iPad First tablet for my dad

[Kay_Ess]

Hi!

My dad wants a laptop so he can watch some videos and do some browsing without having to sit at his desk. I think an iPad would be a much nicer solution and I would love to give him one. I just can’t decide on which one. I don’t have an iPad yet either so I have no idea what features are important. I went to a tablet store but the salesperson only liked Samsung tablets and appeared to never have touched an iPad before. So I hope you can help me make up my mind.

The obvious choice would be the iPad 9 which I have found online for around 400 bucks. If it didn’t have the home button I would have gone with that one but it looks a little outdated now. Do you think the iPad 9 still has a bit of a wow factor? My dad has a 2014 iPad for his job so he is not entirely new to tablets and the 9 looks basically the same. I’m worried a 9 wouldn’t feel like a luxury product to him.

The iPad 10 is really expensive to me but it does look a lot better than the 9. I think I can afford it. Lots of people here don’t seem to like it though. Why is that?

What about the iPad Air 4? A refurbished Air 4 is about the same price as an iPad 10. Or is that a little too good to be true? They never take any pictures so I’m worried it’ll be beat up and that won’t do for a gift of course.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Kay_Ess]

iPad - Compare Models

Compare resolution, size, weight, performance, battery life, and storage of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models.

www.apple.com

I have found this page. It looks like the Air 4 is way better than the 9. It has a coated screen, a higher processor, twice the neural links and supports the newer Pencil. I don’t know if any of that is important but it sounds like the best option. It also has “landscape stereo speakers”. Looks like that’s pretty neat for watching videos.

Oh wait I have to compare it to the 10 of course. In that case they don’t really differ. The Air 4 does support the newer pencil which I’d like to use after my dad’s done with this iPad. The 10 has a better front camera but so far he’s been using the front camera of a cheap Android phone which is good enough for me.

 

[ericwn]

Sounds like you are planning a bit of a guess purchase where you don’t know what to buy - have you considered asking your dad for his preference? I’d take his preference as a very strong recommendation and plan from there.

 

[Kay_Ess]

Sounds like you are planning a bit of a guess purchase where you don’t know what to buy - have you considered asking your dad for his preference? I’d take his preference as a very strong recommendation and plan from there.

But then it wouldn’t be a surprise. And what he is planning on getting is a laptop. I’m not sure he’s ever used a tablet for fun so he probably wouldn’t know much more about this than me. If I’d suggest a tablet and ask for his preference it’ll be a cheap Chinese Android tablet too, not an iPad.

 

[rui no onna]

Android tablets have more suitable aspect ratio for watching videos.

Laptops, too, for that matter.

 

[Expos of 1969]

If he is planning on getting a laptop as you say, he may have no interest in getting a new iPad. He has one from 2014 so he is somewhat familiar with the product. He may have ruled out a new iPad for a variety of reasons. Rather than potentially get him something he does not want you have two choices. Ask him...and ruin the surprise factor...or give him a gift card or certificate from the Apple store which he could then use for a laptop or iPad.

 

[Kay_Ess]

If he is planning on getting a laptop as you say, he may have no interest in getting a new iPad. He has one from 2014 so he is somewhat familiar with the product. He may have ruled out a new iPad for a variety of reasons. Rather than potentially get him something he does not want you have two choices. Ask him...and ruin the surprise factor...or give him a gift card or certificate from the Apple store which he could then use for a laptop or iPad.

The main reason he wants a laptop instead of an iPad is the price difference. We were a little shocked at the prices of an iPad. The ones in the store were starting at 800 bucks and laptops start at around 300. But online there are multiple options for iPads that are cheaper.

The 2014 one has some kind of software layer of the employer, by the way. The only thing you can do on it is log hours and visits and stuff. It’s also built into a very rugged case and has a keyboard stuck to it. I think if he tried a tablet that doesn’t weigh 2 kg and wouldn’t be 5 cm thick it would be more fun to use.

Android tablets have more suitable aspect ratio for watching videos.

Laptops, too, for that matter.

Oh okay, thanks for letting me know. I’ll try to find out how the videos fit. If the different aspect ratio adds too much black bars or something then a laptop would be better.

 

[Kay_Ess]

I think the choice has been made for me: I see a refurbished Air 4 for a great price. Much less than the 10 and just a little more than the 9. It should be as new. If it’s not I’ll send it back. And if it turns out my dad doesn’t use it and still wants a laptop, maybe I can have it haha

Thanks for your opinions!

 

[Kay_Ess]

Yes we were talking about his workspace and he mentioned it would be great to no longer have stuff on the kitchen table and he also said he was still thinking about the iPad. I think he’ll be very happy with it!

 

[muzzy996]

Where are these prices ? Where’s the refurbished Air coming from? If directly from Apple then at least there is some warranty and the ability to get Applecare for it.

I agree with others. I have gifted tech to my parents before only to have it underutilized.

 

[Kay_Ess]

Where are these prices ? Where’s the refurbished Air coming from? If directly from Apple then at least there is some warranty and the ability to get Applecare for it.

I agree with others. I have gifted tech to my parents before only to have it underutilized.

The 9 is about 400 bucks, the 10 is 650 bucks and I’ve now ordered the Air 4 for 450 bucks. The Air 4 should have 2-3 years of warranty.
It’s not from Apple itself, but from a reseller with a good reputation. I really hope it’s indeed “as new” as they advertised!

 

[KaliYoni]

(I don't know, obviously, how old your father is and his level of tech comfort)

My spouse and I have been helping elders in our families with technology, including desktops, phones, and tablets, over the last several years. While this probably is heresy on a Mac-focused website, I would take a look at Chromebooks for anybody who only does email, web surfing, TV/movie streaming, and non-professional Zoom calls.

