Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Swap iPad Pro 9.7 for MacBook?

Fried_Gold

Fried_Gold

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Feb 6, 2013
3,868
3,787
United Kingdom
Hey guys.. I'm considering swapping my 9.7 32gb iPad Pro for a 2015 MacBook, I miss having a full OS and proper laptop keyboard etc but I don't want to swap it for something not as good.

The one I'm looking at is:

1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core M processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.6GHz) with 4MB shared L3 cache
12-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display; 2304x1440 resolution at 226 pixels per inch
8GB of 1600MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
512GB PCIe-based flash storage 1
480p FaceTime Camera
Intel HD Graphics 5300

Do you think this is a bad swap?
 
I would jump on the rMB. I can't speak for the front facing sad excuse for a face time camera on the rMB vs the iPad pro, but I believe the iPad pro wins in that regard. However, how often do you use facetime? For me, currently on my MBA that I am thinking of getting a rMB soon, I may have used the camera a total of 5 times in the 5 years I have owned it. Now my paranoid self put a piece of tape over the camera.

Everything else should be a great reason to get one. Full blown computer (if your uses aren't too strenuous), bigger screen, more memory, awesome keyboard (to me at least), and just as portable as the iPad.

The only reason I am holding out is maybe the rMBP we are getting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: webberade and Jayderek
Eggtastic said:
I would jump on the rMB. I can't speak for the front facing sad excuse for a face time camera on the rMB vs the iPad pro, but I believe the iPad pro wins in that regard. However, how often do you use facetime? For me, currently on my MBA that I am thinking of getting a rMB soon, I may have used the camera a total of 5 times in the 5 years I have owned it. Now my paranoid self put a piece of tape over the camera.

Everything else should be a great reason to get one. Full blown computer (if your uses aren't too strenuous), bigger screen, more memory, awesome keyboard (to me at least), and just as portable as the iPad.

The only reason I am holding out is maybe the rMBP we are getting.
Click to expand...

I never use the camera on my iPad, I wouldn't even know if it works lol. I mainly watch movies/tv shows, browse the web, reply to iMessages etc. Nothing extreme but it can be uncomfortable on an iPad Pro 9.7.. Main thing stopping me is it's the 2015 model, I don't want to spend £979 (refurb from Apple) on old tech if it's not going to last 2-4 years.

EDIT: Selling the iPad will almost pay for half of the refub MacBook so that helps the cost..
 
I have that exact rMB and a similar iPad Pro. The MacBook works fine. Perfectly fast, good battery life.

Potential issues are longevity of the keyboard and battery. Hard to say about those at the moment.

Also, unlocking the MacBook was a PITA compared to the iPad until I was able to do it with my watch.
 
zhenya said:
I have that exact rMB and a similar iPad Pro. The MacBook works fine. Perfectly fast, good battery life.

Potential issues are longevity of the keyboard and battery. Hard to say about those at the moment.

Also, unlocking the MacBook was a PITA compared to the iPad until I was able to do it with my watch.
Click to expand...

I assume you mean having to put your password in every time you want to use it? Is it wise to wait until the new rMBP is announced as it could be similar priced? I wouldn't mind dropping £1099 for a base model new rMBP.
 
pojo1806 said:
I assume you mean having to put your password in every time you want to use it? Is it wise to wait until the new rMBP is announced as it could be similar priced? I wouldn't mind dropping £1099 for a base model new rMBP.
Click to expand...

Yeah, exactly. With using an iCloud account my password is pretty complex, and I like it to lock in a reasonable amount of time since the thing is so light it always goes with me. Fortunately the watch has mitigated much of this.

As for the MBP - are you going to want to go up that much in size for a device used like this? The rMB is not too much more to handle than the iPad, but anything bigger starts to be a bit cumbersome for the kind of mobile use these devices excel at.
 
zhenya said:
Yeah, exactly. With using an iCloud account my password is pretty complex, and I like it to lock in a reasonable amount of time since the thing is so light it always goes with me. Fortunately the watch has mitigated much of this.

