Apple recently introduced new version MacBook Air. Perhaps the biggest news about it is the $ 100 price drop. $ 899 does not allow a laptop with an 11.6-inch screen to be classified as a budget laptop. But with its aluminum chassis and powerful processor in mind, the new MacBook Air looks like a very tempting purchase.
On the other hand, the older iPad Air (128GB) costs $ 100 less than the Air MacBook with exactly the same volume. internal memory... If you buy for a tablet good keyboard, dollars per hundred, then the price of both devices will be practically equal.
Are these devices interchangeable? Which one to choose today - MacBook Air or iPad?
Both the laptop and Apple tablet have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let's dwell on them in more detail.
The younger MacBook Air is equipped with a display with a diagonal of 11.6 inches and a resolution of 1368 x 768 pixels. Volume random access memory is 4 GB. User and app files are shared by 128GB solid state drive... Time autonomous work, according to the manufacturer's estimates, is 9 hours. The presence of a laptop differs from a tablet comfortable keyboard and trackpad. But the display is not touch-sensitive.
IPad buyers get a compact device with a 9.7-inch display. Although the iPad has a smaller screen size compared to the MacBook Air, the pixel count is noticeably higher (2048 x 1536). This provides a clearer picture. But when you work, this difference, as a rule, is not noticed.
The internal memory of the older iPad Air is the same as that of the laptop in question - 128 GB. RAM - four times less (1 GB). The tablet can work up to 10 hours without recharging. The primary input method for iPad is touchscreen. Tablet can be upgraded wireless keyboard and, if necessary, turn into small laptop... The lack of a trackpad and the headache of connecting a mouse affects the efficiency of many tasks (editing text or images).
Both devices have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. You can connect headphones to them or use the built-in speakers and microphone. But for physical connection peripherals on iPad Air can only be used by Lightening. This is not the case on the MacBook Air: 2 USB port 3, Thunderbolt and SDXC card slot.
Both devices are convenient for working outside the office. Light weight and size, good battery life contribute to this. In terms of weight, an iPad is half the weight of a laptop. But by completing the tablet with a keyboard and a case, we will reduce this difference to a minimum.
In this comparison, I have not yet touched on the differences in software. The MacBook Air runs a full-fledged "computer" operating system, OS X, and the iPad comes with mobile iOS. The latter imposes noticeable restrictions on the use of an Apple tablet as a working tool. Of course, it all depends on what exactly you need to do on a digital device. But I was never able to create a normal work environment for myself on the iPad Air.
A lightweight tablet helps me with many related tasks on the road: Email, communication via Skype and Viber, news, notes, calendar. But lately, I have almost completely transferred them to a smartphone. Therefore, when choosing which of the two Airs to upgrade: MacBook or iPad, I prefer a laptop. He, along with the smartphone, calmly takes over all those tasks that were assigned to the tablet.
Just a couple of years ago, no one would have thought of considering the iPad as a working tool and comparing it to the MacBook. This year, a new MacBook has been added to the now classic MacBook Air line, which has made the choice of a compact laptop even more difficult. And now the iPad Pro is stepping on their heels. How to choose a device that is right for you from this variety, we will tell you below.
Compactness
Perhaps we will not consider the 11-inch version of the MacBook Air, but the 13-inch version is in the same class as the MacBook and iPad Pro... The dimensions of all devices are approximately the same, the differences of a few millimeters are absolutely insignificant, only the weight differs, even in laptops. The difference of 400 grams will be noticeably noticeable, not to mention the iPad Pro, which for its size just weighs like a feather.
If you value portability above all else, and weight is the determining factor for you, then the choice is obvious - even with the weight of the external keyboard, iPad Pro leaves its competitors far behind.
Iron and performance
It may not be entirely correct to compare iPad specifications Pro, MacBook and MacBook Air 13 among themselves, but we still try. All three devices belong to the compact class, and high performance is not a priority for them by definition. However, the most powerful is, of course, the MacBook Air, which has an older processor and graphics. On Apple presentations praised new processor The A9X found in the iPad Pro, claiming that it can not only rival desktops in performance, but surpass them. Whether this is so, we will reliably find out only after real tests, when the new product appears on sale.
It is very difficult to give any recommendations on this point: it will be difficult to notice a special difference in performance when performing the same tasks, if you do not take into account specific heavy programs. However, those who, in addition to office work, sometimes indulge in, say, Photoshop, should still look towards the MacBook Air with a "full-format" filling.
