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Which iPad is Right For Me?

nviz22

nviz22

Cancelled
Original poster
Jun 24, 2013
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So I just went through a bad experience with the Surface Pro 4 and decided Apple is better for my usage because of battery life. My old SP4 lost battery charge even after shutdown. So I am deciding to move on from my iPad Mini 4 if there are better alternatives out there. It does the job, but the keyboard is too damn cramped.

I am looking at split-screen multi-tasking, media consumption, surfing the web, typing occasional notes. Prefer a laminated display if anything. So do I go iPad Pro 9.7 when it's on sale during the tax free holiday for back to school? Do I look at the iPad 2017? Or do I want to go with the iPad Pro 10.5? I prefer to spend the least amount of $ possible if anything, but want to find out what is the best option for a grad student? Thanks.
 
nviz22 said:
I am looking at split-screen multi-tasking, media consumption, surfing the web, typing occasional notes. Prefer a laminated display if anything. So do I go iPad Pro 9.7 when it's on sale during the tax free holiday for back to school? Do I look at the iPad 2017? Or do I want to go with the iPad Pro 10.5? I prefer to spend the least amount of $ possible if anything, but want to find out what is the best option for a grad student? Thanks.
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If you prefer a laminated display, which is an added benefit, then I would not suggest the 9.7 2017 iPad, which lacks the laminated display.

Also you mentioned you want to be conservative with your funds, the 10.5 iPad obviously has the latest specifications, But starts at $650. Ask yourself if the latest Pro specifications would justify your funds for that starting price point?

The 9.7 Pro would be my recommendation. (I also suggest the 10.5, but it's obviously more expensive in your situation). The 9.7 Pro still has years of support, has Pro capabilities and if you look at Apple's refurbished online store, they do have available models were you could save money and it comes with a warranty. You Can also add an attached Smart keyboard which might be useful for your academics.
 
Relentless Power said:
If you prefer a laminated display, which is an added benefit, then I would not suggest the 9.7 2017 iPad, which lacks the laminated display.

Also you mentioned you want to be conservative with your funds, the 10.5 iPad obviously has the latest specifications, But starts at $650. Ask yourself if the latest Pro specifications would justify your funds for that starting price point?

The 9.7 Pro would be my recommendation. (I also suggest the 10.5, but it's obviously more expensive in your situation). It still has years of support, has Pro capabilities and if you look at Apple's refurbished online store, they do have available models were you could save money and it comes with a warranty. You Can also add an attached Smart keyboard which might be useful for your academics.
Click to expand...

Smart keyboard is about $160 right? That's way too much?
 
nviz22 said:
Smart keyboard is about $160 right? That's way too much?
Click to expand...

For the 9.7 Pro, you can find it for half that price in good condition used. Brand-new, the 10.5 Apple smart keyboard is $160.00. The 9.7 Pro keyboard new is $150.00.
 
Relentless Power said:
For the 9.7 Pro, you can find it for half that price in good condition used. Brand-new, the 10.5 Apple smart keyboard is $160.00. The 9.7 Pro keyboard new is $150.00.
Click to expand...

That's too steep for what it does. Maybe I'll just get used to typing on the iPad Mini 4's keyboard case I have and just enjoy that.
 
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nviz22 said:
That's too steep for what it does. Maybe I'll just get used to typing on the iPad Mini 4's keyboard case I have and just enjoy that.
Click to expand...

Understandable. Apple products are not meant to be priced cheap. Otherwise, your other option is if you can suffice with Out the laminated display, the 2017 9.7 iPad Is an option with a third-party Bluetooth keyboard. (The 2017 9.7 iPad lacks the smart connector the Pro models have.)
 
Relentless Power said:
Understandable. Apple products are not meant to be priced cheap. Otherwise, your other option is if you can suffice with Out the laminated display, the 2017 9.7 iPad Is an option with a third-party Bluetooth keyboard. (The 2017 9.7 iPad lacks the smart connector the Pro models have.)
Click to expand...

