iPad Pro 2017 iPad Pro owners - are you upgrading to 2021 iPad Pro?

[Rainshadow]

Copy that. I’ve been a loyal Mac user since 2004. But I just can’t justify it anymore. I don’t understand how people can afford these products anymore.

It is amazing when you think about it. But it depends on a lot of things including where folks put the rest of their money.

Some folks have televisions (often $2-5,000) - I use my iPad and don’t have a television. Some folks buy brand new cars with ridiculous depreciation and on top of that, interest rates. Some folks buy a $6 cup of coffee every day. We are currently living in a time with record LOW mortgage rates. Some folks have loans on a camper, motorcycle, furniture etc etc and have interest on top of those purchases. I’m not saying any of that is wrong... I’m just saying we all prioritize things differently. I avoid these things so I can enjoy my money in other ways.

One of my “hobbies” is Apple and new tech. It’s also an interest I share with my father which gives us something extra to talk about and geek out about while he’s still around. I hold on to each product for 3-4 years. iPad, watch, iPhone, free space - that’s my rotation. Set up like that, even my modest income can support an iPad this expensive every 4 years. In the end, it’s just money.

But... That is a lot of money... and a lot of opportunity cost you miss out on with such a purchase. 🤷‍♂️

 

[iamMacPerson]

Copy that. I’ve been a loyal Mac user since 2004. But I just can’t justify it anymore. I don’t understand how people can afford these products anymore.

I think it has to be justified in a different way. I have been a daily Mac user since 2009. We just got so used to thinking of the iPhone and iPad as just one product in the product line being replaced every year or so but they’re not anymore. They’re being treated just like the Mac. There are different models at different price points with different features.

The features the iPad Pro are not going to appeal to everyone. Most people will be just happy with the iPad Air, which starts at $600 or even the regular iPad which is $329. With iPhone, if you want the biggest and best, iPhone 12 Pro Max. Want a fast phone but don’t need the ‘Pro’ features? iPhone 12. Ok with last years model? iPhone 11. Just want a phone that will last and is a good bargain? SE.

Apple has been doing this for years. Not everyone needed a PowerMac G5, but there were still plenty of home users who bought on because they felt they had a use for it. Most bought an iMac. Wanted a basic web machine? eMac was still being sold. Needed a powerful machine on the go? PowerBook. Casual portability? iBook.

It is amazing when you think about it. But it depends on a lot of things including where folks put the rest of their money.

Some folks have televisions (often $2-5,000) - I use my iPad and don’t have a television. Some folks buy brand new cars with ridiculous depreciation and on top of that, interest rates. Some folks buy a $6 cup of coffee every day. We are currently living in a time with record LOW mortgage rates. Some folks have loans on a camper, motorcycle, furniture etc etc and have interest on top of those purchases. I’m not saying any of that is wrong... I’m just saying we all prioritize things differently. I avoid these things so I can enjoy my money in other ways.

One of my “hobbies” is Apple and new tech. It’s also an interest I share with my father which gives us something extra to talk about and geek out about while he’s still around. I hold on to each product for 3-4 years. iPad, watch, iPhone, free space - that’s my rotation. Set up like that, even my modest income can support an iPad this expensive every 4 years. In the end, it’s just money.

But... That is a lot of money... and a lot of opportunity cost you miss out on with such a purchase. ?‍♂️

This is why I try not to judge what people buy. Personally I see no value in a music subscription. I still prefer buying CDs and ripping them to my Music library and syncing them to my phone or buying singles from iTunes. Some people think I’m crazy. At the same time I spend way too much money on Apple Watch bands. Why? I just love to swap them out and match it to my outfit. But I’m not a coffee or even an eating out person. To each their own.

 

[rui no onna]

It is amazing when you think about it. But it depends on a lot of things including where folks put the rest of their money.

Some folks have televisions (often $2-5,000) - I use my iPad and don’t have a television. Some folks buy brand new cars with ridiculous depreciation and on top of that, interest rates. Some folks buy a $6 cup of coffee every day. We are currently living in a time with record LOW mortgage rates. Some folks have loans on a camper, motorcycle, furniture etc etc and have interest on top of those purchases. I’m not saying any of that is wrong... I’m just saying we all prioritize things differently. I avoid these things so I can enjoy my money in other ways.

One of my “hobbies” is Apple and new tech. It’s also an interest I share with my father which gives us something extra to talk about and geek out about while he’s still around. I hold on to each product for 3-4 years. iPad, watch, iPhone, free space - that’s my rotation. Set up like that, even my modest income can support an iPad this expensive every 4 years. In the end, it’s just money.

