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iPad Pro 2020 12.9 Pro Overkill For My Needs But No Alternatives!!

M

Milellie111

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 2, 2014
25
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My only must have for upgrading from an Air 2 was the 12.9 inch screen. It is gorgeous and perfect for media consumption/we browsing. Only problem I’m having is thats all I need it for...media consumption and web browsing! I spent $999 for a 2020 iPad Pro to browse the web (super fast WiFi 6 with my WiFi 6 router), watch Hulu/Netflix, and join Zoom calls. I almost feel like I way overspent and I am not using the device for what it was intended for. No, I don’t need the Magic Keyboard/Apple Pencil. No I don’t draw or sketch with Procreate. No, I don’t have use for the LIDAR or AR tech. No, I don’t edit videos or produce music utilizing the 6 gigs of Ram.

But I do love the 12.9 inch screen and the quad speakers which is nothing like I’ve heard on a tablet before. The regular iPad, iPad Air, 10.5 inch pro and 11 inch pro are all inferior one way or another to the 12.9 and I can’t imagine being satisfied with those compromises. So, even though I felt as if I overspent for my needs, I wouldn’t change a thing and what other alternatives are there? Apple needs to release a 12.9 inch non-Pro version for around $600 for those who don’t want to spend $1000 for media consumption on a large screen.
 
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Apple probably doesn’t think the market for a “budget” 12.9” iPad is all that profitable right now. Besides, the $499 Air doesn’t have quad speakers so you probably lose that regardless if Apple does release a $599 12.9” Air.

Refurb 2018 iPad Pro is $699 on the Apple certified refurb store when it’s in stock. I haven’t really paid attention to 2017 iPad Pro prices but those are likely even cheaper.

That’s the route I would go if I just wanted the larger screen iPad with quad speakers for a low price.
 
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I think many people bought an iPad pro just for media and web browsing and I think Apple knows it. Thats why they added four speakers just for this model and thats why the bigger and more advanced screen is only on the pro line. Personally, I think the regular iPad is not very good for watching movies on it.

Personally, I bought the 12,9 almost just for web browsing, watching TV shows as well, but I admit it turns out its also my laptop with the magic keyboard, you should consider it because since I bought this accessory, I have the impression that the price difference between the pro and non pro models really worth it now.
 
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Like others said: don’t overthink it, just see it as a good future investment. Not only will you get software updates for at least another 5 years, it will definitely handle those updates far better and with less compromises than a 2019 Air or 10,2” iPad will due to the Pro’s best-in-class processor.

And even if you decide to downgrade after all: with the money you‘ll still get when selling it a year or two from now, you‘ll probably even have some cash left after replacing it with a budget option.
 
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It's no different then me buying a 16" MBP for internet use. Sure I could get an air but it doesn't have a 16" display or the nice speakers. I also wanted a 1TB SSD which was on the one I was able to get same day at BestBuy back in April. Overkill? Yes, Every MBP even the old 2012 non retina 13" was overkill as was the first MBP 15" I bought back in 2007. They've all been overkill but they work for me.
 
sparksd said:
Better overkill than underkill. Underkill can cost you more to rectify (Buy wrong item -> sell wrong item at loss -> buy new right item).
Click to expand...
This is true.

For me, I don’t like to deal with the hassle of selling stuff (normally just give away to family) so I pretty much end up either spending almost double or tolerating using a device that I’m not particularly happy with.
 
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sparksd said:
Described me to a T.
Click to expand...
Lol. Glad to know I’m not the only crazy one. 🤣

I really wish iPads were released with a regular schedule and that there was an iPad Upgrade Program. Would make the buying decision so much easier if you know you can easily trade-up to next year’s model if you wanted.
 
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I understand the cost vs value aspect, which is exactly why I returned my iPad Pro 11 after a week. It was amazing, but it definitely did not justify the cost for me. So I ended up returning it. But that being said, I did associate a cost with the value it provided, and simply waited for an opportunity where the iPad price went down to my valued cost and picked one up (tax free options help too).

But on your personal struggle, why buy the 2020 iPad Pro? If you’re upgrading from an air 2, most options would have been an upgrade, even if you did get the non pro versions. Though if you wanted the screen size, why get the new one?

