The iPad has come a long way since its release in 2010. It was developed three years after the release of Apple’s iPhone and initially used the same operating system. While it began as a larger version of the iPhone, the iPad eventually established its own line of devices, including the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro.
The MacBook, meanwhile, was created in 2006, but benefited from its predecessors, starting from the 1984 Macintosh. Despite the presence of the MacBook, the iPad has quickly grown, reaching 3 million sales in its first 80 days.
As a device that can accommodate everything you do on your MacBook while still being portable, the iPad is arguably one of the greatest innovations not only from Apple but from the entire tech space in the 2000s.
Today, a MacBook Pro and an iPad Pro can perform a lot of the same tasks at comparable speeds. The two devices actually have a lot in common.
Similarities Between an iPad and a MacBook
- Both have quality performance and can run intensive processes like video editing and animation.
- Each device has high-resolution displays and bright screens great for watching shows and playing video games.
- They are lightweight and highly portable devices, allowing you to work on the go.
Either can be a great choice for you, but there are still some ways the iPad fares better than a Mac.
Reasons to Invest in an iPad
1. Camera Quality
Recent times—that is the era of social media and Zoom meetings—have necessitated good high-definition cameras more than ever.
With the iPad, you enjoy higher image quality than a Mac. The iPad Pro’s 12-megapixel sensor and 122-degree field of view make it an excellent device to have a meeting on. It also records video at 1020p compared to a Mac’s 720p.
The device also features Smart HDR and five studio-quality microphones. Not only are these great for video conferencing calls but also for creating video content. Whether you are an educator or a YouTuber, the iPad helps you get the best quality video and audio.
2. Lightweight
Both devices are thin and easy to carry around, but an iPad is even more so. A MacBook Pro ranges from 3 to 4 pounds (1,400 to 1,800 grams), while an iPad Pro weighs about 1 pound (450 grams). This makes the iPad ideal for quick presentations, sudden meetings, and waiting-in-line gaming.
3. Touch
One of the biggest differences between the two devices is their input. For Macs, you navigate through the trackpad or a mouse. For iPads, you use the touch screen. This makes it easier to do certain tasks like draw and edit photos.
Compared to a laptop, iPads are more intuitive and natural-feeling to use. Many people prefer touchscreens for other activities such as reading, playing games, and watching movies.
Artists can also draw directly on the iPad with an Apple Pen, unlike a MacBook which would require an external graphics tablet to do so.
4. 3G
From setting appointments to sending gift cards, we use the internet for almost everything we do.
When your internet goes out, your MacBook will be unable to connect to the internet. Meanwhile, your iPad supports 3G connections, allowing you to continue browsing without a Wi-Fi connection.
This also makes traveling easier as you may, for instance, need to use the GPS when far from any internet sources. While phones can also access this feature, an iPad combines the ease of use of a phone and the computing power of a laptop.
5. Face ID
We store a large amount of data on our technological devices, including sensitive information like credit card details and passwords.
This is why security is so important when choosing what device to get. While recent Macs now have Touch ID which identifies you according to your fingerprint, iPads employ Face ID in keeping your information secure.
6. Display
The 2020 MacBook Air and Pro models both have a quality resolution at 2560 x 1600, as well as Retina displays that range from 400 to 500 nits in brightness. These laptops can display HD video and games at high frame rates, but can’t reach the same quality as the iPad Pro.
Meanwhile, the iPad Pro possesses a 2388 x 1668px Liquid Retina display with brightness ranging from 600 to 1,000 nits.
7. Performance
Despite not being a full computer, an iPad is still a powerful device. The iPad Pro has 8 GB RAM with up to 512 GB of storage, outdoing a lot of laptops. It has an M1 chip and an 8-core CPU, making it fast and responsive.
As such, iPads can handle intensive applications such as video editing, animation, and 3D modeling. While a Mac can handle even more processes, it needs more cooling mechanisms which make it heavier and bulkier.
8. Price
In general, most iPads are priced lower than most MacBooks. For a lot of the same features, the iPad Pro costs less than a MacBook Pro. You can also supplement it with a Magic Keyboard and an Apple Pencil.
Depending on size, the iPad Pro ranges from $1,099 to $1,299, while the cheapest MacBook Pro is priced at $1,299. The iPad’s storage can be upgraded up to 2 TB if you require more space.
Making the Choice
There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding if an iPad or a MacBook should be your next investment. You can find many similarities between the two such as high-definition displays and powerful processors. However, an iPad costs less than the price of a Mac without scrounging for important qualities.
With an iPad, you can enjoy high-quality cameras and audio recordings, lightweight design, a natural-feeling touchscreen, 3G capabilities, Face ID, clear and crisp displays, and strong performance. Another alternative is to buy a used MacBook which still performs excellently while only being a fraction of the price.
For some, the iPad checks all their boxes. For others, they need little extras that can be found in the MacBook.
