Thinking about switching to an iPad Pro 12.9 from a Mac. Help needed.

[cinnabun814]

Hi! I'll be going back to college and i'm looking at potentially going iPad only. I bought a 2016 15" MBP and I always use my iphone X. Literally never use my MacBook. I browse the web and use Khan Academy and listen to Music and browse social media. My only concern is old legacy software because i'd be taking my courses online. Like how i'd upload a file, etc. It'd be for a business major if that helps at all. I only have money for one Machine and I don't have any other computer. So should I keep my MBP and get an iPad sometime down the line or sell my computer and get the 12.9 with cellular. I'd really love to be able to go iPad only but again my concern is with things like university login software etc

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I'd wait until you're in the program to make that call. You can see what you end up using the MBP for, the file types you're using, etc. I did switch, but only after a period of time having both and seeing that the MBP wasn't necessary for me. I get you might not be able to have both for awhile, but I'd see how you're doing with the MBP you already have once school starts.

 

[mk313]

For college, I wouldn't recommend an iPad only, unless you have access to another computer should the need arise. I used an iPad as my primary computer for Grad School, but there were some classes that required software that was only available for Mac (or sometimes Windows). Also, Excel/ Word/ PowerPoint on the iPad are passable, but they aren't as full featured as on a traditional computer (Word can't create a table of contents, Excel can't create pivot tables, etc). As much as I like my iPad, I wouldn't recommend it as an only machine for school.

 

[dontwalkhand]

What about something cheaper like an MBA and an iPad? I went this combination and its been working for me. I have an iPad 9.7" and MBA along with my iPhone.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

I think a Mac is a better choice. It gives you the option to boot into Windows as well, should the need arise.

 

[rosyapple]

I always have a laptop, even if it's an old / cheaper one. The reason is because a laptop can take on the more heavy duty work (programming, design with photoshop etc, Microsoft software), while the iPad can take on the lighter work and easy to carry. Even if you don't program, you do not want to close the opportunity that you might want to learn something new, or that the school needs you to have access to software that can only be used on a computer (such as Java / Flash). A laptop can do almost everything that an iPad can do, while iPad only covers a small subset of what a laptop can do.

I currently use an old Macbook air and an iPad for school. If I have to choose between the old Macbook air and the iPad, unfortunately I will choose my old macbook air, because my old macbook air also allows me to code and access any web site with legacy software. Without an iPad, I can still take notes , read slides, textbooks using my laptop as well.

 

[rui no onna]

I think a Mac is a better choice. It gives you the option to boot into Windows as well, should the need arise.

Yep. My cousin used a MacBook for law school but I had to install Windows on it because their exam software was Windows only.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Yep. My cousin used a MacBook for law school but I had to install Windows on it because their exam software was Windows only.

I’m surprised that’s still true! That’s how it was for me at the beginning of law school, but by the end the software company had added a Mac version (Still nothing that would have worked on ipad). I graduated in 2010.

 

[rui no onna]

I’m surprised that’s still true! That’s how it was for me at the beginning of law school, but by the end the software company had added a Mac version (Still nothing that would have worked on ipad). I graduated in 2010.

He did graduate 5 years ago (2013). Maybe it's different now.

 

[npolly0212]

Don't forget that all colleges have libraries and most majors have there own computer labs to use and will have access to a computer day or night...As far as I am aware with all colleges around me lol

 

[sracer]

Hi! I'll be going back to college and i'm looking at potentially going iPad only. I bought a 2016 15" MBP and I always use my iphone X. Literally never use my MacBook. I browse the web and use Khan Academy and listen to Music and browse social media. My only concern is old legacy software because i'd be taking my courses online. Like how i'd upload a file, etc. It'd be for a business major if that helps at all. I only have money for one Machine and I don't have any other computer. So should I keep my MBP and get an iPad sometime down the line or sell my computer and get the 12.9 with cellular. I'd really love to be able to go iPad only but again my concern is with things like university login software etc

As others have said, stick with a macOS device. You just missed a great sale on 13" Macbook Airs which is what I would have recommended. It is super light and portable and will be able to handle all of your computing needs through college. Not only for desktop-grade software, but having a desktop web browser is important for accessing online material and services (that aren't always supported on mobile browsers). Having "legacy" ports likes USB and SD, gives you the opportunity to be able to share files on the spur of the moment... without having to email them or use shared cloud resources. The MBA is a terrific presentation device too... run a Keynote or Powerpoint attached to a projector or monitor, and use a presentation remote.

For just a little over the cost of the iPhone X alone (or easily for less than the current value of your 15" MBP), you can buy a 13" Macbook Air and a 2018 9.7 iPad. The iPad w/Pencil makes a great digital notebook for classes and around campus, and can use the MBA for the "heavy lifting" of writing papers and such. Make use of iCloud for the key file set you are working on and you'll have easily inter-operability between the 2 devices.

 

[cinnabun814]

Thank you so much everyone for the replies! I have decided to keep my MacBook Pro and in a couple months or so activate a 9.7 or 10.5 on Verizon as a companion device when I save up a bit. I really liked that idea. Answers were much appreciated.

 

[npolly0212]

Thank you so much everyone for the replies! I have decided to keep my MacBook Pro and in a couple months or so activate a 9.7 or 10.5 on Verizon as a companion device when I save up a bit. I really liked that idea. Answers were much appreciated.

Thats a great idea! I purchased a used macbook 2011 model and still runs like a charm today for 400 and then went and got a ipad pro so had the best of both worlds!