New 2017 iPad : thoughts on it ?

[QCassidy352]

It's an odd release. A little faster and a better battery, but neither of those is a problem on the air 2 (mine is 2.5 years old and still great in both areas). Yet it also takes a step back in weight, thickness, and display. So all in all, is it even a better device than the air 2? I wouldn't say so, and wouldn't trade my air 2 for one.

But, $329 is a very good price, and the 32gb is enough that most buyers won't have to upgrade to the 128.

I'm assuming they did this for supply chain reasons, so they don't have to make the A8x anymore, and can just make more A9 chips (which are still also used in the IPhone SE and 6s).

 

[thadoggfather]

It is a confusing release because not only docyou now have to decide between 3 iPad sizes...

assuming you go middle ground the 9.7 instead of 7.9 or 12.9 you now have three options from there. Air2, pro, and 2017 release.

Good and better are confusing too of good-better-best, depends on priorities and how much value you place in a superior screen and thinness.

You have to be an iPad rocket scientist to make a confident purchase decision.

 

[uwdude]

Animations are slow, apps took a long time to open, Safari reloads tabs so often, hell, I even can't type something without significant delays. Technically I can use it, but I don't enjoy it. It was lightning fast with iOS 6, that's the way it should be. If only I could revert iOS.

I know, lol, if people didn't update their devices they could use them almost forever.
[doublepost=1490114535][/doublepost]

It's an odd release. A little faster and a better battery, but neither of those is a problem on the air 2 (mine is 2.5 years old and still great in both areas). Yet it also takes a step back in weight, thickness, and display. So all in all, is it even a better device than the air 2? I wouldn't say so, and wouldn't trade my air 2 for one.

But, $329 is a very good price, and the 32gb is enough that most buyers won't have to upgrade to the 128.

I'm assuming they did this for supply chain reasons, so they don't have to make the A8x anymore, and can just make more A9 chips (which are still also used in the IPhone SE and 6s).

Yea, it's odd that they decided to go back to the non-laminated screen technology though. I wonder if cost is a consideration in using that. The older version is several years old now though- seems like screen tech would have come down in price with all the other models using it.

 

[FeliApple]

I think that it's only selling point is its price. Of course, if I had the money and was in need of a new iPad, I'd get the 9.7-inch Pro, but this iPad has an appealing price, that's for sure. Also, not sure how bad is the new screen in real-life. Did the iPad 4 have what was removed on this one? If it is the same, it's certainly good for that price.

 

[jhearty99]

It is a confusing release because not only docyou now have to decide between 3 iPad sizes...

assuming you go middle ground the 9.7 instead of 7.9 or 12.9 you now have three options from there. Air2, pro, and 2017 release.

Good and better are confusing too of good-better-best, depends on priorities and how much value you place in a superior screen and thinness.

You have to be an iPad rocket scientist to make a confident purchase decision.

Well the Air 2 is being discontinued, so that will not be an issue very soon. And the price difference between the new model and the Pro will make the decision pretty easy for most people. Really not that confusing.

Now, if they release a 10.5" as some rumors state, then I agree.

 

[Icaras]

I wouldn't compare any of those things you mentioned because those seem like pro features that Apple intends to use to differentiate the regular iPad with the iPad Pro. And as you mention, you lose a little portability, lose a little screen efficiencies, and make up a bit with a better processor, and presumably, possibly better battery life too, but in the end, cutting the cost. I think it makes for an excellent replacement that will entice more customers to the iPad line. And as we all know, the 9.7" Pro is basically the next iteration of the Air 2 without any compromises whatsoever so it most definitely lives on.

It's just the mini that doesn't really quite make sense to me in the current product lineup. I can't decide whether I think Apple is intending to keep it or ultimately drop it. If they decide to keep the mini, maybe we'll later see the same thing happen and see a new rebranded iPad mini with similar compromises at a $100 cheaper, pricing it under the new iPad, which would make a hell of a lot more sense.

And I think, going back to basics with simply the name "iPad", this may very well mark the end of the ridiculous numbers. Hopefully the iPad is treated more like the Mac in this regard and we shall simply identify iPad models by years.

 

[dk001]

So Apple will release this new "iPad", which doesn't have a proper name by the way, and is much more thicker and heavier than the iPad Air 2 (6.1mm/437g), the iPad Pro 9.7 (also 6.1mm/437g) and only thicker (not heavier) than the gigantic iPad Pro 12.9 (6.9mm).

