Getting a MacBook Air if I already have an iMac?

[jm31828]

I have a 2017 27” iMac that I use mostly for photo editing.

My other Apple device is an iPhone 13 mini, which I love but it can get straining using it for extended “couch” browsing and social media sessions.

I picked up an iPad Air 5th generation on sale to be a bridge device for more comfortable longer browsing sessions, as well as doing a bit of photo editing and maybe some light video editing without being tied to the immobile iMac for some of this.

I hadn’t opened it yet as I was considering returning it because I just picked up an M1 MacBook Air for $799- thinking it would be more versatile than the iPad.

I’ve been testing it out and it’s a great device- but I don’t quite find it as “nice” for the basic media consumption as it is on a phone or iPad-partly the bulky size.
But one other concern that arose- if I keep this, what is the purpose of my iMac?

It feels to me like if I have an iMac and an iPhone, the iPad may be a better bridge device.

What are your experiences- do some if you have an iMac and still use a mba for the things I mentioned above? And if do, does your iMac really just collect dust at this point?

 

[MPclk2006]

So I went the other way, I have a MacBook Pro from 2017 and recently got an iMac because it was on sale for like 50% off. Since having the iMac and working from home (on a different computer) I noticed I don't use the MacBook as much anymore, but my iPad usage has increased. This is also due to the fact the battery on the MacBook has been having issues so I never know when it's going to just turn off and say is dead when it has a full battery.

 

[jm31828]

So I went the other way, I have a MacBook Pro from 2017 and recently got an iMac because it was on sale for like 50% off. Since having the iMac and working from home (on a different computer) I noticed I don't use the MacBook as much anymore, but my iPad usage has increased. This is also due to the fact the battery on the MacBook has been having issues so I never know when it's going to just turn off and say is dead when it has a full battery.

So it sounds like the iPad was the better bridge device for you- thanks for sharing!
I suppose the slight difference is the MacBook Air is quiet snd stays cool snd has ridiculously good battery life compared to the older air snd pro models- but to be still seems just a bit clunky compared to a phone/iPad for things other than heavy work-related productivity or heavier photo editing.

 

[Isamilis]

If you plan to do complex work on the road then MBA is better. MBA is also not too bad for media consumption (it’s weight is similar with iPad+case anyway, plus its battery life is also similar with iPad).
The iMac can be your desk station with bigger screen and can run program overnight and has big disk to store your complete data/documents.
Another option, you can sell the iMac and buy the external monitor, use it with MBA when needed.
If you’re considering iPad vs MBA, there are lots of discussion on MR, which usually end up to your typical usage.

 

[MBAir2010]

I use 3 MacBooks everyday for different purposes running Ventura, Mojave and El Captain.
there is a very fast and reliable Mac mini 2012 i7 sitting in my dresser draw I should get going again.

I would only use the 2021 MacBook Air all the time even to replace the iPad or iPhone.
they are easy to type on, compose graphics, photo edit and watch movies.
what I do is airplay movies or sports from the MBA to the TV.
the signal on the M1 is strong and works better than the other MacBooks.
and that battery does last over 20 hours!

'hope this helped!

 

[jm31828]

I use 3 MacBooks everyday for different purposes running Ventura, Mojave and El Captain.
there is a very fast and reliable Mac mini 2012 i7 sitting in my dresser draw I should get going again.

I would only use the 2021 MacBook Air all the time even to replace the iPad or iPhone.
they are easy to type on, compose graphics, photo edit and watch movies.
what I do is airplay movies or sports from the MBA to the TV.
the signal on the M1 is strong and works better than the other MacBooks.
and that battery does last over 20 hours!

'hope this helped!

Thanks for sharing!

im testing out my iPad Air 5 now, and it’s a fantastic device but is big and bulky, awkward to hold and as you said, it won’t quite run all apps out there such as my luminar AI photo editing app.
I have a couple more weeks to decide between this and the mba I picked up, to return one of them.

 

[Macky-Mac]

I have an iMac, iPad, and iPhone......the iPad is great for lounging on the sofa playing games, watching videos, movies, football and all of that sort of stuff. For me, any laptop would seem bulky and awkward for how I'm sitting/lounging while using the iPad.

The iPad goes traveling with me, so it does email and some web stuff while I'm away from home.

All of the "computer" stuff is done on the iMac. Telephone, texting, weather info and camera is what the iPhone is for.

