The M3 iPad Air is the affordable version of the iPad Pro that I've been anticipating.

      Less than a year ago, I departed from my reliable M1 iPad Pro and purchased the iPad Pro with the M4 chip. The design overhaul was striking, and the prospect of acquiring an M4 processor even before it was available in Macs was enticing. However, the primary reason for my purchase was the 13-inch display, which placed it on par with the MacBook Air. I invested nearly $1,700 and obtained the entire Magic Keyboard setup for an optimal computing experience.

      So far, the experience has been smooth, but I have been plagued by the limitations of iPadOS daily. I frequently question, “Is this restricted computing ecosystem worth the money I invested?” and my response has mostly been negative.

      The introduction of the new iPad Air with the M3 processor has only heightened my regret over spending a considerable amount on the flashy iPad Pro. While the base price of $599 plays a significant role, it’s the utility aspect that makes the new iPad Air a stark reminder of my financial misstep.

      No shortage of power

      Apple’s tablets are well-regarded for their durability. Their solid build quality, extensive app selection, and long-term software support contribute to their popularity. Since Apple started integrating M-series silicon into their tablets, their practical appeal has surged.

      If you’re looking for a large-screen device for sketching or college work, you can easily buy any third-party stylus and keyboard case, and it will serve you well for at least the next three to four years. I can confidently say this for several reasons. I successfully edited LOG videos in DaVinci Resolve on the M1 iPad Pro without any complications. It continues to make multi-app workflows feel effortless, even with only 8GB of RAM. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed playing graphically intensive games like Resident Evil Village and Death Stranding on the tablet.

      The M1 iPad Pro performed admirably with Resident Evil, and the M3 silicon will undoubtedly excel even further. I don’t expect the M3 iPad Air to feel different. Compared to the M1 chip, the M3 offers an additional GPU core. Furthermore, according to Apple, both computing and graphics performance have risen significantly. If the M1 iPad Pro remains competitive today, the iPad Air M3 will surpass it — all at a much lower price. When considering the price difference with the M4 iPad Pro, the new iPad Air clearly represents a better value proposition.

      A laptop-grade display

      One of the main reasons I opted for the 13-inch iPad Pro was its screen size. After using the 11-inch iPad Pro for a couple of years, transitioning to a 13-inch screen felt revitalizing. The ability to run at least three apps side by side with Stage Manager enabled greatly increased my productivity. As someone who regularly edits images and videos, avoiding eye strain and a cramped timeline was incredibly beneficial.

      The iPad Air now matches the iPad Pro regarding screen size. The only notable difference lies in the screen technology; the iPad Air features an LCD panel while the iPad Pro boasts an OLED display. This is not a deal-breaker by any means. The new iPad Air retains the same Liquid Retina display as its predecessor, providing vibrant colors, decent viewing angles, and satisfactory brightness.

      However, beyond technical specifications such as nits and contrast ratios, this LCD panel remains one of the best available on a tablet. I never experienced any issues using my sister’s 13-inch M2 iPad Air for work, which she also regularly uses for her college assignments.

      I don’t anticipate the M3 iPad Air being any different. I’m surrounded by LCD screens across my computing devices and entertainment systems, so adapting to the iPad Air — even after transitioning from the 120Hz OLED display of the iPad Pro — shouldn't be visually challenging for me. Since most laptops and monitors still feature LCD panels, there’s that precedent. Moreover, the excellent animations and app scaling that Apple has implemented ensures that you will likely enjoy a better experience with the iPad Air compared to a Windows laptop.

      Excellent accessory kit

      It’s clear that using a 13-inch tablet lends itself to productivity. The Apple Pencil, though pricey, remains one of the best options available. Third-party alternatives, such as the ESR Geo Stylus with Find My, can also get the job done.

      However, the keyboard is what truly gives Apple an edge. The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air does not replicate the sleek metallic appearance of the iPad Pro version, but instead adheres to the aesthetic design of the previous generation Magic Keyboard.

      This is not a drawback; my M1 iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard, with its soft rubberized finish, is still in excellent condition. The new keyboard case for the iPad Air is essentially a white version of that, featuring a flat metallic