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snfrd84

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 10, 2021
87
41
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.
Considering the specs of the Air OR Pro, wouldn't you think if I'm looking for a laptop replacement that I'd want to get a tablet with similar specs?

Plus I'm talking about tablets. Not laptops.
 
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Night Spring

macrumors G5
Jul 17, 2008
14,885
8,056
Considering the specs of the Air OR Pro, wouldn't you think if I'm looking for a laptop replacement that I'd want to get a tablet with similar specs?
I think you said you do surfing and listening to music? Anything else?

Comparing iPad specs to laptop specs is meaningless, because iPads do a lot more with less specs. If you really just do surfing and music, a 10 year old iPad would work for you. ;p
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,920
13,268
Comparing iPad specs to laptop specs is meaningless, because iPads do a lot more with less specs. If you really just do surfing and music, a 10 year old iPad would work for you. ;p

As someone who just got rid of the iPad 4th generation released in 2012, I have to say even run of the mill web surfing is pretty painful on such an old device. Almost feels like surfing on a PC with old/weak Pentium or Atom CPU.

Personally, I wouldn't want to web surf even on the 7-year old iPad Air 2 (yes, we've got one in the household).
 

UBS28

macrumors 68030
Oct 2, 2012
2,893
2,340
As someone who just got rid of the iPad 4th generation released in 2012, I have to say even run of the mill web surfing is pretty painful on such an old device. Almost feels like surfing on a PC with old/weak Pentium or Atom CPU.

Personally, I wouldn't want to web surf even on the 7-year old iPad Air 2 (yes, we've got one in the household).

Why not? For simple web browsing, the iPad Air 2 is already overkill (I have one too still).
 

snfrd84

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 10, 2021
87
41
Alright. I'm not here to argue over older iPads and their capabilities. I made a thread about getting information and help regarding iPad Pro's.

For the most part, everyone has been great. Let's just please try to keep it on the topic about which I posted.

Thanks.
 
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Porterhouse

macrumors 6502
Aug 13, 2011
381
179
USA
If you’re wanting the 12.9, yes, you could go for the 2020 edition you found for $850. Or you could try a 2018 refurb from Apple for $629. There’s not a ton of differences between the 2018 and 2020 models. https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...a227829bdc5bbf5e7742632f852fea80652c3d06f3ccf

At the moment, I’m still rocking a 2018 11’, which I use daily. Yes, it’s a replacement—the benefit of Applecare after a broken screen, but the tech is still working great.
 

Night Spring

macrumors G5
Jul 17, 2008
14,885
8,056
Alright. I'm not here to argue over older iPads and their capabilities. I made a thread about getting information and help regarding iPad Pro's.

For the most part, everyone has been great. Let's just please try to keep it on the topic about which I posted.

Thanks.
Sorry, didn't mean to derail the topic. Just wanted to point out that if your usage is as light as you said, then there's no need to get hang up on specs. The older models you are considering will do just fine.
 

snfrd84

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 10, 2021
87
41
Sorry, didn't mean to derail the topic. Just wanted to point out that if your usage is as light as you said, then there's no need to get hang up on specs. The older models you are considering will do just fine.
I get it, and thanks for the other suggestions. I already had my eyes set on a 'newer' model. Whether it was a 2018 or 2020 model iPad Pro. Just didn't seem smart for me, since I wanted more of a laptop replacement to get an considerably older iPad, then to just have to turn around and get a newer down the road.

Granted I to some, would have light use. But I also keep on average more than 5 tabs open in a browser, switch back and forth, Spotify running in the background as well.

Just wanted to get as close as possible, to a 'laptop replacement' without spending a fortune.

I'm going to return the iPP 12.9 Wifi model that I got from BB, because honestly? Was too big. Plus, VZW gave me $250 off an M1 iPP 11" in 128gb.

