I Think you made the real Point in saying that it is best if you have both devices. If I had to choose one over the other I would go with the Mac. It is all about the Apps. Like you said you can simply do more with the Mac Version and they are much more comfortable to use and to interact with each other. The winner of my heart will always be the iPad. I love the Form factor, the connectivity, the touchscreen, the pencil and the versatility. But the Apps are sadly too much limiting. This is what I really want to change for a new iPad. That the Software will finally catch up with the mac
I stopped using my ipad pro a couple years ago. If i need a big screen for media consumption i have a smart tv, if i want to quickly check email/web/watch youtube, i use my phone. if i want to play games i have pc (and phone), if i want to do any actual work I have macbook. For me ipad doesnt do anything better than any other device, and its less convenient. If only apple made use of its power better and gave it a proper desktop grade os.
But honestly who professionally uses the ipad pro to film and then edit and etc etc etc... In the end, you just feel like you were better off using the mac.
Glad you made this one. The iPad is great, but as you said “it helps to have both”. The Mac (in my case PC) lets me do all the professional work I need to do, while trying my pro workflow on iPad not only is slower but also limited in tools. Thus pushing me to the Mac(pc).
In all the categories you have mentioned in this video, the iPad wins in PDFs and Freeform in my opinion. But not by much. Preview is so much better than the PDF viewer in Files which is really laggy. Apple Pencil makes a meaningful difference though if you are filling in a complex form. However, I find adding text boxes in Preview really easy with keyboard shortcuts. iPad is more straightforward. Freeform is also better on iPad due to the ability to draw. Web browsing is better on the Mac but not by much. Mac is better in terms of productivity, and creative apps (except for Procreate), I also pick the Mac for video calls, the continuity camera is a killer feature for me. The iPad camera sucks and the placement is not ideal in the landscape. For the film category, iPad cameras suck. They are nowhere near my 2-year-old iPhone 13. The video is grainy and it is just a bad sensor mainly for scanning documents. The ultrawide is practically useless. The only useful add-ons are the LiDar if you use it and the Flash.
I use both a iPad Pro and MBP daily. I hope that someday the OS’s compete. In that category, hands down, MacOS. I dream of the day there are smart folders and smart contact lists and smart note folders in iPadOS. Undoubtedly, the iPad does have its strengths thought.
This is why Apple needs a 1st party solution to remote onto a Mac. My dream is to have my iPad as my traveling companion and my entertainment device at home. I’ll also have a iMac or a Mac mini that lets me work if I want to work more seriously.
I have been debating the MacBook Air vs iPad as a portable device which would still allow me to work on photos editing, word processing. MacBook makes sense but it’s annoying that I can’t download and watch content offline from Netflix/disney etc like I could on the iPad when I don’t have good internet access
Thank you for this video. Exactly what I was looking for. For what I do, I think the iPad Pro will be perfect for me. I’m waiting for the new one to come out.
Having IPad Air, I see it has some advantages over laptop. I use it mostly for media consumption and note taking. However, I cannot justify spending on an iPad with only 64 gb & close to 3 hr of charge time…now if was under 400, that might change my opinion…Forgot to add. I suggest getting a removable screen protector for note taking. IMO, eventually writing with pencil will cause some scratches.
If I could do development stuff on the iPad I could probably go full iPad. It's already more powerful than my laptop in every other metric. A browser with dev tools, better file management, VS Code, and some sort of sandboxed terminal with brew.
I love Adobe Illustrator but the iPad version, well, I can't get the hang of it, it's so clunky, so for my main program, Illustrator, the Mac wins but for consuming the iPad is just perfect. For me, Mac to create, iPad to consume. I also like the Apple Pencil but there is one big disappointment with it, I'm not as good with it as I thought I'd be, I see so many people creating lovely artwork with it on line but with me, I feel like I'm wearing boxing gloves using it, still nothing like a real pencil to me, even with Paperlike. But that's just me.
