iPad iPad 8 vs iPad Air 3 dilemma including storage space

[Digitalguy]

I would skip the air 3 because of the white spot risks associated with the 10.5 model....
The air gap is important only if you use the pencil regularly, if you do, it's quite annoying, it's like having a think glass under the pencil. For use with fingers it's fine.
Air 4 has some very nice perks like usb C and pencil 2, which is much nicer.
As for true tone, it's not a matter of brightness, but of colors. For me the main advantage is that it gives me warmer colors. For ipads that don't have it, I simply put warmer colors all day via night shift to obtain a similar effect. It's not variable like true tone, but I like warmer colors (but not too warm, I try to set it at the same level as true tone) all day...

 

[Mainsail]

My experience is that note taking and handwriting on the standard iPad is basically not that much different than the laminated display on the Air. Here is a video where they compare the standard iPad and Pro for note taking and the reviewers found basically no difference.

Of course, this is a very individual thing, so YMMV. But, as with all things tech, the OP should beware of internet hype when it comes to real world differences.

 

[EugW]

My experience is that note taking and handwriting on the standard iPad is basically not that much different than the laminated display on the Air. Here is a video where they compare the standard iPad and Pro for note taking and the reviewers found basically no difference.

Of course, this is a very individual thing, so YMMV. But, as with all things tech, the OP should beware of internet hype when it comes to real world differences.

I have a 10.5 Pro, and my wife has the 10.2 non-Pro.

The latency difference isn't really noticeable. What is different is the feel of the non-laminated screen. When you tap the Pencil on it, it feels hollow and layered. You don't get that feeling on the Pro. However, you can take notes just fine on the non-Pro.

Whether that matters to you though is a different question.

I think the bigger difference is Pencil vs. Pencil 2. I don't like the round Pencil 1 and its awkward charging method, and the fact that it has no storage place unless you buy a specific case for it.

 

[rui no onna]

The latency difference isn't really noticeable. What is different is the feel of the non-laminated screen. When you tap the Pencil on it, it feels hollow and layered. You don't get that feeling on the Pro. However, you can take notes just fine on the non-Pro.

Same experience here. Mind, putting a screen protector on it greatly reduces that hollow feel.

I think the bigger difference is Pencil vs. Pencil 2. I don't like the round Pencil 1 and its awkward charging method, and the fact that it has no storage place unless you buy a specific case for it.

I don't need the Pencil for art so with my usage of just PDF markup and note taking, the cheaper Logitech Crayon (lacks pressure sensitivity) works great. Even when I do upgrade iPads, I have no desire to get the Pencil 2 as the Crayon is compatible on both Pro and non-Pro iPads (2018 and newer).

 

[Mainsail]

Same experience here. Mind, putting a screen protector on it greatly reduces that hollow feel.


I don't need the Pencil for art so with my usage of just PDF markup and note taking, the cheaper Logitech Crayon (lacks pressure sensitivity) works great. Even when I do upgrade iPads, I have no desire to get the Pencil 2 as the Crayon is compatible on both Pro and non-Pro iPads (2018 and newer).

I am wondering if any active pencil (as opposed to traditional capacitive stylus) is sufficient for markups and annotations? Also, I saw a review that showed that Scribble will work with any active pencil. You can buy these basic active pencils on Amazon for about $15, which is a lot less than the $100 - $130 for an Apple Pencil. It might be a good option for people who don't do art work but just markups, simple diagrams, and the like. Personally, I spent the $100 on the Apple Pencil, but sometimes wonder if it is overkill for an iPad 7 that cost me $250 on sale.

 

[rui no onna]

I am wondering if any active pencil (as opposed to traditional capacitive stylus) is sufficient for markups and annotations? Also, I saw a review that showed that Scribble will work with any active pencil. You can buy these basic active pencils on Amazon for about $15, which is a lot less than the $100 - $130 for an Apple Pencil. It might be a good option for people who don't do art work but just markups, simple diagrams, and the like. Personally, I spent the $100 on the Apple Pencil, but sometimes wonder if it is overkill for an iPad 7 that cost me $250 on sale.

I don't think the super cheap generic ones that work on both Android and iOS perform the same. The ones that are iPad specific with palm rejections and specifically mention the 2018-2020 iPad models probably work similarly though (typically $30, I think).

I have both the Adonit Note ($35 on Dec 2019) and the Logitech Crayon (normally $60) and they work just as well as my Apple Pencil 1 as far as writing accuracy and palm rejection.

Of course, the Adonit Note lacks tilt and pressure sensitivity while the Logitech Crayon lacks pressure sensitivity so they're not really good for artists.

