I'm betting the RAM holds the iPad back long before the processor does.
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All iPads How often do you upgrade your iPad?
- Thread starter Math889
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Yah I feel like 2gb will become obsolete within the next 2 years
The iPad mini 3 is to the iPad mini 2 kinda what the iPad 3 was to the iPad 2 or the iPhone 3G was to the original iPhone. Just new features added but no improvement in processing power.
The jump from Air 2 to Pro 9.7 may not be as big as the one from Air to Air 2 but it's still significant. Honestly, we don't know when exactly Apple is going to cut iOS update support for any of their devices and for now, we can only speculate as to their reasons. Would more RAM benefit Pro 9.7? Sure. However, it's not like 2GB is super tiny. Personally, for iOS devices with 512+MB RAM, CPU performance becomes too slow for me before RAM becomes a genuine issue.
I reckon the biggest gripe people have on the Pro 9.7 is the pricing. If it had been released at $499 with $100 per capacity upgrade instead of $599 with $150 per capacity upgrade, it likely wouldn't be viewed as negatively. Is Apple being greedy? Sure, but that's the way they've always been. Their goal is to make as much profit as possible. Their products have always been on the high end of the price scale. If Apple figures they can increase price by 20% while only losing 5-10% of demand, I don't really blame them for making that business decision.
It depends upon your definition of "immensely more capable". Yes, the A9X is faster but there is nothing inherently unique about it that would allow it to be supported longer than the A8X. People can get hyperfocused on CPU performance specs as the sole determining factor for a device's longevity. That has not historically been the case.
For example: Take a look at the iPad 4 (A6X)(1GB), iPad Air 1 (A7)(1GB), and iPad Air 2 (A8X)(2GB)... they are all supported by iOS 10. But both the iPad4 and Air1 can't handle split window. What do they have in common? (hint: it's not the CPU, but the RAM)
The fates of the iPad 4 and iPad Air 1 are joined by the fact that they have 1GB RAM... even though the Air 1 has a more advanced processor.
Look, I'm not trying to "prove" anything to anyone. You are free to believe that the iPad Pro 9.7 w/2GB RAM will have a longer life than the iPad Air 2 w/2GB RAM, but history does not support that belief.
The only reason for bringing this up yet again is because there are people reading this thread during the holiday shopping season who are trying to figure out what is the best value for them. This info will help them make an informed decision.
This is ultimately the limiting factor.
I'm not saying the jump in processing power is insignificant or that 2GB of RAM isn't enough for an iOS device right now.
I'm saying that both the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro will never see the first version of iOS that their processors could not handle because a lack of RAM will prevent either from coming close.
The amount of RAM they each have will determine how many iOS updates they receive, not processing power.
Add to that that the A8X is somewhat an odd chip in terms of its design, given its 3 core cpu.
I had an iPad 2 then sold that to pay for a MacBook Air in 2012.
In 2014 I bought a 1st gen mini cause it was the cheapest iPad available. Later in 2014 I bought an Air 2 for the Retina display amd wanting to play games.
Next time I upgrade will likely be in March if I see what I like - especially if I see a 10.5" bezel free or smaller bezel iPad Pro.
In 2014 I bought a 1st gen mini cause it was the cheapest iPad available. Later in 2014 I bought an Air 2 for the Retina display amd wanting to play games.
Next time I upgrade will likely be in March if I see what I like - especially if I see a 10.5" bezel free or smaller bezel iPad Pro.
I have an iPad 4 which was a gift - its great but the capacity was only 16gb. I really wanted more storage so I found a superb deal on an iPad Pro 9.7" 128gb and went for it.
I plan to give my still-awesome iPad 4 to my mom for Christmas- she has an iPad 2 that laggggs all day and drives her crazy.
I plan to give my still-awesome iPad 4 to my mom for Christmas- she has an iPad 2 that laggggs all day and drives her crazy.
I inherited my dad's original iPad after he upgraded then three years ago bought an original iPad Air. I'm now getting an IPP 12.9" for Christmas. I think this one will last me a while. My Air has only 950MB of storage left so it's getting slower. I'm looking forward to getting the Pro.