That's how it all works out for me

 

[R3k]

I have a Mac Studio that I use for my production work and a MacBook Pro as my daily driver. I love having separate systems. I keep the production system clean and optimized, I dont use email or messaging clients on it, and it stays in the studio and when im there I focus on creating.

The laptop, I can bring to the breakfast table and check email while munching on toast.

I guess this helps my separate my professional or private life a bit..

 

[1BadManVan]

I have no use for a full desktop set up for what I do. I use my iPhone for the usual calling/texting and social media. The MacBook Air I use at my desk or on the couch, I find it the perfect size to pop on a pillow on my lap while watching Tv. its mostly replaced my iPad now, my iPad is mostly used now to stream Netflix in the kitchen lol.

If I had to choose between the iPad or my MacBook Air, the iPad goes off sure. But everyone has their own use cases and preferences.

 

[Technerd108]

Considering your use case I would recommend keeping the MacBook air. It is essentially the same processor and ram that is in iPad but as others have chimed in a lot more useful than the iPad.

I have a MacBook air M2 and a 5th Gen iPad. For me it is the perfect combination and I like you got a good deal.

If I were you I would consider selling your iMac and keep the MacBook Air and iPad 5th Gen. I think the air could easily replace your iMac and will run faster for most scenarios. You can always buy an external monitor down the road and use it with your MB air.

Your iMac is a great desktop and you can still use windows on it if you want but time is ticking on support for Intel Macs. But some people don't care and will use their Mac after official support ends.

But between only one I think for a little bit more the MacBook Air is a much better value as you have MacOS which is far more useful than iPadOS. The m chip on the iPad is overkill at the moment but that also means the iPad will last a long time.

I really like my iPad as a media consumption device. It is so light and the screen and speakers are great. I have never used an M1 air just the M2 which is probably my favorite Mac I have ever owned.

There are some small details to mention. The MacBook Air has a 400 nit screen brightness compared to 500nits on the iPad. Base iPad only has 64gb storage while the base M1 MacBook air has 256gb and it is faster storage than the base M2. Overall if I had to choose one it would be the MacBook air for more features like keyboard, better build quality, more storage, more useful MacOs.

 

[jm31828]

Considering your use case I would recommend keeping the MacBook air. It is essentially the same processor and ram that is in iPad but as others have chimed in a lot more useful than the iPad.

I have a MacBook air M2 and a 5th Gen iPad. For me it is the perfect combination and I like you got a good deal.

If I were you I would consider selling your iMac and keep the MacBook Air and iPad 5th Gen. I think the air could easily replace your iMac and will run faster for most scenarios. You can always buy an external monitor down the road and use it with your MB air.

Your iMac is a great desktop and you can still use windows on it if you want but time is ticking on support for Intel Macs. But some people don't care and will use their Mac after official support ends.

But between only one I think for a little bit more the MacBook Air is a much better value as you have MacOS which is far more useful than iPadOS. The m chip on the iPad is overkill at the moment but that also means the iPad will last a long time.

I really like my iPad as a media consumption device. It is so light and the screen and speakers are great. I have never used an M1 air just the M2 which is probably my favorite Mac I have ever owned.

There are some small details to mention. The MacBook Air has a 400 nit screen brightness compared to 500nits on the iPad. Base iPad only has 64gb storage while the base M1 MacBook air has 256gb and it is faster storage than the base M2. Overall if I had to choose one it would be the MacBook air for more features like keyboard, better build quality, more storage, more useful MacOs.

Thanks for the response!
Over the weekend I spend some time using both devices quite a bit. I like the iPad Air 5 for sure, but I found I REALLY like the MacBook Air- it is not bad to have on my lap using it for browsing, social media, and other media consumption that I might have otherwise done on my phone or the iPad- it's actually really comfortable for that..... and the added bonus is I can sit right there doing some of my more major photo editing that I would otherwise do on the iMac.

The only issue is that it causes just a bit of eye discomfort- within minutes each time when I use it I get dry, slightly watery eyes- something that doesn't happen when using other devices. I suspect it's either the PWM flicker of the display, or something else that just doesn't quite get along with my rather sensitive eyes.

I'll try it for a couple more days to see if I can get over that at all- at this point I'd hate to have to return it as it's a fantastic device- but if it continues, I'll definitely have to return it as I don't want to be doing that to my eyes each and every time I use the device- especially when this was supposed to be my device for longer sessions of media consumption, to avoid having to stare at my small phone screen for those lengthy periods of time.

