iPad Pro I’ve come to a new conclusion regarding 11” vs 13” iPads

[Adelphos33]

From 2018 until a couple of years ago, the 13” IPad Pro was probably the best Apple device of that screen class you could buy. The screens and speakers were excellent, the machines were powerful, they could be outfitted with cameras and cellular, and multitasking was doable with split screens. Pricing was good as well.

What has changed has been the huge increase in quality and value of Apple’s laptops. Amazon is selling the 13” M4 MacBook Air for $849. In contrast, Amazon is selling the M4 IPad Air for $1,199. The base 14” MacBook Pro is also often heavily discounted.

When it comes to the iPad Pro, for that extra $250, you get a state of the art screen, and a back camera. It also runs iOS, which for many has more apps. But you have to buy a $300+ keyboard for your iPad to get full functionality.

I’ve been using an 11 inch M1 iPad Air as my primary iPad recently. It works great with the Magic Keyboard, and the extra flexibility of the smaller size gives it something unique.

To me, 13” iPad - particularly the pro - makes sense mainly if you use it as your only mobile device and need the screen size. Or if your are doing creative work where the iOS nature, touch screen, etc makes it useful. But as a secondary device, it gets too expensive relative to the MacBook options - both Air and Pro.

Smaller iPads work the same, can be configured the way you want, are a bit easier to handle (both in tablet mode and with the keyboard). And they are a unique size. To me, the 13-14” MacBooks are getting so good to the point that they are becoming too much competition for the iPad Pro.

The 13” iPad Air is also a good alternative for those that just want that screen size.

 

[sparksd]

The 13" Pro + MKB has replaced my 13" laptop as my go-to travel device. It covers the functionality I need/desire and has a beautiful display.

 

[russell_314]

The 13" Pro + MKB has replaced my 13" laptop as my go-to travel device. It covers the functionality I need/desire and has a beautiful display.

Is it just because of the display? It’s heavier than the MacBook Air.

I have the smaller iPad Air that I use for watching YouTube and a MacBook Air for when I need a keyboard. I thought about replacing the MacBook Air with a larger iPad, but I couldn’t really find an advantage of doing so. It’s not more portable and it’s on iPadOS so there’s some significant limitations there. Maybe I’m overlooking something?

 

[sparksd]

Is it just because of the display? It’s heavier than the MacBook Air.

I have the smaller iPad Air that I use for watching YouTube and a MacBook Air for when I need a keyboard. I thought about replacing the MacBook Air with a larger iPad, but I couldn’t really find an advantage of doing so. It’s not more portable and it’s on iPadOS so there’s some significant limitations there. Maybe I’m overlooking something?

The weights and weight differences are small enough as to be irrelevant to me. The iPad has the advantage of being both a tablet and having a laptop-like configuration. And the display is superior. I haven't run into limitations significant enough to rule out its usage.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

The 13" Pro + MKB has replaced my 13" laptop as my go-to travel device. It covers the functionality I need/desire and has a beautiful display.

Yeah I have an M1 iPad Pro 12.9” with MKB and I agree. I have it paired with a M4 Mac Mini, and the combo works well together.

 

[russell_314]

The weights and weight differences are small enough as to be irrelevant to me. The iPad has the advantage of being both a tablet and having a laptop-like configuration. And the display is superior. I haven't run into limitations significant enough to rule out its usage.

I just looked it up and they trimmed the weight of the magic keyboard so it’s about the same as the MacBook Air.

How does it work as a laptop? I mean, actually sitting on your lap. When it first came out I heard some reviewers say it’s almost impossible to use it that way. Occasionally I use my MacBook Air that way. Is it possible to do that with the iPad and the Magic Keyboard?

One big thing I like about the iPad versus the MacBook is the iPad comes available with cellular. To me that’s a big advantage because if I’m away from Wi-Fi, I don’t have to set up a hotspot.

 

[sparksd]

I just looked it up and they trimmed the weight of the magic keyboard so it’s about the same as the MacBook Air.

How does it work as a laptop? I mean, actually sitting on your lap. When it first came out I heard some reviewers say it’s almost impossible to use it that way. Occasionally I use my MacBook Air that way. Is it possible to do that with the iPad and the Magic Keyboard?

One big thing I like about the iPad versus the MacBook is the iPad comes available with cellular. To me that’s a big advantage because if I’m away from Wi-Fi, I don’t have to set up a hotspot.

It's not as stable in the lap as a laptop as the weight is in the screen as opposed to the keyboard; I keep it stable with one or both palms/wrists on the keyboard. But I honestly can't recall the last time I used a laptop of any sort by itself in my lap. If I do it at home, laptop or iPad, I use a compact lap desk - more comfortable and stable.

