iPad iPad 8 buy now or wait?

[Jxdawg]

Not on March 16th, but a different date in March is still up in the air.

Right. Has there been much buzz about a new base iPad? I’ve only seen air tags and the pro mentioned.

 

[Richard8655]

I'd go with the current 8. I have an Air 3 along with a regular 5 and 6, and personally prefer the Retina (non-laminated) display. Never had any anomalies such as whites spots, dark patches, etc., and it's a fantastic display in its own right. And as others mentioned, this is the time for nice discounts on the 8.

 

[sracer]

I'd go with the current 8. I have an Air 3 along with a regulator 5 and 6, and personally prefer the Retina (non-laminated) display. Never had any anomalies such as whites spots, dark patches, etc., and it's a fantastic display in its own right. And as others mentioned, this is the time for nice discounts on the 8.

I was completely happy with my Mini 5 but all this talk about the 8 has reminded me of how much I enjoyed the Smartkeyboard cover and smartcover on the larger iPads... and now I'm thinking about getting one (especially since it might be the last time to get the older form-factor).

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.

 

[Hoff]

I'd go with the current 8. I have an Air 3 along with a regular 5 and 6, and personally prefer the Retina (non-laminated) display. Never had any anomalies such as whites spots, dark patches, etc., and it's a fantastic display in its own right. And as others mentioned, this is the time for nice discounts on the 8.

I don't know about the displays.
What is the difference? Laminated vs. Non-Laminated?
And aren't the Laminated ones also Retina displays?

Which would my old iPad 4 have? Guessing Retina.

 

[rui no onna]

I don't know about the displays.
What is the difference? Laminated vs. Non-Laminated?
And aren't the Laminated ones also Retina displays?

Which would my old iPad 4 have? Guessing Retina.

Yes, they're all retina.

The iPad 8 has a non-laminated display which means there's a bit of an air gap between the touchscreen and the actual display similar to the original iPad Air. A bit more reflective but I also find it to be less prone to fingerprints. Bit of a plasticky hollow tapping noise, too. I've learned to compensate by keeping my touch light. Alternately, a tempered glass screen protector reduces tapping noise, too.

Meanwhile, the Air 3 has a laminated display so no air gap, reduced reflectivity. Alas, I pretty much have to constantly wipe finger oils from the display.

 

[Digitalguy]

Yes, they're all retina.

The iPad 8 has a non-laminated display which means there's a bit of an air gap between the touchscreen and the actual display similar to the original iPad Air. A bit more reflective but I also find it to be less prone to fingerprints. Bit of a plasticky hollow tapping noise, too. I've learned to compensate by keeping my touch light. Alternately, a tempered glass screen protector reduces tapping noise, too.

Meanwhile, the Air 3 has a laminated display so no air gap, reduced reflectivity. Alas, I pretty much have to constantly wipe finger oils from the display.

I solve the problem by using a good screen protector, no reflections, no fingerprints...
And it feels nicer with the pencil, no more tapping of plastic on glass (it's not a tempered glass one...)

 

[rui no onna]

I solve the problem by using a good screen protector, no reflections, no fingerprints...
And it feels nicer with the pencil, no more tapping of plastic on glass (it's not a tempered glass one...)

I don't like matte screen protectors. I've spent like $50 trying different brands from Amazon and they all had rainbow refractions which give me eye strain. They did feel nice with the Pencil though.

That said, I find the tempered glass pretty decent for Pencil use compared to just the iPad display. I often find the Pencil dragging on the iPad's screen while it glides more easily on tempered glass. Serves as scratch protection, too.

 

[Digitalguy]

I don't like matte screen protectors. I've spent like $50 trying different brands from Amazon and they all had rainbow refractions which give me eye strain. They did feel nice with the Pencil though.

That said, I find the tempered glass pretty decent for Pencil use compared to just the iPad display. I often find the Pencil dragging on the iPad's screen while it glides more easily on tempered glass. Serves as scratch protection, too.

to be honest I tried many too and was disappointed until I stopped on one brand that is really great, they look just as good as without but with no reflections and fingerprints (it's a German brand I think, I don't know if they sell in the US, but I only buy from them now for all my laptops and tablets).
I only tried tempered glass once, but was pretty disappointed by the responsiveness of the screen (I want the screen to be 100% like without a screen protector) but again maybe it's a matter of brands...

 

[Adelphos33]

One thing to consider is that Apple lets you trade in iPads towards purchasing new iPads, and I have found that iPad values are pretty good when trading in with Apple

 

[Zazoh]

I don't know about white spot problem. I take it that's on the Air 3 as well?

Yes had it on my Air 3. I was out of warranty and Apple store gave me a refurb right before the fours launched.