iPad iPad 9.7" and Christmas

[r0cki]

With Christmas approaching, and me recently landing a somewhat stable (and paid) internship in my area, I'm looking to retire my faithful Nexus 7 2nd Generation.

Being the sucker for technology that I am, and having done proper research, I've decided to go for an iPad 9.7". The screen is amazing and the OS is a breeze to use, and my girlfriend having an iPad of her own were also factors that influenced my decision.

My question now is: having checked the Buyer's Guide and it saying Neutral for the iPad 9.7" (I assume an update for September 2018?), do you guys think that getting one now is a "safe" choice? I can get it for 419€ (32GB + Wi-Fi).

iPad pro is way out of my price range, and there's no way I'm getting a Mini (nearly the same screen size than my Nexus 7).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mainsail]

I think the iPad 9.7 is a fine choice. With iOS 11, it is a great device for media consumption and light productivity. You won't be disappointed. Wait for Black Friday and other Holiday sales. You might get as much as $100 off at some big box stores.

 

[r0cki]

I think the iPad 9.7 is a fine choice. With iOS 11, it is a great device for media consumption and light productivity. You won't be disappointed. Wait for Black Friday and other Holiday sales. You might get as much as $100 off at some big box stores.

Yeah, forgot to say that its main use will be to watch Netflix. I got blown away by the screen quality on my girlfriend's iPad. The 9.7" form factor is the sweet spot for me.

 

[ozaz]

Buying now is a safe choice. I think you can safely assume at least 4 years of OS updates, based on previous history of iPad support.

I suppose the 2017 iPad could get refreshed in spring 2018, but iPad product cycles don’t have the same regularity as iPhones, so I wouldn’t let that influence your decision.

You praise the display on the 2017 iPad. This is actually the one thing that was criticised when it was released as the screen is a downgrade on the iPad it replaced (iPad Air 2). It has the same resolution but lost lamination and anti-reflective features so the difference probably only shows up in sunlight. I haven’t used one so can’t comment based on first hand experience. But if you’re happy with the experiences you’ve had with it, I’d say go for it!