production and you don’t have any MacOS specific apps you need to use, then an iPad should serve you well.

This exact!

@OP it sounds like you will be perfectly fine with an iPad Pro, go and treat yourself to the M1 iPad Pro and you should be perfectly fine.

 

[snfrd84]

This exact!

@OP it sounds like you will be perfectly fine with an iPad Pro, go and treat yourself to the M1 iPad Pro and you should be perfectly fine.

Ha. I wish the funds would allow me to get the M1. Looking at selling the MacBook and getting a refurb 3rd gen 12.9 from apple.

 

[rui no onna]

Don't give up your MacBook until you know you can do everything you need on the iPad. Sometimes, it's the little things that can really bug you.

The Apple certified refurb store has good deals on the 2018 model (which has almost the same performance to 2020). These are good machines which will last at least 3 years while being a relatively inexpensive way to test the waters.

I've seen the older gen MKB on sale for $200-250 on Amazon and Best Buy.

 

[chrfr]

I'll start out by saying that my 2017 MacBook serves my purposes pretty well. Not a heavy user, surfing, listening to music, works great. With that say, I'm still looking at iPads all the time.

I'm wanting to really maximize my experience and get the best for what I need.

During the day, on the couch, or at night, maybe just want to check out some sites and wish I had an iPad. But I also love coming into the office, sitting at the desk and getting on the MacBook.

Was thinking, kill two birds with one stone and get, not even an new M1 Pro, but maybe a 2018 or 2019 and get the Brydge keyboard for when I need.

Sounds rational?

Your brief description of your needs doesn’t really even indicate anything that would require an iPad Pro- not even an older model- rather than a less expensive model.

 

[snfrd84]

Your brief description of your needs doesn’t really even indicate anything that would require an iPad Pro- not even an older model- rather than a less expensive model.

I said that particular model, because of the specs and the design. Looks miles better to me than the older iPads.

 

[slplss]

Ha. I wish the funds would allow me to get the M1. Looking at selling the MacBook and getting a refurb 3rd gen 12.9 from apple.

If your MB is your only device with desktop class OS I’d keep it and save for 3rd gen iPP. Both iPP and MB should last you another 5 years.

 

[chrfr]

I said that particular model, because of the specs and the design. Looks miles better to me than the older iPads.

Perhaps an iPad Air would be worth a look then.

 

[TheJing]

I‘m also a very light user and I was eyeing iPads just like you. Since I got mine two years ago, I’ve barely touched my MBP that I used heavily until I quit my job. I only use it to fall asleep to ad-free YouTube videos basically. I got the Pro just for face-ID and the design, but if I had to pick one today I would definitely compromise and get the Air, no doubt.

Since it doesn’t get used much and the battery and bottom chassis got replaced only a few months ago, my MBP will easily last for 5-10 more years and I will not replace it when it dies.

 

[snfrd84]

I will say, for the iPad, I’m also thinking of possibly getting the new Brydge keyboard for the 12.9 if I did get it. Can have the versatility of the iPad and keyboard if and when I needed it.

 

[cupcakes2000]

iPad plus keyboard is a great option, but as the others have suggested (in roundabout ways) - there is a different learning curve to accomplish some task on an iPad over a traditional OS.

 

[cupcakes2000]

I will say, for the iPad, I’m also thinking of possibly getting the new Brydge keyboard for the 12.9 if I did get it. Can have the versatility of the iPad and keyboard if and when I needed it.

Do you mean that new magnetic one? Bridge pro 12.9 + or something? Looking forward to it being released. Looks very cool.

 

[G5isAlive]

I'll start out by saying that my 2017 MacBook serves my purposes pretty well. Not a heavy user, surfing, listening to music, works great. With that say, I'm still looking at iPads all the time.

I'm wanting to really maximize my experience and get the best for what I need.

During the day, on the couch, or at night, maybe just want to check out some sites and wish I had an iPad. But I also love coming into the office, sitting at the desk and getting on the MacBook.

Was thinking, kill two birds with one stone and get, not even an new M1 Pro, but maybe a 2018 or 2019 and get the Brydge keyboard for when I need.

Sounds rational?

Why 'Or'? I use both. Not sure what your exact needs are, but if you use any of the MS office Apps, you will be disappointed with the iPad versions.

 

[DMG35]

OP you’d be fine with a 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro. You don’t need the M1 and for what you will be doing on it you won’t see a difference in performance either way.

 

[snfrd84]

OP you’d be fine with a 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro. You don’t need the M1 and for what you will be doing on it you won’t see a difference in performance either way.

That’s the way I looked at it. Has the newer look, but would be fast enough for what I'd use it for.

 

[Aleco]

I'm basically in the same position as you OP. I personally have no use for an iPad but I've been looking at them for years. My workflow on my 2020 MBP cannot be replicated on an iPad (whether it's a Pro or not).

I've always wanted an iPad, with this years upgrade I went for it; got the new Pro 12.9" with Cellular w/ Smart Folio since it keeps it sleek. I always have a keyboard with the MBP so it didn't make sense to get the full set-up ($1,500 yikes).

The problem: I use both devices as a portable device. I'm now taking both the MBP and iPad with me. Since my workflow can't be replicated on the iPad (programming) and I need the MBP with me in case of emergencies. However, I'm still keeping it.

My take: If you keep your MacBook stationary, I think you'll benefit with the iPad. I strongly recommend going 12.9" as the 11" iPad Pro always felt underwhelmed by spending that much and getting so little. The 2021 iPad Pro is very little difference from last years model, you should take a look at open-box deals at Best Buy to save some $$ too.

 

[Surfman]

I sold a 27’ 2015 iMac and 2018 11” iPad and just use a new M1 12.9” and MGK, it can be done.

 

[Surfman]

The 2021 iPad Pro is very little difference from last years model,

Haha

 

[mobi-logic]

I Use my gadgets to full extent for like more than 4-5 years including iPhones and MacBook. When it’s time to change it, I prefer to go with the latest technology available that year rather than going for year old technology. For your use I would have gone with base 12.9 M1.

 

[slplss]

The 2021 iPad Pro is very little difference from last years model, you should take a look at open-box deals at Best Buy to save some $$ too.

Haha

Yup, between 2018 and 2020 model, A12Z is the same exact chip with one additional gpu core and 2GB more RAM. Basically as powerful with little to no difference in benchmarks.
Between 2020 and 2021 model, 5nm M1 SOC is over 50% faster than A12Z, more efficient, comes with +2GB base RAM, Thunderbolt support, new display tech on 12.9 = very little difference over 4th gen ?.

Anyone being economical shouldn't look for 2020 iPP over 2018. You can save up to 40% on 2018 vs. 2020 on eBay.

 

[ericwn]

If you can make it work with an iPhone as a couch computer you can make it with an iPad.
I’d order a new one in your budget and test it during the return period.

 

[snfrd84]

Update:

Speaking to a friend of mine that had the Galaxy Tab S7+, which is close in size to the 12.9 Pro. He said that it was bigger than his iPad, said it almost felt too big. So he went with a newer M1 11" Pro.

Making me thing, should I just save a little dough and get the 11" and be done. Decisions, decisions, lol.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Making me thing, should I just save a little dough and get the 11" and be done. Decisions, decisions, lol.

A refurbished 2018 11" iPad Pro would serve you well.