Hi,
so I'm looking at a full sized iPad, previously had the mini which was great but want something where I can attach a keyboard.
From a blind perspective, which do you think is the best bang for buck?
Here is some quick reasoning from me, note, the cons contain aspects that are of no advantage to people without sight, therefore we're paying for features we can't use.
iPad ProPros:
- quad speaker array
- faster processers
- possibly further future updates that differentiate them to the standard devices.
Cons:
- pro motion
- Apple Pencil support
- only a portrait camera...
- Expensive as!
Pros:
- Slightly cheaper....
Cons:
- only a two speaker array
- may miss out on future software updates that happen in the pro line.
- Cheapest iPad with stereo landscape speakers
- Can use the new Magic Keyboard folio as well as other keyboard folios
- Has a landscape camera for calls
Cons:
- Still pretty expensive
- Unlikely to support M1 specific software updates
- (personal opinion) childish colour choices
So, considering all of these, the base iPad, I'm not including the iPad 9th generation here as it doesn't have stereo landscape speakers, seems, on paper for us, the more appealing device. Considering we can't use the Apple Pencil,, the whole issue of it being a gen one pencil is moot. The lack of lamination on the screen doesn't matter. The processor is plenty powerful enough for movie watching, document manipulation etc... EG, we don't play graphics intensive games. My only thought is we miss out on the better sound from the pro which, of this writing, is £400 more expensive... Almost twice the price.
What are people's thoughts?
there are also options of older iPads, the 2nd generation iPad Pro seems a good fit, same price as the base iPad with better speakers and a fairly punchy processor, but two years older and therefore, will become obsolete that much quicker.
It's a bit of a minefield, anyone got thoughts on this?
Comments
Pro
I've had my iPad for a little over 2 years. I went with the Pro because of the speakers. I use mine to listen to music, watch Netflix, and listen to books. So basically, it's my media device. Sound was really important to me.
Confusing as heck
Going in to the latest round of new iPads, I was anticipating a purchase would be in my near future.
However, I'm now light years from buying one.
The model range is just too darn confusing with nothing jumping out as being a compelling purchase.
We'll skip the entry level iPad, as it's too darn old and tired looking.
The new iPad has some interesting features, but a chip that already feels old and doesn't offer as much future-proofing as I would want. I would also want to match any iPad with a keyboard, and the new one introduced for this model is too expensive and not likely to be great for using on the lap. I do like the potential of that row of function keys though.
The iPad Air has a much better chip, better screen and support for the Apple Pencil 2 (not that these matter to me), and support for the Smart Keyboard. But, the lesser iPad has the funky colours and that landscape camera. It also feels too close to both the new iPad and the 11-inch iPad Pro to stand out.
The iPad Pro is undoubtedly the best performer, but didn't get much of a spec or feature bump. It's also likely overkill for my use case.
And, then there's the nasty price hikes that Apple has made to the iPad here in the UK. Considering that any iPad would likely have a limited use for me, there currently isn't a single model that comes close to being tempting at its price.
Pro
I think I would either pick the air or the 11 inch pro! The Air does have the M1 so Apple excluding, it is pretty rare I would think. Yes they may not have another refresh to the line but I don't think they're going to just stop supporting it. It's not an iPad 3 situation. I do think if sound is important the pro will be your best bet with of course the 12.9 being the best option.
Personally the 12.9 is too big to carry around for me on the daily. I enjoyed the 11 but always thought it was too much for my used case. My sweet spot is the mini obviously that won't work for you but with AirPods and my mantis braille display. I can kind of have the best of both worlds around the house!
I wish I could afford the…
I wish I could afford the mantis... Really need to stop buying all this apple stuff...
Regarding the base iPad, as in the iPad 10 being outdated due to its chip, I'd say that it is more down to year than anything. If you buy new this year you can expect, at minimum 5 years of support from apple updates. It might not get everything, it seems they are trying to differentiate the line with software over hardware, but I doubt it will become a dead duck.
I've actually gone for the m2 pro, the reason being, resale will be good, though not sure if it will be any better than a lower cost device, it's future proof as you can get, got the speakers etc an, when getting it on my mobile phone provider, it really wasn't that much of a jump per month between the iPad 10/air/pro... I know in the long run there is a big difference, but I see it as £10 a week for something I'll own and can sell at the end of it. A lot more manageable at 0 % finance too.
One other pro for the pro, as it were, is Face ID. I know it's not that important, but with the Magic Keyboard it will be nice to have it authenticate that easily.
I expect there will be a new iPad Air next year along with a new magic iPad keyboard that includes function keys, for now this set up will be good, and can always sell and downgrade/upgrade when it comes to it. I always see apple devices like a subscription, once you've bought into one of the streams, phone, iPad, watch, you're only actually sinking dead money into the difference in price when you upgrade, EG, sell an old iPad for £400, buy a new for £500, you've lost £100... At least, that is how I justify all this to myself and can't afford the mantis...