Should you buy an iPad OR Macbook?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

If you had a fixed budget of $1000 / £1000, what portable device would you buy?

[@techhubwiltsuk]

@@ThatMarkGilroy a second hand m1 MacBook Air and a iPad Pro m1 second hand! Best of both worlds 🤪😉

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@techhubwiltsuk Love this choice. 👍🏻

[@Qdiglet]

Having originally gone for just a 13” iPad Pro for uni this year, and then being essentially forced to also then get a 16” Macbook (required for testing, literally CANNOT use the iPad), I FAR prefer the iPad between the two devices. It’s infinitely better for note taking - particularly when handwriting is dang near a necessity (math, chem, etc.) and well, a touch screen is insanely handy in general for intuitiveness. If I was forced to have only one, I’d also be forced to take the MacBook since there are things that iPadOS locks you out of (testing lol), but otherwise an iPad is 90% of the time just “better” for my personal use cases. I like what @techhubwiltsuk said, 2nd hand of both in order to still fit the budget is absolutely the move!

[@arpsichord7474]

Asus vivobook with at least a Ryzen 7. And a google pixel 8.

[@patilsatyajit]

@@techhubwiltsukactually your final thought has much more sense to it & thank you for sharing it..i have a ipad pro 11 2018 model and it still works very well..but as you explained it is great for media consumption( watching movies,youtube, playing games etc)..i have now work on ms word and data transfer, some editing now i am thinking of getting mackbook air..because there is no need to upgrade the ipad as it is working so smooth till now…so nice of u to suggest such a thing….

[@YoghurtEquity]

agreed ! I simplify my life like this: Mac = work. formal. produce. iPad = play. casual. consume. imo.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@YoghurtEquity I like that distinction.

[@abhishekkr4004]

I simplify it differently ipad = play. casual. consume mac = play. casual. consume but with multiple tabs iphone = play. casual. consume and reels work = work laptop provided by company

[@mosijahi3096]

@@ThatMarkGilroy you can use an iPad as casual if you want but many use there IPads professionally and it’s not just artist, teaches, doctors, airline pilots, coaches, just a few.

[@k.vn.k]

I use iPad for both professional and casual. It knows it is a versatile product and does excellent job. I am engineer and bring laptop to site visit.

[@anttikivi]

Fully agreeing, however the mini 6, works very well as a travel companion, I've access to 98% of the systems at my work etc.

[@himpat8]

MacBook is a creation device. iPad is a consumption device. I am a teacher and have been using keynote on MacBook for creating content and iPad for presenting while teaching and annotating as I teach.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@himpat8 Wow- that’s really interesting. I’m that guy who’s always reaching for flipcharts in meetings and presentations. I’d never think to hook up my iPad and start annotating but I’ll definitely be trying that.

[@clastra9392]

Personally, I use my IPad Air M2 as a creative device. I use it to draw and animate, photo edit and write comics.

[@darwincruz20]

I have been using an iPad 10th gen as my main computer for 6 months now. I have learned a workflow that works for me and my life and work is pretty simple. I need a pencil input so…. Yeah. Love your work bro! Keep it up.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate. So many people sleeping on that 10th gen model!

[@iPhoneMuseum]

@@ThatMarkGilroyI’m using a iPad Air 5

[@mkleng]

Me too, hardly touch my MacBook pro now. The workflow irks much better than Mac. I’m not a creative btw, but a consultant in a bank

[@MrGroganmeister]

It’s a good thing you never do anything serious in excel or access.

[@techhubwiltsuk]

Finally, someone can explain the problem comparing iPad with MacBooks and put so elegantly with the paper and scissor analogy

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@techhubwiltsuk I was trying to find a stone to throw into the analogy to complete the trio!

[@stephenfiore9960]

…i think a more appropriate analogy would have been a writing note pad compared to a word processor. Both these you can write on. Papers & scissors have nothing in common

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@stephenfiore9960 Unless you add a rock into the mix. Then you’re talking.

[@rahulsawhney1279]

This is the dumbest comment ever.

[@Picantepantz]

For $1,000 the M1 Mac Mini with a monitor and an M1 IPad Air would be an amazing combo.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I love this set-up! If you weren't picky with your monitor you could have a bit of change left over too.

[@ItsOnPaper]

Need a keyboard and mouse too, that’s another $100 at least.

[@RidingLifesRoads]

I made the mistake of an iPad for work, then realised it’s just a big iPhone. Buy a MacBook, don’t make the same mistake. You can’t even put a professional footer in an email on an iPad “Pro” - Not very “Pro”.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@RidingLifesRoads yeah I think you’d have to have a VERY specific use case to make iPad work as a generic work computer. BTW - some apps will let you add professional footers to your email regardless of device (Spark Mail is a good one).

