iPad Pro Would you recommend a 2015 or 2017 iPad Pro 12.9?

[lbdesign]

I want a big Pro iPad. It's just so expensive after already buying a MBP.
I won't be pushing it to the limit with computationally-heavy apps, but I'll be multitasking a lot, typing a lot, browsing a lot. Drawing some. Handwriting some.
The Apple refub store has some 2015 models, but it's hard to compare "apples to apples" as they say, because the bundled memory was less when the 2015 models were new.
Knowing there may be a whole new Pro model in 2018, and knowing Apple just jacked up the prices on the larger Pro models, do you think it's prudent to buy an older refurb one, or will it be better to get today's model in terms of total cost, total enjoyment, eventual resale value, etc?
thank you.

 

[businezguy]

I'd really have to recommend the iPad 12.9 2017. I've said this before, but even if the only changes were the screen, I'd recommend the product over the 2015. Just using myself as an example, due to the brightness to 600 nits, the 2017 model can be used out in direct sunlight (and where I am, the sun is pretty bright). Then there's the faster refresh rate which makes a big difference, it makes the screen seem flawless even during motion.

Additional features are the fact that it gets significantly better battery life due to the more efficient processor and the screen. Obviously it's also significantly faster which may not make much different now, but will result in a product that will last longer.

It would seem to me like the 2017 model could be used for 4 to 6 years if you wanted.

 

[ericwn]

I wouldn't concern myself with what might come in a year or so. Technology evolves, and there will always be a better model later on. Apple has a good return policy which also includes refurbished models. If you can only afford the older one, give it a try and see if you like it. Alternative option would be to buy a used model somewhere.

 

[The Catalyst]

I upgrade my mom into a 12.9 iPad Pro last month. I originally purchased her a 2015 model, but then a week later best buy put the new 2017 models on sale so I picked up one of those also, and we tested then out side by side. After looking at screen brightness, motion fluidity, memory read/write speeds, and how well each one worked with the Apple Pencil, I decided to just spend the little bit more cash and keep for the 2017 model for her.

I liked the 2017 12.9 so much after playing around with it, I ended up going back to store and purchasing one for myself.

 

[s2mikey]

I was curious about this too. The 1st gen 12.9" units are available for pretty good prices right now. The new ones are simply too costly and I refuse to cough up that much! The other issue is that Im not sure about the size of big iPad. Last time I played with one in the apple store it felt like I was holding a small flat-panel TV in my hands .

 

[sracer]

I want a big Pro iPad. It's just so expensive after already buying a MBP.
I won't be pushing it to the limit with computationally-heavy apps, but I'll be multitasking a lot, typing a lot, browsing a lot. Drawing some. Handwriting some.
The Apple refub store has some 2015 models, but it's hard to compare "apples to apples" as they say, because the bundled memory was less when the 2015 models were new.
Knowing there may be a whole new Pro model in 2018, and knowing Apple just jacked up the prices on the larger Pro models, do you think it's prudent to buy an older refurb one, or will it be better to get today's model in terms of total cost, total enjoyment, eventual resale value, etc?
thank you.

For your purposes, look for a heavily discounted 2015 model. Resale value on iPad Pros is poor so buying a new one thinking that it'll have better resale value is not a wise move. A 2015 model can be purchased at a very reasonable price. But I would avoid Apple refurbs. Prices on them are not good. Best Buy and Staples regularly have discounts on NEW iPad Pros that are significantly LESS than Apple's REFURB prices.

I've had my 12.9 Pro for a year and a half, and it is every bit as snappy and responsive as it was on day-1. And if you will be "typing a lot" then an Apple Smart Keyboard is a must-have (IMO) as is the Pencil. So factoring those in, the more you can save on the Pro itself, the better.

 

[infernoguy]

...but that screen tho

I Just got a 2017 iPP 12.9 after owning and returning a 2015 12.9 and the difference is night and day. The TruTone display and 120hz refresh rate make everything seem so much faster.

It seems lighter even with the ASK attached but that may just be me.

 

[sracer]

...but that screen tho

I Just got a 2017 iPP 12.9 after owning and returning a 2015 12.9 and the difference is night and day. The TruTone display and 120hz refresh rate make everything seem so much faster.

It seems lighter even with the ASK attached but that may just be me.

That (difference is night and day) is a bit of hyperbole that is going to be highly subjective. Then there's the issue of whether to difference (night and day, or 2pm vs 5pm) is worth the additional cost.

 

[infernoguy]

That (difference is night and day) is a bit of hyperbole that is going to be highly subjective. Then there's the issue of whether to difference (night and day, or 2pm vs 5pm) is worth the additional cost.

Its not just the screen (it is gorgeous tho) its the speed of the A10X and the ProMotion. The thing just feels faster.

 

[Dave-Z]

I actually find the change in weight to be more noticeable between the 2015 and 2017 than ProMotion. Certainly 120 Hz is nice, but most of my use involves reading or writing so I'm not really taking advantage of a faster refresh rate. But I found the first gen. to be heavy; even though the second gen. is just a pinch lighter it seems to make a difference (without the ASK, with it this thing is heavy).

I didn't like TrueTone at first but after a couple days I really appreciate it.

My reading and writing definitely taxes the CPU so there's that.

 

[lbdesign]

All good points here! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
You can see why I'm stuck on the decision. I guess either way has pros/cons.
Heck, maybe I'll try out the new Chromebooks first...

 

[Act3]

All good points here! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
You can see why I'm stuck on the decision. I guess either way has pros/cons.
Heck, maybe I'll try out the new Chromebooks first...

