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iPad iPad Pro 10.5 vs iPad Air 10.5 - Value?
- Thread starter TorontoSS
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Marvin 3/Marvin SxS. I store my ebooks on Dropbox.
Before that, I was a Stanza user (started on OG iPhone). I can still recall needing to delete and reinstall Stanza when the app gets updated because the measly 128MB RAM couldn't handle the library migration.
Do be aware that it's likely been abandoned by the developer.
I've been trialing other apps every now and then and even have paid versions of MapleRead, Hyphen, KyBook 3, etc. Alas, thus far I haven't one I like as much as Marvin so I'll probably use that until I'm forced to move on.
I have two major requirements.
1.) I can't abide page turn animations (slide, curl, etc) so I need an option to completely disable them, and
2.) I switch hands while reading so I need an option to set taps on both left and right side of the screen to advance to next page. Note: On an e-ink Kindle, 75% of the display width advances to next page.
If the Kindle app works for you, by all means use that.
Ok I was just curious. I’ve seen numerous people reading with different apps. Ive got a whole selection of free books on Kindle and it works great ok so far. I have not purchased any books either though, so I’m kinda locked in on this app for now anyways. Books are kinda expensive on the iPad.
I basically read three kinds of documents: PDF, ePub, Kindle
For PDF, I use PDF Expert since I annotate a lot. I also have Liquid Text (paid version) and Flexcil.
For Kindle books, I use the Kindle app.
For ePub, I use Books (formerly iBooks).
Sometimes, I need to read djvue docs and mobi, and I am struggling to find a good and stable app for those.
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Ok. Thanks.Do be aware that it's likely been abandoned by the developer.
I've been trialing other apps every now and then and even have paid versions of MapleRead, Hyphen, KyBook 3, etc. Alas, thus far I haven't one I like as much as Marvin so I'll probably use that until I'm forced to move on.
For Kindle and mobi books, I use Calibre to convert to ePub so I can read them with Marvin (or Stanza before). This is one of the reasons the iPad isn’t a complete PC/laptop replacement for me.
I really love my Paperwhite but I just can’t stand the Kindle iOS app.
Among the major reading apps though, (i)Books is probably the one that’s most tolerable. At the very least, it allows using both margins for next page.
Iirc, KyBook 3 supports both djvu and mobi. Just don’t know how good its support is.
I don’t own a Kindle device. I used to but that was the first Gen. I just use the iOS app. I do use Calibre but not frequently and I prefer not to convert file types if I can help it. Thanks for the heads up for KyBook. Will check it out. I desperately need a djvue reader and a good one at that.For Kindle and mobi books, I use Calibre to convert to ePub so I can read them with Marvin (or Stanza before). This is one of the reasons the iPad isn’t a complete PC/laptop replacement for me.
I really love my Paperwhite but I just can’t stand the Kindle iOS app.
Among the major reading apps though, (i)Books is probably the one that’s most tolerable. At the very least, it allows using both margins for next page.
Iirc, KyBook 3 supports both djvu and mobi. Just don’t know how good its support is.
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I don’t own a Kindle device. I used to but that was the first Gen. I just use the iOS app. I do use Calibre but not frequently and I prefer not to convert file types if I can help it. Thanks for the heads up for KyBook. Will check it out. I desperately need a djvue reader and a good one at that.For Kindle and mobi books, I use Calibre to convert to ePub so I can read them with Marvin (or Stanza before). This is one of the reasons the iPad isn’t a complete PC/laptop replacement for me.
I really love my Paperwhite but I just can’t stand the Kindle iOS app.
Among the major reading apps though, (i)Books is probably the one that’s most tolerable. At the very least, it allows using both margins for next page.
Iirc, KyBook 3 supports both djvu and mobi. Just don’t know how good its support is.
I’m still dealing with a learning curve. First of all, I’ve always been a PC person. And I’ve moved over to this iPad as my main device, I was mostly just editing videos, and managing a lot of pictures to begin with, with some gaming too in my PC usage. So, I figured an iPad would be pretty good. And it is so far, but there are still several things I don’t know how to do. And certain tasks will take several steps to complete. Ive never even read on an iPad before in my life! So, I’m a iPad noob for the most part. Still learnings of these apps, and buying some apps here and there if they’re useful to me. I don’t feel like I’m missing my desktop to badly. Definitely not short on storage space either. I think Kindle is ok so far, mostly just because of the free access I have from Amazon to read all of the books lol.
Not that it applies in your case, but I think 2GB will start to be a concern soon.
I had an iPad 2018 since they came out, and I play Civ IV on it. It could handle it like a champ, until it couldn't - and every other turn it crashed. Without fail. This repeated through multiple games, although it did only manifest itself after whenever the last update was.
