iPad Air vs iPad Mini Retina vs Macbook Air 11"

[petvas]

Many people at some point want to decide what they want to buy and they are between an iPad and a Macbook Air. While every device has its merits and usage scenarios, there are areas where these devices offer overlapping functionality.
For people that can afford two devices, this is not an issue, but what if you have to have only one device? Which is better for which job?
I tried to put my thoughts into a small document, a spreadsheet where I try to compare the three devices in question. It might help some of you (and me ) in making their decision.

Update: I edited the file again and updated it a bit.

 

[maflynn]

Interesting and nice job, though I will say your score is based on your personal expectations. Take couch usage, Id much rather use an iPad over a laptop, but thats just me

 

[petvas]

Interesting and nice job, though I will say your score is based on your personal expectations. Take couch usage, Id much rather use an iPad over a laptop, but thats just me

Of course, it's my subjective opinion.

 

[maflynn]

Of course, it's my subjective opinion.

You did a great job at putting everything down, and its definitely helpful

 

[petvas]

You did a great job at putting everything down, and its definitely helpful

Thanks

 

[petvas]

Interesting and nice job, though I will say your score is based on your personal expectations. Take couch usage, Id much rather use an iPad over a laptop, but thats just me

I updated the score to reflect the couch usage, since I guess that is the common belief among people. I personally like all devices the same, and I can easily use my Macbook Air on my lap. Of course the iPad has a smaller footprint.

 

[Akaba]

I updated the score to reflect the couch usage, since I guess that is the common belief among people. I personally like all devices the same, and I can easily use my Macbook Air on my lap. Of course the iPad has a smaller footprint.

Nice job.
Some other things to think about:
- storage capacity
- relative price e.g an iPad Air with x-memory being 1, would the iPad mini be 0.85 and the Macbook Air be 1.45 ( I used random figures)
- connectivity
- cost of support (read Applecare being way more expensive for a Macbook than for an iPad ...)
- ...

I like the Gründlichkeit of this list, and we are on the same ground: people will generally choose with their guts ... to rationalise will just help them not to choose blindly.

 

[petvas]

Nice job.

Some other things to think about:

- storage capacity

- relative price e.g an iPad Air with x-memory being 1, would the iPad mini be 0.85 and the Macbook Air be 1.45 ( I used random figures)

- connectivity

- cost of support (read Applecare being way more expensive for a Macbook than for an iPad ...)

- ...



I like the Gründlichkeit of this list, and we are on the same ground: people will generally choose with their guts ... to rationalise will just help them not to choose blindly.

I like Gründlichkeit
I guess you meant thoroughness.

I didn't want to include any cost factors, but wanted to just concentrate on the technical side of things. Connectivity is a good point, and storage also.

I made this list for myself since I have been going back and forth, between all these devices, and never really made up my mind which to keep.

 

[petvas]

I updated my comparison and added storage as a feature.

 

[Black.Infinity]

Based on your rating and situation, it is wiser if you go with MBA.

 

[petvas]

I have all devices here now

 

[kazmac]

this was a great breakdown

I updated my comparison and added storage as a feature.

Petvas, thanks for the great breakdown.

I often product tables of pros and cons of what apple products are best for me , but never with the details of usage and the scores you entered. Adding these may help me determine what is best for me since a new desktop and a portable are on the cards this year.

Appreciate it.

 

[petvas]

Petvas, thanks for the great breakdown.



I often product tables of pros and cons of what apple products are best for me , but never with the details of usage and the scores you entered. Adding these may help me determine what is best for me since a new desktop and a portable are on the cards this year.



Appreciate it.

If you want I can send you the original file, in Numbers format.

 

[kazmac]

thanks

If you want I can send you the original file, in Numbers format.

I do not have numbers, but thank you for the offer and the hands on research.

 

[Zxxv]

iPads don't display ads if you switch java off , settings safari advanced. It doesn't mess up my usage. Also on iPhone. Much nicer experience.

 

[petvas]

iPads don't display ads if you switch java off , settings safari advanced. It doesn't mess up my usage. Also on iPhone. Much nicer experience.

Disabling Javascript will mess up the browser. Javascript isn't used only for ads.

 

[Zxxv]

Disabling Javascript will mess up the browser. Javascript isn't used only for ads.

like I said, it doesn't mess anything up that I use.

 

[petvas]

like I said, it doesn't mess anything up that I use.

Disabling Javascript will certainly cause issues. You are lucky that the sites you use, work correctly.
I would never disable Javascript just to get rid of ads. Of course I could use an alternative browser, but I won't do that as long as I cannot set it as a default, and iCloud Tab syncing, Reading list, and iCloud keychain becomes available to 3rd party (that means, I will never do that!)

 

[kumquat]

You can get rid of ads on your home network with Glimmerblocker. You'll have to add quite a few of your own filters, but it works without breaking site functionality. I, too, have been waffling between an 11" MacBook Air and an iPad Air.

 

[petvas]

You can get rid of ads on your home network with Glimmerblocker. You'll have to add quite a few of your own filters, but it works without breaking site functionality. I, too, have been waffling between an 11" MacBook Air and an iPad Air.

Ads is just a small thing in this comparison. There are so many other factors to consider.
I posted this file as a help/guidance for people that are in dilemma what to buy, since I have gone through it..