iPad Pro How much is 2GB of ram and 64GB of storage worth? $250?

[theanimala]

I am not trying to antagonize anyone, serious discussion. I am torn between a 2018 IPP 11 64GB for $549 from thr Apple store. Or I could spend $250 more ($200 if I can find it on sale) for a 2020 IPP 11 128GB.

The extra $250 ($200 on sale) will get me an additional 2GB of ram and 64GB of storage. I don’t know how I will use it at this point. I am a very heavy user of my iPhone 11 128GB. I use it for work (email, saas web based stuff) as well as personal stuff (email, web browsing, social media, media via VUDU and YouTube and home automation apps).

I have had iPads in the past but gifted them to my kids. Thinking I would like to use an iPad to supplement my work laptop (MacBook Pro 15”) as well as media consumption. Part of me wants a good deal with a refurb 2018, but I’m wondering if the extra $250 is worth it for the extra ram (less app reloading) and storage space for few times I travel each year?

Appreciate any guidance. Already purchased an Apple trackpad and pencil v2 in anticipation of a future iPad Pro.... in

 

[BootLoxes]

Here is the thing, it is clear that apple is trying to make the ipad lineup more work focused with more ipad os.

We are seeing huge programs like photoshop and the affinity suite making their way over, along side other big apps like lumafusion on there as well.

Right now at the time of writing, I would argue most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference in performance and only notice the storage bump. But what about down the road?

WWDC is coming up along side with IpadOS 14. What if they bring their pro tools over like final cut, xcode, logic pro? Do you ever see yourself maybe using these big names down the road? If so then go for the 2020 model.

If not then honestly, based on what you said you do with it, just get the base ipad with the storage you want. No sense in spending all that extra money for performance and features you will not need (just my opinion)

 

[ctjack]

Best advice is given above. Start with base iPad for $250 on promo from various sellers.
If you won't like it, then you will always be able to trade-in or sell it for $200-$220 down the road. So prospect of paying $50-60 is not a big deal, if it will help you to figure out things and maybe save you difference between the Pro($549 - $250).
Because base Ipad is already fast enough. It has Antutu of 240,000-260,000 points. My Iphone SE has 170K points and it is silky smooth. So base Ipad is even better.

 

[1rottenapple]

Ya that’s what I was thinking as well OP. unfortunately the Apple store no longer has the 549 deal on the base model. Kinda a bummer. I should have jumped on it.

 

[ctjack]

unfortunately the Apple store no longer has the 549 deal on the base model. Kinda a bummer. I should have jumped on it.

They have this deal going. It is just out of stock. When they will ship another portion of refurbished Ipads, especially with an announcement of newer Pro, there will be definitely people who returned it.
So we just have to wait while they refurbish and ship from China in a new box.
===================
I was checking refurbished MBP 16, it was in stock and then out of stock, and a little bit later again in stock.

 

[rui no onna]

Get the $549 2018 iPP 11 64GB. Load it up and try it within the return period (longer than normal due to COVID). If you find RAM and storage lacking, then return and upgrade to the newer model.

 

[akash.nu]

OP - even though you mentioned you’re a “heavy” user but your actual usage is pretty basic. Any iPad can handle those. So as everyone else suggested I would also say the base model should do for your requirements.

 

[AutomaticApple]

We are seeing huge programs like photoshop

The iPad version of Photoshop still doesn't feel like the desktop counterpart.

 

[BootLoxes]

The iPad version of Photoshop still doesn't feel like the desktop counterpart.

True, but its still feature rich and will continue to evolve over time. Thats why I said to think about the ipad situation in the future, not the current state of apps

 

[DSTOFEL]

I am not trying to antagonize anyone, serious discussion. I am torn between a 2018 IPP 11 64GB for $549 from thr Apple store. Or I could spend $250 more ($200 if I can find it on sale) for a 2020 IPP 11 128GB.

The extra $250 ($200 on sale) will get me an additional 2GB of ram and 64GB of storage. I don’t know how I will use it at this point. I am a very heavy user of my iPhone 11 128GB. I use it for work (email, saas web based stuff) as well as personal stuff (email, web browsing, social media, media via VUDU and YouTube and home automation apps).

I have had iPads in the past but gifted them to my kids. Thinking I would like to use an iPad to supplement my work laptop (MacBook Pro 15”) as well as media consumption. Part of me wants a good deal with a refurb 2018, but I’m wondering if the extra $250 is worth it for the extra ram (less app reloading) and storage space for few times I travel each year?

