256GB vs 512GB Storage

[missbing]

I currently have the 512GB iPad and wondering if this is too much, especially since the 256gb is $200 less. I'm wondering if I should exchange mine for the 256gb and save $200. I previously had an iPad Air 2 which had 128GB of storage and I literally had less than 1gb of storage left. I have about 50gb of music, 10gb of pictures (with another 300gbs in the cloud), 30+gbs of apps, 10+gbs of videos (I have a ton of movies in the cloud, but didn't have enough space to download more to my iPad). So with this in mind, I knew that when I upgraded I needed more storage. But even with downloading a few more videos, I don't see how I could possibly get to 512gb. I plan on keeping this iPad for the next 3 to 4 years, so wanted to make sure I had enough space.

For those who have the 256 or 512, what made you decide to get one vs the other? Do you see yourself using more storage with the new file system coming with OS 11?

 

[dumastudetto]

It's not only about how much you use, but the bigger the storage capacity the faster your iPad will perform. I highly recommend 512GB to everyone who wants the best iPad experience imaginable.

 

[keysofanxiety]

It's not only about how much you use, but the bigger the storage capacity the faster your iPad will perform. I highly recommend 512GB to everyone who wants the best iPad experience imaginable.

This, this, this. Flash chips work in parallel so the higher the storage, the quicker the device.

Granted, it won't be hugely noticeable, or even at all with real-world usage; but if you're looking for a reason to keep your 512GB, you can justify it by telling yourself that.

 

[missbing]

It's not only about how much you use, but the bigger the storage capacity the faster your iPad will perform. I highly recommend 512GB to everyone who wants the best iPad experience imaginable.

I didn't know this. Do you know the speed difference?

 

[MisterMillz]

I purchased the 256GB 10.5. I ultimately settled on 256 over 512 because I simply didn’t need the extra storage. Sure, I could fill it up with movies if I wanted to but I don’t need things I know I rarely use locally on my iPad. Saving roughly $250 will just about net me my keyboard and sleeve.

 

[sracer]

It's not only about how much you use, but the bigger the storage capacity the faster your iPad will perform. I highly recommend 512GB to everyone who wants the best iPad experience imaginable.

The gift that keeps on giving.

I didn't know this. Do you know the speed difference?

At those capacities the speed difference is not noticeable. Even going from 32GB to 128GB the difference is marginal.

The question to ask yourself is, "how likely am I to increase my storage needs over the life of the device?" You said that you had 1GB free on the 128GB device. Unless you plan on a massive inflow of media to put on it, you should be fine with 256GB.

 

[masotime]

I got the largest size because I value convenience above all else, but I wouldn't recommend it to "normal" people personally.

I was pretty surprised at the $200 premium Apple places on 512GB, and I'm pretty sure most people won't need that extra 256GB. Get 512GB only if

• You have $$ to burn
• You are certain you will use it

As others have mentioned, the money you saved can go to accessories, AppleCare+ etc.

 

[missbing]

I got the largest size because I value convenience above all else, but I wouldn't recommend it to "normal" people personally.

I was pretty surprised at the $200 premium Apple places on 512GB, and I'm pretty sure most people won't need that extra 256GB. Get 512GB only if

• You have $$ to burn
• You are certain you will use it

As others have mentioned, the money you saved can go to accessories, AppleCare+ etc.

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the 256. I'm going to think about it this week and go over what I have and plan to download. I like the convenience of having most of my stuff on my iPad even if I rarely use it, but if I don't see myself reaching 200gb, then I'll exchange it.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Do you have to keep so much data on the iPad at one time? Given that there is so much in the cloud, the answer is probably no.

I see no need to spend an extra $200 just so you can say you filled up the drive.

 

[missbing]

Do you have to keep so much data on the iPad at one time? Given that there is so much in the cloud, the answer is probably no.

I see no need to spend an extra $200 just so you can say you filled up the drive.

I like to keep all my music and a decent amount of videos (not all), just because I occasionally go to places w/o internet access (i.e., cabin, camping, etc), but that only represents maybe 80+/- gbs of storage, so I don't think I need 512gb. It's more of a want, which is what's making this decision so hard.

 

[MrGimper]

I’m in the same boat. I have about 50gb free on my 256gb 9.7 iPad Pro. Tempted with the 512GB but over here it’s about £180 price difference.

It’s all well and good saying store stuff in the cloud instead, but unless you are on Wi-fi then cell data still costs...

 

[omihek]

I for one don't like using the cloud whenever I don't have to. I've just had too many experiences when it can't be relied on at critical moments. That's why I cancelled my iTunes Match subscription (remember iTunes Match?). I say go with more space every time. If there was a 1TB iPad, I'd get that.