 

[Technerd108]

Thanks for the response!
Over the weekend I spend some time using both devices quite a bit. I like the iPad Air 5 for sure, but I found I REALLY like the MacBook Air- it is not bad to have on my lap using it for browsing, social media, and other media consumption that I might have otherwise done on my phone or the iPad- it's actually really comfortable for that..... and the added bonus is I can sit right there doing some of my more major photo editing that I would otherwise do on the iMac.

The only issue is that it causes just a bit of eye discomfort- within minutes each time when I use it I get dry, slightly watery eyes- something that doesn't happen when using other devices. I suspect it's either the PWM flicker of the display, or something else that just doesn't quite get along with my rather sensitive eyes.

I'll try it for a couple more days to see if I can get over that at all- at this point I'd hate to have to return it as it's a fantastic device- but if it continues, I'll definitely have to return it as I don't want to be doing that to my eyes each and every time I use the device- especially when this was supposed to be my device for longer sessions of media consumption, to avoid having to stare at my small phone screen for those lengthy periods of time.

I have heard people have issues with PWM or something else in newer Apple displays. The problem seems worse with the MacBook Pros with mini led screens.

This can be a big problem for some people and they don't seem to be able to fix it. Same with iPhone display.

You should try a few days of just using the MBA and see how you feel after a few days of only using it. The problem may resolve as your eyes get used to the display or it might get worse. The only way to know is to isolate the issue by not using anything else for a short period of time.

Then if it is worse your decision may be made for you.

Good luck on whatever you do!

 

[jm31828]

I have heard people have issues with PWM or something else in newer Apple displays. The problem seems worse with the MacBook Pros with mini led screens.

This can be a big problem for some people and they don't seem to be able to fix it. Same with iPhone display.

You should try a few days of just using the MBA and see how you feel after a few days of only using it. The problem may resolve as your eyes get used to the display or it might get worse. The only way to know is to isolate the issue by not using anything else for a short period of time.

Then if it is worse your decision may be made for you.

Good luck on whatever you do!

Thank you!

I will do that as I have about ten days yet before my return window closes.
It looks like Costco may be having that sale again on the 10th gen iPad as well that has both no PWM and no temporal dithering- and it would serve my purposes as well, so I will check into that situation as well to be prepared in case I do have to return my Macbook Air. 🙂

 

[Technerd108]

Thank you!

I will do that as I have about ten days yet before my return window closes.
It looks like Costco may be having that sale again on the 10th gen iPad as well that has both no PWM and no temporal dithering- and it would serve my purposes as well, so I will check into that situation as well to be prepared in case I do have to return my Macbook Air. 🙂

It might be a better route to get a cheaper iPad and call it a day.

If that is the case you might consider the 9th gen and see if you can find it on sale. Might work just as well as the 10th gen, cost a little less, still has a headphone jack and is compatible with Apple pencil 1 for charging with no adapter needed.

 

[jm31828]

It might be a better route to get a cheaper iPad and call it a day.

If that is the case you might consider the 9th gen and see if you can find it on sale. Might work just as well as the 10th gen, cost a little less, still has a headphone jack and is compatible with Apple pencil 1 for charging with no adapter needed.

Yeah, the thought crossed my mind. I do like the 10th gen, though, for the more modern look- and the fact that it has the A14 chip and 4GB RAM (vs A13 and 3GB RAM in the 9th gen).... but it's only worth it if I can find that $389 price again- I wouldn't spend $450 on it.

I'll see what I can find- but this does seem like a cheaper option and may fit better as a bridge between my phone and my iMac anyway, instead of having the amazing MacBook Air that really just causes my iMac to collect dust.

But, if the MacBook wasn't bothering my eyes, I would not hesitate to just keep it and see how I can use the devices together- and to maybe at some point just sell the iMac as was previously discussed. 🙂

 

[Technerd108]

Yeah, the thought crossed my mind. I do like the 10th gen, though, for the more modern look- and the fact that it has the A14 chip and 4GB RAM (vs A13 and 3GB RAM in the 9th gen).... but it's only worth it if I can find that $389 price again- I wouldn't spend $450 on it.

I'll see what I can find- but this does seem like a cheaper option and may fit better as a bridge between my phone and my iMac anyway, instead of having the amazing MacBook Air that really just causes my iMac to collect dust.

But, if the MacBook wasn't bothering my eyes, I would not hesitate to just keep it and see how I can use the devices together- and to maybe at some point just sell the iMac as was previously discussed. 🙂

I don't know what you paid for the 5th gen iPad air but I think for around $500 it is hard to beat. If the screen doesn't bother you it is a much better value in my opinion than the 10gen iPad.

