Is there a point in having an iPad Pro 12 if you already have a MacBook Air 13?

[Sensamic]

I have a MacBook Air 13 2015 basic model which I'm really happy with. I've always loved tablets, but in the end I decided to buy this laptop because there were things I needed to do which I felt were more comfortable to do on a laptop, like writing Word documents. Also because tablets become obsolete really fast, whereas a laptop can be more useful over time.

I think almost everything one can do on a tablet can be done better in a laptop like the Air: web surfing, e-mail, multitasking, work related stuff, watching video and YouTube, etc. Almost everything except maybe gaming, but the iPad Pro 12 is really big and heavy to use for gaming.

So, what would be the point in buying the Pro 12 if one already has the Air? Screen size is the same, but the iPad has more resolution. The Air comes with its keyboard integrated, so much better for typing and doing work than the iPad. Also better for watching video IMO because there's no need to be holding the screen constantly like on an iPad.

I'd like to buy a new tablet, and the Pro 12 seems like the most enticing one, but I can't find any real reason or scenario where I would use it over the Air.

Anyone with both can comment? What do you use both of them for?

 

[jeremiah256]

Whether I keep my Surface 3 (10" hybrid) or sell it and get a refurbished MacBook Air (13") or breakdown and get a retina MacBook (12"), my plans are to get the 12.9" iPad Pro. I don't always need a traditional computer, but I do enough times that I need to have one on hand. The majority of my work can be handled on an iPad, but I'll want the larger model as it will be my main device to get things done on.

 

[Night Spring]

I think almost everything one can do on a tablet can be done better in a laptop like the Air: web surfing, e-mail, multitasking, work related stuff, watching video and YouTube, etc.

And I think emails, web surfing, reading ebooks, and watching videos are better on the iPad than the MacBook. I find I don't have to hold the iPad because I prop it up on my legs. I also like being able to type on the on screen keyboard without having the physical keyboard attached. If you don't feel this way, then no, there's no reason to get an iPad. Different strokes for different folks, which is why Apple makes both MacBooks and iPads.

 

[masotime]

Also because tablets become obsolete really fast

Tell that to the legions of iPad 2 owners.

I think almost everything one can do on a tablet can be done better in a laptop like the Air: web surfing, e-mail, multitasking, work related stuff, watching video and YouTube, etc.

.....

what would be the point in buying the Pro 12 if one already has the Air?

.....

I'd like to buy a new tablet, and the Pro 12 seems like the most enticing one,

From your perspective, the Pro 12 isn't even remotely enticing. It seems to me your decision is clear.

 

[iSheep5S]

Interestingly as a MacBook Air 13 and an iPad Pro 12.9 user I was deliberating this, headed to the forum and read this. Here is my comment.

I work nights. I only use my MacBook in the mornings when I come home and at weekends when I'm an insomniac (due to my routine) browsing in the early hours.

This week however due to a seasonal uk series I watch on TV in the morning I haven't touched my Mac all week till what is now Saturday morning. Preferring to quick browse on my iPad Pro then watch the series.

My observations upon using the Mac today after a good amount of time is...

I could use the iPad Pro 95% of the time due to the size and what I normally do on the web. When I have something else to do like photo editing or loading my Nexus 7 2013 with Doctor Who for night shift viewing It's the Mac.

The 12.9 would be forever my only choice. The iPad Air (my wife's) looks like an iPad mini to me now.

Edit, have both. Now using the Macbook and your golden with both.

 

[joce09]

In my situation, I use both for college purposes. On the iPad, I import the class powerpoint into Notability where I can follow along with the lecture and take notes onto the powerpoint. And with the Mac, I use it to complete the online assignments and the online course format also works/looks a lot better on a Mac. And I tend to lean more towards using the Mac to browse websites and such.

But with that said, if I wasn't currently in college working towards my degree, I would have just settled with my MacBook and would have held out and just bought an iPad Pro 9.7 to upgrade my Air 2.

 

[hallidc]

I've had both a Macbook (pro in my case) and an iPad Pro 12". The iPad was my go to device, leaving the Macbook collecting dust for weeks. The iPad is a great media device, however I found that the Macbook would be more beneficial for creating documents, etc (I had the Smart keyboard but kept trying to use the iPad as a MacBook).