[@scalebuildersguild]

I really appreciated this ACTUAL comparison. I'm hovering between choices, but you've brought a lot of excellent arguments to the decision. I'm curious about the skin you've got on your MacBook, and iPad. Where did they come from? Thanks!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks buddy. The skins I use are from dbrand- the Macbook one is called "Sea Breeze".

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Brilliant, thank you!

[@ashenone5774]

just sold my iPad Pro M3 13" because I bought it on hope that it will replace my MacBook Air and it never worked! Apple doesn't want the iPad to be a laptop replacement no matter how we try to adapt it won't work by the current state of iPadOS.

[@georgewashington3012]

I was more impressed with the iPad Mini at the store today more than the iPad Pro. I won’t buy it until they make major improvements to the display, however. ProMotion is badly needed and I hope they drastically thin those absurdly thick bezels which not only look bad but waste potential display space on a tiny tablet where real estate should be maximized.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@georgewashington3012 fingers crossed for a bit of news this week on the Mini front 🤞🏼

[@lululemon0424]

@@ThatMarkGilroydon’t expect too much. foldable iphone is the way Apple to go with small ios based tablet. they do not care much for ipad mini.

[@LeesReviews69]

My first iPad was the iPad 2 I was 23. For a solid 2 years I used my iPad as a serious phone! Some 8 generations later I have the 13” iPad Pro M4 and I love it like I did back then.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@LeesReviews69 That’s really interesting. My friend was telling me at the weekend how he can’t wait to downgrade his iPhone to a dumb phone and buy a new iPad to get everything else done.

[@Pronellyllon]

Last year, I decided to get the iPad. My reasoning was that the iPad is good enough for private useage. At work, we use a MacBook and I use my iPad to complement the MacBook to have an iPad + MacBook setup. This allowed me to work paperless.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That's an awesome setup!

[@JeadilsonBezerra]

I use a PC at work so I do not need a desktop at home for anything work related. So an iPad fits my use case perfectly. I do my browse research with notes app floating. So much easier to transfer images and links from safari. For my budget control the Numbers app although it’s very limited in its iPadOS version, still handle with easy a simple domestic sheet. With iCloud Drive (or any other cloud service) I can sync my files, share and manage with ease at Files app. I use a 12,9” iPad Pro due my eyesight. But I know the basic ipad will be enough for me.

[@nadrile]

During last years of my studies I used iPad Pro with pen. Didn’t have to carry half a dozen notebooks depending on the day and file them for later reference. I could’ve used a laptop similarly. But it’s much faster to write equations than type them. And iPad was much nicer to read on. Be it notes, books or browsing the net. Other than that, a laptop is a lot more versatile, especially for someone who codes. For my aunt I would just recommend an iPad. Not other tablets have the same support.

[@jirvin4505]

Browsing and note taking so easy on my iPad. Swipe up gesture from bottom left for screen shot if needed… swipe gesture from bottom right to open up quick notes. The link is already highlighted to add (one tap). It will add link with highlighted text from web page. Then a tap to add the screenshot. Been a game changer for browsing and taking notes. Don’t use MacBook anymore

[@jimtipton8888]

Well done video! I have both. I use both. I use the iPad more, both for work and for play. They are both really great devices in their own way. Feel fortunate to have both.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@jimtipton8888 Thanks Jim. I’m using mine more too!

[@elijahdelacruz3204]

This, I haven’t seen any other tech reviewer put it so elegantly and finally said that each have their specific use cases. Trying to fully replace the Macbook with the iPad just wont work. Buy one that suits your needs. For me personally, I’m the type who can take advantage of and need both devices strengths. I have a Windows gaming laptop though not a mac as I play alot of pc games, but since that thing is so powerful it’s also become my main productivity device especially for video editing and general productivity. My iPad is relegated to media consumption, sending and replying to emails, note taking, and the other type of creative work that being drawing and digital graphics for my advertising classes. This is why I sprung for the complete package of an M2 11 inch iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and magic keyboard. Funnily enough, I found that the iPad and Apple Pencil combo is perfect for Duolingo’s learning how to write a new language 😂

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Elijah!

[@אלוןאנגל-ה9ש]

Here’s an easy way to think about it. If you need a iPad for studies, just buy the mini version. It will provide you exactly what you need and not anything. Molly won’t give you just a small screen for writing drying sketching, and everything else that is and needs it to have an iPad for in any other big job just do it on a PC or on a MacBook

[@abhishekkr4004]

It is pretty easy choice if you use the products as intended by the manufacturer instead of forcing your own ideas.

[@Tio-n1p]

I just bought my first iPad ever and got the mini! So far I love it ! Fits good in my hands yet I can watch vids and play games better on this. When I get home from work I enjoy eating and watching KZbin on my phone. But with this baby it’s a game changer

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It’s an awesome gaming device. I’ll be making a dedicated video about this soon!

