Repair iPad Pro or purchase 2018 New iPad?

[Jacques Wegier]

Hello,

several weeks ago I tried to download and install Software update 11.3 to my iPad Pro 12.9 inch (first Generation iPad Pro) but I encountered several problems and was not able to update. I tried many times and received different error messages at a different stage of the process: error 14, then 4005, 4013, or 4014.

Several months ago I encountered the same errors during the previous Software update but then, somehow after many tries, I succeeded to update my device. This time since nothing could help so I brought my iPad to the Apple store from where I purchased the device.

They sent the device to the lab and after several days I received an answer: the memory has to be replaced and the cost of the repair is $350 and I get 3 months warranty on the repair. I almost agreed to repair the Pro but now I am thinking of another option.

After two years and a half of using my iPad Pro, I found that never really needed the so-called extra power of the Pro and I still prefer the handling of my old small 9.7 inches second-generation iPad. The price of a 9.7 inches New iPad 2018 is $550, so for $200 more than the price of the repair of my two and a half-year-old Pro I get a brand new iPad with which I can do all that I need. As far as I understand, the 2018 New iPad has a better processor than the iPad Pro first generation but on the other hand, has only 2GB RAM (4GB for iPad Pro)

Any recommendation? Would adding $200 for a 2018 New iPad instead of paying $350 for the repair of the Pro first generation, be a downgrade?
Thank you very much.

 

[sracer]

(Based on the prices you are quoting, I'm assume you are in Canada.)

That's a tough position to be in.

I've owned my 12.9 iPad Pro for over 2 years and ended up giving that to my wife (to replace her Air 2) and I bought myself the 2018 iPad. Performance-wise, there is no perceptible difference. I was a HUGE proponent of 4GB vs 2GB RAM back then. But since Apple hasn't enhanced iOS to really take advantage of that extra RAM, I am not noticing any difference in user experience between an iPad with 4GB vs 2GB. (That might change in the future should Apple do something with iOS)

IMO, given the current state of iOS and the apps available, the 2018 iPad is a great device at an excellent price. Keep in mind that the 2018 iPad has a non-laminated screen. That's not a problem for me, but for some, it is a deal-breaker.

 

[ericwn]

I think @sracer has already given you great advice.
Apple offers a two week return period. Get the new iPad, try it out and keep it if you prefer it. If not, return it for a full refund, then have your iPad Pro repaired and continue with it.

 

[Jacques Wegier]

Keep in mind that the 2018 iPad has a non-laminated screen. That's not a problem for me, but for some, it is a deal-breaker.

Thanks, sracer. Yep, that's a tough position

I have compared them side by side and the non-laminated thing it's not a problem for me too.

 

[robertpetry]

I would think a 12.9 is worth $350 to sell so even if you fixed and then sold it would be a cash positive transaction? Or you could sell for parts and get something out of it I suppose. Have you considered the resale values vs. the cost to fix?

 

[sracer]

I would think a 12.9 is worth $350 to sell so even if you fixed and then sold it would be a cash positive transaction? Or you could sell for parts and get something out of it I suppose. Have you considered the resale values vs. the cost to fix?

It doesn't sound like it would be a cash positive transaction. He invests $350 to repair it and received $350 when he sells it. That's a net of $0 in the transaction and doesn't factor in the time taken to get it repaired. Even if he could get $500 by selling it (doubtful), IMO it isn't worth the time spent getting it repaired and the time spent selling it... with no guarantee that it would sell for $500.

Resale value of iPads is no longer as good as they used to be. That's due to the frequency of new models being released and the regular sales by places like Best Buy and Staples.

 

[Jacques Wegier]

Thank you for helping!

The truth is that I am quite hesitant to pay $350 to repair a relatively new device which seems to have some production's defect? The warranty on the repair is only 3 months and if such a problem appears again let's say, 4 months after the repair, then the iPad is gone.

 

[PhoneMe1]

I would be ringing Apple care and pushing for it to be fixed for free. 2.5 years for a iPad of that cost is BS. In Australia we get 2 years but there is a case for longer if not fit for use as you explained.
Be nice, i had a late 09 21" iMac screen replaced once that was 2 years out of warranty, $600 at the time.

I know you are not in Australia but still worth a try, forget the store, Ring Apple Care.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-06-07/broken-but-out-of-warranty-you-still-have-rights/2749924

 

[MistrSynistr]

(Based on the prices you are quoting, I'm assume you are in Canada.)

That's a tough position to be in.

I've owned my 12.9 iPad Pro for over 2 years and ended up giving that to my wife (to replace her Air 2) and I bought myself the 2018 iPad. Performance-wise, there is no perceptible difference. I was a HUGE proponent of 4GB vs 2GB RAM back then. But since Apple hasn't enhanced iOS to really take advantage of that extra RAM, I am not noticing any difference in user experience between an iPad with 4GB vs 2GB. (That might change in the future should Apple do something with iOS)

IMO, given the current state of iOS and the apps available, the 2018 iPad is a great device at an excellent price. Keep in mind that the 2018 iPad has a non-laminated screen. That's not a problem for me, but for some, it is a deal-breaker.

The comparison videos online also show practically no difference in speed of both these devices, the actual youtube users seemed to want to try to talk themselves into seeing the difference all while admitting it was almost nonexistent to justify buying the pro.

 

[jase1125]

Costco will have the 128GB iPad 2018 9.7" for $350 (starting now or in a few days; you can even buy now and price match to their sale price later). I would just get that. It has pencil support and if you need a keyboard infrequently, then use a bluetooth one. If you use a keyboard often, then get the 10.5" iPad Pro. The new ones offer really nothing new but a spit shine. Functionally the same with the same limitations. They are nice to look at though.