 

[rui no onna]

To me, 13” iPad - particularly the pro - makes sense mainly if you use it as your only mobile device and need the screen size. Or if your are doing creative work where the iOS nature, touch screen, etc makes it useful. But as a secondary device, it gets too expensive relative to the MacBook options - both Air and Pro.

Or if you have aging eyes and require the larger display and higher contrast.

Smaller iPads work the same, can be configured the way you want, are a bit easier to handle (both in tablet mode and with the keyboard). And they are a unique size. To me, the 13-14” MacBooks are getting so good to the point that they are becoming too much competition for the iPad Pro.

Personally not interested in the 13-14" MacBooks. They don't make for good tablets.

For me, MacBooks and iPads are two different product lines. If I wanted a laptop, I'd buy a laptop.

 

[rhinosrcool]

I have the 13" Ipad Air M3. The screen, to me, is great. The size is excellent. Also, I have the last generation Magic Keyboard and it is great. My laptop is a 16" LG Gram. I'm good.

 

[UpsetTheAppleCart]

You don’t need to pay $300 for a keyboard for your iPad. I bought a $60 one for the odd time I want to type more than a few sentences and it works just fine. Buying a MacBook for personal use would be a waste of money for me.

 

[throAU]

The weights and weight differences are small enough as to be irrelevant to me. The iPad has the advantage of being both a tablet and having a laptop-like configuration. And the display is superior. I haven't run into limitations significant enough to rule out its usage.

This.

My daily carry is both a MacBook and an iPad. But if I had to give up one it would be a tough choice because the iPad can do iPad things and most MacBooks things with the keyboard and trackpad, but not the reverse.

 

[snipr125]

Is it just because of the display? It’s heavier than the MacBook Air.

I have the smaller iPad Air that I use for watching YouTube and a MacBook Air for when I need a keyboard. I thought about replacing the MacBook Air with a larger iPad, but I couldn’t really find an advantage of doing so. It’s not more portable and it’s on iPadOS so there’s some significant limitations there. Maybe I’m overlooking something?

Its not just about the weight, the iPP + MKB has a modularity/flexibility to it that MacBooks don't really have. Its also snappier to use and better for content consumption, whilst still providing productivity/multitasking/content creation utility but maybe just not as good as a proper Mac. The 13" Version gives you more of that industry leading screen.

 

[leifp]

If it works for you, it’s the right size… myself, I constantly alter between the 11” and (12.9) 13” sizes and really wish the 9.7” was still available. If I wasn’t so picky about my screens, I’d have a mini instead…

As it stands, I use the 11” much as I used the 12.9” versions: in/on a keyboard case. It’s just that smidge too large for me to use it as a tablet with any regularity. That being the case, and assuming there never is a smaller Pro iPad, I will likely return to the 13” next time.

 

[NastyMatt]

I have a MBA and an IPP 13” M4. I rarely use my MBA, when that finally gives up the ghost I won’t be replacing it. Don’t get me wrong - it’s a very good laptop and I would highly recommend it but I just much prefer the flexibility of the IPP. It does things the MBA can’t (scan docs, pay cheques into bank accounts, spatial sound in native apps - and then the obvious touch screen capabilities with a pencil). I much prefer the screen on the IPP and FaceID.

As for working on my lap I have no issues with the IPP and I actually find it better on planes for watching content (on the MK on the tray in front of me).

I understand the price point conversation but it is always a personal choice on what value you put on features. e.g. I am a Treasurer for a couple of organisations, I love being able to hand write notes quickly in meetings. I can’t put a £££ value on that but it makes me prefer the IPP over a MBA.

 

[Falhófnir]

I've had the larger pro since it became available, and I really just use it for casual 'tablet' use (primarily media consumption). It's really not a particularly good value proposition for that purpose (though now there is an Air option available) but I find the larger more immersive display to be worth the trade off in weight. I prefer a 15"+ laptop for productivity, as I find that is really the floor for juggling multiple windows on a single desktop. You can flick between desktops or try with split view on a 13" display, but I find, really, it's too cramped if it's something you're doing with any regularity. I was initially curious with stage manager and floating windows on iPad OS when first introduced, but I've found the use case quite limited, due to the display size constraint.

 

[Xand&Roby]

The point is not that iPad Pro has a good screen, the point is that all Macs have an indecent screen for 2025.
Among other things, of the entire iPad range, the only ones with a form factor that is not extremely rectangular are the 13", which cost a lot to run iPadOS.
At half the price of an iPad Pro you buy several Macs, whose added value, now the only one, despite Cook's committed to making it more and more a Windows full of flaws, is macOS.
What is the iPad for?
Great screen, but if you have to use it with a keyboard you actually need a Mac.
By the way, it still can't sync with Apple Watch, it doesn't run CarPlay, who knows why I have the impression that Cook is having a lot of fun lightening other people's wallets.

