iPad Pro Seriously, why not just get MacBook?

[LovingTeddy]

I am desktop and laptop person. Personally carrying Acer Swift 3 as my go to laptop and Acer Nitro 5 as my gaming laptop. Personally build couple desktop PCs used as productivity and media center/gaming PC. Also have a MacBook Air, if I need MacOS.

I primary use my iPad Pro as media consumption devices with occasional use of Apple Pencil. I can’t think of any scenarios that iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard + Apple Pencil makes much sense from either pricing or usage.

First of all. iPad Pro itself is very expensive. 256GB 12.9 inch iPad Pro is already 1099USD and that is already more expensive than entry level MacBook Air. And MacBook Air does lot more than iPad could ever do. When you factoring the cost of the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, you are adding other 429 dollar into the bill. All the sudden, you are approaching MacBook Pro pricing. With all the professional applications, easier to use operating system and more powerful hardware. It is very hard to justify cost of iPad Pro combo.

Secondly: It seems that iPad Pro plus the magic Keyboard combo is about 1.1kg according to amazon. The MacBook Pro itself is not much heavier than the iPad Pro. For portability perspective, the iPad Pro plus Magic Keyboard combo is not much portable than MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is almost as portable as iPad Pro itself.

I don’t know. It doesn’t make to much sense to spend that kind of money on iPad Pro combo when they can get much better MacBook Pro.

For me, the iPad Pro combo is almost as much as my Acer Nitro 5 and Acer Swift 3 combined (both refurbished and both are great computers).

 

[The Game 161]

This again?

Many reasons why I choose iPad over MacBook

Apps

Basically every possible app. The apps you get in macOS are nothing like apps you can get on IOS. From reddit to sport apps to food to shopping apps. Also you get spilt screen using these apps on iPad which you don’t get on macOS

My iPad has replaced my MacBook for these reasons. And why magic keyboard is going to be perfect for my usage.

People need to stop assuming everybody has the same work and overall usage patterns

My MacBook was always on a charger, my iPad never is for the same work usage

I only use Reddit through the app, I feel the website version is slow and unusable so I like using the same app on my phone and iPad. Same with sport apps where I get notifications from. Apps like sky/nba app/ BT sport I prefer on the apps provided when watching. Plus you get picture in picture on NBA and BT sport so can browse and watch if needed

I like the same experience on my phone and iPad.

MacBook is great for many but I can do more on an iPad for my usage

My main work usage I can use the same stuff on iPad as I could on the Mac so for me it made sense to cut ties and go with iPad only While still having touch and pencil support for signing documents if needed

macOS worked well for certain apps but my daily conference calls and meeting notes can be done via iPad. Skype for me works better on iPad as I could use my air pods while MacBook I couldn’t

Also the sound of the fans on macs drive me nuts. Not important but thought would mention it.

I certainly see why so many need a Mac but some comments here who say just get a Mac but it’s not needed. Many like myself want that laptop typing experience but with IOS.

 

[sparksd]

A lot of people prefer a tablet and iOS to a laptop - it's a matter of personal preference and choice and pricing may be a secondary consideration. You have to make the choice for the device(s) you prefer and the costs you're comfortable with. And "better" is relative to your needs and wants, not an absolute that can be applied to all.

 

[nicho]

I am desktop and laptop person.

"I'm not the target customer, but I'll poop on the product anyway"

I primary use my iPad Pro as media consumption devices with occasional use of Apple Pencil.

Try doing that on a Mac. Then you'll see the answer.

First of all. iPad Pro itself is very expensive. 256GB 12.9 inch iPad Pro is already 1099USD and that is already more expensive than entry level MacBook Air. And MacBook Air does lot more than iPad could ever do. When you factoring the cost of the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, you are adding other 429 dollar into the bill. All the sudden, you are approaching MacBook Pro pricing. With all the professional applications, easier to use operating system and more powerful hardware. It is very hard to justify cost of iPad Pro combo.

Counterpoint: if you want or need something the ipad pro can do but the macbook air/pro can't (using input devices like the camera or the pencil) then a magic keyboard accessory + apple pencil is much cheaper than a ipad pro + apple pencil + macbook air.

Secondly: It seems that iPad Pro plus the magic Keyboard combo is about 1.1kg according to amazon. The MacBook Pro itself is not much heavier than the iPad Pro. For portability perspective, the iPad Pro plus Magic Keyboard combo is not much portable than MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is almost as portable as iPad Pro itself.

iPad pro + magic keyboard is lighter and more portable than iPad Pro + Macbook air...

