The world has Steve Jobs to thank for some of the most awesome gadgets available in the market today. Case in point: the Macbook or iPad. Via the Apple brand, the man in the black turtleneck incorporated all the best in computing technology to offer consumers top-notch gadgets. However, with unrivalled quality comes price points that might not be as cheap as other brands.
If you’re considering purchasing an Apple product, you must be conscious of the money you will shell out. You want to come home with a gadget whose features you can maximize to get your money’s worth. In that regard, here is your guide on choosing between the Macbook and the iPad.
Available Models
The first order of business is getting acquainted with the iPad and MacBook models at your disposal. Essentially, the more recent the model, the more advanced the features are. However, you can expect these many iterations to share the basic functions, regardless of when they came out.
iPad
# iPad mini (1st to 6th gen)
# iPad Air (1st to 5th gen)
# iPad Pro (1st to 5th gen)
MacBook
# MacBook (Latest model: Retina, 12-inch, 2017/MacBook 10.1)
# MacBook Air (Latest model: M1, 2020/MacBook Air 10.1)
# MacBook Pro (Latest model: 16-inch, 2021)
iPad vs. MacBook
Here, we will discuss in a nutshell what differentiates the iPad from the MacBook using basic criteria.
Target market – Apple positioned the MacBook as a standalone computer, whereas the iPad was supposedly a supplemental gadget meant to compete against netbooks, e-readers, and tablets. However, the iPad eventually progressed into a notebook competitor thanks to its increased capabilities with every iteration.
User history – The MacBook is most suited to old-school Mac users who have years’ worth of files saved in macOS file formats. File migration will be more convenient that way. Meanwhile, the iPad works best with an Apple novice.
Design and hardware – iPads boast touchscreen capability, while MacBooks have yet to incorporate the function into their systems. However, in terms of display dimension, MacBooks offer wider options with as much as 15.4 inches than the iPad’s 12.9 inches. Another major difference is the cameras: iPads have two while MacBooks have one.
Software – iPads run iOS, whereas MacBooks run the macOS.
Battery life – iPad battery lasts for as long as 10 hours, while the MacBook battery lasts for 16.
Usage – For casual computing, web browsing, audio and video play, and modest typing, the iPad will suffice. For more extensive activities, you’re better off with at least a MacBook Air.
Which Gadget Do You Need?
Now that we know the core differences between iPads and MacBooks, it is time to zero in on purpose. What do you intend to do with the gadget? Here’s a list of usage priorities with corresponding recommendations.
# Media
Some people have simple needs. For example, they expect their gadgets to keep up with their viewing habits—nothing more, nothing less.
If this is the case for you, then an iPad Air will do. This gadget has everything you require for an enjoyable Netflix date, including a Retina screen, long battery life, and robust processor. Plus, it’s lightweight, so you won’t find your muscles and joints aching after hours of binge-watching your favorite shows.
# Study
You can rely on the iPad Pro 11″ for your university needs. It has a wide enough screen for comfortable reading. You can also conveniently type papers on it—plus, during your free hours, you can play all the music and videos you want.
However, if you wish to go with the safest choice, opt for at least a MacBook Air because some of the software you might need for school might not be compatible with iOS.
# Work
For work purposes, it is best to go with a MacBook Pro 13“. Sure, you can still have an iPad, but consider it a supplemental gadget you can whip out for quick, work-related activities such as sending emails or creating simple presentations.
A MacBook Pro assures you of versatility. For example, you can easily access files, and if needed, you can also modify them. On top of writing and reading, you can design, code, or create complicated spreadsheets on a MacBook Pro.
# Gaming
If you’re a casual gamer, you’ll have plenty of pre-downloaded games on the iPad. However, if you take gaming seriously, your best bet is the MacBook Pro 16″. For starters, it has a wide enough display for a fulfilling gaming experience. Most importantly, it boasts of Apple’s most high-end hardware.
Noteworthy specs you get from the MacBook Pro 16″ include a 60 GHz refresh-rate screen, 8GB AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics card, and 16GB of RAM. The computer can operate with up to eight CPU cores (with 5 GHz Turbo Boost)—that means you’ll be spared from that all-too frustrating scenario of a lagging screen just when you’re about to seal a win.
# Creative
Perhaps you’re a social media influencer and in the business of producing content. You need a gadget that suits your creative pursuits.
In that regard, your best option is the iPad Pro 13″. It’s equipped with a 20 Hz display with 600 nits brightness. Its color accuracy is unrivalled, going alongside an eight-core graphics processor. You can edit videos with ease. Plus, if you get your hands on an Apple Pencil, you can incorporate sketches and drawings into your content.
An Apple Product for Every Need
Rest assured that you cannot go wrong with either the Macbook or the iPad. After all, both gadgets boast the characteristically high-end quality of Apple products.
However, if you want to purchase a gadget that best suits your needs, it’s best to look into the details of what sets these two products apart. Consider the points discussed above with seriousness so that you can come up with an informed decision.
Once you’ve chosen which way to go, put that gadget in your digital or physical cart and go straight to checkout. Take a bite of your Apple and enjoy.