My workflow, thats probably 80% of the population’s, is so light it’s not even funny. I work executive protection, basically high level security. I also trade the markets on my free time. The one and only thing that my Mac can do that my iPad can’t is run the thinkorswim software program, but to be honest, the tos app is very very good. I haven’t touched my MacBook Pro since i got my new m4 iPad a few months ago. Browse the web, consume media, respond to emails, get courses done, research finance/news, even gaming all on the iPad while chilling on my couch is undefeated. Considering selling the MacBook Pro. Im the majority that the iPad can and did become my main computing device. The portability of it is so underrated. Not just for traveling, but simply for the house. It comes with me in every room that im in and i make sure to have it at arms distance everywhere i go.
Display and speakers from the IPAD *DOMINATE* the macbook air. As long as the LED display of an IPAD is so astronomical and substantially superior than any of the macbook airs, it will be the IPAD for me personally. The day when Apple decided to equip the macbook air with an LED (or OLED), I will get one and sell the IPAD.
I have a I-Pad pro and love it. Sure would like to try a Air or any MacBook but for what goes on in my life i need to ask Myself way change. Great video as usual!
You make some really good points. I was almost sold on making the iPad pro the main machine however, you made some good points in this video. It is all situational and they are both good at everything but they are both great at certain things separately looks like I have some more thinking to do! In a perfect world I will have both but for now... have to pick. Thanks again!
I need to choose an option for college, I would like to take digital notes (write) and would be using google a lot and documents. Which one should I choose? I may need the power for multiple tabs when it comes to typing documents too and watching clips.
While both will work just fine for your uses, the MacBook will be much better at writing essays and doing course work. I personally own both devices and I use the MacBook almost always, the iPad barely gets used as I really like the traditional laptop feel of the Mac. If you’re doing STEM courses in college, the MacBook will also usually always be able to accommodate that whereas the iPad sometimes can only use App Store apps since it is not a traditional computer like a MacBook. the MacBook in my opinion is just generally better if it’s the only one you can buy, if you can buy both, great, but if not then a MacBook can do a bit more than the iPad and when you throw in the price of the pencil and keyboard (which I’m assuming you’ll also need for college), its probably going to already be more than the standalone Mac which is an “all in one package” if you will.
I have been using the iPad Pro for the last five years as my main device. After many problems, lost information and bugs and a lot of other problems I have returned to the Mac, leaving the iPad for things like reading, writing, and what you already say is better to do in this one.
I really want to be IPad Pro only but just a couple of apps not available yet, one can only hope. But I love the IPad and MBA M1 just want to be IPad only. Thanks Chris, very helpful as always.
I just barely pulled off the IPad Pro M4 as my main. The two apps that replaced a lot for me was Notion and Scrivener (as a writer). My literal work is done on a work assigned laptop so my needs are technically very basic. Fortunately, I also do not travel for work so my laptop pretty much stays home. It’s really just my one day in the office where both my devices go with me.
My phone have a desktop mode if a connect it to an external display ( even a regular android phone have more pro user experience than any device with ipad os ☠️) That asides nice and entertaining video 💫~
From the start I have used both as complementary devices that gives me the best of both worlds and which using 50-50 will increase their longevity with the split-workflow. The Windows alternative of 2-in-1s suck for two reasons, Windows on a tablet is horrible for many things, and they are two big to use as a tablet, e.g. Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 16-inch, heavy and awkward and out in the field too risky to be exposing to the elements (I have a water resistant shockproof case for my iPad). So those that want Apple to make an iPad a touch macOS device, just look at how badly wrong MS did it, meaning they lost out on that market to Android and iPadOS. Apple would be dumb to try that for a few techies that cannot accept that two devices are better than one. My advice is get both, even if you get a cheaper iPad that is a couple of years old, due to the M-chip it is still comparable to most Android tablets in 2024.
I have an M1 iPad Air with a Brydge-branded keyboard/trackpad/case, a base M1 Mini, a Watch SE, iPhone 11, AirPods Pro and a couple of HomePod Minis. None of these represent Apple's most powerful or up-to-date offerings but I see no need to upgrade from any of these devices. I am not a content creator but rather an advanced enthusiast.....and, for me, Apple Silicon has been a game changer. These items represent the right mix of price, performance and usability. Apple hit a home run.