[@momotaroux264]

I’d honestly save up to have both. Any M chip MacBook and an iPad mini I think is great for anyone. Just depends on your use case and how crazy you want to go with your MacBook budget. I use an M3 Max for school and also dabbling with AI, and my iPad mini is perfect for media consumption and note taking with the pencil.

[@scaramaxxx]

That is what is the ipad for: netflix and news. Have some old one (with home button, no idea which gen) and is perfectly enough: for work have S23 ultra and win laptop with dock. Working on ipad is for me unnecesary compromise in all aspects, just worthless stretch:)

[@teresmajor7956]

I think they are 2 devices that complement each other pretty well, while overlapping some of the use-cases but not all. You wouldnt want a touch based device that works like MacOs because UX principles of touch and mouse are quite different and it would make ipad less intuitive

[@jpoviedr]

I’m so tempted to buy an iPad Pro, but the way I use iPad honestly I’d be fine with a lower end model, really interested in the upcoming iPad mini. Besides I already have a MacBook.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Oh yes I’m keeping my ear to the ground for Mini news!

[@jpoviedr]

@@ThatMarkGilroy yeah I figured I better wait to see what the mini 7 is like before deciding, iPad Pro would break the bank a little bit too much to end up regretting it

[@TheKurtLyon]

Awaiting as well. Will the iPad mini 7 be announced tomorrow, or in an October event.

[@kennethholden]

Buy MacBook, obviously an iPad is not a MacBook, the functionality of many apps is not the same, if you need to be highly productive, obviously buy a MacBook I would never substitute a MacBook with an iPad unless I was just surfing the Internet and checking email

[@matthewsachaullymce279]

nice thought!. btw I would think that comparing iPad and Mac is a bit irrelevant. My job is a Data Center Engineer, at home I work using MacMini with 50” display to do detail design, but when I visit the construction site (more time here than home) I use my 11” m1 iPad Pro as I work on my feet where most of the time standing and walking cheking the installation vs my drawings on iPad as well as jot some sketches on drawings for discrepancies , this situation would never fit with clamshell computer especially you need a rugged case to protect the gadget from falling. With that said, iPad and Mac have two different world of usage.

[@Anwrimos23]

I want to own only a smartphone and a laptop, to simplify my life and live as minimal as possible. The more devices you own the more stress you put on your everyday life, for example: to upgrade a device and this can affect also your budget significantly. For example if you own an iPhone,Iwatch,Ipad,macbook,airpods etc. and you upgrade all of them every 3-5 years, it is an insane increase in your budget, when you can put all this money on stock or cryptos and make you more money. I mean it is definitely not a good investment. Also increasing the number of devices surely will increase also your subrscriptions to stream platflorms with an extra cost.

[@amarug]

i bought both and lug them around together everywhere i go. i hate and love it all the time

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I hear that.

[@YoghurtEquity]

with a ~$1k budget, any device with macOS. here's my reasoning: one could always read a book on a cumbersome MacBook, but not always do intense workflows on iPad.

[@codexous]

I have to agree with ya, although, the *one* thing the mac simply cannot do is take notes 😔

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. Can totally see this reasoning.

[@seapanda-117]

@@codexousI have Apple notes and obsidian on my MacBook? Do you just mean that it’s more cumbersome to do so, because that is definitely true.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I imagine they mean hand-written notes.

[@IcemanTheDj]

I have Macbook Air and an iPad 10. I am in audio side of things and yeah... every device has his side of work to do. Is great when you have both. They complement each other. If one aford only one, go for Mac! Only if you use that pencil in your artwork, you need an iPad I guess! I just talked from my point of view! Great explanatory video! 👍

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks buddy.

[@arjaylee]

MacBook Air for in studio. iPad Pro for out and about. Probably overspent but I’m happy.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@arjaylee If you’re happy, you didn’t overspend!

[@arjaylee]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I’m just irresponsible and immature. 😝

[@alexpitt4583]

I think if you already own a laptop or a pc , than yes buy the iPad i only use my iPad for 99% for collage and the 1% on my MacBook Air , And the only reason i need my MacBook Air is because the iPad sucks for coding.

[@entertainmentgamingcomedy9625]

Extremely high quality and helpful video. Thanks for all your hard work Mark!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@entertainmentgamingcomedy9625 Thanks mate. 👍🏻

[@Nimhur]

I mostly do my creative works (illustration and video editing) on Ipad pro, definitly worth it for Procreate (not expensive and intuitive) . also to read books or comics it's perfect. I bought the keyboard but mostly because I write a lot. But don't use ipad for coding, it really depends on why you use it

[@frontstandard1488]

I just bought a MacBook Pro 16 M1 new for £1249. I do photography seriously, that's its main use 512gb is fine. Screen and ability were my needs. Nearly went with an iPad but the software is the issue. I buy most of my tech from the last generation or two. Cameras and lenses too.

