All iPads What's the best value/compromise iPad right now for my needs?

[djdelarosa25]

I need an iPad partly for screen/device testing in web development; I always spot things I missed when testing in responsive mode on a larger screen, plus it's a nice excuse to buy a new one.

The main other things I'd use it for are:

• General use like web, YouTube, email
• I want to try note-taking handwriting-to-text with a Pencil, instead of paper (which probably rules out the mini)
• Zoom/Facetime calls

I'm not really fussed about:

• Editing video
• Photography
• Tonnes of storage (I use iCloud/iCloud Photos/Apple Music)
• Attempting web development without a mouse...

I haven't bought an iPad in about five years so I want this one to last a while too. I've tried one of the older 12.9" iPad Pros and it's too big for what I need.

So I guess I'm asking: in autumn 2021, is the Air the sweet spot or does the Pro have something I really want? Or am I being silly and should just buy the entry level iPad?

Thank you!

Honestly, the base iPad will be more than enough.

 

[1BadManVan]

Honestly, the base iPad will be more than enough.

You’re too late, he already blew the budget on the pro lol

 

[djdelarosa25]

You’re too late, he already blew the budget on the pro lol

I just noticed lol. Well, as long as he/she’s happy with the purchase. I’m speaking from the perspective of a broke student so I’m always more for practicality and just getting what suits your needs, and the base iPad in my experience is the only iPad most people will ever need.

 

[1BadManVan]

I just noticed lol. Well, as long as he/she’s happy with the purchase. I’m speaking from the perspective of a broke student so I’m always more for practicality and just getting what suits your needs, and the base iPad in my experience is the only iPad most people will ever need.

100% agree on that, I got my mom a 9th gen for Christmas. I just wanted to splurge on a pro after having the base models for years. Totally worth it for me lol

 

[noisedude]

I just noticed lol. Well, as long as he/she’s happy with the purchase. I’m speaking from the perspective of a broke student so I’m always more for practicality and just getting what suits your needs, and the base iPad in my experience is the only iPad most people will ever need.

You’re absolutely right and in truth there’s nothing I needed from the Air/Pro in spending the extra money.

I really like it though. And am fortunate that I’m not currently a broke student (or adult, and I’ve been both!) so nothing bad happens as a result of me getting a full screen/FaceID model.

 

[Username-already-in-use]

I just noticed lol. Well, as long as he/she’s happy with the purchase. I’m speaking from the perspective of a broke student so I’m always more for practicality and just getting what suits your needs, and the base iPad in my experience is the only iPad most people will ever need.

The base iPad is excellent value for money, but I’m a sucker for extras which is why I have the 12.9 Pro, Air 4 and Mini 6.

 

[noisedude]

The base iPad is excellent value for money, but I’m a sucker for extras which is why I have the 12.9 Pro, Air 4 and Mini 6.

One of everything! Thanks for making my purchase feel less extravagant