iPad vs MacBook: Which One To Buy?
It used to be that MacBooks were the only devices designed for us to produce something new. We've been using Macs to write papers, send emails, create apps, and so much more. Even serious gaming was only reserved for the most powerful MacBook machines.
When the first iPad was launched, it was quickly dismissed by many as a playful, auxiliary device that could only be good for reading or looking at pictures. Well, a lot has changed. the iPad today comes in no less than five variations, and its high-end models even beat some MacBooks in terms of computing power.
All this makes the question of whether to choose an iPad or MacBook more relevant than ever. Are you not 100% sure about all the latest iPad Pro vs MacBook Pro differences? This guide is for you.
What Are iPad vs MacBook Models Today?
Every year, Apple releases new devices. Whether it’s an iPad Pro or MacBook Air, you can be sure that the new model is always more powerful, more lightweight, more energy-efficient, and in some cases even cheaper. But the same update cycle also makes it difficult to track what’s currently available and what are the main differences between every product. So here’s a quick recap of what can be purchased in Apple Store right now.
Let’s start with MacBooks. Arguably, the first half of 2021 looks like the golden age of MacBook selection — there are just three options, each with distinct use cases and a different price point. Besides, Apple has finally shifted away from its buggy butterfly keyboards, so the whole lineup has moved to the new redesigned scissor mechanism: Magic Keyboard.
And, of course, this year, Apple’s lineup has several models with the much-talked about Apple M1 chip. Designed by Apple, this unit is a super fast CPU core and is expected to offer notable gains in energy efficiency. The 2021 lineup features M1 in MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro models.
MacBook Air. An intro-level MacBook starts at just $999 ($899 for students) and packs enough power for all casual day-to-day tasks most people will ever need to do.
MacBook Pro 13”. Stepping into the world of real productivity, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is the perfect machine for those who need extra computing power while still being mobile: software developers, designers, heavy web users, and gamers.
MacBook Pro 16”. At the top of the lineup is the brand-new 16-inch MacBook Pro ideal for any creative who needs a lot of screen real estate and up to eight cores of CPU. The pricing, however, starts at $2,399.
And if you are willing to wait, Apple is expected to add a new size to its MacBook lineup this summer. A 14-inch MacBook Pro model is rumored to be set for release around July of 2021. Reports suggest that the 14” model could come equipped with an update to the M1 chip, have more storage and memory, as well as a slightly better screen. The pro lineup should also include a traditional 16” model, although both sizes are expected to have updated design and new cool features.
ChronoSync Express is a complete folder synchronization and backup solution for all your Apple devices. Just set a schedule you like and the app will automatically sync any folders or even do full backups to your main server, so your data stays safe in any circumstances.
How to manage your iPhone from Mac
In case you decided to go with MacBook Air vs iPad Pro, you might still need an effective way to manage content on your iPhone, be it backups or music. What if just one app could do it all?
AnyTrans for iOS is the most intuitive alternative to all the new Music, TV, and Podcasts apps that Apple has recently released. With AnyTrans, you can manage any aspect of your iPhone, download mobile apps and media, set ringtones, back up data, transfer your information to another iPhone, and more. Finally, you have a powerful iOS command center right at your fingertips.
To sum up, MacBook Pro vs iPad Pro vs MacBook Air vs iPad Air is not an absolute but rather relative dilemma — you use different tools to cover different needs. But, whatever you choose, you should definitely have a robust synchronization option through ChronoSync Express and an all-in-one iOS manager through AnyTrans for iOS always nearby.
Best of all, ChronoSync Express and AnyTrans for iOS are both available to you absolutely free for seven days via the trial of Setapp, a platform with more than 200 outstanding Mac apps that seamlessly elevate your professional and personal life. Try all of them today at no cost and see for yourself!
