MacBook Air M2 is now a lower price than the iPad Pro 2022 - and it's still a better value

MacBook Air M2
(Image credit: Future/ iMore)

The MacBook Air M2 has been reduced a few times since it was released earlier this year, but its current price on Amazon remains its lowest price ever. At this current price, it's also less than the entry-level 12.9-inch iPad Pro - and we believe it's a much better way to spend your money if you're after something to improve productivity. 

MacBook Air M2 a better option than the iPad Pro M2

MacBook Air M2 |$1199$1049 at Amazon

MacBook Air M2 | $1199 $1049 at Amazon

The best MacBook Air at the best price - this deal makes the iPad Pro look a little silly. With its M2 chip and fresh new design, the MacBook Air M2 may be a lot more expensive than its predecessor, but it's also a lot better. The keyboard is clicky and responsive, the screen is big and bright, and the trackpad is spacious. If you're looking for a good mobile productivity device, then this is it.

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022) | $1099 $1069.99 at Amazon

12.9-inch iPad Pro (2022) | $1099 $1069.99 at Amazon

The latest iPad Pro is just a few weeks old and it's already on sale. Still, we strongly suggest going with the MacBook Air (2022) if you're looking for an everyday computer. 

The iPad Pro M2 is geared toward mobile productivity, with the M2 chip, available Magic Keyboard case, and larger-than-normal 12.9-inch display. It has more laptop-like features with iPadOS 16, such as Stage Manager, along with its massive storage options. Here's the thing, however - unless you're married to the idea of a touch screen on your laptop, the MacBook Air M2 does everything the iPad does and more - and it does it all better.

As a laptop, the MacBook Air M2 has some key pros over the form factor of the iPad. The keyboard deck is sturdy, with no flex, and the keys have more depth. The screen is bigger, and the M2 chip has more space to breathe within the body of the laptop, improving performance. When you boot it up, more improvements are obvious - macOS is far better for mobile computing than iPadOS. It's getting closer, that's for sure, but with macOS Ventura, Apple comes ever nearer to perfecting the desktop experience. The only thing the MacBook Air lacks that the iPad has is a touch screen - and at the moment, it even beats the iPad in price. The iPad may seem like a fun idea, but if you actually want to get work done, the MacBook Air M2 is the way to go.

This is a costly laptop - you should protect it with one of the best MacBook Air M2 cases. Not a case fan? Grab one of the best MacBook Air M2 sleeves to keep it scratch free when you toss it in your bag. 

This isn't the only MacBook Air deal - you can find more of the best MacBook Air deals, as well as the best MacBook Pro deals if you're after something a little beefier. Either way, Black Friday is on the way - so you might want to see what to expect with the best Black Friday MacBook deals

Tammy Rogers
Senior Staff Writer

As iMore's Senior Staff writer, Tammy uses her background in audio and Masters in screenwriting to pen engaging product reviews and informative buying guides. The resident audiophile (or audio weirdo), she's got an eye for detail and a love of top-quality sound. Apple is her bread and butter, with attention on HomeKit and Apple iPhone and Mac hardware. You won't find her far away from a keyboard even outside of working at iMore – in her spare time, she spends her free time writing feature-length and TV screenplays. Also known to enjoy driving digital cars around virtual circuits, to varying degrees of success. Just don't ask her about AirPods Max - you probably won't like her answer.