In 2018, Apple said there were no plans to merge iPados and Macos. So far, it has kept its promise. Still, while some Mac users continue to want a touchscreen MacBook, some iPad fans want a more Mac-like experience. One YouTuber decided to build both.
Building an iPadbook
In his latest video, Shucantech shows off what he calls the world’s first iPadbook. The M4 iPad Pro has been docked to the base of the headless M1 MacBook Air. The two connect via a 3D printed magnetic dock (what he called Magusaka).
Docking allows you to run either iPados or MacOS, fully support for Touch, Apple Pencil, Keyboard, Trackpad, thanks to clever shortcuts that can be run from the iPados home screen.
Equally clever is the hardware that brings it all together. In addition to the custom dock, he had to explain the difference in size between the iPad and MacBook Air Base. And while he was in it, he designed the hinge to double as a kickstand, giving the MacBook base a slight lift for a comfortable typing angle.
Of course, this is not something that anyone can come. It involves carefully disassembling the MacBook Air, cutting out the components and fitting all the 3D printed chops. And work.
And while the end result is not exactly a touchscreen MacBook, some wants, or a dual-boot iPad/Mac dreams, it’s pretty close.
And if you’re thinking, “Wait, don’t do this last year,” you’re certainly right. And deep diving to his project is worth checking out.
Do you use this as a daily driver? Please let us know in the comments.
