Should I buy an iPad 2017?

[rmoliv]

Or will there be a new release later this year?

I'm also undecided on whether I should buy an iPad at all. I have an iPhone and an iMac and basically all that I do is browse the Internet, check/send e-mails, manage my bank (and other) accounts, manage my Apple Watch, listen to music, watch videos/movies, online shopping, print and write text documents, messaging, make and get phone and video calls, and that's pretty much it. What advantages would there be in adding an iPad to my collection of Apple devices, if any? Is mobility enough to make it worth it as in using it as a sort of "mobile" version of the iMac?

 

[akash.nu]

Or will there be a new release later this year?

I'm also undecided on whether I should buy an iPad at all. I have an iPhone and an iMac and basically all that I do is browse the Internet, check/send e-mails, manage my bank (and other) accounts, manage my Apple Watch, listen to music, watch videos/movies, online shopping, print and write text documents, messaging, make and get phone and video calls, and that's pretty much it. What advantages would there be in adding an iPad to my collection of Apple devices, if any? Is mobility enough to make it worth it as in using it as a sort of "mobile" version of the iMac?

If you’re happy with your current setup then mobility is the only thing you gain from having an iPad.

Worth is dependent on individuals really. The 2017 iPad is powerful enough to last a few years. So if you’re thinking of just having another device in the mix that you can take to bed or lounge around instead of sitting in front of your iMac then get the iPad. Otherwise you won’t need it.

 

[sracer]

Sounds like for your use cases it would be beneficial to wait to see if any new models are released. It doesn't sound like there is much of a need for you to expand your device usage to include a tablet at this point. Given how you use your devices, the only thing an iPad adds is a larger screen for those tasks you currently do on your iPhone. (with LESS mobility since the iPad is larger than the iPhone)

Depending upon the type of apps you use on your iMac, you MIGHT be able to do them equally efficiently/effectively on the iPad, but generally speaking, an iPad can do many of those things but not as well.

As to whether or not the matter of increased mobility is sufficient justification for making it a "mobile" version of the iMac... it is highly subjective and based on the specific uses of the individual. There are some who were able to easily ditch their iMac and Macbook and can do all of those things on an iPad. (for them, they were paying too much for more computing capabilities than they needed)

For others, like myself, I've spent years pushing the envelope on transitioning what I do on my iMac onto an iPad. While there have been great successes, there have been a few shortcomings that have pretty much put a stop to further experimentation. I have quite a few "mobile" options. My current favorite Apple-based option is an 11" Macbook Air + iPad Mini 4. That combo is still quite portable but I have full access to macOS and iOS. But as I said, it is highly subjective and personal.

 

[PKoz]

Or will there be a new release later this year?

I'm also undecided on whether I should buy an iPad at all. I have an iPhone and an iMac and basically all that I do is browse the Internet, check/send e-mails, manage my bank (and other) accounts, manage my Apple Watch, listen to music, watch videos/movies, online shopping, print and write text documents, messaging, make and get phone and video calls, and that's pretty much it. What advantages would there be in adding an iPad to my collection of Apple devices, if any? Is mobility enough to make it worth it as in using it as a sort of "mobile" version of the iMac?

It just depends on how mobile you wish to be. I find myself using the 10.5” iPad Pro at home almost exclusively. In fact I have stopped carrying my MacBook Pro to and from the office. I just leave it at the office now. I bought a small Waterfield case to carry the iPad around since I haven’t use the Mac at home in a few months at all. I only use it at the office. So for a couple days now and this is my first weekend completely without my Mac. Just using my iPad Pro 10.5” with the keyboard case and my iPhone 7 Plus.

In order to make such a leap I think you would first have to get comfortable with Dropbox, iCloud and Documents. I mostly use iCloud now. And once I started really having all my files in iCloud, using the iPad Pro got a lot more comfortable. If I need something I just have it. It’s always there even without the Mac. That makes all the difference in the world.

