iPad Pro Macbook or iPad Pro. Hear me out.

[Digitalguy]

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.

Too big, too small are subjective views… It really depends on how people use them…
And there is also weight. On a desk, with a keyboard, the weight is irrelevant. On the go, with the Brydge keyboard you mention, the 12.9 is much heavier than even a Macbook pro (over 1.6kg), Naked it‘s 680gr for the new M1 or even 630gr for an older one like the 2018

 

[snfrd84]

Too big, too small are subjective views… It really depends on how people use them…
And there is also weight. On a desk, with a keyboard, the weight is irrelevant. On the go, with the Brydge keyboard you mention, the 12.9 is much heavier than even a Macbook pro (over 1.6kg), Naked it‘s 680gr for the new M1 or even 630gr for an older one like the 2018

Good points. I think I'm leaning towards the 11" simply because I'd use it primarily more while on the couch, bed, etc. More use for tablet and also to be able to use it as a "laptop" when needed with a keyboard.

 

[Digitalguy]

Good points. I think I'm leaning towards the 11" simply because I'd use it primarily more while on the couch, bed, etc. More use for tablet and also to be able to use it as a "laptop" when needed with a keyboard.

If you want to move from tablet to laptop style whenever you want the best solution is the Magic Keyboard, better than the brydge or other solutions

 

[snfrd84]

If you want to move from tablet to laptop style whenever you want the best solution is the Magic Keyboard, better than the brydge or other solutions

Yeah, I see that now. Watched a lot of videos comparing the two, and the MGK is miles better.

 

[cupcakes2000]

If you want to move from tablet to laptop style whenever you want the best solution is the Magic Keyboard, better than the brydge or other solutions

Maybe, maybe not. The mk lacks function keys and even brightness and volume keys etc. The previous brydge keyboards have that awful clip on system, but the as yet unreleased one is magnetic. And looks very macbookish. One would have to see as it connects via bt and not via the three dots but it certainly looks promising.

 

[snfrd84]

Maybe, maybe not. The mk lacks function keys and even brightness and volume keys etc. The previous brydge keyboards have that awful clip on system, but the as yet unreleased one is magnetic. And looks very macbookish. One would have to see as it connects via bt and not via the three dots but it certainly looks promising.

Here's the video I watched.

Seems the new brydge keyboard still has a few quirks.

 

[cupcakes2000]

Here's the video I watched.

Seems the new brydge keyboard still has a few quirks.

Yes it does but it’s still a prerelease model… it’s undoubtedly likely more polished on the mk, but I still think this has potential to be better if you weigh the pros and cons. Like I said though, need to wait and see when it’s released really.

Edit- actually I don’t think I have seen this video. I’ll come back when I have watched it.

 

[Isengardtom]

Maybe, maybe not. The mk lacks function keys and even brightness and volume keys etc. The previous brydge keyboards have that awful clip on system, but the as yet unreleased one is magnetic. And looks very macbookish. One would have to see as it connects via bt and not via the three dots but it certainly looks promising.

Personally never found the lack of function keys a limitation on the MK. Volume rockers are easily reachable.

 

[Digitalguy]

Maybe, maybe not. The mk lacks function keys and even brightness and volume keys etc. The previous brydge keyboards have that awful clip on system, but the as yet unreleased one is magnetic. And looks very macbookish. One would have to see as it connects via bt and not via the three dots but it certainly looks promising.

I don't think function keys are a big deal. The issue with Brydge are:
1. the magnetic one only exists for the 12.9
2. the trackpad is still not as good as the magic or the logitech (and honestly I think it never will if they don't use the smart connector), as you can see in the video
3. it's very heavy, almost 1KG just for the keyboard, quite a bit more than the MK
4. based on the video, lappability, if anything, is worse than with the MK (and the MK is not as good as a laptop already...)

The rest of the Brydge line has the same issues, plus, as you say, the awful clip on system

The logitech, while almost as good as the MK in terms of trackpad, is terrible if you want to use the iPad naked, for instance for reading. And if you keep the cover on it makes the iPad much heavier...

By the way, just today I found a MK 11 in perfect conditions for $100. I have the logitech for my 10.5, so I'll try to compare the trackpad to see if the MK trackpad is better and if so by how much...