 

[sparksd]

The point is not that iPad Pro has a good screen, the point is that all Macs have an indecent screen for 2025.
Among other things, of the entire iPad range, the only ones with a form factor that is not extremely rectangular are the 13", which cost a lot to run iPadOS.
At half the price of an iPad Pro you buy several Macs, whose added value, now the only one, despite Cook's committed to making it more and more a Windows full of flaws, is macOS.
What is the iPad for?
Great screen, but if you have to use it with a keyboard you actually need a Mac.
By the way, it still can't sync with Apple Watch, it doesn't run CarPlay, who knows why I have the impression that Cook is having a lot of fun lightening other people's wallets.

You can't use a Mac as a tablet. And I don't want a Mac.

 

[TechnoMonk]

Is it just because of the display? It’s heavier than the MacBook Air.

I have the smaller iPad Air that I use for watching YouTube and a MacBook Air for when I need a keyboard. I thought about replacing the MacBook Air with a larger iPad, but I couldn’t really find an advantage of doing so. It’s not more portable and it’s on iPadOS so there’s some significant limitations there. Maybe I’m overlooking something?

It’s not about weight alone, MBA isn’t a lap device to lounge in hotels or airport lounges. Try tilting MBA screen and typing. I picked iPad Pro over MBA. My family shares a M2 MBA and it’s just isn’t mobile and mostly a desk use device.

 

[Adelphos33]

Looks like people disagree with me!

 

[sparksd]

Looks like people disagree with me!

An awful lot of this is personal preference - likes & dislikes; it's a bit like talking about if sushi is good or not (it isn't - it really sucks).

 

[russell_314]

It’s not about weight alone, MBA isn’t a lap device to lounge in hotels or airport lounges. Try tilting MBA screen and typing. I picked iPad Pro over MBA. My family shares a M2 MBA and it’s just isn’t mobile and mostly a desk use device.

See I’m just the opposite with this. I use my M2 MacBook Air mostly on my lap. It seems to work great for that.

I think if I was going to work for hours with it, I would prefer a desk, but that’s with anything. It’s terrible posture looking down at something on your lap while your back is crunched up a little bit.

My iPad Air I just hold. I have a cheap folio cover that I used to sometimes prop it on a desk but most of the time it’s me just holding it.

I haven’t really tried the Apple magic keyboard for the iPad. It might be significantly better than my MacBook Air

 

[TechnoMonk]

See I’m just the opposite with this. I use my M2 MacBook Air mostly on my lap. It seems to work great for that.

I think if I was going to work for hours with it, I would prefer a desk, but that’s with anything. It’s terrible posture looking down at something on your lap while your back is crunched up a little bit.

My iPad Air I just hold. I have a cheap folio cover that I used to sometimes prop it on a desk but most of the time it’s me just holding it.

I haven’t really tried the Apple magic keyboard for the iPad. It might be significantly better than my MacBook Air

IPad Pro with MKB in lap is superior experience with screen and ability to tilt it. It was god send when I had neck injury from an accident. Yeah iPad Pro in folio probably isn’t that great esp for 13 inch ipp.

 

[stanza.richi]

Since October 2024, my iPP 12.9 2018 was my main device. Now, iPP 11 M4 for more mobility and portability use. My MacBook Pro 13.3” late 2013 is on my desk, at home, without much use since years (less or more since 2020).

 

[Unami]

After trying to use iPads as laptop replacements since 2010, I've recently bought my first macbook in years (air m4) - and for me it's much more productive than an ipad. It has a decent file system, better multitasking, better, mire capable apps,... E.g. light Logic use with multiple audio interfaces aggregated to one, using standard-plugins like waves or native instruments - can't do that on an ipad, and even if it were possible, it's not really fun or efficient. Same with video editing or some 3d modelling in Blender - or even office working with multiple numbers/pages/browser windows. So, for me, even for light work doing that on an ipad usually takes a lot more time and is less efficient/fun if it's even possible.

Otoh, it's also no fun always having that rigid clamshell design for media consumption. So, until apple graces the 13 inch ipad with a full macOS, where every mac software works, I think I need to have both (which probably is apple's intention here). One advantage of that is, though, that you can then use the ipad as a second screen for the macbook, which makes it even more productive.

 

[Xand&Roby]

You can't use a Mac as a tablet. And I don't want a Mac.

If you use it with an external keyboard and a trackpad it is not a tablet. And most iPads are used like this, in fact you were all excited to have the camera on the wrong side of what you call a tablet but use to replace a Mac in an economical way, which then doesn't even do well, since it runs iPadOS and not macOS, and above all IT IS NOT CHEAP!