Ergonomics, I find the chunky/flat Crayon more comfortable but I usually use the low-key/discreet Adonit Note for meetings.

 

[Regular_User]

If the screen protector reduces the discomfort of the air gap when taking notes I guess this should do for me.

To be honest I do not have very high expectations towards the base model device but overall I have good experience with Apple products as I believe they do not go below certain quality level even when it comes down to the entry level offer (despite outdated looks and the most scary - 32gb limit in 2020...). As many confirm still those are pretty solid full functional devices, wrapped in cheaper exterior and without all those fireworks but as I see it - they do their job - seems like good offer for me for solid notepad

The price tag between iPad 8 and Air 4 is significant enough I believe not to have doubts when making decision, this border is very clear for me - completely different class of devices (I do not see any reason to even start to compare those) - however the Air 3 64gb presence made the most disturbance for me here.
I believe it would be now way more difficult to choose between Air 4 and Pro models, luckily its not my problem at this point

Also as I see and this will be pretty obvious statement - the dimensions of the iPad 8 are exactly the same as for iPad 7 which concludes possibility of using exact same accessories that are already on the market so no time delay to reach for variety of different products like screen protectors or covers that suites iPad7 which is quite good news

I already found covers that have place to hold the Pencil 1gen so maybe it wont be so bad and not lose it

I can see as well that the usb drive is possible to connect (from iOS13 ?) via lightning port adapter which sounds like great news when the space might be limited so files can be stored on the side as well.

 

[Digitalguy]

I don't think the super cheap generic ones that work on both Android and iOS perform the same. The ones that are iPad specific with palm rejections and specifically mention the 2018-2020 iPad models probably work similarly though (typically $30, I think).

I have both the Adonit Note ($35 on Dec 2019) and the Logitech Crayon (normally $60) and they work just as well as my Apple Pencil 1 as far as writing accuracy and palm rejection.

Of course, the Adonit Note lacks tilt and pressure sensitivity while the Logitech Crayon lacks pressure sensitivity so they're not really good for artists.

Ergonomics, I find the chunky/flat Crayon more comfortable but I usually use the low-key/discreet Adonit Note for meetings.

Just bought a $15 clone of the pencil 2 on Aliexpress that works with the same ipads as the crayon (and charges via USB C). For me it will be for the mini 5, but I'll report how good it is for note taking. It has no pressure sensitivity but uses the same Apple protocol as the crayon (so does not work with older ipad pros or any other device), but in a pencil 2 form. I have already 3 pencil 1 and 1 pencil 2 (all from Apple) but for the price I didn't think much about it. Should receive it in 2 weeks.

 

[rui no onna]

Just bought a $15 clone of the pencil 2 on Aliexpress that works with the same ipads as the crayon (and charges via USB C). For me it will be for the mini 5, but I'll report how good it is for note taking. It has no pressure sensitivity but uses the same Apple protocol as the crayon (so does not work with older ipad pros or any other device), but in a pencil 2 form. I have already 3 pencil 1 and 1 pencil 2 (all from Apple) but for the price I didn't think much about it. Should receive it in 2 weeks.

Yeah, as long as compatibility shows 2018 or newer iPads it will probably work just as well. The other ones that are multi-platform tend to just simulate fingertips.

I usually buy from Amazon for Prime next/2-day shipping where the Apple Pencil clones typically hover around $25-$35. Buying direct from China is bound to be cheaper.

 

[tops2]

Just bought a $15 clone of the pencil 2 on Aliexpress that works with the same ipads as the crayon (and charges via USB C). For me it will be for the mini 5, but I'll report how good it is for note taking. It has no pressure sensitivity but uses the same Apple protocol as the crayon (so does not work with older ipad pros or any other device), but in a pencil 2 form. I have already 3 pencil 1 and 1 pencil 2 (all from Apple) but for the price I didn't think much about it. Should receive it in 2 weeks.

I have one of these clones from AliExpress for the past month and found it fine for what I use it for. I usually just mess around around with it and don't do any real drawing (mostly just "chicken scratch" and it works fine for that).
I use it for the new Scribbles funcition in iPadOS 14.

I got the one with the finer tip so it feels like writing on glass (I have a tempered glass protector on my iPad Pro 11). I kinda wonder what the other tip feels like, and what the tips of the Apple Pencil 2 feels like.

I paid about $17 for my clone and for the price, its fine.

I do wonder about the paperlike/matte screen protectors..but I don't write often enough and decided on the gorgeous screen quality vs paperlike feel of writing..