After that you need to get comfortable with the mobile apps. I have come to really like a lot of the mobile apps. In fact the majority of the time I hands down prefer the mobile apps. For personal uses, I prefer the iPad Pro. If I had different job I might not need a Mac at all. It really does depend on your needs. I can absolutely see the iPad Pro being enough for a large percentage of the market.

 

[rmoliv]

I have this habit of browsing the Internet in bed just before I fall asleep (reading news articles, movie reviews, forums, etc.). While I'm watching TV I also need to be connected because every now and then I like to check my social media and e-mail accounts. I was thinking about replacing the iPhone with the iPad for those kind of tasks at home and to watch video content when traveling (train, airplane, taxi). Sometimes I also don't feel like sitting on my desk to work on a document, it would be much nicer to be able to do it from, say, bed or sofa or wherever I might be when duty calls so to speak. Is it easy to work on Pages and Numbers documents without a physical keyboard?

 

[Fthree]

I have this habit of browsing the Internet in bed just before I fall asleep (reading news articles, movie reviews, forums, etc.). While I'm watching TV I also need to be connected because every now and then I like to check my social media and e-mail accounts. I was thinking about replacing the iPhone with the iPad for those kind of tasks at home and to watch video content when traveling (train, airplane, taxi). Sometimes I also don't feel like sitting on my desk to work on a document, it would be much nicer to be able to do it from, say, bed or sofa or wherever I might be when duty calls so to speak. Is it easy to work on Pages and Numbers documents without a physical keyboard?

to answer your question no it is not easy to work on those apps without a physical keyboard. It is even hard to work on them with one quite honestly.

 

[akash.nu]

to answer your question no it is not easy to work on those apps without a physical keyboard. It is even hard to work on them with one quite honestly.

Numbers is actually not as good to work with on an iPad , although depends on what you do on it. Pages is fine. It’s just a word processor. As long as you get a cheap small Bluetooth keyboard ⌨️, you’ll be fine.

Again onscreen keyboard would be fine if the documents you type are reasonably smaller.

 

[rmoliv]

Yes, I'd buy a Bluetooth keyboard, I like the one from Logitech on Apple's online store. I am undecided though, I've just read this article (https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad/) here on MacRumors but we're mid-March now and I haven't heard anything official from Apple yet. Do you think it's still possible that they release an updated version of the iPad 2017 this month?

 

[akash.nu]

Yes, I'd buy a Bluetooth keyboard, I like the one from Logitech on Apple's online store. I am undecided though, I've just read this article (https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipad/) here on MacRumors but we're mid-March now and I haven't heard anything official from Apple yet. Do you think it's still possible that they release an updated version of the iPad 2017 this month?

Very likely. Maybe wait for a bit longer if you don’t absolutely need / want it.

 

[Yebubbleman]

The 2017 "5th Generation" iPad is fine, especially if you are not sold on the idea of an iPad. As others have mentioned, there is the possibility that it will be updated in the not too distant future. But if that doesn't matter to you, I'd say just grab one. And if it does, then either wait, or buy the current one Refurbished from Apple (as the pricing is pretty great). I bought a cellular 128GB model, myself, to replace my cellular iPad mini 4 and so far, it's awesome!

 

[LovingTeddy]

Apple will probably release a new updated 9.7 inch iPad this month, probably will be the end of the month. Now, if you can pick up current 9.7 inch iPad at discount, then do so. If not, then wait for the new release.

I am in Canada. Malware is selling the 32GB iPad at discount. If you can find even more discount, then go for it.

The new update will probably more of spec update now. From A9 to A10 and probably RAM update? But if anything, there would not be huge update. The current iPad is good enough for next couple years and day to day performance is OK.

Again. If you can find a significantly discounted one, it is good time to pick one up. Otherwise, wait for new update.

 

[eyeseeyou]

I was under the assumption that this model iPad was produced to content with the students or schools who are using chrome books.