Agreed. At least in the US, wages are high enough that one can probably squeeze a $1K iPad in the budget every few years if they really, really want it.

$6 pack of cigarettes per day? That's $2K+ per year.

A lot of my co-workers buy lunch daily at $10-20 per meal. That's ~$2.5-5K per year.

If one saves $25 per paycheck over a 2 year period (assuming biweekly or semi-monthly pay periods), that's ~$1.2K. Maybe bump up the savings a little bit or save a little longer if one wants storage upgrades and accessories. I used my 2017 iPad Pro for 4 years. Socking away just $20 per paycheck from then to now is enough to get me the 1TB 2021 Pro 12.9. I don't dump $6K in the Roth IRA in one go. I put in $250 per paycheck which makes it more manageable. Little things add up.

 

[AHDuke99]

I am between keeping my 2017 model, getting the iPad Air or maybe the 11 inch Pro. My biggest issue with the new Pros are that you can't take advantage of the powerful internals because it is still running iOS. If Apple actually allowed you to run the full macOS on these iPads, then I'd be all over it.

I have to think that's coming eventually, but it's probably years away.

 

[Wackery]

I am between keeping my 2017 model, getting the iPad Air or maybe the 11 inch Pro. My biggest issue with the new Pros are that you can't take advantage of the powerful internals because it is still running iOS. If Apple actually allowed you to run the full macOS on these iPads, then I'd be all over it.

I have to think that's coming eventually, but it's probably years away.

Sounds Like you should wait at least until they reveal some details on ipados 15

 

[Danae02]

I have changed my vote to upgrading to 12.9. Looking at the base model with edu discount since my job qualifies. A friend let me borrow his 2020 12.9 iPad for the day and I have to say I love the bigger screen. I got one of the Pillow Pads for a stand and it’s amazing with the larger ipad. For my use it’s so much easier on the eyes- and hands, with the stand, which works pretty much everywhere. I won’t get the keyboard- already have a wireless keyboard and mouse if I really need it. So excited! And I’m giving my mother in law the 10.5- lots of life left in it. Coming back to my 10.5 after using the larger screen is a bit of an adjustment. I’m annoyed that I have to buy a new pencil but my MIL will love her coloring books so at least it’s not wasted.

 

[rui no onna]

I am between keeping my 2017 model, getting the iPad Air or maybe the 11 inch Pro. My biggest issue with the new Pros are that you can't take advantage of the powerful internals because it is still running iOS. If Apple actually allowed you to run the full macOS on these iPads, then I'd be all over it.

I have to think that's coming eventually, but it's probably years away.

I'm kinda torn about this as well. In my case, it's wanting 8GB+ RAM since I've already hit snags with just 4GB RAM as seen in the image below. It was easier to ignore when it was just 6GB vs 4GB but double the RAM is really tempting.

Air 4
pro:
potentially better battery life
TouchID

Pro 11 3rd gen
pro:
8GB RAM

 

[Wackery]

I'm kinda torn about this as well. In my case, it's wanting 8GB+ RAM since I've already hit snags with just 4GB RAM as seen in the image below. It was easier to ignore when it was just 6GB vs 4GB but double the RAM is really tempting.

Air 4
pro:
potentially better battery life
TouchID

Pro 11 3rd gen
pro:
8GB RAM


View attachment 1765353

How do you find the ipad pro launch page? My 10.5 stutters when scrolling down

 

[rui no onna]

How do you find the ipad pro launch page? My 10.5 stutters when scrolling down

As can be seen from the screenshot below, the page crashes on my 2017 Pro 12.9. I’m gonna need to restart so it can load.

Ugh, webpages have gotten so bloated. I really hate pages with animations like this one.

 

[Traverse]

As can be seen from the screenshot below, the page crashes on my 2017 Pro 12.9. I’m gonna need to restart so it can load.

Ugh, webpages have gotten so bloated. I really hate pages with animations like this one.

View attachment 1765408

OK, I am glad that I am not the only one that absolutely hates it when websites scroll jack and modern Apple is among the worst.

It is so much better when you are just scrolling a long page of text and images. Even a small animation here there is fine, but each of these new webpages is an “experience” where as I scroll with inconsistent movements the page has a sloppy animation that zooms out unevenly or pixelated into the next section. It’s awkward and very bloated

 

[rui no onna]

OK, I am glad that I am not the only one that absolutely hates it when websites scroll jack and modern Apple is among the worst.

