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Hieveryone

macrumors 603
Original poster
Apr 11, 2014
5,632
2,347
USA
I would like a big screen, keyboard, and portability.

Which one do I need?
 
Obviously the biggest screen is the 12.9, but, depending on your definition of portability, it may or may not fit the bill for that, although it’s still a very lightweight device compared to a laptop. If you want something with a nice size screen that’s more easily portable, an 11” pro may make more sense for you.

I’ve had the previous 12.9s, regular size iPads, and I have the current 11”. As a fairly small woman, I like the 11” for myself because it covers all the bases for me (decent size for desk use, easy portability, lovely device), but the 12.9 is a fantastic device, and with the decrease in size, it is the perfect device for many.
 
You already own iPads and am pretty sure you know the available sizes and which has a keyboard. As far as portability, much depends on how big of an iPad you are willing to carry around with you.

I actually know nothing. I had an iPad Air or whatever it was called many years ago which I used for 2 seconds then gave away.
 
I actually know nothing. I had an iPad Air or whatever it was called many years ago which I used for 2 seconds then gave away.

Why does your signature indicate that you own two of them or does that signify something else?

The 9.7" 2018 iPad would be fine for general use or wait a couple of months for the new 10" if you want something bigger. I have a 10.5 Pro and love it but might be overkill depending on what you want it for. The Pro lines would probably be overkill for general use but you get the bigger screens ranging from 10.5" (2017 model) up to 12.9" (2017 and 2018 models). All models have either Apple or 3rd party keyboards available.
 
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Knowing the OP's budget would help.

If they want the latest and greatest, get the 2018 12.0" IPP. They can also go with the 10.5" or 9.7" if they are on a budget.
 
Why does your signature indicate that you own two of them or does that signify something else?

The 9.7" 2018 iPad would be fine for general use or wait a couple of months for the new 10" if you want something bigger. I have a 10.5 Pro and love it but might be overkill depending on what you want it for. The Pro lines would probably be overkill for general use but you get the bigger screens ranging from 10.5" (2017 model) up to 12.9" (2017 and 2018 models). All models have either Apple or 3rd party keyboards available.

I don’t know what my signature says. I can’t even see it on my iPhone. I vaguely remember it still has iPod nano in there lol. I haven’t updated that thing in years. It probably says I owned the original iPad as well which I did buy but rarely used. So there’s 2 iPads.
[doublepost=1548366925][/doublepost]Would the iPad 5th generation or the iPad Air 2 on the refurbished site connect to a keyboard?

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbis...-kwgo-ipad--slid--ipad+refurbished-e-product-
 
I don’t know what my signature says. I can’t even see it on my iPhone. I vaguely remember it still has iPod nano in there lol. I haven’t updated that thing in years. It probably says I owned the original iPad as well which I did buy but rarely used. So there’s 2 iPads.
[doublepost=1548366925][/doublepost]Would the iPad 5th generation or the iPad Air 2 on the refurbished site connect to a keyboard?

https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbis...-kwgo-ipad--slid--ipad+refurbished-e-product-

They both have 3rd party keyboard cases available but why would you want the Air as opposed to the 2018 iPad which is both cheaper and more powerful? It's only $329 and can often be found for even less. I see the 2017 iPad for $239 which is probably a good deal but lacks the pencil support of the 6th generation if that interests you at all. I would go with the 2018 simply for the A10 which will perform better for longer than the A9.
 
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I still think the iPad mini 4 is the best iPad. But you did say ‘big screen’ so ignore me I guess. Here’s what you do - go to the apple store and hold each of them. Choose the one that feels right. Purchase. Voila!
 
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They both have 3rd party keyboard cases available but why would you want the Air as opposed to the 2018 iPad which is both cheaper and more powerful? It's only $329 and can often be found for even less. I see the 2017 iPad for $239 which is probably a good deal but lacks the pencil support of the 6th generation if that interests you at all. I would go with the 2018 simply for the A10 which will perform better for longer than the A9.

ok so basically the 2018 iPad is only 329 and can use a keyboard with option of pencil as well?

Sounds like a sweet deal to me.

the 239 ipad has a lesser processor and no pencil.

What are the details of the ipad air they're offering in the refurbished site? not as good?
[doublepost=1548367747][/doublepost]Would this keyboard work for the latest iPad? with the A10 processor?

https://www.amazon.com/iPad-Keyboar...689&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=ipad+keyboard&psc=1
 
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ok so basically the 2018 iPad is only 329 and can use a keyboard with option of pencil as well?

Sounds like a sweet deal to me.

the 239 ipad has a lesser processor and no pencil.

