which IPAD?

retire14 · Post by **retire14** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:10 am

My 1st generation iPAD is now very slow for browsing so I am thinking about a new iPAD. Since I am in the Apple eco system, I am only looking at iPADs.
I am using it mostly for reading and for surfing the net when I am not close to my PC. Which model do you recommend?
Should I wait until the new iPAD PRO to come out and buy the old model?

mortfree · Post by **mortfree** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:13 am

just wanted to point out that you may be able to get deals at places like BJs or Costco.

If you are ok with a refurbished model, you could check out the Apple website.

If money is not an object, then get the latest and greatest model.

jainn · Post by **jainn** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:18 am

. . . .

dbr · Post by **dbr** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:19 am

An iPAD is part of my "arsenal" of digital stuff. That said I guess I tend to alternate between what is the biggest, latest, and greatest on the one hand and spend as little as possible on the other (probably meaning some other kind of notebook). Historically the compromise has been to buy upscale but to do so as infrequently as possible. We finally replaced an iMAC when you couldn't upgrade the operating system anymore and a bunch of applications started to not even work. One thing I do practice is opting for max memory available, but others prefer using cloud storage.

Incendiary · Post by **Incendiary** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:23 am

dbr, memory and storage are two different things.

dbr · Post by **dbr** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:32 am

Incendiary wrote:dbr, memory and storage are two different things.

Yeah, fifty years of running about every kind of computer built might remind me of that. I am speaking of storage, of course.

stimulacra · Post by **stimulacra** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:35 am

If coming from a first or second gen iPad I would strongly consider looking at the refurbished inventory sold directly by Apple:

http://apple.co/2sff2I8

I've shopped them in the past and other than more generic cardboard packaging they are indistinguishable from new Apple products and come with the same warranty. It's an easy way to save 20 - 30% on a product that seldom goes on sale.

Regarding specs, I would go for the versions with at least 64 GB of storage. Avoid the 16 GB at all costs.

Depending on size preference, either the mini or the Air 2 sizes would work well.

The great thing and bad thing about Apple's iPads is that they last about twice as long as Apple would prefer them to last, consumers don't upgrade tablets nearly as often as smart phones. And even after you upgrade, there's a long secondary afterlife of old iPads (glorified Apple remote and jukebox for your coffee table, kitchen cookbook, bedside alarm clock, etc… )

Kenkat · Post by **Kenkat** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 9:49 am

I have an iPad Pro 9.7 (predecessor to the new Pros that just came out). I upgraded from an iPad 2 on Black Friday this past year.

It has plenty of power for what I use it for which is similar to your usage. My son got an Air 2 at the same time last year and he's been perfectly happy with it as well.

I think it comes down to how much you want to spend and how long you plan to keep it. I probably would pick from either the Pro 9.7 or the new Pro 10.5 depending on if having the latest is worth an extra $150-200 or so.

furwut · Post by **furwut** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:05 am

I'm on the decision bubble myself. Here is another link to read:
New iPad Pro Inches Toward Replacing PC, but Falls Short

Your use case falls into the realm that many reviews say the regular iPad (non-pro) would be a good fit for.

Personally I think I'm going with the iPad Pro 10.5" to take advantage of the multitasking capabilities that will be offered in iOS 11. My hope is that this will be enough of a computer (for me) that I won't feel compelled to replace my 9 year old MacBook Pro when it dies. At home I use the iPad 85% of the time, laptop 10% and iPhone 5%.

PhysicsTeacher · Post by **PhysicsTeacher** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:12 am

I'll throw in another vote for seriously considering an Apple refurb, whichever model you choose.

lazydavid · Post by **lazydavid** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:24 am

If you've trucked along this long with a first-gen, I would look at the new iPad that came out about two months ago, which replaced the Air 2. It's actually cheaper than its predecessor, and is a fine performer. Refurbs are also a a good option, but may not be as dramatic a savings as usual considering the drop in the base price on the newer model. You probably do not need the horsepower or cost associated with the new iPad Pro.

Alexa9 · Post by **Alexa9** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:32 am

The new base model iPad $329 is a bargain.
The new 10.5" iPad Pro $649 is exceptional but pricy.

furwut · Post by **furwut** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:42 am

Since Apple has discontinued the iPad Pro 9.7" there may be quite a few brand new ones offered as refurbs on the Apple Store over the next few months.

I heard that Best Buy is offering $50 store credit for iPad Pro purchases and B&H doesn't apply sales tax outside of NY and NJ.

Kenkat · Post by **Kenkat** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:44 am

Alexa9 wrote:The new base model iPad $329 is a bargain.
The new 10.5" iPad Pro $649 is exceptional but pricy.

