All iPads In the market for a new iPad

[machenryr]

I have an ancient iPad 2. I need to upgrade. I don't use it much but I do need it for two reasons. A controller for my DAWs, which the old one still can do and to use with some live streaming. I don't need anything super fancy but I don't want to buy something that I'll regret. So I'm thinking of iPad 128gb. I might also use it for the camera but mainly my iPad doesn't work with streaming programs like Switcher Studio.

I have a band. Each musician has an iPhone or in one case will use my MacBook Pro. So before I pull the trigger I thought I'd ask general questions about the differences between iPad Air and iPad. Mini and Pro are ones I'm not interested but given enough encouragement I could be talked into it. But I'm keeping my old iPad, I have a MacBook Pro, new Mac Pro nd a bunch of Apple stuff. It's all in the family.

Thanks!

 

[Apple_Robert]

Here is the comparison chart. I would get the Air. It has the slightly bigger and better screen, and it is faster. as well.

iPad - Compare Models

Compare resolution, size, weight, performance, battery life, and storage of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models.

www.apple.com

 

[SigEp265]

I vote for the Air as well

 

[Richard8655]

If not using it all that often and want nothing fancy, I'd go with the 8th gen regular iPad for value and cost effectiveness. The display resolution is still excellent.

 

[AutomaticApple]

it is faster. as well.

The A12 in the budget iPad wouldn't be more than fast enough for the OP?

 

[Apple_Robert]

The A12 in the budget iPad wouldn't be more than fast enough for the OP?

Yes, but I thought the slight edge from the Air would make a difference (re: screen size).

 

[rui no onna]

Here is the comparison chart. I would get the Air. It has the slightly bigger and better screen, and it is faster. as well.

iPad - Compare Models

Compare resolution, size, weight, performance, battery life, and storage of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models.

www.apple.com

Addendum, the difference between 8th gen and Air 4 is similar to the one between Pro 10.5 and Pro 11. The short side has the same length while the long side is a bit longer so you get a slightly more widescreen aspect ratio.

Another consideration, charging cable for the Air 4 is the same USB-C as modern MacBooks.

That said, the 8th gen is pretty great bang for the buck. You can't really go wrong with either.

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

I would go for the Air. you seem to keep your iPads for a while so an Air will be supported much longer with having a current A14 chip compared to the A12 on the 8th gen iPad

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I can recommend the Air 4 too. Nice size, light and the TouchID in the button is quite cool. It’s also in the middle on price.

 

[Digitalguy]

I think the 8 gen is a better purchase... Double the storage for $200 less. And it also has a headphone jack. Screen size is not a big deal, nor is speed with the 8 gen iPad. The only reason why I would consider the air is USB C (but my phone is USB C, if I had an iPhone, it would be less of an issue since I would already have lightning anyway all the time...).

 

[muzzy996]

I think the 8 gen is a better purchase... Double the storage for $200 less. And it also has a headphone jack. Screen size is not a big deal, nor is speed with the 8 gen iPad. The only reason why I would consider the air is USB C (but my phone is USB C, if I had an iPhone, it would be less of an issue since I would already have lightning anyway all the time...).

Yeah given that OP mentions using DAWs and being in a band I have to wonder if the headphone jack would be important.

I vote 8th gen iPad 128 based upon the information OP provided. A Gen 8 will feel lightning fast compared to their old Gen 2 and will work for them for more than a few years given how long they used the Gen 2.

I like the Air 4's and bought 2 for the family over the holiday season, but the Airs are expensive to kit up with accessories and if the OP doesn't need the additional features/power of the Air it isn't worth it IMO. For both of my purchase decisions it came down to consideration of features and form factor that pushed us to the Air 4.

Although the newer CPU and added RAM in the Air 4 generally means that it can be supported longer by Apple I have to wonder if the cost is worth it to OP if they don't need the power and features that the Air 4 provides over the Gen 8 iPad. Taking a basic setup into consideration, a wifi Air 4 64gb is going to cost about $200 more than a Gen 8 iPad (talking Apple retail pricing comparison of ipad and a standard cover/folio). That's nearly 50% of the cost of the Gen 8 alone. If all one ever needs is a base model, that money can be held and put towards an upgrade a few years from now on another base model.

 

[Tsepz]

I have an ancient iPad 2. I need to upgrade. I don't use it much but I do need it for two reasons. A controller for my DAWs, which the old one still can do and to use with some live streaming. I don't need anything super fancy but I don't want to buy something that I'll regret. So I'm thinking of iPad 128gb. I might also use it for the camera but mainly my iPad doesn't work with streaming programs like Switcher Studio.

I have a band. Each musician has an iPhone or in one case will use my MacBook Pro. So before I pull the trigger I thought I'd ask general questions about the differences between iPad Air and iPad. Mini and Pro are ones I'm not interested but given enough encouragement I could be talked into it. But I'm keeping my old iPad, I have a MacBook Pro, new Mac Pro nd a bunch of Apple stuff. It's all in the family.