 

[snfrd84]

Another update.

While my GF is waiting at the ER (yeah. I know. Sound like a jerk here, lol, but she's in the waiting room and I can't be in there yet) I scooted over to Best Buy and looked at both.

I held both how I would hold them. The 12.9 just felt very light and to me, screen looked fantastic. Just liked the real estate of the bigger screen. Think I've made my decision.

But now it's up to generation. BB has the 4th gen, 128gb, excellent condition for $873.

 

[Digitalguy]

Another update.

While my GF is waiting at the ER (yeah. I know. Sound like a jerk here, lol, but she's in the waiting room and I can't be in there yet) I scooted over to Best Buy and looked at both.

I held both how I would hold them. The 12.9 just felt very light and to me, screen looked fantastic. Just liked the real estate of the bigger screen. Think I've made my decision.

But now it's up to generation. BB has the 4th gen, 128gb, excellent condition for $873.

You only held the 4th gen 12.9 one (and compared to the 11in), not the 2021, right? The 2021 one is a bit heavier (50 gr, sounds very little, but I can feel the difference)

 

[snfrd84]

You only held the 4th gen 12.9 one (and compared to the 11in), not the 2021, right? The 2021 one is a bit heavier (50 gr, sounds very little, but I can feel the difference)

Correct. Not the M1. But I don't need the M1 model.

 

[rui no onna]

But now it's up to generation. BB has the 4th gen, 128gb, excellent condition for $873.

Personally, I’d rather get the 2018 256GB Apple certified refurb for $709. Not really that big a difference between 2018 and 2020.

 

[klpribula93]

If I wasn’t a creative artist, I would have gotten myself the iPad Air. I just picked up the iPad Pro 2021 11” with the M1 chip! I mainly use my iPad as a second monitor for my laptop when I travel, and for my personal desktop as well. On some travel days I don’t want to bring my laptop so I’ll use my iPad. Besides using the iPad for my creative needs (graphic design, video, and photo) — I’ll use it for streaming and FaceTime calls and writing emails. But pretty much almost 90% of the time I’ll pick my laptop over my iPad for the things I need to do as a creative artist — just because the iPad doesn’t have the software that I need. I’m still dreaming of the day when Adobe InDesign comes to iPad. Adobe brought illustrator, photoshop, and Premiere Pro (sort of) to iPad — So I’m hoping now that the M1 chip finally arrived to iPad, that Adobe will finally bring InDesign to iPad! But definitely make sure that if you skip on buying a new laptop, that the iPad can do the things you need to do.

 

[snfrd84]

If I wasn’t a creative artist, I would have gotten myself the iPad Air. I just picked up the iPad Pro 2021 11” with the M1 chip! I mainly use my iPad as a second monitor for my laptop when I travel, and for my personal desktop as well. On some travel days I don’t want to bring my laptop so I’ll use my iPad. Besides using the iPad for my creative needs (graphic design, video, and photo) — I’ll use it for streaming and FaceTime calls and writing emails. But pretty much almost 90% of the time I’ll pick my laptop over my iPad for the things I need to do as a creative artist — just because the iPad doesn’t have the software that I need. I’m still dreaming of the day when Adobe InDesign comes to iPad. Adobe brought illustrator, photoshop, and Premiere Pro (sort of) to iPad — So I’m hoping now that the M1 chip finally arrived to iPad, that Adobe will finally bring InDesign to iPad! But definitely make sure that if you skip on buying a new laptop, that the iPad can do the things you need to do.

Sounds like you have a nice set up. I get it. I've thought it through.

All I do is get on the Mac, open Spotify, surf sites and forums. That's it. No need for anything else except MS Word. To update my resume. Send them out, etc. That's it.

 

[Surfman]

Another update.

While my GF is waiting at the ER (yeah. I know. Sound like a jerk here, lol, but she's in the waiting room and I can't be in there yet) I scooted over to Best Buy and looked at both.

I held both how I would hold them. The 12.9 just felt very light and to me, screen looked fantastic. Just liked the real estate of the bigger screen. Think I've made my decision.

But now it's up to generation. BB has the 4th gen, 128gb, excellent condition for $873.

