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ricketysquire

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 24, 2020
225
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I like many Apple fans have a soft spot in my heart for a iPad mini. However I also want something practical that I can use as a temporary laptop replacement if my MacBook needs repair. Recently got a new iPad Air M3. But for the cost of it, I could easily get a regular A16 iPad on sale or open box and a 6th or more likely used 5th gen Mini. The mini would be great for watching content and white noise when I sleep, and I can use the iPad for everything else. I'm not sure if that's a good idea, but do I really need a full blown Air M3. Do I really need Apple Intelligence?
 
For me, I don’t need an Air M3 but I also don’t need two iPads—6 and mini.

Apple intelligence is unpolished product so no need to choose iPad for the sake of Apple intelligence.

What software are you using for MacBook replacement?
 
With the Air M3 you will be able to use iPad OS 26 to its fullest i.e max number of windows open as well as extended display support. Obviously good as a temporary/permanent laptop replacement.
 
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For me, I don’t need an Air M3 but I also don’t need two iPads—6 and mini.

Apple intelligence is unpolished product so no need to choose iPad for the sake of Apple intelligence.

What software are you using for MacBook replacement?

I mean to pay bills and stuff like that. Don't like doing that on my phone.
 
With the Air M3 you will be able to use iPad OS 26 to its fullest i.e max number of windows open as well as extended display support. Obviously good as a temporary/permanent laptop replacement.

I know, it's a great device for the coming future. Just was thinking it's not as good for portability. Like something I could just pick up and take from the dining room to the study or have on my bedside to watch before I sleep.
 
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I just bought a M2 iPad Air from the Apple refurb store…. Saved enough money to bump up the storage & I really defy anyone with “basic” needs to know if they’re working on a M2 vs M3 from the performance.
 
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I have Air M1 and Mini 7. Air could definitely work as a laptop replacement (unfortunately the OS is clunky and requires many steps to do a simple task), mini is a bedroom entertainment device (movies, youtube, some leisure games), also as a travel device.
 
I have all the iPad sizes. Honestly, the mini is my most used one.

As long as the A16 iPad has the "More Space" display zoom option, I wouldn't mind using it in lieu of the iPad Air.
 
I was set to replace my 7th gen with an M3 Air when I checked out the Mini 7 and decided it was the right iPad for me. I do miss a larger iPad screen on occasion, but not enough to justify buying a second one.
 
iPad mini 7 and iPad Pro 13 inch is what I have and works great. 13 inch with MK for certain tasks with my keyboard and mini to use it just as a tablet and to do things with more portability
 
I ended up returning the iPad Air M3 to the Apple Store to get an open box one from Best Buy. Haven't picked it up yet, but it's a $100+ cheaper than the Apple Store. I also got a used Mini 5 from Amazon.

Going to see how this combo works. The Mini would be the one I carry around and use in bed, essentially I'd treat it as a throw away device, not meaning that disparagingly, I just wouldn't be as upset if it falls from the bed or drops on the floor by accident. Versus the M3 which I would. I guess the end goal for me is to have the right device for the right purpose.
 
I’m a big fan of having the combo of iPad Mini (large phone might work for some) for casual consumption/quick tasks, and a large iPad for longer tasks/productivity (light MacBook works too of course if you don’t need Pencil, touch, or prefer iPadOS).

For a long time, I always had small phones so I went with an iPad Mini for casual consumption. These days I’m trying an iPhone Max. It’s… ok. I definitely feel the smaller size compared to the iPad Mini.
But for the productivity device, I’ve always had and still have the 12.9”/13” iPad with Keyboard and Pencil. That’s mainly due to needing the Pencil though, or else I’d probably just go with a MacBook Air. The newly rumored A18 MacBook could also be a lower cost Mac option.
 
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