Thanks!

I would say go for the iPad Air 4,as at least you get the new design OR better yet treat yourself to a 2018 iPad Pro 128GB which, IMO, would be better value for money overall over the iPad Air 4. That’s if you can find the 2018 iPad Pro brand new or used in great condition.

 

[Digitalguy]

I would say go for the iPad Air 4,as at least you get the new design OR better yet treat yourself to a 2018 iPad Pro 128GB which, IMO, would be better value for money overall over the iPad Air 4. That’s if you can find the 2018 iPad Pro brand new or used in great condition.

iPad enthusiasts often tend so recommend higher end iPads because they (we) do a lot with their iPad and think that people, once they have a high end iPad, will also do a lot (more) things with it... While I am an iPad enthusiast myself, I think that that's a flawed thinking, as people are very different... (and I see this even in my own family...)

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

iPad enthusiasts often tend so recommend higher end iPads because they (we) do a lot with their iPad and think that people, once they have a high end iPad, will also do a lot (more) things with it... While I am an iPad enthusiast myself, I think that that's a flawed thinking, as people are very different... (and I see this even in my own family...)

Indeed. A lot of people, myself including just use an iPad to browse and watch videos. I’ve known one or two people shell out money for the Pro and still just use it in a basic fashion. What a waste of money I think. There are those who also don’t understand the lower end iPads have decent features too.

Our FD at work bought a load of iPad Pro’s so managers could take notes in meetings. He complained to me how much it had cost and my response was, why did you go for the Pro? When I told him the entry level iPad has pencil support, he cancelled the order and saved a couple of grand. The new Air is the perfect balance I think and I’m enjoying mine. I’d recommend this over the now 3 year old iPad Pro 2018 any day of the week.

 

[rui no onna]

Indeed. A lot of people, myself including just use an iPad to browse and watch videos. I’ve known one or two people shell out money for the Pro and still just use it in a basic fashion. What a waste of money I think. There are those who also don’t understand the lower end iPads have decent features too.

Entry level iPads certainly offer very good performance. However, if one wants a bigger iPad display or 512GB-1TB storage then one can only get those on the Pro models. Cloud or even USB-C storage just isn't the same as local.

Mind, for simple note taking the Apple Pencil clones compatible with 2018 iPads and newer work pretty great.

I've been using this one since I can just clip it on my shirt.

Adonit Note (Black) Stylus Pen for iPad Writing/Drawing with Palm Rejection, Active Pencil Compatible with iPad Air 4/3rd gen, iPad Mini 6/5th gen, iPad 9/8/7/6th gen, iPad Pro (2018-2021),11/12.9"

Compatible Models: iPad Pro 12. 9-inch (3rd gen), iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen), iPad (6th gen), iPad (7th gen). Model Numbers: A1876, A2014, A1895, A1980, A1983, A1980, A2013, A1934, A1979, A2152, A2123, A2153, A2154, A2197, A2198, A2200, A2133, A2124, A2126, A2125, A...

www.amazon.com

 

[rui no onna]

I would say go for the iPad Air 4,as at least you get the new design OR better yet treat yourself to a 2018 iPad Pro 128GB which, IMO, would be better value for money overall over the iPad Air 4. That’s if you can find the 2018 iPad Pro brand new or used in great condition.

I don't believe that exists. Iirc, the 2018 iPad Pros were only available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. configurations.

 

[Tsepz]

I don't believe that exists. Iirc, the 2018 iPad Pros were only available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. configurations.

Thanks, I keep mixing up storage variants!

 

[Tsepz]

iPad enthusiasts often tend so recommend higher end iPads because they (we) do a lot with their iPad and think that people, once they have a high end iPad, will also do a lot (more) things with it... While I am an iPad enthusiast myself, I think that that's a flawed thinking, as people are very different... (and I see this even in my own family...)

You don’t have to be an enthusiast to get the Pro, I always recommend Pro due to the slick 120hz ProMotion display which makes using the thing that much more enjoyable, and if OP plans to keep his iPad for a long time at least it will have top display tech for the long haul.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Entry level iPads certainly offer very good performance. However, if one wants a bigger iPad display or 512GB-1TB storage then one can only get those on the Pro models. Cloud or even USB-C storage just isn't the same as local.

Mind, for simple note taking the Apple Pencil clones compatible with 2018 iPads and newer work pretty great.

I've been using this one since I can just clip it on my shirt.