Display
With displays, on the contrary, everything is very clear. The coolest is the iPad Pro, here both the resolution and the pixel density are much higher, plus it is also touch-sensitive (except that there is no 3D Touch). The MacBook with a Retina display and a slightly smaller diagonal goes a little behind, and closes the top three of the MacBook Air 13 with an already outdated matrix with the lowest pixel density.
If the display of text and photos of print quality is important to you in your work, you only need to choose the iPad Pro and MacBook with Retina display. The MacBook Air 13 can also work well, but the low resolution will still make itself felt.
Autonomy
The battery life will differ depending on the load, but the MacBook Air 13, due to the capacious battery, will in any case be longer. The autonomy of any of the devices will be enough for a full working day, but Air is still more suitable for more resource-intensive tasks. Although, if necessary, iPad Pro and MacBook can be charged from an external USB battery, which, unfortunately, cannot be done with a MacBook Air.
| iPad Pro | MacBook | MacBook Air 13 ″ | |
| Average running time | 10 hours | 9 o'clock | 12 hours |
If you are looking for a long-lasting workhorse, then the MacBook Air makes sense. For those who do not do the weather for a couple of hours of work, it is better to choose between iPad Pro and MacBook, depending on preferences.
Circle of tasks
The capabilities of the tool are largely predetermined by the OS, so it is not surprising that MacBook and MacBook Air with OS X on board are capable of solving a much larger range of tasks. You can also view documents, write texts, edit tables and make presentations on the iPad Pro, but for more or less serious processing of photos and videos, you will need a MacBook.
The bigger the challenge, the more you should think about the MacBook Air, which not only delivers better performance, but also more autonomy under load. Perhaps over time, when specialized software developers make versions for the iPad Pro, it can also be seen as a working tool for image and video processing. But in this moment more functional are MacBooks.
Software
V App Store there is a huge amount text editors, office applications, mail clients and other programs, not to mention tools for working together, messengers and clients social networks... What is missing is professional software, which is currently only available for desktop platforms. As in the previous paragraph, the situation with software is exactly the same: MacBook and MacBook Air are head and shoulders above the iPad Pro.
If any specific software that is not available on iOS is vital for you, from using iPad Pro, as great as it is, will have to be abandoned.
Chips
The capabilities of the MacBook and MacBook Air are about the same, but there are still differences. The MacBook Air has more ports, but the MacBook has a Force Touch trackpad. Both laptops can be connected to an external display, although this is unlikely to be used very often in a mobile use case.
iPad Pro, in addition to the LTE module and stylus, boasts Touch ID, good cameras and an improved audio system. With the proprietary Smart Keyboard, it turns into almost the same laptop as its "older brothers", except that it will be impossible to work, holding it on your lap, and there will be no key backlighting either.
If these points are important to you, it is worth considering them when choosing.
Price
So we come to the most interesting part. MacBook and MacBook Air 13 are available for sale, iPad Pro will appear only in November, and even that will reach Russia later. At the current ruble exchange rate, we will assume that the cost of a tablet starts at about 54,000 rubles. Without the Smart Keyboard, it simply cannot compete with the MacBook and MacBook Air 13, so we can safely add 11,000 more, for a total of 65,000 rubles, and for the minimum model with 32 gigabytes of storage. This is rather frivolous, so for comparison, you need to take at least the 128 GB Wi-Fi version, which will come out at about 75,000 rubles with a keyboard.
Aside from the outdated MacBook Air 13 ″ display, it can be called the most the best option according to the criterion of price and quality. But Retina makes its own adjustments - it's a thing worth paying for, so depending on the suite of apps you use, the choice narrows down to two options: the more affordable iPad Pro, or the expensive MacBook with a full desktop OS.
Who is the iPad Pro for
iPad Pro is just the perfect tool for people who value portability and are willing to pay for a great user experience on even the most basic tasks. Those who are used to acting on the go and getting involved in work anywhere. If your everyday work toolbox doesn't contain apps that don't have mobile counterparts, iPad Pro will satisfy all your needs, including creative ones (with the stylus).
Unfortunately, it is too early for professionals to switch to the iPad Pro due to the lack of specialized tools.
Who is the MacBook for
Users who do not want to make a compromise, for whom not only mobility is important, but also a desktop OS with a wider range of applications for work, should definitely pay attention to the MacBook. Apple has combined all the leading technologies in it, removing the unnecessary and making it a niche tool for demanding people in terms of quality of user experience, whose work does not involve performing resource-intensive tasks.
