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Replacing my iPad with a Macbook Air 11"

Meister said:
Get the ipad mini with LTE! Its perfect for on the go. Just carry it in your coatpocket.
Large ipads are slightly too heavy and big.
Get the mba 11" for everything else. perfect combo.:)
I got the iPad1, 2 and mini. A mac mini as storage and media center and im gonna get myself the mba 11" for on the go more serios work :D
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The difference between the Air and the mini is very small, so If I get an iPad it will be an Air.
 
Boyd01 said:
Not for me, thanks. I am quite happy with the size of my old iPhone 4 and don't want anything larger. :)
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I meant that there are surely many people who just want an iOS device with a bigger screen. Since the iPhone doesn't provide it many people buy the iPad.
I am not a fan of big phone screens either, but if Apple manages to make an iPhone with an edge to edge screen, that is slimmer than the current generation and lighter, then I would be tempted. I just don't like phablets.
 
In the last weekend I has a change of mind. Despite the fact that an iPad feels limiting to me, I decided to get a new iPad Air, knowing its limitations.
I also sold my Macbook Air to make room for the iPad (financially).

My reasoning:
  • I need a device to use privately when on the road/commute
  • When I am on the road I always have a windows laptop from my company (and I can't get rid of it since I am a Microsoft specialist...)
  • Having a second laptop with me (MBA) doesn't make much sense.
  • The lack of Retina display on the MBA is a problem for me.
  • I need a reading device and the iPad is perfect for that.
  • If I need to do some serious productivity work when on the road I will be using my windows laptop :(
  • Having a business windows laptop, an MBA and an iPad makes no sense. I also have a rMBP 15" at home being used as a desktop replacement.
so I am getting an iPad Air knowing that its OS will frustrate me at some point.
The Air is a great gadget and as such I want to have it.
 
That makes sense. I too have a work Windows laptop, so it doesn't make sense for me to carry a Windows laptop AND a MBA. I have an MBA at home which I carry to some places, but it's my personal laptop with my personal stuff (Quicken, etc.) - personal things the iPad can't do. But I use my iPad a lot more than I use my MBA, especially since all of my "work" is done on a Windows laptop.

I think you will be happy with the iPad Air.
 
ZBoater said:
That makes sense. I too have a work Windows laptop, so it doesn't make sense for me to carry a Windows laptop AND a MBA. I have an MBA at home which I carry to some places, but it's my personal laptop with my personal stuff (Quicken, etc.) - personal things the iPad can't do. But I use my iPad a lot more than I use my MBA, especially since all of my "work" is done on a Windows laptop.

I think you will be happy with the iPad Air.
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I just hope I won't get frustrated by its OS. Two things I hate the most:
  • Not being able to attach files to mail (not just pics and videos)
  • Some websites (even Apple's) don't work well on iOS Safari
 
petvas said:
I just hope I won't get frustrated by its OS. Two things I hate the most:
  • Not being able to attach files to mail (not just pics and videos)
  • Some websites (even Apple's) don't work well on iOS Safari
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Yes, those are two unfortunate limitations of iOS. Also, not being able to access the file system is very limiting to us techie types. Something as simple as manipulating files in FTP is an exercise in frustration. The iPad is just not designed for that.

The key is understanding what those limitations are, and using the iPad for ther other 90% of things it does well. If you can do that, you will be satisfied. When you need to do something else, you will need to switch to the laptop.
 
ZBoater said:
Yes, those are two unfortunate limitations of iOS. Also, not being able to access the file system is very limiting to us techie types. Something as simple as manipulating files in FTP is an exercise in frustration. The iPad is just not designed for that.

The key is understanding what those limitations are, and using the iPad for ther other 90% of things it does well. If you can do that, you will be satisfied. When you need to do something else, you will need to switch to the laptop.
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I have an Air and an iPad, but I use them for different things.
 
Physical Keys and the ability to comfortably use while sitting flat in my lap (lightweight and thin) was the reason for me to get the MBA. Plus I like having a full o/s.
 
Viscerol said:
Physical Keys and the ability to comfortably use while sitting flat in my lap (lightweight and thin) was the reason for me to get the MBA. Plus I like having a full o/s.
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Normally I agree with you. This exact thinking made me sell my iPad 4 and get an MBA.
I used it for almost two months and I liked it a lot, but I hated the non retina display.
I have a retina Macbook Pro 15" and I use it at home as a desktop replacement. When I go out to customers I have to use my windows laptop from my company, so having the MBA with me didn't make much sense. I also missed some things that an iPad does better, like reading.
So, I think I can live with the limitations of an iPad, since now my expectations are set lower...
 
My MBA is my one and only computer. Believe it or not!

I for one can not stand the ipad for my main browsing/streaming needs, so I only own it for my daughter to use. In all honesty since I got the ipad mini last year I have only used it a handful of times.

The MBA IMHO has much more usage and flexibility. It is quick enough for me to be my one and only and if I ever feel the screen is too small I hook it up to my TV with a wireless keyboard/mouse.
 
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