All iPads New Apple Silicon MacBook Air instead of iPad?

[satchmo]

I have to say, as much as I'm enjoying the 10.9" iPad Air 4 I picked up last week, this rumour of a new 13" Macbook Air/Pro is making me question which route to go.

It would lose touch capabilities, but gain in a larger 13" display and I'm guessing, a similar A14 chip. Additionally it would already come with a great keyboard. This is especially important as I use my iPad mostly like a laptop.
Plus it would theoretically run current MacOS apps (in emulation first), as well as some iOS apps.

 

[lezmace]

I have got an iPad Pro 12.9 with magic keyboard. But as hard as I want to replace my 2015 13 inch MBP I so often end up do the „serious“ stuff on my MBP.
In some things the iPad is superior, but for me it can‘t replace my MacBook in terms of:

- file Management
- Spreadsheets
- Multitasking and copy / Paste
- Office work
- Print Management
and some more points.

So I am very excited for the hopefully new MacBook which will replace my ....

... MBP 2015.

My iPad is a nice to have. Not a must have (at least for the moment).

 

[joeblow7777]

Do you want a full fledged computer that runs MacOS, or a mobile device that runs iPadOS? That's all it really comes down to.

 

[KittyKatta]

The most frustrating part of trying to be a “Pro” iPad user is seeing how close we are to getting this to be a true MacBook replacement but knowing how little Apple cares to bridge that gap.

Anyway, back to the topic then I’m incredibly curious about the ARM based MacBooks. I dont want one, but because it will do what the ipad can’t then I may have to buy one just to satisfy those 3 missing apps.

 

[AutomaticApple]

knowing how little Apple cares to bridge that gap

macOS Big Sur doesn't help to bridge the gap?

 

[MevetS]

macOS Big Sur doesn't help to bridge the gap?

How does macOS help to make an iPad a MacBook replacement?

 

[satchmo]

Do you want a full fledged computer that runs MacOS, or a mobile device that runs iPadOS? That's all it really comes down to.

Both. 🙂

Honestly my thinking was AS iMac, iPad Air, and iPhone 12 would cover my desktop, portable and mobile needs for the next 4 years.

But as I’m on keyboard most of the time, the iPad could be replaced by a MacBook.

I’d probably be more productive on MacOS at this point too. What has held me back with Mac laptops have been their performance on Intel.

 

[lezmace]

May you Go for this setup:

MacBook with external monitor
iPhone
and maybe an iPad Air for those specific iPad tasks

 

[KittyKatta]

macOS Big Sur doesn't help to bridge the gap?

How does macOS help to make an iPad a MacBook replacement?

Apologies for not being clear. I meant “bridge the gap” regarding that area in between the Mac and iPad that seems unfulfilled. Or more specific, that area that a “Pro iPad” (+ Magic Keyboard) would be perfect for filling.

Look at the hardware, they are so close already.

- Speed
- Storage
- Amazing sound
- USB-C
- Color Accurate Screen
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Trackpad/Mouse

They just need a few missing features/apps and its perfect because (for me) I would love it if my next MacBook was the iPad Pro I already have.

 

[AutomaticApple]

How does macOS help to make an iPad a MacBook replacement?

They're bridging the design?

 

[MevetS]

They're bridging the design?

Yes, but in the wrong direction. Making the Mac more iPad-ish, not making the iPad more Mac-ish, which is what the KittyKatta seems to desire.

As I've stated elsewhere, I fully expect that:

1. The NY Football (American) Giants will someday be a respectable team.
2. There will be a touchscreen 'Mac', giving us the best of both.

I have no idea with will be first. And for a reference point, the Giants are currently 1-6.

Cheers!

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

I have to say, as much as I'm enjoying the 10.9" iPad Air 4 I picked up last week, this rumour of a new 13" Macbook Air/Pro is making me question which route to go.

It would lose touch capabilities, but gain in a larger 13" display and I'm guessing, a similar A14 chip. Additionally it would already come with a great keyboard. This is especially important as I use my iPad mostly like a laptop.
Plus it would theoretically run current MacOS apps (in emulation first), as well as some iOS apps.

Why did you buy the iPad Air instead of a laptop?

I recently got the iPad Pro, and have no interest in switching to the upcoming AS MacBook. Why? Because I bought the iPad to take full advantage of the Pencil capabilities, touch input and I prefer its form factor over a traditional laptop.

However, if you don't value the extra things you get on your iPad, and you use it mostly as a laptop, then the upcoming AS MacBook is the right device for you.

 

[scupking]

Get an ipad 8 and new Mac book!

