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Model: Apple iPad Air 13-inch with M3 chip Built for Apple Intelligence, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, Wi-Fi 6E, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — Purple
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Can someone advise why not just get a MacBook Air at this price?
Depends on use case. iPads are much better for consuming content, Macbooks are much better for creating content. Though don't think you can get a decent Macbook Air at this price or am I out of touch?
Depends on use case. iPads are much better for consuming content, Macbooks are much better for creating content. Though don't think you can get a decent Macbook Air at this price or am I out of touch?
I got my 16gb/256gb MacBook air for 749 no tax at the base exchange. It'll be for my schooling, so was wondering the differences at a mere $50
Can someone advise why not just get a MacBook Air at this price?
Why have either when you have a phone? Different use cases, with a bit of overlap, but also some synergies. For instance, an iPad can be used as a portable 2nd monitor for a MacBook (plus touch). But if you can only have one, then pick the one that best fits your needs.
Can someone advise why not just get a MacBook Air at this price?
No, I got the M2 Pro version and regret it.
It does absolutely nothing different than my gen 2 Pro with an A series chip I got in 2017. When I upgraded there was a ton of talk about high end software and games taking advantage of the laptop grade M1/M2 chips but especially with AAA type game support it has been extremely disappointing.
Either get a cheap iPad or a MacBook Air. A cheap iPad will do anything this does, unless you have a real unique use case (art, graphic design, etc.), for a lot less money. A MacBook Air will do anything it can plus it's a full computer with access to big boy software and games.
Last edited by WilliamMunny63 April 29, 2025 at 12:12 PM.
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Can someone advise why not just get a MacBook Air at this price?
Agree MBA would be better in most cases, but not all. Some sensitive corporate/government jobs require only iOS devices which can be tightly controlled with a mobile device management policy. Generally the employer will provide devices, but in my case they gave me an old ass ipad which I refused to use. Luckily they agreed to let me buy my own and enroll it in their MDM. Laptops not accepted.
No, I got the M2 Pro version and regret it.It does absolutely nothing different than my gen 2 Pro with an A series chip I got in 2017. When I upgraded there was a ton of talk about high end software and games taking advantage of the laptop grade M1/M2 chips but especially with AAA type game support it has been extremely disappointing.Either get a cheap iPad or a MacBook Air. A cheap iPad will do anything this does, unless you have a real unique use case (art, graphic design, etc.), for a lot less money. A MacBook Air will do anything it can plus it's a full computer with access to big boy software and games.
Thats 95% true.
A12Z(2018) vs M3/M4 (2024) on iPad difference loadings apps and webpage 0.5 seconds and 1080p video rendering 5 second. You only see a 100%-200% difference playing 30fps to 60/120fps and video rendering 4k/8k 50 second.
Even more 99% true.
A14/A16(2023) $300 vs M3/M4 on iPad difference is loading apps is 0.1 sec. Gaming difference is 0%-50% playing 60fps and 4k video render 5 second.
Can someone advise why not just get a MacBook Air at this price?
The only real difference is touch screen and light travel size, ports
The $500 M3/M4 on iPad is a complete waste cuz iPad OS limits its use. Its like putting an iPhone chip in an Apple Watch. Overkill 1000%.
$300 A14/A16 iPad does the same thing 99%. Overkill 500%.
The only real difference is 4k 8k video editing and gaming in 2030.
Best to get Macbook Air $650 M1 8GB, $800 M4 16GB.
Stick with iPad $300 A16 128gb, $350 A14 256gb
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Depends on use case. iPads are much better for consuming content, Macbooks are much better for creating content. Though don't think you can get a decent Macbook Air at this price or am I out of touch?
plus you can use pencil to create contents on iPads
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Because you want a big ass tablet
A lot of younger folks actually use these for school and don't even use laptops these days.
I got my 16gb/256gb MacBook air for 749 no tax at the base exchange. It'll be for my schooling, so was wondering the differences at a mere $50
Why have either when you have a phone? Different use cases, with a bit of overlap, but also some synergies. For instance, an iPad can be used as a portable 2nd monitor for a MacBook (plus touch). But if you can only have one, then pick the one that best fits your needs.
It does absolutely nothing different than my gen 2 Pro with an A series chip I got in 2017. When I upgraded there was a ton of talk about high end software and games taking advantage of the laptop grade M1/M2 chips but especially with AAA type game support it has been extremely disappointing.
Either get a cheap iPad or a MacBook Air. A cheap iPad will do anything this does, unless you have a real unique use case (art, graphic design, etc.), for a lot less money. A MacBook Air will do anything it can plus it's a full computer with access to big boy software and games.
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A12Z(2018) vs M3/M4 (2024) on iPad difference loadings apps and webpage 0.5 seconds and 1080p video rendering 5 second. You only see a 100%-200% difference playing 30fps to 60/120fps and video rendering 4k/8k 50 second.
Even more 99% true.
A14/A16(2023) $300 vs M3/M4 on iPad difference is loading apps is 0.1 sec. Gaming difference is 0%-50% playing 60fps and 4k video render 5 second.
The $500 M3/M4 on iPad is a complete waste cuz iPad OS limits its use. Its like putting an iPhone chip in an Apple Watch. Overkill 1000%.
$300 A14/A16 iPad does the same thing 99%. Overkill 500%.
The only real difference is 4k 8k video editing and gaming in 2030.
Best to get Macbook Air $650 M1 8GB, $800 M4 16GB.
Stick with iPad $300 A16 128gb, $350 A14 256gb
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