I think MacBook Air vs iPad Air is a better comparison. iPad Air undercuts the MacBook somewhat significantly and they seem to be aimed at the same user base. I could see you try to justify telling people to spend less on the iPad as it's more versatile for a mix of media consumption and light work. Great video nonetheless!
I love the iPad form factor and is my absolute go to whenever I can use it however I said when i can use it and that’s because iPad OS is still lacking to where it can’t replace my Mac entirely. It’s really frustrating because it’s so close to being my only computer.
If the new iPad can bring a better version of Microsoft Outlook then the iPad pro will be an easy sell for me. I just don't understand why iPad pro doesn't have a full version of outlook and mail
Perfect video. People basically wants the iPad becoming one with the MacBooks while both device serve a very different purpose which also came with its own sets of adventage
iPad has better screen, so anything that was single simple task, the iPad offers superior experience: anywhere from taking notes, to writing video scripts, and simple photo editing. The app and OS limit what the iPad can do efficiently compare to the macbook
im in school and i have a macbook air m3. i pretty much just use it for schoolwork and plan to use it for work as well. Im thinking about returning it and getting the new ipad pro m4 that just dropped so i can more versatility as far as when i need the keyboard and when i dont since most of the time im looking at my macbook screen and taking notes on my remarkable. i know macbook is good for desktop versions of websites, but i also have a pc at home, with this in mind i feel like ipad would be a good switch for me but i need help with the decision.
The iPad is useless as a laptop replacement get the Mac I've tried using an iPad as a laptop for fun and it sucked. The iPad is an entertainment, note taking, drawing device and that's it because apple limits the iPad with a mobile os.
Battery 2 - 3 times more on MacBook. If you take iPad without keyboard, you can't type text. And you can't take it with keyboard, it only works while you put it on some surface, when it's easy to just put your laptop on your knees. No WhatsApp on iPad, when MacBook has it. No calculator app on iPad!! So even simple tasks are way harder to do on iPad. And the browsing itself, on laptop, you always get desktop version of websites. Accounts! It's very useful to use multiple accounts in browser. In the system. You will face this limitations everywhere. The only reason to use iPad is if you really need to draw something.
Camera on MacBook is for horizontal native orientation, when on iPad it's still on the side (for vertical standing). Cameras on the backside are completely useless: you have cameras on your phone, if you need it.
The fact that people ruin the beautiful mini LED display on the iPad by putting a piece of plastic on it is beyond me. I simply cannot understand why ruin the colors and contrast just because you wanna play around the pencil.
What I'd recommend is to not pick one over the other but to pick the MacBook and any cheap iPad. Someone who's considering an iPad has some need for touch input. You don't have to lose it all. Going for a base Air and a 2018 12.9 inch pro will do you wonders. That's what I'll do personally as a uni student because during lectures having the ability to take a photo of the teacher's PowerPoint presentations is immense.
After long time of RUclips search I come up to your video and it is exactly what I was looking for. Your use cases are like mine. I also like writing and reading on iPad. I subscribed immediately.
excellent - mac and ipad together really is the best - have you completely abandoned Muse? I know it is expensive and freeform free but still much invisible and out of the way
One of your best videos by far. This is how every reviewer should do comparisons, task by task, not just reading the specs. Kudos!
I Think you made the real Point in saying that it is best if you have both devices.
If I had to choose one over the other I would go with the Mac. It is all about the Apps. Like you said you can simply do more with the Mac Version and they are much more comfortable to use and to interact with each other.
The winner of my heart will always be the iPad. I love the Form factor, the connectivity, the touchscreen, the pencil and the versatility.
But the Apps are sadly too much limiting.
This is what I really want to change for a new iPad. That the Software will finally catch up with the mac
I stopped using my ipad pro a couple years ago. If i need a big screen for media consumption i have a smart tv, if i want to quickly check email/web/watch youtube, i use my phone. if i want to play games i have pc (and phone), if i want to do any actual work I have macbook. For me ipad doesnt do anything better than any other device, and its less convenient. If only apple made use of its power better and gave it a proper desktop grade os.
But honestly who professionally uses the ipad pro to film and then edit and etc etc etc... In the end, you just feel like you were better off using the mac.