For me, paying the $750 for the M1, in the specs I wanted, worked out for the better. For ME that is. Plus I won't need to circle back to this topic for many years at least with the latest tech.
 

Apple_Robert

Contributor
Sep 21, 2012
35,672
52,515
In a van down by the river
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?
How can your personal opinion about what you think might serve your personal preferences be irrational? The logical thing to do is make a purchase and test it fervently for 13 days. If after that time you feel there is too much overlap etc. you return the iPad and go back to using the Mac full time.
 

FranApple

macrumors 6502
Nov 6, 2020
279
345
For what you're doing, you need an iPad. Hands down. Get a Magic Keyboard and you can get the feeling of coming into the office, sitting at the desk and opening a laptop.
 
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Porterhouse

macrumors 6502
Aug 13, 2011
381
179
USA
I get it, and thanks for the other suggestions. I already had my eyes set on a 'newer' model. Whether it was a 2018 or 2020 model iPad Pro. Just didn't seem smart for me, since I wanted more of a laptop replacement to get an considerably older iPad, then to just have to turn around and get a newer down the road.

Granted I to some, would have light use. But I also keep on average more than 5 tabs open in a browser, switch back and forth, Spotify running in the background as well.

Just wanted to get as close as possible, to a 'laptop replacement' without spending a fortune.

I'm going to return the iPP 12.9 Wifi model that I got from BB, because honestly? Was too big. Plus, VZW gave me $250 off an M1 iPP 11" in 128gb.

For me, paying the $750 for the M1, in the specs I wanted, worked out for the better. For ME that is. Plus I won't need to circle back to this topic for many years at least with the latest tech.

I love the 11 inch, though I admit that I’ll probably try a 12.9 again sometime soon, as it’s been a while and my news have changed. At the same time, the 11 inch is great; I’ve even got a so-called ‘iPad purse’ that it fits in neatly so I can carry it on outings. In that manner, it’s much handier than the 12.9 would be. (Personally, a 12 inch would be just about perfect, but clearly Apple wants us to have this debate.)

As for the MK, I’m one of the few that have never bothered with it. I have the Smart Keyboard Folio that I alternate along with a Smart Folio. For the times that I might need a trackpad, I use either my MBP or my iMac. But if you’re going for a laptop replacement, then the MK would probably be the way to go.

Have fun with your toy!
 
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Ray2

macrumors 65816
Jul 8, 2014
1,172
492
Considering the specs of the Air OR Pro, wouldn't you think if I'm looking for a laptop replacement that I'd want to get a tablet with similar specs?

Plus I'm talking about tablets. Not laptops.
No I would not. Given the very low demands you've described, I would assume the specs difference between a Pro and an Air are irrelevant. Matching those specs — roll my eyes — with an iPad is equally irrelevant.
 

snfrd84

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 10, 2021
87
41
No I would not. Given the very low demands you've described, I would assume the specs difference between a Pro and an Air are irrelevant. Matching those specs — roll my eyes — with an iPad is equally irrelevant.
Well roll on my friend ??
 

Night Spring

macrumors G5
Jul 17, 2008
14,885
8,056
I get it, and thanks for the other suggestions. I already had my eyes set on a 'newer' model. Whether it was a 2018 or 2020 model iPad Pro. Just didn't seem smart for me, since I wanted more of a laptop replacement to get an considerably older iPad, then to just have to turn around and get a newer down the road.

Granted I to some, would have light use. But I also keep on average more than 5 tabs open in a browser, switch back and forth, Spotify running in the background as well.

Just wanted to get as close as possible, to a 'laptop replacement' without spending a fortune.

I'm going to return the iPP 12.9 Wifi model that I got from BB, because honestly? Was too big. Plus, VZW gave me $250 off an M1 iPP 11" in 128gb.

