Is it worth it to own a Macbook AND an iPad?

[mwhetnall]

This is actually the single feature that excites me the most about iOS 9, and is certainly a driving force behind my wanting to give the iPad another chance...

Can you elaborate upon why you say *almost*??

Thanks!

I say almost mainly because it's great when typing or working on a document, that's really the only time you can use this feature. That, and my biggest beef is that you don't have the feature unless using the onscreen keyboard. I use my typo keyboard and as such I don't have access to this feature unless I envoke the onscreen keyboard which doesn't appear unless prompted to since Bluetooth keyboards keep the onscreen keyboard hidden. Otherwise, it's an awesome feature. Strangely enough, I was able to use this feature on my iPhone 6 Plus until beta 3, which it now seems disabled.

 

[Zxxv]

Not quite. I want to reward myself just as encouragement to keep up the good work. And I have wanted to get one for a while. I just didn't know if it would be that great. But more and more, I'm seeing use cases where it very well would be.

You'll always find ways to justify a purchase if you search hard enough. Then you'll be blinded by the honey moon period. Then you'll find out the truth of the matter.

 

[Rusty33]

That, and my biggest beef is that you don't have the feature unless using the onscreen keyboard. I use my typo keyboard and as such I don't have access to this feature unless I envoke the onscreen keyboard which doesn't appear unless prompted to since Bluetooth keyboards keep the onscreen keyboard hidden.

Hmmm, a really good point - I really hadn't even thought about this! What a pity...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

 

[driftless]

I use my iPad as my mobile device and an iMac for the heavy lifting. I have a Logitech keyboard and having the option of using a keyboard really makes a difference. I am surprised that the two finger cursor does not work for one of the posters, I really like having a touch screen and keyboard combo. I did order a new rMB but my wife now uses it. I will be honest, I really like iOS and it's related apps for a mobile device.

 

[Rusty33]

I was briefly in an Apple store earlier today and cast my eyes upon the new macbook for the first time...WOW.

Suddenly there really isn't much difference between the iPad and the Mac at all. Could this be a neo-post-pc device?

 

[MarkCollette]

For personal use at home and my work, I'd only want to use my laptop and not the tablet. When traveling, I'd only want the tablet and not the laptop. When on the go in my home city in Winter, I'd only subject a tablet, not a laptop, to external temperature and humidity fluctuations in my bag. I'd definitely have both, even if the tablet is used much less frequently, since when it is used, it's the only game in town.

 

[old-wiz]

I have both and use the iPad Air 2 for reading books (my eyes have trouble with print on paper books these days) and I take it when I travel.

 

[Closingracer]

If your looking for the mini 2 I would say it's totally worth it depending on use. If your traveling a lot to work or etc the iPad is a lot easier to use then a Macbook and probably lasts longer and easier to charge with something like an battery pack. I use my iPad Air 2 on the train to read books and etc or watch movies. The laptop I have is mostly for games and Web browsing which I split between phone, and tablet as well pretty evenly

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

I honestly don't need a keyboard for my iPad. If I need a keyboard, then I should probably use my shiny Macbook Air.

 

[Badrottie]

It is nice to have an iPad AND a Macbook because I like HandOff/Continuty features.

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

Well guys, I went ahead and bought it. The government decided to pity me and gave me a whopping $300 cheque in the mail so I went ahead with it (no, don't worry I didn't spend that money, I already had the money for the iPad). So now I'm the proud new owner of an iPad Mini 2 32GB
I love this thing. I have found many uses for it and have continued to be impressed by what a nice little toy it is.

But that's what it will remain for me. A good e-reader/manga-reader, anime-watching, game-playing, social-networking-check--
I think you get the point. It's certainly found it's way into my life and I will use it plenty. However, I still have tasks I prefer to do on my laptop. I hook it up to a bigger monitor too; I can watch videos on here, and when I want to go somewhere in the house I can just take my mini out and do so. No unplugging cords, etc.

