iPad Buying Advice

[dabush2]

Hello,
I have an iPad 2nd Generation, 16 GB that I am ready to upgrade.

Main use is to read books and magazines (making the switch from print to digital on my monthly subscriptions (3) and going Kindle full time), watch movies and videos (Amazon Prime), and surf the web. No gaming (at this time), or photo or video editing.

I'd like to use the iPad for 2-4 years (at a minimum), keeping up with the latest iOS updates.

Looking on the Apple website at Refurbished and here's what I've narrowed it down to (Wi-Fi only, <$500):

Air 2 64GB $379
Air 2 128GB $419
Pro 9.7" 32GB $469

I realize the 2017 iPad is an option but according to the Buyer's Guide on this site it's nearing the end of its life cycle. Currently there are 128GB refurbs for $359. For that money, would the Air 2 64GB be better?

I have also been cruising eBay and there are some good examples at good prices. But I'd prefer the Apple refurb route, if possible.

I did a "search" and have read a few threads comparing the different iPads and people that have upgraded. But any advice in 2018 would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Jonr515]

Based on those uses, if you are positive you won't be doing any photo editing I'd go with the Air 2 128. That gives you some extra storage to hold movies if you don't want to use a streaming service.

 

[Superrjamz54]

Hello,
I have an iPad 2nd Generation, 16 GB that I am ready to upgrade.

Main use is to read books and magazines (making the switch from print to digital on my monthly subscriptions (3) and going Kindle full time), watch movies and videos (Amazon Prime), and surf the web. No gaming (at this time), or photo or video editing.

I'd like to use the iPad for 2-4 years (at a minimum), keeping up with the latest iOS updates.

Looking on the Apple website at Refurbished and here's what I've narrowed it down to (Wi-Fi only, <$500):

Air 2 64GB $379
Air 2 128GB $419
Pro 9.7" 32GB $469

I realize the 2017 iPad is an option but according to the Buyer's Guide on this site it's nearing the end of its life cycle. Currently there are 128GB refurbs for $359. For that money, would the Air 2 64GB be better?

I have also been cruising eBay and there are some good examples at good prices. But I'd prefer the Apple refurb route, if possible.

I did a "search" and have read a few threads comparing the different iPads and people that have upgraded. But any advice in 2018 would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Amazon is selling refurb 10.5 iPad pros for $429

 

[dabush2]

Based on those uses, if you are positive you won't be doing any photo editing I'd go with the Air 2 128. That gives you some extra storage to hold movies if you don't want to use a streaming service.

Thank you, was thinking the additional storage (128GB) is a good idea, too. The Air 2 wouldn’t be outdated in a year or 2?
[doublepost=1516852982][/doublepost]

Amazon is selling refurb 10.5 iPad pros for $429

Do you have a link for this? Don’t see it on Amazon.

 

[Jonr515]

I don't think so, my Dad just got one and I set it up and it ran IOS 11 just fine.

 

[akash.nu]

Thank you, was thinking the additional storage (128GB) is a good idea, too. The Air 2 wouldn’t be outdated in a year or 2?
[doublepost=1516852982][/doublepost]

Do you have a link for this? Don’t see it on Amazon.

Air2 is an older device than the 2017 iPad. How’s it that the latter is going for EOL but not the former?

 

[Makayla]

Are you in the U.S? If so I think you should be able to get a better deal on the 9.7 pro than the one you listed. Check Best Buy or Target or Microcenter. I got a new 9.7 iPad Pro 128gb last August for $446 from Best Buy, no tax, free shipping, and my sister got the 256gb version for $549. I would imagine the prices are even lower now.

As great as an iPad the Air 2 is if you are looking for 4 more years of usage I wouldn't recommend it. iPad Pro 9.7 minimal, 10.5" would be the best.

 

[iPadDad]

Hello,
I have an iPad 2nd Generation, 16 GB that I am ready to upgrade.

Main use is to read books and magazines (making the switch from print to digital on my monthly subscriptions (3) and going Kindle full time), watch movies and videos (Amazon Prime), and surf the web. No gaming (at this time), or photo or video editing.

I'd like to use the iPad for 2-4 years (at a minimum), keeping up with the latest iOS updates.

Looking on the Apple website at Refurbished and here's what I've narrowed it down to (Wi-Fi only, <$500):

Air 2 64GB $379
Air 2 128GB $419
Pro 9.7" 32GB $469

I realize the 2017 iPad is an option but according to the Buyer's Guide on this site it's nearing the end of its life cycle. Currently there are 128GB refurbs for $359. For that money, would the Air 2 64GB be better?

I have also been cruising eBay and there are some good examples at good prices. But I'd prefer the Apple refurb route, if possible.

I did a "search" and have read a few threads comparing the different iPads and people that have upgraded. But any advice in 2018 would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Go iPad Pro then, especially for that use period

 

[Precursor]

It is illogical to go for anything but a Pro at this point, iPad Air 2 is already obsolete
You can easily buy cheap refurbished 10.5" Pro for the prices you listed

 

[dabush2]

Air2 is an older device than the 2017 iPad. How’s it that the latter is going for EOL but not the former?