2018 iPP is practically the same with regards to your use since you don’t need lidar, but even if you’re just using it for media consumption, I would have even recommended getting a used 2nd gen. I’ve been contemplating getting a 12.9” version myself from B&H.

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hope I am not going to be killed for saying this in a forum like this... but, for the same purpose as you, there is another tablet I am considering.... Yes, not an ipad.... The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, a 12.4in tablet that will be very close in size to the 12.9 ipad for video watching (actually slightly bigger videos due to the aspect ratio...). Having said that, it won't be much cheaper as it will have top of the line specs (120hz display, speakers as good or better than the 12.9, given that the smaller models already match it, 8GB RAM, latest Snapdragon, wifi 6). It will probably be lighter. My guess is that it will cost between $800 and $900. Again, I am just mentioning it as you said it's just for video watching and browsing....
 
Only problem is, it has crappy android os....... ;)
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Milellie111 said:
My only must have for upgrading from an Air 2 was the 12.9 inch screen. It is gorgeous and perfect for media consumption/we browsing. Only problem I’m having is thats all I need it for...media consumption and web browsing! I spent $999 for a 2020 iPad Pro to browse the web (super fast WiFi 6 with my WiFi 6 router), watch Hulu/Netflix, and join Zoom calls. I almost feel like I way overspent and I am not using the device for what it was intended for. No, I don’t need the Magic Keyboard/Apple Pencil. No I don’t draw or sketch with Procreate. No, I don’t have use for the LIDAR or AR tech. No, I don’t edit videos or produce music utilizing the 6 gigs of Ram.

But I do love the 12.9 inch screen and the quad speakers which is nothing like I’ve heard on a tablet before. The regular iPad, iPad Air, 10.5 inch pro and 11 inch pro are all inferior one way or another to the 12.9 and I can’t imagine being satisfied with those compromises. So, even though I felt as if I overspent for my needs, I wouldn’t change a thing and what other alternatives are there? Apple needs to release a 12.9 inch non-Pro version for around $600 for those who don’t want to spend $1000 for media consumption on a large screen.
Click to expand...
Think of the longevity of this also.
I have a 1st gen ipad Pro (five years old), which is still like a rocket.
A standard iPad would have started to get sluggish by now.
 
The way I see it, the non-pro version of the 12.9" would be a previous gen 12.9". Wouldn't a refurbished or used one of those be better suited in OP's case? Price vs specs I mean, it should be an OK compromise.
 
sonicrobby said:
I understand the cost vs value aspect, which is exactly why I returned my iPad Pro 11 after a week. It was amazing, but it definitely did not justify the cost for me. So I ended up returning it. But that being said, I did associate a cost with the value it provided, and simply waited for an opportunity where the iPad price went down to my valued cost and picked one up (tax free options help too).

But on your personal struggle, why buy the 2020 iPad Pro? If you’re upgrading from an air 2, most options would have been an upgrade, even if you did get the non pro versions. Though if you wanted the screen size, why get the new one?

2018 iPP is practically the same with regards to your use since you don’t need lidar, but even if you’re just using it for media consumption, I would have even recommended getting a used 2nd gen. I’ve been contemplating getting a 12.9” version myself from B&H.

www.bhphotovideo.com

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Buy easyCover Silicone Protection Cover for Nikon D5500 and D5600 (Black) featuring Protection from Bumps and Scratches, Provides Secure Grip, Custom-Fit Silicone Material, Slim Design and Smooth Texture. Review easyCover null
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Click to expand...

At the time I bought, 2018 12.9" Pros were still $899 so it was only $100 cheaper and only comes with 64gb of RAM (128gb was a must, I’ve filled up 64gb with media pretty quick on my iPhone).
 
Digitalguy said:
hope I am not going to be killed for saying this in a forum like this... but, for the same purpose as you, there is another tablet I am considering.... Yes, not an ipad.... The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, a 12.4in tablet that will be very close in size to the 12.9 ipad for video watching (actually slightly bigger videos due to the aspect ratio...). Having said that, it won't be much cheaper as it will have top of the line specs (120hz display, speakers as good or better than the 12.9, given that the smaller models already match it, 8GB RAM, latest Snapdragon, wifi 6). It will probably be lighter. My guess is that it will cost between $800 and $900. Again, I am just mentioning it as you said it's just for video watching and browsing....
Click to expand...

