iPad vs. Macbook Air

Question

Level 1

110 points

iPad vs. Macbook Air

I'm looking for a small and light device for writing, simple data input, and listening to music. I was leaning towards and Macbook Air, but maybe the iPad with an external keyboard would be better. The reason I may now lean towards the iPad is it is listed as having a battery that lasts up to 10 hours; twice as long as the Air. How is it the iPad, a small device, has a longer battery life than the larger Macbook Air?

Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Mar 8, 2011 1:57 PM

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Answer 1

hawleyrw

Level 3

633 points

Mar 8, 2011 4:14 PM in response to Aaron White1

The iPad simply has more room for batteries, doesn't run a CPU fan, and runs a simpler version of iOS (kind of like a large iPod touch, but with more capability).

I've got this MBA I'm writing this on, and I do own an iPad, with the external keyboard.

It all depends on what you'll need to do the writing with....if you're using the Mac iWork apps for iPad you'll be fine. But if you need something more like Office, you'll have to go with the MBA. Remember, with using an external keyboard, (running Bluetooth on your iPad), there will be some extra pull on the battery having it on all the time.

Since I got the MBA, I don't use my iPad/external combo very often, but there are times for me when it does come in handy. I do get a full 7 hours out of my MBA all the time, so works for me - PLUS remember each time you need to change cursor position (drastically), you don't have a trackpad (unless you buy that too), you'll have to reach up and touch the screen when you need to do things like that.

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Answer 2

slyguy_28

Level 2

188 points

Mar 8, 2011 8:07 PM in response to Aaron White1

I've got both the iPad and MBA 13 also. I enjoy both, but the iPad gets less use because it's faster and easier to input text (like this comment) with a traditional keyboard.

I'm getting over 7 hours with my MBA also...
Sly

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Answer 3

Mar 9, 2011 6:38 AM in response to Aaron White1

The cpu in the iPad also uses less power than the core2duo in the MBA. Of course, the MBA's processor is also significantly more powerful and capable than the one in the iPad. So it really comes down to what you plan to use the device for - some things are great on the iPad and you get the advantage of ultra-portability and simplicity. But, some things either cannot be done on an iPad at all or are at least better done on a traditional laptop platform.

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Answer 4

Aaron White1 Author

Level 1

110 points

Mar 19, 2011 7:43 PM in response to Aaron White1

Two issues I'm trying to consider. I like the iPad overall, but I do want to do a lot of writing and I want to be able to save various drafts and copies on the iPad and on my other systems is this a issue? Also, with the MBA, the reason I would lean towards the iPad, the battery life on the 11" is listed at only 5hrs. Are most people getting that, and rumors have it that the new Lion OS would help increase battery life?

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Answer 5

hawleyrw

Level 3

633 points

Mar 19, 2011 8:46 PM in response to Aaron White1

I have both, (MBA 13 and iPad 1), and I use them differently. Since I don't run tethered or a vendor usb 3G dongle on the MBA, the iPad works better when I need quick access to the net/news, etc (like while riding in a car). I also use the iPad at work for non-work related internet access, taking notes, checking mail while in meetings, etc.

I use the laptop more often -when I really want to use a computer (like now), a lot of typing, etc. and I'm in a location with wireless access.

I can justify having both (at least I'm delusional enough to think I can justify them both) - I just use them in different ways.

It's just really cool having two devices with long battery life.

Cheers!

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Answer 6

rredge

Level 1

0 points

Mar 26, 2011 11:01 AM in response to Aaron White1

Aaron White1 wrote:
Two issues I'm trying to consider. I like the iPad overall, but I do want to do a lot of writing and I want to be able to save various drafts and copies on the iPad and on my other systems is this a issue? Also, with the MBA, the reason I would lean towards the iPad, the battery life on the 11" is listed at only 5hrs. Are most people getting that, and rumors have it that the new Lion OS would help increase battery life?

I use an iPad with external Bluetooth keyboard for writing and it works well for me. You can save drafts and copies on the iPad itself and/or via something like Dropbox.

You might have a look at an App called iWriter: http://www.informationarchitects.jp/en/

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Answer 7

John K.