When I went to the Apple store last week, the rep told me that his Air 2 was performing better than the 2017 iPad. I've watched a few YouTube reviews comparing the Air 2 and new iPad and it's pretty close in performance. From what I understand the internals of the Air 2 are more robust, even though the new iPad has a better processor. Also, the Air 2 has an anti-reflective screen.

Splitting hairs, I know....
[doublepost=1516898638][/doublepost]

Are you in the U.S? If so I think you should be able to get a better deal on the 9.7 pro than the one you listed. Check Best Buy or Target or Microcenter. I got a new 9.7 iPad Pro 128gb last August for $446 from Best Buy, no tax, free shipping, and my sister got the 256gb version for $549. I would imagine the prices are even lower now.

As great as an iPad the Air 2 is if you are looking for 4 more years of usage I wouldn't recommend it. iPad Pro 9.7 minimal, 10.5" would be the best.

Yes, US based.

Thank you for the feedback, I'm leaning towards the Pro line.
[doublepost=1516898728][/doublepost]

Go iPad Pro then, especially for that use period

Thank you for the reply, leaning towards a Pro.

The 4 speakers and true tone are nice upgrades that the Air 2 does not have. Who knows, maybe I'll get the Apple pencil and really get crazy with it.
[doublepost=1516898795][/doublepost]

It is illogical to go for anything but a Pro at this point, iPad Air 2 is already obsolete
You can easily buy cheap refurbished 10.5" Pro for the prices you listed

Makes sense to me, just wanted opinions to confirm my thoughts.

I'm getting paralysis from analysis, so I need to make a decision and go with it.

Thanks for your input.

 

[Richard8655]

I know my opinion is in the minority here with Pro fans dominating, but I love the 2017 (5th generation). I had both the 10.5 Pro and 5th gen at the same time, and frankly the Pro was not worth twice the price (or more) to me. The Retina display is as high a resolution, and I don’t need to use a pencil.

I also wouldn't agree the 5th gen is reaching the end of its life, as the processor is expected to be plenty fast for quite some time, probably at least the next 2-3 versions of IOS.

 

[Kendo]

2017 iPad is considerably more powerful than an Air 2.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/any-gpu-benchmarks-for-a9-vs-a8x.2092195/

 

[Adelphos33]

OP,

I'm not sure what the reluctance is regarding the 2017 iPad. The 2017 iPad at 128G is in your price range and offers stronger performance than the Air 2. Plus, you can probably get it on sale, new, from Apple or a retailer over the next few months. And it is unlikely that it will be end of life anytime soon.

Either that, or an iPad Pro.

 

[s2mikey]

Yeah, it’s hard to buy older gen iPads even at good prices if only because you’re already into the slowly obsolete category the day you fire it up. I have an Air1 that I’m still milking and it’s OK but it’s age is showing more than usual as of late. I just have to find the right deal on the 10.5 Pro and I’ll probably buy one. Maybe.

The OP ought to get th latest and greatest which would be the current 5th gen iPad or find a deal on the 10.5 Pro.

 

[IowaLynn]

Just bought ref'd unit, iPad pro 10.5" $690 with pencil. And I'm thinking their stock of refurbished is flying off shelf and may be gone in run up to new models.

 

[IPadNParadise]

I know my opinion is in the minority here with Pro fans dominating, but I love the 2017 (5th generation). I had both the 10.5 Pro and 5th gen at the same time, and frankly the Pro was not worth twice the price (or more) to me. The Retina display is as high a resolution, and I don’t need to use a pencil.

I also wouldn't agree the 5th gen is reaching the end of its life, as the processor is expected to be plenty fast for quite some time, probably at least the next 2-3 versions of IOS.

I have a 10.5 and a 12.9 gen 2 (handing this one down to family). Love them both. But I recently bought a 2017 for my little grandson for him to play little learning games on, he is 22 months old. I played around with it last weekend and was extremely impressed with it.

 

[dabush2]

Thanks everyone for the responses this afternoon. Good discussion that helps me understand my choices.

I received an e-mail that Best Buy is having a 3 day sale so I am going to look at the 2017 and Pro. Don't think I can go wrong with either.

 

[Saskat]

I would say the iPad 2017 or the 10.5 Pro.

Based on your description the 2017 iPad should be sufficiently powerful and you can expect at least 2 more years of good usage. It represents the best value.

The 10.5” Pro is becoming the new preferred institutional iPad, which in the pact has received long iOS support. Many schools and businesses prefer to order iPads in large batches every few years and a typical pattern has been iPad 2 to iPad Air 2 to iPad Pro 10.5”.

 

[pika2000]

I would rather go with the 2017 iPad than the Air 2. Regardless how one feels about the performance of the Air 2, Apple can use some arbitrary requirement (ie. ARKit compatibility) to discontinue support on the aging A8.