For me, paying the $750 for the M1, in the specs I wanted, worked out for the better. For ME that is. Plus I won't need to circle back to this topic for many years at least with the latest tech.
Glad you found a model that you're happy with. But I just have to tell you that my original iPad Pro, which I believe came out in late 2015, handles dozens of tabs open at once, and switches back and forth without any delays. My Mom recently switched from the original Pro to last year's Pro, and she tells me she hardly notices any difference.

Point is, computers in general has gotten so powerful, that if you are a light user, a ten-year old computer would work just fine. If you can afford it, sure, get the latest and greatest. But if you are looking to save some money, there's no need to fear you're missing out by going for a model that's a generation or two earlier.
 
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1BadManVan

macrumors 68040
Dec 20, 2009
3,285
3,446
Bc Canada
I said that particular model, because of the specs and the design. Looks miles better to me than the older iPads.
I would look at an Air, same design as the pros but a newer chipset that should help it be a bit more future proof. Unless you’re leaning towards the 12.9 size
 

1BadManVan

macrumors 68040
Dec 20, 2009
3,285
3,446
Bc Canada
I get it, and thanks for the other suggestions. I already had my eyes set on a 'newer' model. Whether it was a 2018 or 2020 model iPad Pro. Just didn't seem smart for me, since I wanted more of a laptop replacement to get an considerably older iPad, then to just have to turn around and get a newer down the road.

Granted I to some, would have light use. But I also keep on average more than 5 tabs open in a browser, switch back and forth, Spotify running in the background as well.

Just wanted to get as close as possible, to a 'laptop replacement' without spending a fortune.

I'm going to return the iPP 12.9 Wifi model that I got from BB, because honestly? Was too big. Plus, VZW gave me $250 off an M1 iPP 11" in 128gb.

For me, paying the $750 for the M1, in the specs I wanted, worked out for the better. For ME that is. Plus I won't need to circle back to this topic for many years at least with the latest tech.
Sorry didn’t see this before the air 4 suggestion. You’ll love the M1, only reason it wasn’t suggested is because you had previously said it was out of budget

I personally have the 11” M1 and love it. It’s stupid fast and with 8gb of Ram, very future proof.
 

Digitalguy

macrumors 601
Apr 15, 2019
4,655
4,488
Why not? For simple web browsing, the iPad Air 2 is already overkill (I have one too still).
I think it's all relative. It depends on what you browse and how tolerant you are to slowness...
If you browse demanding websites likes google ones (youtube, gmail, maps etc.) even the first gen pro can struggle a bit... (but then a lot of people use the much more optimized apps, despite their limitations or ads compared to the full browser versions). I have been spoiled by fast computers and iPads and the air 2 / mini 4 are way too laggy for me... But I am sure my 80 year old mother would still be ok with them. The minimum I would feel comfortable browsing the web is the first gen pro (and by the way that's also what I gave to my mother to replace her old and samsung tablet, because the battery died, otherwise she was fine with the performance)
 
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fishernomad

macrumors newbie
Aug 6, 2018
27
13
Please take into consideration if you use any office apps, either Microsoft office or Apple office apps. Presentation is really hard to made as there’s no multiple selection function, and editing is hard cuz iPadOS apps aren’t as powerful as Mac app.
Also I your use case, I think 11 inch will be good. Trust me, you don’t want to hold the 12.9 in you bed, you’d hit your jaws all the time, it’s too heavy.
IMO 12.9 is for people who draw a lot with Apple Pencil.
 
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snfrd84

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 10, 2021
87
41
Please take into consideration if you use any office apps, either Microsoft office or Apple office apps. Presentation is really hard to made as there’s no multiple selection function, and editing is hard cuz iPadOS apps aren’t as powerful as Mac app.
Also I your use case, I think 11 inch will be good. Trust me, you don’t want to hold the 12.9 in you bed, you’d hit your jaws all the time, it’s too heavy.
IMO 12.9 is for people who draw a lot with Apple Pencil.
I really only use Office to update the resume. But yes, the 11" is better for my needs I'm finding out.
 
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