You get a much better fully laminated and anti reflective screen, M1 with 8gb ram, Apple pencil 2 support should you ever want to use a stylus with your iPad and considering the power of the M1 both in CPU and GPU it should last a long time. I don't think it is much heavier than the 10th gen either.

So if the screen doesn't bother you I would keep that and return the MacBook.

I think it will bridge the gap very well between your iMac and iPhone. Once you get hooked on the iPad you tend to use it a lot.

Hope you can find a perfect solution for your needs!

 

[jm31828]

I don't know what you paid for the 5th gen iPad air but I think for around $500 it is hard to beat. If the screen doesn't bother you it is a much better value in my opinion than the 10gen iPad.

You get a much better fully laminated and anti reflective screen, M1 with 8gb ram, Apple pencil 2 support should you ever want to use a stylus with your iPad and considering the power of the M1 both in CPU and GPU it should last a long time. I don't think it is much heavier than the 10th gen either.

So if the screen doesn't bother you I would keep that and return the MacBook.

I think it will bridge the gap very well between your iMac and iPhone. Once you get hooked on the iPad you tend to use it a lot.

Hope you can find a perfect solution for your needs!

Yeah, the tech nerd in me really wants to keep the Air 5th generation because of the M1 chip and the 8GB RAM- it is a great device for sure, and I got it on sale for $499. (my return window on it closes January 31)

Side by side in the store, honestly I did not see any difference at all in performance between the 10th gen and the Air 5- but I know the M1 and 8GB RAM in the Air 5 would allow it to handle apps eventually that demand more from the hardware, and would have better longevity.... so the other option is to keep using it for a couple more weeks and see how that goes. It honestly isn't as bad as the MacBook- it just caused some minor eye pain in my left eye after some extended use. It doesn't have PWM, but as discussed- it is likely that it uses temporal dithering due to having the P3 color gamut.

The 10th gen is attractive to me because of the lack of the P3 gamut- it is sRGB only, which means it would have no use for temporal dithering- and Notebookcheck verified that there was none on this device.


As much as I hate to, I feel pretty confident I'll be returning the MacBook Air, and will try the iPad Air 5th gen for another couple of weeks to see how I adjust since I have almost a month yet before it would have to be returned (Amazon). It would be beneficial for me to be able to keep that as I have heard Amazon is a bit of a pain with returns, having to ship the item off and wait up to a month for the refund.

Costco has a 90 day no questions asked return policy, just a quick drop-off in their stores- so if I find that $389 deal on the 10th gen again- I would still be tempted to pick it up knowing that it for sure would work for me- so I would have it if I end up needing to return the air.... and if the air does work out for me, then no problem just returning the 10th gen to Costco.

This is all far too complicated- I hate even having to consider these things.

All I know at this point is that I am not so interested in chasing the best tech, if I can find a good compromise that causes me absolutely no trouble with my eyes, then I would happily just buy that and be done with it. (which is why today I started thinking about the 10th gen, even though it's truly not as exciting of a device as the Air)

Thanks again for the discussion and listening to my rambling here. 🙂

 

[Technerd108]

Yeah, the tech nerd in me really wants to keep the Air 5th generation because of the M1 chip and the 8GB RAM- it is a great device for sure, and I got it on sale for $499. (my return window on it closes January 31)

Side by side in the store, honestly I did not see any difference at all in performance between the 10th gen and the Air 5- but I know the M1 and 8GB RAM in the Air 5 would allow it to handle apps eventually that demand more from the hardware, and would have better longevity.... so the other option is to keep using it for a couple more weeks and see how that goes. It honestly isn't as bad as the MacBook- it just caused some minor eye pain in my left eye after some extended use. It doesn't have PWM, but as discussed- it is likely that it uses temporal dithering due to having the P3 color gamut.

The 10th gen is attractive to me because of the lack of the P3 gamut- it is sRGB only, which means it would have no use for temporal dithering- and Notebookcheck verified that there was none on this device.


As much as I hate to, I feel pretty confident I'll be returning the MacBook Air, and will try the iPad Air 5th gen for another couple of weeks to see how I adjust since I have almost a month yet before it would have to be returned (Amazon). It would be beneficial for me to be able to keep that as I have heard Amazon is a bit of a pain with returns, having to ship the item off and wait up to a month for the refund.