It's more of a value concern if anything. I can pay to play, but the concern is how far will my dollar go? I wouldn't really use a smart connector anyways. The new 2017 iPad looks solid but I have heard it looks a bit washed out color wise. I wanted more space to type because I am used to my 13" MBP, but I guess the iPad is fine FWIW.
 
nviz22 said:
So I just went through a bad experience with the Surface Pro 4 and decided Apple is better for my usage because of battery life. My old SP4 lost battery charge even after shutdown. So I am deciding to move on from my iPad Mini 4 if there are better alternatives out there. It does the job, but the keyboard is too damn cramped.

I am looking at split-screen multi-tasking, media consumption, surfing the web, typing occasional notes. Prefer a laminated display if anything. So do I go iPad Pro 9.7 when it's on sale during the tax free holiday for back to school? Do I look at the iPad 2017? Or do I want to go with the iPad Pro 10.5? I prefer to spend the least amount of $ possible if anything, but want to find out what is the best option for a grad student? Thanks.
Click to expand...
get the old 12.9". I'm sure you can find some cheaper old stock somewhere.
 
nviz22 said:
It's more of a value concern if anything. I can pay to play, but the concern is how far will my dollar go? I wouldn't really use a smart connector anyways. The new 2017 iPad looks solid but I have heard it looks a bit washed out color wise. I wanted more space to type because I am used to my 13" MBP, but I guess the iPad is fine FWIW.
Click to expand...

The 2017 9.7 iPad display didn't look washed out to me. And if it were my choice, I would opt for the 10.5 iPad, just because it offers the latest. But I understand it's not in your best interest at this point.
 
If you want the biggest screen in a compact body then get the iPad Pro 10.5 inch. If you want something cheaper, then get the iPad Pro 9.7 inch. If you want something cheaper then get the 2017 iPad.
 
nviz22 said:
Smart keyboard is about $160 right? That's way too much?
Click to expand...

You can get the 9.7" and 12.9" Smart Keyboards for about half price on ebay. I paid $90 for my 12.9" Smart Keyboard about 2 months ago (it was advertised as being 'new'). With the 10.5 it's too new to get that sort of discount but it should happen in due time.
 
nviz22 said:
So I just went through a bad experience with the Surface Pro 4 and decided Apple is better for my usage because of battery life. My old SP4 lost battery charge even after shutdown. So I am deciding to move on from my iPad Mini 4 if there are better alternatives out there. It does the job, but the keyboard is too damn cramped.

I am looking at split-screen multi-tasking, media consumption, surfing the web, typing occasional notes. Prefer a laminated display if anything. So do I go iPad Pro 9.7 when it's on sale during the tax free holiday for back to school? Do I look at the iPad 2017? Or do I want to go with the iPad Pro 10.5? I prefer to spend the least amount of $ possible if anything, but want to find out what is the best option for a grad student? Thanks.
Click to expand...

the cpu in the ipad 2017 is actually more of an improvement than apple list on the site (mainly in multi-threaded, seem to recall up to an 80% improvement in some things vs A9X).

sounds like you need an ipad pro for what you want. and in terms of value for money i think the 2017 models offer a lot of extra stuff for not a heap of extra money.

in my mind the only question is 10.5 or 12.9

you could buy a 9.7 pro but you're just basically going to end up with a machine with 1 year less of support... slower, etc. for the extra support, speed, etc. may as well buy current. my thinking will be the same when the new model comes out. buy the current model at time of purchase (i.e. 2018 model next year).
2c
 
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Stefan johansson said:
If economy is a part of the buy,a refurbished Air 2 with a smart case with keyboard is also an option.
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This is also an option.

Depends just how much you plan to do with the multitasking, etc.

Right now, unless you know you're prepared to spend for the ipad pro, i'd hold off if you can until iOS 11 drops, then re-evaluate.

Or alternatively, buy a cheaper ipad like an Air 2 in the meantime and see how you go. I'd certainly recommend at least playing with the current hardware for a while though (so you're aware of what an ipad CAN do, vs. what your particular lower end model can do, if you go that way), the 2017 Pro models really are pretty amazing.

