Currently using a 2017 iPad Pro 10.5. I use it for work (notes and project management) and in my photography hobby (iPad Pro as a photo editing canvas is the perfect tool a lot of the time). anyway, performance wise I don’t have many complaints with my current iPad, except maybe in the large photoshop files department - which isn’t very often. I do however want to move to a 12.9 inch screen for both work and personal cases. I am strongly considering pulling the tigger on B&Hs $800 3rd gen iPad Pro 12.9 with 64GB and cellular. I also want cellular to future proof this one for when everything goes back to normal. My understanding is that 2020 wasnt much of an upgrade, but im a little concerned we’ll see an iPad refresh in the spring. What do you think? Buy 3rd gen now or wait and see? Any big rumors for gen 5?
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iPad Pro iPad Pro 12.9 Gen3 or wait?
- Thread starter Dovahkiing
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If this was earlier in the year, I would’ve said, “Buy the 2020. You won’t regret it.” But now that it’s almost December, I think the wiser decision would be to wait and see what the 2021 iPP might offer. If money is an issue, then the hope is that the prices of the 2020 will drop even further. Just my opinion if it were my money.
That’s my thinking as well. The Pro line might see an update in spring at some stage.
I have been in a similar case as yours. I have the older 2015 iPad Pro, with 12.9 screen. And I am using it for work, mostly for drawing (pixel and vector) and some photo manipulation and occasionaly I would like to use Luma Fusion now that I started video editing as well for hobby. Even tho my iPad has been the device that has served me the best for such a long time, there are certain things that frustates me with it:
- It started to lag lightly on Procreate
- Lightning port, I hate it, always hated it, I would love USB C as all the rest of my devices are USB C.
- Promotion Display. I would love to try it, the lesser input lag on an already amazing Apple Pencil, will be lovely
- Apple Pencil 1: I hate the way it charges..etc.
So I have been thinking of changing my iPad since a long time, but the money has been problem lately. So even tho I wanted to wait for iPad Pro 2021, I decided to buy a used 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro, depending on the deals I find, around 700 - 800 euros. This way I will have nicer device to wait for 2021 iPads, If I buy it used and if i sell it when the newer iPads come out, it will take a lesser hit on price and in case I have to or I decide to stick to it for 2022 iPad Pros, I will have a nice device to use with usb-c.
- It started to lag lightly on Procreate
- Lightning port, I hate it, always hated it, I would love USB C as all the rest of my devices are USB C.
- Promotion Display. I would love to try it, the lesser input lag on an already amazing Apple Pencil, will be lovely
- Apple Pencil 1: I hate the way it charges..etc.
So I have been thinking of changing my iPad since a long time, but the money has been problem lately. So even tho I wanted to wait for iPad Pro 2021, I decided to buy a used 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro, depending on the deals I find, around 700 - 800 euros. This way I will have nicer device to wait for 2021 iPads, If I buy it used and if i sell it when the newer iPads come out, it will take a lesser hit on price and in case I have to or I decide to stick to it for 2022 iPad Pros, I will have a nice device to use with usb-c.
Solid points, thanks folks!
The potential downside that I see with waiting is that right now, I can nab a 12.9 iPP with cellular for $800 (granted 3rd gen from 2018). The 'default' price point for that is $1150 - so I'm saving $350 by going with the last generation model now. Assuming a release in April, it will probably be another month or so before 4th gen iPP prices drop down to the ~$800 range and, at least in my mind, there is no practical difference between the 3rd and 4th gen iPad Pro's. At least, any difference that matters to me.
And as far as the 5th generation goes, are we expecting anything besides another processor increment? Another generational leap doesn't seem likely to me. I'm not one to care about benchmarks - I just want something that will fit my needs and it seems the 2018 iPad meets those just fine. Maybe they move to 5nm, slight bump in speed and efficiency?
I think I may just pull the trigger on a gen 3, but that's for being a sounding board
The potential downside that I see with waiting is that right now, I can nab a 12.9 iPP with cellular for $800 (granted 3rd gen from 2018). The 'default' price point for that is $1150 - so I'm saving $350 by going with the last generation model now. Assuming a release in April, it will probably be another month or so before 4th gen iPP prices drop down to the ~$800 range and, at least in my mind, there is no practical difference between the 3rd and 4th gen iPad Pro's. At least, any difference that matters to me.
And as far as the 5th generation goes, are we expecting anything besides another processor increment? Another generational leap doesn't seem likely to me. I'm not one to care about benchmarks - I just want something that will fit my needs and it seems the 2018 iPad meets those just fine. Maybe they move to 5nm, slight bump in speed and efficiency?
I think I may just pull the trigger on a gen 3, but that's for being a sounding board