iPad Buy iPad Pro 12.9 inch 2017 refurb or iPad Pro 2020 12.9 inch?

[PaulMac89]

Hi all,

I have a sixth-generation iPad which I'd like to upgrade. I use the iPad to read magazine PDFs and mark student assignments. I wear glasses to correct severe astigmatism, so a big screen might be best for me. I would use it at home, as I teach classes online; I don't plan to tote this around.

I'm trying to decide between these choices:
(1) In Canada, Apple is offering a refurb 2017 iPad Pro 12.9 inch for $1169.00 Cdn. It is wi-fi + cellular with 512 GB of storage. I could use my Apple Pencil 1 with it.

OR

(2) Buy a base wi-fi 128 GB 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 inch for $1169.00 Cdn (I'm a teacher, so I can get the educational discount). Then I'd have to buy an Apple Pencil 2 for $159 Cdn. The combination would cost $20 more than the base iPad Pro without the educational discount. Another advantage with buying this iPad is that I will have to replace my late 2010 MacBook Air (which is still working well) eventually, but might be able to use the iPad Pro with the new Magic Keyboard as a laptop replacement.

Could you advise me what you would do? I'm leaning towards option 2, but am wondering if the difference is significant enough between the 2017 and 2020 models that the 2020 model plus Pencil 2 is a better investment now and for futureproofing.

Thanks for your help!

 

[rui no onna]

I'm inclined to grab either 2018 or 2020 iPad 12.9" (whichever you find on a good deal). If you don't need the fancy features (pressure sensitivity, gestures, magnetic charging) on the Apple Pencil 2, maybe consider a Logitech Crayon?

I don't know if you plan on keeping the 6th gen but you can seamlessly switch the Crayon between supported devices (iPads released 2018 or later running iOS 12.3+). No need for pairing.

 

[gsal]

I would buy the 2020 iPad Pro and sell the gen1 pencil to recoup some of the expense for sure.

You’ll gain not only in performance but also in portability over the 2017 Pro. There are so many more advantages going this route such as better charging implementation for the Apple Pencil and a USB-C port for expandability - which can be used to connect an external SSD.

 

[Kal-037]

I suggest a refurbished iPad Pro 2018. Apparently the 2020 still bends and actually there are reports of the display glass being more flexible (not good for the LCD.) The 2020 only has 3 pros
1.) RAM is 6GB.
2.) LiDar Scanner.
3.) It's a year and a half newer.

 

[AutomaticApple]

(2) Buy a base wi-fi 128 GB 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 inch for $1169.00 Cdn (I'm a teacher, so I can get the educational discount). Then I'd have to buy an Apple Pencil 2 for $159 Cdn. The combination would cost $20 more than the base iPad Pro without the educational discount. Another advantage with buying this iPad is that I will have to replace my late 2010 MacBook Air (which is still working well) eventually, but might be able to use the iPad Pro with the new Magic Keyboard as a laptop replacement.

Grab the 2020 iPad Pro. It has a lot of things to love!

 

[ericwn]

Grab the 2020 iPad Pro. It has a lot of things to love!

Another vote for the 2020 model. RAM might be nice to have if you make a lot of use of the device.

 

[Freakonomics101]

If you can find a good deal on the 2018 Pro, I’d go with that one. I think the refurb store has them for a good price too. And comes with a 1 year warranty. The 2017 Pro is not worth it.

 

[stanza.richi]

2018\2020 depending on budget. Pencil 2 is a big game changer for pdf and marking.