My iPad’s spot in my bag has been usurped. The new Macbook Air has taken its place, and my productivity has increased dramatically.
The iPad was capable of writing, but it got in the way. Either the software keyboard was too annoying to use for any lengthy writing, or the bluetooth keyboard was a bother. Lying on the couch and trying to write was very different on the iPad. Either you balance the iPad and keyboard, or you set the iPad somewhere else and type blind. I convinced myself I liked the freedom of typing without the distraction of the screen. In truth, I didn’t. In the end, the iPad became an obstacle to my writing, instead of an aid.
Enter the new Macbook Air. The 13 inch MBA I got is actually slightly lighter than the iPad, case and keyboard all together. Something of which I’ve been very fond since I hurt my back in the gym Tuesday. Of course, being a real computer, the MBA multitasks well. I can have my research and writing material on screen at the same time.
Writing anywhere is easier as well. Desk, bed, couch, bus, it doesn’t matter. It’s all one piece, so there is no juggling to do. And unlike other laptops, the MBA stays cool. No scorched red patterns in your legs after using it.
The MBA does have a shorter battery life than the iPad. Sort of. I carried my iPad and keyboard in a shoulder bag. As I walked, keys on the keyboard would be pressed. That woke up the iPad, and set the battery to draining. Not a huge problem at my desk, but when I’m on the go, the ipad is essentially on all the time, and battery life plummets. You can disconnect the keyboard, but that is very easy to do.
The 7 hour batter life of the MBA is plenty to get me through the day. If I were working in one place long enough to drain that battery, I’m most likely in a place where I can get an outlet easily enough.
The one thing that I will miss about the iPad was the easy access to the internet. However, I found a way around that. A little jailbreaking and I’ve got a mobile hotspot in my pocket. Sure, it’s not quite as convenient as just being online like the iPad can be, but it’s sufficient.
If the iPad works for you as a writing tool, then more power to you. Give me a proper laptop any day. With the Macbook Air, I’m not really missing anything the iPad had to offer.
