If you’re entering college this year or know someone who might, then you may be stuck with several thoughts – which is better between purchasing an iPad or a MacBook to aid in college studies?
If you want to know which option to opt-in for as a college student, you would want to read this article to the end. This article will compare the MacBook Air and the iPad and their usefulness to identify the model that’s best suited to individual academic needs in college.
Before we answer the question, let’s take a quick dive into the functionality and specifications of the two models and how they may be useful to your needs in college.
The iPad Pro 12.9
The brand-new iPad Pro 12.9 stands out as the best tablet for the money, having an excellent display, cutting-edge performance, a plethora of new updates, and an overall amazing experience that makes it a must-have for both Apple aficionados and those seeking an unmatched tablet experience.
Although this device appeals to a wide array of users, its size and high price makes it unsuitable for everyone. Nevertheless, you could be better off with a different tablet that is more portable and less expensive. But then, there is no doubt that it remains one of Apple’s finest.
The iPad Pro 12.9 is a huge step up for Apple’s best tablet experience and a slate that can do practically anything a computer can. Not everyone will like the 12.9-inch iPad Pro because of its high price and the excessively enormous size of the device, especially, individuals who’d find such a large screen unappealing. However, for those who can manage the size and price, the iPad Pro 12.9 is a terrific option that offers cutting-edge technology, an excellent viewing experience, and everything else loveable from Apple’s top tablets.
MacBook Air
For individuals who are ready to spend a little extra money on a high-quality laptop, the MacBook Air M2 could be ideal. With its pleasantly portable shape, it offers excellent performance, more than 14 hours of battery life, and a brilliant and colorful display. Because Apple combined a significantly slimmer and lighter design with an even quicker M2 CPU, the new MacBook Air is a breath of fresh air.
With regard to portability, performance, display quality, and general comfort, the new MacBook Air is unmatched. Even though every gadget has its flaws, the MacBook Air could arguably contend for the greatest laptop you can buy, use, and enjoy all together. It features a wonderfully portable design with strong M2 performance, long-lasting battery capacity, a bright and colorful display, and an improved 1080p webcam.
When closed, the MacBook Air M2’s design is so tiny that it is frequently confused for an iPad when the Apple logo faces out. The MacBook Air has truly captured many hearts with its sleek design and amazing specification. Its thinness makes it easy to carry around anywhere, even in college.
Differences Between iPad Pro 12.9 and MacBook Air
| Specification | iPad Pro 12.9 | MacBook Air |
| Weight | 682g | 1.24kg |
| Dimension | 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.4mm | 304.1 x 215 x 11.3 mm |
| Resolution | 2048 x 2732 | 2560 x1664 |
| Display size | 12.9-inch | 13.6-inch |
| Chipset | Apple M1 | Apple M2 |
| RAM | 8/16GB | 8/16/24GB |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB/1TB/2TB | 256/512/1TB/2TB |
| Rear camera | 12MP + 10MP | |
| Front camera | 12MP | 1080 FaceTime HD camera |
| Charging | 18W wired | 30/35 W |
| Operating System | iPadOS 12.5/15 | macOS Monterey |
iPad Pro 12.9 or a MacBook Air for college?
Determining the best gadget option for college leans on some factors including
1. Your Field of Study
When entering college, what you select to major in will determine whether you purchase an iPad or a MacBook. You’ll need a MacBook, for instance, if you’re studying design or technology because you’ll require a keyboard and a mouse for intricate design work on programs like Photoshop and others like it.
On the other hand, It’s probably a good idea to acquire an iPad if you’re studying in English and literature courses because the iPad screen is undoubtedly easier to read on than the screen of a MacBook. Instead of carrying along a ton of books in your bag, you’ll be able to read on your iPad.
2. Your Honest Expectation From Your Gadget
Another important factor to think about is what you expect from your device. Would you want to use it when you’re seated at your desk or while you’re moving around campus? Some people (depending on their field of study and preference), desire a computer that is permanently mounted to their desk, complete with speakers and external hard drives. A sort of mini hub for their activities. While others might wish to use theirs for gaming. If you fall into this category needing to use your gadget heavily, you should consider a MacBook or an iMac because of their greater RAM and storage capacity.
However, an iPad would probably be ideal for you if all you do is play light games, read books, research, and peruse Facebook. The best feature of an iPad is how portable it is. You can carry it around to several classes by placing it in your luggage or simply slinging it under your arm. Furthermore, taking notes is also simple and stress-free on an iPad. Though you can retain written notes much more quickly on a MacBook, recording voice notes is also an upper hand for the iPad. This is undoubtedly a really useful feature for learning in colleges. You just have to set up the recording device and record your lectures so you may listen to them again later.
Turn an iPad Pro 12.9 into a MacBook when using the iPad Pro Keyboard Cases
Another awesome advantage to the iPad Pro 12.9 is that with a superb keyboard case, you can transform your iPad Pro into a true laptop replacement. The best choice you can get is the iPad Pro 12.9 Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case which offers a wonderful typing experience, a protective, removable case, and numerous viewing angles for an inexpensive price
The iPad Pro 12.9 Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case comes with an uncomplicated magnetic stand allowing you to convert your iPad into a portable workspace by setting the floating cantilever stand and allowing you to work anywhere, at any time. It features a precise dual-touch trackpad for quick and efficient navigation. With full multi-touch gesture support, you can create presentations, edit documents, and surf the web with unmatched speed, revolutionizing productivity.
Also, the whole row of iPadOS shortcut keys allows you to switch tasks, adjust your screen, or change your music without leaving the keyboard. With 7 lighting colors and 3 brightness levels, you can see your keyboard in a whole new way. And work comfortably even at night.
Save 25% OFF iPad Pro 12.9 Accessories with code: ESRBLOG
Conclusion
The truth is that while both of these awesome devices will enable you to take notes, compose essays, and view internet documents conveniently, they each have unique advantages and disadvantages. The MacBook would be a good fit if you’re looking forward to using your device heavily. But if you enjoy going around with your device and won’t be involved in heavy usage, then the iPad Pro 12.9 would be the ideal match for you.
Conclusively, many colleges now offer computer access in their libraries where students can have access to them; nevertheless, having a personal gadget for studying in college is considerably more convenient because you can do your homework in your dormitory at your own leisure.
FAQs
How does the choice of a college major affect the decision between an iPad Pro 12.9 and a MacBook Air?
Your college major can significantly impact your decision. If you are studying design or technology, you will likely need a MacBook Air for its keyboard, mouse, and powerful performance. Conversely, if you are in English and literature courses, an iPad Pro 12.9 may be more suitable due to its superior reading experience.
Can an iPad Pro 12.9 be turned into a laptop replacement with a keyboard case?
Yes, an iPad Pro 12.9 can be transformed into a laptop replacement using a keyboard case, such as the iPad Pro 12.9 Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case. This case offers a good typing experience, a protective removable case, and multiple viewing angles for an affordable price.
Which device is better for taking notes and recording lectures in college, the iPad Pro 12.9 or MacBook Air?
While both devices can be used for note-taking, the iPad Pro 12.9 offers the advantage of recording voice notes, which can be helpful for reviewing lectures later. However, written notes may be retained more quickly on a MacBook Air.
