Is 256GB iPad Pro even needed?...

[sparksd]

I'm calling it... there will soon be something on the horizon that will make having 128GB or 256GB make sense and not excessive.

Certainly if app sizes continue to grow - I have a number of them > 1GB (e.g., Leonardo, London, The Pyramids, Beethoven 9) whose size are not driven by my added content (e.g., Kindle, Infuse video player).

 

[oftheheavens]

since most of my games are on my iPhone i am starting to wonder if i even need 128. Though, I have never bought extra memory (HD space whatever) and regretted it.

 

[rtmadden]

I like to store movies purchased from the iTunes Store on my iPad until I've viewed them. That way, if my internet connection goes wonky in the middle of a movie, I can AirPlay From the IPP to my ATV to finish the movie. Also, in the event of a prolonged power outage, I'll have something to keep me entertained. That said, 128 GB seems sufficient for now. Might spring for 256 next time, however.

Prolonged power outage??

 

[bambooshots]

Prolonged power outage??

Much discussion.
So insight.
Many wow.

 

[seadragon]

I like to put stuff on my iPad. A lot of stuff. I could use 1TB. It's my stuff. I don't need anyone to tell me I should stream it or keep it in the Cloud. I want it with me. At all times. Regardless of network connection. Because its my stuff.

I feel the same way. I like having lots of local storage. I keep music, photos and movies on mine and I don't want to have to rely on streaming them. Especially on a plane.

Plus it sure doesn't take long to blow past your data cap!

 

[Closingracer]

Probably more people need it than you think. I know plenty of people that don't offload anything from their devices. They're not heavy users, they'll just use a computer or device for 4-5 years and then upgrade to the next device, transferring everything. They don't trust the cloud. They may backup once a year to a hard drive, but it's not scheduled. To me, and most of the technical smart people on this site, that would be horrifying. To them, it's not something they consider until a disaster happens.

I buy devices around every 2 years except for my laptop which I tend to keep until they die. That being said I always go for the biggest capacity because I want it. I don't like Cloud services either because I don't trust them ( Google), or doesn't offer enough space and don't want to pay for it ( DropBox and One Drive) and already use 3GB for photos. I am only paying $0.99 per month for Apple's iCloud to keep my backups which I rather have on the cloud then on my laptop taking up space. Have around 6-7GB between my iPad, and iPhone backup along with my photos. besides those reasons I just like having everything on local storage. I used my iPad for videos and games. Now I have since sold my iPad to help me pay for my Macbook pro and no longer take the train to school ( Car now) so my need for an iPad has lessen but whenever I do buy an iPad I might consider getting the 128GB but probably end up getting the 256GB just because lol.

 

[rtmadden]

...I might consider getting the 128GB but probably end up getting the 256GB just because lol.

Honest version of the "prolonged power outage" rationalization.

 

[rui no onna]

I like to put stuff on my iPad. A lot of stuff. I could use 1TB. It's my stuff. I don't need anyone to tell me I should stream it or keep it in the Cloud. I want it with me. At all times. Regardless of network connection. Because its my stuff.

Alas, I'd need ~20TB if I'm to carry everything with me. Thankfully, I find 256GB will offer me sufficient content selection on the iPad. When I go on long trips, then I bring a laptop with 4TB external HDD to act as my mini-server/HTPC. That has saved me one time I went on a month long vacation but was sick and bedridden for the second half of the trip (and even an extra week upon return). Basically marathon re-watched Buffy, Charmed and Game of Thrones.

Prolonged power outage??

It's actually not outside the realm of possibility when you're vacationing in a 3rd world country. Also, when power lines are down because of weather and the utility company can't fix it right away. Kinda black swan event in the US but I've seen it happen in a neighboring city. Mind, my definition of prolonged outage is anything over 15 minutes (which is about the max the UPS can supply).

 

[Retops]

Not sure why so many folks are worried about what other people decide to buy. I have a 256gb IPad because I am increasingly using it for just about everything and leaving my laptop at home. I have many books, much music, lots of business files, classes I have taught, research background. the complete manuscripts of my published writing, and tons of "junk" that I find worth holding on to.

My life is largely paperless and so lots of my personal documents help fill the tablet. I do back it up, and some of the stuff is also on the cloud, but there is nothing like having it at hand and immediately available.

If my experiment with this laptop works, I would definitely be in the market for a 256gb Iphone.

 

[jeremiah256]

Not sure why so many folks are worried about what other people decide to buy. I have a 256gb IPad because I am increasingly using it for just about everything and leaving my laptop at home. I have many books, much music, lots of business files, classes I have taught, research background. the complete manuscripts of my published writing, and tons of "junk" that I find worth holding on to.

My life is largely paperless and so lots of my personal documents help fill the tablet. I do back it up, and some of the stuff is also on the cloud, but there is nothing like having it at hand and immediately available.

If my experiment with this laptop works, I would definitely be in the market for a 256gb Iphone.

I don't want to hijack this thread, especially since there's another thread already devoted to writers and bloggers (https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...do-you-find-the-apple-smart-keyboard.1966005/) but, either here or there, could you describe your workflow? I've written papers and reports, but nothing as ambitious as a manuscript, but I'd like to try.

 

[Retops]

I don't want to hijack this thread, especially since there's another thread already devoted to writers and bloggers (https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...do-you-find-the-apple-smart-keyboard.1966005/) but, either here or there, could you describe your workflow? I've written papers and reports, but nothing as ambitious as a manuscript, but I'd like to try.