I'm not sure how I'll incorporate it into my school however. Most people would be fine with only an iPad, but I'm a student in a computer programming course (just a 3 year advanced diploma, nothing fancy) and that course is primarily Windows-based. C#.Net, C++ with Visual Studio, etc.
So while I can program just fine on my laptop, I have no intention to buy a keyboard for my iPad. And taking notes isn't really something I do in programming. I just kinda... program.

That being said, I'll probably bring it with me and attempt to take notes. Some theory-based classes would be good candidates. And it'll be much more convenient to pull out and check Facebook or play a quick game while I'm bored. Just, I'll feel rather insecure having both my Macbook and an iPad. That's almost $1700 CAD worth of electronics (I paid $1300 CAD with taxes for the MBA 13" 256/4, $400 CAD on the iPad mini 2 32GB)
But Idk... Just keep an extra eye on my babies, never leave them unattended, etc. Besides, it'll be very rare when I put them down (is that sad?)

Anyways, you probably didn't read or care about half of that. So,
tdlr; I like it.

Edit: The prices were in Canadian dollars. I'm sure some of you had a heart attack.

Thanks guys!

 

[srshaw]

Since they're not really designed to do the same thing, I say yes (for me anyway). Of course both devices share much functionality such as browsing, email etc. But proper photo or video editing on an ipad?

I suppose it really comes down to whether you do anything that really needs a mac, and if the answer is no then you don't need a mac.

 

[s2mikey]

I was briefly in an Apple store earlier today and cast my eyes upon the new macbook for the first time...WOW.

Suddenly there really isn't much difference between the iPad and the Mac at all. Could this be a neo-post-pc device?

Yeah, you may be onto something here. My next tablet purchase may not be a tablet at all. These notebooks are getting so light and portable that they could easily be my tabletop device and I get the benefit of having a real computer when needed. Very tempting. One huge problem is that I can get cellular data on the iPad which I cannot on any MacBook at this point. That's a problem for me. Wifi isn't always available and/or I might not want to use it if it is. Love that LTE support. If they had that on a MacBook.....I'd probably buy one next time around.

The surface 3 has LTE support. Hmmmmmm.

 

[Rusty33]

Yeah, you may be onto something here. My next tablet purchase may not be a tablet at all. These notebooks are getting so light and portable that they could easily be my tabletop device and I get the benefit of having a real computer when needed. Very tempting. One huge problem is that I can get cellular data on the iPad which I cannot on any MacBook at this point. That's a problem for me. Wifi isn't always available and/or I might not want to use it if it is. Love that LTE support. If they had that on a MacBook.....I'd probably buy one next time around.

The surface 3 has LTE support. Hmmmmmm.

Yes , the more I think about this, the more it make sense. My anticipated iPad usage cases are certainly shrinking with the advent of this new MacBook.

I wonder if a MacBook paired with an iPhone 6plus closes this gap completely?

 

[SD-B]

I
Second, if you own a laptop (particularly the Macbook Air), do you find there any worthwhile reason to own both a Macbook and an iPad?

I'm interested in the iPad Mini 2 (as the 3 isn't that much of an upgrade).

Only you know if you will use it.


I owned at one time both a MBP and an iPad.

My MBP I used at home so it was always on.

Since it was, I never needed the ipad.


I had to be crude but it became the device one used when you wanted some privacy in the bathroom for 1/2 and hour and the ipad would only be used then.


IF one were using a MBP for work purposes, bringing it home at night, in a briefcase, only to go out the next morning, then yes, an iPad might be very useful for browsing, emails, etc.


Power browsing with many tabs open, no, I would always resort to my MBP.

Reading the news, the iPad is fine.


I used to love having hot bubble baths and I would have the ipad on the floor, safely away from the bath tub but close enough that I could touch the screen or buttons but I would watch a movie, or a TV show I had not caught earlier. Multi-tasking but essentially I found the iPad to be useless for me, as much as I loved it and sold it.