In my case I would choose the MacBook over the iPad simply because I can't get used to typing on the iPad...I also feel the macbook would be more futureproof

 

[JamieLannister]

You can't compare the two. One is a real computer, the other is a computer that's sorta real but not really a computer. It's more of an entertainment device. yes, I'm talking about the iPad.

Unless Apple decides to make iOS 10 for iPad to be something different than the smartphone counterpart, I'd choose the MBP 13 any day. But then you lose the awesomeness of LTE on an iPad, portability, touch screen, and overall just turning the damn thing on an off instantly vs a real laptop.

If you need to do real work, use a real computer. Otherwise the iPad is sorta like a square peg in a round hole computer. You have to grunt around apps to get things done while on a laptop computer you just do.

 

[dingclancy24]

You can't compare the two. One is a real computer, the other is a computer that's sorta real but not really a computer. It's more of an entertainment device. yes, I'm talking about the iPad.

Unless Apple decides to make iOS 10 for iPad to be something different than the smartphone counterpart, I'd choose the MBP 13 any day. But then you lose the awesomeness of LTE on an iPad, portability, touch screen, and overall just turning the damn thing on an off instantly vs a real laptop.

If you need to do real work, use a real computer. Otherwise the iPad is sorta like a square peg in a round hole computer. You have to grunt around apps to get things done while on a laptop computer you just do.

If I wanted a real computer, id get an iMac.. better yet a Mac Pro... or maybe I would buy IBM Watson if I can afford it. That seems real enough.

 

[M. Gustave]

I think almost everything one can do on a tablet can be done better in a laptop like the Air: web surfing, e-mail, multitasking, work related stuff, watching video and YouTube, etc...

Um, no. We'll have to disagree on that. After so long using an iPad to do stuff online, I find using a laptop frustrating. I keep trying to pinch to zoom the dumb non-touch screen. And... video? Are you kidding?

So, what would be the point in buying the Pro 12 if one already has the Air? Screen size is the same, but the iPad has more resolution.

The screens aren't even in the same league. The Macbook Air has the worst screen in Apple's entire lineup, actually. It's only 63% of the sRGB gamut. The iPads' are all 100%, very accurate, and retina.

The Air comes with its keyboard integrated, so much better for typing and doing work than the iPad.

There are a myriad of keyboards and keyboard cases available for iPads.

What it comes down to is:
You need to evaluate what you want to get done, and how, and then pick the best devices to accomplish that. That includes what software you want to run, your preferred method of storage (cloud, hdd, etc), what input method, form factor. It's not a competition between "tablet vs laptop", they both follow different use models.

 

[drewjonn]

I'd actually go for the 9.7" since you have your MBA for typing and stuffs. The 12.9" is very close to the MBA, size and weight wise.

 

[RickTaylor]

You can draw and write on a 12.9 iPad Pro. That's the reason I got it (though watching movies on it is nice). I use it as a whiteboard for teaching, and a math notebook.

 

[masotime]

Um, no. We'll have to disagree on that. After so long using an iPad to do stuff online, I find using a laptop frustrating. I keep trying to pinch to zoom the dumb non-touch screen. And... video? Are you kidding?

The screens aren't even in the same league. The Macbook Air has the worst screen in Apple's entire lineup, actually. It's only 63% of the sRGB gamut. The iPads' are all 100%, very accurate, and retina.

Yes it boggles the mind. The assertions the OP makes are totally incongruous with the follow up that the iPad Pro is "enticing" (nothing in the OP's post makes the iPad Pro sound "enticing").

Inevitably this is going to end up as one of those "it's not a real OS, no file system bla bla bla" debates as usual...

 

[Sensamic]

You can draw and write on a 12.9 iPad Pro. That's the reason I got it (though watching movies on it is nice). I use it as a whiteboard for teaching, and a math notebook.

True! That's one thing I forgot about that the Pro can do and the Air can't: digital drawing. I don't do that a lot but I like the idea. I could do drawings and postcards and send them to friends and family.

That's what I'm looking for: things I can do on the Pro that I can't on the Air, so I don't feel like I have two redundant devices.

Maybe using the Pro on a plane for watching video would be better than on the Air.