I began with the original iPad mini, then upgraded to the original mini with LTE, then upgraded to the mini 2 (with LTE), then the mini 4 (with LTE).
The wife and I both had iPad 3's. We had them a little over 3 years and upgraded to Air 2's about a year ago. With ios10 they still run like brand new.
My kids had Mini 1's for about 3 years and we upgraded them to Mini 4's. With their usage, they could have waited at least another year but with only 16 gb storage it was a pain managing them. We were able to give them to grandparents so it worked out.
I am hoping to go at least another 3 years before upgrading again and am considering keeping the iPads on ios10.
My kids had Mini 1's for about 3 years and we upgraded them to Mini 4's. With their usage, they could have waited at least another year but with only 16 gb storage it was a pain managing them. We were able to give them to grandparents so it worked out.
I am hoping to go at least another 3 years before upgrading again and am considering keeping the iPads on ios10.
So glad I found this thread. I have only owned one product, iPad mini 1st gen. And with the iOS 10 update I got left behind. Not only am I locked out of various apps which aren't compatible but it seems to crash, lag, and the battery drain is quick. My question is with all the sales during the holidays I have the opportunity to get the mini 2 for fairly cheap $190 and I know there isn't much difference between the 2 and 3 which is why you rarely see the 3. How long can I expect to be able to use the mini2 before I am outdated again? I am on a tight budget and have looked into refurbished by Apple iPad but it's not possible at this time. I use my mini daily for several hours so I expect some of the drain and lag is just standard from a couple years wear and tear. I just dont want to upgrade just to be passed up on next year's big update (Damn all those stickers lol) does anyone have a rough idea of the "standard" Apple timeline? Thanks in advance
As stated earlier, the ram at 1gb is the limiting factor for you even if you get the mini2. And going from mini1 to mini2 isn't much of an upgrade.
If at all possible, try to get a mini4...don't recommend buying a mini2 at this point.
My advice is wait for the March Apple release. If a mini5 or Pro mini are announced, that will lower the price on the mini4. If no new minis are announced, then I would say save toward a mini4 or maybe consider an air2 if it's not too big.
I would actually say that going from a Mini 1 to a Mini 2 is one of the largest single generation upgrades of any iDevice. Think of it this way, the Mini 1 has the internals/specs and display of an iPad 2, and the Mini 2 has the internals/specs and display of an iPad Air. That's basically a 3 generation leap in one generation!
However, that big leap did occur in 2013, so yes, waiting to see what's offered in the spring makes more sense, or getting a Mini 4 If you need something now.
But the mini2 is still severely hampered by the 1gb ram. Only the most cash strapped buyers should be considering it.
Better to save up toward the mini4.
That's basically what I said at the end. The Mini 2 is a big leap over the Mini 1, but at this point that's not saying much. The only reason to get a Mini 2 now is if budget is a major issue.
actually i found that the jump is a lot less noticeable now with newer versions of ios the mini 2 has gotten very slow and laggy i upgraded from the mini 1 to the air 2 last year that was a very big jump my parents own ipad mini 2s
I got the iPad 4 when it came out in late 2012. I could have kept it but I decided to trade it in to Best Buy and bought the air 2 around mid 2015.
I don't see myself upgrading anytime soon. Its still fast and powerful with good battery life.
I feel like it will be the iPad 2, last a long while.
I don't see myself upgrading anytime soon. Its still fast and powerful with good battery life.
I feel like it will be the iPad 2, last a long while.
I've owned the first three iPads and the iPad Air 2 and the iPad Air 2 is easily the best iPad I ever purchased. More than two years later and this thing still performs wonderfully and the screen and battery life are both great.
iPad 1
iPad mini 2
iPad Air
iPad Air 2
It's tempting to upgrade every/every other generation but I find that money better spent on other things these days.
iPad mini 2
iPad Air
iPad Air 2
It's tempting to upgrade every/every other generation but I find that money better spent on other things these days.
