One of the things I’ve come across when traveling with my MBP vs my iPad is downloading video content for the airplane ride. From what I have been able to figure out so far, I can easily download AppleTV+ content (including what I own from the library). But the streaming services present another problem.
I’ve been able to download Amazon Prime content as they have provided an application that lets be do that. But I’ve not been able to do the same from the other streaming platforms like Netflix, Paramount+, or YouTube TV. Am I missing something?
For me, this really holds me back from considering a MBA as my main travel device in the future (vs my iPad).
Just to do what you want to do, I travel with a MacBook and an iPad. Mostly watch stuff on iPad–sometimes alongside MacBook on the hotel’s desk, or on iPad alone when on the plan and in mood to watch. Less friction using what “just works”.
I am subscribed to YouTube TV and Paramount+ and you are correct, downloading YouTube TV isn’t an option on the Mac. And Paramount+ doesn’t have a Mac app and has to be streamed in a browser.
Netflix doesn’t have a Mac app, only ones for Windows computers. And multiple phones and tablets.
Used to do that, for many reasons. But now, the weight/size of taking both and the fact that I can do almost everything with MBA but not iPad, has me leaving the iPad behind.
Just a little personal discpline to download onto the MBA movies or other media and simply not have FOMO because I can’t put everything offline on the MBA more than outweighs (pun) the alternative.
Can’t the iPad apps run on the BMA? Would that eliminate the friction of using the MBA for downloaded content? I have not done this but I thought that was one of the benefits of the M series processors.
This is probably the right answer. Either options (iPad or MBA) has a trade off of some kind. The MBA can’t download media from all streaming services but the iPad doesn’t always play nice with the sites I need on the road. To be frank, I own enough media, I could easily just watch something I own and simply wait on the “newest” show for when I get home. This is probably the right answer!
Yes, if the developer chooses to allow that. And I bet you can guess how many big streaming services do? None. The only one that I can download is Amazon Prime Video.