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Which monkey

  • 2017 Ipad @ £275

    Votes: 18 66.7%
  • Ipad Air 2 refurb @ £296

    Votes: 9 33.3%

  • Total voters
    27

OneSon

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jan 6, 2013
127
113
Simple question. Which would be the better option for general use. A lot of email/web browsing/google docs/dropbox. Occasional video watching.

For readers in the US that's a price difference of about $25
 
Are both 32GB? If storage sizes are the same, it's pretty much a coin toss.

Air 2 has the nicer screen with less reflections (easier for bright light conditions). It's also a bigger fingerprint magnet and has greater friction compared to Air 1 screen (which I expect is what the 2017 iPad has).

Performance-wise, 2017 iPad is likely faster (extrapolating from iPhone 6s/6s+ benchmarks) but the Air 2 feels like (and is) the more premium device. In terms of longevity? The 2017 iPad has a slight edge.

Personally, got the Air 2 128GB ($399) for myself. The screen is more important to me plus it was $30 cheaper than the 2017 iPad 128GB.

I am getting my dad the 2017 iPad 32GB ($329) though. Partly because the $299 Air 2 32GB was already out of stock and partly because I want to play with and run benchmarks on the new model. :p
 
Are both 32GB? If storage sizes are the same, it's pretty much a coin toss.

Air 2 has the nicer screen with less reflections (easier for bright light conditions). It's also a bigger fingerprint magnet and has greater friction compared to Air 1 screen (which I expect is what the 2017 iPad has).

Performance-wise, 2017 iPad is likely faster (extrapolating from iPhone 6s/6s+ benchmarks) but the Air 2 feels like (and is) the more premium device. In terms of longevity? The 2017 iPad has a slight edge.

Personally, got the Air 2 128GB ($399) for myself. The screen is more important to me plus it was $30 cheaper than the 2017 iPad 128GB.

I am getting my dad the 2017 iPad 32GB ($329) though. Partly because the $299 Air 2 32GB was already out of stock and partly because I want to play with and run benchmarks on the new model. :p

Yes, both 32gb. In terms of sell on value (in case I want to upgrade to an Ipad Pro at some point) I suspect the 2017 iPad will hold it's value longer so that's another plus for that.
 
Go for the 2017 model. That newer processor means support for the latest iOS for longer and less waiting.

The screen is still better than most laptops and alternative tablets - especially at the price. And if it breaks, much cheaper to replace than the Air 2 screen. Especially because if an Air 2 screen breaks you'll think 'is it worth investing THAT MUCH into a new screen for 2014 hardware'.

That's what I think anyway
 
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I actually advised a work colleague to go for the Air 2. The only thing the new iPad has in its favour other than price is the faster SOC and you will be unlikely to notice it in real word use. The Air 2 is still a great device but the slimmer form, lower weight and better screen are all more relevant to the user experience IMHO.
 
I actually advised a work colleague to go for the Air 2. The only thing the new iPad has in its favour other than price is the faster SOC and you will be unlikely to notice it in real word use. The Air 2 is still a great device but the slimmer form, lower weight and better screen are all more relevant to the user experience IMHO.

Reviewers have states its noticeably smoother on the new iPad, but, more importantly a newer and faster processor means it will stay fast in the next few iOS updates and receive them for longer.

The new iPad is much more future proof.
 
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