My husband and I are trying to decide whether to purchase an Ipad 2 or a Mac Air for our daughter who wants Garage Band. She's a fairly good pianist and likes to compose. Money is an issue - so we are wondering if Garage Band on the IPAD 2 has the same functionality as on a MAC Book Air.
iPad 2, iOS 5.0.1, Ipad or MAC air for Garage Band?
Though they share the same name and general screen appearance, there are differences in functionality and connectivity.
The big difference is the iOS (iPad, iPod Touch & iPhone version) has a touch sensitive screen with what are called Smart Instruments that go a fair way to meeting the needs of the creative musician. A Midi controller keyboard ( ie M-Audio 49key) can be attached via a powered USB hub and a Camera Connector Kit. This gives a pianist a familiar playing interface. Kids absolutely love GarageBand on both the mac and iOS platforms and like ease of use.
Listen to this example of what can be achieved with just the iPad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQSdqQKEsXs
That said, the MacBook Air and GB has more instruments, loops and edting funtionality.
Hope that helps.
DM
Thank you, thank you, thank you. That was very helpful. We tried calling the Apple store and no one could give us an answer along with not finding anything real helpful on the internet. I think we'll go with the IPAD 2 for now, she's only 13 and if she likes it enough she can help pay for a MAC later on. There's three that will be sharing the IPAD 2 so maybe she'll be motivated to save her money! 🙂
Good decision. Hope it works out.
DM
THanks
Garage Band for ISO vs. Mac Air - what are the differences?
