Deals: Apple's 128GB 12.9-Inch M1 iPad Pro Hits New Low Price at $999 ($100 Off)

Meanwhile the M1 MBA, which is infinitely more useful and has a KB without another $250 attachment, is $100 cheaper.

ive never purchased an  device from a 'third party' (ie Amazon, Best Buy, etc). Will I get the same 1yr warranty directly dealing with Apple if needed, or do I have to go through that 'third party retailer' (ie Amazon, Best Buy, etc) for any issues/repairs?

You get the same direct with Apple warranty you would if you bought from Apple.

Meanwhile the M1 MBA, which is infinitely more useful and has a KB without another $250 attachment, is $100 cheaper.

Personally, I still feel like the iPad Pro is the better option but it is my secondary device. If I only had one computer, I can see the MBA M1 being more beneficial. I use a desktop PC so the iPad Pro is great for me as a secondary device. Plus, I don't see the need of the magic keyboard on the iPad. Typically if you are doing real work, you will be at a table. You can use a separate apple keyboard and mouse for much cheaper. I found the magic keyboard for the iPad doesn't do that great when on my lap. I am getting ready to sell mine. Its not worth the cost for me. I much prefer just to use the Zugu case. Lots of different angles to use the iPad and the 12.9 has the full virtual keyboard on screen.

The iPad apps are built for the iPad and don't work as well on the MBA in my opinion.

ive never purchased an  device from a 'third party' (ie Amazon, Best Buy, etc). Will I get the same 1yr warranty directly dealing with Apple if needed, or do I have to go through that 'third party retailer' (ie Amazon, Best Buy, etc) for any issues/repairs?

You do get the same warranty, but they won’t be as flexible about it. For example, I bought a MacBook Air from my college book store back in the day and it had a couple of dead pixels. I took it to Apple and they told me that it was within tolerances and they couldn’t do anything, but had I bought it directly from them, they would swap it.

Meanwhile the M1 MBA, which is infinitely more useful and has a KB without another $250 attachment, is $100 cheaper.

And has a much worse screen, less connectivity particularly cellular and really crap audio compared to the 12.9". If you go for a keyboard other than than the Apple MG and something like the Logitech Combo which I’m finding really nice it works out to very similar prices.

The only thing you really lose out on is Mac OS.

yeah the lone advantage is the XDR, otherwise once the Air gets the mini led update there is no reason to get the ipad for work unless you require the touchscreen (digital art/content creator and such).

Having tried the magic kb for the 12.9 it is honestly really good for what it is but very expensive at the same time.

It's primarily consumer device, even with the Pro moniker. I'd really like one to replace my older iPad Pro 11", but I'll probably wait for the new 11" version.