Level 1

68 points

Mar 26, 2011 7:39 PM in response to rredge

If you're going to do a lot of writing, I'd say MacBook Air. The iPad has no file system to speak of, and if you want to keep your documents organized in any way (folders, etc...), the MBA is the only way to go. The battery life is fantastic, and Pages and Word 2011 both launch in no time at all (Word actually launches faster on my system...).

Either way though, they're both beautiful devices with their own individual strengths. I just find the MBA is better for getting work done- the iPad is better for play, but that's just me.

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Answer 8

bilbomac

Level 1

0 points

Apr 6, 2011 8:55 PM in response to John K.

I agree with the consensus here - MBA is best if you have lots of data to enter.

I have several Macs in our business:
MBP 17 (mine)
MBA 11 (mine)
IPAD 2 (mine)
MBP 15
MBP 13
iMac 27

The 1st three machines are all my designated machines, but I share (when I want to). Ha

When I am in the office (20% of the time) I am usually using either the MBA 11 or the MBP 17 for hard charging office work (writing proposals, building estimates, business analysis, etc.). I love the iMac 27 but I hate to sit at a desk - when in the office I am usually sitting in a recliner - so my office manager uses the iMac 27 and it is great as we use a gigantic Google sheet to manage our core business job board.

The IPAD 2 gets a ton of use in the home and while I am on the road - we will probably get another one as my wife and daughters are always trying to get it away from me.

The IPAD 2 and the MBA 11 go with me when I am in my truck. I own a storm restoration business and I need access to my business apps on the road. The IPAD is a superb viewer of business data but is not so good at entering in new information anywhere except in email (IMO). The IPAD is great at entering in data in solid form-like data like email/Facebook etc., but when it has to run our gigantic Google spreadsheet it is mediocre at best. And please don't ask me to enter in any new data in the Google sheet using the IPAD - it is just too painful.

The MBA 11 is a great machine on the road - in my pickup. I use my T-Mobile Google Nexus 1 phone as a hotspot for the MBA 11 (and sometimes for the IPAD Verizon 3G). The only (slight) issue I am having now is T-Mobile doesn't have the best 3G service area in Colorado where my work takes me (all over).

I am fortunate in that my business has enough MAcs that I can use any as I see best and it ends up about as follows:

Personal fun time:
IPAD 2 - 78%
MBA 11 - 15%
MBP 17 - 5%
iMac 27 - 2%

Work Time
MBA 11 - 55%
IPAD 2 - 25%
MBP 17 - 15%
iMac 27 - 5%

They are all great machines!

PS - I can see the MBA and the IPAD evolving towards one another

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Answer 9

Apr 7, 2011 2:46 PM in response to Aaron White1

Hi - I kinda asked the same question a week or so ago , as I also wanted a small portable device, so was torn between getting an iPad or splashing out a little more on an MBA 11". I already have a MBP 13". After some considered opinions from this support forum, and thinking about what I wanted, I chose the MBA 11", and also decided for the the higher spec. Literally picked it up today, but it's still boxed up, haven't had the chance to unbox it and play.

Basically, although , in my view , I think the iPad is great, I still think it has it's limitations, and I ddin't want to regret this maybe after a few weeks / months of use and then thinking - ooh I wish I'd have gone for the iPad. More versatility and functionality for me lead me to buying the MBA 11, but I guess it really is 'horses for courses' and you have to decide what you will use it for and how much how want to use it like a 'proper' computer?

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Answer 10

Aepple

Level 1

22 points

Apr 7, 2011 5:33 PM in response to Aaron White1

If had to choose one...i'd choose the MBA, why..because it does more and does it easier. The bigger bang Bang for your dollar is the MBA when compared to the iPad. The bigger bang for your dollar is the MacPro when compared to the MBA.

Again it depends with your priorities are, my advice is, the iPad is great for gathering and reading information, but not great for producing information. They say it multitasks,but not rely since you cn only see one app at a time compared to a MBA/laptop where you can view and switch to many widows on your screen. When I produce information on my iPad it takes many steps while constantly going in and out of Apps.

Reading and writing emails is easy on the iPad, surfing the Internet, reading, and stuff is great, Theo ad is an annex of your computer/laptop/MBA.