Who is the MacBook Air 13 ″ for
The MacBook Air 13 ″ is still an airy laptop. It is quite lightweight, compact and has excellent autonomy when performing even relatively complex tasks. Yes, its screen looks downright dated compared to a MacBook or iPad Pro, and it lacks the innovative Force Touch trackpad, but that doesn't stop it from being a great workhorse for just about any day-to-day task. And an additional plus is a more affordable price.
iPad Pro is a gorgeous tablet. But do not listen to those who will tell you that it can be used as the main tool for work instead of the MacBook. This is simply unrealistic for reasons not only of a technical, but also of an ideological nature.
Power is not the main thing
Computing power for everyday tasks is irrelevant when choosing between an iPad Pro and, for example, a 12-inch MacBook or MacBook Air. The hardware on these devices is equally good at handling e-mail, document editing, surfing the Internet, image processing, and so on.
If you're typing on iPad Pro with external keyboard then it feels close to the MacBook. But this is nothing more than self-deception. Out of habit, you’ll try to find the trackpad every now and then and then move your hand to the touchscreen. Any notification on the screen will distract you, but there is no dedicated Escape key on the keyboard to close unnecessary items.
File world
One of main reason why the Mac remains the primary tool for the job is that its operating system is primarily a file platform, and only then applications.
When you open text file on a computer, you don't think it is related to TextEdit. Your first thought is that this is a .txt document, so you can open it in BBEdit, TextEdit, Highland and any other editor. The main focus on Mac is on files, software is just an application to it. On the iPad, the opposite is true: on tablets, Apple has tried to move away from concepts such as files, shifting the focus to applications.
Using a computer with OS X, you understand that you can freely interact with files and they often determine your scope of tasks. You do not need to know the location of absolutely all files on the disk, but it is very important to have them fast access and the ability to choose any compatible program.
Universal machine
Throughout its existence, MacBooks have proven themselves to be reliable and convenient machines, suitable for tasks of any complexity and do not require annual updates. iPhone and iPad may be the most popular Apple devices but from the point of view effective tool for everyday and professional work MacBook still out of competition.
We all love Apple smartphones and tablets: they are beautiful, compact and very often help us out. But you must admit that serious tasks require a full-fledged computer or laptop, which cannot be replaced by any device running iOS, including the iPad Pro. Today, there are no serious prerequisites for changing this situation in the foreseeable future.
I am convinced that iPad Pro can replace a laptop. Western resources with the opinion of the head of Apple. I personally, though with regret, admit that I cannot ditch the MacBook in favor of the iPad Pro. But this does not mean that the Apple tablet lacks trump cards over the Mac. They are, and not even one, and not two, but ten.
Lack of fans
If your Mac is pushing its limits, get ready to "listen" to the fans inside the case, which cool the laptop and slow down your workflow. Like any other iPad, it works silently, because there is nothing to make noise. Apple recognizes the advantage and has ditched fans in its 12 "" MacBooks, but it will take a long time for silent operation to be possible on more powerful Macs.
Battery
10 hours of battery life is the hallmark of any iPad, and the large and powerful iPad Pro is no exception. The tablet holds a charge longer than some MacBooks and can be charged from a portable battery if needed.
Mobile Internet
iPad Pro is sold in a version with a 4G module. No MacBook can boast of such a package. Of course, creating an access point from a smart is not a problem, but the cellular module in iPad Pro allows you to connect to the Internet, regardless of location, without the help of other devices.
Performance
Some Macs "will outperform the iPad Pro in terms of performance, but as shown, the tablet is more powerful and goes side-by-side with the MacBook Air 2015 and MacBook Retina 13" "2015.
Apple installed in iPad Pro processor A9X with 64-bit class architecture desktop computers and 4 GB of RAM. Recently, the device was compared with MacBook Pro Retina that runs on a processor Intel Core i7 and is equipped with 16 GB of RAM: set to render the same video in 4K resolution in iMovie. What do you think? The devices coped with the task at the same time.
Dimensions (edit)
The iPad Pro is heavier than its siblings, but it has no equal in portability compared to the MacBook. Slim bezels, 6.9mm thin and 713 grams make the iPad Pro the clear winner in the size battle.
The best companion to iPhone
Apple has built a great ecosystem of services to connect Mac, PC, and iOS devices with each other. But there is no better companion to the iPhone than the iPad Pro - the same apps run on the same OS with a consistent interface and excellent data synchronization.
No need to wait
With iPad Pro, you don't have to wait at all. Pick up your tablet and get to work instantly. Apps launch without delay, no sleep mode and no need to close apps. iPad Pro is ready to give its best at any time.
This is a gaming device
You know the iPad Pro is very powerful. However, the power of the tablet is useful not only for professional tasks, but also for games. Mac never pretended to be a gaming device because of small amount titles. With the iPad Pro, the situation is completely different - there are tens of thousands of games in 18 genres, and it is also possible to connect a Bluetooth joystick and turn the tablet into a console.