I don’t know. It doesn’t make to much sense to spend that kind of money on iPad Pro combo when they can get much better MacBook Pro.

See above answers. Especially the first, I guess.

For me, the iPad Pro combo is almost as much as my Acer Nitro 5 and Acer Swift 3 combined (both refurbished and both are great computers).

Comparing refurbished or used prices to new prices tends to result in ridiculous comparisons. This is no exception.

 

[secretk]

For me personally the iPad shines when it comes to pencil usage. I don't see myself going iPad only. Just like you I rely on classic computer usage (specifically Windows). I do not see myself stopping doing that any time soon. That being said I do use the iPad/Pencil combo a lot (digitally written notes, brainstorming, sketching some diagram ideas before turning them to presentations etc).

Also now if I travel I carry around only the iPad as it is more portable and I can manage for a few days without laptop. As I don't like to type using software keyboard (the reason I do not use texting on my phone) having keyboard case is beneficial for me.

 

[The Game 161]

I would also say if you have a MacBook and iPad that’s also costing you twice the price of a pro so for me who can do the same on one device why get two? As many do use an iPad and a Mac.

 

[Ghost31]

This question is silly and for some reason, it keeps getting asked as if anybody could give a totally original answer at this point.

Ok here’s mine: because even if the MacBook and the iPad were the same price, I’d want the iPad for being a truly transformative device. I enjoy using it vs the utilitarian feeling I get when using an old school laptop. There are a crap ton of useful apps on the App Store that enable me to have more fun and do more, reading books is more comfortable and the UI is perfect. An extension of my iPhone.

take a gander at this 4 year old article

iPad

Your complete guide to iPad, from the experts at Macworld. Learn all about Apple's iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro.

www.cio.com

Imagine if the iPad came first and the Mac was the “new” product. Audience response: So wait. I can’t take off the screen and just use it as a tablet? I’m STUCK in that position where I can’t hold it easily? I can’t draw on it? It’s got fans that cook my lap if I watch too many YouTube videos? There isn’t an App Store with millions of apps? It doesn’t have front and back cameras that are perfect for document scanning? Why would I want it?

Your points directly:expensive? You know the iPad starts at $300 and can do all the same stuff right?

second point: you can take the iPad out of the case and use it like a tablet. A macbook is stuck in that position forever

 

[ofarlig]

Becauss I want a tablet as well, rather have one portable unit than 2, my hope is that eventually you can get a device capable of running OS X apps in whichever format you want. For browsing on the couch a tablet is much nicer, as well as for playing YouTube while cooking/cleaning/building or similar things. While flying/traveling I much prefer using a tablet as sell, especially since you aren’t even allowed to watch movies on your laptop during landing/take-off.

 

[c14nhl]

Years ago, my only computing device was the 17” MacBook Pro. Loved that computer!

I‘ve been iPad only since the iPad 2 for personal use. My work provides a Win 10 laptop but is for work only.

Personally, all my computing needs are met with the iPad and I love using it. My uses are

• Browsing
• Email
• Small amount of gaming
• Office apps
• Note taking with Apple Pencil
• Media consumption
• Photo editing (from iPhone, hobby)
• Video editing (from iPhone, hobby)

Because of the security of iOS, I’m able to BYOD for work purposes too.

The above I complete effortlessly with the iPad. In fact, I’d argue I could do the above on my iPhone no problem as well, it would just be a bit cramped.

I love MacOS. I hope it’s around forever. But I don’t need it. I’ve got the Smart Folio and now the Magic Keyboard which will hopefully arrive tomorrow. That, including the 12.9” Pro 512Gb is bringing me into the region of the higher spec 13” MacBook Pro price wise. A fantastic laptop which could of course do everything I need in a computer. Well, almost everything as I would lose my note taking ability. So actually, the MacBook Pro cannot do everything I need. That’s why not a MacBook for me.

 

[adamfozzy]

I am desktop and laptop person. Personally carrying Acer Swift 3 as my go to laptop and Acer Nitro 5 as my gaming laptop. Personally build couple desktop PCs used as productivity and media center/gaming PC. Also have a MacBook Air, if I need MacOS.

I primary use my iPad Pro as media consumption devices with occasional use of Apple Pencil. I can’t think of any scenarios that iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard + Apple Pencil makes much sense from either pricing or usage.