Adonit Note (Black) Stylus Pen for iPad Writing/Drawing with Palm Rejection, Active Pencil Compatible with iPad Air 4/3rd gen, iPad Mini 6/5th gen, iPad 9/8/7/6th gen, iPad Pro (2018-2021),11/12.9"

Compatible Models: iPad Pro 12. 9-inch (3rd gen), iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad mini (5th gen), iPad (6th gen), iPad (7th gen). Model Numbers: A1876, A2014, A1895, A1980, A1983, A1980, A2013, A1934, A1979, A2152, A2123, A2153, A2154, A2197, A2198, A2200, A2133, A2124, A2126, A2125, A...

www.amazon.com

There is that yes, but those sorts of spec demands tend to be people needing them for productivity anyway. My wife has a pencil similar to the one you linked and I’ve been meaning to try it out on my Air. I haven’t researched what sort of apps I need for note taking or drawing yet though.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

You don’t have to be an enthusiast to get the Pro, I always recommend Pro due to the slick 120hz ProMotion display which makes using the thing that much more enjoyable, and if OP plans to keep his iPad for a long time at least it will have top display tech for the long haul.

I think unless you’ve used Promotion previously, it’s best not to get too hung up on needing it right now. Quite a few people on MR are talking about it like it’s a must have in order to upgrade, but those of us that haven’t used it don’t have any enjoyment issues with devices without it. I’ve just got an iPad Air and loving the experience. The fact it hasn’t got ProMotion is irrelevant and I’m relieved I don’t need it right now. It certainly means the lower spec’ed devices are more desirable and I plan on keeping this iPad for the next 4 years.

 

[Tsepz]

I think unless you’ve used Promotion previously, it’s best not to get too hung up on needing it right now. Quite a few people on MR are talking about it like it’s a must have in order to upgrade, but those of us that haven’t used it don’t have any enjoyment issues with devices without it. I’ve just got an iPad Air and loving the experience. The fact it hasn’t got ProMotion is irrelevant and I’m relieved I don’t need it right now. It certainly means the lower spec’ed devices are more desirable and I plan on keeping this iPad for the next 4 years.

I respect your opinion, mine is that he/she gets hold of a iPad Pro with ProMotion at a low price for longevity and to at least truly feel the upgrade from their current iPad.

Whatever the OP decides is up to them, this is just my suggestion.

Glad you are enjoying your Air 4, it is a great device.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I respect your opinion, mine is that he/she gets hold of a iPad Pro with ProMotion at a low price for longevity and to at least truly feel the upgrade from their current iPad.

Whatever the OP decides is up to them, this is just my suggestion.

Glad you are enjoying your Air 4, it is a great device.

The Air 4 felt a decent upgrade from the 2017 iPad I had before so the jump from the Air 2 should be pretty significant I would say. Unfortunately iPad Pro’s don’t appear at a low price where I live unless you buy secondhand. The 2018 Pro is £600 here refurbished so it’s a no-brainer to get the Air for £500 IMO. I suppose longevity might be an issue if the OP want to keep the device for 7-10 years, but it shouldn’t be an issue for uk to 5 years with any of the current iPads. The Air 4 is a great device I agree. Depends on what people need in an iPad I suppose. I’d never recommend a Pro unless you’re looking at it as a productivity device personally.

 

[Apple Mac Daz]

The Air 4 felt a decent upgrade from the 2017 iPad I had before so the jump from the Air 2 should be pretty significant I would say. Unfortunately iPad Pro’s don’t appear at a low price where I live unless you buy secondhand. The 2018 Pro is £600 here refurbished so it’s a no-brainer to get the Air for £500 IMO. I suppose longevity might be an issue if the OP want to keep the device for 7-10 years, but it shouldn’t be an issue for uk to 5 years with any of the current iPads. The Air 4 is a great device I agree. Depends on what people need in an iPad I suppose. I’d never recommend a Pro unless you’re looking at it as a productivity device personally.

I am taking it the OP is on about his current device is an iPad 2 not a Air 2, reason if it’s a iPad 2 he keeps his devices very long. if so a Air with a A14 will last him and be supported much longer no doubt over the basic iPad with a A12

 

[Spudlicious]

I want to speak up for the Mini, having quite recently chosen it over the Air 4. My reasons? For five years I hardly used my Air 2 because of its size and weight, it's a clumsy lunker, a hippo on the chorus line, instead I used an 8" Sony Z3. But the Sony, being Android, had not been updated for years and I wanted all my devices to be on the same platform for all the obvious reasons. The Mini 5 is just perfect for me; browsing, Kindle reading, email, streaming movies, it does it all without wrist pain and without having to keep adjusting my grip.

The OP has big screens available when needed, so why would he need another full size iPad? He has a band, and the Air 4 is ideal for carrying 4 cups of coffee on, but what else would it do for him to justify the bulk and cost?

The Mini 5 will deliver the capability he needs in the right package at the right price, I rest my case.

 

[Demiles]

iPad enthusiasts often tend so recommend higher end iPads because they (we) do a lot with their iPad and think that people, once they have a high end iPad, will also do a lot (more) things with it... While I am an iPad enthusiast myself, I think that that's a flawed thinking, as people are very different... (and I see this even in my own family...)

There’s nothing flawed in giving an opinion which is what the OP asked for. You’re opinion is just as flawed as any other.