Costco has a 90 day no questions asked return policy, just a quick drop-off in their stores- so if I find that $389 deal on the 10th gen again- I would still be tempted to pick it up knowing that it for sure would work for me- so I would have it if I end up needing to return the air.... and if the air does work out for me, then no problem just returning the 10th gen to Costco.

This is all far too complicated- I hate even having to consider these things.

All I know at this point is that I am not so interested in chasing the best tech, if I can find a good compromise that causes me absolutely no trouble with my eyes, then I would happily just buy that and be done with it. (which is why today I started thinking about the 10th gen, even though it's truly not as exciting of a device as the Air)

Thanks again for the discussion and listening to my rambling here. 🙂

Given what you have said then you are probably right. Maybe return the MacBook air first.

Pick up the iPad 10 gen at Costco and then you can do a side by side test of the 10 gen iPad next to the iPad air. Then you can see how you feel after using the two alternatively for maybe a day or so exclusively.

Health is the most important thing. I think the a14 and 4gb ram is fine for what most people use an iPad for anyway.

At least you have some fun color choices with the latest gen iPad. I have heard on these forums that most people who buy a 10th gen love it.

In the end it isn't about specs but what works best for your use case.

 

[jm31828]

Given what you have said then you are probably right. Maybe return the MacBook air first.

Pick up the iPad 10 gen at Costco and then you can do a side by side test of the 10 gen iPad next to the iPad air. Then you can see how you feel after using the two alternatively for maybe a day or so exclusively.

Health is the most important thing. I think the a14 and 4gb ram is fine for what most people use an iPad for anyway.

At least you have some fun color choices with the latest gen iPad. I have heard on these forums that most people who buy a 10th gen love it.

In the end it isn't about specs but what works best for your use case.

Yeah, though the tech nerd side of me would hate to have to make that compromise, you are absolutely right- health is the most important thing, and if a device was making my eyes feel this way, I'd always be worried about what that is actually doing over the course of months or years- so it's best to find one that is comfortable, even if it may not be absolute top-of-the-line specs.

It's complicated buying devices and returning others, but if I find the 10th gen on sale tonight in my local Costco store I think I'll just go ahead and pick it up and will then work tomorrow on returning the MacBook. As you said, I'll try it out alongside the Air 5th gen for a little while, or at least keep the Air 5th gen and use the 10th gen exclusively for a week to ensure it's not a problem. Assuming it's not, then I'll begin the long task of returning the Air to Amazon and being done with this whole saga.

 

[Technerd108]

Yeah, though the tech nerd side of me would hate to have to make that compromise, you are absolutely right- health is the most important thing, and if a device was making my eyes feel this way, I'd always be worried about what that is actually doing over the course of months or years- so it's best to find one that is comfortable, even if it may not be absolute top-of-the-line specs.

It's complicated buying devices and returning others, but if I find the 10th gen on sale tonight in my local Costco store I think I'll just go ahead and pick it up and will then work tomorrow on returning the MacBook. As you said, I'll try it out alongside the Air 5th gen for a little while, or at least keep the Air 5th gen and use the 10th gen exclusively for a week to ensure it's not a problem. Assuming it's not, then I'll begin the long task of returning the Air to Amazon and being done with this whole saga.

I have been there believe me.

I returned two iPad airs to Amazon. Before I settled on a MacBook Pro when the 14/16 came out I went through three before I settled on the 16" then a year later sold it on used market to get the M2 air and my iPad.

I always want the most powerful and fastest of anything and considered the M1 iPad Pro but in the end the 16" was overpowered in ways I never used it and way too heavy and uncomfortable. It was just complete overkill for my use and it was so bulky and heavy I didn't want to use it.

The M2 air while not the absolute best is more than enough for me. It is plenty fast and so much more comfortable to use. I use it so much more than I ever did the 16" and I don't miss anything.

In the end I wanted the quad speakers and promotion of the iPad Pro but I couldn't justify the cost difference over the air. I don't use my air professionally so the Pro would have been overkill.

In the end I am glad I didn't let specs dictate my wants but my needs instead. I saved a lot of money and by selling the Pro when I did I didn't lose too much and was able to get the air and the iPad without spending any money.

I think a lot of times we are pushed by the Apple juggernaut to always upgrade to things we really don't need. Apple is a master at this but the truth is with a series and m series chips they are so good you don't need the very best like we used to with Intel and basically a12 and before.

 

[jm31828]

I have been there believe me.

I returned two iPad airs to Amazon. Before I settled on a MacBook Pro when the 14/16 came out I went through three before I settled on the 16" then a year later sold it on used market to get the M2 air and my iPad.

