All iPads Choosing the right iPad

[Martinpa]

I finally want to buy a new iPad, but I'm very conflicted on which one I should go for...

What I intend to use my iPad for:

• Apple News +: reading magazines
• Recipes in the kitchen
• Videos (YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+)
• In the holder on my elliptical during workouts
• Possible light writing (screenwriting, and jotting down ideas and such)
• Maybe photo editing with an Apple Pencil (I'm used to doing it on my computer, but I'd like to try adding the iPad to my workflow). Do not care for photo taking with the iPad itself though, so the rear camera is not a concern.
• Would probably upgrade storage to 256Gb

My thoughts:

iPad Pro 11"

• Screen size: good for magazines, videos, big enough to split screen in the kitchen with a recipe on one side and a video on the other
• Refresh rate is probably a little better for use with the Apple Pencil/photo editing
• Brighter screen
• Sounds like the M1 is underused, but at least it should future proof it a bit
• Could buy right away
• Heaviest (especially considering the use case of holding it with one hand and using the pencil with the other)
• Most expensive option

iPad Air

• Same advantages for the screen size as the Pro
• Sounds powerful enough for what I intend to do, but who knows where Apple with take iPadOS in the future, so future proofing is up in the air
• Not paying for rear camera I probably won't ever use
• Colors can be nice
• Would probably wait until the possible introduction of new iPads to see if the Air will be refreshed

Rumored refreshed iPad Mini

• LOVE that I can easily and steadily hold it in one hand
• Cheapest
• Screen size (especially with rumoured redesign) would be fine for video and magazine, but split screen in the kitchen and photo editing would probably be pretty cramped...
• A lot of the same upsides as the Air
• Not planning on getting a magic keyboard, but if I end up deciding to get one down the line, I doubt the Mini would have one
• Would have to wait for the refresh

I think I'm leaning towards either the Pro or the Mini... Love the mini's portability, the fact it's comfortable to hold one-handed and the money saving, but wonder if I'd regret not having a bigger screen for *some* of my use cases, and waiting possibly until October for it to be announced sounds like a pain.
I used to have an iPad 3, which I ended up not using much after a while... but iPadOS has changed a lot since then and I think I could get more use out of an iPad nowadays...

Any pointers could help make up my mind...

 

[ericwn]

I’d consider the Air most as it’s a good enough contender in most aspects except for the sheer size over the mini. Maybe just consider ordering both models you’re interested in and returning the one that doesn’t fit the bill?

 

[Martinpa]

I’d consider the Air most as it’s a good enough contender in most aspects except for the sheer size over the mini. Maybe just consider ordering both models you’re interested in and returning the one that doesn’t fit the bill?

Knowing myself, if I ordered both, I’d procrastinate and forget to return it during the return window…

 

[Phil77354]

There are several threads here comparing the 11" Pro to the Air, for example:

iPad Air 4 (256 gb) or iPad Pro M1 (128gb)?

There are a lot of comparisons/guides between the two, including one on this site. I won't say that I've read them all but I have read a bunch. I am still stuck. About how I currently use my very old iPad (not even sure which model, but likely came out in 2015) and how I expect to use the...

forums.macrumors.com

Current Ipad Air vrs 2021 11inch iPad Pro

I currently have a first gen iPad air. Time for a new iPad. I think the current air would be fine except the base is only 64 gig and next one up is 256gig. All I would want is 128 The new 11 in iPad Pro base is 128 gig and is about the same price as the 256 gig Air. To my choice is by the pro...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[ericwn]

Knowing myself, if I ordered both, I’d procrastinate and forget to return it during the return window…

I know the feeling- maybe some well placed reminders do the trick?

 

[HarryWild]

I have had numerous iPads since the 1st iPad was release. For $300 more, go for the Pro model. It has quad speakers, double the RAM, better screen(120 hz, deep color pallet) and the fastest SoC that Apple has release for mobile devices. It will be the last to be obsolete too.

 

[ColdShadow]

If you can afford it,get the Pro.
Pro simply means better and nicer.
Air is for when you want the cheaper version.