I bought an ipad mini the other day, and put Civ on it. It's a joy finishing off all of these games and not worrying about crash issues. The crashes may or may not be a bug, but they're definitely linked to RAM and 3GB+ is probably going to be the number to be "less concerned" about in the future.
I wonder how many years it’ll be before iOS starts demanding more RAM considering the 2GB iPad that’s still on the market. Would be pretty ****** of them to start pulling the rug out from a tablet they still sell.
I’d like them to keep supporting 2 for a good while, I still use my (2GB) 9.7” pro, frequently drawing and watching video simultaneously and never running into problems. I never really game on it though, and that has very different demands.
With the rumored iOS 13 floating windows and likely a bigger focus on multitasking, yes, I expect so. RAM management was notably worse in iOS 11 compared to iOS 10. iOS 12 improved things but looks quite likely that iOS 13 might be one of the "heavy" updates. The Air 3 has 3GB and Pro 10.5 has 4GB though. That said, I've used RAM starved iOS devices (OG iPhone 128MB) so I know what worse looks like and I doubt 2GB RAM iPads will ever get that bad before firmware updates are discontinued.
Mind, gaming is something I would recommend top of the line iPads for.
I’ve run into crashes and freezes in Procreate in 2GB of RAM on the 2018 iPad, but also 3GB and 4GB (the latter two make me think it’s the screen stuttering, irresponsiveness issue because for the first 6 weeks I had my 2017 12.9” iPP there were no problems).
I am almost considering a new Air or Mini again, but I realized I hated the bottom firing speakers on the Mini (I want four).
If the 10.5” iPP was still available new even with the white spot issues, I think I’d consider it for the speakers). But then I am so fried over iPad screen issues, I honestly don’t know what I’ll do since mom’s 2018 iPad is also showing up with irresponsive issues now (I am beginning to think it might be a charging issue, because I think that and heat led to my 2017 going bad).
For Procreate, I saw a review from an artist comparing the new 2019 iPad Air 3 with 3 GB RAM, vs a 2018 iPad Pro with 4 GB RAM, and a 2018 iPad 9.7" with 2 GB RAM, with regards to the number of layers he could create for an A3 size canvas at 300 dpi.
2 GB iPad 2018: 7 layers
3 GB iPad Air 2019: 7 layers
4 GB iPad Pro 2018: 26 layers
I'm not sure why Procreate treats the 2 GB iPad and the 3 GB iPad the same way, but my guess is it's because there were no 3 GB iPads before so Procreate doesn't specifically recognize that configuration and just puts it in the less-than-4-GB category. However, this could get corrected in a new Procreate update.
Wow, this is a lengthy discussion.
For me, I was in the position of upgrading my iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 3 was announced while I was on holiday - my initial feelings were very positive but then of course I was faced with the Air 2019/Pro 2017 debate. I loved the fact that the iPad Air can now finally support the Smart Keyboard - something that has always been interesting to me as I do a fair bit of typing on my iPad. But I was concerned about the lack of ProMotion.
In the end, I settled on the Air, but the hardest decision was whether it was worth not having ProMotion. I’d seen it on the new Pros and really liked it, but the hefty price hike was hard to justify. Yes, the ProMotion is in a world of its own - but when it actually boils down to it, if you don’t use the pencil (I don’t) the main benefit is the smooth scrolling. Smoother scrolling for £200 extra is a hard sell up! Yes, I could have gone for the 2017 Pro but I’m not keen on buying a discontinued Apple device - worse still refurbished. The 4 speakers were also a bone of contention for me - it took me a while to convince myself that I don’t actually spend a heck of a lot of time listening to audio directly from my iPad speakers - more often than not its either AirPlaying or connected to earphones. The 2 speakers on the Air do my needs just fine - I agree they’re far from perfect, but for the occasional YouTube video or FaceTime call, they work just fine.
Having used the Air for a couple of days, I can honestly say I’ve settled in feeling I made the right decision, even though I had a few post purchase moments of doubt. The iPad Air 3 is a SOLID device - the extra screen size vs the Air 2 is minor but makes a massive difference with multitasking - it also amazed me how much more immersive the device feels despite it being less than an inch larger. Furthermore the keyboard support is really welcome too - I spent a long time deciding on whether to go with the Logitech solution or the Apple solution but in the end settled for the Apple solution. Don’t get me wrong - £160 for a Smart Keyboard is a RIP OFF but you can get them new on eBay for less than £100 which is exactly what I did. While it’s taken me a little while to get used to it - I LOVE having the physical keyboard. I’m very much used to the fabric keys now and feel the size of the keys is about perfect. The True Tone, P3 WCG display is also really welcome - having pretty much comparable colours to the OLED in my XS, I can’t complain at all.