I strike my previous comment - didn't realize the Pro 9.7 is on the way out and there was a new base iPad. Starting at $329, that sounds like a pretty good deal unless you are a true power user.

queso · Post by **queso** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 10:51 am

Went with the new base model. I didn't see that the Pro offered much more for almost double the price tag.

KSOC · Post by **KSOC** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:04 am

retire14 wrote:My 1st generation iPAD is now very slow for browsing so I am thinking about a new iPAD. Since I am in the Apple eco system, I am only looking at iPADs.
I am using it mostly for reading and for surfing the net when I am not close to my PC. Which model do you recommend?
Should I wait until the new iPAD PRO to come out and buy the old model?

Check blinq.com.

I bought a refurb ipad 4 mini for $216. Free shipping & first time order discount. I wasn't sure of the site at first but they are legit.

SittingOnTheFence · Post by **SittingOnTheFence** » Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:52 pm

A year ago I exchanged my iPad 2 (refurbished) for a 9.7" iPad Pro. I bought the Pro solely due to larger screen size allowing better text viewing for my aging eyes when reading. I do feel that it is 'large' but I mostly use it at home.

jackholloway · Post by **jackholloway** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 1:19 am

I bought a 10.5 iPad Pro 512G with cell to replace a 12.1" that is too big. I have used pretty much all of them, including an original, a mini, and an air, and the iPad Air was a pretty good size for me.

lazydavid · Post by **lazydavid** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 8:07 am

jackholloway wrote:I bought a 10.5 iPad Pro 512G with cell to replace a 12.1" that is too big. I have used pretty much all of them, including an original, a mini, and an air, and the iPad Air was a pretty good size for me.

Just ordered the same last week, to replace my original Air. Never got the 13" Pro because with a case it's bigger/heavier than my laptop, which kind of defeats the purpose.

takeshi · Post by **takeshi** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 8:40 am

retire14 wrote:Which model do you recommend?

Sounds like just about any model will meet your needs. +1 to suggestions that you look into Apple's refurbs.

Incendiary wrote:dbr, memory and storage are two different things.

They are but if you really want to pick nits, the iPads use flash memory for storage.

buccimane · Post by **buccimane** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 10:59 am

i love my iPad Air 2 with cellular data capabilities. even with a case it is very lightweight and perfect for traveling. reading/games are also very manageable for aging eyes. highly recommend!

topos · Post by **topos** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 1:33 pm

-1 on the refurbished option. It is very common to find 50 to 100 dollars sale (Bestbuy or other..) on new iPad that make a new model more advantageous then a refurbished.
Also, for anybody coming from a pre iPad 4 generation, the new iPad (non pro version) would be a great upgraded at a good price.

PFInterest · Post by **PFInterest** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 1:53 pm

The new one. You don't need the pro.

kjvmartin · Post by **kjvmartin** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 2:04 pm

the newest "iPad" non-pro has a much lower quality screen and a lower end processor.

If you buy the newest pro, you'll get more years of use out of it (or at least better resale if you get the upgrade itch).

ponyboy · Post by **ponyboy** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 2:42 pm

kjvmartin wrote:the newest "iPad" non-pro has a much lower quality screen and a lower end processor.

If you buy the newest pro, you'll get more years of use out of it (or at least better resale if you get the upgrade itch).

Its a 9" screen...240p will look like high definition on it. Dont be fooled by the specs...its all some and mirrors.

kjvmartin · Post by **kjvmartin** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 2:51 pm

ponyboy wrote:
kjvmartin wrote:the newest "iPad" non-pro has a much lower quality screen and a lower end processor.

If you buy the newest pro, you'll get more years of use out of it (or at least better resale if you get the upgrade itch).
Its a 9" screen...240p will look like high definition on it. Dont be fooled by the specs...its all some and mirrors.

Wow. The iPad Pro has a 10.5" screen and there is a major difference between even 720p and 1080p to my eye.

We are not allowed to give medical advice, but (in jest) I think you need an eye doctor urgently.

furwut · Post by **furwut** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 4:46 pm

Today only $150 off 9.7" iPad Pro!
https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker ... buy-online

furwut · Post by **furwut** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 5:04 pm

Looks like B&H is matching the $150 price drop on 9.7" Pros. B&H doesn't charge sales tax outside of NY or NJ and has free shipping.

hoops777 · Post by **hoops777** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 5:08 pm

If you are just using it for reading and surfing the net you certainly do not need the iPad Pro.I would get a refurbished iPad Air 2

aquaman · Post by **aquaman** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 7:15 pm

stimulacra wrote:If coming from a first or second gen iPad I would strongly consider looking at the refurbished inventory sold directly by Apple:

http://apple.co/2sff2I8

I've shopped them in the past and other than more generic cardboard packaging they are indistinguishable from new Apple products and come with the same warranty. It's an easy way to save 20 - 30% on a product that seldom goes on sale.