Why? Here are the key reasons:

• A lot of people, particularly elders, rely on memorized patterns and muscle memory to use their devices. This means being able to use, say, a tablet for as long as possible with no changes in how to reach the Home screen or adjust the sound volume, for example, is really important.
• Apple's corporate strategy is centered around accelerated obsolescence of its hardware and software.
• Apple prioritizes form over function. This means frequent design changes, both to hardware and software.
• Changing devices can be stressful for people who rely on muscle memory to use tech hardware, especially if a new device is even slightly different in some way. Example: removing the Home button on iOS hardware. The same goes for UI/UX.
• Outdated hardware and software results in hard-to-explain technical issues that often can only be fixed through a major software update or new hardware. Example: expired browser security certificates on a Mac that is stuck on an unsupported version of macOS.
• Google currently provides ten years of support for Chrome OS (see: Chrome Auto Update Policy). That's a lot longer than Apple.
• Easy access to web-based applications.
• Purchase budget and price is not a factor, relative to anything made by Apple.

 

[muzzy996]

The 9 is about 400 bucks, the 10 is 650 bucks and I’ve now ordered the Air 4 for 450 bucks. The Air 4 should have 2-3 years of warranty.
It’s not from Apple itself, but from a reseller with a good reputation. I really hope it’s indeed “as new” as they advertised!

The reason I asked where was because you were tossing out rough costs but not identifying region, source and specs. Sounds like you made your decision so that's great and even better if someone's providing that much extended warranty.

 

[Kay_Ess]

(I don't know, obviously, how old your father is and his level of tech comfort)

My spouse and I have been helping elders in our families with technology, including desktops, phones, and tablets, over the last several years. While this probably is heresy on a Mac-focused website, I would take a look at Chromebooks for anybody who only does email, web surfing, TV/movie streaming, and non-professional Zoom calls.

Why? Here are the key reasons:

• A lot of people, particularly elders, rely on memorized patterns and muscle memory to use their devices. This means being able to use, say, a tablet for as long as possible with no changes in how to reach the Home screen or adjust the sound volume, for example, is really important.
• Apple's corporate strategy is centered around accelerated obsolescence of its hardware and software.
• Apple prioritizes form over function. This means frequent design changes, both to hardware and software.
• Changing devices can be stressful for people who rely on muscle memory to use tech hardware, especially if a new device is even slightly different in some way. Example: removing the Home button on iOS hardware. The same goes for UI/UX.
• Outdated hardware and software results in hard-to-explain technical issues that often can only be fixed through a major software update or new hardware. Example: expired browser security certificates on a Mac that is stuck on an unsupported version of macOS.
• Google currently provides ten years of support for Chrome OS (see: Chrome Auto Update Policy). That's a lot longer than Apple.
• Easy access to web-based applications.
• Purchase budget and price is not a factor, relative to anything made by Apple.

Thanks for the tip. I like them because they are supposed to be very secure and easy to use. They might be nice for me!

The reason I asked where was because you were tossing out rough costs but not identifying region, source and specs. Sounds like you made your decision so that's great and even better if someone's providing that much extended warranty.

Sorry about that. It’s in Europe so prices are a little higher than the prices in the USA but the warranty is better. I don’t know much about the specs. From what I can tell the 10 and Air 4 are roughly the same.

 

[1rottenapple]

I agree with one of the posters here. If it’s browsing and videos a chrome book might be a good idea. Plus I don’t like hope iPads are so disposable. You can’t even change the battery apple just replace it. DIY battery changes are near impossible with the way able issues glued on the display.

 

[Night Spring]

• Apple's corporate strategy is centered around accelerated obsolescence of its hardware and software.
• Apple prioritizes form over function. This means frequent design changes, both to hardware and software.

This is only relevant if you keep buying new devices. I bought the original iPad Pro when it first came out (in Sept 2015, according to Wikipedia), and it's still working fine. It doesn't get ios 17, but that doesn't mean it stops working. I have several even older iPads around, whose software stopped updating a few years ago, but they still all work fine.

 

[KaliYoni]

This is only relevant if you keep buying new devices. I bought the original iPad Pro when it first came out (in Sept 2015, according to Wikipedia), and it's still working fine. It doesn't get ios 17, but that doesn't mean it stops working. I have several even older iPads around, whose software stopped updating a few years ago, but they still all work fine.

I agree, assuming that the user(s) of the computer, tablet, or phone is able to follow online security, privacy, and safety practices while using outdated hardware and software. Unfortunately, the elders I support have shown, many times over the years, that they aren't up to it.

(Off-topic: did you ever end up sending $$$ to WayTools?)

 

[MarkNewton2023]

I personally will pick up iPad 10 for my father if he needs it. He only needs to browse, text, email, watch movies and other consumption related activities.
If you prefer to buy him refurbished iPad, buy it from Apple Refurbished store as the refurbished products from there have good qualities (battery as new) and have a year warranty with Apple Care + can be added later.
Wish you the best to pick the best choice for your dad! 😊

 

[Kay_Ess]

I personally will pick up iPad 10 for my father if he needs it. He only needs to browse, text, email, watch movies and other consumption related activities.
If you prefer to buy him refurbished iPad, buy it from Apple Refurbished store as the refurbished products from there have good qualities (battery as new) and have a year warranty with Apple Care + can be added later.
Wish you the best to pick the best choice for your dad! 😊

Thank you very much! Really looking forward to it. Unfortunately it got lost in the mail but the store is sending another one.

By the way, I went for a refurbished Air 4 because it was like 150-200 bucks cheaper than a new 10 and the Air 4 is supposed to be a luxurious version of the 10. So might be fun for you(r dad) too!