Apple

17499 readers

45 users here now

Welcome

to the largest Apple community on Lemmy. This is the place where we talk about everything Apple, from iOS to the exciting upcoming Apple Vision Pro. Feel free to join the discussion!

Rules:

No NSFW Content
No Hate Speech or Personal Attacks
No Ads / Spamming
Self promotion is only allowed in the pinned monthly thread

Lemmy Code of Conduct

Communities of Interest:

Apple Hardware
Apple TV
Apple Watch
iPad
iPhone
Mac
Vintage Apple

Apple Software
iOS
iPadOS
macOS
tvOS
watchOS
Shortcuts
Xcode

Community banner courtesy of u/Antsomnia.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

Future Student Question: MacBook, iPad Pro, both or something else? (lemm.ee)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

9 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Presently I have a MacMini (M2) and iPad Air 4th Gen

I am a big fan of the iPad for working with GoodNotes and a few diagram programs. I recently used it for school but found myself wishing that I had access to microcontroller software, PLC software and generally a “desktop OS” instead of iPadOS.

I hate the idea of having two portable devices to carry around, but can’t decide if going with a MacBook is better than the iPad. Not all the courses I’ll take will require the MacBook and the iPad is great for working on documents and assignments with the pencil. That said, I find myself more and more wishing that the iPad series had a MacOS option.

Regardless, I am currently trying to sell the iPad Air and look at something with a bigger screen.

Incase it is a factor, I am looking at taking an industrial electrical diploma that works with electrical plant/grid design, motor controllers and plant management (in a nutshell).

I am interested in people’s thoughts, if they’re willing to share. I know that there is currently no ideal solution for me in the Apple scene at the moment, regarding one device that does it all.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] [email protected] 5 points 8 months ago (2 children)

You probably only need the iPad. The iPad is great for giving you access to most stuff until you get home and can do the more serious work. If you absolutely must do your work away from home, get the Macbook Pro, because iPads are great, but as you mentioned, they don’t have a desktop OS, and that’s a limiting factor.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 8 months ago

With the Mac mini OP could just get the iPad and do almost everything there. And when you really need a real PC remote into the Mac mini.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

That’s a great point. The convenience of the iPad for most things is very high and it’s likely that I’d want to be home for any serious work instead of at school for extra hours.

Thank you!