All iPads First time iPad purchase

[mdb32]

I am looking to purchase my 1st iPad. I currently have a 2021 MacBook Pro 16" and iPhone 13. The iPad would be used at home between both of my current Apple devices, and an upcoming trip to Europe this spring. I was hoping that the iPad Air would get a storage update, but it didn't. So, if I go to the 256GB iPad Air, I am only $50 from the iPad Pro which gets Face ID, 4 speakers and Promotion display. I am thinking that I will just wait for the 2022 iPad Pro to be released, since the 2021s are already a year old. I keep my devices for 5 years, so I think the Pro will have lots of capability over that time with the added storage and power from the M1 chip. Hopefully iOS become more capable to use the M1's power over time. I want to get into photography and editing with a GoPro, so feel that the Pro will eventually serve my needs best.

Having said all that, I am think of just going with the base iPad 9 64GB for my upcoming trip. It seems like this is a solid entry level device from the reviews I have read on it to date. I don't think it really makes much sense to spend a few additional hundred dollars on either the iPad Mini or 5th Gen Air if I am going to sell it within the next year. Any thoughts on the iPad 9?

 

[rui no onna]

The iPad 9 works very well and offers great value. Plus, you’ll probably lose less on resale/trade-in than if you get a more expensive model.

One caveat, the iPad 9 still uses Lightning which is less convenient than USB-C if you need to connect external storage.

 

[ericwn]

The entry level iPad is good value. Do keep in mind that it only supports the first generation pencil if that matters to you as that generation is not compatible with the upper tier iPads.

In addition there’s always the return policy of Apple if for some reason you don’t like the base iPad.

 

[mdb32]

Do the Logitech keyboards work well? Would you get one with or without a trackpad?

 

[parseckadet]

What are your intended uses for the iPad, especially on your trip? If you plan to do anything beyond web surfing and email I think you’ll find that 64GB isn’t enough. Have you looked into getting a refurb mini?

 

[mdb32]

What are your intended uses for the iPad, especially on your trip? If you plan to do anything beyond web surfing and email I think you’ll find that 64GB isn’t enough. Have you looked into getting a refurb mini?

Mostly browsing, email, Netflix on airplane etc. I recently upgraded from 64GB iPhone to 128GB iPhone. I still had 20-30GB left on my 64GB iPhone depending on how many photos I had stored. I don't plan on keeping this iPad for a super long time, maybe 12-18 months or so.

 

[TechRunner]

Mostly browsing, email, Netflix on airplane etc. I recently upgraded from 64GB iPhone to 128GB iPhone. I still had 20-30GB left on my 64GB iPhone depending on how many photos I had stored. I don't plan on keeping this iPad for a super long time, maybe 12-18 months or so.

This is exactly what I use my 7th gen for when I travel. It does the job very well. 9th gen should be even better.

 

[1CaesaR1]

If I were you (I am open to buying pre-owned tech), I would just get a pre-owned 9th or 8th gen iPad on Swappa for the trip. Both will serve really well for all the tasks you mentioned, wouldn't be out much money, and can sell as soon as the 2022 iPad Pro comes out. Seems like you are really getting ready for the 2022 iPad Pro so why even keep this machine 12-18 months? Just get a cheap pre-owned stopgap tablet and sell (and be out much less money) in a few months.

 

[1BadManVan]

9th gen is more than enough to use on an airplane and use on vacation. Don’t let anyone talk you into needing more than that. Especially if you already have a newer mac and iPhone.

Anything beyond a base IPad 9 for web surfing and Netflix is a want, not a need

 

[rui no onna]

9th gen is more than enough to use on an airplane and use on vacation. Don’t let anyone talk you into needing more than that. Especially if you already have a newer mac and iPhone.

Anything beyond a base IPad 9 for web surfing and Netflix is a want, not a need

If one already has other devices that can be used for web surfing and Netflix, then aren’t iPads on the whole (even the 9th gen) just a want to begin with?

Plenty of folks spending $2K on the MBP for the better display when a $1K MBA can serve their needs just fine but somehow, spending an extra $1K on the MBP that won’t be fully utilized is acceptable but buying a high end iPad is highly discouraged here.

 

[Isengardtom]

Mostly browsing, email, Netflix on airplane etc. I recently upgraded from 64GB iPhone to 128GB iPhone. I still had 20-30GB left on my 64GB iPhone depending on how many photos I had stored. I don't plan on keeping this iPad for a super long time, maybe 12-18 months or so.

For your use cases iPad 9 will be great. You certainly don’t need the M1 power. On a plane you use headsets anyway in which case the built in speakers don’t matter (they‘re not stereo / quad stereo on the iPad 9) and the 9 here has the advantage it still has an audio jack which the others don’t.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I keep my devices for 5 years, so I think the Pro will have lots of capability over that time with the added storage and power from the M1 chip.

I don't plan on keeping this iPad for a super long time, maybe 12-18 months or so.

