iPad 128gb or 256gb m1 ipad pro

[iJeff0124]

Hey everyone, I'm planning to order the 11 inch m1 ipad pro wifi only model. I'm not sure whether I should get the 128gb or 256gb. I plan to use it for some drawing with procreate, note taking with goodnotes, saving a few videos for offline viewing on youtube premium, plan to take some photos and shoot few videos. I'll also have the tik tok app, gmail app, chrome app, skype and use the built in apps as well like keynote, pages, etc. I won't be using iCloud and external SSD. I also plan to use it maybe for about 5 years. I currently live abroad in Singapore and here the 256gb is $140 more. My question is will the 128gb be sufficient with what i do for roughly 5 years or is the 256gb worth the $140 more? My last concern is since I currently live in Singapore so the Apple Store here will obviously only sell the Singaporean version, will the iPad work/be ok when i come back to the US? Or should I try to find the US version? If you've gone through this before, it would be great if you could share your experience and if you've never experienced this, which one would you personally get if you were in my shoes?

 

[Shirasaki]

If you add 5 years into the equation, go with 256GB. I assume you don’t want to carry a portable SSD with you wherever you want to use your iPad to take some videos or micromanage storage till the next upgrade. I had 256GB before, and micromanaging the storage really hurts, as system tends to use some more storage than it should be from time to time.

My verdict is always go for larger capacity on Apple devices if you plan to use it for more than a year, or a super heavy cloud user.

 

[ericwn]

Only you will know how much storage you really need. I’d pick 256 at least.

 

[Isengardtom]

If you plan to keep it that long I would say 256 is sensible

 

[luapre]

Asked myself the same question two weeks ago. I ended up going for the 256gb model, because I don't want to be in a situation in a year or two where I have to ask myself if I can download an app or need to delete something first.

Another consideration was potential resale value, as non-base models usually hold their price a bit better.

Finally, given the long time I (and by your post you) plan to use the device, 256gb seems like the bare minimum.

 

[rui no onna]

Another consideration was potential resale value, as non-base models usually hold their price a bit better.

Not really. You're unlikely to get $100-140 more for 256GB on resale. Specially not after 5 years. You'd probably be lucky to get $50 more than base.

Buy the extra storage if you can potentially use it but I wouldn't do it for resale value.

 

[MhaelK]

Honestly, i think it depends on your usecase / workflow.

With usb-c and hopefully improved external drive support in iPadOS 15, I personally think 128 gb is enough for most people - as it’s gonna be very easy and fast to store and swap files not used offen on much cheaper and larger external SSDs. However, if you are constantly working with larger media files and switching between such, then the more storage the better.

Personally I‘m also hoping for better external monitor support on iPadOS 15. Which means that when working on larger files, the iPad will likely already be connected to a external usb-c hub connecting both monitor and external SSD. Making the Storage of the iPad is of less importance To me, I just need enough for my daily casual use.

 

[svish]

If you are going to keep for 5 years, go with the 256GB version. When I bought my 2020 11" Pro, I also wondered whether to go for 128 or 256. I went with 256. Extra storage capacity gives peace of mind.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Hey everyone, I'm planning to order the 11 inch m1 ipad pro wifi only model. I'm not sure whether I should get the 128gb or 256gb. I plan to use it for some drawing with procreate, note taking with goodnotes, saving a few videos for offline viewing on youtube premium, plan to take some photos and shoot few videos. I'll also have the tik tok app, gmail app, chrome app, skype and use the built in apps as well like keynote, pages, etc. I won't be using iCloud and external SSD. I also plan to use it maybe for about 5 years. I currently live abroad in Singapore and here the 256gb is $140 more. My question is will the 128gb be sufficient with what i do for roughly 5 years or is the 256gb worth the $140 more? My last concern is since I currently live in Singapore so the Apple Store here will obviously only sell the Singaporean version, will the iPad work/be ok when i come back to the US? Or should I try to find the US version? If you've gone through this before, it would be great if you could share your experience and if you've never experienced this, which one would you personally get if you were in my shoes?

Buy the 128GB option.