For me, the main thing I’d like to see in future software updates is partial mouse support for when I’m sat at a desk, but I recognise this isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.
My bottom line is that if you’re concerned that the Air’s lack of ProMotion and 4 speakers is going to let you down, think carefully about your use cases first. Yes, they’re both great features, but they ARE luxuries in my mind unless you either draw with the pencil or are spend a lot of time dealing with audio - and if you’re an audiophile are you really going to be relying on the built in speakers?
I’m thoroughly happy with my Air 3 - it’s a solid upgrade from the Air 2 (even more so the Air 1) which was already a very impressive tablet, even by 2019 standards. This is the market I think Apple was going for here - and if you’re in that boat, I’d solidly recommend taking the leap. I hope this is useful to someone!
For me, I was in the position of upgrading my iPad Air 2. The iPad Air 3 was announced while I was on holiday - my initial feelings were very positive but then of course I was faced with the Air 2019/Pro 2017 debate. I loved the fact that the iPad Air can now finally support the Smart Keyboard - something that has always been interesting to me as I do a fair bit of typing on my iPad. But I was concerned about the lack of ProMotion.
In the end, I settled on the Air, but the hardest decision was whether it was worth not having ProMotion. I’d seen it on the new Pros and really liked it, but the hefty price hike was hard to justify. Yes, the ProMotion is in a world of its own - but when it actually boils down to it, if you don’t use the pencil (I don’t) the main benefit is the smooth scrolling. Smoother scrolling for £200 extra is a hard sell up! Yes, I could have gone for the 2017 Pro but I’m not keen on buying a discontinued Apple device - worse still refurbished. The 4 speakers were also a bone of contention for me - it took me a while to convince myself that I don’t actually spend a heck of a lot of time listening to audio directly from my iPad speakers - more often than not its either AirPlaying or connected to earphones. The 2 speakers on the Air do my needs just fine - I agree they’re far from perfect, but for the occasional YouTube video or FaceTime call, they work just fine.
Having used the Air for a couple of days, I can honestly say I’ve settled in feeling I made the right decision, even though I had a few post purchase moments of doubt. The iPad Air 3 is a SOLID device - the extra screen size vs the Air 2 is minor but makes a massive difference with multitasking - it also amazed me how much more immersive the device feels despite it being less than an inch larger. Furthermore the keyboard support is really welcome too - I spent a long time deciding on whether to go with the Logitech solution or the Apple solution but in the end settled for the Apple solution. Don’t get me wrong - £160 for a Smart Keyboard is a RIP OFF but you can get them new on eBay for less than £100 which is exactly what I did. While it’s taken me a little while to get used to it - I LOVE having the physical keyboard. I’m very much used to the fabric keys now and feel the size of the keys is about perfect. The True Tone, P3 WCG display is also really welcome - having pretty much comparable colours to the OLED in my XS, I can’t complain at all.
For me, the main thing I’d like to see in future software updates is partial mouse support for when I’m sat at a desk, but I recognise this isn’t likely to happen anytime soon.
My bottom line is that if you’re concerned that the Air’s lack of ProMotion and 4 speakers is going to let you down, think carefully about your use cases first. Yes, they’re both great features, but they ARE luxuries in my mind unless you either draw with the pencil or are spend a lot of time dealing with audio - and if you’re an audiophile are you really going to be relying on the built in speakers?
I’m thoroughly happy with my Air 3 - it’s a solid upgrade from the Air 2 (even more so the Air 1) which was already a very impressive tablet, even by 2019 standards. This is the market I think Apple was going for here - and if you’re in that boat, I’d solidly recommend taking the leap. I hope this is useful to someone!
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There was a Procreate update last week.
Thank you for that breakdown of maximum layers and ram.
Given my streak, I’ll probably pick up another 2017 iPad Pro on sale and just deal with it. Not ready for Face ID or laying out more due to the same screen issues in the 2018s.
If you use a keyboard a lot, I think Face ID is an advantage. It'd nice to just double-tap the keyboard to get into the home screen without having to reach up for Touch ID. Plus the extra screen size in the 11" model is noticeable over the 10.5" model. If you hand hold it though, I actually prefer the bigger bezels on the 2017 models. Also, for hand holding I sometimes prefer Touch ID over Face ID.
I also really like the magnetic Apple Pencil 2 with the double-tap to change the stylus setting feature.
Are you in Canada? In the US there are some pretty decent deals on the 2018 models, but those same sales do not exist in Canada right now.
