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

gabo864

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 13, 2012
813
302
So I recently purchased the iPad Pro 12.9” 2020, but I’m still within my 30 day return policy. I paid $899 through Best Buy and I noticed I can get the M1 iPad Pro through Apple education program for $999. Should I spend the extra $100 to get the latest one?

I’m starting my BS in IT. I will be using my iPad just for note taking. I don’t do any video editing or anything like that. I do light gaming, but that’s all. Is it worth switching to the M1 even though I won’t take advantage of the full power of the new chip?

Thanks
 
  • Like
Reactions: macguy90

Itsedstech

macrumors 68000
Jul 24, 2011
1,596
1,904
Kansas
So I recently purchased the iPad Pro 12.9” 2020, but I’m still within my 30 day return policy. I paid $899 through Best Buy and I noticed I can get the M1 iPad Pro through Apple education program for $999. Should I spend the extra $100 to get the latest one?

I’m starting my BS in IT. I will be using my iPad just for note taking. I don’t do any video editing or anything like that. I do light gaming, but that’s all. Is it worth switching to the M1 even though I won’t take advantage of the full power of the new chip?

Thanks
For 100 bucks more. Yes!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Homme

UltimateSyn

macrumors 601
Mar 3, 2008
4,970
9,207
Massachusetts
Are the following features worth $100 to you?
  • 50% faster CPU, 40% faster GPU
  • More RAM
  • Improved FaceTime camera w/ Center Stage
  • mini-LED Display (1,000,000:1 contrast, 1000 nits peak brightness)
  • Thunderbolt
It would be a no-brainer if I were you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Precursor

iPad Bro

macrumors 6502
May 2, 2021
393
290
I’d definitely go for the M1 iPad Pro! Maybe you’ll find even more reasons to use it than you think! :D
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,920
13,271
On one hand you get a better iPad. On the other hand, you've got extra beer money. :p

Seriously though, I would personally get the newer one for the relatively minor 11% price increase. Chances are it'll be supported for at least an extra year or two and Thunderbolt widens peripherals support.

But hey, $100 is $100 and maybe you'd prefer to just save that for a future upgrade.
 

macguy90

macrumors member
Oct 14, 2011
59
34
Upstate NY
So I recently purchased the iPad Pro 12.9” 2020, but I’m still within my 30 day return policy. I paid $899 through Best Buy and I noticed I can get the M1 iPad Pro through Apple education program for $999. Should I spend the extra $100 to get the latest one?

I’m starting my BS in IT. I will be using my iPad just for note taking. I don’t do any video editing or anything like that. I do light gaming, but that’s all. Is it worth switching to the M1 even though I won’t take advantage of the full power of the new chip?

Thanks
I would say categorically YES! Return the 2020 Pro while you still can, pay the small difference in price and enjoy the many significant upgrades of this new 12.9" model! Between the M1 silicon, 8GB RAM, new Mini-LED display and better camera system, I would say it would be incredibly difficult to argue that it's not worth the upgrade.
 

LFC2020

macrumors P6
Apr 4, 2020
16,874
38,037
Return it ASAP and get the M1 pocket rocket.

Unless the 2020 model is half price, M1 all day, every day.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Precursor

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,118
10,912
First IT lesson: there will be a faster computer later on.

I agree with others though, the way things stand right now you either get a substantial discount on the old or buy the current.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Broadus

Broadus

macrumors 65816
Oct 26, 2011
1,108
649
Upstate SC
So I recently purchased the iPad Pro 12.9” 2020, but I’m still within my 30 day return policy. I paid $899 through Best Buy and I noticed I can get the M1 iPad Pro through Apple education program for $999. Should I spend the extra $100 to get the latest one?

I’m starting my BS in IT. I will be using my iPad just for note taking. I don’t do any video editing or anything like that. I do light gaming, but that’s all. Is it worth switching to the M1 even though I won’t take advantage of the full power of the new chip?

Thanks
On the one hand, if your iPad usage will remain to what you indicated, I don’t know that you’ll tell a difference. You may have meaningless specs that you’ve paid for in the M1. So if your budget is tight, you may want to just keep what you have.

On the other hand, if your graphics usage becomes more intense, then doubtlessly the M1/XDR will be really nice to have. I just bought a 2020 12.9” but am waiting for reviews to confirm my choice or return it and get the M1. I simply didn’t want to spend for nice spec-talking points that mean no real-world difference for my light usage. And I may be wrong, but hopefully the reviews will be informative and help me make a final decision.
 

AutomaticApple

Suspended
Nov 28, 2018
7,401
3,378
Massachusetts
So I recently purchased the iPad Pro 12.9” 2020, but I’m still within my 30 day return policy. I paid $899 through Best Buy and I noticed I can get the M1 iPad Pro through Apple education program for $999. Should I spend the extra $100 to get the latest one?

I’m starting my BS in IT. I will be using my iPad just for note taking. I don’t do any video editing or anything like that. I do light gaming, but that’s all. Is it worth switching to the M1 even though I won’t take advantage of the full power of the new chip?

Thanks
Definitely go for the M1 version!
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.