Back in 2022, I went and purchased a blue 64GB iPad Air fifth generation with the Magic Keyboard attachment at Best Buy.
At the time, this was to try out something completely new, as I had never used an iPad as my main device outside of my iPhone. I was using a 2017 MacBook Pro without the TouchBar, and while it did do its job and serve itself during my years of using it, with new macOS software updates and Apple transitioning to its Apple Silicon, I found the MacBook Pro to get slower and slower.
You could say I could have easily cleaned it up internally to make it run faster and more efficiently, but that would only buy me so much time. At the end of the day, it was just better for me to get something new but a device that was not another MacBook. This is when I decided and purchased said iPad Air and Magic Keyboard.
It has been my second full-year of using it and I can say that it has certainly made me more productive, but also happier.
With it, I have been able to write and contribute more here on Appleosophy, along with writing for my personal blog, and doing journal entries on Day One Journal, where I currently have a streak of 200+ consecutive days.
The Magic Keyboard still works quite well too. The clicking and clacking of the keys do give this blogger a good feeling. The trackpad works perfectly too.
About midway through 2023, I did go and purchased the Apple Pencil 2 for my iPad Air. I’m not much of an artist in the painting and drawing regard, but I felt as though I needed it and was able to get a good deal on it at my local Best Buy store.
With it, I have been able to make and edit photos here for Appleosophy and for personal usage.
I still love the portable design these two devices have when combined. I’d argue they are more portable than your average MacBook. The need for separation is necessary between the two when using apps like Apple Books, which is something you just don’t get on a MacBook.
Another thing that I love about these devices is it makes almost a perfect screen for watching TV shows and movies in bed at night when going to sleep. It’s not too big or too small, the speakers are great, and the Magic Keyboard gives it an adequate stand when on something like a nightstand or coffee table.
One aspect that I wish could be improved on this iPad Air is the battery life. Yes, it is better than its older models but it does lack a bit. Perhaps that is partially due to having the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil connected to it, along with having the backlit keyboard going on it too. However, I still think Apple could find a way through software updates to improve that in some capacity.
Overall, I’m still happy with my iPad Air fifth generation and Magic Keyboard purchase, and I look forward to more improvements and success with it in 2024.