When I bought an iMac retina 27" I wanted my computer challenged partner to take the MBP to use. He has an iPad but thats all he wants. He has a hard time still figuring out why one person emails and another Instant messages. He cant figure that out for the life of him (doesn't want to I suspect) but is fascinated with quick trips on Google and/or Apple Maps. He loves to visit the world, revisit countries he has been too but thats about the extent of what he does.

One page at a time.

I on the other hand, often have 12 browser tabs going at once and am hopping back and forth between then, so an iPad frustrates e for anything beyond simple browsing.


Only you know what kind of user you will be and whether or nott you really need one.

On the other hand, I have always had large smart phones, androids, the same size as the largest new Apple phone and when in doctors offices waiting, or other stationary reasons, I run a Kindle on mine and can read or browse the web.

Taking out an iPad to do the same, I found was unnecessary as the phone did it all.

IF you don't have a smart phone, then maybe an iPad would be easier to carry?


In fact, because I too asked myself the same question once, but had a smartphone as well, I did consider buying a mini-ipad and was going to use THAT as my phone. That way away from home id have the iPad. In the end I decided not to as my lifestyle just really didn't call for 3 devices. BUT, had I not already had a smart phone, I might have done that. But again, my usage might be different from yours and I really don't like talking on telephones so I have most people well trained to text me as much as possible. Hence a mini ipad as a phone might have worked for me.

So, it’s really up to you and what your needs are.


I have a iMac I use for everything and a MBP gathering dust, but use my smart phone for my needs now, when at a doctors or dentist appt, for instance.

 

[case2001]

Not to high jack the thread or derail it, there is no way I would replace my MacBook Air and iPad Air 2 with the MacBook. I can can connect the MacBook Air to my Thunderbolt Display with a single connection and have wired Ethernet and automatically connect to my external hard drive for backup. All with a single Thunderbolt connection. Then on the iPad Air 2 I can take handwritten notes, walk around, do net searches and the like. I don't think I could go back to a single device now.

I know the Microsoft Surface has all of those features but I love iOS and its stability. Plus I have more not taking apps to choose from on the iPad Air 2!

 

[CTHarrryH]

I find my iPad MINI great for those short business trips - great to read or watch stuff on plane or in hotel. I have to carry business laptop (and personal stuff is blocked from it) so I don't want to carry 2 laptops so laptop and MINI is great.

 

[makinao]

My wife and I are university professors. I've been having shoulder and arm problems from lugging around a backpack filled with a 2012 MBP 15", accessories, papers, and sometimes books. I never leave it in the car because of security concerns. The only time I'm not carrying it is on weekends when school is out. My wife advised me to get an iPad to lighten my load. She has a 2009 macbook and an iPad 2. She said her iPad is the best computer she's ever owned because it is light and responsive. She only uses her macbook for word processor gymnastics.

I have an iPhone 4s, but it's too small for what I do in the classroom. So I finally bought a mini2 32gb wifi a couple of weeks ago, and spent time getting used to it. School starts next week. I intend drop off my MBP in the office for heavy work, and take only my iPad to the classroom for presentations and records keeping. My shoulder hopes this works out.

 

[Uofmtiger]

I have a MBP and an iPad Air 2. For me, they serve different purposes. I like the form factor of the iPad, iOS, and don't want a clamshell design for casual use. I use it to read the "paper", listen to music when I am home ( freeing up the iPhone for calls), Siri ( which isn't available on the Mac yet), reading apps like Kindle, Zinio, Nextissue, Flipboard, Twitteriffic, etc.. Safari, Youtube, and anything else I want to be handheld rather than sitting in my lap or on a table. I do own a Bluetooth keyboard/case, but rarely ever use it. The keyboard does give you an extra level of use, but I don't like the extra weight or awkwardness of most of the keyboard case combos.

I use the MBP when I need a larger screen or certain programs that excel on that platform. Personally, I don't have a need for one combo device that does everything.

 

[nightlong]

I have two macs, which I use for things iPads can't do, and 3 iPads which are my favourite Apple gadgets ever, and a phone which is mostly just a phone.

