If someone told The only device that I can use for the rest of my life is the iPad Air, I probably cried. In theory, its versatility sounds great. I can use it as a laptop during the work day and as a TV when I relax in the evening. In fact, it is plagued by nasty software that is iPadOS. The thought of just using an iPad is enough to make me hold my MacBook for dear life.
The fifth-generation tablet features the same speedy M1 chip as Apple’s MacBooks and desktop computers, making it more powerful than ever for both content creators and gamers. This new version also has an upgraded front-facing camera, a faster USB-C port, and 5G connectivity. Even with these new guts, prices start at $599, which is the same as the last iPad Air. But to get your full money, it’s important to make sure your day-to-day tasks really benefit from the added performance and features — and that iPadOS is a big challenge.
Familiar shapes, subtle tweaks
Back in 2020, the iPad Air received a makeover for so long. Apple added a larger, almost bezel-less display; integrate Touch ID into the top button while removing the home button; swap out a proprietary Lightning port for an industry-standard USB-C port; and add fun color options like blue, green, and rose gold.
The iPad Air 2022 has a nearly bezel-less design, a 10.9-inch display with 500 nits of brightness, a Touch ID top button, a USB-C port, a 12-megapixel rear camera, and a range of vibrant colors. And while repetition is often criticized, the iPad Air’s redesign is new enough that this new Air doesn’t feel boring. The sleek colorful tablet is easy to carry without the need for a carrying case.
But if you want to use a case for extra protection, Apple’s proprietary smart connector on the back lets you magnetically attach your iPad to Apple’s Smart Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, and Magic Keyboard. And since the new iPad Air is the same size as the 2020 version, you won’t have to buy new accessories if you’re upgrading.
It should also be noted that if you want to get the most out of your new slim computer and enjoy complete iPad Air experience, you’ll have to save for Magic Keyboard ($299) and second generation Apple Pencil ($129). Adding those to the $599 64GB iPad Air brings your total to $1,028. Meanwhile, the M1-powered MacBook Air starts at $999. So you may want to look into third-party accessories.
Apple has made a few changes to the exterior that are invisible to the naked eye. For starters, it comes in new colors, including pink, purple, blue, and Starlight (a light champagne color). If you’re looking for a more muted tone, you can opt for the traditional Space Gray. The USB-C port is twice as fast as its predecessor, speeding up the transfer of large files and photos from other devices.
There’s also a 12-megapixel ultra-wide front-facing camera (up from 7 megapixels on its predecessor), complete with Center Stage — making Apple’s smart framing software for video calls a reality. Standard feature available on all iPad models. The camera’s sensor automatically pans and zooms to help keep you (and others) in frame during FaceTime calls, as well as apps like Zoom and WebEx. If you move around, the camera will follow you. It’s supposed to help compensate for the awkward angle of the iPad’s camera, which sits on the side of the device when the iPad is in landscape mode, the most natural orientation for video calls. But no software can fix that weird angle. It’s too harsh and Apple will have to move the camera to fix that problem. Until then, I’ll have to keep looking aside — and apologizing for the awkwardness — during video calls.
The center stage is more useful if you’re using FaceTime while cooking, cleaning, or even putting on makeup. That way, you don’t have to constantly move your iPad around. But it’s not as helpful as when you’re sitting at your desk, as it can be super sensitive at times. During Zoom for work calls, the camera tended to wobble around if I was adjusting to my seat position or to the side if I was reaching for my coffee. It’s awkward and a bit nauseous if you’re sensitive to those things. Thankfully, you can turn it off whenever you want.