[@patrickcallahan2885]

I actually have both now, I have used an iPad as my primary computer since the iPad 2nd Generation, and currently have the iPad Pro M1, 11” with keyboard and pencil. Two years ago I bought my first MacBook Air M2, (however I did own a Mac Mini 2012). I use my MacBook Air at work (in an office environment) doing office things. These days I use my iPad for consumption and taking on airplane trips. And don’t forget the AirPods Pro. I find both have their use cases.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Ha, I realised as I was editing this that after listing all those 'pro' devices I'd forgotten the Airpods Pro and Pro Max.

[@HakimeEdel]

Depends what you need and what you do

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That's the TL;DR version of this video, for sure!

[@HakimeEdel]

@@ThatMarkGilroy but i will personally choose ipad air because i don’t need pro version and also is much much more expensive, also i have imac 🖥️ m1 but i will see to change for no mac laptop or table new iMac because of so high price

[@jeanpaul512]

MacBook changed my entire workflow for the better, hands down a better buy. My iPad is pretty much for reviewing my final photos/designs etc

[@rickatkinson1000]

Very detailed analysis. For me the bulk of my work is writing and document management. A few years ago I made the jump from macOS to iOS. iOS was mature enough to address my needs. In time I sold off my Mac hardware. I didn’t want duplicate gear on my desk and on the road. Now I use an iPad Pro M2. I have a Samsung monitor at home and some cables. Now my hardware is firmly iPhone and iPad. I even changed my email address from .macOS to iOS. About price. Whew both platforms are expensive with little difference in price.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Rick. I think you must have been one of the earlier adopters of an iPad-only setup!

[@rickatkinson1000]

@@ThatMarkGilroy Indeed. I waited and waited. Then I pulled the trigger at iPad 15. I also concluded the two platforms are different. iPad is fast and fun for sure. No more hierarchal filing. Let Spotlight retrieve those files. As Steve Jobs would have wanted😀 BTW I use a Logitech keyboard case. Better protection. It has held up very well. I take my iPad every where.

[@Adamoji]

Why choose between the two? My advice would be to get a Mac mini paired with the M2 iPad Air. With education discounts you can get both for around $1000 before tax. For me this is perfect because I have a powerful Mac computer when I’m at home and a highly portable iPad which can do anything I need to do on the go. I’m not a video editor so if you’re a professional this may not work for you. But for students or everyday people I would recommend this setup if you’re on a tight budget. You get the best of both worlds.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep - I make this point in my conclusion. No real point having two portable devices.

[@carbb5760]

Maybe this is a dumb question- can the iPad say a 13” be plugged into the mac mini and used just as the monitor? This is the setup I’m thinking about using. iPad and Mac mini, but I am weary of just buying and owning too much stuff. Instead of having multiple keyboards and another mouse etc just one device that can function as a tablet and be plugged into the mini and used as a pc

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@carbb5760 Not at all- happy to help! You wouldn’t need a cable to do this as it’ll work wirelessly as long as your iPad and Mac are on the same Apple ID. See use case 1 in this older video I made kzbin.info/www/bejne/q524faN6rNOko5Ysi=kYLY65mcMSaiilZZ

[@gallodelfierro7722]

At work we use both in business use cases they both serve their purposes. I can’t really see myself using an ipad as a MacBook replacement though. I do plan on just trying out the ipad pro for a couple days just to findout what my specific limitations could be for business use. As for personal use i see the ipad as an extension of my iphone

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@gallodelfierro7722 That’s a good way of looking at it. iPads are a companion device either way (to a phone or computer).

[@John_Pither]

I tried using the larger iPad Pro as my "travel computer" for the last 5 years. It was fine, as others have said, for _consuming_ content, but for editing photos and such while away from home, it fell short…and I ended up trading my last one (an M2) for credit. Based my experience, unless someone has a compelling reason for the pencil, I think a MacBook Air would be the way to go.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@John_Pither Fully agree.

[@craigdaly5111]

Also make sure to select the correct memory for your needs! I bought a 10th gen iPad and it’s almost ‘memory is full’ stage

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yes memory is important!!

[@robertgrabowski2265]

Its simple answer. If you have money buy both. If not, but macbook if you need computer and production or iPad if you need Pad for consuming staff.

[@mil546]

I want to ask what kind of trap mouse trap or glue trap. Thank you for the video very helpful.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Booby trap 😜

[@jrami223]

To me, I think tablets are more of an entertainment device like to watch movies, TV shows the bigger the better and with the better battery life to do like homework video editing I think you should go more towards the laptop even though the iPad is a powerful device

[@mtnguy]

Personally, I don’t like using iPads because they don’t have a formal desktop. I like seeing everything on the screen and not having to use my fingers to tap. It’s more traditional in my eyes, to use a keyboard and mouse/trackpad. Previously I had a 2014 MacBook Pro which gave out last year and so now I have an air which I love. It’s about as close to an iPad you can get but the keyboard and mouse comes with it. I’m not doing anything crazy on it either, so there’s that. Thanks for the advice.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@mtnguy Thanks for the comment buddy!

