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The redesigned iPad Air and new iPad Pro with Apple silicon are now available. Learn more >
I finally had enough of Microcrap and went Apple eco. I use an iPhone, Mac mini, Apple Watch, and, even though I have ALWAYS hated using laptops, an Apple MacBook Air. These are all synced through iCloud. I am strictly an info and entertainment internet guy. My question is, do I need to invest in an iPad? Any thoughts?
Mac mini, macOS 14.4
Since you already have a portable device in the MacBook Air, an iPad is redundant. The MacBook is also far more versatile, as it's a true desktop type of OS, whereas an iPad is a locked down device that makes saving and transferring files more difficult.
If you get an iPad that has a cellular data modem, it will be very much like a big-screen iPhone that can't place or receive cellular phone calls (or send or receive SMS/MMS text messages) on its own.
Yes, some of the iPads now have M-series processors … and Apple's started to add enough features to the iPad version of iOS that they prefer to call it "iPadOS". But even iPad Pros that are close to entry-level MacBook Airs, hardware-wise, don't yet have the option to run macOS.
So – is that the type of device you want, relative to the all the other Apple devices you're already familiar with?
That's up to you.
Given your described usage and existing investment in Apple devices, an iPad would perhaps be an ideal device.
If you already own a Mac, you will have the best of both worlds - as both Mac and iPad have their strengths and weaknesses - and together, using Sidecar, are a powerhouse. Neither are a full replacement for the other; some users have preference for Mac, while others find an iPad to be ideal for their needs.
Alone, a modern iPad is a very powerful and portable device; iPadOS has matured considerably in recent years. iPad doesn't run macOS - and neither does it need its potential complexity.
Many users, myself included, now use iPad as their main "go to" device of choice - having foregone the impracticalities of a traditional laptop/desktop computer. On occasion I may need to use a desktop computer for a specific task (usually to perform a firmware update of an obscure USB device unsupported by iPad) - but those occasions are increasingly rare as iPads and iPadOS become even more capable 🙂
In summary, do you need an iPad - or would you benefit from an iPad? With devices that you already have, only you can decide - but given the information that you have provided, an iPad might indeed be an ideal fit!
Be in no doubt, a modern iPad is in no way a dumbed-down device; power-users find all the tools and capabilities that are often needed. By contrast, an iPad provides simplicity where appropriate, removing much of the unnecessary complexity of traditional computers.
Hello~ I love my iPad and do almost all my work on mine. You can compare models here…
I hope you can find something that works for you and take care.
~Katana-San~
Do I need an iPad?
