Apple iPad Air M3 (2025)

The iPad Air M3 occupies the sweet spot between the base iPad and the Pro. The M3 chip delivers laptop-class performance — video editing, illustration, 3D modeling all run smoothly. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, it supports Apple Pencil Pro with haptic feedback and barrel roll. The Liquid Retina display is excellent (though not the Pro's OLED), and 128GB base storage is adequate. With the Magic Keyboard, it's a genuine laptop replacement for most workflows. At $599, it's $400 less than the Pro while delivering 90% of its capability.