[@longhairmullet]

What I’m dreaming about is just being able to use whatever iPad I buy for next 5years. Hope the chip will be updateable and battery last. I’m prob good with 10th Gen iPad but it’s an old chip? Seems should at least get into one of the M chips? M2 or A16ya or not necessary ? I like iPad because I prefer touch screen to poke around on

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I would absolutely agree - anything that's not M-silicone or A17/A18 at this stage will be redundant in a couple of years.

[@Dronerangerspro]

“Great info! It’s painfully clear that Apple could make a MacBook that works with an Apple Pencil, or heck, just one magical device that does it all. But nooo, they’re too busy being marketing wizards, crafting a lineup of gadgets that we absolutely need-I mean want-one of each, please! Gotta hand it to them, they’re genius at setting us up for ‘one more thing’… and that’s the ‘trap’ you were talking about, isn’t it?”

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. There are multiple traps to be fair. The one that’s really clear to me when thinking about the iPad vs MacBook dilemma is that there’s JUST enough overlap between models and specs that you’re often tempted to go a bit further than you can afford to get something that’s a better performing device. Thinking about the iPad Air 13”? Once you add in storage options and accessories, you’re forced into thinking that you might as well go for the iPad Pro instead and get all that M4 glory.

[@Traumatree]

The 'trap' as you called it, is iPadOS that is preventing a true computer like experience on the iPad equipped with the M chip. And as you said, adding a keyboard, a pencil and a cover adds up to the iPad that it is not really worth the price: you can still watch Netflix on your MacBook and do a lot more (like having you iPhone on it - really neat feature), and true multitasking as well as the the real apps, not the downgraded one from the AppStore. The very best offering right now from Apple is their 14" MacBook Pro base + bump SDD to 512GB or 1TB. All the rest is enough for 99% of people.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. I have a new video coming out today comparing the iPad Pro M4 to the new iPad Mini. It’s interesting how similar they are in terms of handling all manner of apps (including ‘pro’ ones).

[@Ublad8304]

Great content, thank you for sharing, where did you find your back protection for the iPad? I can't find it on Paperlike's website, Thanks

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@Ublad8304 the blue cover? It’s a skin from dbrand - called Sea Breeze.

[@pug_63]

Waiting impatiently for the new iPad Mini. Hoping it gets announced tomorrow, but will wait (til October?) if I have to. Thanks for the content.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@pug_63 You and me both. 👍🏻

[@MeaganSutherland-y9u]

YOU GOT IT!

[@jamesecurtis1705]

It’s not complicated. I use my iPad far more than i ever use my Mac. I would say it’s a 90/10 ration. In fact i might go weeks or months before I even open my Mac.

[@Doublepulse]

I’m not wrong thinking that the iPad was always a computer that focuses on a touch based user experience and the MacBook being a traditional computing experience. They both do similar tasks exceptionally well but in different ways. What do you prefer is what it comes down to most of the time.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Yep. I feel the same frustration when people talk about bringing touch to the Mac. Let them be their own things.

[@Doublepulse]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I've always enjoyed working on creative stuff like photo editing and video editing more on my iPad because it allows you to use your hands more and I feel a bit more productive because of the limited multi-tasking. The only limitation has been very specific to some software choices and the reality with app switching is that we don't use one app for everything anymore. It strikes that balance of being focused on one task vs multi-tasking and the focus on one thing adds more to the productivity. I almost argue if you want to actually get stuff done and stay organized. You may be better with an iPad if software constraints do not bother you. There is almost an app for everything now. Including the screensharing possibilities. Even livestreaming gameplay with your camera on an ipad is now possible. I only found issues with web based platforms that rely on the cloud a lot. I'm still waiting for a native Descript application for my editing.

[@samgreenfield6220]

Personally I haven’t used my MacBook since getting 13” iPad Pro M4.. For 95% of my work and personal needs iPad is perfect. Want to do stuff like excel don’t get an iPad like it works but lacking features. But as an electrician, all the apps I use have iPad versions. The Apple Pencil is a must. I don’t really use a keyboard, just talk to it and it types it for you!

[@christophernewhouse5832]

I ended up getting the 2024 macbook the $1,600 1 i wish it had double the RAM & came with a dongle 4 USB & HDMI basically like when apple gave cheap earbuds with every iphone that way i don't have 2 spend an extra $30-$80 this laptop should last me a good 5 years so i'm satisfied regardless

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@christophernewhouse5832 Air or Pro?

