With the launch of the Apple’s 11-inch MacBook Air many prospective Mac owners have to decide whether to get the petite and ultra-portable MacBook Air or the amazingly powerful and small iPad 2.

Just like the iPad 2, the MacBook Air has flash storage and no optical or hard drive, as standard. But like previous versions of the Air, the 11-inch MacBook Air runs OS X and has a beautifully compact aluminum unibody laptop form factor.

So, if you had to pick just one device, and you specifically wanted an Apple device, for travelling, using at home or using at school or college, which one would you choose?

Feature Comparison

The first thing to consider is the software and what your needs might be. If you choose an iPad, you will have a range of applications to choose from including Apple’s iWork productivity suite. But importing and exporting files between the iPad and your desktop is still a bit of hassle requiring you to use iTunes and each app’s Document Manager.

The Air has the full OS X operating system, and you can switch files to your Air using a USB flash drive. It can attach to your network over Wi-Fi or via the optional Ethernet adaptor. Installation of software such as Microsoft Office for Mac can by done either the use of the MacBook Air’s optical drive sharing feature with a nearby PC or Mac or via the optional SuperDrive.

Battery life is also a major consideration, and whilst the MacBook Air delivers an impressive 5 hours battery life the iPad has an amazing 10 hours.

Both the iPad 2 and Mac Book Air have the Safari web browser, however a major factor for some is the fact that you cannot view Adobe Flash on the iPad.

Beyond work, both devices will play your iTunes music and have numerous software titles available. Games are now as accessible on both devices since the launch of the App store in an OS X software update.

Portability

As for portability, both are relatively light. The iPad weighs in at 1.35 pounds (613 g) and the MacBook Air comes in a little heavier at 2.3 pounds (1006 g). Both will fit easily in most student bags without taking up too much space.

If you want something to use when you’re 30,000 feet in the air, the choice between an iPad 2 and an Air comes down to personal preference. The Air’s 11.8-inch width (299 mm) and 7.56-inch (192 mm) depth is small enough to fit comfortably on most airplane tray tables. When the Air is open, you probably will need about 8 inches (205mm) of clearance between the base of the tray table and the seat in front of you to use the device comfortably.

The iPad 2 has a width of 7.31 inches (185.7 mm). So if you use an iPad with a case that props it up on your tray table in landscape mode, you’ll probably need a similar amount of clearance for the iPad as with the Air. The advantage of the iPad, however, is that you can also set it on your lap or lay it flat on your tray table.

Keyboard, Connectivity and Other Considerations

The MacBook Air boasts a full-size physical keyboard with 78 keys, 12 function keys and four directional arrows. The iPad relies on a touchscreen keyboard that takes up valuable screen real-estate and is not as tactile as a physical keyboard. The iPad 2 can be paired using blue-tooth with a portable keyboard.

Both devices feature 802.11n Wi-Fi that is backward compatible with slower versions of Wi-Fi including 802.11a/b/g, and both have Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. One thing the 11-inch Air doesn’t have is a built-in 3G data connection, which is an option with the iPad 2. However, you could attach a USB 3G dongle or pair the Air with a MiFi mobile hotspot if you needed to.

Accessories for the MacBook Air include an USB to Ethernet Network adaptor or USB DVD drive. Both can be connected to a HD TV with an optional HDMI cable.

As for pricing, the Air starts at $999 (£867) and there’s an $1,199 (£1,020) option as well. The iPad ranges in price from $499 (£429) to $829 (£679), depending on the storage and 3G options you choose.

Summary

The size of both units will not be a factor in any selection.

For quick data input, fully-fledged software and a great 5 hour batter life the MacBook Air is a winner.

But for most the iPad will be the way ahead.