It's actually 7.5mm thick and weight 469g which are the same specifications than the 2013 iPad Air 1.

And it have mostly the same specifications as the iPad Air 2 from 2014 except that the display is not laminated and it doesn't have the anti-reflective coating anymore. However, it does have the A9 chip instead of the A8 which means :

-No A9X.
-No four stereo speakers.
-No True-Tone display.
-No 12mpx and 5mpx cameras on the front and back.
-No Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard support.
-No Rose Gold color option.
-Maybe others things that I forgot to mention...

The only real advantage I see is in term of battery life because it goes back to the 32.4Wh of the iPad Air 1 from the 27.5Wh of the iPad Air 2/iPad Pro 9.7.

Anyway, there might be surprises when the product get released but this is what we have at the moment from the product page on the Apple website.

So I would like to hear your thoughts on it. Would you buy it ? I know the price is quite good at 329$ for the 32GB but the specifications are for the most part coming straight from 2014.
Also would you go back to that 7.5mm/469g after we got used to much thinner and lighter iPads in favor of a better battery life ?

Waiting to hear your opinions on this product and have a nice day.

Yawn..... Was hoping for a decent update for my Mini ... oh well. I'll spend that saved chunk of cash on some other "toy".

 

[gobikerider]

Yawn..... Was hoping for a decent update for my Mini ... oh well. I'll spend that saved chunk of cash on some other "toy".

Which Mini ?

 

[dk001]

Which Mini ?

I currently have a Mini 4 64GB LTE model. Was looking forward to an update that would justify my getting a new one and gifting this to a family member.

 

[dannyar]

I currently have a Mini 4 64GB LTE model. Was looking forward to an update that would justify my getting a new one and gifting this to a family member.

I love when people use the term "gift" to someone when referring to a 500$+ item. Unless its a sibling or parent and maybe not even then can I see someone give something of such value away as a "gift".

 

[gobikerider]

I currently have a Mini 4 64GB LTE model. Was looking forward to an update that would justify my getting a new one and gifting this to a family member.

Oh no you don't your Mini 4 is better than the new one ☝️. Apple got you good
[doublepost=1490117894][/doublepost]

I love when people use the term "gift" to someone when referring to a 500$+ item. Unless its a sibling or parent and maybe not even then can I see someone give something of such value away as a "gift".

He's giving it to a family memeber.

 

[dk001]

I love when people use the term "gift" to someone when referring to a 500$+ item. Unless its a sibling or parent and maybe not even then can I see someone give something of such value away as a "gift".

And? When I update my devices be they phones, tablets or laptops, I have always given the legacy device to a family member. If no family member wants it, then it goes to a charity or other group in support of our military.
Is not the proper term "gifting"?
[doublepost=1490118121][/doublepost]

Oh no you don't your Mini 4 is better than the new one ☝️. Apple got you good
[doublepost=1490117894][/doublepost]

He's giving it to a family memeber.

Got me good?

 

[jonnyb098]

They could have introduced A10 iPad with True Tone display, bumped up the price by $50 and reduced iPad Pro price to fall in line.

This seems like a confused product and confusing people even more.

All will make sense when they update the iPad Pro soon. It's not one bit confusing once you apply a little logic to this situation. This is an entry level iPad that does multitasking but without the bells and whistles of the iPad Pro. Putting an A10 in an iPad will be reserved for the pro model not some entry level device such as this.

 

[44267547]

I think that it's only selling point is its price. Of course, if I had the money and was in need of a new iPad, I'd get the 9.7-inch Pro, but this iPad has an appealing price, that's for sure. Also, not sure how bad is the new screen in real-life. Did the iPad 4 have what was removed on this one? If it is the same, it's certainly good for that price.

For the price point, this iPad will sell. If someone wants the Pro, that has an appeal too. If someone wants features that don't include the Pro, someone has the option of resulting in a purchase of something they can appreciate both ways.

 

[FeliApple]

For the price point, this iPad will sell. If someone wants the Pro, that has an appeal too. If someone wants features that don't include the Pro, someone has the option of resulting in a purchase of something they can appreciate both ways.

Yeah, for someone that wants to spend less money on an iPad, this is a good option.

 

[DougFNJ]

What the hell is Apple doing. Thicker and heavier? No lamented screen? Nope. I'd recommend the Air 2 over this pos. And the pros are too expensive for what they do. It's truly a terrible time to be an Apple user.

