iPad iPad Mini with Retina Display vs rMBP/MBA

[OrdinaryAvgGuy]

Hello! I find myself with a bit of a conundrum before me. I currently have a pre-unibody MBP that needs replacing, as well as an iPad 2. Ultimately, I will have either a 13 rMBP or MBA and an updated iPad, but I can't decide which to get first.

Currently, my usage of both is light, because the MBP is tired and I have found myself preferring the retina display on my iPhone for reading. I am planning on starting graduate work either in Fall 2014 or Fall 2015. I am pretty set on the iPad mini form factor, but I suppose the Air could be more useful if it became my device for class (my iPad 2 played that role for part of my undergraduate work, which I think extended the life of my MBP).

Help!

 

[carjakester]

Id replace your computer, unless your ipad 2 is seriously broken and you have some need for an ipad, an air or a MBP will be much more powerful.

 

[zerrisk]

I love my rMBP compared to my iPad. For what you are doing, I suggest upgrading the laptop first, as any work beyond light note taking is going to require a keyboard, and a decent computer.

 

[OrdinaryAvgGuy]

I hesitate to make the larger purchase because I expect a significant overhaul in the next revisions to the MBA line.

 

[iPhysicist]

I'd say go for the rMini. I use my '09 13MBP everyday for university stuff and its plenty powerful for these kinds of need, so I won't replace it until its broken. If your in the same "undemanding" boat feel free to update to the rMini. I did and I am happy with it. Reading and note taking is fine, portability is great. Screen quality is OK. If your into papers reading and note taking the lower gamut won't effect you in any way. Just be sure to look for an even screen. It took 3 rMinis for me to find a nice screen but Apple usually replaces "bad" screens without hesitation.

 

[maflynn]

Its a tough situation, because of how Intel is altering its roadmap for Broadwell.

That means we may not see a revamp of the MBA for sometime. Personally, I'd upgrade the machine that you expect to use the most or does the most work for you. If that's the laptop then by all means get the MBA, its a great machine with an awesome battery life.

If you can live with your current setup for an extended period, i.e., most if not all of 2014, then get the iPad.

 

[WilliamLondon]

For me the MBA/mini combination is perfect for my studies, they're both so small and lightweight that I can throw them both in my bag and hardly notice them at all. If I had to choose one, though, I'd probably opt for the MBA (though I'd miss my iPad greatly as I read all my PDFs for school on it, and find myself taking it out a lot more when I'm out and about).

 

[The Samurai]

If your laptop 'needs' replacing - replace it. I'd go with the Retina MBP - its true, once you go retina you can't go back. Forget about the iPad - you can get it once you have the extra dosh. Laptop will be more useful in your education that the iPad. I'm not saying the iPad won't get it done - it will but will take longer to do X and will have to jump through hoops to get Y done - being a student not too long ago, time is critical and you'll save yourself a lot of hassle and time.

 

[MrGimper]

All I'll say is keep in mind there are growing rumours of a new 12" Retina Macbook Air model coming....

 

[OrdinaryAvgGuy]

Yes. And I was in the Apple Store yesterday with a customer (I work at AT&T) and in the course of my conversation with an Apple employee, he noted that there was no window display, which he found odd.