The Samsung tablets are very nice for video but the problem is the rest of it, primarily the lower quality of software offerings (I have 6 Android tablets stored away so I have the experience with them). But I find that my 12.9 Pro offers an excellent video experience while delivering on the broader tablet experience. $800 - $900 for a primarily video experience is a lot - you can get a quality large-screen 4K TV for that.
 
sparksd said:
The Samsung tablets are very nice for video but the problem is the rest of it, primarily the lower quality of software offerings (I have 6 Android tablets stored away so I have the experience with them). But I find that my 12.9 Pro offers an excellent video experience while delivering on the broader tablet experience. $800 - $900 for a primarily video experience is a lot - you can get a quality large-screen 4K TV for that.
Click to expand...
Yeah but the OP is not going to use the rest of the OS, unless he/she wants to stay in the Apple ecosystem... And the 12.9 is pricey too for a primarily video experience, and a 4k TV is a completely different thing... (personally I would never consider it, as I want to be able to move around the house while a watch a video..)
The ipad is a superior tablet in general and that’s why I have 3 pros and 3 minis while my Android tablets date back to 2013 and 2014, but I try to be an open person and as unbiased as possible. For instance I have never been interested in macs as my work require windows only software, I like the much wider choice of hardare that Windows offers and I am not a windows hater.... But I bought a used macbook air because I wanted to know what a Mac is... And I like it, even if I mainly used it as a “chromebook“ for youtube and browsing... Similarly I like that Samsung is still making high end Android tablets and I am not an Android hater as some here, as my phone is a Galaxy S10e and I love it... So while I plan on sticking with ipads forever and I think they will get better and better, I am tempted to see what an high end Android tablet can do, especially in video watching and browsing, but also, email, social networks etc. which is what I do with ipads, since I work on windows...
I don’t want to open a can of worms, but I don’t think that most people here are very open to non Apple devices and OSs, which is understandable since we are on an Apple-centric forum... People do not hesitate to say life is short, get a $1000 ipad even if it’s only for browsing and video watching (which by the way I agree with...) but spending 800-900 on a Android tablet that can do the same thing as well if not better is too pricey....
 
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I would definitely buy an iPad Pro for Media Consumption, Disney+ on 120hz screen would be awesome

As others have stated Don’t always put stuff down you can enjoy your product JUST HE HAPPY 😃
 
Hiya,


I wouldn’t worry about and just enjoy having it as the others are saying.

The extra uses will come in their own time and you will probably be pleasantly surprised by it all again then :)



Currently I’m happily:

1. Listening to Music on it, taking It around the house. OK ipad Speakers. No Sonos speakers dotted in every room for me, so a bonus.

2. Reading kindle - bit of a crappy UI app but works

3. Watching amazon prime - great screen!

4. Internet browsing over breakfast

5. Tiny amount of excel work - learn’t just enough to get by on the crappy windows implementation on the ipad. (XLS on onedrive, so using on other devices as well etc.)

6. Broke and fixed my 10years worth of iPhone photos.

And that’s it!


Overall:
Ipad is awesome bit of kit
Looking fwd to using its techie stuff, when I get around to it.

Cheers
Martin


PS:
This is the longest bit of typing I’ve done on the MK so far I think!:oops:
 
My storry is the same: I went from Air 2 to iPad Pro 2020 12.9 with Apple pencil. I only use it for internet like now, somethimes some entertainment and that is all. I have bought Procreate and profi apps but never use it. Apple pencil the lays the whole day on the table and I do not know why I have it. Right now I am going to buy a car and I am missing this money 😀
But I do not care, I just love modern techs. I love Apple products. Last year I have bought Macbook Pro, but I do not use it. I have bought Iphone 11 Pro Max, which is now in Apple service for overheating and as I am using iPhone XR, I found out that I do not see difference oin using half price iPhone. But I just do not care. Yes, I could have more money, but it makes me happy that I can have newest technologies..
 
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