Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad Air Is this a good deal? iPad Air 4
- Thread starter str0ppy
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Given that you're paying full retail prices, I'd go with the Air 5.
For me, M1+8GB is worth the extra cost considering the useful life of the devices.
The 2016 Pro 9.7 (A9X/2GB) lasted us 6 years while the 2018 iPad 6th gen (A10/2GB) only lasted us 4 years. Both are being replaced due to low RAM.
On iOS 15, 4GB already reloads fairly frequently. Probably okay for 3 more years or so but 8GB should last longer while providing smoother operation. Mind, I was only expecting around 2-3 years useful life for both Pro 9.7 and 6th gen so the 6th gen actually exceeded my expectations while the Pro 9.7 greatly exceeded it. With M1+8-16GB RAM though (faster than most Windows laptops), I think a life expectancy of 4-6 years while maintaining good performance is attainable.
However, you already mentioned 64GB storage isn't enough. If that's the case, you might be better off saving the £80 now and upgrading sooner when you absolutely can't tolerate 64GB any longer.
Last edited:
I would say depends on how long you plan to keep it.
M1 is definitely a better long term option but if you'll only keep your iPad for about 2 years, the discount is nice.
Although I think they should take another 50 GBP off to make it a really good deal
M1 is definitely a better long term option but if you'll only keep your iPad for about 2 years, the discount is nice.
Although I think they should take another 50 GBP off to make it a really good deal
The 2022 M1 air is actually £569, we got a £10 price drop in the UK. ive got the air 4 its a great device and I love it, but I would recommend to pay the extra £70 and get the M1 model as it has 8GB RAM. You won’t have to buy another iPad for a while with this one thats for sure.
Assuming 64GB storage is sufficient that is. I've updated several devices primarily due to lack of storage.
It’s worth going Air 5 for the RAM bump. Comparing 64GB to 64GB, I think the Air 5 is definitely worth it.
If you’re considering 256 GB Air 5 or a 128GB Pro, you’ll have to weigh up the storage boost versus ProMotion/quad speakers/Thunderbolt.
If you’re considering 256 GB Air 5 or a 128GB Pro, you’ll have to weigh up the storage boost versus ProMotion/quad speakers/Thunderbolt.
Yes I know, but the storage side of things starts a whole different discussion that’s been discussed to death on other threads LOL. Things get heated so quickly on those threads ugh.Assuming 64GB storage is sufficient that is. I've updated several devices primarily due to lack of storage.
The easy thing about needing 512GB+, there's no back and forth. You're limited to either just current or previous generation iPad Pro.
I'd like, in theory, to think that I could get by on 64GB. I don't play many games, or need to store lots of video. It's going to be a streaming/reading device mainly.
Thing is, if bumping up the storage to 256GB or a Pro, that's 700+ - I'd be tempted to get an M1 MacBook Air instead. But I've got a desktop Mac, so why get another MacOS device?
A 64GB iPad for 500, I think that's quite reasonable, but the storage is the only concern.
Thing is, if bumping up the storage to 256GB or a Pro, that's 700+ - I'd be tempted to get an M1 MacBook Air instead. But I've got a desktop Mac, so why get another MacOS device?
A 64GB iPad for 500, I think that's quite reasonable, but the storage is the only concern.
Lol, my M1 MBA is just sitting around collecting dust somewhere. ?
I was using $600 Windows thin&light laptops before buying $800 iPads (top storage + cellular) so I have no preconceived notion that iPads should be cheaper than traditional computers. ?