All iPads Should I get the 13 inch M1 MacBook Pro over the 12.9 inch 2021 iPad Pro?

[Orangeman13]

So I’m not exactly a computer expert but I’m wondering what the advantages are w9th having a MacBook Pro with the newest chip versus the new iPad Pro 12.9 inch. I mainly use any computer for Internet browsing watching YouTube videos and movies from the iTunes Store. But it would also be nice to file documents such as resumes and cover letters on a hard drive to email when I need to.

thanks!

 

[midg8]

Was in the same boat. Needed to replace my 2012 MacBook Air with a new laptop. Was debating M1 Air until they announced the new M1 iPads. Got my 12.9” 128GB pro yesterday and so far so good. My Air was just for browsing, Netflix and some document editing. I haven’t decided between the smart keyboard folio or magic keyboard but I think it’ll be the magic keyboard to complete the package.

Ditching the full computer for personal needs feels good right now.

Full disclosure, I do have a 2018 MacBook Pro from work that I use strictly for work but I’m sure I could probably use this iPad if work allowed it.

 

[roberthodgson]

I use my ipad way more then I use my desktop, I think Im also going to keeping my new 12.9 Ipad and add the magic keyboard with ethernet usb c adapter it will handle 95% of my computing needs

 

[PrettyWings]

If you don't have a computer, get the MacBook.

See if you can wait around 2 weeks because there may be a new MacBook debuted and whether you want that one or not, what's out now would become cheaper.

 

[AutomaticApple]

cheaper

Definitely not cheap, that's for sure.

 

[LFC2020]

Get them both ? great M1 combo ?

 

[Zazoh]

A grill and a stove will both cook food one is better at making an omelet, one better at cooking meat.

Hardware functionality the iPad wins. Versatility across the various legacy tech stacks, MacBook wins. If you store most documents online in Google Docs, iCloud, or Microsoft One Drive, and using external storage seems outdated to you, and you like to use a device in bed, on the couch or anywhere not sitting down at a desk, the an iPad is a great device.

 

[Feisar]

Get them both great M1 combo

I have both and my M1 MBP 16/1TB isn’t getting as much screen time though I do use it primarily for work - Figma, CaptureOne, ON1

Watching 4K HDR movies on the new mini-LED 12.9 IPP is just too lovely……. until MBP gets upgraded with mini-LEDs, LOL.

But MBP will always be my “can’t live without it device” and IPP media consumption device.

 

[MrEcted]

Do you want a tablet or a more traditional computer?

Here's how I feel about it. When it comes to using a device for fun I use my iPad WAY more. It's way more interactive, it's still fun scrolling around the internet with my finger, I suck at drawing but I still enjoy doing it, I enjoy writing by hand on my iPad, it's just more fun.

That being said, if I could only have one device and I was forced to choose then I'd have to go with my MBP. That's because there are still things I do on my MBP that I just can't do on my iPad since it uses real desktop class software - for example I write software for a living and the iPad is incredibly limiting in this regard, there is FAR FAR more tooling and such available for macOS. I do music production and as much as I love some of the apps on the iPad (like Beat Maker and Korg Gadget) absolutely nothing compares to Logic.

Basically, I need my laptop for work but I can also use it for fun whereas for me the iPad is primarily about the fun, even though I can do a little bit of work on it.

 

[Surfman]

I am 3 days in with my new 12” iPad pro, sold my late 2015 27” iMac and my 2018 11” iPad. Loving the change to iOS only so far, and just 1 device plus my 12 pro max to look after.

 

[slplss]

Decide by the apps you will use. Sounds like iPP would do it for you, but personally I’d never finish any serious work on it. Except for email/Markup, I do final touches for any document on desktop OS (Win, Mac, doesn’t matter). Luckily Files sync everywhere, so it’s a pretty straightforward workflow.

 

[puke]

Check what you _need_. In general, iPad Pro is more futuristic and most likely where we (as in the world) are headed. Touch will be the future and laptops will fade away over time. I just love using iPad with the Apple Pen. And for this one, I've ordered the white Magic Keyboard aswell. Can't wait.

 

[KennyJr]

I have a 2018 iPad Pro 12.9 and a desktop Mac (did have iMac, now have Mac mini M1 w/ 32" display). I've owned the full gambit over the years, MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, MacBooks, iMacs, various iPads, etc.

If I had to make a choice between portable anything or a desktop, I'd definitely select a Mac desktop. The larger screen makes all the difference. Plenty of room to move things around, no feeling of being restricted, etc.

I do love the iPad Pro for casual use and drawing, and I'd love to have that new iPad Pro 12.9 (drool), but I (and this is just me), if I had to make the decision, I'd go with neither of the portables and get one of the new 24" iMacs.

But .. If I truly needed a mobile device I would go with the M1 MacBook Air .. A good combination of both worlds (MacBook / iPad).

 

[ZBoater]

I do not think the iPad is ready to be your sole computing device. I still run across the funky website that the iPadOS browsers can't handle. I also keep local storage with all my media, and I find it much easier to handle it with my Mac.

You don't definitely need a MacBook Pro AND an iPad. You can make do with a Mac Mini or an iMac and a iPad. But just an iPad? Not just yet.

 

[MrGimper]

Do you want to touch the screen and something happens other than just getting a fingerprint on it?

