iPad I tried out the iPad 10th Gen - actually like it!

[Adelphos33]

I’ve run a two iPad setup for a while (12.9” Pro, basic iPad). I tried the new iPad in the store - really liked the form factor and the landscape front camera. The rest of the device seemed fine, and the colors are good (though I would likely choose silver if I bought it). I was not able to test the folio, but I could imagine using it a lot, and breaking off the keyboard too. The only downside for me is laminated screen, but the screen is fine (I have bought and lost several pencils of both generations, I just don’t use it that much).

I think I will buy!

 

[usagora]

Yep. It's only in the bubble of the forum world that you'll hear these devices trashed and hyper-analyzed. In real life, they're perfectly good devices that tons of people will get much productivity and enjoyment out of. Let us know what you decide!

 

[ssledoux]

Saw it in store yesterday - it does look good.

 

[BhaveshUK]

Yep. It's only in the bubble of the forum world that you'll hear these devices trashed and hyper-analyzed. In real life, they're perfectly good devices that tons of people will get much productivity and enjoyment out of. Let us know what you decide!

I feel it's a combination of price increases (internationally) and poor messaging around decisions (e.g. first-generation Pencil, function row on 10th gen but not Pro, etc.) that have created this bubble. By doing a press release only, Apple have let the messaging fall out of their control, which is very unusual for them. These recent iPads have a lot of negativity surrounding them as a result whether that's justified or not.

 

[usagora]

I feel it's a combination of price increases (internationally) and poor messaging around decisions (e.g. first-generation Pencil, function row on 10th gen but not Pro, etc.) that have created this bubble. By doing a press release only, Apple have let the messaging fall out of their control, which is very unusual for them. These recent iPads have a lot of negativity surrounding them as a result whether that's justified or not.

But I think it's only on places like MR and the tech review community that such things are seen as a big deal. I think most of the general public just buys what they need and don't hyper-analyze Apple's decisions. Heck, I'm a techie and I don't make a big deal out of it either. Now obviously if it were some major, ridiculous issue then that would be different.

 

[JPack]

Yep. It's only in the bubble of the forum world that you'll hear these devices trashed and hyper-analyzed. In real life, they're perfectly good devices that tons of people will get much productivity and enjoyment out of. Let us know what you decide!

Agreed, I still don’t understand how some people say having more choice is bad for the consumer. The $449 iPad has its own merits, particularly for those who want a sleek media consumption device.

 

[usagora]

Agreed, I still don’t understand how some people say having more choice is bad for the consumer. The $449 iPad has its own merits, particularly for those who want a sleek media consumption device.

They argue it's "confusing" but it's really not unless you make it so by over-thinking everything. Apple even has a compare tool on their website if someone really wants to compare the various iPads feature by feature if they're in doubt.

 

[chikorita157]

I disagree, for the price, the iPad 10 is a terrible value especially when you can get the iPad Air 5 for a little more or a refurbished Air 4. It would be different if it was priced at $359 or 399, but 449 is approaching iPad Air prices. The value proposition is poor given Apple gimped the screen, wifi, usb, and Apple Pencil support. The fact that it still uses the Apple Pencil 1 is egregious.

Nobody should be defending this iPad at this price point. The iPad 9 is a better deal if you just want a basic iPad.

 

[Digitalguy]

I disagree, for the price, the iPad 10 is a terrible value especially when you can get the iPad Air 5 for a little more or a refurbished Air 4. It would be different if it was priced at $359 or 399, but 449 is approaching iPad Air prices. The value proposition is poor given Apple gimped the screen, wifi, usb, and Apple Pencil support. The fact that it still uses the Apple Pencil 1 is egregious.

Nobody should be defending this iPad at this price point. The iPad 9 is a better deal if you just want a basic iPad.

At this point in time I have to agree. Things may change when prices change (the air can be found for well below MRSP but not the 10). Just looking at comparison with the air, the contrast of the screen looks terrible, blacks look much less black than on the air, probably because of reflectivity too, plus plenty of others cut corners. And it's tech people like us who need to guide new buyers (family and friends) towards the best value

 

[GMShadow]

I bought a 256GB Blue model and have been using it as my all-purpose iPad since launch. It's great. An Air 5 would have cost more and been overkill, and the Air 4 colors are drab. I don't care about it using the first gen Pencil because I have a 12.9 already that gets Pencil duties, and the non-laminated screen is people nitpicking to find an issue.

 

[BhaveshUK]

But I think it's only on places like MR and the tech review community that such things are seen as a big deal. I think most of the general public just buys what they need and don't hyper-analyze Apple's decisions. Heck, I'm a techie and I don't make a big deal out of it either. Now obviously if it were some major, ridiculous issue then that would be different.

I agree with your perspective. Outside of the tech space, I believe nobody is bothered about the iPad lineup and the differentiation between models.

I disagree, for the price, the iPad 10 is a terrible value especially when you can get the iPad Air 5 for a little more or a refurbished Air 4. It would be different if it was priced at $359 or 399, but 449 is approaching iPad Air prices. The value proposition is poor given Apple gimped the screen, wifi, usb, and Apple Pencil support. The fact that it still uses the Apple Pencil 1 is egregious.

Nobody should be defending this iPad at this price point. The iPad 9 is a better deal if you just want a basic iPad.