It is so much better when you are just scrolling a long page of text and images. Even a small animation here there is fine, but each of these new webpages is an “experience” where as I scroll with inconsistent movements the page has a sloppy animation that zooms out unevenly or pixelated into the next section. It’s awkward and very bloated

Some animations are smooth, some are stutter-central particularly when there are a lot of individual dynamic elements. Guessing the GPU isn't up to snuff. Maybe insufficient memory as well.

I tried the page on my iPad Pro 9.7 and that one didn't display any animations at all. Gotta say, the static page made for a much better experience.

 

[Danae02]

Some animations are smooth, some are stutter-central particularly when there are a lot of individual dynamic elements. Guessing the GPU isn't up to snuff. Maybe insufficient memory as well.

I tried the page on my iPad Pro 9.7 and that one didn't display any animations at all. Gotta say, the static page made for a much better experience.

I had the same experience on my 10.5- some stuttering for at least half of the animations.

 

[AHDuke99]

I'm kinda torn about this as well. In my case, it's wanting 8GB+ RAM since I've already hit snags with just 4GB RAM as seen in the image below. It was easier to ignore when it was just 6GB vs 4GB but double the RAM is really tempting.

Air 4
pro:
potentially better battery life
TouchID

Pro 11 3rd gen
pro:
8GB RAM


View attachment 1765353

I am having web browsing issues as well on my 2017 Pro. If the Air has the same amount of RAM as the 2017 Pro does, then perhaps that tablet is not right for me. I also considered the 2020 iPad Pro, but only if there is some sort of steep discount, which so far I have not found. For $100 more, I can just upgrade to the 2021 Pro

 

[thisismyusername]

I'm waiting for WWDC to make any decisions. The only way I'd upgrade is if Apple improved iPadOS enough where it could 100% replace a laptop and, for me, there's just no way Apple's going to make those kinds of huge changes nor do I necessarily think they should. Even if they did, I'd still need 3rd party developers to better embrace the platform so there's parity between iPad and desktop apps and there's no way I'm going to spend money on the hope that better software eventually comes.

So, it's most likely a no for me. I'm leaning more towards a new MBP when they're released later this year. There's just no way I can justify spending $1,000+ on something that's still just a tablet, a secondary device to a real computer, and doesn't let me be any more productive than the much cheaper, regular iPad.

 

[MarkC426]

Not trying to sway you....I agree with your cost points.
But a lot of people spend more than that on the ridiculous priced latest iPhones...... ?

 

[subjonas]

2017 12.9”. I’m holding onto this because I like Touch ID, thicker bezels to hold onto, and the headphone port which I use for audio work and is convenient when my Bluetooth headphones run out of battery. I could reluctantly make do with small bezels and a headphone dongle, but no Touch ID is a bigger deal to me. I’ll only buy a new 12.9 if Apple reintroduces Touch ID or when this thing becomes unusable and I have no other choice (within the Apple ecosystem). Thankfully, no signs of this thing slowing down yet.

 

[thadoggfather]

2017 12.9”. I’m holding onto this because I like Touch ID, thicker bezels to hold onto, and the headphone port which I use for audio work and is convenient when my Bluetooth headphones run out of battery. I could reluctantly make do with small bezels and a headphone dongle, but no Touch ID is a bigger deal to me. I’ll only buy a new 12.9 if Apple reintroduces Touch ID or when this thing becomes unusable and I have no other choice (within the Apple ecosystem). Thankfully, no signs of this thing slowing down yet.

nothing wrong with being honest about being happy and saving some coin

I kind of agree with all your points tbh, I have an apple gift card burning a hole in my pocket but maybe I should wait for a later iPhone upgrade

my 12.9 is largely a YouTube device, and occasional surf sites and iMessage device with the keyboard strapped

its not slow in any sense of the word for what I use it for

The new ones do look flashy though, but I find myself continually asking why I would need to upgrade


I do wonder how many more years of iOS support it will receive, but considering the entry 10.2“ came out in September 2019 that has just an A10, and hasn’t even approached 2 years of life, maybe a while? hopefully?

 

[Just sayin...]

I’ve got a 2017 12.9” 512GB IPP and will be going for the new 12.9” M1 IPP first thing tomorrow - I’m still debating whether to get the 8GB/512GB or 16GB/1TB. Current IPP is going to my wife who has plans for it…

 

[rui no onna]

I kind of agree with all your points tbh, I have an apple gift card burning a whole in my pocket but maybe I should wait for a later iPhone upgrade

For me, the iPad is priority. I'm still happily using a $250 iPhone SE2 (yay, Walmart deal). I actively use my phone maybe 10 minutes a day. For the most part, its functions are to provide a phone number and forward calls and SMS to my iPads.

