Base model iPad vs $350 cheap Mac: which is better?

This one is an interesting discussion! Which is better, buying the $329 base model 10.2 inch iPad, or buying a cheap used Mac? Today we'll explore the pros and cons of going each route, find out how each of them is for everyday use, and even put the Intel chip against Apple Silicon in some benchmarks!

Gear:
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[xjpsmithx]

The average user doesn't apply color grading, title and edit 4K footage in Final Cut pro. Those who do would not probably actively search out a 2014 mbp in the first place.

[dextertittil]

I used an iPad Pro as my main computer for a few months. It’s great for most tasks but the few things that require a proper desktop OS for are frustrating as hell to do on iPad OS

[ezequielgavilan]

I just bought the iPad 9th gen because I saw your first video about this new iPad, and I’m very happy. Thanks for help us with your amazing content Luke!

[MattTalkTech]

GREAT VIDEO!!
For the 'General Person', I think you are spot on with your choice Luke (won't spoil what product this is). So many people think of the traditional ways to do daily tasks they need the traditional Apple Machine, but Apple offer an alternative to get these tasks done and a lot of people fit into this catogery but not aware of this. Thank You for making them aware.

[kentbyron]

Frugal computing! A great theme. Luke, you are filling a valuable knowledge niche, done with mindfulness and great care. Gratitude.

[andresa]

Great video Luke! I like that you always put yourself in the position of someone on a tight budget and help them make smart choices. Not everyone has thousands of dollars for gadgets! Love the channel man. Keep up the great work

[bibasik]

Even if you get a MacBook Pro with the anti-reflective coating peeling off of the display, you can easily fix it by removing the rest of the anti-reflective coating.

[donovanleemurphy]

My daily workflow is built around a 2017 MacBook Pro 13" and an 8th gen iPad. As a piece of hardware, I think I like the iPad more (more portable, more power, better battery life, fanless, no butterfly keyboard, pencil support), but if the iPad broke, I would still be able to use the Mac to get my work done. If the Mac broke, there are things I wouldn't be able to do on the iPad, and I would have to get another Mac (or a PC).

[thesuperzfamilyvlog]

We have a 6th gen and an 8th gen iPad and they’ve been phenomenal. I’m an android user, but there is no better tablet maker than Apple. We haven’t gotten the 9th gen, and I’m not sure if we will, but our 6th gen is still rocking and rolling and just as usable when compared to nearly all android tabs. Heck. It’s almost as good as the 8th gen.

[usshehewe]

I bought a MacBook Pro 13 Retina Late 2012 for around 350 with a new battery, I chose this instead of an iPad just because of the bigger screen and it just can do more for the price. Everything runs perfectly smooth too.

[Ka_T_ya]

Not so long ago, when I was ditching windows PCs, I was wondering would an iPad be enough, or only a mac?At the end I realised both are better, lol, so bought an iPad and bought a MacBook, they are both good in different situations and can't replace one another IMO, so best is to have both.

[toddbu-WKL]

I *really* want an iPad as my daily driver. Thin, lightweight, and true all-day battery. As a software developer, however, I spend much of my day in a command prompt. I live in iTerm2. So yeah, MacOS and a real keyboard are what I need

[mdanehenry]

This video was interesting - thanks Luke for doing these perspective on older/base machines. As you said, I think you can go either way depending on your needs

[ernstoud]

Spoiler: it depends on your usage scenario.

[denniskoeman]

Not all Apple desktop users are into graphics design or media.

I would never pick a tablet over a proper MacBook Pro with SSD and huge ram (minimum 16 GB)

[CalvinTheII]

I don't have the space to thank you enough for your videos. Not only do you somehow think of EXACTLY what I need to hear about apple products, you do it in a professional, humorous and detailed way with time stamps. Thank you so much or helping us, it's extremely appreciated!

[andrewma]

I really was not a big fan of the older MacBooks until Luke really made them popular!

[justNGC]

The iPad can replace a computer for people who don't need a computer. It's like asking: "Could this dirt cheap new bicycle replace a twenty year old used car?" Yes, it absolutely can. If you don't need a car. Makes no fucking sense, to be honest.

[madorsey]

I liked this video more than I thought I would. Valid points on both sides. And your luck with the eBay lottery is on point as always.

[meandmyEV]

I agree with your conclusion. I like the idea of using an iPad as a replacement for my laptop but there are just some things that are easier for me to do on the laptop or desktop. For example, I recently had to fill out a mortgage application and I did not even consider doing that with my ipad even though I have a magic keyboard. To me it still doesn't feel like a full laptop for typing. I still use my iPad for lots of stuff like games and content consumption. It is still my favorite for casual old man games. I use it for games more than my switch or phone.