What are the details of the ipad air they're offering in the refurbished site? not as good?
[doublepost=1548367747][/doublepost]Would this keyboard work for the latest iPad? with the A10 processor?

https://www.amazon.com/iPad-Keyboar...689&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=ipad+keyboard&psc=1

The Air 2 is still certainly functional but the A8 chip is getting long in the tooth. We're on A12 now and who knows how well it will perform in the next year or two. It's also more expensive than recent iPads so probably shouldn't even be considered at this point.

Yes- that model is good for all iPads we just discussed. (at least that's what it says so don't hold me accountable for anything :))
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
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The Air 2 is still certainly functional but the A8 chip is getting long in the tooth. We're on A12 now and who knows how well it will perform in the next year or two. It's also more expensive than recent iPads so probably shouldn't even be considered at this point.

Yes- that model is good for all iPads we just discussed. (at least that's what it says so don't hold me accountable for anything :))

Thank you! I’m thinking of getting the 329 iPad 2018 model with A 10.

I think it’s 299 on Amazon so might just buy there.

And I’ll also get a keyboard for it.

No need for a pencil now but DEFINITELY a consideration in the future. Probably near future.

Gosh I love Macrumors. Thank you for the help!!!
 
Thank you! I’m thinking of getting the 329 iPad 2018 model with A 10.

I think it’s 299 on Amazon so might just buy there.

And I’ll also get a keyboard for it.

No need for a pencil now but DEFINITELY a consideration in the future. Probably near future.

Gosh I love Macrumors. Thank you for the help!!!

The regular 2018 iPads are good value in my opinion. Check out the accessories forum for iPad too.

You can basically get most Bluetooth keyboards to work with an iPad, and there’s a huge range of products available.

I use the pencil mostly for handwritten notes in GoodNotes, it’s a nice add-on.
 
I have an Anker Ultra Compact Bluetooth Keyboard I use with my iPad 3. It doesn't connect to the iPad, but that is not a feature I wanted anyway. I have an STM folding cover that serves as a kickstand for th iPad, and I just plop the keyboard down in front of the iPad when I need to type more than what I do casually on the on-screen keyboard.

In other words, the Smart Keyboard for the newer iPads is not a deciding factor when looking for a new model of said device.

Really leaning towards an iPad 2018, but I do like the idea of supposedly better sound and more RAM on the Pros.
 
10.5 pro is good only if there is no reoccurring bright spot issue...

so u can choose between 2018 ipad or 2018 pro ...
2 things i want with the pro are laminated screen and 4gb ram for future proofing..
coz my 3yr old ipad air 2 is already having 2gb ram and laminated screen .
its hard to stay with 2gb ram in 2019 ... and the screen on 2018 ipad feels like a downgrade coming from ipad air 2.

if u can wait for 2019 budget ipad....hopefully they will put 3gb and laminated screen....
 
Loving my 2018 iPad, used it every day since I bought it, only need to charge it every 2-3 days, great battery life and very fluid

I am interested in how do you use it on average per day? I charge it every 1 day and half usually. Sometimes 2 (but that's stretching). However there are days where I use Procreate quite heavily and this takes a toll on the battery. I also use it a lot with OneNote and GoodNotes so it could get 5 hours screen time a day sometimes.
 
Same boat here, I'm mildly in the market as well. The $500-$600 delta between 6th gen and the new Pro is pretty stark. I'm currently using an iPad Mini 2 or 3 not sure which. TBH I use it primarily to fly a drone, bathroom reading and watching YouTube to fall asleep. The Pro is probably overkill for me, I guess.
 
M
I am interested in how do you use it on average per day? I charge it every 1 day and half usually. Sometimes 2 (but that's stretching). However there are days where I use Procreate quite heavily and this takes a toll on the battery. I also use it a lot with OneNote and GoodNotes so it could get 5 hours screen time a day sometimes.
mostly for browsing, Netflix, YouTube, and the occasional game. Your usage would definitely tax the battery more than mine
[doublepost=1548432620][/doublepost]
11 inch Pro. I find the $329 iPad to be crap, personally.
And what exactly is crap about it in your personal usage?
 
M

mostly for browsing, Netflix, YouTube, and the occasional game. Your usage would definitely tax the battery more than mine
[doublepost=1548432620][/doublepost]
And what exactly is crap about it in your personal usage?

Screen and performance mainly. The lack of ProMotion and non-laminated screen just doesn't work for me. I also noticed it lagging quite a bit under normal circumstances. My fiance has one, but she doesn't seem to notice/care - so that very well might be the same for most people. Just my preference.
 
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