Which Device is More Powerful: 2018 MacBook Air or 12.9 iPad Pro?
When it comes to determining which device is more powerful, the 2018 MacBook Air or the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, several factors must be considered. Both are top-tier devices but have distinct differences that influence their power and capabilities.
Comparing the Specifications
Let's delve into the detailed specifications and capabilities of both devices to help you make a more informed decision.
Device 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2018 MacBook Air Processor Apple A12X Bionic, ARM Architecture Intel Core m3, 64-bit x86 Architecture Memory 4GB 8GB or 16GB Storage Starting at 64GB, Max 512GB 256GB SSD Operating System iOS macOS Battery Life Up to 10 hours a day Up to 12 hours Price Starting at $999 $1299 for 256GB Form Factor Tablet (12.9 inches) Laptop (13.3 inches)Comparing Power and Capabilities
The iPad Pro, featuring a powerful Apple A12X Bionic chip, is more than a match for its competitors in terms of raw processing power. However, the 2018 MacBook Air, equipped with an Intel Core m3 processor, offers more advanced processing capabilities, especially when running certain applications and operating systems.
Processor and Memory: The MacBook Air has twice the memory and a more powerful processor compared to the iPad Pro. This provides it with the ability to run more sophisticated applications and multitask more efficiently. The iPad Pro, while still powerful, is limited to 4GB of RAM, which can be a bottleneck for certain tasks.
Storage: The iPad Pro starts at 64GB of storage, with a maximum of 512GB. In contrast, the MacBook Air offers 256GB of SSD storage, which is geared towards more demanding applications and file management. However, you can obtain a similar amount of storage in the iPad Pro, and its SSD even comes close in performance, but it lacks the file management tools of macOS.
Operating System: The iPad Pro runs on iOS, which is designed for mobile devices. While iOS is user-friendly, it lacks the extensive suite of professional applications available on macOS. macOS, on the other hand, is a mature, Unix-based operating system that supports a wide range of professional applications.
Price Differences
The pricing of these devices is influenced by the cost of production and the quantity of products sold. The iPad Pro is priced based on its capabilities and features, aligning it with other high-end tablets. The MacBook Air, while more expensive, is designed to meet the demands of a wider range of users, from professionals to casual users, making it more versatile and powerful.
Cost to Apple: The iPad Pro uses an ARM processor, which is cheaper to manufacture in bulk. The MacBook Air, on the other hand, uses an Intel Core m3 processor, which is more expensive to produce. Additionally, the MacBook Air requires more hardware components, such as a keyboard, hinges, and a higher resolution display, driving up its production costs.
Engineering Complexity: Laptops, with their moving parts, are more complex to design and build compared to tablets. Apple invests significant engineering effort to ensure good build quality in both devices. However, the economy of scale for laptops is lower due to lower sales volumes, making each unit more expensive to produce.
Conclusion
The 2018 MacBook Air offers more power and versatility, making it suitable for users who require advanced computing capabilities for work or professional applications. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability, battery life, and user experience without the need for sophisticated software.
Ultimately, the decision between the 2018 MacBook Air and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro boils down to personal needs and preferences. Users looking for a balance between power and portability should consider the MacBook Air, while those prioritizing mobility and ease of use may opt for the iPad Pro.