First of all. iPad Pro itself is very expensive. 256GB 12.9 inch iPad Pro is already 1099USD and that is already more expensive than entry level MacBook Air. And MacBook Air does lot more than iPad could ever do. When you factoring the cost of the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, you are adding other 429 dollar into the bill. All the sudden, you are approaching MacBook Pro pricing. With all the professional applications, easier to use operating system and more powerful hardware. It is very hard to justify cost of iPad Pro combo.

Secondly: It seems that iPad Pro plus the magic Keyboard combo is about 1.1kg according to amazon. The MacBook Pro itself is not much heavier than the iPad Pro. For portability perspective, the iPad Pro plus Magic Keyboard combo is not much portable than MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is almost as portable as iPad Pro itself.

I don’t know. It doesn’t make to much sense to spend that kind of money on iPad Pro combo when they can get much better MacBook Pro.

For me, the iPad Pro combo is almost as much as my Acer Nitro 5 and Acer Swift 3 combined (both refurbished and both are great computers).

Don't buy it then!

 

[Slehc84]

Don't buy it then!

I love my 12.9 iPad Pro, instead of lugging around a Mac air in my camera bag, makes life easy . I then use either my MacBook Pro 2015 or my lovely 5.1 12 core with open core, has Mojave/catalina and windows 10 pro on it , makes a nice family of interconnectivity

 

[zhenya]

I love people like this who assume this is a completely binary question.

Why not just get a MacBook? Because I can afford to have both, and each excels within their own niche.

 

[Caesars]

If I could get a LTE/5G powered MacBook Pro, I probably would have one!

 

[AutomaticApple]

This again?

My exact thoughts. First it was this thread, and now it's this?

 

[The Game 161]

Don't buy it then!

Exactly

Why should everybody have the same usage and preferences?

 

[Ghost31]

Don't buy it then!

I have a better idea I see on the forums all the time: how about buy it knowing all the shortcomings and then complain about it anyway? “I mean I knew I couldn’t program on it and run enterprise servers on it, but I bought it and expected this to change my mind”.

if I had a nickel for every pointless complaint I see on here on the daily, well...I’d have a lot of damn nickels

 

[LovingTeddy]

This again?

Many reasons why I choose iPad over MacBook

Apps

Basically every possible app. The apps you get in macOS are nothing like apps you can get on IOS. From reddit to sport apps to food to shopping apps. Also you get spilt screen using these apps on iPad which you don’t get on macOS

My iPad has replaced my MacBook for these reasons. And why magic keyboard is going to be perfect for my usage.

People need to stop assuming everybody has the same work and overall usage patterns

My MacBook was always on a charger, my iPad never is for the same work usage

I only use Reddit through the app, I feel the website version is slow and unusable so I like using the same app on my phone and iPad. Same with sport apps where I get notifications from. Apps like sky/nba app/ BT sport I prefer on the apps provided when watching. Plus you get picture in picture on NBA and BT sport so can browse and watch if needed

I like the same experience on my phone and iPad.

MacBook is great for many but I can do more on an iPad for my usage

My main work usage I can use the same stuff on iPad as I could on the Mac so for me it made sense to cut ties and go with iPad only While still having touch and pencil support for signing documents if needed

macOS worked well for certain apps but my daily conference calls and meeting notes can be done via iPad. Skype for me works better on iPad as I could use my air pods while MacBook I couldn’t

Also the sound of the fans on macs drive me nuts. Not important but thought would mention it.

I certainly see why so many need a Mac but some comments here who say just get a Mac but it’s not needed. Many like myself want that laptop typing experience but with IOS.

Are you really suggesting Reddit app better than web version? The iPad app gives no effort on optimizing big screen. Just look at that interface, giant white spaces on both side. It is also pretty much same experience as web version. And yes, i can resize Safari/Microsoft Edge and have more windows than iPad could ever dreamed of. When i hook my laptop to my external 4K monitor, I see more stuff. Care to open Safari, Microsoft Word, Excel, PDF at same time and have it on display at same time?

You reasoning makes no sense at all. And buddy, you can watch NBA and browsing at same time. Heck, i can even open 20 videos files at same time on my laptop if i so wish, not that anyone would do, but i could.

 

[ericwn]

My exact thoughts. First it was this thread, and now it's this?

Very well said. Teddy just likes to show up here every few weeks to start some provocation. I doubt s/he has ever used an iPad.

 

[LovingTeddy]

Don't buy it then!

I bought the 512GB iPad Pro 12.9 inch and the Smart Keyboard with Apple Pencil and I don’t see how it provides better experience than laptop or it provide better productivity than laptop. Multitasking is still pain in the ass to deal with, managing files are still clunky, especially with external drives.

