I have an iPad and a MacBook Pro 15" or whatever the size is. I use the MB Pro a ton more than the iPad, but love the portability of the iPad, especially after getting the Bluetooth wireless keyboard. They really are drastically different tools for drastically different jobs. I love both products, and will be looking strongly at an iPhone 5/4s to replace my Droid X.
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.
Own both an iPad & MBP?
- Thread starter Molson1020
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I also own a mbp 15' and an iPad 2 and I couldn't be happier with the combo. I use my iPad 2 a lot more than my mbp now, which is a good thing because I live in a oven-hot country (Cyprus) and every downtime I can give my 2008 mbp is a plus towards failure prevention.
Browsing, watching videos, listening to music, emails, facetime, etc. 75% of my online/entertainment tasks can be performed using the iPad, leaving the mbp for photo processing and a few other intense usages. And I can enjoy the iPad portability and insane battery life (even compared to a mbp).
I guess it all depends what your main computer occupations are, but as far as I'm concerned (I consider myself an average user, some heavy photo-processing work aside) it's the perfect match.
Browsing, watching videos, listening to music, emails, facetime, etc. 75% of my online/entertainment tasks can be performed using the iPad, leaving the mbp for photo processing and a few other intense usages. And I can enjoy the iPad portability and insane battery life (even compared to a mbp).
I guess it all depends what your main computer occupations are, but as far as I'm concerned (I consider myself an average user, some heavy photo-processing work aside) it's the perfect match.
ipad as sheet music reader
Sorry to divert from the OPs question, but what app do you use to read your music? PDFs in ibooks? Something else?
Sorry to divert from the OPs question, but what app do you use to read your music? PDFs in ibooks? Something else?
I have just recently added an iPad2 to a MBP and iPhone and I find that the IPad is a fun, light weight way to web browse, email and read books. As a photographer, I'm exploring it's use for portfolio presentations and self promotion although I prefer my printed images I do on textured watercolor paper.
I can't wait to use iOS5 and see how the MBP, iPad and iPhone work together.
I can't wait to use iOS5 and see how the MBP, iPad and iPhone work together.
The mbp is not portable? Are you jokin. My old 2002 laptop weighed like 10 lbs and I carried it when needed no fuss. The mbp Can be gripped and carried with one hand
It just seems to me that you are trying to justify the iPad just because...its an iPad 
Don't get me wrong, i'd like one, but then again i'd like a Ferrari
I don't see the point of having a laptop you can carry around, an iPhone in your pocket, AND an iPad, which does exactly the same as an iPhone, but a bigger screen. Why show people what you've done or whatever, when you can simply use e-mail or just show it on your iPhone?
I'm at Uni in Oct, and right now i'm happy with bringing my MBP for lectures for IT Networking.
If anyone's got a really good point against anything i've said, i'm keen to know
Don't get me wrong, i'd like one, but then again i'd like a Ferrari
I don't see the point of having a laptop you can carry around, an iPhone in your pocket, AND an iPad, which does exactly the same as an iPhone, but a bigger screen. Why show people what you've done or whatever, when you can simply use e-mail or just show it on your iPhone?
I'm at Uni in Oct, and right now i'm happy with bringing my MBP for lectures for IT Networking.
If anyone's got a really good point against anything i've said, i'm keen to know
My iPad has fit in perfectly with my work and leisure and the result is I use my MBP and iPhone both a bit less.
The MBP will remain the workhorse while I think you hit the nail on the head - the iPad will be the perfect portfolio/reader for your purposes. I purchased mine initially to go paperless for reading because I found myself printing huge stacks of paper and lugging books with me wherever I go. Now I have my whole library (for work and leisure) on one device. This is just indispensable to me now. I also justified my purchase a bit by selling a lot of my physical library in an attempt to go digital. It actually ended up paying for my iPad twice over. Not to mention the paper and ink I've saved.
At first it may look like overkill but once you become accustomed to the ecosystem and find a way that works for you, just think of how invincible you will feel carrying your MBP, iPad, and iPhone around, ready for any situation thrown your direction.
The MBP will remain the workhorse while I think you hit the nail on the head - the iPad will be the perfect portfolio/reader for your purposes. I purchased mine initially to go paperless for reading because I found myself printing huge stacks of paper and lugging books with me wherever I go. Now I have my whole library (for work and leisure) on one device. This is just indispensable to me now. I also justified my purchase a bit by selling a lot of my physical library in an attempt to go digital. It actually ended up paying for my iPad twice over. Not to mention the paper and ink I've saved.
