Would you be better off with a tablet like the iPad Pro or should you save up and go all the way for a laptop like the MacBook Air? That’s one of the biggest questions for those on a tight budget looking for a device that will meet their needs in terms of performance.
On Reddit, we found a lot of comments from users that would help you make the right decision if you’re stuck between both options. For most people, going through hundreds of Reddit threads and reading through numerous comments would take a lot of time and you’d have to filter the comments to get past trolls.
Luckily, we’ve done all that, and here is a comparison of iPad Pro vs MacBook Air based on comments from Reddit users.
iPad Pro Overview
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The iPad Pro is one of the best tablets on the market and considered the best buy if you’re looking for an outstanding device with next-gen power, fantastic display, and build quality that gives you all assurance of the value for your money.
Design and Build Quality
The iPad Pro features a large 12.9-inch display that would easily make it a mini-laptop. Its aluminum rear and frame offer a classy look while the glass front comes with a scratch-resistant coating. There are four speakers on the device – two on the top and two on the bottom edge. At the bottom of the device is a USB-C port that also doubles as a Thunderbolt port.
The display is pretty much top-notch for a 12.9-inch tablet. The display comes with the new Mini LED technology designed to improve brightness and image quality. According to Apple, this is known as a Liquid Retina XDR screen. The 2048 x 2732 resolution allowing for a stunning screen display which is noticeable when watching movies and videos.
Features
The iPad Pro comes with the latest M1 chipset which gives a slightly noticeable power jump in everyday tasks. It would be most noticeable for those that want to make music, edit videos, or play intensive games. When it comes to RAM capacity, there are two options to choose from. You could go for either 8GB or 16GB of RAM.
Storage capacity comes in different variants which coincide with the RAM capacity. With 8GB of RAM, you get only 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB of storage. Higher-capacity storage models 1TB and 2TB come with 16GB of RAM. If you’re planning on using this device for intensive tasks, then you should only be concerned with the 16GB models. As usual, there is no microSD support which makes picking a version with more storage capacity a better option.
This tablet offers 5G connectivity allowing you to get the best of next-gen internet speeds. The camera is one area that the iPad doesn’t really impress but does better than average. The rear shooter is 12MP which does quite well. There is also a 10MP ultrawide camera to get more details into your shot. The front camera is also 12MP.
Camera improvements in the iPad Pro include a feature called Center Stage. This allows the camera to follow you around the room during video calls.
When it comes to battery life, the iPad Pro does live up to the hype. It lasts for the full 10 hours that Apple claimed it would and this is while you’re browsing, streaming videos, or gaming. Turning the tab up to the maximum brightness could lead to a faster drop in battery life but overall, the tablet does keep close to the 10-hour figure.
Pros
- Fantasy screen display
- Battery life is superb
- Phenomenal operating power
- Impressive build quality
Cons
- A hefty price tag
- Color options could be better
MacBook Air Overview
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The MacBook Air is the more affordable apple laptop delivering the same impressive specs for a lower price. With 16GB of RAM and other high-end specs, the MacBook Air makes for a top choice for laptop users looking for more value for less cash.
Design and Build Quality
The Macbook Air features a wedge-shaped machined aluminum chassis and weighs just 2.8 pounds and while some would say that there is still more room for improvement, it is already lighter than many other models from competing brands. The laptop features a 2,560 x 1600-pixel Retina display that will provide clear details and it is one of the biggest pros of this laptop.
There are also some major improvements to the keyboard and touchpad. You would notice this if you’re going for the latest version. The latest MacBook Air doesn’t come with a fan but not to worry, performing heavy tasks would only make it a little warm and not to an unpleasant degree.
Features
The MacBook Air is powered by the M1 process and comes with 16GB of RAM. It does hold its own when streaming videos and performing light video editing tasks. Even while playing light video games, you won’t notice any hiccups on its end.
The new M1 chip from Apple has been championed as revolutionary allowing laptop users to enjoy all-day battery life. Well, the MacBook Air does deliver some impressive battery life giving you a run time of 14 hours and 41 minutes on average.
You will find a high-performance webcam with an image signal processor that would improve the image and video in several ways. The MacBook Air gives you 2 Thunderbolt 3 USB 4 ports, a headphone jack on the side, and USB-C ports on the left side.
Pros
- Reddit users like that the macOS is fast and responsive
- Battery life remains great
- Silent operation due to the lack of fans
- Remarkably fast performance
Cons
- Reddit users didn’t like the thick bezels on the MacBook Air
- Few ports to work with
iPad Pro vs. MacBook Air: What Reddit Users Think
Reddit Comment #1: LogicalyetUnpopular
Totally depends on the user. Sales on the go should get an iPad Pro because it can scan and sign documents on the go. Artists that like to draw should obviously get the iPad Pro
Code developers, web developers, blog writers should get a MacBook.
If you mainly use it for Netflix and YouTube then iPad Pro is the way to go.. more fun for kids.
If you want to sit at Starbucks for clout, then go for the MacBook – LogicalyetUnpopular
Reddit Comment #2: MC_chrome
Right, but if a student is forced to choose between an iPad or a laptop they should go with the laptop 100% of the time, in my opinion. The iPad is still too limited when it comes to software in order to cover every need a student would have. – MC_chrome
Reddit Comment #3: supertramp02
I would say it depends more on WHAT you intend to use it for rather than WHO you are. If it’s your primary computing machine and you’re under 60, go for the MacBook. The iPad is a great secondary device if you already have a laptop or pc which you don’t need on the go. – supertramp02
Reddit Comment #4: LinguaFrance
I’m in high school too, and I also had to choose between a iPad Pro or MacBook. Personally I chose the iPad bc it has a better screen for watching Netflix (HDR, P3 color). Anyways my schoolwork has always been on google docs/slides and zoom which the iPad can do especially with a keyboard so like your not really gonna miss much from the MacBook if you switch tbh – LinguaFranca
Reddit Comment #5: gergo-danyi
You could get the MacBook for stuff you can’t do on an iPad, and an older iPad additionally that supports the pencil for note taking. If you’re sure that you won’t be needing any desktop class programs (real, fully functional office programs for papers maybe), you might be fine with the iPad Pro and a keyboard and the pencil, I guess.
But beware, it’s an outsider’s perspective, you have to make sure about your needs and your workflow. I’m not in college yet, but I wouldn’t want to find myself needing a Mac after buying an expensive iPad. – gergo-danyi
Reddit Comment #6: ubiqwitus
For the price of a new iPad Pro 12.9 with a pencil and the new magic keyboard case with a trackpad, you could get a MacBook Air as well as a cheaper iPad just for note taking or reading or whatever. I think iPads are almost ready to replace laptops but not quite. It really depends on your needs but I’d go with the MacBook Air just to be safe. You can always supplement it with a cheap iPad if you want to but if you go all in with the iPad Pro and then need a full MacBook, you’ll be disappointed. – ubiqwitus
Bottom Line
Based on our review, it is clear that Reddit users consider getting the MacBook Air a better option than the iPad Pro. There are users who think the iPad Pro is quite costly, and you might not get the best experience when it comes to typing or running heavy tasks that would require the use of a keyboard.
In this comparison, the MacBook Air comes out on top for its impressive speed, performance, and battery life.
