On the question iPad or MacBook there is no definite answer. That’s why it’s worth making a comparison in advance. With our overview it should be easier for you between tablets and laptops to choose.
Buying an iPad or MacBook? Take a closer look at Apple products
You can always use a mobile companion. But which one is more suitable as a sidekick: an iPad or a MacBook? If you’re asking yourself this question, you’ll be happy to hear that a brief comparison of the technical details of the two Apple products is enough to help you decide whether to buy a tablet or laptop.
What’s up?
Apple now has a number of products in its range that can be used as a notebook. It is not immediately obvious which one might be right for you. After all, they are all compact, flat and therefore well suited for on the go. That’s why you have to take a closer look at what’s on offer:
- MacBook Pro: These are powerful laptops that score particularly well in the areas of graphics and video editing. Recommended for creative people.
- MacBook Air: These are ultra-slim laptops, which may not be as good as the pros, but still score with decent performance and, above all, are lighter. Recommended for the not so creative.
- MacBook 12″: These are ultra-mobile laptops that are less powerful than the other MacBooks but are good for portability. Recommended for those who are always on the go.
- iPad Pro: These are tablets on which you work with your hand, the Apple Pencil or touch gestures instead of a keyboard, but a separate keyboard can be docked, many apps to choose from, strong performance from the Pro.
- iPad Air: These are tablets that are less powerful than the iPad Pros but are even lighter. Recommended for those who travel a lot (similar to MacBook Air and 12″).
Incidentally, Apple itself announced at the end of 2018 that the iPad Pro is “faster than 92 percent of other laptops”. It is true that Windows laptops were meant and thus a dig at the competition. But what about the in-house competition? A comparison between MacBook Air and the iPad Pro can’t hurt to find out if you should buy an iPad or MacBook.
iPad or Macbook: The comparison
Both the MacBook Air (2018) and the iPad Pro (2018) are powerful Apple products that are also small and light enough to be used at home or on the go. In the end, it all comes down to what exactly you want to use the device for:
- If you want a fixed keyboard, mouse and trackpad, for example to work on your influencer career or to do something for work in the evening, we recommend buying the MacBook.
Display: Here you buy the MacBook Air at Amazon.
- If touch or pen operation is completely sufficient for you because you create graphics, edit a lot of pictures or want to shop online on the couch, we recommend buying the iPad.
Display: Buy the iPad Pro from Amazon here.
iPad Pro or MacBook Air: The technical data
A comparison of the technical data can also help when deciding whether to buy a tablet or laptop.
| MacBook Air (2018) | iPad Pro (2018) | |
| screen |
13.3″ without touch, 2560 x 1600 pixels, aspect ratio 16:10 |
12.9″ touch, 2732 x 2048 pixels (also available in 11″) |
| processor |
Core i5 1.6GHz (dual core) |
A12X Bionic + Neural Engine |
| Storage |
128GB to 1.5TB, 8 or 16GB RAM |
64GB to 1TB of storage |
| battery pack |
up to 12 hours running time |
up to 10 hours running time |
| height |
Height folded: 1.56 cm |
Height without keyboard: 0.59 cm |
| Weight |
1.25kg |
631 g (WLAN version only) |
| connections |
2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C), 3.5mm audio jack |
1x USB Type-C |
| camera |
720p front camera |
12 MP main camera, 7 MP front camera |
| links |
Wi-Fi 5 (WLAN ac, compatible with a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.2 |
Wi-Fi 5 (WLAN ac, compatible with a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.2 |
| ID’s |
touch id |
FaceID |
| operating system |
macOS Mojave |
iOS 12 |
| price |
with 256 GB memory: €1,599 |
with 256 GB memory (Wi-Fi only) + keyboard: €1,488 |
This is how iPad and MacBook differ
Both Apple products are designed for their purposes, so the features and performance are of course different.
Display: Here you buy the MacBook Pro at Amazon.
While the iPad Pro, for example, with its two cameras is also suitable for taking photos or videos on a city trip, the MacBook Air, for example, has a larger storage capacity because you will probably work with it more. Thanks to the Apple connectivity, both would even be possible: simply edit the photos from your vacation on the MacBook afterwards.
Connections, however, are few and far between on both devices. The iPad already has the face unlock function Face ID. The tablet probably also has the better sound with its four speakers.
The decision whether to buy an iPad or MacBook should now be easier for you.
Photo: imago images/Panthermedia
iPad or MacBook? The answer is up to you
Ultimately, you have to decide for yourself whether you buy an iPad or a MacBook. Both Apple products have their individual advantages and disadvantages. Probably the biggest difference is the keyboard (only available separately for the iPad). Depending on what you want to do with your tablet or laptop will also determine whether you need a fixed keyboard or not. Do you have to write a lot or edit documents? Then the MacBook might be something for you.
If you have decided to buy an iPad in general, do the iPad model comparison and, as an Apple fan, don’t be afraid to consider these iPad alternatives. On our MacBook topic page you will find plenty of news and advice about Apple laptops.