I always want the most powerful and fastest of anything and considered the M1 iPad Pro but in the end the 16" was overpowered in ways I never used it and way too heavy and uncomfortable. It was just complete overkill for my use and it was so bulky and heavy I didn't want to use it.

The M2 air while not the absolute best is more than enough for me. It is plenty fast and so much more comfortable to use. I use it so much more than I ever did the 16" and I don't miss anything.

In the end I wanted the quad speakers and promotion of the iPad Pro but I couldn't justify the cost difference over the air. I don't use my air professionally so the Pro would have been overkill.

In the end I am glad I didn't let specs dictate my wants but my needs instead. I saved a lot of money and by selling the Pro when I did I didn't lose too much and was able to get the air and the iPad without spending any money.

I think a lot of times we are pushed by the Apple juggernaut to always upgrade to things we really don't need. Apple is a master at this but the truth is with a series and m series chips they are so good you don't need the very best like we used to with Intel and basically a12 and before.

Ah, so you have been through that whole saga and then some!
How did the returns go on those iPad airs that you sent in? Did it take a long time and multiple follow-ups with customer service to get your refund? Were the airs opened, or still sealed in the shrink wrap?

Totally understood- it is just so hard to get over that desire to have the latest/greatest/fastest when buying devices like this.

How are you liking your M2 air overall? I've heard about the supposed issue with the SSD's and how the read/write speeds are slower than the M1- is that realistically something you notice at all? Or does the faster CPU mask any slightly slower performance with the SSD, since the device is so fast already?

Which iPad Air did you settle on and have today- is it the 5th generation?

I agree with your last statement, it truly does seem that big increases were made with each iteration of the "A" series chips speed wise, but after about the A12, these improvements are really incremental- my wife's XS Max phone doesn't really feel much (of any) slower than my 13 Mini, and that doesn't feel any slower than the A16 chip in my friend's iPhone 14 Pro.
And with iPads it's really evident as well- the A14 in the 10th gen for most things is every bit as fast as the M1 in the Pro and the Air.... I do think the RAM difference is truly a big deal for much of any multitasking and will be even more so in the future as apps become more resource-intensive, but as it stands today, that isn't so concerning on the iPads for most of us.

 

[jm31828]

Well I spent quite a bit of time last night again using the iPad Air 5 that I still have, and similar to the MacBook Air- it didn't cause a headache or eye pain, but it was causing that same dry eye feeling. After some time I would get to the point to where I simply didn't really notice it, it is minor (again similar to when using the MacBook)- but it was definitely there.

This is something I don't encounter on non-P3 color devices like my work laptop, or an old 2015 MacBook Air that I also have from work- and I don't experience it on my iPhone 13 Mini- which is P3, but since it's OLED- there is no temporal dithering.

I feel fairly confident now as I narrow this down that my issue is with any device that has temporal dithering- because it happened on an iPhone SE 2022 that I tried back in October as well (same deal, LCD display with no PWM but the P3 color gamut, which means temporal dithering).

So I guess I need to figure out if it's really a big enough deal to be concerned with, or just deal with it and see if with consistent use- maybe I get over it. Of the two devices I have right now, I really would like to keep the MacBook Air if possible- but I have tried changing the color profile to sRGB and that hasn't made a difference, so I don't think there is anything else I can do with it other than just keep using it and hope I get over it/adjust.

What I had considered, as discussed above- is to go with an sRGB iPad, the 10th gen. I really like that model as well, I have no concerns about the non-laminated display or the Apple Pencil issue (I have a 3rd party pencil anyway that charges via USB-C).... I know from a test run I took back in early December that the 10th gen didn't bother me because it has not only no PWM, but it has no temporal dithering since it is not trying to simulate the P3 color gamut.

I see that I can buy the base 64gb model at Costco for $439 right now, or I can buy the 256gb model on sale there this week for $529. Just for the best value for the money- and for resale value- I am wondering if taking advantage of this sale on the 256gb is a good idea?
I don't need that much storage initially- I have most apps installed on the iPad Air now that I would use, and am only using 30gb of space.... but don't have any pictures or videos on it yet, which I am sure I would accumulate as I start doing more photo or even video editing on it.

 

[Technerd108]

Ah, so you have been through that whole saga and then some!
How did the returns go on those iPad airs that you sent in? Did it take a long time and multiple follow-ups with customer service to get your refund? Were the airs opened, or still sealed in the shrink wrap?

