I purchased a NEW iPad Pro M2 Wi-Fi + Cellular with 512GB for $799 during Best Buy's Labor Day sale, but it's still sealed. After watching a few YouTube reviews, I'm wondering if I should have spent the extra $$'s for an iPad Pro M4 or maybe even a MacBook Pro or Air? My intent was to use the iPad Pro as a portable device when traveling. However, I'm a little apprehensive since I know I'll need a keyboard as well and the M2 Magic Keyboard has some issues. Any thoughts?
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iPad Pro NEW iPad Pro M2?
- Thread starter kcrossley
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You’re kind of all over the place here. You don’t really say what you’re using it for but you’re asking if you should’ve spent extra $$$ for a more powerful processor. Maybe if you plan to keep it longer, but if you’re using it for light tasks, I couldn’t see there being much difference. I’m still using a 4th gen iPad Air with A14. Also, this wouldn’t address your concerns about problems with the keyboard.
if you’re always going to be using a keyboard, I would say get a MacBook Air. Of course again I’m not sure what exact tasks you’re doing. I don’t have experience with the magic keyboard for iPad because I feel like this is defeating the purpose of an iPad. It sounds good, but when you combine in the iPad with this magic keyboard, it’s bulkier and heavier than the MacBook Air.
Of course my thoughts on this are probably not very useful since I’ve never tried the Magic Keyboard. The MacBook Air just works for me and I’ve never felt the need.
What are the issues with the M2 Magic Keyboard? We have the M1 12.9 and M4 13" Magic Keyboards, no problems.
If you get the 13” iPad Pro, the on-screen keyboard will be full size. Typing is easy that way. Even the 11” on-screen is doable albeit a little cramped and not as nice an experience, from my use experience.
To my knowledge, there are no inherent problems with the new Magif Keyboards.
To my knowledge, there are no inherent problems with the new Magif Keyboards.
@russell_314 You're right. I am all over the place, but thanks for responding.
My primary work is graphic design, but website development is becoming a larger part of my business. Most of my time is spent on a 27" iMac Pro. I've tried, but I really can't do graphic design on a small screen. However, I can do ancillary tasks, such as copywriting, image editing, stock photo searching, coding, research, emails, etc.
Now that I'm helping to care for my elderly parents, who are 3 hours away, I need something I can take with me to stay productive. Plus, a portable device might be helpful with onsite client meetings.
For most things, I'll likely need a keyboard. However, for client meetings, I probably won't. And since I haven't had a MacBook for years and have never owned an iPad, either device will be new to my workflow. Hopefully, this gives you more insight into my intended use.
My primary work is graphic design, but website development is becoming a larger part of my business. Most of my time is spent on a 27" iMac Pro. I've tried, but I really can't do graphic design on a small screen. However, I can do ancillary tasks, such as copywriting, image editing, stock photo searching, coding, research, emails, etc.
Now that I'm helping to care for my elderly parents, who are 3 hours away, I need something I can take with me to stay productive. Plus, a portable device might be helpful with onsite client meetings.
For most things, I'll likely need a keyboard. However, for client meetings, I probably won't. And since I haven't had a MacBook for years and have never owned an iPad, either device will be new to my workflow. Hopefully, this gives you more insight into my intended use.
When compared to the new M4 Magic Keyboard, the M2 Magic Keyboard just lacks some refinement (function keys) and screen adjustability.
For a 13” M4 iPad with Keyboard, you are looking at $1800 for the 256 GB model. You could also get a MacBook Air. Both would be more than capable of meeting your non-big screen needs. It really comes down to budget and are you willing to take the time to learn your way around the iPad or MBA.
The new MKB also has a auto brightness keyboard, but the previous Gen Keyboard is very good and I have no real issues with it all when using my iPad Air 4. Both have issues with balance and can tip backwards when on a sofa.
The magic keyboard for the M2 iPad Pro is pretty awful and I sold it. I wouldn't want to use one all the time. If it's an 11", the layout is compressed and difficult to switch to and from a Mac with. Also it is ridiculously heavy which makes it slightly annoying to lug around. And as mentioned above, it tips over and doesn't sit well on a lap, say when in bed in a hotel.
I use the folio case on mine and only write on it. If I needed a keyboard I'd get a macbook air for travel.
As for the cellular options, they are mostly pointless if you have an iPhone already as the thing can tether smoothly with your iPhone and then you only have one cell/data plan to pay for/deal with.
In your situation I'd ask if you really want an iPad or not. If you don't then return it and get a MacBook Air. If you do, get the M4 as the screen is way way way better than the M2 one.
I use the folio case on mine and only write on it. If I needed a keyboard I'd get a macbook air for travel.
As for the cellular options, they are mostly pointless if you have an iPhone already as the thing can tether smoothly with your iPhone and then you only have one cell/data plan to pay for/deal with.
In your situation I'd ask if you really want an iPad or not. If you don't then return it and get a MacBook Air. If you do, get the M4 as the screen is way way way better than the M2 one.
I say a MacBook Air is probably more fitting for your needs than an ipad. Ipados is still too restrictive for some productivity work compared to Mac. MacBook airs a very portable and powerful machines, great for travelling.
Only reason I went for an iPad is I needed cellular connectivity for where I travel for work, but I don’t use the device for work, just to stream while I’m away from home
Only reason I went for an iPad is I needed cellular connectivity for where I travel for work, but I don’t use the device for work, just to stream while I’m away from home