All iPads iPad Pro 11" or iPad Air for Secondary iPad

[Adelphos33]

I have a 12.9" 2018 iPad that i love - I am even considering stupidly upgrading to the 2020 version. However, since I have started working from home, I have begun to view that machine was more of a work iPad. I wouldn't also mind having a smaller, leisure iPad that could also be more appropriate for simple tasks like note-taking during meetings (if we can ever have meetings again).

So naturally the iPad Pro 11" would seem like a good candidate. The question is do I really need that? The iPad Air and even regular iPad seem like they have enough horsepower to last for several years for those tasks. They are also fully compatible with the trackpad system, and Logitech makes trackpad keyboards for them. I guess the question is to those that have the newest iPad Airs, are those fun and capable machines?

 

[rui no onna]

I like the iPad 7 and Air 3. Certainly more than fast enough for my use and it does everything I need it to. Seems tp have better battery life compared to X chipset iPads, too. Then again, I prefer having the home button and I'm not bothered by the lack of ProMotion or quad speakers.

That said, the iPad Pro 11 goes in and out of stock on Apple certified refurb for $549/64GB and $679/256GB. At those prices, it's worth considering as a second device.

 

[AutomaticApple]

I have a 12.9" 2018 iPad that i love - I am even considering stupidly upgrading to the 2020 version. However, since I have started working from home, I have begun to view that machine was more of a work iPad. I wouldn't also mind having a smaller, leisure iPad that could also be more appropriate for simple tasks like note-taking during meetings (if we can ever have meetings again).

So naturally the iPad Pro 11" would seem like a good candidate. The question is do I really need that? The iPad Air and even regular iPad seem like they have enough horsepower to last for several years for those tasks. They are also fully compatible with the trackpad system, and Logitech makes trackpad keyboards for them. I guess the question is to those that have the newest iPad Airs, are those fun and capable machines?

Get the iPad Pro 11" refurbished from the Apple website.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Do you need that? Doesn't sound like it. But it is your money, so up to you. I have a similar setup though.

 

[1rottenapple]

Refurbished or used. Get the 11. It’s worth it. The 4 speaker setup is worth the price. I have the wife my 12.9 and I love the 11 for leisurely activities but I want to get a 12.9 2018 in a year or two when the price comes down significantly for laptop activities.

 

[prospervic]

I also have the 2018 IPP 12.9. The 10.5 pro makes a great 2nd iPad since has many of the important features (4 speaker stereo, Pro Motion display) the 11 inch has. Interestingly, it has slimmer side bezels than the 11”, and feels better in the hand (IMO). Best of all, I bought it for 40% off list on Swappa.

EDIT: Re-reading your post, you said you wanted to use your Apple Pencil 2 with on the smaller iPad. Can’t do that with the 10.5. Follow the other folks’ advice here - get a refurb 11 inch.

 

[1BadManVan]

Seems like a waste of money to splurge on a pro for a secondary iPad

iPad Air 3 is already overkill for what you need

 

[rui no onna]

Seems like a waste of money to splurge on a pro for a secondary iPad

iPad Air 3 is already overkill for what you need

If the price difference were bigger, I'd say the same.

However, at $480-500 for Air 3 and $550 for refurb 2018 Pro 11, I'd recommend the Pro 11.