Totally understood- it is just so hard to get over that desire to have the latest/greatest/fastest when buying devices like this.

How are you liking your M2 air overall? I've heard about the supposed issue with the SSD's and how the read/write speeds are slower than the M1- is that realistically something you notice at all? Or does the faster CPU mask any slightly slower performance with the SSD, since the device is so fast already?

Which iPad Air did you settle on and have today- is it the 5th generation?

I agree with your last statement, it truly does seem that big increases were made with each iteration of the "A" series chips speed wise, but after about the A12, these improvements are really incremental- my wife's XS Max phone doesn't really feel much (of any) slower than my 13 Mini, and that doesn't feel any slower than the A16 chip in my friend's iPhone 14 Pro.
And with iPads it's really evident as well- the A14 in the 10th gen for most things is every bit as fast as the M1 in the Pro and the Air.... I do think the RAM difference is truly a big deal for much of any multitasking and will be even more so in the future as apps become more resource-intensive, but as it stands today, that isn't so concerning on the iPads for most of us.

I had some delays with returning my second iPad. I had to call customer service once but eventually I got a refund.

I love the M2. I gotva BTO with 512gb ssd and 16gb ram. But if you look at the speed test of the 256gb ssd on the M2 air it is still very fast. BTW the MacBook M2 air has no temperal dithering or PWM according to notebook check.

In terms of speed I feel that the M2 is a decent upgrade over M1 although not Earth shattering. And that is coming from M1 Pro and Max. The other great thing about M series chips that are not Pro is really excellent battery life. The same performance whether or not plugged in.

I have the iPad air 5th gen and love it. I think it is the perfect balance for an iPad. I like the color options that are lacking on the Pros and for a 11" ish tablet it doesn't feel too heavy.

The storage options and costs for the iPads that are not Pro versions I feel are the biggest problem. Once you jump to the higher storage the cost becomes rather high and the value drops considerably. I took have less than 30gb space on my iPad. It is fine for me because I don't plan on downloading large file or taking photos or videos from it but it does suck it doesn't start at 128gb. I certainly don't need 256gb but 64 seems like it could be an issue down the road.

$529 is not bad considering the 9th gen for the same storage is $449. You would not have to worry about space. I don't think that photo editing would work very well though. If you are going to do any photo editing or video editing you are going to need the M1 version with 8gb ram. You would probably also need the 256gb storage so that puts you into iPad Pro territory. Then you could get the M2 with 128gb storage and do everything that you want.

Problem with the Pro is the screen again. But maybe it would be better than the air? Maybe the Promotion might help? Maybe it would be worse.

So I think that I would do a test. Maybe buy the 256gb 10th gen and see if it can handle photo editing. If it can then you are set. If it can't then maybe the lower storage might be better suited.

Resale value would probably be fine since it is the latest gen regular iPad and they probably won't revise it for a while.

 

[jm31828]

I had some delays with returning my second iPad. I had to call customer service once but eventually I got a refund.

I love the M2. I gotva BTO with 512gb ssd and 16gb ram. But if you look at the speed test of the 256gb ssd on the M2 air it is still very fast. BTW the MacBook M2 air has no temperal dithering or PWM according to notebook check.

In terms of speed I feel that the M2 is a decent upgrade over M1 although not Earth shattering. And that is coming from M1 Pro and Max. The other great thing about M series chips that are not Pro is really excellent battery life. The same performance whether or not plugged in.

I have the iPad air 5th gen and love it. I think it is the perfect balance for an iPad. I like the color options that are lacking on the Pros and for a 11" ish tablet it doesn't feel too heavy.

The storage options and costs for the iPads that are not Pro versions I feel are the biggest problem. Once you jump to the higher storage the cost becomes rather high and the value drops considerably. I took have less than 30gb space on my iPad. It is fine for me because I don't plan on downloading large file or taking photos or videos from it but it does suck it doesn't start at 128gb. I certainly don't need 256gb but 64 seems like it could be an issue down the road.

$529 is not bad considering the 9th gen for the same storage is $449. You would not have to worry about space. I don't think that photo editing would work very well though. If you are going to do any photo editing or video editing you are going to need the M1 version with 8gb ram. You would probably also need the 256gb storage so that puts you into iPad Pro territory. Then you could get the M2 with 128gb storage and do everything that you want.

Problem with the Pro is the screen again. But maybe it would be better than the air? Maybe the Promotion might help? Maybe it would be worse.