[@Redukteur]

Great video! Where did you get the Macbook with blue wave design around the logo from the thumbnail? Is it a special edition by Apple?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@Redukteur It’s a skin by dBrand. I have the same one on my iPad too because I’m a massive nerd.

[@CosmicApe]

I’m pretty conflicted about it, particularly with the latest M4 iPad Pro. All in with a 1TB model and keyboard (with discounts from Best Buy) I think it’s around $2,000. The 1TB gets you the increase in RAM which I think is important. The M4 iPad Pro is a strong performer, snappy and quick with everything, and the tandem OLED screen is insanely gorgeous. It’s been touted as the best OLED screen you can buy on any device, period. I’ve enjoyed using the iPad, but it does feel limited. I’m not a laptop power user and don’t need my laptop for a ton of stuff, and I enjoy the portability of the iPad and how it can be a regular tablet if you want (and drawing too). The iPad can do things a MacBook can never do, but the same goes the other way. It’s also a learning curve adjusting to new workflows and more “app-based” usage. The jury is still out on whether I’m going to stick with iPad full time as my only device. On one hand, I seem to do everything I need to do. The other, it’s a little funky at times. But it’s also an insanely pretty display, good performing, and fun as an iPad… it’s tough for sure. Edit: I’ll add, media consumption on iPad is great. I watched a 3.5hr movie on a flight and my battery only went down 2%…

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@CosmicApe Great analysis. I’ve been a MacBook user for a while now but I’m starting to think for people who have a desk-based Mac like an iMac or Studio, the iPad fills that portability gap really well. It’s tough justifying having both an iPad and MacBook as the crossover is so big.

[@LukeSchaeferFilms]

I love my $5,500 M2 Max MBP and my new $3,000 13in M4 IPad Bro 1TB 🙌🏼 Never owned an iPad before. I will be using both!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@LukeSchaeferFilms Is an iPad Bro one of those iPads that you only see on trading floors? 😉

[@reincarnated.phoenix]

I use the I pad 5th gen air as a laptop substitute and the only haws I have found is definitely multiple apps open, it can only manage two well so doing research for anything is hard, but l love note taking and using procreate for college and ofc Microsoft and google apps are great on the iPad for productivity id recommend with a stylus and keyboard

[@deepshallows]

Couldn’t decide. Got both. ✅

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Fair decision!

[@arpsichord7474]

I'd say neither and get something that costs less and can do more.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Interesting - what sort of thing were you thinking?

[@arpsichord7474]

@@ThatMarkGilroy It's not an apple product that's for sure.

[@brianthomas3249]

Always buy a MacBook. The great thing about the IPad is you can use it alongside the MacBook as an extra monitor. So let’s stop comparing the two they work great together

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Good point. I use the extended screen feature a lot at my desk.

[@Montreal98]

Wow very informative video Thank you so much 🌷

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@Montreal98 Thank YOU 🙏🏻

[@MrAbhinavgour]

I bought both so that I don’t have to watch these videos

[@digitaldecibles]

Watching this on my macbook with a monitor as a primary screen, while my ipad sits on my couch and been there for the last month without usage. YES, get a MACBOOK, there's no comparison .

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@digitaldecibles And the best thing is your iPad can be an awesome second screen for your MacBook in a couple of clicks.

[@fikretsaygnguner8450]

I have bought almost all Mac models for different purposes and uses. The common feature of all of them is that they have M1 chip. For example, Studio M1 max, MacBook pro 16" M1 pro, MacBook Air 13.3" M1, Mac Mini M1, iPad pro 5th gen M1. My job is day trading and music. I can honestly say that I couldn't even push the processors. I use 3 4k monitors with Mac studio. I haven't even heard the fan noise yet. The reason I am writing these is that if you don't know the processor power required for the job you are doing, don't go for the latest model m4 m3 processors. Maybe you just need more RAM. I am extremely happy with every device I have purchased. If you have any questions, I can answer them.

[@turuparturu]

Actually, I’d have a question. Which would you recommend for moderate 4k video and 24megapixel camera raw photo editing that would last me another 7 years? Macbook Pro M2 with 16 gigs Ram, Macbook Air M3, 16GB, or something else altogether?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@turuparturu If those are your main use cases and you’re thinking about longevity, I’d be looking at any M-series MacBook Pro. The Air will do those tasks admirably if your main concern is having a light device, but if you can get one of the M-Pro or M-Max processors that only come in the Pro models, you’ll be future proofing for years and years.

[@turuparturu]

@@ThatMarkGilroyThank you immensely🙏

[@FxTre]

Do you think the base model IPad Pro 13” M4 is good for Day trading, Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro? Thanks!