I know some authors who are being encouraged to create Tick Tock videos. They have their phones or their MacBooks to use for this.
Christopher Lawley
Glad you made this one. The iPad is great, but as you said “it helps to have both”. The Mac (in my case PC) lets me do all the professional work I need to do, while trying my pro workflow on iPad not only is slower but also limited in tools. Thus pushing me to the Mac(pc).
You used to be an iPad only guy but I see you have moved over to the Mac a lot.
Ipad OS is just too locked down to accomplish most tasks.
Yes, no doubt. Thats one big reason i am considering MacBook.
What I hope the new iPad brings is cheap m2 iPads second hand on eBay :)
In all the categories you have mentioned in this video, the iPad wins in PDFs and Freeform in my opinion. But not by much. Preview is so much better than the PDF viewer in Files which is really laggy. Apple Pencil makes a meaningful difference though if you are filling in a complex form. However, I find adding text boxes in Preview really easy with keyboard shortcuts. iPad is more straightforward. Freeform is also better on iPad due to the ability to draw. Web browsing is better on the Mac but not by much. Mac is better in terms of productivity, and creative apps (except for Procreate), I also pick the Mac for video calls, the continuity camera is a killer feature for me. The iPad camera sucks and the placement is not ideal in the landscape. For the film category, iPad cameras suck. They are nowhere near my 2-year-old iPhone 13. The video is grainy and it is just a bad sensor mainly for scanning documents. The ultrawide is practically useless. The only useful add-ons are the LiDar if you use it and the Flash.
I use both a iPad Pro and MBP daily. I hope that someday the OS’s compete. In that category, hands down, MacOS. I dream of the day there are smart folders and smart contact lists and smart note folders in iPadOS. Undoubtedly, the iPad does have its strengths thought.
This is why Apple needs a 1st party solution to remote onto a Mac. My dream is to have my iPad as my traveling companion and my entertainment device at home. I’ll also have a iMac or a Mac mini that lets me work if I want to work more seriously.
Thanks for sharing: very informative. Blessings on your day.
iPad Pro 2018 + Mac Mini m2 pro is the combo I use atm. No issues.
Can you use your iPad as monitor?
I’m fortunate in that I have both products, including an iMac. Love the Apple Pencil and the Magic Keyboard.
Almost 1000 people paid for the course. Good for you. That is more than my salary lol
I have been debating the MacBook Air vs iPad as a portable device which would still allow me to work on photos editing, word processing. MacBook makes sense but it’s annoying that I can’t download and watch content offline from Netflix/disney etc like I could on the iPad when I don’t have good internet access
Thank you for this video. Exactly what I was looking for. For what I do, I think the iPad Pro will be perfect for me. I’m waiting for the new one to come out.
May 7
Having IPad Air, I see it has some advantages over laptop. I use it mostly for media consumption and note taking. However, I cannot justify spending on an iPad with only 64 gb & close to 3 hr of charge time…now if was under 400, that might change my opinion…Forgot to add. I suggest getting a removable screen protector for note taking. IMO, eventually writing with pencil will cause some scratches.
If I could do development stuff on the iPad I could probably go full iPad. It's already more powerful than my laptop in every other metric. A browser with dev tools, better file management, VS Code, and some sort of sandboxed terminal with brew.
I love Adobe Illustrator but the iPad version, well, I can't get the hang of it, it's so clunky, so for my main program, Illustrator, the Mac wins but for consuming the iPad is just perfect. For me, Mac to create, iPad to consume. I also like the Apple Pencil but there is one big disappointment with it, I'm not as good with it as I thought I'd be, I see so many people creating lovely artwork with it on line but with me, I feel like I'm wearing boxing gloves using it, still nothing like a real pencil to me, even with Paperlike. But that's just me.
My workflow, thats probably 80% of the population’s, is so light it’s not even funny. I work executive protection, basically high level security. I also trade the markets on my free time. The one and only thing that my Mac can do that my iPad can’t is run the thinkorswim software program, but to be honest, the tos app is very very good. I haven’t touched my MacBook Pro since i got my new m4 iPad a few months ago. Browse the web, consume media, respond to emails, get courses done, research finance/news, even gaming all on the iPad while chilling on my couch is undefeated. Considering selling the MacBook Pro. Im the majority that the iPad can and did become my main computing device. The portability of it is so underrated. Not just for traveling, but simply for the house. It comes with me in every room that im in and i make sure to have it at arms distance everywhere i go.
