Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Macbook air owners--do you use an iPad
- Thread starter Ben Kitchen
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
i got my ipad2 before my MBA. The limited storage is really why i got the MBA, and although email is pretty good not the iPad, nothing beats outlook and a full-size keyboard. the lack of a file structure on the iPad was also an issue. i love my iPad, and use it mainly for a larger on screen keyboard when I'm on the go, and the usual entertainment stuff, just need a real computer for work, school etc. around the house i don't use my MBA that much, definitely use my iPad about 5x as much. they both have strengths, and i like the portability of the MBA for when i need a full computer on the go.
Here is a list of things off the top of my head that either can't be done with an MB, or the experience is inferior:
The best way I can summarize it is that laptops and desktops have been optimized over the years for integrating computers into our work. The iPad form factor is better for integrating computing into our lives.
- Recipes on the kitchen counter while cooking. (No keyboard taking up counter space, no worry about getting it messy with food or liquids - the glass screen cleans easily)
- Using at the table while eating a meal (Similar reasons as above)
- Mount it to a car headrest for a child to watch videos in the car.
- Reading anything anywhere - standing in the kitchen, on the couch, sitting up in bed, walking through the house, magazines, newspapers, books, websites, email, etc.
- Put it on the floor and let a 8 month old baby play with a music app.
- Showing photos to friends/family - easy to turn different directions, pass around, etc.
- Similarly - video chat with multiple people. Easier to pass around, point at things to show people, etc.
- Better on an airplane for everything but extended typing.
The best way I can summarize it is that laptops and desktops have been optimized over the years for integrating computers into our work. The iPad form factor is better for integrating computing into our lives.
both
I have both and intially my Air saw about a 90% decrease in usage........
More recently Its about a 60/40 split with the iPad. My iPad travels with me about everyday but that due to its ultra portability.
I have both and intially my Air saw about a 90% decrease in usage........
More recently Its about a 60/40 split with the iPad. My iPad travels with me about everyday but that due to its ultra portability.
Have both, use both extensively.
If I am sitting on the couch watching tv, I prefer the MPA simply because it is easier to navigate.
However, to read books, newspapers, magazines, etc - iPad2 all the way.
For business use, I dont think you will find many people that use an iPad solely.
I personally have a Keyboard Padfolio I purchased at Brookstone for my iPad. I get out of my car and in my hand have an unbelievable tool that contains the internet, email, address book, iTunes, multiple apps, calendar, note taking capabilities, etc etc. Mobile nonetheless.
Comes down to content viewer vs content creator.
If I am sitting on the couch watching tv, I prefer the MPA simply because it is easier to navigate.
However, to read books, newspapers, magazines, etc - iPad2 all the way.
For business use, I dont think you will find many people that use an iPad solely.
I personally have a Keyboard Padfolio I purchased at Brookstone for my iPad. I get out of my car and in my hand have an unbelievable tool that contains the internet, email, address book, iTunes, multiple apps, calendar, note taking capabilities, etc etc. Mobile nonetheless.
Comes down to content viewer vs content creator.
I've been looking at getting an Air mainly for the durability standpoint as hard drives are susceptible to g-shocks.
I love the iPad 2 and have taken to using the Apple bluetooth keyboard with both it, and my iPhone 4. I wish someone had a hard case for the keyboard because I'm afraid I'll break it carrying it in my roller bag.
My lust for the Air has been tempered now somewhat. I did a non-scientific test at the local Best Try and shutdown both an Air and a MacBook Pro 13" and started them at the same time and the desktop appeared at nearly the same time! I was surprised as heck
... Both had Lion (Duh!) and both were powered (if that makes any difference) and yet there wasn't some kind of earth shaking difference in the startup times. I didn't time each one, and, well, it is Best Try, so who knows what kind of hell the systems have been through, or what kind of software is on each (or the ages of the systems too), but I was unimpressed.
The only reason to get an Air at that point was for a smaller screen, and the iPad has that already. I'll get a Seagate hard drive to upgrade my 13" MBP instead of an Air I guess...
I love the iPad 2 and have taken to using the Apple bluetooth keyboard with both it, and my iPhone 4. I wish someone had a hard case for the keyboard because I'm afraid I'll break it carrying it in my roller bag.
My lust for the Air has been tempered now somewhat. I did a non-scientific test at the local Best Try and shutdown both an Air and a MacBook Pro 13" and started them at the same time and the desktop appeared at nearly the same time! I was surprised as heck
... Both had Lion (Duh!) and both were powered (if that makes any difference) and yet there wasn't some kind of earth shaking difference in the startup times. I didn't time each one, and, well, it is Best Try, so who knows what kind of hell the systems have been through, or what kind of software is on each (or the ages of the systems too), but I was unimpressed.The only reason to get an Air at that point was for a smaller screen, and the iPad has that already
. I'll get a Seagate hard drive to upgrade my 13" MBP instead of an Air I guess...MacBook Air is Better in My Opinion
I have a 13" MacBook Air also (late 2011 model) and I own a third generation iPad. The iPad 3 was fun at first, but I generally like my MBA better. I usually use it for gaming. You should get the iPad 3 if you don't have the first or the second. If you have any of the iPads then you don't really need to get the iPad 3. I am glad to know that I have an iPad if I want to use it, but I generally don't use it.
I don't have a keyboard for my iPad, but that's because I don't really need it. Those things are good for taking notes, but if I had to do that I would just use my laptop. If you take notes on your iPad or use your iPad for school, you should get one.
Hope I helped
I have a 13" MacBook Air also (late 2011 model) and I own a third generation iPad. The iPad 3 was fun at first, but I generally like my MBA better. I usually use it for gaming. You should get the iPad 3 if you don't have the first or the second. If you have any of the iPads then you don't really need to get the iPad 3. I am glad to know that I have an iPad if I want to use it, but I generally don't use it.
I don't have a keyboard for my iPad, but that's because I don't really need it. Those things are good for taking notes, but if I had to do that I would just use my laptop. If you take notes on your iPad or use your iPad for school, you should get one.
Hope I helped
When the iPad was conceived, Steve Jobs was very clear that it was positioned as a "3rd device" in addition to your PC and phone. I think that is why the iPad was a success when other tablet attempts in the past failed - the others tried to be everything and technology innovation is about making just the right compromises between form and function.
The iPad is not good at everything, but great at what most of us use computers for most of the time (content consumption).
I've got all three - 13" 2011 Air, iPad 3 and iPhone. Each fills a specific need.
The iPad is not good at everything, but great at what most of us use computers for most of the time (content consumption).
I've got all three - 13" 2011 Air, iPad 3 and iPhone. Each fills a specific need.
