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Who’s using a MBA and iPad
- Thread starter IngerMan
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I have a 13" MBP, 16" MBP, and a 11" iPad Pro. I use the iPad Pro mostly as a consumption device with the occasional quick mail message or review of a document. Often while on a coach or in bed.
For most "real work" I use a MPB or a Windows/Linux desktop with multiple monitors. Just order M1 Air to replace the MBPs.
For most "real work" I use a MPB or a Windows/Linux desktop with multiple monitors. Just order M1 Air to replace the MBPs.
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I've had both for a couple of years now. I have upgraded them roughly every 3-4 years - I'm now using an early 2020 MBA and a 2017 iPad Pro. The MBA allows me to continue working around the house away from my iMac and when I'm on trips. When I'm working with my MBA in the backyard, barbecuing or working in the garage, the iPad Pro is mostly streaming music or video beside me. We also use the iPad when doing FaceTime with family and friends. The iPad is what I bring to physical work meetings as I don't always get to sit by the conference table so it's easier to use when all I have is a seat. I also use the iPad while watching TV. I play games once in a while and 98% are IOS games.
To me, the MBA and the iPad have their specific roles/use cases and I don't see one substituting for the other. Yet...
To me, the MBA and the iPad have their specific roles/use cases and I don't see one substituting for the other. Yet...
I've only had a MBA (not mine, borrowing it), for about a week.
During that time, I believe I have touched my iPad Pro once. And, that was merely to place it on the charger, in case I needed it.
At this rate, my iPad Pro will probably get less and less use. Before it was used while I sat at the table to watch YouTube videos, and post on Forums. I have a Smart Keyboard attached to it, too. With the MBA, that is much easier, and I tend to not use gadgets in bed, if I can help it...
During that time, I believe I have touched my iPad Pro once. And, that was merely to place it on the charger, in case I needed it.
At this rate, my iPad Pro will probably get less and less use. Before it was used while I sat at the table to watch YouTube videos, and post on Forums. I have a Smart Keyboard attached to it, too. With the MBA, that is much easier, and I tend to not use gadgets in bed, if I can help it...
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Interesting that this question came up.
I bought the M1 MBA as a potential iPad+MK replacement. What I'm finding is that the iPad is still my go to device when I want to see something quickly and rest in any kind of position on whatever piece of furniture I deem to lounge on. The iPad can't be beat for that in terms of minimal form factor and usability ease combined with the touch screen capability. That's why I remain hopeful that the 11" Pro stays in the lineup.
The M1 MBA will now replace my 2020 13" MBP and remain until the iMac gets its AS chip. Then I will decide whether or not I will keep the MBA or replace it with whatever redesigned MBA/MBP best meets my needs at the time.
My 11" iPad will remain for another year unless a new update compells me to upgrade.
I bought the M1 MBA as a potential iPad+MK replacement. What I'm finding is that the iPad is still my go to device when I want to see something quickly and rest in any kind of position on whatever piece of furniture I deem to lounge on. The iPad can't be beat for that in terms of minimal form factor and usability ease combined with the touch screen capability. That's why I remain hopeful that the 11" Pro stays in the lineup.
The M1 MBA will now replace my 2020 13" MBP and remain until the iMac gets its AS chip. Then I will decide whether or not I will keep the MBA or replace it with whatever redesigned MBA/MBP best meets my needs at the time.
My 11" iPad will remain for another year unless a new update compells me to upgrade.
Being nosey. Curious what allured you to the MBA, versus a straight replacement with another MBP?
IPad I use for visiting reddit, YouTube, Hulu, etc.
MBA I use for development and YouTube. Also work.
I keep forgetting about sidecar.
MBA I use for development and YouTube. Also work.
I keep forgetting about sidecar.
I keep seeing people talk about 'sidecar', I need to look into that. No idea what it is...
Edit:
I figured out sidecar. Due to my MBA being an Early 2015, I cannot even test it.
More pressure to purchase an M1 - LOL
Edit:
I figured out sidecar. Due to my MBA being an Early 2015, I cannot even test it.
More pressure to purchase an M1 - LOL
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My ideal setup has always been iMac + MBP/MBA + iPad.
I'm not doing as much on my 2020 13" MBP as I thought I would be doing thanks to the pandemic extending far longer than thought back in May. I'm not even doing the same work that I was doing at that time.
