# M3 MacBook Air vs. M4 iPad Pro: The Ultimate Showdown
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Rivals
The M3 MacBook Air has been my trusty companion, but its confidence may be shaken by the recent arrival of the 13-inch M4 iPad Pro. For a while, my MacBook Air was my go-to device, particularly when I needed the robust performance of my M1 Max MacBook Pro. With its long-lasting battery, stunning 15-inch Liquid Retina Display, and a keyboard that feels fantastic, it's hard to find anything to criticize. Plus, macOS is my comfort zone.
However, since the M4 iPad Pro entered the picture, I've noticed my reliance on the MacBook Air has decreased significantly, and surprisingly, I haven't felt its absence much.
Chapter 2: The Shift to iPad Life
I never expected to transition to iPad life so swiftly, especially with the often-criticized iPadOS. My intention behind acquiring this iPad was to evaluate its shortcomings, if any. This curiosity led me to a revelation last night when I realized that my MacBook Air had remained unopened for days. Actions, it seems, were speaking louder than words—perhaps iPadOS isn't as limited as many have suggested.
Section 2.1: Daily Tasks Redefined
Most of the time, I used my MacBook Air for routine tasks: managing accounts, responding to comments, and writing. All these activities can be easily accomplished on the iPad. While some iPad apps may not feel as smooth as their Mac counterparts, Safari’s familiarity has made the transition to the iPad seamless. I frequently use Notes and Reminders, and they function just as well on the iPad.
Subsection 2.1.1: The Power of Accessories
My admiration for the keyboard on the M3 MacBook Air is well-documented. Coming from a Magic Keyboard, the MacBook Air's keyboard feels superior—tactile, agile, and responsive. However, the iPad’s Magic Keyboard takes this experience to a new level. With its premium build, backlit keys, and essential function keys, it almost justifies its hefty price tag of £350. The Exposé function key is quickly becoming my favorite, alongside other useful keys like Spotlight Search and volume controls.
Chapter 3: Unleashing Productivity
When discussing productivity, the iPad has often been underestimated. However, the Thunderbolt port on the iPad Pro unlocks its true potential. Editing with Final Cut Pro is now a viable option, allowing direct editing from an external SSD. Although my experience has been limited, it feels robust enough to handle professional projects.
Using Lightroom on the iPad is also a breeze, thanks to the USB-C port which enables easy import of RAW image files. While it lacks some features of the macOS version, it feels more intuitive and creative, especially when using the Apple Pencil. The ability to add white borders to exports on the iPad version is a nice touch, which the macOS version lacks.
Chapter 4: Immersive Content Consumption
Now that I've moved away from the nano-textured display, the iPad offers a mesmerizing experience for content consumption. The deep blacks and vibrant colors create a stunning visual experience that you must see to believe. The speakers are also decent; I’ve spent the entire day working on the iPad while enjoying Apple Music without any discomfort.
Chapter 5: The Future of MacBooks
For years, my MacBook Pro has been my main device, but signs of aging are evident when compared to the M4 Apple silicon in my iPad Pro. As the M4 chip makes its way to MacBooks later this year, I might seriously consider an upgrade. The iPad feels quicker and more agile, raising questions about the need for such powerful Macs.
As we anticipate this year's WWDC, the excitement builds. Even if we don't receive all the anticipated features in June, the M4 iPad is already equipped with an unbinned chip, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage, setting the stage for a bright future.
Are the days of the MacBook numbered? Perhaps not just yet, but as newer generations grow up using iPhones, it’s clear that the future of Apple may lean towards the iPad. If I can complete an entire day's work on an iPad without longing for macOS, it certainly speaks volumes.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
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