For the past 3-4 years, ipads have been going on sale all the time, so you can very frequently buy a new model for less than Apple wants for its refurbished ones.

aquaman · Post by **aquaman** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 7:20 pm

kjvmartin wrote:
ponyboy wrote:
kjvmartin wrote:the newest "iPad" non-pro has a much lower quality screen and a lower end processor.

If you buy the newest pro, you'll get more years of use out of it (or at least better resale if you get the upgrade itch).
Its a 9" screen...240p will look like high definition on it. Dont be fooled by the specs...its all some and mirrors.
Wow. The iPad Pro has a 10.5" screen and there is a major difference between even 720p and 1080p to my eye.

We are not allowed to give medical advice, but (in jest) I think you need an eye doctor urgently.

Are you talking about their screen size or their resolution? Both the 10.5" ipad pro and the non pro ipad have 264 pixels per inch. What does 720p and 1080p have to do with anything?

lazydavid · Post by **lazydavid** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 7:23 pm

kjvmartin wrote:the newest "iPad" non-pro has a much lower quality screen and a lower end processor.

If you buy the newest pro, you'll get more years of use out of it (or at least better resale if you get the upgrade itch).

It is not a "much lower quality screen". It doesn't have the new TrueTone feature or 120Hz refresh, sure. But it's still a damn fine screen that will please almost everyone. Making a statement like this is akin to calling a Ferrari Enzo slow because the FXX is faster.

And considering the new iPad costs literally half what the iPad Pro does, does it really matter if one gets the upgrade itch a year or two sooner?

Full disclosure: I just ordered the new iPad Pro 10.5 (512GB, Cellular) for myself, so I can certainly appreciate the enhancements it offers. That said, I use mine for hours every day (this is my fifth full-sized iPad), and it is my sole computing device on business trips of less than 3 days. But the fact that it may offer some advantages for a hardcore user doesn't mean it's the best choice for a casual user--especially one who only just recently decided that the first-gen iPad is insufficient for their needs. Especially since it cost over $1300 once tax and a keyboard case are factored in. That's REAL money, and hard to justify for less than full-time professional use.

hoops777 · Post by **hoops777** » Tue Jun 13, 2017 8:44 pm

Excellent points by lazydavid.
Also....an iPad Air2 is quite an upgrade from the original

Groundhog · Post by **Groundhog** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 12:17 pm

I've had my iPad 2 (32gb wifi) since 2011 and have used it pretty much every day. Amazing it has lasted that long but needless to say it's ready to be replaced. I placed an order for the iPad Pro 10.5" 256gb wifi model from B&H Photo. It's not in stock yet but hopefully will be soon. No sales tax was the motivation to purchase there. I ordered a case for in on Amazon.

Nicolas · Post by **Nicolas** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 2:02 pm

I would wait till next year if you can limp along till then. Rumor has it the next gen will have an OLED display. Actually I'm using a third gen iPad (bought new March 2012). I use it daily and so far it's still working fine, although its iOS can no longer be updated, so that's somewhat of a security risk. Also lately I've found that it is incompatible with certain new Apps. Eventually it'll become too obsolete to be of much use, but that'll be a few more years yet.

inbox788 · Post by **inbox788** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 2:14 pm

Alexa9 wrote:The new base model iPad $329 is a bargain.
The new 10.5" iPad Pro $649 is exceptional but pricy.

Exactly what I was going to say about the iPad, and it's been on sale for $300. That's the one to start with for most folks today. If you need more power, then look into the Pro, but there are a lot decision to consider then.

If you're looking for a bargain, look at the iPad Air used/refurbished for around $150. It won't last as long as the New iPad, but should be good for at least a couple of years. I'd avoid anything older/smaller, unless you're wiling to deal with limitations and "limp along" now or soon.

jharkin · Post by **jharkin** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 6:26 pm

ponyboy wrote:
kjvmartin wrote:the newest "iPad" non-pro has a much lower quality screen and a lower end processor.

If you buy the newest pro, you'll get more years of use out of it (or at least better resale if you get the upgrade itch).
Its a 9" screen...240p will look like high definition on it. Dont be fooled by the specs...its all some and mirrors.

