Macbook Air vs. iPad for web browsing and content consumption?

[jm31828]

I know I might get a skewed set of responses as I am posting on the MacBook Air forum here, but I wanted to ask- do you find the MacBook Air to be the best option (vs. an iPad) for media consumption, web browsing, etc? If you already had an iMac as I do, would you still choose an MBA for longer "couch sessions" browsing the web, facebook, Reddit, etc. over an iPad?

I ask because I was able to pick up a MacBook Air M2 for $899 on sale here recently (but have not opened it yet in case I want to return it), and now am looking at the iPad sales at several stores, and am realizing I can get an iPad Air for $499, or a Pro M2 for $699.

Though those prices are lower, and the iPad is a smaller device that is easier to quickly pick up and use- it seems to me that the MacBook may be nicer in that it sits easier on the lap, has a nice keyboard and trackpad built in, and has full MacOS in case I wanted to do more with it than I would be able to on the iPad.

But, of course it's more expensive, is bigger/heavier than the iPads, and seems to be overkill since I do have an iMac (2017 27" model) back in the spare room that I use for photo editing.

 

[JustAnExpat]

If you're doing content consumption, you won't need a mouse or keyboard (unless you're responding to posts, which might fall under content creation). Just for browsing the internet I think an iPad Air is acceptable - or just a regular iPad.

 

[Surfsalot]

I know I might get a skewed set of responses as I am posting on the MacBook Air forum here, but I wanted to ask- do you find the MacBook Air to be the best option (vs. an iPad) for media consumption, web browsing, etc? If you already had an iMac as I do, would you still choose an MBA for longer "couch sessions" browsing the web, facebook, Reddit, etc. over an iPad?

I ask because I was able to pick up a MacBook Air M2 for $899 on sale here recently (but have not opened it yet in case I want to return it), and now am looking at the iPad sales at several stores, and am realizing I can get an iPad Air for $499, or a Pro M2 for $699.

Though those prices are lower, and the iPad is a smaller device that is easier to quickly pick up and use- it seems to me that the MacBook may be nicer in that it sits easier on the lap, has a nice keyboard and trackpad built in, and has full MacOS in case I wanted to do more with it than I would be able to on the iPad.

But, of course it's more expensive, is bigger/heavier than the iPads, and seems to be overkill since I do have an iMac (2017 27" model) back in the spare room that I use for photo editing.

I have a 24” iMac in my home/office and a 11” iPad Pro I use around the house and out, works for me don’t need another Mac to look after.

 

[jm31828]

If you're doing content consumption, you won't need a mouse or keyboard (unless you're responding to posts, which might fall under content creation). Just for browsing the internet I think an iPad Air is acceptable - or just a regular iPad.

yeah, the only thought about the keyboard is responding to posts, or writing emails. But I guess with an iPad, I could easily use the Magic Keyboard from my iMac with the iPad at times that I want to do a lot of typing.

Thanks for the response!

 

[jm31828]

I have a 24” iMac in my home/office and a 11” iPad Pro I use around the house and out, works for me don’t need another Mac to look after.

What do you find yourself using the iPad Pro for? Is it mostly just for web browsing and media consumption?
Just curious on the decision to get the Pro vs the Air or even the standard iPad (as I am looking at all of them as well and determining what is best and what has the best longevity and best possible functionality)

 

[Surfsalot]

What do you find yourself using the iPad Pro for? Is it mostly just for web browsing and media consumption?
Just curious on the decision to get the Pro vs the Air or even the standard iPad (as I am looking at all of them as well and determining what is best and what has the best longevity and best possible functionality)

I’ve always had iPad from the beginning, most of them. The pro has:
better speakers
pro motion
fid

Get the pro forget the rest will last you for years. My wife has a 2018 11“ pro still like new.

 

[jm31828]

I’ve always had iPad from the beginning, most of them. The pro has:
better speakers
pro motion
fid

Get the pro forget the rest will last you for years. My wife has a 2018 11“ pro still like new.

Thanks for the advice!
I was at Costco today and see that the 11" m2 Pro is on sale for $699.... seems decent given the horsepower and future-proofing I would have with that chip and that RAM.

