M4 iPad Pro vs M3 MacBook Pro - Don't Make a Mistake!

The new M4 iPad Pro might be the best hardware that I have ever used, and it looks more like a laptop than ever before, so how does it stack up against Apple's entry level M3 MacBook Pro, and does all this new hardware finally make it better than the MacBook Pro?

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[GregsGadgets]

iPad Pro or MacBook Pro which one are you choosing? 👀

[JDFloyd]

I am a firm believer in "Use Cases". I have a use case for both the iPad Pro, and the MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air. I travel extensively for work, so in my laptop bag is both a 12.9" iPad Pro M1, and a MacBook Air 13" M1. During my average 2-week business trips, I use both for separate, and specific reasons.

[bryanbuff]

Why I choose the iPad Pro over the MacBook Pro:

Hardware:
1. Versatility. The ability to interact with the device in many ways. In “Laptop Mode” with the Magic Keyboard you can go from using your fingers, Pencil, trackpad, and keyboard all seamlessly. Or in “Clipboard Mode” with just the tablet and pencil/touch for drawing, reading, watching, showing. There are so many ways to hold/use the device vs the MacBook Pro where it’s just the trackpad and keyboard that is permanently fixed.
2. Thinner and lighter.
3. FaceID (for now this is a differentiator). I find FaceID faster and easier to use than TouchID.
4. OLED (for now).
5. Ability to charge from power bank, smaller adapters.
6. Camera on back for scanning documents, or snapping a quick environmental photo (can also do so discreetly).

Software:
1. Apps open and close instantly. Lightning fast to swipe and switch apps. I actually find this preferably vs having 7 app windows on the same desktop.
2. Slide Over is very handy (calculator, address book, ChatGPT, Notes). I use the calculator a lot for work, so it’s great to be able to swipe from the right and do a calculation and then swipe it away. On the Mac, I’d have to open and close it or keep it somewhere on the screen. It’s also quicker/easier to tap the numbers on the calculator (touchscreen) on the iPad.
3. Drag and Drop. I use this a lot, especially grabbing multiple items and then dropping them elsewhere. I like being able to touch an item or several items, and then swipe with my other hand to open another window or app and then drop the items in there. This doesn’t work the same way on the Mac.
4. Apps like GarageBand, DJ, Notes, FreeForm, LumaFusion, etc. are much more enjoyable with the touch interface.
5. Simplicity - I don’t need more complex desktop apps or deep menus. I am able to run my business using Zoom, iWork apps, and web-based software. For my hobbies, I use GarageBand, LumaFusion, Lightroom, etc. I am able to do everything on the iPad Pro.
6. There are some apps that don’t exist for the Mac that I use (Arlo, Insta, YouTube, games, etc.)
7. I like the ability to alternate between simple multi-tasking (split screen and slide over) and Stage Manager
8. More secure (no executable files)
9. Continuity between iPad and iPhone. They operate very much the same way and most of the apps are universal, so it’s easier to go back and forth between an iPhone and iPad than it is between an iPhone and a Mac. GarageBand is a good example.
10. Easier to replace (and set up).

[ReneRivas]

I have both.... And even though I love my iPad, I prefer the MacBook since you can do so much more with it. The iPad for me is a multimedia device that still to this day, cannot be used as a full time computer.

[gold]

I've seen performance vs form factor for the past 40 years. The iPad M4 is the first time in 40 years I've been blown away as if staring at magic. How can you have the single fastest CPU in your entire lineup of devices, in the thinnest all in 1 device, with the best screen on any device in history? It just doesn't make any GD sense. M4 blows things like i9's out of the water, giant desktops with 4 inch fans on 3 sides. The iPad M4 really is the first time i've been utterly blown away.

[sigiligus]

If you’ve seen what iPadOS 17 can do on a 2018 iPad Pro, you’ve seen what it can do on a 2024 iPad Pro. Doesn’t matter if the screen has a trillion Hz and gets as bright as a supernova, doesn’t matter if the chip is fast enough to simulate the brain of God himself, doesn’t matter if it’s a single atom thick. It does the exact same thing as the old one but a bit faster and looks better doing it.

[drivertorso]

As a Designer I use both. Each one serves a different purpose and also can work together.

[jayhawker]

For me the iPad Pro 11 inch has been a god send. I am a traveling consultant and have a work computer however for personal use i mainly check emails, surf the web watch YouTube and play games. The portability is key, light to use and makes doing these things more fun. Not everybody is a video editor or artist and for people who are just using personal computing this is best

[hilalrefaiehhilal.designs]

We all know hardware of the ipad is amazing, its just the software

[jettav]

The audio source win for the MacBook is such a big deal for me when I switched from my iPad to my MacBook Pro, Thanks!

[EDNi]

I’ve been using my iPad as an upgrade from my 2019 MacBook Pro (Intel), and I’m really enjoying it. It’s the perfect middle ground between the iPhone and the MacBook

[abrahamroberts]

I went with the M4 IPad Pro 13” for the stunning display, touchscreen and Apple Pencil. I didn’t purchase it for work but I’ve been using it for video conferencing since the camera is now in a great position. Great tablet

[Briwen]

I have the 14” M3 MBP and M2 IPad Pro. Both great devices. Took a look at 13” M4 IPad Pro at Apple and it’s really cool. I do a lot Google suite stuff, research, taking notes, some gaming, enjoying art apps iPad has to offer etc….been debating to turn in both devices for just the M4 IPad Pro. However the battery life on iPad is worse than pro as a teacher going for masters program.

[joshr]

As someone studying comp science, I found no use for my iPad Pro 12.9 from last gen. most use I found was using it as a secondary screen on my MacBook. I sold it to someone who works in insurance and needed them to sign. it sat on my desk for almost a year with nearly no use, I guess it all depends on your use case. it was like a giant iPhone to me.

[VideoDrone]

In many ways, you’re comparing apples to oranges. (No punn intended.) That said, each device and its OS is good for certain things. If I’m editing a “quick and dirty” video, my iPad and Final Cut for iPadOS works just fine. But if I’m editing something more complex, I’m going for Final Cut on my Mac. In my opinion, there is no bad “device”. It just depends on what you’re doing.

[goodlife]

Wish there was a comparison between iPad Pro M2 vs iPad Air M2…everybody is talking only about the new iPad Pro M4…💁🏼‍♀️

[rcfamilylife]

My iPad Pro just took a dump and I bought my first MacBook Pro and love it!!!! I used my iPad as my laptop for many years but the MacBook is amazing, So I bught the iPad Mini 6 ad love my current set up. Awesome video!!!!

[IFrancyISantosI]

Let the Cursor be a Cursor (arrow) and not a stupid circle where i really never know what i am selecting

[AnonN-sruu]

One correction: it’s not double the battery. I did a real world test, the MacBook Pro had 1 more hour of battery life. Apple understates the iPads battery for whatever reason.

[MarbsMusic]

After using mine for over a week, trying to do things I would normally do on my MBP, I VERY impressed with the magic keyboard compared to the previous one. Given I had the 11" before and that was part of the issue. As I build a lot of custom boards I'm not a huge fan of low profile keyboard but can happy type on either my MBP or this new MagicKeyboard for hours without issue. Although I'm always happy to get back to my heavy tactile switches when I can. Keep up all the great content Greg, definitely enjoying all of it!