[Review] "The More You Know, The More You Fall" iPad Air Equipped with M2 Chip

Maximizing Versatility of Various Apps
Assistance in Video and Image Editing
High Price and Weight Are Limitations

Apple's 'iPad Air 13-inch (M2 model)'

Apple's new model of the tablet PC 'iPad Air' has been released after more than two years. It features two models: a portable 11-inch and a larger 13-inch model that enhances the user experience with a bigger screen. After trying the 13-inch model, I found the weight of around 600g slightly disappointing, but it felt perfect as 'my personal idea notebook.'

The first thing that caught my eye was the position of the front camera. In previous models, the camera was located on the vertical side like a smartphone, but in this model, it is placed on the horizontal side like a laptop camera. This seems convenient for video calls and video conferences.

While the previous iPad Air model weighed around 460g, the weight increased to 617g with the larger screen this time, which is a downside. It is heavier than the 13-inch iPad Pro with the M4 chip (579g). Holding it in one hand for a long time while moving might be somewhat burdensome. The thickness is 6.1mm. Comparing it to the thinnest iPad Pro ever made (5.1mm), the 1mm difference was visually noticeable.

I actively used the Apple Pencil for work. It showed its true value in note-taking applications like Freeform and GoodNotes. There was a refreshing feeling that I didn’t experience when writing with a finger on the iPhone. Attaching photos, tables, or images was much simpler. It was perfect for creating personal schedules, organizing lecture content, or brainstorming ideas for team projects.

Apple Pencil Pro

For creators who do professional work with videos or images, it seems like an essential item. I edited photos and enhanced resolution using the Photomator app. Even low-quality Cyworld Minihompy photos seemed restorable with this app. Using the Final Cut Pro app, video recording, editing, and sharing were easy. Background and music insertion are also possible, making it suitable for uploading videos to social networking services (SNS) like YouTube and Instagram. When connected to an iPhone, real-time video shooting from various angles is possible. Just like calling cameras 1 and 2 during TV broadcasts, you can set up your own broadcasting station.

The Logic Pro app, which allows various music projects using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, also appears attractive to artists dreaming of creation. Equipped with the M2 chip, suitable for multitasking and AI technology implementation, multiple windows ran smoothly without lag. HomeKit, which controls various home appliances like TV and air conditioner with just one iPad, is a feature that enhances quality of life.

If I had to point out the reason why purchasing the 13-inch iPad Air is hesitated despite its increasing appeal, it would be the 'price.' In the past, the iPad Air started at around 700,000 won, but this year it starts at 1.2 million won due to the high exchange rate. Especially, this iPad is not compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. It pairs with the newly released Apple Pencil Pro. The Apple Pencil Pro’s precise functions, as if writing by hand, are astonishing. However, if you have to buy the Apple Pencil Pro (195,000 won), the genuine Magic Keyboard priced in the 400,000 won range, and subscribe to various paid apps along with the iPad, it becomes a 'salary thief' in the current high inflation recession.