iPad Pro Advice: Buy an iPad Pro M1 NOW?

[Luis0180]

Hey, community!
I currently work with an iMac M1 and an iPad mini 6, which I love. However, for my Japanese classes I find it a bit small to take notes on Goodnotes and after much consideration and trying other alternatives such as reMarkable, I have decided to trade it in for an 11-inch iPad Pro.
However I see or read that an Apple event is coming up, does it make sense to buy an iPad Pro now or is it better to wait? The truth is that I would like not to wait too long because it is really complicated to study with the mini, especially with split screen and two apps.

The most curious thing is that in the Apple Store in my city the iPad Pro M1 with cellular is out of stock and it says that they send it to you on March 8, which is suspicious...Although it is available at other retailers and at a discount. What should I do???

 

[Adarna]

NOW?

 

[Luis0180]

NOW: I mean when a new event sounds like is coming.

 

[MajorFubar]

I'd hold fire to see what the March 8th event brings. 13 days wait you'll find out whether your FOMO is justified (same as me).

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

If only for notes, why not just go with the iPad Air?

 

[Digitalguy]

Hey, community!
I currently work with an iMac M1 and an iPad mini 6, which I love. However, for my Japanese classes I find it a bit small to take notes on Goodnotes and after much consideration and trying other alternatives such as reMarkable, I have decided to trade it in for an 11-inch iPad Pro.
However I see or read that an Apple event is coming up, does it make sense to buy an iPad Pro now or is it better to wait? The truth is that I would like not to wait too long because it is really complicated to study with the mini, especially with split screen and two apps.

The most curious thing is that in the Apple Store in my city the iPad Pro M1 with cellular is out of stock and it says that they send it to you on March 8, which is suspicious...Although it is available at other retailers and at a discount. What should I do???

iPad pro is not coming before September or, more likely, October. It might get mini led but also a price bump. If miniled is not a big deal for you and/or you don't want to pay more for that, M2 should make little difference and the rumored changes are minimal (basically magsafe charging from the Apple logo... if that has any important for you at all...). I would say the M1 is an excellent and future proof device
PS don't buy the air right now, if you decide to go with the air wait the air 5 on March 8th

 

[Angler]

If the main reason to buy one is note taking the air would be more then capable for your needs. Use the savings for the pencil……

 

[roncron]

As others have suggested, it sounds like an iPad Air would meet your needs. An iPad Air is a larger version of the
iPad Mini 6 that you (and I) love. An iPad Pro is probably overkill.

The Mini 6 is a much newer device, has a faster chip and better cameras than the outgoing iPad Air 4. In less than two weeks, you'll be able to order the new iPad Air 5 which will have identical specs as the Mini 6, but in a larger form factor with the larger screen you want for note taking and studying.

So, either wait for that or pick up the outgoing model, the iPad Air 4, at a discounted price. The chip in the Air 4 is more than fast enough for most people who use their iPad for note taking, web browsing, media consumption, and all but the most processor-intensive games.

Good luck!

 

[SkiHound2]

None of us KNOW what Apple will announce in early March but I've not heard any rumors of new iPad Pros. The Air 5 is expected. It's likely to be very much like the newest Mini. I don't think new Pros will be announced till later in the year, most likely fall. The next 12.9 Pro will likely get the M2 but otherwise not bring much new. The next iPad 11 will likely get mini LED and M2 as main upgrades. If your primary uses are note taking and consuming information, any recent iPad will have more than enough processing power. The M1 is overkill for most of us. You could also consider a refurbished iPad Pro from 2018 or 2020. They have the same screen as the current iPad Pro but use A12x (2018) or A12z (2020) processors. You could check the Apple refurbished store. Sounds like you NEED to upgrade to a larger screen now. There's an adage to the effect that if you NEED a computer now, but it now. Otherwise, wait. That said, I'd be hesitant to buy a new Pro right now at full price. But if you can find a decent deal ...

 

[CoMoMacUser]

You could also consider a refurbished iPad Pro from 2018 or 2020. They have the same screen as the current iPad Pro but use A12x (2018) or A12z (2020) processors. You could check the Apple refurbished store.

