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Sensamic

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 26, 2010
3,072
689
Seems like most users here have and talk about the Pro and Air models; not many discussion about the basic iPad.

Curious to know how many users here have it and why the opt for it instead the higher models.
 

LeeW

macrumors 601
Feb 5, 2017
4,342
9,445
Over here
I suspect most use the base iPad, but they just get on and use it rather than need to discuss it. For the majority, it's what they need to watch, read, and play.
 
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rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,915
13,259
Seems like most users here have and talk about the Pro and Air models; not many discussion about the basic iPad.

Curious to know how many users here have it and why the opt for it instead the higher models.

My mom and dad both have 128GB LTE iPad 7th gen. Works great for them.

I’ve been checking the Apple certified refurb store for either 128GB cell 8th gen or 256GB cell 9th gen to replace the 7th gen. If I don’t find one by the time they need to upgrade, I’ll probably move them directly to a FaceID iPad (probably refurb M1 iPP).
 
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Night Spring

macrumors G5
Jul 17, 2008
14,882
8,054
I would probably use a basic iPad if it came in 13". I just use my iPad to read, watch videos, and post to forums, don't need powerful chips, pencil, keyboard, or the latest screen technology. But I do need the larger screen size because of my eyesight.
 
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sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,405
13,290
where hip is spoken
Seems like most users here have and talk about the Pro and Air models; not many discussion about the basic iPad.

Curious to know how many users here have it and why the opt for it instead the higher models.
I'm one of the few regulars here on MR that use and talk about the base models. Most who frequent this site are more connected with the Apple ecosystem and own devices that are higher up the model chain. They can justify the greater expenses of those higher end models.

In preparation for my "nomadic retirement", I have been working to consolidate my tablets, laptops, and desktops. I traded in my 5th gen iPad Mini and 9th gen iPad for a 10th gen. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and appreciate the improvements over the 9th gne.

The landscape orientation of the front-facing camera is great step up... specifically for Facetime video calls.
I picked up a USB-C iPad Pro dongle (that latches onto the side of the iPad) and that works great. It provides a 3.5mm headphone jack so that I don't have to miss out on that.

I'm a fan of Touch ID and the touch ID on the power button works great.

I picked up a 3rd party folio keyboard case that is very thin and light with a build quality that looks and feels like an Apple accessory.

As for why I keep choosing the base models over the Air and Pro, it comes down to the limitations of iPad OS. Throwing more horsepower at it won't enable me to do more than I'm currently doing.

In the end, I find more flexibility and function by spending $1000 for an M1 Macbook Air + 10th iPad than spending that on an iPad Pro alone.
 

Iwavvns

macrumors 6502a
Dec 11, 2023
687
968
Earth
I’m still on the iPad 9th generation. The reason? It works for everything I need to do on an iPad. It worked for everything I needed to do the day I bought it and it still works today for everything I need to do.. my workflow hasn’t changed. I suspect that part of the problem is that people buy a new device that has more features, and is more powerful, so they change their workflow in order to take advantage of the increase in power and features. Would their workflow have changed if they hadn’t purchased a newer model? I feel it is best to use the proper tool for the job. It is silly, in my opinion, to buy a tool and then create a workflow for it.
 
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jclardy

macrumors 601
Oct 6, 2008
4,233
4,577
I downgraded my M2 11" to an iPad 10 when the Magic Folio keyboard went on sale. Now I love it way more than I did when I had the pro. The Magic Keyboard ruined the iPad for me entirely, by making itself into a laptop first, and tablet second. The iPad sucks as a laptop, so 90% of the time I'd just grab my macbook rather than trying to accomplish something on the iPad. Now that the iPad has been relegated to being a tablet first (Since I can remove the keyboard without opening it up, then pulling it out) I've used it way more than I used to. Plus having an always-on kickstand is indispensable.

Yes, I know the logitech case exists...but I tried that and the plastic just felt bad so I would always remove it...but then that defeated the purpose. And I still need a keyboard when using a tablet...just not all the time.

I'll go pro again if they improve the accessories, or improve the laptop functionality, but I think that means iPad 10 for the foreseeable future.
 
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pawnbroker

macrumors newbie
Sep 30, 2021
20
10
I buy the basic ipad since I don't consider it to be a serious tool for anything other than watching videos, texting and reading email. I like the screen resolution, the colors are beautiful and it's easy to operate. Basically I use it as a resource tool when working with Premier Pro. If I was a strict Apple user I would probably buy a Macbook instead.
 

Richard8655

macrumors 68000
Mar 11, 2009
1,925
1,373
Chicago suburbs
Basic owner here (prefer to call it standard edition). Always have and likely always will be. It does everything needed and the display is perfect. Anything more complex and it's off to the Mac Mini. For me, it's simply the most cost effective and useful tablet that Apple makes. Savings go to sooner purchase of subsequent generation.

And yes, wish there was more discussion of this version, but then as an enthusiast forum the higher end is where the excitement is.
 
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mpetrides

macrumors 6502a
Feb 10, 2007
590
524
Depends on what you mean by "basic" iPad. Is an iPad mini 6 a "basic" iPad? If so, I have one and use it every day, primarily for reading eBooks and to take handwritten notes. However, the latter function has been largely supplanted by the M4 iPad Pro 13 inch I just purchased because handwriting on it seems much more responsive.
 
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TechRunner

macrumors 65816
Oct 28, 2016
1,345
2,327
SW Florida, US
I've had the OG base iPad and now a base 7th gen, and I'm looking to upgrade this year. I'm bouncing between many options, from waiting to see what the 11th gen looks like (assuming release this year) to a 13" Air to (unlikely but possible) splurging on an 11" M4 iPP. I don't use my iPads for any serious productivity, so I'll probably lean heavily towards the lower priced option(s).
 

Sensamic

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 26, 2010
3,072
689
I had the Pro 11 M1 which I should 6 months ago for almost the same price I paid for it. Was a really good offer. After two years, I found I didn't use it much for "pro" tasks, just the usual tablet stuff: reading webs, forums, e-mail, watching videos...

The main reason I got it was Promotion, but now I find it kind of silly to pay 1.000€ or so for another Pro to just do the same tasks. That's why I'm looking to buy the 10 or 11 gen. They are heavier and bulkier, and the screen isn't as nice, but it will be just a complimentary device. I have a high end phone and an iMac M3.

For the price of the 128GB Pro M2 11 I can get the the iPad 10 256GB + keyboard.
 
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