[@fikretsaygnguner8450]

New Mac mini is the solution for what you need guyz Dont spend too much

[@Annette_Hons]

I love my iPad Pro 12.9" (2020) and my iPad mini 6th gen, but for the money the MacBook Air M3 is the way to go. iPads are more for consumption and simple stuff. Laptops are all in one whereas iPad you have to spend more money for keyboards, mouse, dongles to connect to other devices, external storage, pencils, etc. I feel like if Apple can have touch technology for iPads and the use of the pencil, why not bring that tech to the MacBook laptops? Not to mention, the work arounds needed to use word, excel, etc. I mean its easy enough to learn but you basically have to learn two ways to do one thing if you are using iPad and MacBooks.

[@soumen8624]

For middle class folks, buy MacBook first, save again, then couple of months or a year later buy an iPad Air or pro. You’ll be damm happy. I understand many people including myself can’t buy both on the first go.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@soumen8624 Great idea to stagger the purchases. If I wasn’t buying as a business expense I’d 100% be doing the same.

[@benjaminbrown5245]

I didn’t even get through the whole video. I want to state this. The iPad is like the coworker for the iPhone. You should have both actually. The iPad is wonderful for iCloud and other computing and for the moment tablet stuff and the iPhone is great for a lot of computing and phone usage. I have to say that the Mac though is very important and why you might ask? Well, the Mac is the boss of the iPad and iPhones. The Mac is there to run everything. You are able to use the computer to run all your daily equipment. The iPad you can’t do that. But if you have the computer it is going to oversee everything. You can update your iPad and phone with the Mac and back all your info to the Mac. So really some people think that the Mac is the coworker for the iPhone three are actually coworkers but that is not true. The iPhone and iPad are coworkers but the computer is the superior and the boss of them. The computer is the one that tells them what do to. The Mac is their one that tells the iPad and iPhones what to do. The Mac runs the show actually. But if you are going out to a meeting or to a coffee shop the iPad is great even your iPhone but the Mac is very important.

[@ToadstoolFilms]

And yet you couldn’t use any of your insight to put in a paragraph or two.

[@benjaminbrown5245]

@ and do you know their is a thing called wrap around you don’t have to use the enter key when typing anymore. You must bee old fashioned. The computer or phones know these days to wrap lines. I grew up with a manual typewriter but the tech has changed you should know this. You need to use your brain once in a while and learn to read and quit being so lazy for instant gratification.

[@ToadstoolFilms]

@@benjaminbrown5245 It’s not about wrap around, it’s about breaking up the wall of text.

[@benjaminbrown5245]

@ learn to miss technology stupid or are you living back in the old days?

[@marcgomez6404]

My opinion- after years of using IPad Air, you can do more with a MacBook. I switched to MacBook Air

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@marcgomez6404 Yep!

[@sookythehousecat]

Loved to see the pre-“sweetened” video/audio!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

My studio is REALLY wet / echo-y. Thank goodness I can sort it out in post!

[@devampandya634]

Sir mac mini m4 is launched and i own ipad air m2 😅😅 can i buy mac mini m4 in exchange of ipad 🤧?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

If you already have a keyboard/mouse/monitor (or you’re happy to buy them as well), you’ll have a great time with the new Mac Mini. That thing is incredible!

[@jUjURama28]

I like your detailed review between these two❤ I think I need to switch my macbook pro 2021 to an ipad😢

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mendodave]

Just based on the title I would recommend buying both. If you have one of the things then get the other one. Both devices compliment each other.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Can recommend watching the video for my take on this. The conclusion if nothing else!

[@mendodave]

@@ThatMarkGilroyRight. So I just got around to watching the video because the Apple product announcement played this morning and I had to take care of a few other things. But for years my setup was a Desktop Mac Mini, then an iMac with an iPad as my portable. It wasn’t until last year that I bought my first MacBook and it was the first laptop I’ve owned since 2012. I’ve found that by using the Desktop Mac the “Mother ship” as it were and all the other devices part of the ecosystem surrounding that you end up with a very smooth flowing computing ecosystem with plenty of convince and redundancy. People seem to want to get one device thats going to do everything, and that’s just not the way it works. Is it more expensive? Yes it is but it also works better, and because Apple devices last a long time you don’t have to get everything all at once. Just get something new once a year or so and add it to your productivity flow. If you’re new to Apple I recommend getting a Mac mini and add a keyboard mouse and monitor, get an Apple Phone, then get an iPad. It’s going to be unlike anything you’ll get from Windows and android. You can upgrade your setup later.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@mendodave Loved these insights. Thanks sir.

[@codexous]

Could you direct me to where I can find one of those apple pencil grips? They look great

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@codexous Hello mate. The screen protector, pencil grip AND pencil tips are all from Paperlike. paperlike.com/thatmarkgilroy (they work out cheaper if you buy them in a bundle).

[@codexous]

@@ThatMarkGilroy thank you so much!

[@stu-pid_66]

Wow, where have you been on my KZbin feed? Subscribed. Fantastic video

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That’s funny- I was about to ask where you’d been on my subscriber feed! Thanks mate- welcome to the club.

