iPad vs MacBook: What should you buy?

It used to be that MacBooks were the only devices designed for us to do something worthwhile. We used to compute and collect data, built charts and even played games on the iMac. When the first iPad was launched, it was considered a very playful and auxiliary device that could only be good for reading or looking at pictures. Well, a lot has changed since then with five different powerful versions iPads are flooding the consumer market like never before. Over the years of its coming to the market, iPads have always competed against MacBooks and this generally creates a dilemma of should we buy the iPad or a new MacBook? Let’s see.

What are the available iPad vs MacBook models today?

Dropping a new device every year Apple has created a wave of bafflement amongst its buyers. The new model is always more powerful, more lightweight, more energy-efficient, and in some cases even cheaper. But the same perennial update tradition also makes it difficult to choose which is better and what kind of different new feature is added. So here is a quick recap for you all. 

MacBook Air: It starts at $999 and packs enough power for all casual day-to-day tasks most people will ever need to do.

MacBook Pro 13”: The 13-inch MacBook Pro is perfect for those who need extra gaming on a big screen.

MacBook Pro 16”: The brand-new 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,399 is ideal for anyone with a creative mind.

When you compare iPad vs MacBook as a category, iPad has a five different device line-up. So let us see how they are different.

iPad mini 7.9”: It has a Retina display and True Tone technology for effortless reading as well as the latest A12 Bionic chip for detailed sketching and seamless multitasking. 

iPad 10.2”: It has a large Retina display with an affordable price, starting at just $329.

iPad Air 10.5”: iPad Air is very powerful as it can handle nearly any creative task while still being accessible to most people price-wise. 

iPad Pro 11”: Featuring the latest A12Z Bionic chip, Liquid Retina display, 12 MP camera, and other great features it can compete with any great laptop.

iPad Pro 12.9”: The largest iPad to date has the same screen size as 13-inch MacBooks. It starts at $999 and is very capable.

Best for work: MacBook Pro 13”

While the MacBook Pro vs iPad Pro debate is getting more and more heat these days, most people would still agree with 13-inch MacBook Pro as the ultimate solution for all the versatile office work you have to do. 

With MacBook, you can write, read, code, design, and create complex spreadsheets or presentations, and much more. Some often say that the current iPad Pro will replace MacBook in this office arena but achieve this milestone it still has a long way to go.

Best for study: iPad Pro 11”                                          

Since student assignments are easier and predictable than office tasks, the iPad Pro for college option has become much more common in the last few years. It is completely reliable when it comes to reading online, replying to emails, writing papers, chatting with friends, listening to music, and watching movies.

Best for gaming: MacBook Pro 16”

The new 16-inch MacBook Pro is something that offers the best hardware for gaming and stuff. It can handle up to eight cores of CPU (with 5 GHz Turbo Boost), 16 GB of RAM, 8 GB AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics card, and 60 GHz refresh-rate screen. Starting at $2,399, it’s not cheap but for hardcore gamers, it’s worth the price paid.

Best for creativity: MacBook Pro 16” or iPad Pro 13”

When it comes to creative expression, be it design, illustration or video editing, the iPad Pro vs MacBook Pro face-off can get quite dangerous. Each device has its perks.

The 13-inch iPad Pro is colour-accurate 120 Hz display with a 600 nits brightness and is supported by the eight-core graphics processor and is very advanced. This device can handle nearly any 3D or AR task, and also professional-grade video editing and photo retouching. Finally, the iPad works with the new Apple Pencil for an exceptional drawing, sketching, painting, designing, and illustration experience. The 16-inch MacBook Pro could perhaps be the second choice when it comes to creative expression for projects that are more technical, such as app development or film post-production, where having a powerful processor and a keyboard and mouse is imperative to your workflow. 

Best for media: iPad Air

For many, the main use for iPad or MacBook could simply be in watching videos, reading magazines and books and other ways of consuming media. Should they then go for iPad Pro vs MacBook Air?

iPad Air is a strong choice for all your casual, everyday media consumption habits: it’s lightweight, easy to hold, has a beautiful Retina screen, powerful processor, and long battery life.

So I hope this article will become a helpful guide to know when to buy an iPad or a MacBook and the difference between iPad and MacBook.