Need an iPad — Air 2 or iPad (2017)

[sasha.danielle]

Hi everyone,

I need an iPad — mostly for reading, writing, browsing, etc. I'm debating between these two and am not sure which to go with. Right now I see the plusses for the Air 2 being the laminated screen and the fact that my cell carrier has it in gold. The iPad 2017, on the other hand has a slightly better processor and will be updated longer. I think really my debate comes down to a better screen on the Air 2 vs a longer update cycle for the iPad.

Can anyone comment on this or any other features that should sway me one way or the other?

 

[Stefan johansson]

Depends on what you want to pay,both are good,and the new 64 bit architecture supports both.
If future updates worries you,go for the 2017 iPad,if you just want a good device,iPad Air 2 will probably be supported for a while anyway.

 

[sasha.danielle]

Depends on what you want to pay,both are good,and the new 64 bit architecture supports both.
If future updates worries you,go for the 2017 iPad,if you just want a good device,iPad Air 2 will probably be supported for a while anyway.

Cost is the same for me. My carrier lets me do monthly payments with nothing down. It's $23/month for the Air 2 and $25 for the iPad (2017) — hence why I'm not contemplating a Pro.
[doublepost=1498145325][/doublepost]I'm leaning to the Air 2. I'm thinking I'll hold onto it until my 2-year contract for it is done and then sell it as the down payment on a Pro or whatever the spiffiest iPad is then. I'm sure it'll be supported until then, eh?

 

[44267547]

Hi everyone,

I need an iPad — mostly for reading, writing, browsing, etc. I'm debating between these two and am not sure which to go with. Right now I see the plusses for the Air 2 being the laminated screen and the fact that my cell carrier has it in gold. The iPad 2017, on the other hand has a slightly better processor and will be updated longer. I think really my debate comes down to a better screen on the Air 2 vs a longer update cycle for the iPad.

Can anyone comment on this or any other features that should sway me one way or the other?

The question is, would you be content without the laminated display? The Air 2, as much as I like it and it still performs strong, I would consider the 2017 iPad. Although for your listed uses you mentioned, either iPad would suffice.

The reason I would choose the 2017 iPad is due to the longevity of iOS support as you mentioned and for the price point, it's a solid iPad and the reported battery life has been also very good. Also, the starting base storage for the 2017 iPad starts at 32GB, where as higher Store storage Air 2's in good condition might be priced higher. (But I would not purchase the 16 GB Air 2 due to low storage).

 

[justinTlME]

Cost is the same for me. My carrier lets me do monthly payments with nothing down. It's $23/month for the Air 2 and $25 for the iPad (2017) — hence why I'm not contemplating a Pro.
[doublepost=1498145325][/doublepost]I'm leaning to the Air 2. I'm thinking I'll hold onto it until my 2-year contract for it is done and then sell it as the down payment on a Pro or whatever the spiffiest iPad is then. I'm sure it'll be supported until then, eh?

If the cost is essentially the same, and you plan to sell it to upgrade down the line, then I would HIGHLY advise you get the iPad 2017 model. It will inherently have the better sale value. iPad Air 2 prices have already started to drop off.

Also, if you plan on paying $25 a month to a carrier for an LTE iPad, then I would also just suggest to get a Pro right now, but not from a carrier. $25 a month for 2 years equates to $600, and I don't know about your cell carrier, but most carriers give free hotspot service with your phone. Your iPad will essentiall be LTE without having to pay for it. Just my two cents. I would go to Best Buy, use their credit card (if you want to make monthly 0% Interest payments) and just get a 64GB pro.

 

[sasha.danielle]

The question is, would you be content without the laminated display? The Air 2, as much as I like it and it still performs strong, I would consider the 2017 iPad. Although for your listed uses you mentioned, either iPad would suffice.

The reason I would choose the 2017 iPad is due to the longevity of iOS support as you mentioned and for the price point, it's a solid iPad and the reported battery life has been also very good. Also, the starting base storage for the 2017 iPad starts at 32GB, where as higher Store storage Air 2's in good condition might be priced higher. (But I would not purchase the 16 GB Air 2 due to low storage).

Storage options are equivalent from my carrier and so is cost when spread over two years. What's the real difference between the screens?

 

[44267547]

Storage options are equivalent from my carrier and so is cost when spread over two years. What's the real difference between the screens?

Reflectivity. Without the laminated display, there is an air gap, using the 2017 iPad in brighter conditions will make it more difficult. However, Apple claims the 2017 iPad is 44% brighter over the Air 1 for some measurement. Again, it's based on if you can accept the 2017 9.7 iPad without the laminated display.

 

[sasha.danielle]

If the cost is essentially the same, and you plan to sell it to upgrade down the line, then I would HIGHLY advise you get the iPad 2017 model. It will inherently have the better sale value. iPad Air 2 prices have already started to drop off.

Also, if you plan on paying $25 a month to a carrier for an LTE iPad, then I would also just suggest to get a Pro right now, but not from a carrier. $25 a month for 2 years equates to $600, and I don't know about your cell carrier, but most carriers give free hotspot service with your phone. Your iPad will essentiall be LTE without having to pay for it. Just my two cents. I would go to Best Buy, use their credit card (if you want to make monthly 0% Interest payments) and just get a 64GB pro.

The Pro is $37.50 per month plus $650 down (everything is in Can. dollars, btw). My carrier doesn't sell the standard sized iPad Pro, just the big one. Right now, I don't want to shell out a lump some of dollars, but I am willing to do a monthly payment.

 

[Stefan johansson]

Cost is the same for me. My carrier lets me do monthly payments with nothing down. It's $23/month for the Air 2 and $25 for the iPad (2017) — hence why I'm not contemplating a Pro.
[doublepost=1498145325][/doublepost]I'm leaning to the Air 2. I'm thinking I'll hold onto it until my 2-year contract for it is done and then sell it as the down payment on a Pro or whatever the spiffiest iPad is then. I'm sure it'll be supported until then, eh?

Yes,most likely.

 

[Lockon]

Air 2 is 20% thinner, and a bit lighter too. Another factor to think about.

 

[justinTlME]

The Pro is $37.50 per month plus $650 down (everything is in Can. dollars, btw). My carrier doesn't sell the standard sized iPad Pro, just the big one. Right now, I don't want to shell out a lump some of dollars, but I am willing to do a monthly payment.

Are you forced to buy from a carrier? Seems like a rip off.

 

[sasha.danielle]

Canadian dollars aren't great right now and neither is my bank account because I'm struggling with illness. This is the only way I can afford an iPad — by payment — which I need for my work. I ended up going with a gold Air 2 128gb. I would have been fine with 64gb, but the carrier only offers 32 and 128.