One really has to consider what value they are personally getting from having an iPad and decide if the price of admission is worth it for them. Personally, when I look at the new UK prices for the whole iPad lineup, I don’t see value across the entire lineup for my use cases and wouldn’t buy one as a consequence. However, OP has seen the new iPad and views it as great value for their needs. Neither one of us is wrong.

 

[erikkfi]

the colors are good (though I would likely choose silver if I bought it)

This right here is why Apple doesn’t really care about colors.

 

[JPack]

I disagree, for the price, the iPad 10 is a terrible value especially when you can get the iPad Air 5 for a little more or a refurbished Air 4. It would be different if it was priced at $359 or 399, but 449 is approaching iPad Air prices. The value proposition is poor given Apple gimped the screen, wifi, usb, and Apple Pencil support. The fact that it still uses the Apple Pencil 1 is egregious.

Nobody should be defending this iPad at this price point. The iPad 9 is a better deal if you just want a basic iPad.

How is it "approaching" Air prices when it's $150 away?

Refurbished is the same category as sales. They come and go. Not to mention Apple does not offer refurbished to the vast majority of the world.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

The 10th gen iPad is a great revision (aside from the fast it's using the 1st gen Apple Pencil and the USB-C port is USB 2.0 which makes absolutely no sense) but that price...

You can get a Mac at the price of a 256gb model unless you forgo the keyboard, which at that point the 9th gen would probably be a more economical option.

 

[sorgo †]

It seems like a solid product, just kinda crazy that a 256GB cellular model with Magic Keyboard Folio (but without any AppleCare or Pencil) is US$1000.

You’re far better off just getting an M1 Macbook (or iPad) Air at that price, especially with the regular sales going on, but I suppose it all depends on use-case.

 

[PeteBurgh]

but that price...you can get a Mac at the price of a 256gb model unless you forgo the keyboard, which at that point the 9th gen would probably be a more economical option.

It seems like a solid product, just kinda crazy that a 256GB cellular model with Magic Keyboard Folio (but without any AppleCare or Pencil) is US$1000.

I agree. I think the storage thing is especially important - if you want a basic iPad, the 329 base model is excellent value (it might be the best value thing Apple sells IMO).

But if you want the next step up, something that's going to be versatile and used for a long period, you really want more than 64GB - at which point, it's really not cheap at all (especially with European pricing).

So it's a great iPad - I'd love it if my work issued me with one! But it's weirdly positioned and priced.

 

[sorgo †]

I agree. I think the storage thing is especially important - if you want a basic iPad, the 329 base model is excellent value (it might be the best value thing Apple sells IMO).

But if you want the next step up, something that's going to be versatile and used for a long period, you really want more than 64GB - at which point really not cheap at all (especially with European pricing).

So it's a great iPad - I'd love one if my work issued me with one! But it's weirdly positioned and priced.

Just the pricing of the Keyboard Folio seems so off and uncompetitive. I mean, more than half the price of the base model?! Just what…

 

[antiprotest]

Now try to charge your Apple Pencil with it!

 

[sunking101]

Apple are conning non-techies with the iPad10.

 

[BhaveshUK]

Just the pricing of the Keyboard Folio seems so off and uncompetitive. I mean, more than half the price of the base model?! Just what…

From my perspective, the iPad keyboards across the lineup are crazy expensive for what they are.

I even got the Magic Keyboard for my iPad Pro on discount, but even then, I feel it’s severely overpriced. I won’t be buying another one anytime soon.

 

[Andres Cantu]

In my opinion, it’s a great device, at the wrong price. Should have been $399 tops.

The iPad Air 2 from 2014 had a laminated display 8 years ago. No excuse for this iPad not to have one.

The laminated display makes a huge difference in display color. They didn’t even need to add the P3 color gamut display, although even the iPhone has had that since 2016.

 

[lordhamster]

In my opinion, it’s a great device, at the wrong price. Should have been $399 tops.

The iPad Air 2 from 2014 had a laminated display 8 years ago. No excuse for this iPad not to have one.

The laminated display makes a huge difference in display color. They didn’t even need to add the P3 color gamut display, although even the iPhone has had that since 2016.

Literally everyone here complains about non-laminated display. Then everyone slaps a $8 screen protector on their laminated display making essentially the same as a laminated display.

I'm liking the laminated display on my new M2 Pro. I will NOT be using any protection on my 11 inch. Nor will I use a screen-protector.

 

[WoodTableFromIkea]

Ok, that's good to know.

Enjoy your new device.

 

[anakin44011]

Agreed, I still don’t understand how some people say having more choice is bad for the consumer. The $449 iPad has its own merits, particularly for those who want a sleek media consumption device.

Hell hath no fury like unreasonable expectations scorned.

I still can't believe they sell anything at the same prices as last year.

 

[usagora]

I disagree, for the price, the iPad 10 is a terrible value especially when you can get the iPad Air 5 for a little more or a refurbished Air 4. It would be different if it was priced at $359 or 399, but 449 is approaching iPad Air prices. The value proposition is poor given Apple gimped the screen, wifi, usb, and Apple Pencil support. The fact that it still uses the Apple Pencil 1 is egregious.

Nobody should be defending this iPad at this price point. The iPad 9 is a better deal if you just want a basic iPad.

So you'd rather Apple just axe the lower-priced iPad and make the iPad Air the base iPad model and prevent people who don't want/need the additional features the Air has from having a lower cost model available to them? As the other poster said, what's wrong with more choices?