 

[Toten Unterhosen]

As someone with way too many Apple devices (Studio, MBA M2, 12.9" iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, etc.) I find that for almost all my general consumption around the house, the iPad mini is my preferred and go-to device. It's not the biggest (duh) or most powerful, and doesn't have the best screen. But, it's the most portable, easy to wield, easy to handle for long periods due to weight, and still large enough for reading, browsing, movies. I also find I grab it on short trips more often than my 12.9, Air or MBA if I know I'll be doing primarily consumption. Just so easy to tuck away and whip out when needed.

 

[Mrbobb]

Personally, for couch surfing and using a keyboard, I would go with an Air. an iPad with a flap holder is top-heavy and wants to tip over, a Macbook is more stable on-lap. iPad may not be that much cheaper once you add the accessories, assuming u comparing same screen size Apples-to-Apples. Magic keyboard not backlit? which I must have.

 

[Mainsail]

The Op already has an iMac, so if you don't need productivity apps or multitasking while away from your desk, I would get an iPad 10 or iPad Air and just use it as a simple consumptions device.

But, I don't have an iMac, and I need to be productive away from my desk..... so if I could only have one device, I would get the M2 MBA.....no doubt about it. My base M2 MBA is a workhorse and primary device. I prefer it to my iPad for just about everything.

I would also get an inexpensive 23" monitor (~$100 on sale). Not as nice as an iMac, but it provides extra screen real estate when you need it. So, for $899 + $100, you can touch all of the bases.

 

[1BadManVan]

I have an m2 macbook air and an 11" m1 ipad pro. I almost never use my ipad anymore. I have a gaming desktop and on the couch its my 14 pro max or my m2 air. I find the 13" macbook very easy to use on the couch and more comfortable to use then the ipad as its harder to balance

 

[saber32au]

Laptop for me.

For me, the drawbacks of using an ipad are:

* Limited viewing angles. Using a laptop, I can set the screen to whatever angle I wish. Using an Ipad...it's more limited.

* Screen size: generally a laptop screen is bigger compared to an ipad's screen...

* Sound: generally the sound from a laptop (to my ears) is better, but the speakers on the pro models are very good! In either case for music and movies, I'll always switch to a set of headphones...

* Keyboard...if I'm responding to forum posts, online chat etc etc having a physical keyboard is better (IMO) than the virtual keyboard. This point is mute if you're just watching movies, listening to music, watching youtube/netflix/prime etc. Personally, I'd prefer to have the physical keyboard present then not have one...

For me, as someone who tries to not have too many gadgets and tried to make an ipad work...I just couldn't justify it.
A tablet/ipad (to me) has always been a bigger version of a phone.

A phone is my primary communication device (both at home and when I'm out and about), and can take care of some lighter duty tasks (ie quickly answering anwering emails, content consumption etc). When I need to take on heavier tasks, or just want to relax and consume media, the laptop takes over.

Don't get me wrong, as a work device used in the field an ipad is great (with the correct software).

But for content consumption...yeah it's not for me. Better off using a laptop...

 

[G5isAlive]

As someone with way too many Apple devices (Studio, MBA M2, 12.9" iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, etc.) I find that for almost all my general consumption around the house, the iPad mini is my preferred and go-to device. It's not the biggest (duh) or most powerful, and doesn't have the best screen. But, it's the most portable, easy to wield, easy to handle for long periods due to weight, and still large enough for reading, browsing, movies. I also find I grab it on short trips more often than my 12.9, Air or MBA if I know I'll be doing primarily consumption. Just so easy to tuck away and whip out when needed.

This, this, and this. At work I use a Mac Studio. At home I have a MBA 15, AND an iPad 11 pro, both sitting by the couch, both rarely used. Why? 95% of the time when reading the forums, playing games, browsing the internet, or read a book, be it on the couch, or sitting on the deck, or in bed , I’m using my iPad mini. It’s that easy to hold. If I need to write out a short bit, like this, the on screen keyboard is fine. If it’s going to be really long email, then I reach for my MBA 15. Maybe once a month. For that you could go to your iMac.

Get an iPad.

 

[G5isAlive]

Laptop for me.

For me, the drawbacks of using an ipad are:

* Limited viewing angles. Using a laptop, I can set the screen to whatever angle I wish. Using an Ipad...it's more limited.

* Screen size: generally a laptop screen is bigger compared to an ipad's screen...

* Sound: generally the sound from a laptop (to my ears) is better, but the speakers on the pro models are very good! In either case for music and movies, I'll always switch to a set of headphones...

