I’d agree, sort of. The new base iPad with its version of keyboard (not the folio) is quite cheaper and imo functionally identical to my much more expensive, just a year older AIR 4 Magic Keyboard.

Over time I’ve found the air 4 with MK a bit odd to use as the hinge is just a few degrees short for me, and the screen a couple inches too small for productivity at a desk.

Still very useful, especially with the pen combo. Though a very similar experience can be had for less now on the base model, forgoing only the wireless gen 2 pen and having a non fused display. Which might be night and day to some but I barely see a difference outside bezels.

Using the larger iPad Pro model with its keyboard was a much better experience for me. But YMMV and my air4/keyboard combo was a bit pricey but it has been a lifesaver in college. Paired with a Mac mini it’s pretty nice.

I probably would have benefit from an m1 air out of the gate, but didn’t know what I needed or have the funds up front. Though I don’t really go anywhere, laptops are nice to have for travels. Even holidays it’s a bit cumbersome bringing my mini, monitor, k/b and mouse. Not awful but no laptop.

TLDR to op: get what you need. Traveling a lot and find the mac mini lugging inconvenient? Mac air is probably the way to go, if you have the cash for a model that will work for you. If the base 8gb ram mode doesn’t handle your workflow, then find a 16gb, etc.

Id like a MacBook specced out to the Mac mini in your shoes, so I don’t find myself favoring the laptop at home. But with universal control, I guess it doesn’t really matter.