I do work on both and find my MBA less difficult to produce info. So if I had to choose one i'd go with the MBA.

Sent from my iPad 2

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Answer 11

rsannie

Level 1

19 points

Apr 8, 2011 3:21 PM in response to Aaron White1

iPad vs MBA: Answer=Purpose.

I find it enjoyable to carry the iPad around when I view my email, watch clips, videos, play games. But if I need to do any type of content creation such as creating notes and letter, powerpoint slides, editing pictures, etc, I put the iPad down and grab my MBA.

I seriously tried to use my iPad for content creation. It's possible but -- its too much of a hassle to do so. The iPad with external keyboard just didnt cut it for me.

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Answer 12

ednet92

Level 1

4 points

Apr 8, 2011 10:49 PM in response to rsannie

I never owned an IPad but have been using and testing every Iphone version since the beginning.
Therefore, I've very interessed in the Ipad, but next gen, with retina
Instead, I bought my MBA 11 and it gives me every thing I want: flexibility, versability any where with decent battery life and a better screen.
I almost fell for the ipad V2 but after testing it in shops I withdraw my order.
For my excpectation, the screenresolution is just not acceptable after using the iphone 4 retina display. we know that part the marketink strategy updgrade on that side we'll come along with further release. That's what I'm ready to wait. Otherwise, I'll know I'll have to resell it and loose money (again) Other thing, is with mac os and the updcoming version lion, there's not limit to what you can do with it: flash, if you want it, even windows,Editing photo, video etc.
An other convinient aspect is you only have to lay your hand on the keyboard, not holding it permenantly. it save to have any stand with you. typing in a bed, is just great.

apart from that a good pro for the ipad: cheapper, solid: I'll be more confortable to leave it to a child than my precious mba. also, using an ipad in public transportation, might me more discret than a shiny mba with a bright apple backlit...
rgds
Edouard - paris france

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Answer 13

Retina11

Level 1

0 points

Mar 25, 2012 4:41 PM in response to hawleyrw

I need some serious help: FAST. I wanted to buy the New iPad just today but didnt know if I should. I have a Dell computer and an Acer Tab (not too bad), but I was curious to know what to buy. I can wait about 4 - 5 months to buy an MacBook Air, most likely, or I could buy the New iPad 32GB with Dock, Cam. Connect Kit, and 6ft cable, right now. I dont know what to buy, and since the iPad is so new, there is no comparison of the two. I simply adore the new iPad so bad, nearly more than the MacBook, but don't know if it's the right choice. To put it simply, I am stumped. I was at the Apple Store, ready to buy the iPad, all my money in my pocket, but ran out of time and had to go. What should I do?

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Answer 14

JE13

Level 4

3,938 points

Mar 26, 2012 9:29 AM in response to Aaron White1

If you do a lot of writing, you want the MBA. I'm a writer (I use an 11" MBA, no issues or problems with that size), and I really don't think I could do what I do on an iPad. I do know writers who have used the iPad to write on, but only while traveling. Three reasons: first, most of us who write need to use more complex writing programs. One writing program may not be enough, and we have to trust, as well, that we can translate that novel or essay and send it off to other people who must be able to read it. So, the MBA makes sense in that you can trust whatever writing program you want/need to use, you can use it.

Second, as a writer, I often need several windows open at once--other chapters in the story, safari for reference material, etc. The iPad lets you switch between things, but not have them all up on the same screen at one time. I need all that on the screen at once. So, MBA. Third and last, the MBA has a great keyboard that you're not going to forget. If you weren't doing much writing, I'd say iPad, but for a lot of writing...MBA.

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Answer 15

Apr 5, 2012 4:41 PM in response to Aaron White1

I have an iPad and a MBA 13. One doesn't replace the other. I use a nice Zagg keyboard and for fast typing at Starbucks I just love the iPad. I have tons of apps but for text processing I like Pages and OmniOutliner. There are also other interesting options like Notability and Writer. If you want something in between get the MBA 11" I hear that people that got it just don't use the iPad. Because both machines are really light I carry them with me everyday. If I need to do something on the Web (I am a developer) I use the MBA for text, brainstorming, calendars, notes, meetings, netflix, etc. I prefer the iPad. Tuff choice...

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