* Keyboard...if I'm responding to forum posts, online chat etc etc having a physical keyboard is better (IMO) than the virtual keyboard. This point is mute if you're just watching movies, listening to music, watching youtube/netflix/prime etc. Personally, I'd prefer to have the physical keyboard present then not have one...

For me, as someone who tries to not have too many gadgets and tried to make an ipad work...I just couldn't justify it.
A tablet/ipad (to me) has always been a bigger version of a phone.

A phone is my primary communication device (both at home and when I'm out and about), and can take care of some lighter duty tasks (ie quickly answering anwering emails, content consumption etc). When I need to take on heavier tasks, or just want to relax and consume media, the laptop takes over.

Don't get me wrong, as a work device used in the field an ipad is great (with the correct software).

But for content consumption...yeah it's not for me. Better off using a laptop...

Which iPad do you own? Curious because this reads more like paper objections than experience.

Limited viewing angle?! You can hold an iPad at literally any angle you want. A MBA, tilt screen forward or back.

Screen size? Sure but you can hold the iPad closer with its retina screen to pretty much fill your field of own.

Sound? AirPods so you don’t disturb whomever is around you.

Keyboard? He has an iMac for those rare times he needs one. And I reply fine with my iPad mini. Like now.

For content consumption, the mobility and portability of an iPad provide more flexibility and convenience than a laptop. Who needs a keyboard sticking out in a movie dictating how you sit. I’ve owned laptops for 25 years, never felt comfortable laying on my side for long with one. iPad all the time.

He has an iMac for when he needs a computer. Get something different for content consumption. Get an iPad.

 

[geta]

For sofa surfing the Air 5, or even better, the Mini 6 would be great device for your media consumption, reading and web browsing needs.

That been said, if keyboard is a must, then 13” MBA is the way.

 

[Bazza1]

If you really want a skewed response - even though I live within the Apple world (Macbook Air, Mini, Watch), for mobile browsing on the net, news aggregators, eBooks, streaming music and video, some gaming, etc, I use an 8" Lenovo tablet I picked up on a flash sale from them ($80) which is both a convenient size and shape (the Apple Mini just being 'that much' too weird dimension-wise), has on-board expandable storage, and offers me the satisfaction that I won't see my bank account flash before my eyes if it slips off a coffee table...

 

[jm31828]

Which iPad do you own? Curious because this reads more like paper objections than experience.

Limited viewing angle?! You can hold an iPad at literally any angle you want. A MBA, tilt screen forward or back.

Screen size? Sure but you can hold the iPad closer with its retina screen to pretty much fill your field of own.

Sound? AirPods so you don’t disturb whomever is around you.

Keyboard? He has an iMac for those rare times he needs one. And I reply fine with my iPad mini. Like now.

For content consumption, the mobility and portability of an iPad provide more flexibility and convenience than a laptop. Who needs a keyboard sticking out in a movie dictating how you sit. I’ve owned laptops for 25 years, never felt comfortable laying on my side for long with one. iPad all the time.

He has an iMac for when he needs a computer. Get something different for content consumption. Get an iPad.

Thanks for the advice! All those arguments seem to make perfect sense.

 

[saber32au]

Which iPad do you own?

Ipad Air. Now sold.

Limited viewing angle?! You can hold an iPad at literally any angle you want.

I don't want to hold a ipad when consuming media/watching a movie. A tilt stand offers limited angles, and is less stable compared to a laptop base.

Screen size? Sure but you can hold the iPad closer with its retina screen to pretty much fill your field of own.

Again I don't want to hold a device to watch a movie...

Sound? AirPods so you don’t disturb whomever is around you.

Airpods (IMO) are crap. I've got headphones which blows airpods out of the water...and there are times which I'm alone and just prefer to not use headphones...

I’ve owned laptops for 25 years, never felt comfortable laying on my side for long with one. iPad all the time.

Whoope dee do. That works for you, but not for me.

He has an iMac for when he needs a computer. Get something different for content consumption. Get an iPad.

The OP has asked for an opinion. I've given my opinion.

Curious because this reads more like paper objections than experience.

What a stupid statement. I provide my experiences and feedback, and then an online idiot tells me I'm doing it wrong.

For me, ipads are nothing but a larger iphone.

If they work for you, more power to you.

