Given how close in price the base/regular iPad is to the air, I'm confused which one I should get, use just for air plan use, watching medical, reviewing emails, powerpoint, etc. Any thoughts on this? thanks!
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iPad is the new iPad base model decent (10th gen)?
- Thread starter kp98077
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The Air has a better screen than than the base. Plus the Air has a better processor. If the jump isn’t too great, I’d recommend the Air. Not to mention that the Apple Pencil 2 magnetically attaches which is far and away more convenient than the clunky method of the Pencil 1 that Base uses.
I also reccommend the Air because of the screen differences. Look at the comparison here.
iPad - Compare Models
Compare resolution, size, weight, performance, battery life, and storage of iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad, and iPad mini models.
www.apple.com
If you're considering between the 10th Gen iPad or the 9th Gen iPad then both will be great and fast...
however, if you've ever owned an iPad with a laminated display then I think its tough to go back to an iPad without one such as the 9th/10th Gen iPads.
Personally, I feel the last great looking iPad was the 10.5 inch iPad Pro.. or the 3rd Gen iPad Air. But then again I personally need like the home button.
however, if you've ever owned an iPad with a laminated display then I think its tough to go back to an iPad without one such as the 9th/10th Gen iPads.
Personally, I feel the last great looking iPad was the 10.5 inch iPad Pro.. or the 3rd Gen iPad Air. But then again I personally need like the home button.
The iPad Air is definitely the optimal/sweet-spot iPad to get if what you want is a 10-11 inch iPad (and not an iPad mini nor a 12.9-inch iPad Pro). There are a good deal of software features that you are able to use in the current iPad Air thanks to it having an M1 that you won't get with the 10th Generation iPad.
That being said, if none of those features matter to you nor do they at all affect your use cases, you will probably be just as fine with the 10th Generation iPad. Though, the price difference between the two is not that big and if you like (a) the idea of getting an iPad that will likely be supported for future iPadOS releases for longer and (b) the idea of getting the full iPadOS 16 experience (save only for the new Apple Pencil hover feature exclusive to the current M2 based iPad Pros), then I'd say go for the current iPad Air.
Some key differences between them that you might want to factor in:
- The current iPad Air uses the second generation Apple Pencil only; the 10th Generation iPad uses the first generation Apple Pencil with a cable-attached charging adapter
- The front-facing camera is at the top of the current iPad Air in portrait model; it is at the top of the 10th Generation iPad in landscape mode (a first and, as of this comment, only for iPads)
- The USB-C port on the current iPad Air is 10Gbps (USB 3.2 speeds); the USB-C port on the 10th Generation iPad is 480Mbps (USB 2.0 speeds)
- The current iPad Air is compatible with the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio, the same ones as the 11-inch iPad Pro; the 10th Generation iPad has its own keyboard cover that it is compatible with (the first and so far only Apple made iPad keyboard with a row of function keys)
The 10th gen iPad is in a weird spot because it uses the 1st gen Apple Pencil, but requires an adaptor to charge it. Conversely, the iPad Air will be able to charge the 2nd gen pencil directly, which is more convenient.
The air also has the more powerful M1 chip, which amongst other things, enables external display support.
I will say go with the iPad Air.
The difference is certainly there but wether or not it will matter much to you comes down to you of course. Apple have a great return policy, I recommend if in doubt to get both and return what you don’t want to keep.
If your choice is between the 10th gen and the Air, I'd recommend the Air. If the 9th gen is in the mix, then I'd recommend the 9th gen... especially if you are looking to get accessories... there are more options (and span the price range) for the 9th gen than either of those other two.
Like sracer, I do always put the 9th Gen on the equation. I love the device.
I shall say though that in your situation I would seek opportunities of having an iPad Air 4th Generation, refurbished or in great condition: it would be cheaper or at the same price than the iPad 10th. If you have the patience, you can give it a look.
A refurbished A14 Air (pre-M1) is only $200 more than the iPad 10. Unless the landscape camera is your priority, that’s the one to choose.
-- comment removed... I was responding to the $200 difference, but it is only $20.
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He might have meant $20. Air 4 64gb wifi is $469 on Apple certified refurb store in the US.
$200 more ($649) is higher than Air 5 64gb wifi MSRP.
For that price, the iPad 10th wouldn't make sense to me.
The iPad 10 offers 5G, landscape camera, and a unique keyboard style; preferring those things is valid but otherwise the Air-4 is a better iPad IMO.
Probably 2024.
As to your original question, the 10th gen iPad is decent. I recommend checking both out in person if you are near to an Apple Store or another retailer that has them on display. If you don't care about the screen difference and the Pencil stuff then a 10th gen should do you just fine.