features, functions and usage tests

In addition to browsing, creating and editing texts, this iPad Air also had to handle video and content production tasks for social networks; connect to the cloud to office productivity applications (Microsoft Office 365, Teams) and even via VPN virtually to a remote desktop in Windows to operate native business applications.

(Also read: New iPad Air and iPad Pro 2024: more size, more power and all the news)

The Apple Pencil Pro added some functions and work options that we had not considered and it must be said that we included an Apple Magic Keyboard in the test, an accessory that ended up giving all the ‘laptop-type’ potential to the iPad.

Let’s start with minor details, but they are compelling: The tablet has a single USB type C port, but thanks to the Magic Keyboard a second port is added. In this way, the USB-C of the keyboard was used to charge the tablet, while the one that comes with the iPad made it possible to connect a wired mouse and even an external drive to access and backup files.

An external hub with USB Type A ports, card reader, and HDMI output for connecting to an external projector or monitor also worked without fuss, expanding its potential for use.

The Face ID function to unlock it is missed, although the fingerprint reader, Located on the power button, it works without problem.

In terms of basic video editing, the most complex task we subjected it to, the iPad Air with its M2 chip and nine-core GPU (exclusive ‘brain’ for graphics) never ‘hung’. On the contrary, its graphic performance, in video, playing games, drawing with the pencil, was always a great experience.

The screen is 13 inches, a sufficient size for a comfortable workspace with documents and entertainment, with Liquid Retina technology and 600 nits of brightness (in the 13-inch model). With split view you can have two apps open and even share data (texts, photos, links) between them for productivity tasks (attaching a document to an email, etc.).

The cameras are 12 megapixels with the novelty that the front one was located on the horizontal side panel for greater comfort during video calls.

The iPad Air 2024 with M2 is a stylish tablet, with enough power to replace a basic laptop. If your needs are for simple productivity with office applications, editing and creating documents, video calls, producing content for social networks, manipulating databases, browsing the internet, emails, etc., this tablet will work for you.

If your tasks include more advanced video editing applications, management of graphic or specialized design documents, that require demanding processing, multitasking, perhaps this iPad Air is not a replacement for a Macbook Air or Pro.

It is also far from the power of its ‘big brother’ iPad Pro with M4, which has a better screen, more power and is even lighter and thinner.

The battery has 10 hours of autonomy. In our tests it was very close to that promise (around nine hours connected to Wi-Fi). The Apple Pencil Pro and a good keyboard should complement this tablet for a better experience and comfort.

Apple’s new smart pencil comes with several new features that give the 2024 iPad advanced and extended functions and capabilities:

Press for functions. It is now possible to press the pen to open on-screen functions when writing, changing drawing tools, creating notes or using new options depending on the app being used.
Spin. When drawing or writing, you can rotate the pencil to obtain strokes and tones, as if you were using a pencil, marker or pen in real life.

Write to search. In the search or browser boxes it is possible to write freehand to go to a website or search for something within the tablet.

Smart notes. In the notes app, when you use the pen, it converts what you write by hand into text, it even recognizes telephone numbers, addresses, to make calls or create appointments, among others.