 

[MisterMillz]

Everyone is offering valid points and opinions. Keep in mind that the biggest determining factor from what I’m gathering is price. If it were a mere $75-$100 jump to 512 it’d be a no-brainer for anyone comfortably sniffing at the 256 model. Apple is charging $200 extra for something MissB may not need.
I’m a fan of keeping everything local (music, videos, photos, documents...etc) except movies. All of the things I listed above account for roughly 60GB. My movies alone would take up over 300GB. While certainly convenient it wasn’t necessary *for me. I can download a significant portion of movies for a trip and still have space to spare. MissB may or may not be in the same boat. Either way, that $200 could buy you double the space if you need it, or a good portion of accessories. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I like to keep all my music and a decent amount of videos (not all), just because I occasionally go to places w/o internet access (i.e., cabin, camping, etc), but that only represents maybe 80+/- gbs of storage, so I don't think I need 512gb. It's more of a want, which is what's making this decision so hard.

If it is only a want, the decision is easy. Stick with what you have. Put the price difference towards Apple stock, emergency fund, pick a random person each day you think is in need and give them some of that money. Pay it forward.

 

[gigaguy]

I prefer 128gb option, 64gb may be enough and I don't use the cloud either. I prefer synching from my Mac what I want on the ipad at anytime. Wouldn't cloud backups of 256-512gb add up to a bit $$ over time? To me, iPad is a portable accessory device.

 

[missbing]

I prefer 128gb option, 64gb may be enough and I don't use the cloud either. I prefer synching from my Mac what I want on the ipad at anytime. Wouldn't cloud backups of 256-512gb add up to a bit $$ over time? To me, iPad is a portable accessory device.

I don't use Apple Cloud, way overpriced. I use Microsoft One Drive which gives you 1TB of cloud storage for $70 a year and it includes the Microsoft Office Suite. But there are plenty of services for as little as $2/month for 100gb of storage.

 

[Alrescha]

I don't use Apple Cloud, way overpriced. I use Microsoft One Drive which gives you 1TB of cloud storage for $70 a year

One Drive is $5.8 per TB per month. Apple iCloud at 2TB is (US) $4.99 per TB per month. Way overpriced /s

A.

 

[missbing]

One Drive is $5.8 per TB per month. Apple iCloud at 2TB is (US) $4.99 per TB per month. Way overpriced /s

A.

Not sure where you're seeing $4.99/month for iCloud, but in the US it's $9.99/month which is almost double the price of One Drive. Yes, you do get 2gb vs 1gb, but I don't need that much gbs and I get word, excel, etc with one drive which I do use and would have to purchase separately if I didn't have their 365 subscription.

 

[HopefulHumanist]

I don't use Apple Cloud, way overpriced. I use Microsoft One Drive which gives you 1TB of cloud storage for $70 a year and it includes the Microsoft Office Suite. But there are plenty of services for as little as $2/month for 100gb of storage.

You’re debating wasting $200 on storage you don’t need but are quibbling about $50? That doesn’t make much sense to me. At any rate, as Alrescha noted, Apple’s storage is the better value proposition at the moment.

 

[missbing]

You’re debating wasting $200 on storage you don’t need but are quibbling about $50? That doesn’t make much sense to me. At any rate, as Alrescha noted, Apple’s storage is the better value proposition at the moment.

This wasn't a debate on cloud storage. I don't need as much cloud storage as others may need. I prefer to store things on my device as I like to have quick and convenient access and only use the cloud for important things like pictures. $9.99/month may be a better deal for some, but not others. For me, it wouldn't since I would also have to pay for Microsoft Office on top of cloud storage, so for me spending $5.80/month (for cloud and office) with Microsoft is a better deal than spending $10/month with Apple.

 

[kazmac]

I went with 256gb. If this was my only computer, I would have picked the 512.

 

[dumastudetto]

This, this, this. Flash chips work in parallel so the higher the storage, the quicker the device.

Granted, it won't be hugely noticeable, or even at all with real-world usage; but if you're looking for a reason to keep your 512GB, you can justify it by telling yourself that.

Safari definitely feels snappier with 512GB.

 

[TraceyS/FL]

I ended up order 512 because.... it was what was available on Best Buy for Business where i had to order it.

That said, I have a crazy amount of graphics files to load on it so i'm sure it will be handy to have.

Except crap, I can't exclude them from the backup can I?? Hmmm........ I need something organized for them.

 

[HopefulHumanist]

This wasn't a debate on cloud storage. I don't need as much cloud storage as others may need. I prefer to store things on my device as I like to have quick and convenient access and only use the cloud for important things like pictures. $9.99/month may be a better deal for some, but not others. For me, it wouldn't since I would also have to pay for Microsoft Office on top of cloud storage, so for me spending $5.80/month (for cloud and office) with Microsoft is a better deal than spending $10/month with Apple.

Fair enough; the Office angle is pretty significant.

 

[Closingracer]

I got the largest size because I value convenience above all else, but I wouldn't recommend it to "normal" people personally.

I was pretty surprised at the $200 premium Apple places on 512GB, and I'm pretty sure most people won't need that extra 256GB. Get 512GB only if

• You have $$ to burn
• You are certain you will use it

As others have mentioned, the money you saved can go to accessories, AppleCare+ etc.

If it was a $200 increase I would of considered it because I tend to keep my tablets a lot longer but at that premium I'll be happy with 256gb. I could easily go over 512 but I don't need it