I would add the 9.7" Pro into the mix of option. Check the refurbished section from Apple to see if there's one that fits your budget and requirement.

 

[onepoint]

Hello,
I have an iPad 2nd Generation, 16 GB that I am ready to upgrade.

Main use is to read books and magazines (making the switch from print to digital on my monthly subscriptions (3) and going Kindle full time), watch movies and videos (Amazon Prime), and surf the web. No gaming (at this time), or photo or video editing.

I'd like to use the iPad for 2-4 years (at a minimum), keeping up with the latest iOS updates.

Looking on the Apple website at Refurbished and here's what I've narrowed it down to (Wi-Fi only, <$500):

Air 2 64GB $379
Air 2 128GB $419
Pro 9.7" 32GB $469

I realize the 2017 iPad is an option but according to the Buyer's Guide on this site it's nearing the end of its life cycle. Currently there are 128GB refurbs for $359. For that money, would the Air 2 64GB be better?

I have also been cruising eBay and there are some good examples at good prices. But I'd prefer the Apple refurb route, if possible.

I did a "search" and have read a few threads comparing the different iPads and people that have upgraded. But any advice in 2018 would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Amazon is selling LTE iPad Pro refurbs right now for $200+ off MSRP

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B078...dpPl=1&dpID=51L82PZ6M-L&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

 

[mofunk]

Thanks everyone for the responses this afternoon. Good discussion that helps me understand my choices.

I received an e-mail that Best Buy is having a 3 day sale so I am going to look at the 2017 and Pro. Don't think I can go wrong with either.

I've played the same game on the iPad air 2 and 10.5 Pro..the Air had some lag with the game Sky Force Reloaded vs 10.5 pro.. I would go with the 2017 iPad too or bigger bump to the Pro. Some of the iPads in the Refurb store, you can find on other Resellers site for less including the iPad Pro 9.7. Yeah you may not play games, the faster processor will help with streaming? maybe?

 

[NoBoMac]

If leaning toward the iPad 2017, might want to wait a few weeks: as you pointed out, 2017 is due to be replaced, so, the 2018 iPad most likely will be rolled out in March. Upgraded processor, at minimum. Leaning toward this as I too am looking to replace my Gen 3 iPad. Same uses re: on the couch device and Pro is overkill, imo, for that.

 

[dabush2]

If leaning toward the iPad 2017, might want to wait a few weeks: as you pointed out, 2017 is due to be replaced, so, the 2018 iPad most likely will be rolled out in March. Upgraded processor, at minimum. Leaning toward this as I too am looking to replace my Gen 3 iPad. Same uses re: on the couch device and Pro is overkill, imo, for that.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Long story short, I stopped at Best Buy and looked at the 2017 and 10.5" Pro.
Liked both but my gut tells me I would be happier with the Pro, and as mentioned by NoBoMac, there could be something new on the horizon for the 2017 iPad version. so that is playing into my thoughts/decision. The 4 speakers and True Tone display on the Pro would be beneficial to me.

Even with the BB sale, the $699 price for the 256GB is a lot of cabbage (I'd rather have too much memory than not enough, that's why I'm thinking 256GB, especially to grow and use for the next 5 years). Granted, I can afford it but the reality is that's a lot of money...

So as a compromise (but not really a compromise, if that makes sense), I am going to look for a 9.7" Pro 128GB Refurb. There aren't any on the Apple website at the moment, and the last one they had was $529. That price point is more palatable to me. It includes a new battery and a 1 year warranty, so seems good to me. There are a few pre-owned examples floating around eBay, so kicking tires over there.

But for once, I'm going to (try to) be patient and find the right one. Not in a hurry to get one, but am excited to find the right one.

I'll update as things move along.

 

[mofunk]

Remember you can always price match. Microcenter has the iPad 10.5 256 GB for $649. I crunched the numbers between the 2017 vs 10.5 iPad pro and its like double the price and double the RAM. True its a lot of money for an iPad. I looked at the price before buying. My iPad 2rd gen 32GB cost around $600 and it still works after 6yrs. Only problem I have now is that 32GB is too small. So when I got my iPad Pro, like you, I wanted more space and a reasonable price. So far I have put a small dent in the storage (20GB used) filling it up with a 6 big games, loads of Adobe apps, and a few Apple Apps. I couldn't do that with my older iPad.

I would keep watch of the stock at Target because they have lots, and I'm betting they will continue to have sales. Plus you can price match there. If you have Target Red Card with them, you can get more off too. Price match and extra 10% off ($585 for iPad Pro 10.5) .

 

[dabush2]

Thank you for the tip on Microcenter! Parlaying into the equation is I have $25 in Best Buy rewards, so with a price match I'd be at $624 for the 10.5" Pro. Still a lot, but at least the number is going in the right direction (down).

So, try to wait for a Pro 9.7" refurb with 128GB for $529? Or for more apples to apples comparison (cue the rim shot), wait for a Pro 9.7" returb with 256GB for $589.

Decisions....