It's not 240p... it's 240ppi (actually 264ppi), big difference. Even the base iPad has 1.5x the resolution of 1080p HD, and most of us don't have eyes good enough to see the difference on such a small screen anyway...

I agree for most users, and anyone who has a laptop/desktop for content creation the non-pro is fine. I was a longtime android guy and had a string of high end android tablets, I just made the switch and got the 2017 base iPad 32GB and it blows away my previous Nexus10 in everything but screen size. A steal at 329...

I also don't get why people need iPads with more storage than a laptop, especially if all you are doing is web surfing.

kjvmartin · Post by **kjvmartin** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 6:49 pm

jharkin wrote:
ponyboy wrote:
kjvmartin wrote:the newest "iPad" non-pro has a much lower quality screen and a lower end processor.

If you buy the newest pro, you'll get more years of use out of it (or at least better resale if you get the upgrade itch).
Its a 9" screen...240p will look like high definition on it. Dont be fooled by the specs...its all some and mirrors.
It's not 240p... it's 240ppi (actually 264ppi), big difference. Even the base iPad has 1.5x the resolution of 1080p HD, and most of us don't have eyes good enough to see the difference on such a small screen anyway...

I agree for most users, and anyone who has a laptop/desktop for content creation the non-pro is fine. I was a longtime android guy and had a string of high end android tablets, I just made the switch and got the 2017 base iPad 32GB and it blows away my previous Nexus10 in everything but screen size. A steal at 329...

I also don't get why people need iPads with more storage than a laptop, especially if all you are doing is web surfing.

256g is pretty good for storing offline content like HD videos for self + kids. iCloud photo library is good, but I like to have all 70gigs of my photos and videos available without having to buffer/stream/load them. Many apps are quite large. iPad, especially the new Pro, is the first one that could replace my MacBook Pro for my uses.

hoops777 · Post by **hoops777** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 10:16 pm

I am not a techie but I love my iPad Pro with the 12.9 inch screen.I also have an iPad Air that is 3 years old that I take with me away from home.No need for a computer here.

Tommy · Post by **Tommy** » Wed Jun 21, 2017 10:36 pm

Groundhog wrote:I've had my iPad 2 (32gb wifi) since 2011 and have used it pretty much every day. Amazing it has lasted that long but needless to say it's ready to be replaced. I placed an order for the iPad Pro 10.5" 256gb wifi model from B&H Photo. It's not in stock yet but hopefully will be soon. No sales tax was the motivation to purchase there. I ordered a case for in on Amazon.

Same here - iPad 2 since 2011...Speaking of screen quality difference, I've read that True Color offered on iPad Pro is better for reading. But $300 difference....

catdude · Post by **catdude** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 12:14 am

Y'all,

This is a very timely thread for me. Late last week I bought the standard iPad (32GB) for $299 at Best Buy (I got them to match B&H Photo Video's price). I got a great deal, but I'm finding it rather cumbersome compared to my old 16GB iPad Mini 4. I like that I can grip the Mini 4 with one hand. I'm thinking of returning the standard iPad and getting the 128GB Mini 4, which Best Buy has on sale for $299. BTW I'm not a power user... I mainly use it for web surfing and cat videos (of course

). I'm curious to know what you guys think -- am I out of my mind for thinking of exchanging the standard iPad for a Mini 4?

lazydavid · Post by **lazydavid** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 4:48 am

jharkin wrote:I also don't get why people need iPads with more storage than a laptop, especially if all you are doing is web surfing.

Some people do more than surf the web on their iPads. If that's the only thing you do, then 16GB is fine. Both of my iPads (128GB Air and 64GB original Mini) are CONSTANTLY full, primarily with video podcasts and training courses, along with a handful of movies. But on the Air at least, there's another 30GB of apps and data that are not video. As I mentioned upthread, I've ordered a 512GB Pro to replace the Air. That should give me breathing room for a while.

catdude wrote: BTW I'm not a power user... I mainly use it for web surfing and cat videos (of course ). I'm curious to know what you guys think -- am I out of my mind for thinking of exchanging the standard iPad for a Mini 4?

No you're not crazy, it's a matter of personal preference. When my wife's Fire HDX (which she loved) started getting wonky and Amazon had no equivalent replacement (they only sell low-end devices now), I took her to look at iPads. She settled on the Mini 4 (128GB Cellular), deciding that the Air 2 was too big. She absolutely loves the Mini, and wouldn't do anything different.