After having having a 11” for 2.5 years the new M1 12.9 is so much better, easy on the couch lol. I am no pro i use, email, news, pages, forums etc, Netflix etc, it’s better with the MGK too.
The screen is worth it over previous models.

 

[MPclk2006]

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.

Completely agree, do not give up the MacBook until you played with the iPad and know it can replace it. I have both, and like doing different stuff on either, but I don’t think I’d get rid of my MacBook just to get a bigger/nicer iPad.

 

[snfrd84]

After having having a 11” for 2.5 years the new M1 12.9 is so much better, easy on the couch lol. I am no pro i use, email, news, pages, forums etc, Netflix etc, it’s better with the MGK too.
The screen is worth it over previous models.

Trying to spend my money I see. Lol. Jk

 

[cupcakes2000]

I don't think function keys are a big deal. The issue with Brydge are:
1. the magnetic one only exists for the 12.9
2. the trackpad is still not as good as the magic or the logitech (and honestly I think it never will if they don't use the smart connector), as you can see in the video
3. it's very heavy, almost 1KG just for the keyboard, quite a bit more than the MK
4. based on the video, lappability, if anything, is worse than with the MK (and the MK is not as good as a laptop already...)

The rest of the Brydge line has the same issues, plus, as you say, the awful clip on system

The logitech, while almost as good as the MK in terms of trackpad, is terrible if you want to use the iPad naked, for instance for reading. And if you keep the cover on it makes the iPad much heavier...

By the way, just today I found a MK 11 in perfect conditions for $100. I have the logitech for my 10.5, so I'll try to compare the trackpad to see if the MK trackpad is better and if so by how much...

I don’t care about f-keys. But function keys to operate the iPad touch features, volume brightness, lock, home, pretty handy verses nothing at all.
1- I have a 12.9.
2- you don’t know it’s not released yet.
3- they’re both very heavy, it’s an issue for sure.
4- I can’t see how it will be any different to a MacBook.

I hope this new one has solved previous brydge issues.

The Logitech is not a viable thing for me. I want it detachable naked, and there is no way that Logitech is good on the lap verses the other two.

 

[LFC2020]

Buy a iPad from apple, test it out for 14d see if you can live without your MacBook, if you end missing your MacBook, return the iPad for a full refund.

If you end up liking the iPad and want to keep your MacBook as well, then buy a M1 iPad and M1 MacBook. ?????

 

[LFC2020]

Here's the video I watched.

Seems the new brydge keyboard still has a few quirks.

That brydge keyboard needs to go to Jenny Craig ASAP. ??? one chunky heavy boy.

 

[Digitalguy]

I don’t care about f-keys. But function keys to operate the iPad touch features, volume brightness, lock, home, pretty handy verses nothing at all.
1- I have a 12.9.
2- you don’t know it’s not released yet.
3- they’re both very heavy, it’s an issue for sure.
4- I can’t see how it will be any different to a MacBook.

I hope this new one has solved previous brydge issues.

The Logitech is not a viable thing for me. I want it detachable naked, and there is no way that Logitech is good on the lap verses the other two.

2. It will ship at the end of June, we won’t have to wait much to see if there are any changes
4. The Macbook guts are on the base, they brydge has much more weight on the top compared to a Macbook… Depending on where you sit, even the MK tends to fall backwards if you don’t put your wrists on it (if your legs are not horizontal, but slightly towards to floor, because the seat is this way too…). Even in that situation the Mac does not fall.

 

[Rafterman]

MacBook or iPad is like saying lawn mower or snow thrower. Different tools for different jobs. Yes, there are many that overlap - web browsing and email 99 percent of the time type users, in which case either one will suffice. But a decent number of people will need both, unless you are a simple casual user.

 

[snfrd84]

I can get the 2020 4th gen 12.9 new for $849. That’s $150 off. Best Buy was giving $50 off and then got a student discount for $100 off.
Good deal?

 

[Ray2]

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

As you don’t need the specs, “Looks“ introduces a level of subjectivity that makes recommendations difficult. There's nothing you've said that suggests a $399 iPad can't serve you well. So basically you know the cost for looks. Sort of the same thing with a Macbook Pro vs an Air as it didn’t sound like you needed a Pro at that point as well.