iPad Pro Torn on a decision

[Maclver]

So I have a 2018 iPad Pro 11" and an Early 2020 Macbook Air i5 with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD. I am torn on if I should sell both of those and get the iPad Pro 12.9" 1TB model. Since finishing college, all I have used my Macbook Air for is balancing my checkbook on Quicken, updating a spreadsheet in Numbers and updated a wireless carplay device's firmware. I am having trouble coming up with reasons I'd need a laptop. The biggest thing keeping from doing it is macOS. If Apple would make dual boot a thing it would be a super easy decision. But I honestly don't know what to do. Anyone thinking about the same?

 

[sracer]

So I have a 2018 iPad Pro 11" and an Early 2020 Macbook Air i5 with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD. I am torn on if I should sell both of those and get the iPad Pro 12.9" 1TB model. Since finishing college, all I have used my Macbook Air for is balancing my checkbook on Quicken, updating a spreadsheet in Numbers and updated a wireless carplay device's firmware. I am having trouble coming up with reasons I'd need a laptop. The biggest thing keeping from doing it is macOS. If Apple would make dual boot a thing it would be a super easy decision. But I honestly don't know what to do. Anyone thinking about the same?

Given the description you gave of your use cases, I don't see how it makes sense to buy a 1TB 12.9 iPad Pro. I mean, if you're looking for justification to spend the money, just do it.

The fact that the new Pro has the M1 is a possible indicator that there will be a converged device capable of running both iOS and MacOS in the iPad form-factor. (the new iMacs have iPad-looking tendencies which might be another hint).

I recommend holding off until/if such a time arrives. If it does, there will most likely be for the generation AFTER this new iPad Pro.

I've been making a slow but steady departure from Appleland (replacing Apple devices with alternatives as they need to be replaced) but such a converged device will be a personal game changer for me.

 

[Maclver]

I was thinking the 1TB because of the 16GB of RAM. The thought of future proofing is the main driver on that.

 

[Adelphos33]

Very few people can get along without a laptop or traditional computer of any kind, I would keep that MacBook Air

 

[sracer]

I was thinking the 1TB because of the 16GB of RAM. The thought of future proofing is the main driver on that.

Your 2018 iPad was only "future-proofed" for 3 years. "Future-proofing" is a myth. But if you think that it is actually a thing, how much are you willing to over-pay for the peace of mind you get from thinking that you're future-proofed?

An overwhelming majority of people who get the upper capacity models in pursuit of future-proofing end up looking to replace it at about the same frequency as those who don't consider the future-proofness of their purchase.

 

[Maclver]

Your 2018 iPad was only "future-proofed" for 3 years. "Future-proofing" is a myth. But if you think that it is actually a thing, how much are you willing to over-pay for the peace of mind you get from thinking that you're future-proofed?

An overwhelming majority of people who get the upper capacity models in pursuit of future-proofing end up looking to replace it at about the same frequency as those who don't consider the future-proofness of their purchase.

I wish they just had the 16GB RAM in all Pro models... but wish in one hand. I am not against a 128GB or 256GB. I'd prefer to spend less. I guess 8GB RAM with M1 isn't hurting the current Macbook Air that's out, so it should work fine for iPad.

 

[MNTVJunkie]

I wish they just had the 16GB RAM in all Pro models... but wish in one hand. I am not against a 128GB or 256GB. I'd prefer to spend less. I guess 8GB RAM with M1 isn't hurting the current Macbook Air that's out, so it should work fine for iPad.

16GB is overkill for what the current iPad offers UNLESS you are going to use it for high memory applications that would also justify the 1TB internal storage (think video editing, etc).

As of right now, we have no guarantee that MacOS will come to the iPad. The two are so different in how the interface works, and I have a hard time seeing Apple give people a subpar experience on either to satisfy the other (making it more touch friendly on the Macs, or releasing it as is in the iPad).

As for getting the iPad with more RAM to "future proof" your purchase, that seems like a waste. By the time you'll use 16 GB of RAM, a better iPad will be out with other enhancements, and your existing iPad will likely get a decent trade in offer from Apple. Also, remember that the battery, while good, will definitely limit the amount of future use you will get out of it. If you approach the iPad with a 5-6 year mindset of "maximum" life, decide if the cost per year is worth it for you. If not, back down the specs until you reach a yearly cost that is worth it.

