Are you planning to also use an iPad along with your new MacBook?

[Hankster]

The thread title says it all. For those of you planning to get a Macbook. Do you have an iPad also? Do you see any use for an iPad along with your new Macbook?

I use my iPad Mini and MacBook for very different uses. So, for me the devices do not overlap at all.

iPad Mini: Streaming TV or Netflix. Playing app games. Some internet surfing. I can also hold this with one hand or use it in bed easier than a laptop.

MacBook: Typing. Emails. MS Office. Photoshop. Internet.

I think people forget how easy it is to use the iPad on the couch or in bed. You cannot do the same things with a laptop regardless of the size. Also, there are almost no apps for the MacBook and tons for the iPad. That alone is a major difference. You're not playing Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, Angry Birds, or whatever popular game on a laptop.

 

[newellj]

I think people forget how easy it is to use the iPad on the couch or in bed. You cannot do the same things with a laptop regardless of the size. Also, there are almost no apps for the MacBook and tons for the iPad. That alone is a major difference. You're not playing Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, Angry Birds, or whatever popular game on a laptop.

Someone has to say it, so it might as well be me. Your first sentence omitted another important location where I frankly wouldn't want to risk a laptop: the lavatory. Too much greater risk of a fall onto a hard surface.

 

[PDFierro]

I use my iPad Mini and MacBook for very different uses. So, for me the devices do not overlap at all.

iPad Mini: Streaming TV or Netflix. Playing app games. Some internet surfing. I can also hold this with one hand or use it in bed easier than a laptop.

MacBook: Typing. Emails. MS Office. Photoshop. Internet.

I think people forget how easy it is to use the iPad on the couch or in bed. You cannot do the same things with a laptop regardless of the size. Also, there are almost no apps for the MacBook and tons for the iPad. That alone is a major difference. You're not playing Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, Angry Birds, or whatever popular game on a laptop.

Completely valid point. I will add, though, that I prefer to do most of those things on my Mac. I guess I'm crazy.

----------

Someone has to say it, so it might as well be me. Your first sentence omitted another important location where I frankly wouldn't want to risk a laptop: the lavatory. Too much greater risk of a fall onto a hard surface.

I never take a smartphone/tablet into the bathroom. So I wouldn't bring a laptop into there, either.

 

[petvas]

The thing is that the new Macbook is the iPad of OS X laptops. It is small and light and looks great. Of course it's not a tablet, but for people wanting OS X, for people that feel that iOS is limiting, the new MacBook can definitely replace an iPad (for most functions).

I would prefer the Macbook for surfing, email, and everything actually but games. Even in bed there is no need to have it in your hands. The Macbook can be next to you and you can use it more easily than an iPad.

I am currently using an iPad Air 2 and I plan on replacing it with a Retina Macbook. Currently I wait for it to be send. (delivery date: May the 20th)

 

[PDFierro]

The thing is that the new Macbook is the iPad of OS X laptops. It is small and light and looks great. Of course it's not a tablet, but for people wanting OS X, for people that feel that iOS is limiting, the new MacBook can definitely replace an iPad (for most functions).

I would prefer the Macbook for surfing, email, and everything actually but games. Even in bed there is no need to have it in your hands. The Macbook can be next to you and you can use it more easily than an iPad.

I am currently using an iPad Air 2 and I plan on replacing it with a Retina Macbook. Currently I wait for it to be send. (delivery date: May the 20th)

Another good side to the debate. I'm not ready to sell my iPad yet, but I can see myself doing that after having the rMB for a few weeks. I'm just used to using a desktop OS for things one would normally do on a tablet.

 

[NewbieCanada]

The thread title says it all. For those of you planning to get a Macbook. Do you have an iPad also? Do you see any use for an iPad along with your new Macbook?

I sold my iPad Air when I got my iPhone 6+. iPhone's great for reading in bed and a light MacBook or MBA resting on my stomach is way easier than having to hold up an iPad.

Previous experience with MacBook Airs leads me to believe it will be quite easy to walk around the house with the MacBook resting in the palm of one hand while using it with the other.

 

[animatedude]

Yes with iPad mini 4 it's going to be a great combo!

