Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Frixos

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 17, 2020
253
281
I just put in an order at Bestbuy for a $499 iPad Air 4, 64GB.
I went by the Apple Store to compare the iPads as I wanted one to use for reading research articles, highlighting and marking up, and I had considered the basic iPad 8th gen. However, the screen was really harsh (lack of True Tone I guess), and the Air looked really good. I could sense that my eyes would get strained fairly quickly with the 8th gen iPad.
The iPad Pro has some nice features, but it is way overkill for my usage.

So I just wanted to create this post to share my purchase of the iPad Air 4 (and the Apple Pencil 2) for anyone considering a new iPad.
 

0128672

Cancelled
Apr 16, 2020
5,962
4,783
I have the same iPad Air 64GB also from BB, and I just love it. I read a lot on it and haven't had any eye strain. I tend to keep True Tone off.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BigMcGuire

Frixos

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 17, 2020
253
281
I have the same iPad Air 64GB also from BB, and I just love it. I read a lot on it and haven't had any eye strain. I tend to keep True Tone off.
Did you ever look at and compare it with the 8th Gen IPad? I definitely noticed a difference between the two.
 

0128672

Cancelled
Apr 16, 2020
5,962
4,783
Did you ever look at and compare it with the 8th Gen IPad? I definitely noticed a difference between the two.
Yes, in fact I bought one and returned it. I think it was the screen size more than the screen quality that affected my comfort in reading on it.
 

Frixos

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 17, 2020
253
281
Yes, in fact I bought one and returned it. I think it was the screen size more than the screen quality that affected my comfort in reading on it.
Does the .7” really make a difference? Not arguing, I just didn’t think about it when I looked at them.
 

One2Grift

Cancelled
Jun 1, 2021
609
547
I use the mini 4 for reading. My eyes aren't so great either. If I can use a mini? Others can definitely use the 2020 Air. Can't speak for article highlighting but that probably comes down to each individual's preferences and comfort zones.
 

0128672

Cancelled
Apr 16, 2020
5,962
4,783
Does the .7” really make a difference? Not arguing, I just didn’t think about it when I looked at them.
I think it's about perception, not the actual number. For whatever reason, my eyes feel more comfortable reading on the Air 4.
 

ofarlig

macrumors 6502a
Jun 23, 2015
931
1,148
Sweden
I had the 11” Pro (10.5” before that) before that I read on and I think it is too heavy to read on for long periods of time, it is doable but I do notice some strain from it. I now use an iPad Mini for reading instead and it is way better, no problems with the weight no matter how I hold it.
 

Frixos

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 17, 2020
253
281
If you are willing to read, why not considering an Amazon Kindle for that?
I needed something I could use to mark up research articles (preferably with a pen) and have it sync with my computer (PDF Expert does this). As far as I know, Amazon Kindle does not do that.

I had the 11” Pro (10.5” before that) before that I read on and I think it is too heavy to read on for long periods of time, it is doable but I do notice some strain from it. I now use an iPad Mini for reading instead and it is way better, no problems with the weight no matter how I hold it.
I can see that - I purchased this stand to have it standing on the desk while reading and working:

I am also looking forward to using it with Universal Control - that way I could easily grab a quote I want for my research by using my MBA
 

enc0re

macrumors 6502
Jun 7, 2010
402
642
For most reading, I prefer the size and weight of the mini. But if you're marking up research articles, I think you nailed it with an Air. There's so much weird formatting and excessive whitespace you run into with journals, the extra screen real estate will come in handy.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.