C'mon now, you have more choices than ever. iPad mini didn't go anywhere and its still $399. You have an entry level in this version at even lower $329 now. If you want the laminated screen you have the Air 2 or iPad Pro with 2 sizes and sales going on all the time at Best Buy, I am sure the Air 2 will be having some really aggressive sales in the coming months pretty much anywhere.

Do you realize the first iPad sold for $499 for the 16gb model? Usually prices go up on products like this. And I am sure there will still be a Spring event.

Perfectly fine time to be an Apple user.

 

[to_sc]

I do not see the new iPad as an Air 2 replacement.

The Air 2 has been discontinued and a new entry level iPad has been introduced.

The Air 2 was a former top model, and the new iPad is in no way intended to be comparable with the Air 2 in my opinion.

 

[zorinlynx]

I wonder if this new iPad will have that same "hollow" feel that the original iPad Air has. It's one of the things I never liked about my iPad Air; I remember my iPad 3 felt more "solid".

I guess I'm going to have to wait until I can play with one in the store before deciding to buy. This morning I was a bit more gung-ho about buying it, but I'd like the feel of the iPad to be better than my Air if I'm going to spend the money!

 

[dannyar]

I do not see the new iPad as an Air 2 replacement.

The Air 2 has been discontinued and a new entry level iPad has been introduced.

The Air 2 was a former top model, and the new iPad is in no way intended to be comparable with the Air 2 in my opinion.

how so? bettery battery and better processor. the only thing degraded on it are the laminate scree, which is really not something that people will notice day to day, and its slightly thicker which to some isn't really an issue.

 

[Howard2k]

how so? bettery battery and better processor. the only thing degraded on it are the laminate scree, which is really not something that people will notice day to day, and its slightly thicker which to some isn't really an issue.

But from a positioning perspective, it's the new bottom rung. Sure it's improved over the Air 2 as technology has marched on (with exceptions: screen, thickness) but my personal feeling is that the lower price point is to bring entice new iPad users, or those hanging onto older iPad devices.

I think it's a great buy and will almost certainly pick one up to replace my 3rd gen iPad. But it's a base model. The Air 2 was a the time a premium product wasn't it?

 

[dannyar]

But from a positioning perspective, it's the new bottom rung. Sure it's improved over the Air 2 as technology has marched on (with exceptions: screen, thickness) but my personal feeling is that the lower price point is to bring entice new iPad users, or those hanging onto older iPad devices.

I think it's a great buy and will almost certainly pick one up to replace my 3rd gen iPad. But it's a base model. The Air 2 was a the time a premium product wasn't it?

Premium is subjective. You are talking about a 2.5 year old product. At the time is was the best ipad because the pro line did not exist. This is now considered entry level only because its the only non pro model aside from the Mini 4 which costs more yet is less powerful. This is definitely an upgrade over the Air 2 even if its very slight.

 

[flowave]

Animations are slow, apps took a long time to open, Safari reloads tabs so often, hell, I even can't type something without significant delays. Technically I can use it, but I don't enjoy it. It was lightning fast with iOS 6, that's the way it should be. If only I could revert iOS.

I can confirm that my iPad 3 with IOS6 is still comparably fast as latest ones. Too bad it's losing much support for apps. I wish apple would stop planned obsolescence game. Then, we would use devices for longer time and create less waste on the planet from manufacturing etc. I would rather want pay to upgrade IOS than throwing away working iPads, iPhones, or Macs.

 

[Cakefish]

It should be called the iPad SE, because that's what it is. It's an iPad Air chassis with an updated SOC.

 

[xdexina]

For me the best thing of it is having the matte chamfered edges, like the iPhone SE, it makes the space greys bezel look sleek. Hope something like this come on the iPad Pro, because the current chamfered edges look terrible and ages badly.

 

[grassright]

I have mixed feelings about it. Outdated processor, USB wire (can't plug new iPad to new Macbook without dongle, LoL). But it's actually looks good for me, I have iPad 3 now, which is horribly slow at this point. I used iPad 3 as a laptop replacement for many tasks, but I can only read books with it now, it's not suitable for other tasks with modern iOS, so I'm using my laptop for everything again. May be I'll buy this iPad as a laptop replacement again. Probably it'll depend on price, Apple devices usually quite overpriced in my region. Though I'm worried about it becoming obsolete in few years again, I don't like to buy new devices every year and I had very bad experience with both iPad 3 and iPhone 4S, they became unusable after just 3 years.

What else mobile device can last 3+ years?