Appreciate any guidance. Already purchased an Apple trackpad and pencil v2 in anticipation of a future iPad Pro.... in

Based on your usage, it sounds like 4gb RAM on the 2018 IPP would be just fine. Id just focus on the storage side of the equation. How much free space do you have on your 128gb IPhone? Are you currently using more than 64gb on you phone? If not, are you close to that? Do you plan on downloading a lot of content (ie movies, music) onto your iPad for business trips, etc...? 64gb might be fine for many if there usage is light, but I’d find it overly restrictive based on my usage.

Do you have a Micro Center in your area? I find their pricing to be the most aggressive on “new” 2018 and 2020 models (in store only though). For example today at my local MC: 2020 11 128gb IPP $729. The base configuration on a new 2018 Model $549. A new 2018 256gb model $629.

 

[ofarlig]

I think the RAM difference is very noticable between my old iPP and the 2020 model, I get way less reloading of web pages, apps and such with the new one.

 

[secretk]

I think the RAM difference is very noticable between my old iPP and the 2020 model, I get way less reloading of web pages, apps and such with the new one.

Just for my curiosity what is you old iPP and how much RAM it has?

I am asking because I moved from 6th generation iPad (2 GB RAM) to 2018 iPP (4 GB RAM). I see some improvement but it is still not perfect. Less reloads but still see some reloads. I wonder what would be the difference between 2018 iPP (4 GB RAM) and 2020 iPP (6 GB RAM).

 

[ofarlig]

Just for my curiosity what is you old iPP and how much RAM it has?

I am asking because I moved from 6th generation iPad (2 GB RAM) to 2018 iPP (4 GB RAM). I see some improvement but it is still not perfect. Less reloads but still see some reloads. I wonder what would be the difference between 2018 iPP (4 GB RAM) and 2020 iPP (6 GB RAM).

It was the 2018 iPP with 4 GB, I notice a difference now with 6 GB.

 

[secretk]

It was the 2018 iPP with 4 GB, I notice a difference now with 6 GB.

Thanks for the reply! It seems that indeed iPadOs needs more RAM .

 

[EugW]

I find that for my usage, the 64 GB on my iPad Pro can be restrictive. I can manage but it’s a pain. Even if I just want to edit some basic short kids’ videos, I have to delete some files to make everything fit. 128 GB would be the sweet spot for me, as I don’t need 256 GB.

As for the extra 2 GB RAM, even if it’s not critical for you now, it may be more important in a couple of years, since as iPadOS gets updated, it uses more and more RAM.

 

[brentsg]

At that price point I’d grab the 2018. I was shopping at the cellular 12.9 1TB range so saving $100 (best I saw) wasn’t worth it to me despite the similar performance.

 

[theanimala]

OP - even though you mentioned you’re a “heavy” user but your actual usage is pretty basic. Any iPad can handle those. So as everyone else suggested I would also say the base model should do for your requirements.

I am a heavy user in that I use my phone to complete all of my daily tasks, but you are correct in that the apps I use are not heave apps. Most everything is web based so the phone is mearly an interface to that app, so its true my phone is not getting taxed heavily.

Based on your usage, it sounds like 4gb RAM on the 2018 IPP would be just fine. Id just focus on the storage side of the equation. How much free space do you have on your 128gb IPhone? Are you currently using more than 64gb on you phone? If not, are you close to that? Do you plan on downloading a lot of content (ie movies, music) onto your iPad for business trips, etc...? 64gb might be fine for many if there usage is light, but I’d find it overly restrictive based on my usage.

Do you have a Micro Center in your area? I find their pricing to be the most aggressive on “new” 2018 and 2020 models (in store only though). For example today at my local MC: 2020 11 128gb IPP $729. The base configuration on a new 2018 Model $549. A new 2018 256gb model $629.

Wow, I didn't realize MC has prices like that. I have one about a 45 minute drive away and they say they have stock, now I have to think if it's worth the drive. I am now thinking I don't want to live with 64GB, so 128GB would be preferable. The 2018 256GB for $629 is a very compelling option. Debating hard if I want the extra capacity while saving money, or spending more to future proof myself with a 128GB 2020 with 6GB of RAM. They never make the decisions easy...

 

[KittyKatta]

Debating hard if I want the extra capacity while saving money, or spending more to future proof myself with a 128GB 2020 with 6GB of RAM. They never make the decisions easy...

Where do you feel more RAM will make a difference?