 

[The Game 161]

Are you really suggesting Reddit app better than web version? The iPad app gives no effort on optimizing big screen. Just look at that interface, giant white spaces on both side. It is also pretty much same experience as web version.

Yes it’s a lot better on the app. On the web browsing it’s very slow certainly with their new re-design. The text is also a lot better where viewing and you actually get live comments on the app which you don’t on the browser. So no it is not the same experience as the web version at all

And yes, i can resize Safari/Microsoft Edge and have more windows than iPad could ever dreamed of. When i hook my laptop to my external 4K monitor, I see more stuff. Care to open Safari, Microsoft Word, Excel, PDF at same time and have it on display at same time?
You reasoning makes no sense at all. And buddy, you can watch NBA and browsing at same time. Heck, i can even open 20 videos files at same time on my laptop if i so wish, not that anyone would do, but i could.

How you can you say my reasonings make no sense at all? My reasonings are why i use an iPad over a MacBook. And no you can’t watch and browse at the same time as it simply doesn’t work as well on the mac. Funny how you skip over my other reasons for using iPad over the mac. So no my reasons make perfect sense And why i prefer the iPad.

Non work apps are poor on the mac and you certainly don’t get and interact with your notifications like you can on the iPad. I don’t like having to use the safari browser to go on every site when there is a perfectly good app i can view the same content on.

There is nothing i do on my mac that I can’t on my iPad for work reasons so no getting a MacBook is pointless and it would be a waste of money having both an iPad and mac.

You asked why not just get a MacBook and i gave reasons why which were legit reasons.

My iPad i would also say is smoother than my MacBook ever was. In fact it got to the point where it felt slow at times but my iPad never feels like that nor do I need to consistently have it on a charger.

With an iPad you can use it as a laptop replacement or a tablet. With a MacBook there’s only one way you can use it which doesn’t suit everybody at all times.

 

[Ghost31]

I bought the 512GB iPad Pro 12.9 inch and the Smart Keyboard with Apple Pencil and I don’t see how it provides better experience than laptop or it provide better productivity than laptop. Multitasking is still pain in the ass to deal with, managing files are still clunky, especially with external drives.

Why did you buy it in the first place?

 

[DiCaprioAngel]

If you don’t like it, then you don’t need to use it as a “laptop” replacement. Just because it doesn’t suit YOUR needs doesn’t mean it doesn’t suit ours, irregardless if there is a laptop out there that is better. I, for one, prefer the iPad because I can use it in multiple ways - in laptop form with the keyboard and in iPad mode without the keyboard. I love the touchscreen and the fact that I’m able to play games on it like I can as well as write, watch movies, etc. Yes, I KNOW I can do all this on a laptop. But, I prefer the iPad Pro because it’s a better experience for me.

Just because you think it’s ridiculous, doesn’t mean it is for the rest of us. Use what suits you and we will use what suits us.

 

[nicho]

I bought the 512GB iPad Pro 12.9 inch and the Smart Keyboard with Apple Pencil and I don’t see how it provides better experience than laptop or it provide better productivity than laptop. Multitasking is still pain in the ass to deal with,

That's kind of the reason for being of the Magic Keyboard...

 

[Ghost31]

My iPad i would also say is smoother than my MacBook ever was. In fact it got to the point where it felt slow at times but my iPad never feels like that nor do I need to consistently have it on a charger.

With an iPad you can use it as a laptop replacement or a tablet. With a MacBook there’s only one way you can use it which doesn’t suit everybody at all times.

Very well put. And something i dont think a lot of people understand. Ipad can be a lot of things and adjust to the user. A traditional laptop is...the same old same old. Sit down at a desk and move a mouse. That’s it. But then again, I dont think OP is really genuine in their question anyway

 

[The Game 161]

Very well put. And something i dont think a lot of people understand. Ipad can be a lot of things and adjust to the user. A traditional laptop is...the same old same old. Sit down at a desk and move a mouse. That’s it. But then again, I dont think OP is really genuine in their question anyway

Sadly i think we have some users here who post for a reaction. Same with a few posters who post on the news forum who clearly hate apple and post nothing but negative comments when it’s clear they are android users trying to post to their agenda to make them feel better about their own devices.

and don’t realise people have different usage patterns and work flow.

It’s why many need a mac and others don’t. There’s no wrong answer just preference.

The fact the OP made this thread asking why people don’t use a MacBook and when somebody gives valid reasons why they use an iPad it suddenly makes no sense....well it makes sense for that user hence why they use an iPad over a MacBook.