I use iPads for work (mostly writing), with various stands, keyboards, keyboard cases, as well as personal communications (Skype and iMessage), and so many things I have never used computers for (watching movies in bed, yoga, cooking, GPS etc). I have SIM cards in two of them so I always have Internet when mobile, without having to use public wifi. That is a major plus over laptops.

 

[zhenya]

I love love love my new retina Macbook, but not that the honeymoon period is coming to an end, I can still really see the value of the iPad. Yes, it's a real luxury to be able to have both, but the iPad is a lot more convenient for casual reading - it's just a better form-factor than a clamshell for many situations. That said, now that the Macbook has come to this form factor, the iPad is certainly seeing a lot less use than before.

 

[GaryNoine]

Is it necessary to have both? No, but is it convenient? Oh yes. The portability of the iPad (Mini, for me) makes it so much easier to carry in public than the MBP. My MBP tends to be used at home for heavy business-related projects, usually staying docked. When it's time to relax on the couch, I reach for the iPad Mini. It's a great device for personal (ATV remote, gaming, social media, etc.) and business (typing spreadsheets, documents, emailing, etc.) needs. Dropbox allows for perfect syncing, connecting work with my iPad Mini as well as non-work.

 

[XTheLancerX]

Is it worth it? Depends.

Is it convenient? Yes.

I am only a sophomore in high school, and am already looking at computer options for my graduation in 2018. I pretty much am looking at the 13" Retina MacBook Pro. Hopefully it's still a thing by then. If it's replaced by something better, cool. As long as the price is right.

One thing I have been considering is what I'm going to do about an iPad. iPhone is here to stay, and MacBook is approaching. I currently have an iPad mini 2, and I almost jumped the gun and upgraded to the Air 2. Glad I didn't, because it would be aging by the time college happens.

The conclusion I've come to is... I'm gonna ditch the iPad, and go iPhone 7/7S Plus and a 13" Retina MacBook Pro (whatever the latest model is before school begins) Budget is a pretty big part of this decision, and I don't think that spending $2000 going into college on an iPad and a MacBook at the same time is a logical thing to do, especially if I currently see myself being able to do everything I need to with just two devices, iPhone and MacBook. If I get an iPad now, or even get the next iPad, it will become too aged halfway through college I think. MacBooks often last longer, so I should be okay there.

I definitely feel like I could live without an iPad if I had a MacBook. The iPad would just be convenient. I still have a good 3 years to reconsider, though. And there is also a good 2-3 years of product changes. I could very well not even have the options I'm currently planning on in 2017-2018.

 

[3rdiguy]

Yes! You can use your iPad as a second display with Duet Display app. They work together very well

 

[ron7624]

Thanks for your replies everyone!
I had no idea that the iPad could cover so many of your computing tasks, and it seems a fair amount of you found the experience more satisfactory on the iPad than a Macbook.

As for the mini vs full-size iPad, I guess that comes down to preference. But I will definitely take into account if the screen is too small for reading manga or browsing most websites I like to use.

Based on what I've read so far, I may very well buy one and try it out. There's a 14-day return policy at Best Buy so I can play it safe and if I don't like it, return it, or just keep it. I would only be getting the Mini, though, unless I find the screen too small. I happen to like my Macbook Air and I don't want to cut it out of my life in favor of a new toy. I still need it for stuff like programming and such, but it'll be nice to not have to disconnect it from my external monitor every time I want to go mobile. And I imagine it'll be much more comfortable to hold.

If you have any more iPad experiences you want to tell, don't hold back. This thread could be beneficial for other prospective iPad purchasers.

I'll let you know how things go once I get my next paycheck.
Thanks everyone thus far

I have the MBA and Mini 2. I use both with he weight being on the Mini 2.
You will find many different answers and justifications, but its simply personal preference. Buy the mini 2 and try it out. You should love it. No, it cant replace the MBA and the MBA cant replace the iPad for me. They are 2 very different devices which are very enjoyable in their own right.