 

[Zazoh]

The new chip, on the laptop, is going to be equivalent to celebrating New Years. You anticipate it, you have fun that day, then you realize it’s back to normal and everything feels the same as it was.

I enjoy computing on an iPad. It seems more congruent with our times. No laptop could replace that experience.

 

[satchmo]

Why did you buy the iPad Air instead of a laptop?

I recently got the iPad Pro, and have no interest in switching to the upcoming AS MacBook. Why? Because I bought the iPad to take full advantage of the Pencil capabilities, touch input and I prefer its form factor over a traditional laptop.

However, if you don't value the extra things you get on your iPad, and you use it mostly as a laptop, then the upcoming AS MacBook is the right device for you.

I've not been very impressed with Apple's Intel laptops offerings.
Affordable but low-powered MacBook Airs or expensive MacBook Pros.

With Apple Silicon, hopefully that changes.
I do appreciate the touch and interactive nature of the iPad.
I didn't use my Pencil very much when I had a Gen 6 iPad, so for me it's a nice to, not a must have.
Macbooks won't ever get touch enabled screens but larger trackpads have made the swiping/scrolling experience closer.

I may yet stick with the iPad Air. If there were more good keyboard case options, it would help.
I guess much will depend on what is revealed next Tuesday.

 

[Moyapilot]

I’ve had every generation of Ipad since Ipad4, until my current 2018 IPP11 Purchased middle of last year. I’m actually quite intrigued by the new upcoming ARM Macbooks.

But am I intrigued enough to be Apple’s guinea pig and go through the growing pains of transitioning everything from x86? No, probably not. Atleast I should try to resist if I’m smart. Next weeks event will be super interesting none the less!

I would love it if they made it like a Surface Pro, detatchable and with touch input. No chance of that though.

Not sure how I can go with a non-touch screen after all these years of having transitioned 95% of my computing to ipad. Hmm.

 

[satchmo]

Updating this thread I started a few weeks back for those who might be in the same boat.

In the end, I decided to keep the iPad Air 4.
The more I used it, the more I enjoyed the ability to use it as a tablet and not as a laptop.

I still will need a keyboard case for laptop use. I'm leaning towards either the MK or Smart Keyboard Folio as both allow for quick transition from horizontal to vertical tablet use.

While the MacBook Air is definitely a beast, I think I'll hold off on M1 until we see what's in store in the new year
And given the state of the world and working at home, portability isn't a major concern right now. In fact the M1 Mac mini might be the better buy.

 

[seadragon]

Updating this thread I started a few weeks back for those who might be in the same boat.

In the end, I decided to keep the iPad Air 4.
The more I used it, the more I enjoyed the ability to use it as a tablet and not as a laptop.

I still will need a keyboard case for laptop use. I'm leaning towards either the MK or Smart Keyboard Folio as both allow for quick transition from horizontal to vertical tablet use.

While the MacBook Air is definitely a beast, I think I'll hold off on M1 until we see what's in store in the new year
And given the state of the world and working at home, portability isn't a major concern right now. In fact the M1 Mac mini might be the better buy.

I have an iPad Air 4 and Magic Keyboard and Pencil. Really like this setup for portable use. I also have a new M1 Mac Mini (16/2TB) on order. This should be a good combo for me.

 

[thelookingglass]

Updating this thread I started a few weeks back for those who might be in the same boat.

In the end, I decided to keep the iPad Air 4.
The more I used it, the more I enjoyed the ability to use it as a tablet and not as a laptop.

I still will need a keyboard case for laptop use. I'm leaning towards either the MK or Smart Keyboard Folio as both allow for quick transition from horizontal to vertical tablet use.

While the MacBook Air is definitely a beast, I think I'll hold off on M1 until we see what's in store in the new year
And given the state of the world and working at home, portability isn't a major concern right now. In fact the M1 Mac mini might be the better buy.

I think that's a really good choice. The use cases for both devices is different. For instance, I use my iPad to read books and I love holding it like a tablet to do that. I tried using a MacBook Air for that purpose but the app I use (Kindle) has an inferior Mac app. The screen also is visibly less sharp than the iPad.

 

[satchmo]

I think that's a really good choice. The use cases for both devices is different. For instance, I use my iPad to read books and I love holding it like a tablet to do that. I tried using a MacBook Air for that purpose but the app I use (Kindle) has an inferior Mac app. The screen also is visibly less sharp than the iPad.

Thanks, I hope so. Yeah, I think not having a case forced me to use it in tablet mode and it was much more immersive than a laptop.