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Who’s using a MBA and iPad
- Thread starter IngerMan
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I suspect we will see a heap of people in this situation where they were trying to make iOS work as a laptop replacement despite the shortcomings - due to the iPad performance.
If you used the iPad for iPad type stuff (drawing things, touch apps, etc.) the Mac just doesn't do those things, but no I totally understand that this was not the reason a lot of people were drawn to iOS. Its more the silence, battery life and performance - all of which the new Macs have now.
I have a 2020 iPad 11” and just ordered the base mba, I’ve been deciding to sell my iPad or keep it, but I think I’ve used the iPad handful of times (YouTube, news, notes) ... my iPhone does what I need in iOS and the mba I feel I can proper type on word/excel and faster than my work windows laptop for teams/zoom, terminal etc.
I have 2 MacBook airs (2019 and 2014) and I have an iPad Pro 11 inch. I use them all but use the iPad pro more.
See sig... I use big and mini for TV/movies at home. On the road I'll use the MBA for that as I have everything downloaded on it.. When at home, I'll have the iPad on table next to me with TV/movie going and safari opened on MBA attached to OWC dock with 24" monitor/kbd/mouse, doing browsing/forums, documents, family tree, etc. My brother gave me the mini so I could use it and see if I wanted to get one. I got the big one after as I needed a bigger screen to use it for sheet music at church.
Just got on to read some opinions about the new MBA, and this is a great thread. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t benefit from having a laptop AND iPad, as I just don’t really need both, but I’m tempted to get a MBA (I have NEVER owned a laptop) because a lot of things I want to do with photos (making books, photo gifts, etc.) seem to require more steps and workarounds on my iPad than they did on my iMac. I sold my iMac earlier in the year because I was really trying to pare down, and with my 3 part time jobs all ending pretty much at once, I didn’t think I’d need it going forward (and I really haven’t missed it). However, trying to organize and use photos with just my iPad and external storage devices is a bit frustrating sometimes.
The thing is, I can’t imagine NOT having an iPad, but I don’t feel like I can justify both.
What were those of you who have moved from using iPad to your MBA typically using your iPad for? I just feel like it’s so easy to pop open and use without waiting, I can’t imagine giving that up.
The thing is, I can’t imagine NOT having an iPad, but I don’t feel like I can justify both.
What were those of you who have moved from using iPad to your MBA typically using your iPad for? I just feel like it’s so easy to pop open and use without waiting, I can’t imagine giving that up.
While the M1s do have instant on, to me some things are harder to do, working with photos, to me, is easier on an iPad. It just seems more intuitive to move things around with a finger.
This discussion will not likely be resolved, nor does it need to be. Some folks will prefer one platform over the other, then there will be those of us stuck in the middle and use both and never be at peace with it from wanting to go all in to one or the other platform. I used to think anything I could do on my iPad, I could really do on my phone, and it is true, I am not an artist who uses the pencil.
But more lately, I'm thinking I can really get by on an iPhone using it just for messages, twitter, the camera, and the apps I use while driving through CarPlay.
At home, ideally, I'd have just an iPad and an external Mac keyboard, not the integrated one. But the one thing holding me back is what does going in to my Corporate windows machine look like on a bigger monitor. I have the Gen 3 Air, which doesn't have USBC, which I need for my monitor. Once I solve that, the M1 MBA likely becomes unused.
Well I know you’re right about preferences. I have typically hated the thought of a laptop, but things are changing that may make it appealing.
I’d like to be all in on the iPad myself. That was my goal, and mostly, I am. I don’t really NEED more. It’s just some of the programs where you make photo books and gifts just really aren’t conducive to customization on the pad. I thought I had finally found one, but it really just isn’t gonna allow me to do the types of things I could do with a computer.
Truthfully, for my needs, I’d likely be best off with a larger phone (because I could do pretty much everything I regularly do on my iPad on my phone, and then a laptop, but I just can’t have a large phone again, and I can’t imagine NOT having my iPP.
Anyway, I’m always looking for just the right fit, and it’s interesting to read everyone’s posts.
I've been iPad-only for personal use for years. I've always had a Mac for work, but don't use it for any personal computing. My latest setup is a 12.9" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard and Pencil, and I've owned every generation of iPad Pro since they started making them. I LOVE the iPad, especially the Pro models.
HOWEVER
That whole setup is now packed up on my desk and ready to go over to FedEx. I sold it last night on Swappa. The M1 Macbooks and Mac mini have completely changed the calculus in my mind. The original reasons I switched from using a Macbook Pro to an iPad Pro were low heat, performance, battery life, and versatility. The M1 Macs have taken all those advantages away from the iPad in my opinion. The only leg up it still has is the Apple Pencil and ProMotion display, but I have found that I haven't been using my Pencil for much at all. It just sits there stuck to the side of my iPad most of the time.
I've also realized that 99% of the time I use my 12.9" Pro as a laptop, because it turns out that's what I really need. I do pop it off the Magic Keyboard and use it like a tablet sometimes, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. It's just more fun and easy to use it with the keyboard.
Before the M1, I was always able to say that I stick with iPad Pro because it doesn't get blazing hot when I want to use it in my lap or in bed and the battery lasts forever. Even those advantages are gone now. So for the first time in years, I'll be full time Mac and iPhone with no iPad at all. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is enough of an iPad for me that I was already using it way more than the iPad anyway.
