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TechGod

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Feb 25, 2014
3,275
1,129
New Zealand
Just wondering what storage size should be bought considering I’m planning on holding onto this for a while.

I suppose I could always connect an external SSD if I feel like I’m running out of storage?
 

rgarjr

macrumors 604
Apr 2, 2009
6,820
1,052
Southern California
Depends what you wanna store in there. I personally don’t need to store much stuff, so 128gb is plenty. Others like to store their entire movie catalog in there so they need more space.

Some need the space to store video/photos for editing.
 

richardamp

macrumors member
Jan 18, 2013
43
37
I use iCloud so that I have access to everything without needing a lot of storage on the device. Win-win.
 

TechGod

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Feb 25, 2014
3,275
1,129
New Zealand
Depends what you wanna store in there. I personally don’t need to store much stuff, so 128gb is plenty. Others like to store their entire movie catalog in there so they need more space.

Some need the space to store video/photos for editing.
Yeah its honestly hard to say. Idk how my usage will change having a much better iPad with a larger display (I only have the 10.5" right now). Besides, the fact that it has the M1 in it means that Apple is def planning something big.
 

FlyingScot

macrumors member
Mar 1, 2008
98
92
South Florida
I have a 256 right now, 147 GB free but that changes based on what I am doing/have loaded. If they put some better pro apps on, could see using a bit more considering the 512 but in all honesty...the 256 has been a good fit most of the time.
 

MrEcted

macrumors regular
Apr 21, 2011
222
473
I'd go 256 but it depends on your own situation. I like keeping a lot of stuff locally and with my current iPad I'm at 180GB used after having cleaned up space. Some people don't mind having a lot of stuff in the cloud though, so it's what works for you.
 

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,119
10,912
Picked 128 GB last time and constantly run into its limitations. 256 for me.
 
Last edited:

Kierkegaarden

Cancelled
Dec 13, 2018
2,424
4,137
Just wondering what storage size should be bought considering I’m planning on holding onto this for a while.

I suppose I could always connect an external SSD if I feel like I’m running out of storage?
I would choose 256gb. Pro apps, photos, video — I think it adds up quickly. And if you travel, you could load the iPad up with all of the books, videos, etc. that you would need. The difference isn’t much, and the peace of mind over not worrying about storage limits is worth the cost.
 
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TechGod

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Feb 25, 2014
3,275
1,129
New Zealand
I would choose 256gb. Pro apps, photos, video — I think it adds up quickly. And if you travel, you could load the iPad up with all of the books, videos, etc. that you would need. The difference isn’t much, and the peace of mind over not worrying about storage limits is worth the cost.
Im in NZ so its a 200 dollar difference but I get the sentiment behind your post. I do think I will go for the 256GB
 

secretk

macrumors 65816
Oct 19, 2018
1,494
1,229
I currently have used 198 GB of my 512 GB iPad. So based on my usage I need at least 256 GB iPad. I do store lots of images, videos, documents and books though. If you don't have those needs, 128 GB might work for you.
 

nordique

macrumors 68000
Oct 12, 2014
1,996
1,607
Depends on your usage

I’m going to be coming from a 64gb 2018 model, and I’ve barely even got 30gb worth on that one.

128 is so much more than I’d use so it’s fine for me
 

gnasher729

Suspended
Nov 25, 2005
17,980
5,566
This is really impossible to tell. It all depends what you are going to store on your iPad. Lots of people would be fine with 32 GB, others run out of space on 512 GB.

My phone has 128 GB. It holds: Lots of music. Lots of audio books. Lots of videos. (That's the big parts). 16 years worth of photos (that's not really that much, mostly because the first years I used a 2 MP camera). If you intend to take lots and lots of high resolution photos, go for 256 GB. If you intend to take lots and lots of high resolution videos, go for 512 GB. Now it depends what you and I understand when we say "lots and lots" :)

If you have an iPad already: If more than 80 GB are used now, then you will run out of space with 128 GB eventually, so go for 256 GB. For example secretK with 198 GB on her current iPad should go for 512 GB on her next one - in my opinion.
 
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Kierkegaarden

Cancelled
Dec 13, 2018
2,424
4,137
Im in NZ so its a 200 dollar difference but I get the sentiment behind your post. I do think I will go for the 256GB
That’s a bit of a jump, and I don’t want you to feel any pressure that you have to go for the 256gb. I would typically choose 128gb myself, but I am definitely going 256gb for the new Pro. My 79yo Mom is even using 256gb!
 
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