Related to the topic..I was debating on the base ipad 8 of the 2 capacities it comes in. Some of the distance learning apps are pretty large so not sure if 32 gigs is enough. If the price of the Air 3 comes down closer to the 128GB ipad 8, I think I'd rather go with the Air 3.

 

[rui no onna]

I do wonder about the paperlike/matte screen protectors..but I don't write often enough and decided on the gorgeous screen quality vs paperlike feel of writing..

I've tried matte screen protectors but the rainbow effect gave me eyestrain. Supposedly, the (authentic) Paperlike 2 solves the refraction problem to a great extent. It's pretty expensive though plus it's such a pain to install screen protectors so I'm reluctant to swap my tempered glass screen protector for one.

 

[Regular_User]

Speaking of pencils - how long the tip lasts before worn out? How often do you need to change it?

 

[rui no onna]

Speaking of pencils - how long the tip lasts before worn out? How often do you need to change it?

I actually haven’t replaced the tips on any of mine yet.

Of course, my AP1 saw very little use. I’d lost the tiny Lightning adapter so it was often discharged when I wanted to use it.

The Crayon I've only had for less than a year iirc. Primarily just PDF markup and short notes so likely much less wear compared to someone who uses it for drawing and sketching.

 

[ericwn]

Speaking of pencils - how long the tip lasts before worn out? How often do you need to change it?

On the first tip still. Used for three years so far.

 

[Homme]

Doesn't it also have faster Touch ID?

I think both iPads use Touch ID 2 but I could be wrong.

Still an iPad Air 3 would be the better choice if you can find a good deal.

Yes.

Only Air 3 has Touch ID gen 2. It is clearly mentioned in the specs if you go to Apple site and compare Air 3 and iPad 8th gen where Touch ID gen 2 is only mentioned for Air 3.

Indeed though I’d like to see ifixit do a tear down of the 8th gen iPad to see
If it has truly first or second gen Touch ID

I’ve seen how fast touchID unlocks 8th gen iPad in comparison with 7th gen iPad but if it is using first gen Touch ID it could be 1. The A12 unlocking it faster and/or 2. The Neural Engine playing its part

Yes the SoC determines unlocking a device much faster. I remember having a 5s and SE and unlocking them with touchID and SE was a second faster because of A9 despite them having the same generation sensor

 

[Regular_User]

As an update to my raised subject - in final conclusion I have decided to go with Ipad 8th 128GB, as Air 3 64gb prices are not dropping (and there is also the white spot issue which I do not want to play with in terms of replacement - just waste of time if it appears) so concerning this getting Air 3 at the moment makes no point as the price difference is as low to make a direct go to Air 4 64gB to make any sense of this (and this is way ahead of my initial plan so...)

I will see, maybe next year or two I do the switch to the Air 4. Anyways thanks all for the replies.

My last concern is the screen protector, I already have read that the original paperlike is not as much like paper and also the paperlike screen protectors are affecting contrast/colors more or less, so which one would be best to take notes and with the highest screen clarity and maybe reduce the screen reflections at the same time? Any advice on that one?
Thanks!

 

[Regular_User]

I decided to spare few more words as I have received my new iPad 8 and using it for 2 days and I must admit that it fills all my needs so far as expected.

The pencil use is great, the input lag is as low as can be ignored so the experience is great. The 128GB version is spot on as I had already 30GB of my pictures & movies downloaded from iCloud with their original size so I can easily now keep them and rearrange on the iPad without worry about the free space. The iOS declares now 10GB space taken (so 6GB system and 4GB "other" system files). All run pretty fast without delays. Perfect.

Already bought full ver of GoodNotes and Nebo apps and those are wonderful, excellent apps for my needs as I can see.
I have not tried to make notes on PDFs docs but I will figure it out. The great thing is I can use pencil outside the apps on search fields - really great, so I can write this post via my pencil, really nice.

Screen quality is sufficient (maybe I would add the TrueTone here which is missing), however I applied ESR matte screen protector which has huge impact on clarity of the screen. I need to consider to exchange this maybe to regular elastic plane foil protector as I need only to take notes not drawings, maybe this will be perfect solution and so keep the screen sharpness and clarity as it should be (now its pretty annoying, first I thought there is something wrong with my sight vision as the text appear all kinda blurred, just can't adjust to that).

Overall, really great experience & device. I still think 32gb is possible but very risky. I already have caught myself looking for more apps and options I want to install even if I wont be using them regulary. Now I dont need to calculate, I just install them

Again. Thanks all for help. Getting back to enjoy my new device