As for the MBP - are you going to want to go up that much in size for a device used like this? The rMB is not too much more to handle than the iPad, but anything bigger starts to be a bit cumbersome for the kind of mobile use these devices excel at.
Click to expand...

That is what puts me off the rMBP I guess but who knows how small/thin the new one will be.. I guess if I order today I have until 21st to send it back.. Any rumors on when the new ones are out?
 
pojo1806 said:
That is what puts me off the rMBP I guess but who knows how small/thin the new one will be.. I guess if I order today I have until 21st to send it back.. Any rumors on when the new ones are out?
Click to expand...

For me the footprint of the device is as important as the weight and thickness. The rMB is small enough it's comfortable to use anywhere.
 
zhenya said:
For me the footprint of the device is as important as the weight and thickness. The rMB is small enough it's comfortable to use anywhere.
Click to expand...

Damn, I really can't decide, my GF suggested just getting an iPad Smart Keyboard cover but just the keyboard isn't the problem.. Plus it doesn't seem it would be sturdy on my lap on the sofa..
 
pojo1806 said:
Damn, I really can't decide, my GF suggested just getting an iPad Smart Keyboard cover but just the keyboard isn't the problem.. Plus it doesn't seem it would be sturdy on my lap on the sofa..
Click to expand...

The keyboard does make it pretty convenient to use. For the kind of use you describe, what do you think it wouldn't solve?
 
zhenya said:
The keyboard does make it pretty convenient to use. For the kind of use you describe, what do you think it wouldn't solve?
Click to expand...

I miss having a full OS, iOS is limiting for certain activities. The iPad keyboard doesn't seem like it would be sturdy on my lap.
 
pojo1806 said:
Damn, I really can't decide, my GF suggested just getting an iPad Smart Keyboard cover but just the keyboard isn't the problem.. Plus it doesn't seem it would be sturdy on my lap on the sofa..
Click to expand...

Hey
Had both. If you dont need the pencil or need it for reading books etc get the macbook hands down, much more productive and useful.

I cannot stand the compromise of the keyboard with the pro, and having to reach and touch the screen. Editing is not much fun either. Once the new macbookpro is out I will make a decision between that and the macbook and relegate the ipad to a sketching device.

Hope this helps.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fried_Gold
pojo1806 said:
Well I ordered the refurb MacBook, I have 14 days to change my mind or keep it and sell my iPad Pro.
Click to expand...
I do not know why you did not consider something like the Samsung Tab Pro S considering your modest requirements and familiarity with touch screen.

All your going to loose is Imessages and a few apps but gain a whole lot more in productivity and options with anywhere between 6-10 hrs battery life and a great footprint and pen input option.

I think you will be frustrated with the rMB lack of touch after using the IPP as your daily, you won't be able to stop jabbing at the screen and nothing happens LOL
 
SteveJUAE said:
I do not know why you did not consider something like the Samsung Tab Pro S considering your modest requirements and familiarity with touch screen.

All your going to loose is Imessages and a few apps but gain a whole lot more in productivity and options with anywhere between 6-10 hrs battery life and a great footprint and pen input option.

I think you will be frustrated with the rMB lack of touch after using the IPP as your daily, you won't be able to stop jabbing at the screen and nothing happens LOL
Click to expand...

I can assure you it won't be a problem, in fact it's one reason I'm getting rid of the iPad...
 
I had the iPad Pro and while I loved it, I'm happier with the 9.7" iPad Pro and my MacBook.
 
Apples obsession with iPads is partially due to the fact they make more profit on them. Blinded by greed the Cupertino Company is desperate to accelerate their massive influx of cash to even higher levels. IPads and MacBooks are simply too different to substitute one for the other. You either need a computer or you don't. Now that Apple is largely a mobile phone company that also sells gadgets and some laptops, its only a matter of time before iOS is their one and only focus.
 
You won't regret it. I can't be productive on an iPad. The iPad is a device that is ideal for media consumption. The Macs are ideal for media creation. Most people nowadays are just consumers. They just browse their media streams, and participate in social media (i.e. typing a few lines in the comments). If you feel like that's all you need then an iPad is all you need.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back