Hi, looking for a new iPad as currently have an old iPad mini 2 and considering the above options. Looking to potentially use as a laptop replacement mainly for productivity, note taking (with an apple pencil 2) web browsing and occasional media viewing. I haven't really done and video or photo editing before but may look to in the future. Would like the magic keyboard, but may settle for smart folio due to cost. Can get a used 11" Pro 256GB in good condition on eBay for around £500, whereas the new Air 64GB is £579. Would welcome any advice on these options please. Obviously the main attraction of the used Pro is the additional storage for the lower cost, plus Pro-motion display and 4 speakers.
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iPad New iPad Air 4th Gen 64GB v Used iPad Pro 11" 2018 256GB - Which should I buy?
- Thread starter jeddouglas
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Honestly if I were in you're situation where you've only been using an old iPad I would just go for the new Air 4, unless you need the storage space. You're not going to miss the Pro features like Pro-motion since you've never experienced it before.
It's the additional storage, plus lower cost is attracting me to the Pro, as can put the difference towards a keyboard and Apple Pencil 2
If that's the case then maybe it makes sense. I'm just little put off by used devices in general, especially from eBay.
That's a reasonable thought process, but I don't recommend buying used iPads in general, especially the iPad Pro. They have been more prone to problems than the non-Pro iPads.
If that had been certified refurbished from Apple, I would totally go for the 2018 iPad Pro. This one's a bit of a coin toss, though. I've received some "Like New" devices that I would only grade as "Good" or "Fair".
I wouldn’t buy used - potential repair costs are high and I like having warranty plus consumer law on my side for the long run.
Thanks for your advice. What type of problems? Is it the bending issue? The photographs of the one I am looking at show it is in good condition.
Pictures can truly be deceiving as scratches and small cracks are easy to hide in pictures. The only possible solution is if it truly is "not as described," eBay has buyer protections that you can utilize. I would be sure to double check what year it is since the iPad Pro has been around for a few years at this point and so £500 may be too much.
If it were me, I would buy the new iPad Air. Even though the storage is significantly less, the confidence of knowing that you're getting exactly what is described is worth it. Truthfully, so much is done through iCloud now that, unless you plan on having a lot downloaded for offline use, you won't even notice. I'm using less than 50% storage on my MacBook Pro (128 GB), iPhone XS (64 GB), and iPad 7th Gen (32 GB) because virtually everything I do is either streaming or in the cloud. The only time my iPad ever gets filled up is when I download movies to watch on flights.
If it were me, I would buy the new iPad Air. Even though the storage is significantly less, the confidence of knowing that you're getting exactly what is described is worth it. Truthfully, so much is done through iCloud now that, unless you plan on having a lot downloaded for offline use, you won't even notice. I'm using less than 50% storage on my MacBook Pro (128 GB), iPhone XS (64 GB), and iPad 7th Gen (32 GB) because virtually everything I do is either streaming or in the cloud. The only time my iPad ever gets filled up is when I download movies to watch on flights.
That's the least of your worries when buying an used iPad. It's an electronic device regardless of the company that designed it.
Also you can use ext thumb drive to help offload some of your storage needs.
Even though the additional space is a huge advantage, you always can offload unnecessary files to your laptop or somewhere else. Moreover, as you don't watch a lot of media, you won't benefit from 4 speakers.
On the other hand, buying a used device from eBay is a real lottery; you might get disappointed and get nothing at all.
So, considering pros and cons, I would definitely go with the new iPad Air.
On the other hand, buying a used device from eBay is a real lottery; you might get disappointed and get nothing at all.
So, considering pros and cons, I would definitely go with the new iPad Air.
Especially considering its the 2018 iPad Pro, which supposedly can bend fairly easily.
The £500 used Pro has now gone on eBay. It was a 2018 version. The next cheapest one with 256GB storage is up at £580 so effectively the same price as a new Air so not so appealing. Thanks for the advice about iCloud storage and the risks of buying used on eBay.
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Is the 2018 Pro more prone to bending than the 2020 version?
Yeah, major fud there. The 2020 and 2018 are structurally identical. False info. I have a 14 month old 11pro which is fine, no issues.
Just because your iPads are fine doesnt mean that other peoples iPads are.
Take @DragonX for example.
My dilemma is getting worse. Discovered I can get new iPad Air 64GB with education discount for £535. Thought I could also get free AirPods as well through the education offer in the UK but Apple only offering these with the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro 128GB with education discount is £730. I already have a pair of AirPods so was thinking I could sell the free AirPods brand new on eBay for about £110, which effectively reduces the cost of a new Pro to £620, about £85 more than what I can get the Air for, but with double the storage and the additional features. Advice please?
I doubt you could sell AirPods for that much, but there are plenty of stupid people on eBay
At least in US, AirPods regularly go on sale for $100-120.Finally made my mind up and settled for the new iPad Air 64GB in Space Grey plus an Apple Pencil 2nd Gen. Was impressed with the performance v the Pro in the numerous videos I have watched. Can't stretch for an official Apple keyboard so can anyone recommend a reasonable budget keyboard/case that will get me by until I can afford an official Apple one.