That being said it doesn’t make sense to me that they don’t at least include the smart port to be used with the ASK keyboards.

 

[Fthree]

got the 2017 iPad for 249 yesterday to replace my broken air 2. honestly i felt that the air 2 could last another year or two (but it fell and the screen cracked and apple wanted 299 to fix) I really notice the speed difference and the different screen really doesn't seem too different.

 

[OldEditor]

At $250, which Best Buy is still offering, I'd say the answer is yes ... pull the trigger; give it a whirl.
My take -- as a previous non-user who's been playing around with the 2017 or 5th Gen for a few days -- it's a hoot.
Social media, email, banking, tunes, books, news, listening to ballgames (or watching 'em with the right subscriptions) and to a degree, movies ... pretty much a breeze. For serious writing or editing, IMO, you'll probably want to go to your desk.
Gotta admit, I was dubious about tablets. Sort of looked at 'em like poor excuses for notebooks or tablets, And, in my world, they still sort of are for certain work. But, on the other hand, as I get used operating 'em and choosing/downloading the apps you like and will use -- they sort of free me from my bigger/heavier machines, my desks at home and at work.
It's kind of weird for me.
Man, I hope I'm not falling down the Apple rabbit hole!

 

[kc2kth]

I've been on the fence about this model myself. My iPad Air (not 2) seems pretty sluggish lately. Newer apps and iOS builds still run, but the wait times going from task to task is annoying. If the specs were better on the 2017 iPad I probably would have upgraded already. At this point I'm holding out to see what the update it with since I think the Pro is overkill for my personal, non-business related needs.

 

[OldEditor]

I've been on the fence about this model myself. My iPad Air (not 2) seems pretty sluggish lately. Newer apps and iOS builds still run, but the wait times going from task to task is annoying. If the specs were better on the 2017 iPad I probably would have upgraded already. At this point I'm holding out to see what the update it with since I think the Pro is overkill for my personal, non-business related needs.

Also a very reasonable position. The updated one is supposedly going to come in at lower price point than the current version's $330 and actually closer to the current on-sale price of $250, per some accounts. Be interesting to see what develops.

 

[paulryp]

Or will there be a new release later this year?

I'm also undecided on whether I should buy an iPad at all. I have an iPhone and an iMac and basically all that I do is browse the Internet, check/send e-mails, manage my bank (and other) accounts, manage my Apple Watch, listen to music, watch videos/movies, online shopping, print and write text documents, messaging, make and get phone and video calls, and that's pretty much it. What advantages would there be in adding an iPad to my collection of Apple devices, if any? Is mobility enough to make it worth it as in using it as a sort of "mobile" version of the iMac?

Samsung S2 is a great alternative with better screen. I find i don't use an iPad nowadays, i just jump on my iMac or phone.

 

[Yebubbleman]

Samsung S2 is a great alternative with better screen. I find i don't use an iPad nowadays, i just jump on my iMac or phone.

I wouldn't opt for the Galaxy Tab S2 as it likely won't go much past Oreo. I'd go for the Galaxy Tab S3 or maybe wait and see what the Galaxy Tab S4 might bring.

 

[rmoliv]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm bad at waiting so I guess I'll just grab the 2017 iPad. So far no official news from Apple on this thus I'm giving up waiting any longer. I live in Europe and they sell the Wi-Fi 32GB model here at €419,99 (roughly US$520), it's the cheapest one yet more expensive than the very same model in the U.S. The specs are enough for my needs. Now, not being able to use the Apple Pencil is sort of a let down to be honest but I don't want to spend almost twice that money to get the Pro version. I'm guessing any update to the iPad 2017 wouldn't include a stylus compatible screen anyway right?

 

[svendobbelaere]

Where in Europe are you? Don't forget to check the Apple online refurbished store for deals on iPads.