 

[petvas]

The thing is that the iPad is easier for content consumption, but can be very frustrating for everything else. On the other hand a MacBook will be great for everything else and content consumption won't be that great.
Or imagine doing FaceTime with a friend. Wanting to show him something. With an iPad this is really easy. With a MacBook much more difficult.
I would say, if you can keep both, great, if not go with the one device that you need/like more. I would go with the MacBook.

 

[newellj]

The thing is that the new Macbook is the iPad of OS X laptops.

Now that is a very interesting way to put it. Yeah, that works.

 

[Hankster]

Another example of why an iPad is different from a laptop. My wife and I will watch movies or stream Netflix at night in our bed. Often times we will fall asleep and at some point the iPad will get knocked down or whatever. But, the iPad is flat and there is no harm if knocked over on a bed or under a cover.

Now, take a laptop with an opening screen panel...imagine accidentally hitting it over and the screen bends back too much. Or, even just falling off the bed. To me iPads are "tough" in many situations and easier to handle (bathroom included) than a laptop where you have to use a keyboard/trackpad.

The method in which a person uses a touch screen versus a keyboard/trackpad are very different.

 

[vanimal]

Another example of why an iPad is different from a laptop. My wife and I will watch movies or stream Netflix at night in our bed. Often times we will fall asleep and at some point the iPad will get knocked down or whatever. But, the iPad is flat and there is no harm if knocked over on a bed or under a cover.

Now, take a laptop with an opening screen panel...imagine accidentally hitting it over and the screen bends back too much. Or, even just falling off the bed. To me iPads are "tough" in many situations and easier to handle (bathroom included) than a laptop where you have to use a keyboard/trackpad.

The method in which a person uses a touch screen versus a keyboard/trackpad are very different.

That's exactly what I use my iPad for lol. I fear I will doze off browsing and flip over and the MacBook will go onto the floor. Chances are that's going to be a problem. I have a low bed from ikea so chances are the iPad will be fine.

 

[petvas]

There are definitely differences but the question is, can you justify having both devices? I think it's not a coincidence that iPad sales stagnate.
When the original iPad came out Netbooks sucked big time. Now though ultra notebooks are standard and work very well. The MacBook is the best example any makes the iPad usage scenarios less.

 

[bjet767]

"Seems like an inelegant solution due to the rMB's lone port."

Yes it is and that's why I have the $79 HDMI on order (not in stores right now) so I can charge at the same time. I may also use my HDMI 3 hub if I need more than one USBA plugged in. Of course I am using it on my Mini because it doesn't have enough USB ports for a desktop.

Overall I have a whole lot less cables floating around than in my Windows PC days.

 

[newellj]

"Seems like an inelegant solution due to the rMB's lone port."

Yes it is and that's why I have the $79 HDMI on order (not in stores right now) so I can charge at the same time. I may also use my HDMI 3 hub if I need more than one USBA plugged in. Of course I am using it on my Mini because it doesn't have enough USB ports for a desktop.

Overall I have a whole lot less cables floating around than in my Windows PC days.

Yes. I had initially had some reservations about giving up some of the ports on my rMBP. I'm now wondering if it might be an advantage.

 

[PDFierro]

Another example of why an iPad is different from a laptop. My wife and I will watch movies or stream Netflix at night in our bed. Often times we will fall asleep and at some point the iPad will get knocked down or whatever. But, the iPad is flat and there is no harm if knocked over on a bed or under a cover.

Now, take a laptop with an opening screen panel...imagine accidentally hitting it over and the screen bends back too much. Or, even just falling off the bed. To me iPads are "tough" in many situations and easier to handle (bathroom included) than a laptop where you have to use a keyboard/trackpad.

The method in which a person uses a touch screen versus a keyboard/trackpad are very different.

Well then I think there is the question of how reckless someone is with their devices. Using it in the bathroom, using it when you're almost gonna fall asleep, etc.

----------

Yes with iPad mini 4 it's going to be a great combo!

I liked when the only difference between the Air and the Mini was the screen size. Hopefully it goes back to being like that.

 

[212rikanmofo]

Definitely will be replacing the iPad for me. I have no use for it anymore. This is like an iPad with a keyboard with full blown OS X! I won't be missing the iPad.