I use iPads for 12-16 hours a day so that's what I choose to splurge on. I bought the M1 MBA last year but it's just been sitting in its bag. When I need a laptop, I find myself reaching for one of the ThinkPads with Windows 10 more often than not.

 

[MrEcted]

Nah, my 10.5 is still blazing fast for everything I do. After a battery swap it's like new again. No need to spend money needlessly!

 

[Phuz01]

Had 12.9", 512GB. Updated to the 2020 12.9 w/1TB in February. I am NOT regretting my decision.

I got a great price on the 2020, managed to get a decent resell value on my 2017, and have been very happy with the performance upgrade. Sure, I'd love the 2021 12.9 w/2TB, but I don't need all the firepower that comes with it for what I do on a tablet, and I was gobsmacked by the sticker price.

 

[xxray]

10.5 -> no.

Unfortunately, with my current obligations in life, I basically only use my iPad for maybe a few hours tops on the weekend. Additionally, my iPad still runs pretty much like new besides the battery, so I'd have a hard time convincing myself it's worthwhile to upgrade even if I used it more. I tried out the 2018 Pro 14-day return window in 2019, and decided to return it because even with the new design, pencil, and power, it really didn't improve my day-to-day iPad usage much at all. I don't see how this new iPad Pro will change things much either. The iPad Pros now have M1 - okay cool, but iPadOS is still limited based on what the base model iPad can do, and my 4 year old iPad Pro still runs great. So, what benefit would I get by upgrading?

Furthermore, one of the biggest hardware improvements I've been looking hoping for is OLED, but we only got mini-LED, only on the 12.9 models, AND for a pretty significant price bump. If I upgraded my iPad, I'd also have to buy a new pencil for another $129. If I wanted the Magic Keyboard, I'd have to spend another $300-$350. On top of that, the first MK Apple released just a year ago is already incompatible with new models.

I mean, it just gets more undesirable and makes less sense the more I think about it. I can't see myself upgrading until the next hardware redesign, the 11" screen gets more contrast (preferably OLED, maybe I'd put up with mini-LED), or my current Pro either dies or gets too slow. At this point, if my Pro just died, I'd probably just see how I do without getting a new one. Right now, I don't know if buying a new iPad would even make sense in my life.

 

[Traverse]

So here's how much of a loser I am. I cut a stack of card stock to approximate the size of the larger pro, measured it so that the paper + 10.5" is a close approximation of weight, and then used rubber bands to bind my 10.5" in the center and have been using it like that since Saturday.

Ridiculous, yes, but it was the only way I had of testing the size without buying something solely to return it (which I'd rather not do). My conclusion was that I think all things considered, I prefer the 11", but the 12.9" was not as cumbersome as I thought.

I think I will roll the dice and get the 12.9" for the XDR display. I can get the keyboard for free through my job's "appreciate portal" so it's just the device and pencil. If it's a mistake then I'll revert back on the next upgrade in a few years. At least then I'll FINALLY stop wondering if I should try it (which has been nagging me since 2018)

 

[Danae02]

So here's how much of a loser I am. I cut a stack of card stock to approximate the size of the larger pro, measured it so that the paper + 10.5" is a close approximation of weight, and then used rubber bands to bind my 10.5" in the center and have been using it like that since Saturday.

Ridiculous, yes, but it was the only way I had of testing the size without buying something solely to return it (which I'd rather not do). My conclusion was that I think all things considered, I prefer the 11", but the 12.9" was not as cumbersome as I thought.

I think I will roll the dice and get the 12.9" for the XDR display. I can get the keyboard for free through my job's "appreciate portal" so it's just the device and pencil. If it's a mistake then I'll revert back on the next upgrade in a few years. At least then I'll FINALLY stop wondering if I should try it (which has been nagging me since 2018)

If it helps, I borrowed a 12.9 iPad for the day and it’s not as bad as I thought. The larger screen is amazing- I can’t wait to see the improved 2021 version. I have a Pillow Pad stand I plan to use with it to save my hands

 

[Wackery]

As can be seen from the screenshot below, the page crashes on my 2017 Pro 12.9. I’m gonna need to restart so it can load.

Ugh, webpages have gotten so bloated. I really hate pages with animations like this one.

View attachment 1765408

Ok good, I’m not the only one, haha