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iPad Buying the 2017 iPad 9.7" in 2020

Tekguy0

Tekguy0

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jan 19, 2020
306
361
Apple currently has the refurbished 9.7" iPad from 2017 (the 5th gen) on sale at the online store for $219. I think this may be too good a deal to pass up, but I am concerned about how long it will continue to be supported, because it has the A9 chip. Should I pass and wait for the A10 models (usually $249), or is it fine because it has 2 GB of RAM? Thank you all in advance.

EDIT: I suppose my usage case is pretty light, mostly video consumption and web browsing.
 
Tekguy0 said:
Apple currently has the refurbished 9.7" iPad from 2017 (the 5th gen) on sale at the online store for $219. I think this may be too good a deal to pass up, but I am concerned about how long it will continue to be supported, because it has the A9 chip. Should I pass and wait for the A10 models (usually $249), or is it fine because it has 2 GB of RAM? Thank you all in advance.

EDIT: I suppose my usage case is pretty light, mostly video consumption and web browsing.
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I wouldn't even bother with a deal like that. That is way overpriced.
 
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As others have said, the 2019 10.2 is a far better deal. Bigger screen, a much better processor and more ram. The A9 to A10 professor jump was a big upgrade for the A series chips. That’s why they have been able to use it for this long still.
 
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Yeah.. RAM/Processor plus Apple Pencil and smart connector support Kind of makes anything from a lesser generation just not worth it. The price point on sale is just too good.
 
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One advantage of the 9.7 is getting the free office word, excel and powerpoint without a Paid 365 account
 
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EugW said:
Cuz it’s a refurb A9 with 2 GB RAM for over $200 in 2020, when the A10 + 3 GB RAM + bigger screen + Smart Connector costs US$279 brand new from a major retailer (Wal-Mart).
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And has gone frequently on sale for even less at $249.
 
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Kal-037 said:
I have been looking for a Rose Gold ipad Pro 9.7” or a Gold ipad 6 for the past couple months, but none have a price that is at all in the same universe of reasonable.
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Agreed. I have a Rose Gold 9.7 iPP 32GB and was considering getting a space grey to match the rest of my product and just have the rose gold 9.7 next to my gf's rose gold 10.5 iPP because it's a really good looking iPad, but can't justify the price when you can get the latest 10.2 for less than what it's going for, everywhere.

I'm in no rush as I have 2 3rd gen 12.9 iPPs, so maybe in another year or two I can find a decent 9.7 just to have. lol
[automerge]1589252509[/automerge]
Beemers916 said:
www.bestbuy.com

Best Buy: Apple 10.2-Inch iPad (7th Generation) with Wi-Fi 32GB Space Gray MW742LL/A

Shop Apple 10.2-Inch iPad (7th Generation) with Wi-Fi 32GB Space Gray at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. Price Match Guarantee.
www.bestbuy.com www.bestbuy.com

10.2 on sale for $249 brand new not refurbished
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Exactly why OP should not get the 2017 iPad.
2019 trumps the 2017 in every category, and for only about $30 more.
 
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The 2017 iPad is the worst iPad in existence. I wouldn’t go near it. The 10.2 inch iPad is better if you can find a good deal
 
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