iPad Buy iPad Air 2 or wait for the next iPad

[richardbb85]

i was looking forward to get the iPad Air 2 or 3, but i have decided to move onto a real laptop. i spend about 5-6 hrs a day 6 days a week on my iPad Air, and it crashes on me about 15-20 times a day. I bought it for two things, web browsing and battery. Battery is great, i charge it every other day.

web browsing, dont even get me started. I ditched safari long time ago and uses Atomic Web. It solved most of the reload issues, but the crash is still there. hopefully Apple will solve this issue and i will gladly come back

 

[rachislenska]

one thing im curious is how will a chrome book fair? haven't owned one so far. have used iPad 2 for 3 +years.
now i would like a portable device to compliment my mac...my lumia 1520 serves as that now...but i often find a 6 inch screen uncomfortable for certain stuff when compared to the iPad...recently started considering the chrome books too mainly coz of their price.

 

[Heisenberg888]

I am writing this on the refurbished iPad Air 2 i just bought. The ipad noticeable vibrates at the back of the ipad where the speaker is situated when it plays music or videos with sound. This vibration reverberates through the rest of the ipad when you hold it. I'm stil within my 14 day return period so i thought i would use this time to properly try it out to see if i can accept this trade off. i think i will probably return it as this will be the only time i will be guarenteed to get the full price back that i paid for this. After 14 days i will have to accept this limitaton, gift it or sell it at a loss. i think this vibration is due to the thinness of the ipad air 2 and maybe the speaker is too powerful for a shell as thin as the ipad air 2. If apple do fix this in the next model, i can only summise they would put in a less powerful speaker.

I've also got an iPad mini 2 and iPhone 6 and neither vibrate when they play music and videos, but the sound is not as good in either compared to the iPad Air 2, which is why I think it maybe that apple have put in too powerful a speaker in the iPad Air 2 for the thinness of the shell. This makes holding the ipad air 2 whilst listening to music or watching video nigh on impossible without feeling the sound vibrations through the rear shell. The only workaround is to prop it up on a stand and not hold it or plug in with headphones either wired or wireless via blue tooth, if you want to hold it.

 

[Kal-037]

I have the Air 2 and love it, but I am hoping the Air 3 will have even more power (and more RAM, though it is unlikely, I still think it'd be sweet.)


Kal.

 

[XTheLancerX]

I am currently debating whether to look into buying a refurb iPad Air 2 now or waiting for the Air 3 as well. I am looking to only get 64GB, and I noticed a couple Black Fridays ago that only the baseline storage model devices were being discounted? Unless I was missing something. But yeah, 64GB iPad Air 2 for $509 from apps looks pretty nice right now. Only $10 more than getting a new 16GB iPad.

I think waiting till Black Friday or so to decide is a good idea. You either get the newest thing for around the price you were thinking before, or the device you were looking at before for $100 less than you were originally considering, due to the discount of it being older. Also, you get to see if the newer thing is worthwhile or not, and play your cards that way. Think I'm gonna wait lol. Just answered my own question.

 

[Heisenberg888]

I am currently debating whether to look into buying a refurb iPad Air 2 now or waiting for the Air 3 as well. I am looking to only get 64GB, and I noticed a couple Black Fridays ago that only the baseline storage model devices were being discounted? Unless I was missing something. But yeah, 64GB iPad Air 2 for $509 from apps looks pretty nice right now. Only $10 more than getting a new 16GB iPad.

I think waiting till Black Friday or so to decide is a good idea. You either get the newest thing for around the price you were thinking before, or the device you were looking at before for $100 less than you were originally considering, due to the discount of it being older. Also, you get to see if the newer thing is worthwhile or not, and play your cards that way. Think I'm gonna wait lol. Just answered my own question.

Exactly, Wait for October and Air 3.

This article makes an excellent point.

"If you haven’t picked an iPad Air 2 up already, then chances are you can bear to wait a little longer. Wait to see what October brings. You really can’t lose. If the iPad Air 3 is another middle-of-the-road update and the iPad Pro turns out to be nothing more than a glint in an Apple fanboy’s eye — the iPad Air 2 will still be available, and probably $100 cheaper than it is now. Then you can go buy one."

My iPad Air 2 is going back. I went into my local apple store, when I showed this employee the sound vibration problem she was shocked and called over her Supervisor. Unfortunately, he gave me the usual line of that it's because it's so thin; even after I pointed out that my iPad Mini 2 doesn't have this problem; even putting my one in his hand when playing sound. In the end he still stuck to his guns saying if it's still a problem then either use a stand, buy a case (even though a case won't stop the vibrations being felt on the screen when you type on it) or plug in with headphones. Basically, he was saying work around this, if you find it a problem.

When I asked him do Apple know about this and is it intentional; he answered yes and it is intentional that it's meant to vibrate. I could not believe his answer. Kind of makes me angry as he was saying - look just deal with it; Apple tells consumers they want, not the other way round.

Anyway, I am in my 14 day return period, so it's going back; I think the only way I can tell Apple that it is not acceptable is to return it . The sound vibration issue is the only reason it is going back. I fear, however, that iPad Air 3 won't fix the problem, as I also tested out iPad Air 1 and this also vibrates at the highest volume, but no where near as badly as iPad Air 2, where you can feel the sound resonating through the whole iPad even at low volume. I also tested out iPhone 6 plus at high volume, but this did not vibrate; neither does my iPhone 6 and these are only a tad thicker than iPad Air 2. It's no point having that powerful a speaker in such a thin device if it affects the user experience of holding the iPad and even precludes you from holding the thing when playing any sound without plugging in.

