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.
MBA Users: Do you use (or feel the need for) an iPad?
- Thread starter silvershamrock
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Excellent post John. I too have a 13" MBA and an iPad2 and use them in a similar way. iPad for media consumption and the MBA for more demanding productivity tasks that need a real keyboard (beyond just iMessage and short emails) and the full OS.
I also have a 15" 2.4GHz i5 MBP that I pretty much keep connected to a 27" ACD at my home office, but I am going to give it to my daughter soon and get a new Mini whenever they are released. I will probably get a new iPad 5 when they come out as well. I like the iPad Mini and a retina version will certainly gain my attention, but I do like the 10" retina screen size better (especially now that I am not traveling near as much for work).
I DO use my iPhone 5 quite a bit for messaging, quick web surfing etc., as like you stated, always connected and always near me (lovely display as well, albeit small).
Anyway, Like you, I'd like one of each of Apple's products
Thank you, everyone, for sharing your opinions It's always helpful to hear from those who use the devices you're considering buying, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.
Right now I only have the 13" MBA and an iPhone .... so I really do need a tablet. Those iPhone apps are quite useful, but most of them would be more useful on a larger device .... And, while the MBA gives new meaning to the expression "portable computer", it's not a "use it everywhere" device in the same way a tablet is (have you ever seen anyone use a MBA while walking down the street?)
The portability and weight of the Mini are the big advantages for me. It's a device that would let me quickly update my novel when I get those great ideas while I'm waiting at a bus stop, the grocery store checkout line, or the doctor's office. (Yes, I could use the phone apps to capture my eureka moments; but the small screen makes that rather inconvenient.) The tablet would need to be one that I could carry with me everywhere I go, whether around the corner or around the country - and I'm thinking the full-size version will be just too bulky and heavy for that.
That said, however, the full-size version is still tempting: larger screen, more powerful chip, and (fringe benefit!) being able to watch Star Trek on a retina display
I'm just trying to decide whether I would actually "need" one or not .... My joke about watching Star Trek in retina notwithstanding, the retina display is much easier on my eyes... however, I already have my MBA for couch computing and travel computing.
So I'm very grateful to all those who have taken the time to list their perceptions of the pros and cons here
It's always helpful to hear from those who use the devices you're considering buying, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.Right now I only have the 13" MBA and an iPhone .... so I really do need a tablet. Those iPhone apps are quite useful, but most of them would be more useful on a larger device .... And, while the MBA gives new meaning to the expression "portable computer", it's not a "use it everywhere" device in the same way a tablet is (have you ever seen anyone use a MBA while walking down the street?)
The portability and weight of the Mini are the big advantages for me. It's a device that would let me quickly update my novel when I get those great ideas while I'm waiting at a bus stop, the grocery store checkout line, or the doctor's office. (Yes, I could use the phone apps to capture my eureka moments; but the small screen makes that rather inconvenient.) The tablet would need to be one that I could carry with me everywhere I go, whether around the corner or around the country - and I'm thinking the full-size version will be just too bulky and heavy for that.
That said, however, the full-size version is still tempting: larger screen, more powerful chip, and (fringe benefit!) being able to watch Star Trek on a retina display
I'm just trying to decide whether I would actually "need" one or not ....
My joke about watching Star Trek in retina notwithstanding, the retina display is much easier on my eyes... however, I already have my MBA for couch computing and travel computing.So I'm very grateful to all those who have taken the time to list their perceptions of the pros and cons here
I personally think the Mini or any small tablet is just as portable as a big tablet. See the thing is, there are 2 types of mobile devices for me- the ones that fit in my pocket, and the ones that I have to carry.
I was carrying an iPad for a long time, and now I'm carrying a 13" Air the same way I did the iPad.
I was carrying an iPad for a long time, and now I'm carrying a 13" Air the same way I did the iPad.
Not exactly iPad use case: I use a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 for couch surfing full websites (including websites with Flash, and hovering links work with the stylus). I also tried installing Ubuntu ARM on it to avoid lugging around my loud Dell laptop running on A/C power. It was so cumbersome to navigate Ubuntu without a mouse.
Now that I've ordered an MBA, I think that the MBA will replace most of the use of my Note 10.1. Amazing battery life on x64 beats ARM's. I will still use my tablet for Android apps, games and drawing.
Now that I've ordered an MBA, I think that the MBA will replace most of the use of my Note 10.1. Amazing battery life on x64 beats ARM's. I will still use my tablet for Android apps, games and drawing.
I've never had the slightest interest in an iPad. Not sure why. Games don't interest me - maybe that's it? Got my daughter's family the original iPad when it first came out. Last weekend I took them to Best Buy and got them a new iPad Retina. Played with it for a minute, thought is was nice, but still not interested.
Have had an iPhone since the 3g model came out. But the iPad just doesn't fit into my world. The phone is great since I have a little computer wherever I go. Got a 13" 2011 MBA and just replaced it with an 11" 2013 MBA. It's a powerful little computer (i7/8gb/512gb) and does a lot more than an iPad.