So I think that I would do a test. Maybe buy the 256gb 10th gen and see if it can handle photo editing. If it can then you are set. If it can't then maybe the lower storage might be better suited.

Resale value would probably be fine since it is the latest gen regular iPad and they probably won't revise it for a while.

Nice! Do you notice the M2 Macbook Air getting warm or hot to the touch at all, at least under normal load? Or does it stay cool to the touch? So far I haven't felt the M1 get warm at all- though I haven't pushed it very hard.

Thanks for sharing about the M2- I read about the upgraded display, how it has no temporal dithering or PWM, and that it might perhaps be a true 10-bit display?
That is nice to see, as we know the M1 has PWM, up to 49% brightness, so that might be part of my problem as well since I don't want to turn brightness up too high, or else it is too bright to look at. haha

I see the M2 MacBook Air is on sale at Costco right now for $999, $200 off.... that is getting up there, but I am now wondering if it might be smart to buy that there and try it for a while to see if it's easier on my eyes- since they have that really good return policy.... but I hate playing this game, that would leave me with two laptops and an iPad with two of the three I for sure would have to return. haha

And regarding the iPad 10th generation- I really don't think I'd need that extra storage, so even though $529 isn't bad for 256GB, it's extra money I just wouldn't need to spend. I have all apps installed on the Air 5th gen that I have now that I would really be wanting, and I am only at 24GB used.
So, I could buy the 10th gen iPad base storage at Costco for $439 and try it out- it's not as cheap as it was at Christmas, but not much more- and I would have 90 days to return if I find it on sale there or elsewhere during that time.

So I just need to decide which way I want to go- I really do like the MacBook Air and would prefer just to keep it- I'll play around with some settings tonight and see what I think, and then will decide if I want to go to Costco and try to pick up the M2 MacBook Air, or maybe just go the iPad route and get the 10th gen.

To the note about photo/video editing- actually I was surprised to see that people do plenty of photo and even video editing on this device. I have seen videos where people are doing pretty heavy video editing on the 9th gen iPad even, and it doesn't skip a beat- these devices are amazing in regards to how much they are able to do with so little RAM.
But the photo editing I would do is basic, single photo at a time editing in an app like Affinity Photo or Pixelmator Photo- and when testing those in the store, the 10th gen is equally as fast as the Air- and they work flawlessly even on the 9th gen that was on display.
So for my needs, I wouldn't have any issues- if I go that route.

 

[Technerd108]

Considering what you wrote it seems that you could get away with an iPad.

The thing is what will work best for your workflow and use case? Do you find an iPad comfortable to work on. Is the on display keyboard enough or do you think you would want a keyboard for increased productivity and easier typing? Because if you ever add an Apple keyboard to the iPad it will cost as much as a MBA.

Do you prefer a touch screen?

Can you afford the M2 MBA?

Do you use your devices on the go or like simply using a desktop and the iPad is simply a media consumption device with occasional photo editing?

I think the M2 MBA is great and the base model is very fast. I love the display as it is bright, color accurate and just an overall fantastic display. I think either MBA would be vastly more functional while still being extremely portable. Kind of like an iPad with a built in keyboard just no touch. The M2 has Magsafe so you have two thunderbolt ports for fast file transfer. It lasts a long time on battery. Since it has no fans you can use it anywhere.

I think itbis a given that the iPad air is going back. So I would start the process of returning it. You will probably have to call Amazon and explain the situation with the screen and get the return process started.

Then buy a M2 MacBook Air or go into a store and see if you could use the screen for a while. Maybe go to the Apple store where you could spend some time using the display and see how you feel. You could also check out the iPad 10th gen. Try it for a while. Without actually bring able to use these devices before you buy them it is hard to know what is going to affect your eyes and if you like the device, how it feels in your hands, etc.

Then you would be able to make a more informed decision on which to buy from Costco either the 10th gen iPad or M2 MBA.

Alternatively you could get the M2 MBA and compare it to the M1 MBA directory and weigh the pros and cons of each. Then you could decide which to keep or rather to go for iPad.

It is not easy and I hate buying and returning stuff and the worry of being reimbursed. But in the end finding what is best for you takes a bit of using the actual devices. You will probably keep whatever you buy once you have made your decision for a while and don't want to waste your money or regret your purchase. So don't worry about buying and returning. What is important is that you find something that you can use without making you sick. And that you enjoy the purchase you made and money you spent.

There are pros and cons to all of the devices you are considering and no one but you can know what is best for you. I have my preferences but I am trying to just give information and my experience not my preference.