 

[Mainsail]

This debate about iPad vs MacBook Air has been going on since the two products were released in 2010. I know the MBA was first introduced in 2008, but it was kind of a niche product at the time. In 2010, Apple turned the MBA into an everyday consumer laptop. Anyway, there is no single right answer. It is about personal preferences, and these may change over time.

My wife has an iMac and an iPad Air with MK, and she is happy as can be with this set-up. I have a M2 MBA (plus an inexpensive 23" monitor) and an iPad 10, and they work great for me. I never deride her tech preferences. She could not care less what I use.

For me, the MBA is so close in weight and cost to an iPad with MK that I really don't see the advantage of that setup. Plus, the M2 MBA battery life is incredible. In truth, I rarely use my iPad. But, to each their own.

 

[G5isAlive]

Ipad Air. Now sold.


I don't want to hold a ipad when consuming media/watching a movie. A tilt stand offers limited angles, and is less stable compared to a laptop base.

Again I don't want to hold a device to watch a movie...

Airpods (IMO) are crap. I've got headphones which blows airpods out of the water...and there are times which I'm alone and just prefer to not use headphones...


Whoope dee do. That works for you, but not for me.


The OP has asked for an opinion. I've given my opinion.


What a stupid statement. I provide my experiences and feedback, and then an online idiot tells me I'm doing it wrong.

For me, ipads are nothing but a larger iphone.

If they work for you, more power to you.

look at you resorting to insults lol… Great to know.

 

[Apple_Robert]

yeah, the only thought about the keyboard is responding to posts, or writing emails. But I guess with an iPad, I could easily use the Magic Keyboard from my iMac with the iPad at times that I want to do a lot of typing.

Thanks for the response!

You are better off with the MBA. By the time you buy an iPad and Magic Keyboard, you are at MBA pricing.

 

[saber32au]

look at you resorting to insults lol… Great to know.

If all you got out of my response was being called an idiot clearly you lack reading comprehension.

What my post highlights is that our preferences differ, and you shouldn't rubbish other users who's preferences and experiences differ from your preferences and/or experiences...

You're happy to hold an ipad for long periods...I don't want to do that.

You don't like lying on your side,...I have no problems with that.

You like airpods...I think there are better products to use.

For you, an Ipad works for you and your use cases. More power to you.

For me, an Ipad is just a bigger Iphone that serves no purpose for content consumption or any other activity I would use it for...hence why sold my Ipad...

For me, the MBA is so close in weight and cost to an iPad with MK that I really don't see the advantage of that setup. Plus, the M2 MBA battery life is incredible. In truth, I rarely use my iPad. But, to each their own.

Exactly. Each to their own.

I had an iPad, but sold it as it was just collecting dust and served no purpose. I'm happy to just stick with a phone and laptop.

But other people want more and/or different devices (ie Ipads, smart watches, multiple computers etc etc). If that's what they want, it's all good as far as I'm concerned. Who am I to tell someone how to use their devices...

 

[Mainsail]

Exactly. Each to their own.

I had an iPad, but sold it as it was just collecting dust and served no purpose. I'm happy to just stick with a phone and laptop.

But other people want more and/or different devices (ie Ipads, smart watches, multiple computers etc etc). If that's what they want, it's all good as far as I'm concerned. Who am I to tell someone how to use their devices...

I have pretty much moved to the same use pattern. Basically, my M2 MBA and iPhone do it all for me.

The iPad is very good at certain things (e.g. drawing, annotating, etc.), but I don't frequently use these features. Occasionally, I need to annotate a document, which I can do on my MBA. It is just not as slick as using the iPad with pencil.....but, my handwriting on the glass iPad surface is terrible and almost unrecognizable. That's my problem not the iPad's problem.

I have kept my iPad because it is a great companion device for vacation.

 

[Steve121178]

For "couch sessions" and "pick up and use" sessions then just use your phone. Not sure why you need a laptop specifically for that use scenario. I wouldn't waste money on an iPad just for that kind of usage either, particularly if you have a Plus sized phone or Pro/Pro Max. But if you're into wasting money on hardware then either the MBA or iPad will do just fine on the couch.

 

[h.gilbert]

Never understood the point of an iPad unless you draw. Even for pure content consumption the Macbooks are better IMO. You don't have to hold the screen up, it's more stable even if you add a finicky keyboard case, better battery life, and on top of that if you want to do some work you have a computer with a full OS.