Fair arguments, but every single iPad I have owned since 2017 (Pro or not) has come up with severe touch irresponsiveness and for that reason more than anything else, I cannot see myself paying so much for a current Pro when I also want the headphone jack etc. Even with these good sale prices today, it’s a very tough sell. I am skittish about Face ID. Apple have so much of my info, I am not ready to give them my face too.If you use a keyboard a lot, I think Face ID is an advantage. It'd nice to just double-tap the keyboard to get into the home screen without having to reach up for Touch ID. Plus the extra screen size in the 11" model is noticeable over the 10.5" model. If you hand hold it though, I actually prefer the bigger bezels on the 2017 models. Also, for hand holding I sometimes prefer Touch ID over Face ID.
I also really like the magnetic Apple Pencil 2 with the double-tap to change the stylus setting feature.
Are you in Canada? In the US there are some pretty decent deals on the 2018 models, but those same sales do not exist in Canada right now.
I love the gen 2 pencil, and if the 2018s did not have the touch issue, “seem” so fragile and still have the headphone jack, I’d jump. Lots of ifs for me though.
Thank you though.
I am happy people love the 10.5 Pro and the 2019 Air.
I’ve gotten over my disdain for the 2018 Pros even with the bend issue.
I just want an iPad I can use Procreate on without issue.
I'm curious. Does ProMotion make any difference for you for Procreate?Fair arguments, but every single iPad I have owned since 2017 (Pro or not) has come up with severe touch irresponsiveness and for that reason more than anything else, I cannot see myself paying so much for a current Pro when I also want the headphone jack etc. Even with these good sale prices today, it’s a very tough sell. I am skittish about Face ID. Apple have so much of my info, I am not ready to give them my face too.
I love the gen 2 pencil, and if the 2018s did not have the touch issue, “seem” so fragile and still have the headphone jack, I’d jump. Lots of ifs for me though.
Thank you though.
I am happy people love the 10.5 Pro and the 2019 Air.
I’ve gotten over my disdain for the 2018 Pros even with the bend issue.
I just want an iPad I can use Procreate on without issue.
It's interesting. When I read/watch the reviews, a lot of non-artist reviewers comment that ProMotion is great for artists because of the much lower lag. However, for the few artist reviews I've seen, they don't see it as a major issue. Yeah, ProMotion can seem better, but it's not a make-or-break feature for their usage. They can still draw fine on the 60 Hz iPads. It's more about layers (memory) for example and the stylus (Pencil vs. Pencil 2 vs. others), as well as the feel of the screen, etc.
No. I’ve been doing some of my best work in Procreate without ProMotion. I could go either way (with or without). Like those artists reviews you’ve seen, it’s not a deal-breaker if I do not have ProMotion. I am not sure what I’ll do here, heck I could do an Air or Mini (again) because I’d rather spend less right now.
I do not mean to hijack this thread folks. Just want to draw and not think about iPad issues.
If any artists who use Procreate on the new Air want to chime in, thank you.
I got a reply about this from procreate on Twitter. They’re doing testing to make sure the Air and Mini have no issues with an extra layer count. I guess it’s nice they’re being thorough, but other apps seem to auto detect it and work around it accordingly.
(.. Unless they added it in that almost invisible .1 update they did yesterday? ... just tried, nope, they didn’t. Booo.)
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I’ve only used ProMotion in the Apple store so it’s not enough to go off, but I don’t see it making any difference in my use. (Pencil and airbrush tools almost exclusively. I tend to ink in Comic Draw, which works beautifully on the Air3 with the extra layers, Woop!) The Air is pretty much perfect from what I’ve drawn on my daughters one.. (damnit, haha.)
I don’t think having the screen update super fast at the point of contact is important.* You’re not reacting to anything quickly during the process of putting down lines so an enhanced frame rate isn’t likely to help with the physical motion? It might be a nice perceptual quality of life improvement for people who are used to physical art creation but not digital, but literally nothing else runs at this FPS, no Cintiq, no anything. Nobody had really been asking for higher FPS in the art field, it’s just a nice bonus.
For games it’s a killer feature though.
* Actually I can see it being nice (if unnecessary) for a type of artist who is very much nothing like me? (Or you, based on your pics) Someone who does lots of really quick long lines. I mostly do smaller, slower lines so I don’t feel like it is lagging behind, at all.. It’d be more pronounced the bigger the screen size if you do long swipes.
Interesting, I just noticed that new Air and Mini 5 hardware doesn´t support HDR or Dolby Vision according to Apple tech specs. Ipad pro 10.5 does support both. I read somewhere that pro 10.5 display should hit 600 nits with hdr or dolby vision content and new Air max nits is 500.