These are directly conflicting statements... which one is it?

The iPad lineup has an interesting laydown -- the base-level iPad is an incredible value at $329. The upgrades from there are mostly diminishing returns, but those extra features are still extremely important to some people and worth the extra cost. I recommend examining the iPad comparison tool on Apple's website and deciding when you want to 'get off the train,' so to speak.

Your final decision will depend greatly on what features you value in an iPad. Are you strictly looking for value proposition? Get the base iPad. Are you looking for absolute maximum portability? Get the iPad mini. Do you want a middle-ground of features / price with a more modern design? Get the iPad Air. Do you want the absolute highest quality iPad available? Get the iPad Pro.

There are a few important tradeoffs that come along with the base iPad. One of those is the non-laminated display, which means the display panel is not laminated to its cover glass. This can create a perceivable visual gap that isn't present on any of the other iPad models. It also uses the older design, with TouchID. It uses a Lightning connector instead of USB-C. It's not compatible with the Magic Keyboards. There's less RAM so you will experience application reloads more frequently. The screen isn't as vibrant. The camera system is inferior. Does any of that matter to you? If not, save the money. If it does, it's time to put a price on how much you care.

 

[geta]

Mostly browsing, email, Netflix on airplane etc. I recently upgraded from 64GB iPhone to 128GB iPhone. I still had 20-30GB left on my 64GB iPhone depending on how many photos I had stored. I don't plan on keeping this iPad for a super long time, maybe 12-18 months or so.

64GB is more then fine for this purpose unless you planing to load it with huge pic/video library.

 

[mdb32]

These are directly conflicting statements... which one is it?

The iPad lineup has an interesting laydown -- the base-level iPad is an incredible value at $329. The upgrades from there are mostly diminishing returns, but those extra features are still extremely important to some people and worth the extra cost. I recommend examining the iPad comparison tool on Apple's website and deciding when you want to 'get off the train,' so to speak.

Your final decision will depend greatly on what features you value in an iPad. Are you strictly looking for value proposition? Get the base iPad. Are you looking for absolute maximum portability? Get the iPad mini. Do you want a middle-ground of features / price with a more modern design? Get the iPad Air. Do you want the absolute highest quality iPad available? Get the iPad Pro.

There are a few important tradeoffs that come along with the base iPad. One of those is the non-laminated display, which means the display panel is not laminated to its cover glass. This can create a perceivable visual gap that isn't present on any of the other iPad models. It also uses the older design, with TouchID. It uses a Lightning connector instead of USB-C. It's not compatible with the Magic Keyboards. There's less RAM so you will experience application reloads more frequently. The screen isn't as vibrant. The camera system is inferior. Does any of that matter to you? If not, save the money. If it does, it's time to put a price on how much you care.

Yes, you summarized the differences quite well. I think for me right now, the iPad 9's value proposition is very good. My initial impression was that the iPad 9 was a bottom end cheap device, but I can see it definitely has a lot going for it for the money. I am eventually planning to get into photography and some basic video editing, but I don't feel I need all the power or display quality that a device like the Pro offers just yet. I would rather save and pocket the difference right now, and when a new Pro is offered, pick one up.

Fortunately, most of my family is in the Apple ecosystem, and I could very easily pass this iPad on to someone. I bought my dad a Mini 6 for Christmas and he loves it so far. I have had a bit of time with it, and it is a very nice device. But, here in Canada it is an extra $250 after taxes compared to a base iPad 9, and it still has the same 64GB storage. Going up to the 256GB model is $849 before tax. The new iPad Air 5th Gen with the same 256GB storage is an extra $100. Granted, there are benefits to both of these devices as you have indicated, but I am not sure the increase in price merits it for me right now. The price of both those devices with the upgraded storage is very, very close to the Pro.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

Sounds like an iPad 9 would be perfectly fine for a ‘right now’ device, especially if you give it to family - or sell it further down the line when you get the spec Pro device you want.

 

[mdb32]

I went ahead and bought an iPad 9. They were sold out everywhere and looks like Apple store is also delivering about a month or so into end of April, but managed to find a 64GB model from local retailer. So far, very impressed considering the price. Looking to get the Apple Pencil 1. I also got the Logitech combo keyboard which works great.

Any suggestions for a good quality screen protector? Are the screen protector that feel more like natural paper worth it or only if you use the pencil a lot.

 

[1BadManVan]

I went ahead and bought an iPad 9. They were sold out everywhere and looks like Apple store is also delivering about a month or so into end of April, but managed to find a 64GB model from local retailer. So far, very impressed considering the price. Looking to get the Apple Pencil 1. I also got the Logitech combo keyboard which works great.

Any suggestions for a good quality screen protector? Are the screen protector that feel more like natural paper worth it or only if you use the pencil a lot.

Congrats on the iPad 9, it’s definitely the best bang for your buck and the A13 is still a beast of a chip. Screen protectors it depends on how much protection you want. The paper like ones will help with scratches but that’s about it.