I posted some thoughts in the other thread. Good luck with your writing.

 

[TrueBlou]

So long as there are consumers willing to buy them, then yes, there's definitely a need. It won't be too far in the future when we see 512GB.

It's certainly possible to fill it up if you're a heavy user and/or its your only device. 4K video editing, games, films, music, photos it all builds up.

Sure there's cloud storage and streaming. But I use iCloud Photo Library and it's already taking up over 7Gb of local storage. I'm an Apple Music subscriber, but I still keep some music for offline listening when I'm out of cell coverage. Same story with movies and TV, some stored locally. Lots of games, some of which are already in the multiple GB each.

Until the entire country where you live is blanketed with good, fast internet access. Or if you're the king of person who never goes anywhere, cloud storage isn't the answer yet.

 

[mac4good84]

In the end, it all depends on the user. I currently have a 128 GB iPad and that's been primarily because of movies I have and not just movies, HD movies. With HD the space fills up, fast. I find 128 GB to be a sweet spot for iPads unless you need the larger option; for the iphone I use 64 GB when 128GB proved to be more than I needed. In the end, everyone has reasons for needing 128 or 256 or less, etc.

 

[burgman]

I like to store movies purchased from the iTunes Store on my iPad until I've viewed them. That way, if my internet connection goes wonky in the middle of a movie, I can AirPlay From the IPP to my ATV to finish the movie. Also, in the event of a prolonged power outage, I'll have something to keep me entertained. That said, 128 GB seems sufficient for now. Might spring for 256 next time, however.

That's why I bought a 512gb rMB for the same price as the IPP 256gb
[doublepost=1460135320][/doublepost]

Prolonged power outage??

Sure iPads charge from the air, magical.

 

[rtmadden]

This thread is losing touch with reality.

 

[Serban]

if you are using often to record 4k video than 256 is for you

 

[rspeaker]

I am using mine as a (mostly) computer replacement. Funny how if I was buying a Mac, most people would almost certainly recommend 256GB or 512GB. But 128GB in an iPad is considered by some to be excessive.

Very happy with the 256 9.7" iPP. After putting my music, selection of movies, and downloading full-res pictures from iCloud Photo Library, I have about 80GB left. I bought a 128GB 12.9" iPP in November, but returned it after realizing 128GB wasn't enough space to be comfortable.

I hope in 3-5 years, when I replace this iPad, 512GB is an option.

 

[Ghost31]

I am using mine as a (mostly) computer replacement. Funny how if I was buying a Mac, most people would almost certainly recommend 256GB or 512GB. But 128GB in an iPad is considered by some to be excessive.

Very happy with the 256 9.7" iPP. After putting my music, selection of movies, and downloading full-res pictures from iCloud Photo Library, I have about 80GB left. I bought a 128GB 12.9" iPP in November, but returned it after realizing 128GB wasn't enough space to be comfortable.

I hope in 3-5 years, when I replace this iPad, 512GB is an option.

I hope you're sitting down for this. Imagine...

A 1TB IPAD

 

[tagumcity]

I chose the 128GB 9.7" IPP. If I need more space I'll rent some through iCloud for $3/mo.

 

[Rushmore69]

No one needs 256GB. No one even needs 128GB - the only reason why you'd truly need large storage is if you want to work with files that require that space - for example, if you work with a 40GB file, then yes, you'd need at least 128GB.

What it really brings is convenience. Without the extra space, you're going to have to spend time every once in a while to clear up things if you like to install lots of apps or load up lots of movies.

On the other hand, needing 4GB of RAM is actually something that is a lot more likely, especially if you are going to edit large movies or graphics images with lots of layers. At the moment, this isn't a common use case because you don't have full blown photo or video editing apps, or 3D rendering apps on the iPad, but it could be something that happens in the future.

At that point you might just want to get the next iPad Pro though, because you're probably also going to need lots of computing power.

EDIT: After thinking about it, even RAM is avoidable - Apple could implement memory page swapping on Flash storage, but performance would suffer as a result. I'd definitely not recommend it as an option - it's going to be a lot more inconvenient than clearing out files every once in a while.

If we are applying absolutes, nobody "needs" an iPad

I have a 256gb 9.7 Pro and with all of my apps, games, photos, comics, books, tunes and a few movies, I have 63gb free. I travel, so real nice not having to worry about clouds or app/media juggling. Not to mention local content is kinder on the battery.

If folks do not need/want 256gb, cool I wanted one and use the storage above the 128gb model.

 

[masotime]

If we are applying absolutes, nobody "needs" an iPad

Actually I do agree with this. No one needs an iPad either - a smartphone on the other hand is pretty close to a "need".

In terms of absolutes, the only thing you really need in life is air, food, water and a reason to live . (and maybe some exercise thrown in )

 

[von franklin]

Depends on what your using it for.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I've the 128gb 9.7 pro but really debating shopping for the 256...

 

[Shadowbech]

Originally purchased the 128 GB model but decided to return that one and went for the 256 GB 9.7" model and I don't regret it.

 

[camhabib]

Take an iPad and load some apps, magazines, your music, some work files, movies, and use it as a on the go photo editor for a high resolution camera, yea, it be pretty easy to fill up 256GB. I had the 128GB but exchanged it for the larger - as someone else said, it's better to have and not need than need and not have.