Great advice. Unfortunately the 128 GB and 256 GB Wi-Fi models of the 2020 12.9" iPad Pro have been out of stock for the better part of the month. Hopefully Apple will get more in soon because it's a solid choice.

 

[rui no onna]

If you find a good sale (e.g. $100-200 off at Amazon, Best Buy, etc), I'd buy the M1 iPad Pro now. M1+8GB RAM should make for decent useful life and it's only ~$100 more than (the currently OOS) Apple certified refurb 2020 iPad Pro 128-256GB.

 

[bondr006]

If you can find an M1 iPad Pro 11 on sale, I'd go for it. I got one a few months ago, and it's one of the best Apple devices I've ever owned. I found it at Best Buy for a $100 off and couldn't pass it up. With the M1 chip, it will be future proof for a long time to come, and is just a pleasure to use. It replaced my MacBook Pro as my business device for my Realty/Property Management business.

 

[James Godfrey]

The iPad Pro is rumoured to be coming later this year, probably October or could even be November… all depends when the MacBook Air is ready as that will likely be launched alongside it with the M2.

The only rumours for the next iPad Pro is MagSafe charging via the Apple logo, M2, and miniLED for the 11” (with a price hike), all not worth the 8-9 month wait IMO.

The Air is coming next month as previously stated, and one thing is for sure Apple have never refreshed the Air and Pro at the same time as far as I am aware…

I would say buy now or wait for the Air and buy that and save a few $$$… if you do get the Pro and the next gen really has something you want, then you can always sell your M1 Pro and get the M2…

 

[azentropy]

As others mentioned - Very unlikely a new iPad Pro is coming for the March event, but very likely we will see a new iPad Air. So you should definitely wait until then as if your only complaint about the mini was it was too small, the new iPad Air will be great (and less than the Pro).

 

[ggibson913]

I don’t think the M2 will be significantly more powerful than the M1. The only thing you may miss by not waiting is the XDR screen being put on the 11 inch Pro. That being said, consider the iPad Air, you can still use the 11 inch keyboard and Apple Pencil 2 with it and you will save some money. Remember all iPads that Apple will sell you can run all iPad OS software.

 

[CoMoMacUser]

The only rumours for the next iPad Pro is MagSafe charging via the Apple logo

It will be interesting to see if that turns out to be true, considering how slow wireless charging is and how much bigger the iPad battery is compared to an iPhone's.

 

[Pezimak]

Hey, community!
I currently work with an iMac M1 and an iPad mini 6, which I love. However, for my Japanese classes I find it a bit small to take notes on Goodnotes and after much consideration and trying other alternatives such as reMarkable, I have decided to trade it in for an 11-inch iPad Pro.
However I see or read that an Apple event is coming up, does it make sense to buy an iPad Pro now or is it better to wait? The truth is that I would like not to wait too long because it is really complicated to study with the mini, especially with split screen and two apps.

The most curious thing is that in the Apple Store in my city the iPad Pro M1 with cellular is out of stock and it says that they send it to you on March 8, which is suspicious...Although it is available at other retailers and at a discount. What should I do???

I bought one this week, because it was partly my birthday present but also I looked and no rumours claim new iPads will be out next month. Most likely they will be towards the end of the year. Plus it's likely the 11" Pro will get Mini LED but also then get a price increase, that's what happened with the 12.9" model.
I can guarantee you will not notice any difference between an M1 and M2 iPad Pro performance wise for note taking, the M1 is incredibly fast and runs multiple apps with ease.
But weather you will notice a big difference with Mini LED I can't say.

I'm really happy with my new iPad Pro, and the Apple Pencil is ace too. Just need a case for it now and I'm split between a Noreve one or the Apple Smart Folio one.

 

[bondr006]

I bought one this week, because it was partly my birthday present but also I looked and no rumours claim new iPads will be out next month. Most likely they will be towards the end of the year. Plus it's likely the 11" Pro will get Mini LED but also then get a price increase, that's what happened with the 12.9" model.
I can guarantee you will not notice any difference between an M1 and M2 iPad Pro performance wise for note taking, the M1 is incredibly fast and runs multiple apps with ease.
But weather you will notice a big difference with Mini LED I can't say.