The Mini is too small for me to use as my primary tablet (mine is semipermanently mounted to my dashboard). But my needs are not the same as my wife's--or yours--and that's why different options exist.

kjvmartin · Post by **kjvmartin** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 7:53 am

catdude wrote:Y'all,

This is a very timely thread for me. Late last week I bought the standard iPad (32GB) for $299 at Best Buy (I got them to match B&H Photo Video's price). I got a great deal, but I'm finding it rather cumbersome compared to my old 16GB iPad Mini 4. I like that I can grip the Mini 4 with one hand. I'm thinking of returning the standard iPad and getting the 128GB Mini 4, which Best Buy has on sale for $299. BTW I'm not a power user... I mainly use it for web surfing and cat videos (of course ). I'm curious to know what you guys think -- am I out of my mind for thinking of exchanging the standard iPad for a Mini 4?

I prefer the Mini 4 to the current iPad, as well. Do yourself a big favor, though, and don't go look at the new 10.5" Pro. It's a game changer.

I still prefer the Mini size, but I very much hope they will update it with some of the Pro features.

silentfaith · Post by **silentfaith** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:25 am

for any of you that have upgraded and not using your old ipad, i need one. i am a disabled vet and qualify for (captioncall) which is free from our gov.for me but they tell me i need a ipad air with cell to make phone calls. i will buy it but plz make it a good deal.

Cosmo · Post by **Cosmo** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:34 am

retire14 wrote:My 1st generation iPAD is now very slow for browsing so I am thinking about a new iPAD. Since I am in the Apple eco system, I am only looking at iPADs.
I am using it mostly for reading and for surfing the net when I am not close to my PC. Which model do you recommend?
Should I wait until the new iPAD PRO to come out and buy the old model?

If you are using it for just reading and browsing, their is no reason to get the Pro. Just get the Air 2 and save the money. I also like the idea of taking a look at Apple's refurbished inventory.
Cosmo

arthurdawg · Post by **arthurdawg** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 8:44 am

mortfree wrote:just wanted to point out that you may be able to get deals at places like BJs or Costco.

If you are ok with a refurbished model, you could check out the Apple website.

If money is not an object, then get the latest and greatest model.

Good long thread... to add my 2 cents - I've bought multiple refurb units from Apple and they essentially all arrive looking like a new product.

In terms of iPads... I finally donated all of ours to the school. I've found a 13" macbook pro to be a far more useful item, although that is due to my specific needs.

Kenkat · Post by **Kenkat** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:02 am

Groundhog wrote:I've had my iPad 2 (32gb wifi) since 2011 and have used it pretty much every day. Amazing it has lasted that long but needless to say it's ready to be replaced. I placed an order for the iPad Pro 10.5" 256gb wifi model from B&H Photo. It's not in stock yet but hopefully will be soon. No sales tax was the motivation to purchase there. I ordered a case for in on Amazon.

As someone who replaced an iPad 2 on Black Friday of last year with an iPad Pro 9.7, I will say that you are going to be very very happy with the improvement.

jharkin · Post by **jharkin** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:19 am

lazydavid wrote:
Some people do more than surf the web on their iPads. If that's the only thing you do, then 16GB is fine. Both of my iPads (128GB Air and 64GB original Mini) are CONSTANTLY full, primarily with video podcasts and training courses, along with a handful of movies. But on the Air at least, there's another 30GB of apps and data that are not video. As I mentioned upthread, I've ordered a 512GB Pro to replace the Air. That should give me breathing room for a while.

Exactly... you a re a bit of a power user so you need it. The point Im questioning is these blanket recommendations that everyone should get pro - realistically if you have a desktop or a laptop and just supplement with the tablet for some content consumption the non-pro is fine.

I am that kind of user, I like grabbing it to surf on the couch or play a few games. If I need to do any work I just grab my work laptop, which is a nice ultralight dell with and i7 and SSD and boots up in about 20 seconds and i am FAR more productive creating stuff and doing actual work on that than on a touch screen.

lazydavid · Post by **lazydavid** » Thu Jun 22, 2017 9:38 am

jharkin wrote:Exactly... you a re a bit of a power user so you need it. The point Im questioning is these blanket recommendations that everyone should get pro - realistically if you have a desktop or a laptop and just supplement with the tablet for some content consumption the non-pro is fine.

We are in violent agreement.

As you'll see from my comments upthread, I don't think the pro is right for all or even most casual users. The new iPad (nothing) that came out about 2 months ago is a screaming bargain for most users. I would still recommend spending the extra $100 to quadruple the storage (from 32GB to 128GB) because the usable lifetime on these devices has gotten quite long, and you can't upgrade later without replacing the entire device. Unless of course, you know in advance that you'll never do more than web browsing and light non-content app usage on it. In that case 32GB is more than adequate.