Recently I was on an airplane and the guy next to me was using his iPhone. Then later he took out his iPad and used it for awhile. Finally, he took out a MacBook Air and used that. Seemed kind of ridiculous to me... but to each his own.
Have had an iPhone since the 3g model came out. But the iPad just doesn't fit into my world. The phone is great since I have a little computer wherever I go. Got a 13" 2011 MBA and just replaced it with an 11" 2013 MBA. It's a powerful little computer (i7/8gb/512gb) and does a lot more than an iPad.
Recently I was on an airplane and the guy next to me was using his iPhone. Then later he took out his iPad and used it for awhile. Finally, he took out a MacBook Air and used that. Seemed kind of ridiculous to me... but to each his own.
The use cases between the iPhone, iPad and MBA have some overlap, but there are unique uses for each.
The iPhone is intended to be with you all the time. It has an always on internet connection (whereas the iPad maybe doesn't).
The iPad is great at many tasks (if there is an app for that). There is an app for almost anything. If all you do is check email and browse the web, the iPad is perfect. It is lighter/more portable than an MBA.
The MBA is, well, a full functional computer you can run all sorts of applications (including Windows), it has ports, and has a keyboard.
So call it small, medium and large.
I don't carry the iPad or MBA with me EVERYWHERE I go. The iPhone NEVER leaves my side. EVER.
So there are times where all I have on me is an iPhone. If I have to do a quick Google lookup, check email, etc., I make do with my iPhone.
I have an LTE Mini iPad and when I have it with me, I use it instead of the iPhone because it has a larger screen and is more comfortable to use. If I'm home, I never use the iPhone except to make phone calls. I use the mini mostly.
The MBA I use when I need to run Windows, VMs, Quicken, and all manner of applications that the iPad cannot. When I need a "real" computer, I use the MBA, of course.
So different use cases need different devices. Some people can make do with less devices because their use cases and budgets demand it.
The iPhone is intended to be with you all the time. It has an always on internet connection (whereas the iPad maybe doesn't).
The iPad is great at many tasks (if there is an app for that). There is an app for almost anything. If all you do is check email and browse the web, the iPad is perfect. It is lighter/more portable than an MBA.
The MBA is, well, a full functional computer you can run all sorts of applications (including Windows), it has ports, and has a keyboard.
So call it small, medium and large.
I don't carry the iPad or MBA with me EVERYWHERE I go. The iPhone NEVER leaves my side. EVER.
So there are times where all I have on me is an iPhone. If I have to do a quick Google lookup, check email, etc., I make do with my iPhone.
I have an LTE Mini iPad and when I have it with me, I use it instead of the iPhone because it has a larger screen and is more comfortable to use. If I'm home, I never use the iPhone except to make phone calls. I use the mini mostly.
The MBA I use when I need to run Windows, VMs, Quicken, and all manner of applications that the iPad cannot. When I need a "real" computer, I use the MBA, of course.
So different use cases need different devices. Some people can make do with less devices because their use cases and budgets demand it.
I've never really seen the appeal of the full size iPad. I weighed it against the 11" Air when it was first released and immediately chose the MacBook Air. Haven't regretted it one bit. The iPad is just too awkward to do any sort of work with, even playing games (Infinity Blade, racing games, KOTR, etc) is a bit of a strain.
With that said, I've wanted an iPad mini since they were announced. IMO they are very close to the perfect size & form factor for a tablet. Once they are updated with a retina display I will pick one up to compliment my MacBook Air. The mini will likely travel more with me when I know I won't "need" a full computer.
With that said, I've wanted an iPad mini since they were announced. IMO they are very close to the perfect size & form factor for a tablet. Once they are updated with a retina display I will pick one up to compliment my MacBook Air. The mini will likely travel more with me when I know I won't "need" a full computer.
I bought the Air as an iPad replacement. I did not like being limited with the iPad for many web based things.
I gave the iPad to my daughter and have not missed it. I will however be borrowing it for an offline FF draft as I really like the draft cheat sheet app over anything I have found for a Mac.
I gave the iPad to my daughter and have not missed it. I will however be borrowing it for an offline FF draft as I really like the draft cheat sheet app over anything I have found for a Mac.
I have a thing for portability, and that's just one reason why I love my 11" air. And I find my iPad mini to be its perfect "substitute" for a number of ultra-portable tasks, such as connecting it to my little (but amazing) Qumi Q5 projector and showing classroom and office Keynote presentations/videos.
ZBoater, a helpful post as always.
The thing is, for me, I can't really justify a use case for an iPad Mini.
On the "low" end, I have my smartphone, which is almost always with me. Great for on the go lookups, primary communication device and on-the-go/ pre-sleep entertainment.
On the "high" end, I have my Macbook Air for movies, music, work and everything else.
There is a very small gap in my needs that is not currently satisfied by my devices, so an iPad would overlap significantly. Not to say that I don't want an iPad, but like I said, I can't really justify it. The biggest purpose it would serve is to give the kids something else to fight over (which I why I returned the one I bought in Feb).