HOWEVER
That whole setup is now packed up on my desk and ready to go over to FedEx. I sold it last night on Swappa. The M1 Macbooks and Mac mini have completely changed the calculus in my mind. The original reasons I switched from using a Macbook Pro to an iPad Pro were low heat, performance, battery life, and versatility. The M1 Macs have taken all those advantages away from the iPad in my opinion. The only leg up it still has is the Apple Pencil and ProMotion display, but I have found that I haven't been using my Pencil for much at all. It just sits there stuck to the side of my iPad most of the time.
I've also realized that 99% of the time I use my 12.9" Pro as a laptop, because it turns out that's what I really need. I do pop it off the Magic Keyboard and use it like a tablet sometimes, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. It's just more fun and easy to use it with the keyboard.
Before the M1, I was always able to say that I stick with iPad Pro because it doesn't get blazing hot when I want to use it in my lap or in bed and the battery lasts forever. Even those advantages are gone now. So for the first time in years, I'll be full time Mac and iPhone with no iPad at all. The iPhone 12 Pro Max is enough of an iPad for me that I was already using it way more than the iPad anyway.
That's exactly the thing that pushed me over the edge--my new iPhone 12 Pro Max. It's shaped like a small iPad Pro and the screen is so big that I've been using that at night in bed instead of taking my iPad Pro off the keyboard. In my opinion, the iPad is now getting squeezed for attention from both sides. The iPhone 12 lineup and the M1 Mac lineup kind of remove the need for an iPad in my workflow--and I'm only saying that because it's happened to me personally. I still can't even believe it. I never thought anything would tear me away from my iPad.
I have to agree with a few other comments here. Using MBA a friend let me borrow, I am close to the edge of trading in my iPad Pro. Plus, Apple Care has run out, too. So, all the more reason to trade in...
Honestly, I rarely take even my 11” pro off the table. I pretty much use it with the MK there all the time. When I’m sitting on the couch or laying in bed, I use my phone. I’d love to have the bigger one for that reason, but just can’t deal with the weight, and don’t really want one that big to carry around.
I cannot imagine not having an iPad though. I’ve had just about every one ever made.
The other thing, for me, is having a device that gets LTE. With our WiFi situation, I like having something that gets cellular. Of course, I’d still have my phone, but there are things I wouldn’t want to do on my phone if I were unable to use the WiFi.
I have a new M1 MBA, a 12.9 inch iPad Pro and an 11 inch iPad Pro. My intent was to keep our old 2013 MBA for the times we would need an actual computer and then get by with 12.9 inch iPad Pro with magic keyboard as main machine. When M1 came out it was a no brainer and at a great price. I'll be selling the big iPad Pro soon as mostly use M1 now. smaller iPad Pro now is just for occasional web surfer and using apps. Ive always hoped to be able to have something like the big iPad Pro as a one and only machine, but apple won't take it that far yet like a surface. until then, ill just have to use combo of iPad and MBA.
this was me with my 12.9 inch iPad with magic keyboard. I'm a pretty basic user at home so was working for me, but using the magic keyboard like in bed for example isn't as easy as a MBA. so will be selling the big iPad Pro soon. maybe one day apple will make a surface type of device that has either Mac OS on it or iOS with file system.
I had a iPad Pro 2018 11”. Loved it. Recently sold it for the M1. Literally just got it. So far so good. My 12 pro max blurred the line between my iPad and phone. Was using my phone more than my iPad. Trying to M1 for better battery life and speakers. Will use to browse the web, edit photos, and watch YouTube and Netflix
So does the M1 MBA have better overall battery life now than the iPP? Speaker quality is better also? I haven’t really read a lot of the specs. I don’t watch much of anything on my devices because of our rural internet issues, so speakers haven’t been a huge issue for me, although I DO prefer the balance in the speakers on my iPP to the speakers in regular iPads.
What appeals to me about the MBA is just that I can do those few things I need a computer for (instead of figuring out a workaround) without having to have a desktop again. At this point I’m inclined to keep the iPP, even if I wind up getting the MBA.
If you have a Costco near by I highly recommend purchasing the M1 from them. Not only is the price discounted compared to Apple Store but they have a 90 day return window, no questions asked. I used that window on a 2020 Intel MBA. Also Applecare + is discounted.
I did this with out ever stepping into the store.
I did this with out ever stepping into the store.
The Macbook Pro gets 20 hours and the Macbook Air gets 18 hours. My last two iPad Pros have struggled to hit 10 (up until a couple of iPadOS updates ago)
Yes.The new m1 battery life on the air is def better than of my iPad 2018 pro. I love it. I think the speakers a also a tag bit louder than on my iPad. Love the bigger screen and clam shell design.
This in pretty much my set up now.
Desk (home office): iMac Pro with additional 27" LG 5K Ultrafine + 12" iPad Pro w/ magic keyboard,
Mobile: M1 MBA 16GB + 11" iPad Pro w/ magic keyboard. In my actual office at work I dock this into a 27" LG 5K Ultrafine. The M1 MBA has just replaced a 16" MacBook Pro which I loved, apart from the insane fan noise, heat and weight!
I also have a 2018 Mac mini as a media server at home. I feel there's too much overlap somewhere here, probably with the 2 iPad Pro's! However I love using the 12.9" with magic keyboard whenever at a desk typing, etc, and love the 11" iPad Pro with magic keyboard whenever heading out the door and need a device to keep connected to work (it also has 4G/LTE).
My work involves a lot of use with the iPad pencil & making up documents, signing, etc., so couldn't do without at least one of these.
First world problems indeed...
My new M1 MBA has replaced my IPP. I love having a full fledged OS at my fingertips. Haven't missed the touchscreen yet. I've also used iMazing to install a bunch of iOS apps, which makes the experience even better. Love this thing.