iPad iPad 8

[Ellen]

I would appreciate feedback from iPad owners - especially those with the iPad 8. I came close to pre-ordering the new Air (which I asked about in another thread) and trading in my Mini to offset some of the cost but, based on the feedback I’ve received, I am reconsidering. And going to the store to compare models is not a great option now.

I have a MacBook Pro from 2018 so I am not looking for a laptop replacement. I also have a Mini 5 bcs I do a lot of ebook borrowing from the public library, and not all the content works on a Kindle. I bought the Mini 5 to replace my Kindle, and also because of portability, streaming etc.

Since then I have also discovered I can read alot of magazines from my library online. And I do experience dry eyes and sometime small print and even streaming can be a strain.

So I started off thinking that the Air 4 could be the sweet spot for books, magazines and streaming. And it has the latest guts and look. However, the replies to my Air thread make me think that it is worth holding on to the Mini as an ebook reader. Which is also leading me to consider the iPad 8 for magazines and streaming.

Pros? Price
Cons? Old form factor? Will I notice the non-laminated screen?

Your feedback will be appreciated!

 

[satchmo]

To be honest, the iPad 8th Gen is probably all that most of us really need.

Many just feel like they need the power when the A12 and 3gb of RAM will suffice. You’ll hear the term futureproofing a lot to justify spending more on the Air.

Heck I have 2nd thoughts about dropping double the cost for an Air 4. But I have OCD and have issues with bezels. ?

 

[Ellen]

I know what you mean. I will likely wind up with a new phone in December from my employer and so if I get the 12 part of me feels that the iPad 8 will a step back at least design-wise.

 

[retta283]

Air 4 design is nice IMO, but I think the 8th gen is plenty for most people. I personally have a Pro but if I were to start over I might just choose the 8th generation. It's mostly a design preference and longevity thing at the moment.

 

[KittyKatta]

So I started off thinking that the Air 4 could be the sweet spot for books, magazines and streaming. And it has the latest guts and look. However, the replies to my Air thread make me think that it is worth holding on to the Mini as an ebook reader. Which is also leading me to consider the iPad 8 for magazines and streaming.

We're actually going through the same dilemma and its a tough one. Im considering getting rid of my daughters Mini5 for a bigger screen. Here's the issues we have.
- Resale value of Mini 5 is terrible
- iPad 8 and Mini have same A12 chip
- iPad 8 has less storage (Mini is 64GB)
- iPad 8 screen is bigger but a downgrade
- Mini is such a great little e-reader

For us it feels like going from Mini5 to iPad8 is a costly downgrade so I'm considering an Air for her instead. Its obviously expensive but its modern enough that it should last her a long time. The problem again is that Mini5 and whether I should keep it or just trade it in and lose half the value on a perfectly incredible Mini.

Many just feel like they need the power when the A12 and 3gb of RAM will suffice. You’ll hear the term futureproofing a lot to justify spending more on the Air.

In this case, is it "future proofing" or is it "present proofing".

While I agree that most users would be very happy for many years with an iPad 8th gen, I also feel like its lipstick on a pig. They put a great processor to hide the fact that some of these other features should have been retired by now.

- Lightning port
- Lightning Pencil Charging
- Giant bezel
- Air gap screen
- Home button
- Mono speaker
- 32GB Storage

Again, the 8th gen iPad is a solid iPad. But still, things like USB-C, USB-C storage, Pencil 2, stereo speakers, better screen, better keyboard options and 64GB are all features that should be standard in 2020.

 

[Ellen]

Thanks KittyKatta. You made me realize that 32GB is likely not enough for me and so the price advantage lessens over the Air. And your other comments give me much to think about. At this point I may just go to a store and at least take a quick look at the Air once they get it in.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I would appreciate feedback from iPad owners - especially those with the iPad 8. I came close to pre-ordering the new Air (which I asked about in another thread) and trading in my Mini to offset some of the cost but, based on the feedback I’ve received, I am reconsidering. And going to the store to compare models is not a great option now.

I have a MacBook Pro from 2018 so I am not looking for a laptop replacement. I also have a Mini 5 bcs I do a lot of ebook borrowing from the public library, and not all the content works on a Kindle. I bought the Mini 5 to replace my Kindle, and also because of portability, streaming etc.

Since then I have also discovered I can read alot of magazines from my library online. And I do experience dry eyes and sometime small print and even streaming can be a strain.

So I started off thinking that the Air 4 could be the sweet spot for books, magazines and streaming. And it has the latest guts and look. However, the replies to my Air thread make me think that it is worth holding on to the Mini as an ebook reader. Which is also leading me to consider the iPad 8 for magazines and streaming.

Pros? Price
Cons? Old form factor? Will I notice the non-laminated screen?

Your feedback will be appreciated!

I would have to agree with the sentiments of others in this thread. iPad 8th gen is the way to go.

 

[MiamiBeach]

I use an iPad 6th gen and while I try and convince myself I need a more recent iPad, I end up sticking with the 6th gen. Does more than what I need, the screen is good and has pencil support as well. The iPad 8 will definitely be more than enough for magazines/streaming. You won’t be disappointed with it, it’s a great iPad.

 

[ejin222]

I have the Mini 5, iPad 8 and 2018 12.9".

The iPad 8 is the first iPad I've had in a while that doesn't have a laminated screen, and though it does feel more hollow when you tap on it, I don't think you will think much of it after using it a week. You will be perfectly content with the iPad 8. It is more than adequate to do what you want to do~