Display and speakers from the IPAD *DOMINATE* the macbook air.
As long as the LED display of an IPAD is so astronomical and substantially superior than any of the macbook airs, it will be the IPAD for me personally.
The day when Apple decided to equip the macbook air with an LED (or OLED), I will get one and sell the IPAD.
Another great video… as always, keep it going!
I use the iPad for drawing applications and light editing but for the rest my MacBook air is the best when it comes to portability and power.
I have a I-Pad pro and love it. Sure would like to try a Air or any MacBook but for what goes on in my life i need to ask Myself
way change. Great video as usual!
Great comparison luckily I have both and it depends what mood I’m in, as to which one I use
You make some really good points. I was almost sold on making the iPad pro the main machine however, you made some good points in this video. It is all situational and they are both good at everything but they are both great at certain things separately looks like I have some more thinking to do! In a perfect world I will have both but for now... have to pick. Thanks again!
I need to choose an option for college, I would like to take digital notes (write) and would be using google a lot and documents. Which one should I choose? I may need the power for multiple tabs when it comes to typing documents too and watching clips.
While both will work just fine for your uses, the MacBook will be much better at writing essays and doing course work. I personally own both devices and I use the MacBook almost always, the iPad barely gets used as I really like the traditional laptop feel of the Mac. If you’re doing STEM courses in college, the MacBook will also usually always be able to accommodate that whereas the iPad sometimes can only use App Store apps since it is not a traditional computer like a MacBook. the MacBook in my opinion is just generally better if it’s the only one you can buy, if you can buy both, great, but if not then a MacBook can do a bit more than the iPad and when you throw in the price of the pencil and keyboard (which I’m assuming you’ll also need for college), its probably going to already be more than the standalone Mac which is an “all in one package” if you will.
To my MS Excel and/or Google Sheets power users here, CHOOSE MAC BOOK!!!
Using a Mac isn’t fun
I have been using the iPad Pro for the last five years as my main device. After many problems, lost information and bugs and a lot of other problems I have returned to the Mac, leaving the iPad for things like reading, writing, and what you already say is better to do in this one.
I really want to be IPad Pro only but just a couple of apps not available yet, one can only hope. But I love the IPad and MBA M1 just want to be IPad only. Thanks Chris, very helpful as always.
I just barely pulled off the IPad Pro M4 as my main. The two apps that replaced a lot for me was Notion and Scrivener (as a writer). My literal work is done on a work assigned laptop so my needs are technically very basic. Fortunately, I also do not travel for work so my laptop pretty much stays home. It’s really just my one day in the office where both my devices go with me.
My phone have a desktop mode if a connect it to an external display ( even a regular android phone have more pro user experience than any device with ipad os ☠️)
That asides nice and entertaining video 💫~
From the start I have used both as complementary devices that gives me the best of both worlds and which using 50-50 will increase their longevity with the split-workflow. The Windows alternative of 2-in-1s suck for two reasons, Windows on a tablet is horrible for many things, and they are two big to use as a tablet, e.g. Galaxy Book4 Pro 360 16-inch, heavy and awkward and out in the field too risky to be exposing to the elements (I have a water resistant shockproof case for my iPad).
So those that want Apple to make an iPad a touch macOS device, just look at how badly wrong MS did it, meaning they lost out on that market to Android and iPadOS. Apple would be dumb to try that for a few techies that cannot accept that two devices are better than one. My advice is get both, even if you get a cheaper iPad that is a couple of years old, due to the M-chip it is still comparable to most Android tablets in 2024.
I have an M1 iPad Air with a Brydge-branded keyboard/trackpad/case, a base M1 Mini, a Watch SE, iPhone 11, AirPods Pro and a couple of HomePod Minis. None of these represent Apple's most powerful or up-to-date offerings but I see no need to upgrade from any of these devices. I am not a content creator but rather an advanced enthusiast.....and, for me, Apple Silicon has been a game changer. These items represent the right mix of price, performance and usability. Apple hit a home run.
