Apple has released their new iPad Pro this year. This has sparked a new series of debates centred around the question, will iPad Pro replace the MacBook for your digital needs. Let’s be honest for a moment… Deep down inside, us Apple fanboys know that Apple’s products aren’t exactly cheap. When you purchase an Apple product you’re making an investment that not only signifies quality, performance, and simplicity – but guarantees it! So for those of us who don’t have a money tree in the backyard, it becomes important to choose our investments wisely.
Let’s take a look at the iPad Pro versus the latest MacBook (just the MacBook, not the MacBook Pro or Air).
Comparing the Two
Dimensions
There is not much difference in display between the iPad Pro and MacBook. The iPad Pro wins the measuring contest at 12.9 inches (diagonally). While the MacBook comes in at a respectable 12 inches (diagonally). But you will only know the difference if you carry a tape measure. However, the 264 pixels per inch (ppi) and 2732-by-2048 resolution of the iPad Pro (the MacBook has 226 ppi and 2304-by-1440 resolution) means that there is a noticeable difference in sharpness and clarity.
Both devices are mobile, offering you the freedom to work wherever at your leisure. However, that means it must be carried on your person – so the lighter the better. The MacBook is heftier by 0.44 pounds (under 200 grams)! Hardly making you a beast of burden.
Storage
Storage capacity is important. Not so much for data – online data storage drives (e.g. iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc…) may see to that. However, device storage capacity affects the size and number of apps users can install and then utilise.
The minimum storage capacity of the iPad Pro is 32 GB. Note: for $150 – $280 more, customers may purchase the 128 GB version (this is the only other option regarding storage capacity). Making the 128 GB version of the iPad Pro more attractive than its leaner version. However, this is half that of the minimum capacity of the MacBook, which has 256 GB storage capacity.
Price
Let’s compare price. The iPad Pro’s price range is from $799 to $1079. The MacBook costs between $1299 – $1599. This means that the price difference between the iPad Pro and MacBook ranges from $220 to approximately $500.
Conclusion
So will iPad Pro replace my MacBook? The iPad Pro is a beautiful machine, and it will make sales. However, it is not a worthy replacement for the MacBook. For at least $220 more, the MacBook offers more performance, better graphics, more app options, double the memory, and double the storage. Touchscreen functionality is the only genuine thing that MacBook can’t do, and that the iPad Pro can do. This price difference is marginal and not valid. Making the MacBook more attractive as an Apple Product, as you get more bang for your buck with the MacBook.
The real question is not whether iPad and MacBook are competing with each other. Rather, could the iPhone outgun the iPad? Certainly the iPhone and iPad are both complementary to the MacBook. However, who wants to cart around an iPhone; iPad; and Macbook? Has the day come where all that is needed is an iPhone and MacBook to accomplish all your digital needs and still be mobile? We’ll have to wait and see…