Expensive, definitely. But so fast, screen so good, speakers so good, etc. Maybe i'm blown away because i stepped up from an ipad 4... but even compared to my 2015 MBP 13... real world performance (for what it does) is stellar.
 
I'll try the 2017 iPad, iPad Pro 10.5 when I go to the Apple Store to get my SE serviced sometime soon.
 
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I'd definitely have a play with the pencil, drawing and note taking.

bear in mind that ios 11 will actually do handwriting recognition and index your handwritten notes. for me this is going to be killer.

also if you can, see if you can play with both an ipad air and an ipad pro with some of the larger apps to see just how fast the pro model is.

i guess all this depends heavily on just how much you're planning to use the device and what you plan to use it for, but for me the pencil was compulsory (as i'm trying to use it to eliminate paper as much as i can from my life, because i LOSE paper).

if you don't have that motive and don't care so much for the pencil and note-taking you may not be so set on the pro as I am. but yeah, i just can't wait to be able to take a picture of a form to scan it, sign it and email it. or sign a PDF from an email and send it.

the whole print, walk to printer, collect, sign, scan, send thing is super annoying (never mind the waste of paper) and with the ipad pro i'll be able to totally eliminate it.
 
If you need the Pencil, get a Pro. Otherwise the iPad 2017 is very attractive. I have an iPad Air2 with a Speck case. I also store in my bag a Apple bluetooth keyboard in case I need to type a lot. It does not take up much room and works for me.
 
PlayUltimate said:
If you need the Pencil, get a Pro. Otherwise the iPad 2017 is very attractive. I have an iPad Air2 with a Speck case. I also store in my bag a Apple bluetooth keyboard in case I need to type a lot. It does not take up much room and works for me.
Click to expand...

I currently have a Logi Logitech Keyboard case w/ my Mini 4. Apple Pencils are overpriced and unnecessary for what I need.
 
nviz22 said:
I currently have a Logi Logitech Keyboard case w/ my Mini 4. Apple Pencils are overpriced and unnecessary for what I need.
Click to expand...

If you're sure you don't want to do note-taking then yeah, i second the recommendation on the 2017 iPad.
I dunno if i'd call the pencil overpriced though. I've used a heap of styluses in the past (Surface 2, 3, 4 and a few others) and the pencil is the first one i've wanted to actually continue to use after about 5 minutes.
 
nviz22 said:
I currently have a Logi Logitech Keyboard case w/ my Mini 4. Apple Pencils are overpriced and unnecessary for what I need.
Click to expand...

As mentioned before with your comment about the key board being expensive, all of Apple's products are expensive, but being over priced is dependent on how you use it. If you don't use the Apple Pencil, then it's going to be overpriced for your situation. But for somebody that sketches or as an artist, the Apple Pencil would be worth it.

The 2017 9.7 iPad would be your best option as your opting to purchase. From my experience, For $329.00, it's a great piece of hardware.
 
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Relentless Power said:
As mentioned before with your comment about the key board being expensive, all of Apple's products are expensive, but being over priced is dependent on how you use it. If you don't use the Apple Pencil, then it's going to be overpriced for your situation. But for somebody that sketches or as an artist, the Apple Pencil would be worth it.

The 2017 9.7 iPad would be your best option as your opting to purchase. From my experience, For $329.00, it's a great piece of hardware.
Click to expand...

Does the laminated display make a difference between an iPad Pro/iPad Mini 4 vs the 2017 iPad?
 
nviz22 said:
Does the laminated display make a difference between an iPad Pro/iPad Mini 4 vs the 2017 iPad?
Click to expand...

id say you're best off going to the store and comparing.

the pro display is amazing. but whether the difference is worth it to you..... the normal displays aren't bad and i wouldn't say it alone is worth going from regular ipad to pro.

if i wasn't set on the pencil i would have seriously considered the 2017 ipad. but the pencil was a must have for me.
 
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