The thing is, for me, I can't really justify a use case for an iPad Mini.
On the "low" end, I have my smartphone, which is almost always with me. Great for on the go lookups, primary communication device and on-the-go/ pre-sleep entertainment.
On the "high" end, I have my Macbook Air for movies, music, work and everything else.
There is a very small gap in my needs that is not currently satisfied by my devices, so an iPad would overlap significantly. Not to say that I don't want an iPad, but like I said, I can't really justify it. The biggest purpose it would serve is to give the kids something else to fight over (which I why I returned the one I bought in Feb).
Actually, I have a MBA and an iPad mini.
Although I use both, I don't use them equally and nor do I use them for the same thing (apart from email and surfing), and nom nor do I see a day where one will replace the other; rather, they will supplement one another as each does different things. My iPad mini has a Logitech keyboard, which helps for typing (as I'm not really a fan of touch screen typing), but almost all of my typing is done on the MBA.
In essence, it seems to me to be the difference between a device which enables creation of content (the MBA) and one which specialises in the consumption of it (the iPad).
Although I use both, I don't use them equally and nor do I use them for the same thing (apart from email and surfing), and nom nor do I see a day where one will replace the other; rather, they will supplement one another as each does different things. My iPad mini has a Logitech keyboard, which helps for typing (as I'm not really a fan of touch screen typing), but almost all of my typing is done on the MBA.
In essence, it seems to me to be the difference between a device which enables creation of content (the MBA) and one which specialises in the consumption of it (the iPad).
I am just like you in this regard - I don't feel a need to fill the gap between my iPhone and 11" MBA. But unlike you, I don't want an iPad.
However I have purchased two iPads for my daughter's family. My granddaughter was using it before she was a year old. Before she turned two, they had to call it the I-P-A-D to avoid a scene.
Now, at age three and a half, she has put it into the proper perspective because there are so many other things that interest her.
As a teacher, I use my 11" macbook air and ipad extensively in school.
In class, ipad is mirrored to macbook via air server app, which then gets projected onto the whiteboard.
After class, the ipad can be anything from a mobile document reader to a second screen for when I am working from my macbook.
My ipad leaves home at 6 am at 100%, and returns home 12 hours later at ~30% battery life remaining. My macbook air has to be charged at least once over the course of the day.
In class, ipad is mirrored to macbook via air server app, which then gets projected onto the whiteboard.
After class, the ipad can be anything from a mobile document reader to a second screen for when I am working from my macbook.
My ipad leaves home at 6 am at 100%, and returns home 12 hours later at ~30% battery life remaining. My macbook air has to be charged at least once over the course of the day.
Love the iPad (full size iPad3) for web browsing and simple stuff. It's perfect for travel and use in hotels. It's easy and enjoyable to take to the lobby or lounge to look stuff up and send emails while having a coffee!
But the iPad isn't sufficient for more work-like activity, editing documents when I need to switch/toggle between applications/documents, or even when I want to run a YouTube vid in the background! Then I use the MBA.
It's nice to have both!
But the iPad isn't sufficient for more work-like activity, editing documents when I need to switch/toggle between applications/documents, or even when I want to run a YouTube vid in the background! Then I use the MBA.
It's nice to have both!
I really like the iPhone & Air combo. iPhone for constant daily tasks and light browsing. And the Air is almost weightless to carry around when actual processing needs arise. For home use the Air w/ external monitor is quite good. For heavier professional use this obviously wouldn't suffice, but for the vast majority of the general public (I.e. those not on MacRumors...), it's a combo that seems more than adequate.
I'm not going to say this is the truth for everyone, but I rarely come across someone who needs all three of an iPhone, pad, and air. I have all three and I admit I bought into the marketing and the niceness of owning them all but I have no real need for it.
For both of these reasons and there's also other uses like the various TV related apps that make the iPad useful in addition to any Mac and not just the MBA.
I got an iPad 1 a month or so after it came out. The iPad is great for consuming content, but typing on glass is a pain for even a brief message, let alone a multi-paragraph post on site such as this. So I got an MBA when the new models came out in summer 2012. My main machine is an iMac, and I use the MBA when I want to work someplace else in the house or have to travel for business. I use the iPad mainly on weekends to read and browse.
Recently my wife was out of town for three months, and she took the iPad. It was interesting to rediscover the iPad. While she was away, I used the MBA for everything I used the iPad for, but for a lot of things, such as Pandora and reading news sites, I missed the iPad.
The bottom line is that my MBA and iPad have a lot of overlap, but there's also enough difference that I don't feel as if I wasted money buying both. I'll probably buy the iPad 5 or whatever replaces the Nexus 10.
Recently my wife was out of town for three months, and she took the iPad. It was interesting to rediscover the iPad. While she was away, I used the MBA for everything I used the iPad for, but for a lot of things, such as Pandora and reading news sites, I missed the iPad.
The bottom line is that my MBA and iPad have a lot of overlap, but there's also enough difference that I don't feel as if I wasted money buying both. I'll probably buy the iPad 5 or whatever replaces the Nexus 10.