 

[iPadified]

With any type of interactions with the device such as writing, and pencil work, I think the the mini will feel cramped. I see how my daughter who has a 10.5 inch struggles when working with split view where one of the windows would be closed to mini screen size

How good is your eyesight? Larger screen makes it easier to read. Personally, I cannot get screen size large enough for videos.

The air seem very competitive in performance although an Pro with an M1 and 8gb RAM will work for your use case as long as Apple releases security updates.

Perhaps I am biased as I only buy 12.9 inch and would probably buy a 15 inch if such existed.

 

[lixuelai]

I was debating between Air, used 2018/2020, and new 2021 Pro. Once you add all the accessories to complete the package the % difference in price becomes relatively small. Decided to just go with a base 2021 Pro.

 

[mr_jomo]

Tried the Air, 2018/2020 iPad Pro and currently has the 11' 2021 Pro velcroed to me practically 24/7:

1. umatched pen experience (Air is a big downgrade in comparison)
2. Screen size is perfect for light productivity, movies, ebooks, notes, studying, and trade magazines with just the right screen real estate for split screen
3. Speakers are a very nice upgrade from the Air
4. Easy to operate on tables, in conference rooms, sales meetings, comfy chairs, recliners etc.
5. Blazingly fast and responsive UI (snappier than both the Air and 2018/20 series Pros)
6. Base config is 128 GB storage compared to the Air's 64 GB (I got the 256 GB to placate my 'What it pro-features WWDC?"-FOMO ... ?)

This is the iPad to get IMHO ?

 

[Deliro]

Being that iPadOS is crippling the iPad hardware I’d suggest the base iPad for your use cases. Nothing you listed will push the base model.

I wouldn’t spend a large amount of money again on an iPad until the OS is radically improved.

 

[Martinpa]

With any type of interactions with the device such as writing, and pencil work, I think the the mini will feel cramped. I see how my daughter who has a 10.5 inch struggles when working with split view where one of the windows would be closed to mini screen size

How good is your eyesight? Larger screen makes it easier to read. Personally, I cannot get screen size large enough for videos.

The air seem very competitive in performance although an Pro with an M1 and 8gb RAM will work for your use case as long as Apple releases security updates.

Perhaps I am biased as I only buy 12.9 inch and would probably buy a 15 inch if such existed.

I have good eyesight. I think I’ll go with the pro. I just love the Mini’s form factor, but for some of my use cases, it doesn’t make much sense…

I was debating between Air, used 2018/2020, and new 2021 Pro. Once you add all the accessories to complete the package the % difference in price becomes relatively small. Decided to just go with a base 2021 Pro.

That’s what I’m thinking too in regards to Air vs. Pro.

Tried the Air, 2018/2020 iPad Pro and currently has the 11' 2021 Pro velcroed to me practically 24/7:

1. umatched pen experience (Air is a big downgrade in comparison)
2. Screen size is perfect for light productivity, movies, ebooks, notes, studying, and trade magazines with just the right screen real estate for split screen
3. Speakers are a very nice upgrade from the Air
4. Easy to operate on tables, in conference rooms, sales meetings, comfy chairs, recliners etc.
5. Blazingly fast and responsive UI (snappier than both the Air and 2018/20 series Pros)
6. Base config is 128 GB storage compared to the Air's 64 GB (I got the 256 GB to placate my 'What it pro-features WWDC?"-FOMO ... ?)

This is the iPad to get IMHO ?

Thanks, that’s helps. The only thing that really makes me doubt is being able to hold the Mini cradled in my hand. Basically, my head is saying Pro, but my heart is screaming Mini.

Being that iPadOS is crippling the iPad hardware I’d suggest the base iPad for your use cases. Nothing you listed will push the base model.

I wouldn’t spend a large amount of money again on an iPad until the OS is radically improved.

As far as I understand, not much would really push the hardware. I’m a bit over the base model’s design and prefer the edge-to-edge design of the Air/Pro/future Mini