At first it may look like overkill but once you become accustomed to the ecosystem and find a way that works for you, just think of how invincible you will feel carrying your MBP, iPad, and iPhone around, ready for any situation thrown your direction.
If anyone's got a really good point against anything i've said, i'm keen to know
I do. I'm at the age where if I want something, I'm going to get it. I don't have to justify it to myself or anyone else. It's my money.
There. Now, OP, if you have the money and aren't going to be starving your family or skipping bill payments because you bought an iPad, for God's sake man (or woman) up and make the purchase if you want it. Don't worry about rationalizing it. You don't owe us or anyone else any explanations.
And then afterward, if you feel that you don't really need the device, return it or sell it.
That's nice for you, but it doesn't matter if you're 21 or 45, why would you burn money like that to justify something when you've already got 2 devices that does about the same job?
There.
The rest though, it's a good point, you do have 14 days as i did last year, i returned one after a week, so try it for a week, then who knows!
Thanks for the responses everyone. I really think I am going get one soon.
One thing I didn't mention, is that I also have a Kindle, but as a designer, I download and read books about design, but on an Eink screen, you lose a lot of the impact that color brings to images and designs, so the iPad would greatly help here too.
Regarding the Portfolio aspect, I work in creative advertising, which means when I show my work to a potential employer, I have everything from print, to radio, to TV, to interactive web banners. You definitely lose the WOW factor if everything is just printed on paper.
One thing I didn't mention, is that I also have a Kindle, but as a designer, I download and read books about design, but on an Eink screen, you lose a lot of the impact that color brings to images and designs, so the iPad would greatly help here too.
Regarding the Portfolio aspect, I work in creative advertising, which means when I show my work to a potential employer, I have everything from print, to radio, to TV, to interactive web banners. You definitely lose the WOW factor if everything is just printed on paper.
I have a 17 in MBP that I use for post production work but I also have an iPad. I hardly ever us my MBP at home unless I'm working on some project and I always have my iPad with me.
I can also use JumpDesktop to remotely connect to the MBP if I need to. If you can afford it, it's a great tool as well as a great device for personal use.
I can also use JumpDesktop to remotely connect to the MBP if I need to. If you can afford it, it's a great tool as well as a great device for personal use.
I agree regarding design books, however I have a Kindle and for "regular" fiction and non-fiction books that are text based I still use my Kindle. It has it's own special pocket in my iPad case and fits right in.
Another vote for MBP (and MBA for that matter) and Ipad.
There are many things the MBP/A are way better at (typing longer documents, creating/editing presentations, and oddly on-line shopping because of the typing issue) and some things the IPAD is way better at (reading almost anything, games that involve touching or movement, reviewing social media, watching a movie in bed with your wife, taking notes at meeting). I use both a ton for both business and pleasure.
There are many things the MBP/A are way better at (typing longer documents, creating/editing presentations, and oddly on-line shopping because of the typing issue) and some things the IPAD is way better at (reading almost anything, games that involve touching or movement, reviewing social media, watching a movie in bed with your wife, taking notes at meeting). I use both a ton for both business and pleasure.
That's nice for you, but it doesn't matter if you're 21 or 45, why would you burn money like that to justify something when you've already got 2 devices that does about the same job?
There.
The rest though, it's a good point, you do have 14 days as i did last year, i returned one after a week, so try it for a week, then who knows!
With that attitude, how much fun would life be? I took a two week trip to Alaska last year. Did I NEED to go on the trip? Of course not. Do I regret it? Hell no. It was awesome, and I don't regret it for a minute.
And you forget, I'm not "burning money to justify" anything. I'm buying something I want. That's all the reason I need.
Last but not least, I would never use the iPad as an e-reader. I don't enjoy reading on a backlit screen for hours.
I'm considering picking up a first gen iPad to use as an e-reader too.
bit easier to pull out of my bag, and a little bit less conspicuous than my MBP if I'm on the bus/train whatever you like.
bit easier to pull out of my bag, and a little bit less conspicuous than my MBP if I'm on the bus/train whatever you like.
I have all three- iPhone 4, iPad 2, and MacBook Pro 15''. They're all in sync with my lifestyle and it's great. I use my iPad for light browsing when I don't feel like using my computer. I use my computer about 2-3 times a week if I'm lucky( school.) I actually barely use my computer anymore since the iPad. I typed a whole paper on my iPad using Pages. The iPhone checks my emails on the go. Couldn't be happier. But it cannot replace your Mac. I still need my computer for things iPad can't do ( photos, etc ). The iPad is used the most because it's quick, easy browsing without waiting for the computer to boot up.