Also, I think the biggest plus would be having 4G connection. I could have that on the Air using my phone to tether, but that would destroy the battery really fast. That's probably my favorite feature of a tablet: having cellular connection. Still can't understand why there are no laptops with option for cellular connectivity. Would be so so awesome!

The Pro 9.7 would be better for playing games than the 12, and I could still draw on it. Maybe it could be a better option, but the 12 allures me more.

When I say watching video, web surfing and such is better on the Air that's obviously my opinion. Having multiple web tabs open is better, ability to download files, flash to watch soccer games online, etc. Having the full power of internet is better in my opinion.

Will go to the store to check out the 9.7 vs the 12.

 

[dray67]

I have 13" rMBP and 12.7" iPad Pro, my MBP is for work and iPad is strictly for leisure, neither feels redundant for me, and gaming on the iPad is a lot different to the 9" iPad for me, I use game a little when I had my iPad 4 but not very often, but I find myself doing a lot more gaming on the 12' iPad, games like Baldurs Gate and XCOM are fantastic on the bigger screen, also the 12" iPad is great for movies.

 

[ZeRoLiMiT]

I just got the iPad Pro 12.9 and it's amazing ! I found I use it more then my MacBook Pro 13. It's really a personal preference

 

[JamieLannister]

If I wanted a real computer, id get an iMac.. better yet a Mac Pro... or maybe I would buy IBM Watson if I can afford it. That seems real enough.

Why so you can watch Netflix and browse user forums? iPad is simply too much work to get things done.

 

[M. Gustave]

iPad is simply too much work to get things done.

Well, now that all depends on what "things" you're trying to get done, doesn't it? My car would be a terrible choice to haul a cord of wood with. But for my purposes, it's great.

 

[sracer]

Why so you can watch Netflix and browse user forums? iPad is simply too much work to get things done.

It depends upon the tasks that you are attempting to accomplish as well as one's ability to alter workflows to better match the capabilities of the device. Many simply try to perform tasks on the iPad in the same manner as they would on a notebook. That approach would clearly result in falling short. But for those who take the time to re-think how they do things, they are rewarded with a solution that may be better in some instances than more traditional approaches.

 

[rowspaxe]

Ipad pro is a drawing/writing device. If you need that, you need the IPP or surface pro. Otherwise, pretty much any laptop-tablet combo will get it done.

 

[M. Gustave]

Ipad pro is a drawing/writing device.

That's a narrow view, isn't it?

 

[rowspaxe]

That's a narrow view, isn't it?

Ipad pro is a drawing/writing, and consumption device. OK? You want to edit video on it? Compose music on it? Spreadsheets? Real Editorial work? 3d design? No. Probably Not. No. No. Noooo! And I'm a believer--I think the IPP is awesome device--within its limits.

 

[M. Gustave]

Ipad pro is a drawing/writing, and consumption device. OK? You want to edit video on it? Compose music on it? Spreadsheets? Real Editorial work? 3d design? No. Probably Not. No. No. Noooo! And I'm a believer--I think the IPP is awesome device--within its limits.

No, not ok. You're completely unaware of the many people doing all those things already, on their iPads.
- Edit movies? yes. Not feature films for Paramount.
- Compose music? yes. You've heard of YouTube, right? Thousands of iPad music making videos there.
- spreadsheets? dude, you gotta be kidding me. Excel for iOS is outstanding.
- "Real Editorial work"? I don't know what you mean by that, but there are many word processors including Word, and many excellent writers apps.
- 3D design? yes. Several CAD programs for iPad. I don't have experience with them.

I would quit there, this isn't going well for you at all.

 

[Geekbabe]

I have a 2011 MacBook Air, a 2014 MacBook retina Pro & an iPad Air 2. I use the Air for travel, my Pro is a desktop replacement & my Air 2 is mostly for social media & entertainment. I don't use the MacBook Air much these days, I rely on the retina pro & my iPad. Each device has different uses for me. I have cancer & when I am lying in bed iPad is my constant companion, I also love iPad out on my porch or in the yard.

 

[magbarn]

My ipp 12.9 is mostly an entertainment device for me. It's not powerful enough to edit my 4K videos (lack of I/O ports and lack of storage) and the Smart Keyboard isn't good enough for long typing sessions - heck even the rMB has a better keyboard and I hate that one.