For instance at the moment they have the 128 GB iPad 2017 in the refurbished store in Belgium for 429. For 10 euros more I'd grab that to go from 32 GB to 128 GB. IMHO.

https://www.apple.com/be-nl/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

Change the "BE-NL" in the URL above for your country code to get at your countries store.

Also, a revised 9.7" iPad Pro with pencil support is 529 euros refurbished. Add 99 for the pencil and basically, adding pencil support would cost you approx. 50% more. I can't decide if that would be worth it for you (I don't think it is...)

 

[rmoliv]

Where in Europe are you? Don't forget to check the Apple online refurbished store for deals on iPads.

For instance at the moment they have the 128 GB iPad 2017 in the refurbished store in Belgium for 429. For 10 euros more I'd grab that to go from 32 GB to 128 GB. IMHO.

https://www.apple.com/be-nl/shop/browse/home/specialdeals/ipad

Change the "BE-NL" in the URL above for your country code to get at your countries store.

Also, a revised 9.7" iPad Pro with pencil support is 529 euros refurbished. Add 99 for the pencil and basically, adding pencil support would cost you approx. 50% more. I can't decide if that would be worth it for you (I don't think it is...)

Lisbon. The PT Apple Store doesn't have a refurbished section apparently, I'm not finding any on the site as you do on the Belgian one. I could only get refurbished products from resellers such as Fnac, I better not take that risk.

 

[9917282]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm bad at waiting so I guess I'll just grab the 2017 iPad. So far no official news from Apple on this thus I'm giving up waiting any longer. I live in Europe and they sell the Wi-Fi 32GB model here at €419,99 (roughly US$520), it's the cheapest one yet more expensive than the very same model in the U.S. The specs are enough for my needs. Now, not being able to use the Apple Pencil is sort of a let down to be honest but I don't want to spend almost twice that money to get the Pro version. I'm guessing any update to the iPad 2017 wouldn't include a stylus compatible screen anyway right?

That’s too much for that model. For 500€ you can buy on eBay iPad Pro 10.5 64gb new...

 

[Yebubbleman]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm bad at waiting so I guess I'll just grab the 2017 iPad. So far no official news from Apple on this thus I'm giving up waiting any longer.

I have found that if you buy an Apple product within a week of its discontinuation (which, believe it or not, I've had to do intentionally at various points in time), Apple will delay shipping your order and then send you an e-mail offering you a choice as to how to proceed. Though typically, they will not send it until after the product they're positioning to replace it with comes out.

 

[rmoliv]

I have found that if you buy an Apple product within a week of its discontinuation (which, believe it or not, I've had to do intentionally at various points in time), Apple will delay shipping your order and then send you an e-mail offering you a choice as to how to proceed. Though typically, they will not send it until after the product they're positioning to replace it with comes out.

That is nice to know.
I purchased the iPad today from an official reseller store. Sadly there’s no physical Apple store here yet.
I’m kinda happy with it but the display feels a tad cheap to be honest (plastic-like and kind of hollow when tapping) and yes the lack of compability with the Apple Pencil is disappointing but I wasn’t going to spend 300 euros more only for it plus 100 for the actual pencil.
Do you guys have any idea if Apple is ever going to release a Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad? There’s one from Logitech on the Apple Store’s website and I guess that’s all there is.

 

[Clix Pix]

There is already an Apple BT keyboard available, not specifically for the iPad alone but it works very well with it.....the external BT keyboard which has been around for several years for use with Macs. No, it doesn't physically attach to the iPad, it doesn't need to so, it is a totally separate external keyboard, but it works just fine and in many ways is much more flexible. I've been using mine through two or three generations of Macs and iPads now....

As for the baseline iPad 2017 feeling "cheap," well, gee, it is meant to be the low-end element of the iPad line, so no surprises there, eh? One gets what one pays for, right? If you want something that feels different, acts differently, has more capability, feels more like a quality product, then go for one of the iPad Pros, either the 10.5 or the 12.9. It's that simple.