Ideal for content consumption
All major online movie, show, and music services run on iPad Pro. With a gorgeous 12.9 "" display and 4 powerful speakers, you will enjoy your favorite movie, which you can watch comfortably on the couch, car or anywhere else.
There is no point in comparing reading with iPad Pro and MacBook. The form factor is clearly not in favor of laptops.
Now the time has come to put the iPad aside. He is no longer needed.
I no longer have the strength to carry it constantly with me and charge it twice a day. And considering that every year its productivity is constantly falling - it's just kaput.
For the last 2 years, absolutely everyone in the editorial office has been setting me up to switch to a MacBook. We were constantly surprised how I manage to work from the tablet.
Now I have a MacBook Air 13 ″, and you know, I myself cannot answer the same question.
Mobility
The first thing I've always chosen iPad for is portability. And as a rule, the choice fell on the iPad Mini (first the second, then the fourth generation).
How convenient it is to just throw it into your jacket pocket and take it out if necessary. True, all the joys end there.
Sometimes there is no free space for the tablet and you have to put it in your backpack. I can also respond quickly to notifications from my iPhone. The question immediately arises - why then do I carry a tablet with me, if I can perform all the same tasks from a smartphone?
However, more time-consuming processes are easier to do from a laptop. And since the MacBook Air itself is quite compact and weighs almost nothing, it makes more sense to carry it with you.
Autonomy
In terms of battery life, the MacBook can actually replace the iPad.
It would seem that Apple promises approximately the same battery life - 10-12 hours. But here everything rests on the tasks for which the device is used. It takes a lot of time to write large texts, but it's difficult to do it on the go. What's on the laptop, what's on the tablet.
The diagonal simply does not allow you to do this freely in motion. Whereas under a certain load, the iPad's charge level decreases right before our eyes, almost 1% per minute. And six months after the purchase, the tablet no longer works as the company promises.
Whereas the MacBook is capable of working the claimed 10-12 hours even after a year or two. A laptop's battery capacity drops at a much slower rate than a tablet's.
Keyboard
Since I am constantly typing a huge amount of texts, I need speed and convenience when working. And if you compare iPad keyboard and MacBook, the obvious leader here is a laptop from Apple.
First, the tactile sensation. Thanks to them, you can type text with peace of mind without even looking at the keyboard. On the other hand, on the contrary, you can only look at the keyboard without burdening your eyes from the screen of the device.
And what's more important is the lack of autocorrect. The tablet is ready to literally torture with autocorrect, the poppy does not allow itself this. And it's not even about the function that is disabled, MacBook Air, and any other computer does not allow itself this.
It is not just that a considerable amount is sold on the market mechanical keyboards... The tactile sensations are priceless. It's really cool to feel every button press, the chance of making a mistake is much lower than on a touch keyboard.
Operating system
IOS and macOS have their own set of tasks. iPad mini rather, it is designed to consume content.
The bottom line is that an Apple tablet in rare situations is able to perform challenging tasks... The App Store has a huge number of text editors, office applications, email clients and other programs. True, the MacBook is different in this regard.
macOS is capable of reproducing tasks that require more resources than iOS. For example, a full-fledged video editing. Where the iPad can only do a couple of effects, the MacBook can create a whole video sequence with tons of animations and transitions.
And even if tasks overlap, the poppy can do it much faster.
Control
Despite the fact that iPad is easy to operate with touch screen The MacBook is capable of doing the same.
Implemented on the touchpad a large number of gestures - from scrolling pages to switching between applications. As soon as you swipe with four fingers, you have another task open. It seems to be the same, but it works much smoother.
Moreover, the gestures on the MacBook do not overlap the screen.
Who needs an iPad
The tablet is great for consuming content and performing simple tasks. For example, for writing texts. True, the issue of the autonomy of Apple tablets is still in question.
From them it is convenient to watch videos, photos, surf the Internet, and nothing more. "Proshki" can satisfy the needs of only a part of users, striving for professional activity for example the same graphics.
And the price of the issue is from 20,000 rubles. This is quite enough to satisfy the light and partly professional needs of users.
Why I chose the MacBook Air
The MacBook Air takes up really little space in your suitcase / backpack and can handle more time-consuming tasks than the iPad. The same video rendering is about 10-15 minutes faster than tablets.
And most importantly, on an Apple laptop, it is much more pleasant to type: you can feel the keys, you can remember their location, there are all the same gestures, and so on. And all this is implemented out of the box.
While iOS 11 is one step closer to macOS, the latter is capable of doing much more than a portable screen with virtual buttons.