I'd wait til next year, and see how this neural engine stuff works with A11. IMO, it is sad and shady that Apple didn't wait til November to release the newer Pro models and include a A11 variant.

 

[lbdesign]

IMO, it is sad and shady that Apple didn't wait til November to release the newer Pro models and include a A11 variant.

If I had to guess, I'd say the staggered release schedules that keep products out of sync allow them to have more "big announcement" events across the year, which provide free exposure worth millions of dollars in what would otherwise be paid advertising.

 

[s2mikey]

...but that screen tho

I Just got a 2017 iPP 12.9 after owning and returning a 2015 12.9 and the difference is night and day. The TruTone display and 120hz refresh rate make everything seem so much faster.

It seems lighter even with the ASK attached but that may just be me.

Damn. Night and day difference in feel and performance? Yikes. That certainly puts a damper on my thoughts of grabbing a first gen unit for a good price now. I don't want a sluggish feeling tablet. My Air 1 is getting there now. Hmmm.

 

[sracer]

Its not just the screen (it is gorgeous tho) its the speed of the A10X and the ProMotion. The thing just feels faster.

No doubt. The newer iPad Pro is faster than the previous model and has a few newer features. This is no surprise. But part of the emotional/psychological/hyperbole wave that accompanies every updated Apple product causes some people to place a disproportionate importance on those new features.

The 1st gen Pro was and is a fine device. I did not read any complaints about the responsiveness of the screen refresh. Out comes the new Pros with "ProMotion" and then suddenly, "OMG ProMotion is kewl!!! The older version now looks a like blurry, smeared mess. lulz" Just because it does what its predecessor does faster, doesn't mean the predecessor is slow.

It takes no great insight or consideration to simply say, "buy the latest". Comparing one's use cases for the device against what those new features offer and how or if they'll make those use cases more effective and enjoyable is the first step. Then having considered those things, determine of the increased cost is worth those benefits (assuming they exist).

Apple products, IMO, are overpriced for what they offer if one simply goes by the mainstream customer approach of paying MSRP, AppleCare, and Apple-branded accessories. Even Apple refurbs are overpriced... especially when you can by devices NEW when on sale at less than the price of Apple refurbs. Make wise choices. You spend less money, and that helps make the experience a bit more enjoyable.

 

[infernoguy]

No doubt. The newer iPad Pro is faster than the previous model and has a few newer features. This is no surprise. But part of the emotional/psychological/hyperbole wave that accompanies every updated Apple product causes some people to place a disproportionate importance on those new features.

The 1st gen Pro was and is a fine device. I did not read any complaints about the responsiveness of the screen refresh. Out comes the new Pros with "ProMotion" and then suddenly, "OMG ProMotion is kewl!!! The older version now looks a like blurry, smeared mess. lulz" Just because it does what its predecessor does faster, doesn't mean the predecessor is slow.

It takes no great insight or consideration to simply say, "buy the latest". Comparing one's use cases for the device against what those new features offer and how or if they'll make those use cases more effective and enjoyable is the first step. Then having considered those things, determine of the increased cost is worth those benefits (assuming they exist).

Apple products, IMO, are overpriced for what they offer if one simply goes by the mainstream customer approach of paying MSRP, AppleCare, and Apple-branded accessories. Even Apple refurbs are overpriced... especially when you can by devices NEW when on sale at less than the price of Apple refurbs. Make wise choices. You spend less money, and that helps make the experience a bit more enjoyable.

I think its more software optimizations than anything else and that’s the beauty of Apple. Having control of the hardware and software allows you to make stuff like ProMotion and TruTone actually seem different and feel faster.

 

[lbdesign]

Just because it does what its predecessor does faster, doesn't mean the predecessor is slow.

Apple products, IMO, are overpriced for what they offer if one simply goes by the mainstream customer approach of paying MSRP, AppleCare, and Apple-branded accessories. Even Apple refurbs are overpriced...

Totally agree. Especially if you are looking at it from within the Apple universe, as an all-Apple consumer — a consumer who can make purchases secure in the knowledge the products will function whether they buy the low-end or high-end model. But to be fair to Apple, I'll share that I recently bought a used Windows laptop on eBay. It was well-reviewed. I did my homework. But ever since opening the box, I've been slogging through a jungle of software conflicts, driver updates, random crashes. I've lost track how many times I restored the system. I even downloaded a fresh Windows ISO and truly started from scratch, on their support advice. I've spoken to support agents from India with heavy accents, who had instructions to sell me antivirus apps and ancillary services even if they have to lie to do it. I've asked Cortana and Bing for help with my specific model, only to be brought to 10-year-old articles unrelated to my device or my problem. If someone were paying me for that time, I'd now have enough cash to buy two iPad Pros. So we can complain about the cost, but we should also not lose sight of what it's buying us. Even if the iPad Pro lacks an SD reader, at least it doesn't freeze on sleep like my haunted laptop does.

 

[Hubcapjw]

I have had both models. 128gb 1st gen and a 512gb 2nd gen. I have greatly enjoyed both models and I take it with me every where. I'm a taller guy so it doesn't seem big to me but if you have a smaller frame, then I could see it being too big for you. Sold my 1st one year into my contract and paid off the remainder on my Verizon account and ordered the 2nd gen. I really can't tell the difference in battery life, speakers, and weight. The screen is better and the pencil support is much better but if you don't feel the need to spend the extra money than 1st gen is more than adequate. The 2nd gen is a little smoother but if you really haven't spent extensive time with either model you will not tell the difference. They both are exceptional machines and well built. I love mine and you will too whichever gen you pick. I can understand the thoughts of being prudent with your money. My gen 2 was like a $10 monthly difference with Verizon. Any more I would not have gotten the gen 2.