 

[rgarjr]

16GB is overkill for what the current iPad offers UNLESS you are going to use it for high memory applications that would also justify the 1TB internal storage (think video editing, etc).

As of right now, we have no guar

As for getting the iPad with more RAM to "future proof" your purchase, that seems like a waste. By the time you'll use 16 GB of RAM, a better iPad will be out with other enhancements, and your existing iPad will likely get a decent trade in offer from Apple. Also, remember that the battery, while good, will definitely limit the amount of future use you will get out of it. If you approach the iPad with a 5-6 year mindset of "maximum" life, decide if the cost per year is worth it for you. If not, back down the specs until you reach a yearly cost that is worth it.

Yeah, some say they want to future proof by getting more ram, however 1-3 years pass by and they can't wait to ditch their current one and get that new recent shiny iPad.

 

[MNTVJunkie]

Yeah, some say they want to future proof by getting more ram, however 1-3 years pass by and they can't wait to ditch their current one and get that new recent shiny iPad.

I have long given up on "future proofing" anything. Apple products are high quality, and surely they will last, but I am a "techie" so if I get 4-5 years out of a product, that's good enough for me. And with Apple products, I can usually trade it in for at least a little off of my upgrade. I thought I would "future proof" with my iPad Pro 9.7", and it certainly still works, but it is starting to really slow down with the latest apps and the battery isn't what it used to be. But even still, I can trade it in for $160 off the new model. By the time 8GB starts to really feel like it's not enough, I'm thinking other things will also feel like they aren't enough such as CPU, Battery, and I'll want something new anyway.

My big debate right now is iPad Pro or Air. I'm not a serious user outside of gaming, but 120hz and 4 speakers is appealing, the question I have to answer for myself is, is it $150 appealing (256GB model for both).

 

[Maclver]

I should point out my partner has a 16” MacBook Pro, so in theory I could use his if I needed a computer for something. We plan on getting a iMac for the “house” in a year or two. So can I go a year or two without my own macOS computer.

 

[SkiHound2]

I too think the idea of trying to future proof is generally a fools errand. For folks who actually keep their devices for many generations, maybe. But I mean many generations. Any current iPad will work fine for the next 3-4 years, at least. At some point WANTS usually take precedence over NEEDS for most us. That state of the art12.9", 1TB, 2021 iPad Pro w 16gb of ram is still going to be a 3 year old device in 2024. And by that time we might really be wanting the latest and greatest tech that was just released.

 

[Spankey]

I‘ve had the same thoughts in regards to ditching a laptop. Thing is, a laptop still has more real life usage for me. I use it for work connected to an external monitor and it also runs Windows with Parallels (M1). The Air is less bulky to me than the iPad with magic keyboard. Trackpad is better as well.

I love my iPad with Magic keyboard though and even at 11” is perhaps my favorite Apple screen. Still. I need a laptop. Less than I used to but still a need.

If anything Apple is paying close to $500 for 2018 11” trade ins. Upgrade your 11” for the next year or so at little cost and see how things shake out down the road.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Very few people can get along without a laptop or traditional computer of any kind, I would keep that MacBook Air

...Well, unless you actually try!

 

[rui no onna]

...Well, unless you actually try!

Apart from desktop-specific software (e.g. Calibre), government and my credit union's websites can be iffy on Safari. I've had issues while buying discounted iPhones from Walmart, too.

Yes, the web developers are at fault. Regardless, I need those sites to work so full alternative browsers to Safari are sometimes needed and not just front-ends that use the same Javascript engine.

Maybe if iPadOS starts allowing full Firefox or Chrome on the iPad, that might be workable.

 

[Trvlngnrs]

I have an 2018 11" Pro also. I'm trading it in to Apple for $455. I paid $799 for it almost 2 ½ years ago. So I got to use it for all that time for $344 (+ tax). That's about $11/mo. If I were to calculate it out by all the hours I've used it, it would be pennies/hour. Definitely worth it, especially as the new one will have double to storage!

I typically will upgrade every 2 years or so, while the older device still has value, instead of keeping it so long that it's difficult to sell.