Second, the M1 chip seems to be no different from the MBA to the MBP. My conclusion therefore was that since I have an MBP, why not try out the MBA? The reviews are saying that the MBA is more than capable of most workloads, so I decided to save some money now and try it out. Plus, I've always liked the MBA chassis.
Furthermore, this transition period is too uncertain to spend a lot of money on any particular model. There's rumors of late next year redesigns and who knows what the cycle will be for next gen chips. I'm going as low as comfortable until I see the AS chips in more Macs. Who knows, I could still jump on the 4-port MBP when that finally makes the switch. It's just all too uncertain at the moment.
Pretty much the same as my usage. IPad main device, MBA for work as its much easier to manage Word and Excel files on it. Not getting a M1 till next year though as my 2018 MBA is still very fast as I maxed out the spec when I bought it. Obviously no comparison to the M1 but more than enough for my usage.
I use a 9.7 iPad Pro and had a 13” MBP early 2011, just replaced the MBP with an M1 MBA and I reach for the iPad when I need to surf the web a little bit anything more I reach for the MacBook for more in-depth browsing or word processing.
yep using m1 air and iPad Pro 12.9. also got my 12 pro max and fold 2 lol....iPad ia my go to media device and general app usage on the sofa but on the table and work wise I use my air.
MBA M1 Base + iPad Air Gen 3
We are inches from where I want to be. That is, irrespective of device, able to access data and manipulate that data from any touchpoint. I store EVERYTHING in a cloud, (A few actually) and can already access from iPhone, Chromebook, iPad, Laptop, Mac mini, doesn't matter, it is all the same data and I can change it.
CRUD - Create / Read / Update / Delete.
Right now, many of us can do this from ONE device, being able to switch to comfort of doing so is the limiter. I love my iPad in bed, in the living room, on the couch. I don't like my Laptop for this. I use a laptop as a portable desktop. When I need a bigger screen.
The only reason I'm not ALL in on iPad, is my corporate job where I remote in via VDI to my windows machine. I do this on a 24 " monitor and I haven't been able to prove out the use case yet, for plugging the iPad into the monitor to achieve this.
Otherwise, the Apple bluetooth keyboard serves well with the iPad Air for when I need a physical keyboard. One or two more generations and I'm all in on iPad.
We are inches from where I want to be. That is, irrespective of device, able to access data and manipulate that data from any touchpoint. I store EVERYTHING in a cloud, (A few actually) and can already access from iPhone, Chromebook, iPad, Laptop, Mac mini, doesn't matter, it is all the same data and I can change it.
CRUD - Create / Read / Update / Delete.
Right now, many of us can do this from ONE device, being able to switch to comfort of doing so is the limiter. I love my iPad in bed, in the living room, on the couch. I don't like my Laptop for this. I use a laptop as a portable desktop. When I need a bigger screen.
The only reason I'm not ALL in on iPad, is my corporate job where I remote in via VDI to my windows machine. I do this on a 24 " monitor and I haven't been able to prove out the use case yet, for plugging the iPad into the monitor to achieve this.
Otherwise, the Apple bluetooth keyboard serves well with the iPad Air for when I need a physical keyboard. One or two more generations and I'm all in on iPad.
Since I borrowed this MBA Early 2015, I have been using my iPad Pro less and less. I try to refrain from using gadgets while in bed. And, when on the sofa, I have my iPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard to post on forums and such. With that, the MBA seems to have overtaken that role.
Well, time will tell how or if the iPad remains within my range of gadgets...
I have an M1 MBA and a iPad Mini 5. I use the MBA when I need to do stuff that would be much easier with a keyboard and mouse. Or just more complex/intensive tasks. The iPad I use more for leisurely stuff like browsing around the Internet, watching videos, or reading.
I have an iPad Pro 11 and MacBook Pro. I used to keep the MacBook round the house but now it mostly stays on my desk with external monitor and iPad around the house for media consumption, social media, etc.
I have a 2020 i5/8/512 with a nipple rubbed thermal pad that is my main mobile macOS device. I carry it to work most days and have semi retired the 2012 Pro. I use my Air 3 as sidecar and in bed watching shows or drawings and coloring or just surfing Safari. Pretty interested in a an Air 4 and a M1 Pro. Non coincidently Apple increased my Card limit by 300% 2 days before Black Friday... Damn you Apple...