Covering all tasks except the most obvious, writing/typing?...
For work, my M1 MacBook Air works well for me. For media consumption and games, I use my 12.9 iPad. I feel no need to upgrade either.
I think MacBook Air vs iPad Air is a better comparison. iPad Air undercuts the MacBook somewhat significantly and they seem to be aimed at the same user base. I could see you try to justify telling people to spend less on the iPad as it's more versatile for a mix of media consumption and light work. Great video nonetheless!
What apps???? Are better
I love the iPad form factor and is my absolute go to whenever I can use it however I said when i can use it and that’s because iPad OS is still lacking to where it can’t replace my Mac entirely. It’s really frustrating because it’s so close to being my only computer.
If the new iPad can bring a better version of Microsoft Outlook then the iPad pro will be an easy sell for me. I just don't understand why iPad pro doesn't have a full version of outlook and mail
Perfect video. People basically wants the iPad becoming one with the MacBooks while both device serve a very different purpose which also came with its own sets of adventage
iPad has better screen, so anything that was single simple task, the iPad offers superior experience: anywhere from taking notes, to writing video scripts, and simple photo editing. The app and OS limit what the iPad can do efficiently compare to the macbook
For me, iPad Pro for the win. And i bought a wallpaper package from you, so thank you for those as well.
im in school and i have a macbook air m3. i pretty much just use it for schoolwork and plan to use it for work as well. Im thinking about returning it and getting the new ipad pro m4 that just dropped so i can more versatility as far as when i need the keyboard and when i dont since most of the time im looking at my macbook screen and taking notes on my remarkable. i know macbook is good for desktop versions of websites, but i also have a pc at home, with this in mind i feel like ipad would be a good switch for me but i need help with the decision.
The iPad is useless as a laptop replacement get the Mac I've tried using an iPad as a laptop for fun and it sucked. The iPad is an entertainment, note taking, drawing device and that's it because apple limits the iPad with a mobile os.
I choose the Mac, no doubt. The only it lacks it's screen touch, but you can do whatever in a mac but in the iPad you can't
I watched this whole videos and you didn’t chooses a winner. You’re one scandalous dude.
Battery 2 - 3 times more on MacBook. If you take iPad without keyboard, you can't type text. And you can't take it with keyboard, it only works while you put it on some surface, when it's easy to just put your laptop on your knees. No WhatsApp on iPad, when MacBook has it. No calculator app on iPad!! So even simple tasks are way harder to do on iPad. And the browsing itself, on laptop, you always get desktop version of websites. Accounts! It's very useful to use multiple accounts in browser. In the system. You will face this limitations everywhere. The only reason to use iPad is if you really need to draw something.
Camera on MacBook is for horizontal native orientation, when on iPad it's still on the side (for vertical standing). Cameras on the backside are completely useless: you have cameras on your phone, if you need it.
Pro should have been compared not the air model ect…
The fact that people ruin the beautiful mini LED display on the iPad by putting a piece of plastic on it is beyond me. I simply cannot understand why ruin the colors and contrast just because you wanna play around the pencil.
Almost as if the people using something like paperlike care less about the mini led and more about a better apple experience
Power is now more in the iPad with the m4
Arc was a let down for me.
😃
What I'd recommend is to not pick one over the other but to pick the MacBook and any cheap iPad. Someone who's considering an iPad has some need for touch input. You don't have to lose it all. Going for a base Air and a 2018 12.9 inch pro will do you wonders. That's what I'll do personally as a uni student because during lectures having the ability to take a photo of the teacher's PowerPoint presentations is immense.
No one is going to buy the Apple Pencil after swallowing such a huge price tag of the iPad let alone the keyboard
After long time of RUclips search I come up to your video and it is exactly what I was looking for. Your use cases are like mine. I also like writing and reading on iPad. I subscribed immediately.
excellent - mac and ipad together really is the best - have you completely abandoned Muse? I know it is expensive and freeform free but still much invisible and out of the way
Hi kriskh nice to meet 😊 you ‘re my Subscriber from now on hope you help me out !! 🤌