[@stu-pid_66]

@@ThatMarkGilroy 😂

[@markfirth1681]

I’d like to do way less busy work in my business and the idea of an iPad is tempting because it will force me to do that

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks Mark. Yep, it’s odd, but the way the software is setup makes it almost impossible to multi task and get distracted. I take mine out with me for massive writing sessions and photo edits and leave the MacBook behind.

[@markfirth1681]

@@ThatMarkGilroy that’s exactly why it’s attractive. I got the remarkable e ink device and that is amazing and also distraction free and that got me thinking about the iPad

[@Tammyspam]

I like your way of thinking, gonna watch the ipad guide now🤔🤔 The last time I got an iPAD was in 2018, and that ipad pro is still working fine, which is honestly a bit crazy considering an iPhone wouldn't last me 6 years

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

I had the 2018 iPad Pro too. That thing was a beast!

[@adilal-zadjali9627]

Finally someone make it easy and simple for me thanks bro

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

You’re welcome mate 👍🏻

[@abhishekkr4004]

I am in love with this skin of ipad. Looks awesome even on mac

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

It's so nice. It's dbrand's collab with Ali Abdaal. I cover it in a bit more detail in my recent desk setup upgrades video.

[@Themanthatisi]

If I had to only get one, it would be a Macbook, it can just do more. However, having both is ideal…..

[@luanmoin3368]

7:41 what is that on the outside that made your ipad and macbook look so nice? Is it like a case or something? Where can i get it

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@luanmoin3368 It’s a skin from dbrand. They have loads to choose from but this one is called Sea Breeze.

[@eddu4361]

Comparing iPad with MacBooks? Like apples and pears? That kind of comparison?

[@bigfoot984]

Cool Mac skin. Where did you get it?

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Hi mate - it's nice eh? It's from dbrand - look up 'Sea Breeze' and you should find it.

[@pirohz5542]

iPad Pro + Mac mini + Vision Pro = no need of a Macbook anymore and more complete experience (and still transportable). And if the price of vision Pro is an issue, some efficient solution exist to use iPad as a monitor for the mac mini, and would still make it a better combo.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That's a really interesting loadout. Would never have thought of combining the Mac Mini with Vision Pro for a portable setup!

[@pirohz5542]

@@ThatMarkGilroy so you still have macOS, not just VisionOS

[@harvo1798]

You sold me on a 10thgen ipad, will be picking up a new MacBook as well

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@harvo1798 [considers approaching Apple for commission] Which one are you going for?

[@carbb5760]

Really like this channel - keep up the good work!

[@RealJustinZiegler]

Thanks for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

@@RealJustinZiegler That’s so kind- cheers buddy. My pleasure.

[@buzzinglikeabee83]

Bought the ipad air m2 11"inch because of work. Unfortunately, it doesn't support CVAT - a data engine learning that supports various annotation tasks and formats. Now, I'm selling it. Shall I keep it? 😢

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Noooo!! If you can find a use for it at home you might as well keep it.

[@hello50881]

People compare them because people will mostly buy one

[@Dans-TechRide]

Finally, the BEST video on that matter.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Thanks mate.

[@Serenity-hy]

I’ll set the trap😅 my iPad Pro = MacBook, TV, Scanner 😜

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Ha nice!

[@maxamgilbert]

I have both, that‘s it!

[@brhoom2013]

If you use pen all the time go with iPad if not go with king of course Mac

[@amit00333]

Thank you for the explaination. Really helped me a lot on making a decision. I will be purchasing MacBook pro.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

You’re welcome Amit!

[@Episkopi2008]

Sold my iPad 13 Inch M4 after having it from launch. With the keyboard, it set me back £1600 and all I do is really consume content. Tried to work exclusively from it for 1 week, but found myself doing too many workarounds. Awesome design, beautiful crafted but not for everyone the same way a MacBook is. Shame - I wish Apple would eat humble pie and know that Microsoft has the right design philosophy in the latest Surface Pro.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

That's it - workarounds galore if you're using it as a single work machine.

[@craigdaly5111]

Very good review actually thanks for sharing 👌

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Cheers Craig.

[@JimmieBrown-sg8fq]

Just bought a iPAD Air M1 with 256GB storage refurbished and third party keyboard and pen. Plenty of power for a tablet at great price on Amazon. Already own M3 iMAC and a HP laptop I keep around for work stuff and a tower server running Linux just to play with.

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Sounds like you’ve got all bases covered there!

[@JimmieBrown-sg8fq]

@yeah tell my wife lol

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

There are the devices you tell your wife you own, and the devices you ACTUALLY own. Thus it shall ever be 😊

[@JimmieBrown-sg8fq]

@@ThatMarkGilroy I subscribed looks like you have great content keep it real peace.

[@wazitSomethingISaid]

just get both