How Does the MacBook Air with M3 Affect iPad Usage?

0 votes
by (120 points)
Why would one elect to use a MacBook Air equipped with an M3 processor as compared to the iPad Pro for their workflow?

1 Answer

0 votes
by (300 points)
Compared to others, the MacBook Air with M3 is more power packed into a smaller and lightweight design and is thus probably more ideal for some workflows than the iPad Pro. It allows using Final Cut tools for video editing which gives a more desktop experience which some users may enjoy better than using iPadOS. The MacBook Air however also has good battery life and screen quality which were once the strong points of iPad. This means some users may depend more on the MacBook Air for their main tasks with the iPad being used as a secondary device.
by (100 points)
I think the dilemma about wanting iPad or iPad OS to be 'more' are people who are on the content creation side of things. Mostly those who really do video editing and creative stuff. I use an iPad 10th Gen as my main computer now and I am happy with it.
by (100 points)
Great content! I found the exact same thing. Tried the 13”, returned it and got the 11”. Between the IPAD OS (disappointment) and the fact the the Mac Book Air M2 is so thin (and powerful) - I use my IPAD as an IPAD (mostly research and content absorption) … THANKS
by (100 points)
I've abandoned using my iPad for anything other than usage where mobility & portability are critical, or a touchscreen feature is essential, such as legal signatures.

Other than that, its limitations by not having a proper file system and even more importantly, not being able to work with multiple programs with the same ease that a proper computer does (minimizing & maximizing programs, hiding a program when not in use, etc) and I have found that now that I do have a proper portable computer (M1 MacBook) that my iPad has become little more than a paper weight.  Not only that, how annoying is it that when you go to a website, it detects that you're using a mobile device, so it redirects you to the (less supported) "mobile version" of their website instead of the full-featured, better supported desktop version of their website?

I don't see myself replacing my antiquated 2015 iPad Pro until they either make iPads (or at least a few premium level iPads) whose OS is either MacOS or at least a high enough level of iOS that it mimics MacOS performance & functionality.

Apple can be forgiven for using iOS on iPhones and even early generation iPads, but hamstringing these newer, extremely capable M-series iPads with their much higher performing hardware is clearly all about selling more (unnecessary) hardware, accessories, & applications.

I'd much rather spend $2000 to $2500, maybe even $3000, on a premium touchscreen "MacPad" working with MacOS, plus its expensive $300 keyboard case & other profitable accessories, than $1000 on an iPad with iOS and another $1500 for an M-series MacBook Air.  There's no comparison between those 2 options as far as ease of workflow, number of devices to upgrade, charge, etc.  That's my 2¢... and few extra free dollars.

P.S. As an alternate solution to a "MacPad", I'd be equally happy with a 2-piece MacBook AirTouch, for which the keyboard is detachable and the computer innards are not in the keyboard part, but rather the touchscreen.
by (100 points)
My macbook pro are no longer in use after I bought this ipad, m4 11inch is the best for me, the portability and usability, really nice
by (100 points)
I just got the m4 ipadpro 11 (also in silver, with the pencil pro and blue folio hahhaha). Its my first ipad for notetaking mainly at uni and i am loving it so far. Not meant as a laptop replacement, i still love my macbook air, but it is incredible in complimenting it. I find the 13 a lot less …approachable??
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