Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iPad Air 1 or Air 2 only RAM concern

K

Kapybarus

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 21, 2014
103
18
Hello, I am going to buy Ipad Air (previously I had mini2) and my only concern with Ipad Air is if 1 gb ram difference between Ipad Air 2 is real dealbreaker.

Everything else for me is OK with former Ipad Air.

I am not going to play any games, just text writing with google docs, emails, surfing in Chrome, watching videos and listening to music, browsing photos.

Also I will buy Ipad Air 3 maybe before next summer.

Thanks
 
Based on what you said, stick with the Air 1. By the time the 2GB might really be needed we'll be looking at iOS 9 and you'll likely be owning the Air 3.
 
Just depends on whether app or Safari tab reloads bother you. IMO, the laminated screen also makes a big difference.
 
I disagree with the advice to buy a 2013 Air at this point. I had iPad Air and the Safari browsing experience was so annoying on a daily basis with unacceptable page reloads because of insufficient RAM to drive the 64-bit processor. I reluctantly upgraded to Air 2 and am so glad I did as I am much happier with Safari performance. If you want a device that will perform well for several years and several new iOS iterations, spend the extra $100 for Air 2.

I agree the laminated screen is an improvement although that was not my compelling reason for upgrading. Touch ID is nice as well.
 
I do notice a little more quickness from the Air 2 compared to the original Air especially in web browsing.

It's only a 100 dollar difference right?
 
Actually in my country it is almost 200 dollars :) (32 gb Air with celluar vs 64 gb Air 2 with celluar)
 
I see, that's rough. I would still suggest you go for the Air 2 if you can swing it. 64gb is a lot of room and the new screen lamination is something to see plus the before mentioned speed advantages. Touch ID isn't something you should take into consideration as it's just as fast(sometimes faster) to type in your passcode.
 
Stick with the iPad air 1, i really don't think ram is needed
 
Most times especially in USA. The price difference between the iPad air 1 and 2 is almost zero. It's a non brainer to buy iPad aie 2 with steep discounts retailers are giving.

Staples has iPad air 2 $60 off.

Best buy had $50 off 16/64 gb iPad air 2 models. They had $100 off 128gb models for iPad air 2.

Target hat $140 gift card promo in November.

So just wait for ipad air 2 sales.

I picked up brand new iPad air 2 64gb wifi model for $495 from best buy yesterday (combined with 10% movers coupon).

So price difference between iPad air 1 and air 2 is very negligible when retailers are discounting left and right.
 
Kapybarus said:
Hello, I am going to buy Ipad Air (previously I had mini2) and my only concern with Ipad Air is if 1 gb ram difference between Ipad Air 2 is real dealbreaker.

Everything else for me is OK with former Ipad Air.

I am not going to play any games, just text writing with google docs, emails, surfing in Chrome, watching videos and listening to music, browsing photos.

Also I will buy Ipad Air 3 maybe before next summer.

Thanks
Click to expand...
So upgrading to an air 1 is the exact same specs as the mini 2. Why waste the money? If you're going to spend more get the air 2. Don't listen to anyone else here. The 2gb of ram is definitely noticeable and will future proof you for at least 2 years. And those saying the RAM isn't noticable don't use their iPad for much and would probably not notice if they were using a 4 year old iPad.
 
You'd probably be fine with the Air 1, but if you buy an iPad now, I think I'd drop the extra $200 (in your country -- same here in Germany) if it causes you no hardship. It's a small amount for not having to constantly wonder if you made the right call. The resale value will also be higher when the next model comes out and it has something you want.
 
If you keep your ipads for 2-3 years I would definitely suggest the Air 2 b.c of the RAM. I think the Air 2 will have a similar lifespan as the Ipad 2
 
Was almost decide for Air 2, but reading forum didn´t help :D all that issues with screen disort, but mostly battery life concerns make me really undecided. But I think tommorow I ll buy Air 2 64 gb celluar
 
Kapybarus said:
Was almost decide for Air 2, but reading forum didn´t help :D all that issues with screen disort, but mostly battery life concerns make me really undecided. But I think tommorow I ll buy Air 2 64 gb celluar
Click to expand...

I think the lesson you can take from the forum is that it's a good idea to look at the very device you buy, right in the store. My Air 2 doesn't have any of the problems I read about here, except the vibrating when the speakers are louder and there's a lot of bass, but I actually don't mind.

Getting an Air 2 instead of an Air 1 is a good call, IMO. :)
 
If you go by some of the posts in this forum you would end never buying an apple product.
 
I have an iPad Air 1 and it is great but I would wait just a little bit longer for the iPad Air 2 to hit the the refurb store or see if you can find a sale. The iPad Air 2 will save you money in the long run because it will last much longer.

Browsing the web is enough to benefit from 2gb of ram.
 
Air 1 is fine if you already own one.

If you're choosing to buy one now, get an Air 2 no question. I went from an rMini to an Air 2. The rMini is still a great tablet, but the Air 2 is so much more stable thanks to the increased ram. Equally, everything performs better - far fewer tab refreshes yes, but also far fewer app refreshes which makes flipping between apps a LOT better and less irritating.

The lighter weight, display and Touch ID is "merely" bonus. The vibration with audio playback bothered me briefly but I no longer notice it. That said, I ONLY listen to podcasts so YMMV if you're listening to music.
 
If you're going to buy now, buy Air 2.
Or mini 2, same as Air 1 but $100 cheaper.
 
There is very little difference between the rMini 2 and the iPad Air 1 internally. I am not sure if there would be an "upgrade" other than the form factor and screen size. The Air 2 is a step up, no doubt and if you have to get a new iPad - that is the one to go for.
 
Go with the 2. It's thinner and more importantly lighter. Although it's only marginally lighter, it's the first iPad I've been able to hold with one hand for extended periods of time without it feeling heavy or uncomfortable. The Touch ID is great and the 2gb of ram along with the improved display laminate make it a pretty large improvement over the first air.

As someone else mentioned, if someone already has an Air it's probably not a necessary upgrade but if you don't already have an Air, get the Air 2.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back