I'm really happy with my new iPad Pro, and the Apple Pencil is ace too. Just need a case for it now and I'm split between a Noreve one or the Apple Smart Folio one.

Congratulations on the new iPad Pro! I got the smart folio case when I first got my iPad Pro and hated it. Feels cheap and doesn’t protect the sides, and way too expensive for what it is. Apple’s hardware is the best and I don’t mind paying for good hardware, but paying the Apple tax on accessories for a logo when you can find better for less just doesn’t make sense. I returned the smart folio and got a much nicer folio case at Amazon that looks classy and fully protects my iPad for much less. Very happy with it for feel, looks, protection, and value. They are all made in China anyway, including Apples. No sense in paying more for accessories when you can find just as nice or better for less. That’s just my 2 cents.

 

[Pezimak]

Congratulations on the new iPad Pro! I got the smart folio case when I first got my iPad Pro and hated it. Feels cheap and doesn’t protect the sides, and way too expensive for what it is. Apple’s hardware is the best and I don’t mind paying for good hardware, but paying the Apple tax on accessories for a logo when you can find better for less just doesn’t make sense. I retuned the smart folio and got a much nicer folio case at Amazon that looks classy and fully protects my iPad for much less. Very happy with it for feel, looks, protection, and value. They are all made in China anyway, including Apples. No sense in paying more for accessories when you can find just as nice or better for less. That’s just my 2 cents.

thanks, I looked at it more and have spent the money on a luxury Noreve case, I have one in my current iPad and it’s held up well for several years. It offers good protection too.

 

[bondr006]

thanks, I looked at it more and have spent the money on a luxury Noreve case, I have one in my current iPad and it’s held up well for several years. It offers good protection too.

That is one beautiful case! I see they are designed in France. Do you know where they are made?

I really, really like this one...

 

[Pezimak]

That is one beautiful case! I see they are designed in France. Do you know where they are made?

I really, really like this one...

I believe they are hand made in France too but could be wrong. I’ve had three before on various tablets and my mum has one on her iPad. They do last well and are a bit of luxury, they add a bit of weight and bulk due to their padded nature, but then also offer protection. That’s the design I’ve just bought, it’s the same as the case I have on my old iPad Pro.

 

[Pezimak]

I’m loving my iPad Pro more and more lol, so fast and smooth. I don’t usually bother with screen protectors, what do people honk of them on an iPad? I can see sense for a phone but is it worth it for an iPad?

 

[bondr006]

I believe they are hand made in France too but could be wrong. I’ve had three before on various tablets and my mum has one on her iPad. They do last well and are a bit of luxury, they add a bit of weight and bulk due to their padded nature, but then also offer protection. That’s the design I’ve just bought, it’s the same as the case I have on my old iPad Pro.

They are beautiful! Looks similar to the one I got on Amazon, but yours is real leather. I just like the professional look and feel that this type of case has. I just may have to save up for one of those.

 

[bondr006]

I’m loving my iPad Pro more and more lol, so fast and smooth. I don’t usually bother with screen protectors, what do people honk of them on an iPad? I can see sense for a phone but is it worth it for an iPad?

I have a Paperlike on mine. I use the pencil a lot to write notes and draw dimensions of houses(I'm a Realtor). I like the feel it gives when using the pencil. But I do understand not everyone likes them. Very subjective thing these screen protectors. If you have a protective case and don't care one way or the other about the writing experience, a protector probably is not needed.

 

[Pezimak]

I have a Paperlike on mine. I use the pencil a lot to write notes and draw dimensions of houses(I'm a Realtor). I like the feel it gives when using the pencil. But I do understand not everyone likes them. Very subjective thing these screen protectors. If you have a protective case and don't care one way or the other about the writing experience, a protector probably is not needed.

Thanks for the reply. I am going to have a go at drawing but am a total novice so I can get used to not having a screen protector, or with one fitted. I’ll see how I go without one I think. I want to have a go at animation, I’ve purchased a few apps and Pro Create to do this.