 

[VaruLV]

I would probably suggest what PrettyWings did - if you can, simply wait couple of weeks, Apple might be announcing updated Macbook Pro's(tho, expect them to be more expensive than current 13" MBP/MBA) and they also are expected/rumored to announce some upgrades for iOS for iPad Pro's to benefit from all that raw M1 power.

If you dont care about either, then everything else about it has been laid out to you less or more precisely in above posts by other members.

Personally, my sole personal computing device for almost two years was iPad Pro 10.5(I do, however, have Windows desktop PC at work with dual monitors), it was great, I loved it. Now the upgrade time came and Im waiting for 12.9 M1 order to be fulfilled.
However, I do know, that in year or two there will be also either one of the 14-15" rumored Macbook Pro or Air, depending on port selection and price or maybe upgraded Mac Mini or even iMac in my posession.
Even if they enhance iOS multi tasking and file support to the same level as desktop OS'es do and even allow MAC apps on it, theres still place for laptops/ desktops with their bigger displays, considerably longer battery life(laptops) and added keyboard(laptops).
It was really hard to resist the urge to get 16GB Macbook Air when they released them, no fan, long battery life, what is there not to love about such computer lol!

Now, pardon my grammar/style, too lazy to reformat all this

 

[sracer]

So I’m not exactly a computer expert but I’m wondering what the advantages are w9th having a MacBook Pro with the newest chip versus the new iPad Pro 12.9 inch. I mainly use any computer for Internet browsing watching YouTube videos and movies from the iTunes Store. But it would also be nice to file documents such as resumes and cover letters on a hard drive to email when I need to.

thanks!

I think the main question to ask yourself is...
"Can the web browsing activities that I do be handled by the mobile version of Safari or do I need a desktop web browser?"

Over the years, Apple has improved Safari on iOS/iPadOS, but at its root, it is still a mobile web browser. (and no, the "display desktop site" or whatever option Safari has, is not the same as using a desktop browser)

My wife had used an iPad as her primary computing device (her MBA sits in her home office) but became a bit frustrated with the limitations of mobile browsers on iPadOS. I gave her a Chrome OS tablet (Lenovo Chromebook Duet) and because it uses the desktop version of Chrome, all of the limitations were resolved. Then it was a simple matter of using the Android version of the apps she used on the iPad.

I'm not suggesting that you get a chromebook or Chrome OS tablet, but that a desktop-strength web browser is something that is often overlooked when deciding between a mobile tablet and a conventional laptop.

 

[Never mind]

Touchscreen is not important to me, but having a system that does most everything else does and that leaves me with the MacBook Pro over an iPad as a device to go to when and if a 14/16 inch is announced soon. iPads are pretty good but as others have stated they’re not everything that many need in a system. A portable notebook is more desirable for me. In other words for me, have an iPad only, I would still be thinking of a notebook, but having a good notebook, I would not think as much I’m getting an iPad, if that makes sense. I could do so much more on a portable notebook

 

[gsal]

If you’re not going to make use of the benefits of the touch screen (ie pencil support), I’d go for the MacBook.

 

[NastyMatt]

I have a MBP and IPP, the MBP never gets used now.

The versatility and personal interaction of the IPP just makes me want to pick that up and use it over the MBP. Example, today I was on a conference call doing a whiteboard session (Jamboard in GSuite) on the IPP, walking around my house with the IPP and pen. Others were also working on the whiteboard at the same time, it felt natural and easy. To do anything close on the MBP would have been clunky and I certainly could not have got my steps up!

 

[baruflea]

I’ve managed to transfer many of the day-to-day tasks to my iPhone: e-mail, web browsing, video chats, making/receiving calls, of course. Even for writing, there is Ulysses and for everything else written, Evernote—it can capture, hold, and organize anything.

When I need to read and annotate a PDF for class or write long form for a discussion board post, the iPad handles those tasks with aplomb.

Only when I have to program or test a program do I use a traditional Windows computer. It’s what the CS department requires; otherwise, I think I’d have gone with a MBP.

It is possible to move almost everything from a PC to an iPhone and iPad. I’m waiting for the day for an IDE to run on an iOS device. If there’s already one, I don’t know about it.

Cheers!

 

[Dopestar]

So I’m not exactly a computer expert but I’m wondering what the advantages are w9th having a MacBook Pro with the newest chip versus the new iPad Pro 12.9 inch. I mainly use any computer for Internet browsing watching YouTube videos and movies from the iTunes Store. But it would also be nice to file documents such as resumes and cover letters on a hard drive to email when I need to.

thanks!

I would say wait for the 16in macbook pro.

 

[Apple_Robert]

So I’m not exactly a computer expert but I’m wondering what the advantages are w9th having a MacBook Pro with the newest chip versus the new iPad Pro 12.9 inch. I mainly use any computer for Internet browsing watching YouTube videos and movies from the iTunes Store. But it would also be nice to file documents such as resumes and cover letters on a hard drive to email when I need to.

thanks!

From what you described, the iPad could work well as your main device.

 

[Orangeman13]

From what you described, the iPad could work well as your main device.

That‘s what I went with. The 12.9 inch M1 Pro with magic keyboard - i am loving it!

 

[slplss]

That‘s what I went with. The 12.9 inch M1 Pro with magic keyboard - i am loving it!

So you treated yourself ?. I’m using it with keyboard too (Logi Combo Touch). I could not get back to my Zenbook anymore, the keyboard/trackpad experience is that good. Still getting used to how multitasking works.
Quick tip: use CMD+OPTION+D to show/hide Dock when you want to add app to Split View or Slideover.