There's a lot of people who use "More RAM!" as an upgrade justification, but in reality then IF a power user really is struggling with RAM intensive apps then they need far more than a measly 6GB. (And lets be honest, most self-proclaimed "Power Users" are just regular users with money to burn).

On the other hand, running low on storage is a legitimate issue. So many users save their $100 on storage and then a year later need to upgrade their perfectly fine device because their usage levels evolved beyond 64GB. (But I do feel 128GB is a very reasonable base storage)

Anyway, I had the same 2018 vs 2020 decision as you and I went with 2018. I figure that AR tech is years away from being useful so I'm putting the extra money towards accessories that will make a difference right now.

 

[theanimala]

Where do you feel more RAM will make a difference?

There's a lot of people who use "More RAM!" as an upgrade justification, but in reality then IF a power user really is struggling with RAM intensive apps then they need far more than a measly 6GB. (And lets be honest, most self-proclaimed "Power Users" are just regular users with money to burn).

On the other hand, running low on storage is a legitimate issue. So many users save their $100 on storage and then a year later need to upgrade their perfectly fine device because their usage levels evolved beyond 64GB. (But I do feel 128GB is a very reasonable base storage)

Anyway, I had the same 2018 vs 2020 decision as you and I went with 2018. I figure that AR tech is years away from being useful so I'm putting the extra money towards accessories that will make a difference right now.

For me the 6GB vs 4GB is only important for 2 things, less app/page reloads and future-proofing for IOS upgrades in the future. It does seem with every iOS upgrade the OS get's bigger and needs more power. I'm thinking that th 6GB vs 4GB might get me a few more years of usage in the future.

 

[achappy]

I'll simply say that I have a 10.5 iPP that I got the month it was released and it's almost 3 Years old and I'm only using 17GB of the 64GB. I have on Optimize storage for photos (65GB in iCloud) and with iPadOS Safari I'm actually using far less apps that I did before as I just prefer them in the browser.

Regarding RAM, 4GB still works perfectly fine for me. Other than that one iOS13 point release where it was obvious I've had no RAM issues. I can have 5-10 tabs open, switch easily between them, open up slide over view (which has Mail, Notes, iMessages and Reminders) and swap to other apps immediately. I think people get caught up in the "more is better" without knowing how they they actually use/need.

 

[DSTOFEL]

I am a heavy user in that I use my phone to complete all of my daily tasks, but you are correct in that the apps I use are not heave apps. Most everything is web based so the phone is mearly an interface to that app, so its true my phone is not getting taxed heavily.



Wow, I didn't realize MC has prices like that. I have one about a 45 minute drive away and they say they have stock, now I have to think if it's worth the drive. I am now thinking I don't want to live with 64GB, so 128GB would be preferable. The 2018 256GB for $629 is a very compelling option. Debating hard if I want the extra capacity while saving money, or spending more to future proof myself with a 128GB 2020 with 6GB of RAM. They never make the decisions easy...

I hear you. I went through the exact struggle! 128gb would work for me. 256gb is what I was coming from (ie my 10.5 IPP) and that was more than enough space for me. I went to MC with the intention of buying the 2018 256gb 11 inch IPP for $629...just last week. This was when they were selling the 2020 128gb version for $769. When I got there, they also had a 2018 256gb 11 inch “open box” for $535 which was pristine (Mfg in March 2020...so someone had just bought and returned it). I took the “Open Box” deal.

Really tough call now between the 2020 128gb version for $729 and the 2018 256gb version for $629.

 

[theanimala]

Where do you feel more RAM will make a difference?

There's a lot of people who use "More RAM!" as an upgrade justification, but in reality then IF a power user really is struggling with RAM intensive apps then they need far more than a measly 6GB. (And lets be honest, most self-proclaimed "Power Users" are just regular users with money to burn).

On the other hand, running low on storage is a legitimate issue. So many users save their $100 on storage and then a year later need to upgrade their perfectly fine device because their usage levels evolved beyond 64GB. (But I do feel 128GB is a very reasonable base storage)

Anyway, I had the same 2018 vs 2020 decision as you and I went with 2018. I figure that AR tech is years away from being useful so I'm putting the extra money towards accessories that will make a difference right now.

So tonight the 2018 11” IPP 64GB was back in the store for $549 so I jumped on one. I was sold on the 2020 for the extra storage and ram but decided to save the money. Now looking for a cheap case to hold me over until the Magic Keyboard or something else...