All iPads Which of these iPad/MacBook combos would/do you prefer?

[dmk1974]

Of these combos, which would your or do you prefer?

A.) iPad Mini 2 + MacBook Air 11"

B.) iPad Air + MacBook Air 11"

C.) iPad Mini 2 + MacBook Pro retina 13"

D.) iPad Air + MacBook Pro retina 13"

Ranked lowest to highest in cost. But the main reason for the question is to see where the overlap/redundancy is and if the premium for the display and size outweigh portability. Thanks in advance on your thoughts!

 

[AnthonyS621]

Of these combos, which would your or do you prefer?

A.) iPad Mini 2 + MacBook Air 11"

B.) iPad Air + MacBook Air 11"

C.) iPad Mini 2 + MacBook Pro retina 13"

D.) iPad Air + MacBook Pro retina 13"

Ranked lowest to highest in cost. But the main reason for the question is to see where the overlap/redundancy is and if the premium for the display and size outweigh portability. Thanks in advance on your thoughts!

This question really depends on what you do, but for me I need a normal sized iPad and not a mini so A and C are out and a MBP definitely has a longer lifespan, plus if you ever get into editing videos or music the pro will be a must. The air looks nice and is amazingly portable, but has really bad internals

 

[dmk1974]

The MacBook would primarily remain in the house...probably only would leave the house a few times per year. Take to a number of rooms in the house though. I also have a MacMini as a desktop computer that is the media server as well.

iPad I often take with me to work or on a business trip (would be taking my Windows work laptop in that case which is why the MacBook leaves the house very infrequently). Also use around the house as well. Mini size is nicer to fit in a jacket pocket and is a bit lighter. But the larger iPad Air screen size is nice too.

 

[SusanK]

I'm with you. The iPad mini is nice to carry but I always wish it was an iPad once I start to look at the screen.

 

[Night Spring]

Why did you leave out the 13 inch MacBook Air?

 

[BenTrovato]

MacBook Pro retina + whatever else you want to pair it with. Not worth the lower quality screen on the air unless you absolutely need to save 0.5 pounds in your bag.

 

[dmk1974]

MacBook Pro retina + whatever else you want to pair it with. Not worth the lower quality screen on the air unless you absolutely need to save 0.5 pounds in your bag.

The 11" MBA is actually about 17 oz. less than the 13" rMBP. For comparison, the iPad Mini 2 is almost 5 oz. less than the iPad Air.

Per Apple website:
iPad Mini 2 WiFi: 11.7 oz
iPad Air WiFi: 16.5 oz
MacBook Air 11": 38 oz
MacBook Pro Retina 13": 55 oz

 

[BenTrovato]

The 11" MBA is actually about 17 oz. less than the 13" rMBP. For comparison, the iPad Mini 2 is almost 5 oz. less than the iPad Air.

Per Apple website:
iPad Mini 2 WiFi: 11.7 oz
iPad Air WiFi: 16.5 oz
MacBook Air 11": 38 oz
MacBook Pro Retina 13": 55 oz

Very well. The difference in ounces (for me) pales in comparison to how much better the retina screen on the rMBP is. Just my opinion.

 

[dmk1974]

Looks like nobody likes the "cheapest" combo.

 

[dmk1974]

Looks pretty decided regarding which MacBook. Then the iPad just depends on size preference.

 

[sviato]

I'll have an iPad Air 2 + MacBook Air 13" combo. The Air is perfect size for browsing, reading, emails etc. While the MacBook is big enough to have windows open side by side for some real work. Personally, I don't think I'd ever get an 11" laptop, it's too small.

I voted option 4, although if you want to save money look into the MacBook Air 13".

 

[CEmajr]

I originally selected the cheapest option until I read that your Macbook would stay at home mostly.

In that case I'd go with the 13" Macbook Pro and iPad Mini 2. With the size of the iPad Air I just feel like I'd rather bring my Macbook with me on the go.

 

[Night Spring]

I originally selected the cheapest option until I read that your Macbook would stay at home mostly.

Right. If it's staying at home, then size of the MacBook doesn't matter, so get the bigger / more powerful model. In fact, perhaps consider an iMac.

My Mom prefers the 11 inch MBA because she often goes to visit my aunt or her friends, and needs the smallest computer she can take with her for those visits.

I prefer the 13 inch MBA because even though it stays mostly at the office, I do occasionally need to bring it home, so for those times I have to carry it, I like not having the slightly heavier weight of the retina MacBook. At the office, it's attached to an external monitor so the non-retina screen is a non-issue.

So as several people have already said, it really depends on how you use it.

 

[macduke]

I have a Plus, Air 2 and rMBP 15".

My dream combo is a 5" or 5.2" Plus with smaller top and bottom bezels, 11" iPad Pro (16:10 for toolbars/multitasking while keeping it feeling smallish), and 30" 5K iMac that can be used as an external display.

 

[mi7chy]

Macbook Air 13" Retina + iPad Mini 4 (with Air 2 internals so 2GB DRAM and tri-core) or Surface Pro 3