I am willing to wait to see if iPad Air 3 is any better on this vibration problem.I will however, miss the size and weight of the iPad Air 2 whilst I am waiting.

 

[rsbell]

Just picked up an Air 2 this week to try out the split screen in iOS9. I REALLY like the split screen, and makes the iPad much more of a productive machine. I'm surprised how noticeable the speed bump is over my Air 1.

I'll be first in line for the iPad Pro assuming it shows up this Fall.

So, the iPad Air 1 is in a drawer now. Guess I'll sell it.

No regrets moving up to the Air 2.

 

[Mike MA]

The only thing about I really care is battery life.. Is the same battery life as other Ipads?

No.

 

[newellj]

Something that doesn't get mentioned much is that one reason that the iPad Air 2 has more vibrations when the sound is cranked up to max is that it simply makes more noise than the Air. Example: playing the same music file, my Air measured 80 dbA where my Air 2 measured 87.4 db A. That's a significant difference in volume level.

 

[dyn]

I think waiting till Black Friday or so to decide is a good idea. You either get the newest thing for around the price you were thinking before, or the device you were looking at before for $100 less than you were originally considering, due to the discount of it being older.

Black Friday is 5 months away. That's quite some time to wait imo. Regarding saving $100...it's saving $25 a month vs a month not using the iPad.

Exactly, Wait for October and Air 3.

This article makes an excellent point.

The point it makes depends on how you look at it. Not everyone wants to carry around a huge 12" tablet. Lots of people like the smaller 9.7" and even 7.9" sizes that we have now. More interesting would be what Apple is going to do with the iPad and the new splitscreen functionality and other iOS 9 functionality. Will they implement pen input? From what I've read most people agree that the iPad Air 2 is overpowered so from that perspective we're good. I don't think that buying the older iPad Air is a good idea if you look at things like the splitscreen functionality as well as Touch ID and 802.11ac. The Air 2 is able to last much much longer than the Air will.

Just be careful with waiting, before you know it that's all you're doing while you could have simply enjoyed the current offerings

 

[Heisenberg888]

Black Friday is 5 months away. That's quite some time to wait imo. Regarding saving $100...it's saving $25 a month vs a month not using the iPad.


The point it makes depends on how you look at it. Not everyone wants to carry around a huge 12" tablet. Lots of people like the smaller 9.7" and even 7.9" sizes that we have now. More interesting would be what Apple is going to do with the iPad and the new splitscreen functionality and other iOS 9 functionality. Will they implement pen input? From what I've read most people agree that the iPad Air 2 is overpowered so from that perspective we're good. I don't think that buying the older iPad Air is a good idea if you look at things like the splitscreen functionality as well as Touch ID and 802.11ac. The Air 2 is able to last much much longer than the Air will.

Just be careful with waiting, before you know it that's all you're doing while you could have simply enjoyed the current offerings

I bought the refurbished iPad Air 2 but sent it back because of the speaker vibration problem. That is why I am willing to wait for iPad Air 3 to see if they fix or substantially reduce this problem. Otherwise I am happy with my iPad Mini 2.

 

[Heisenberg888]

Something that doesn't get mentioned much is that one reason that the iPad Air 2 has more vibrations when the sound is cranked up to max is that it simply makes more noise than the Air. Example: playing the same music file, my Air measured 80 dbA where my Air 2 measured 87.4 db A. That's a significant difference in volume level.

But they have not optimised the bass for the iPad Air 2 compared to the Air 1. There is no way it should vibrate that badly even on 2-3 bars of sound. Whacking it up to full volume is unbearable and I found I could not hold the thing for long periods.

 

[cynics]

What vibration are some of you experiencing? Like a audible vibration sound? It vibrating in your hands? Vibrating uncased on a tablet?

I don't get any vibrations with my Air 2 at all.

 

[joshwithachance]

The vibration issue is a bit annoying, but everything else about the Air 2 is incredible. The fact that it gets a Geekbench multicore score of 4500 blows my mind. Battery is great, the screen is stunning, performance is flawless, and it's comfortable to hold in one hand due to the thinness and weight. But that thinness is what causes the vibration issue. If you can overlook that one flaw, the thing is nearly perfect.

 

[newellj]

Personally, the vibration is a complete non-issue. I never hold the iPad while watching a video. I recognize that this is YMMV territory.

 

[rui no onna]

Black Friday is 5 months away. That's quite some time to wait imo. Regarding saving $100...it's saving $25 a month vs a month not using the iPad.

Just be careful with waiting, before you know it that's all you're doing while you could have simply enjoyed the current offerings

I reckon that would depend on whether you're just upgrading from an older iPad or buying a new one altogether. Besides, it's not just about saving $100 (and if you're getting the 128GB LTE, it's more like a $200 savings). For me, it's primarily having the option of the newer model which is likely what iOS 9 will be optimized for.

Waiting isn't all that bad. I had perfectly working iPad 4s and Air, and for me, the Air 2 wasn't really bringing enough upgrades to be worth the asking price so that's $1000 more invested last year.

 

[dyn]

What vibration are some of you experiencing? Like a audible vibration sound? It vibrating in your hands? Vibrating uncased on a tablet?

I don't get any vibrations with my Air 2 at all.

When holding the iPad Air 2 and having it on a medium to high volume will make the device vibrate. This happens to all devices, not just the Air 2. The only difference is how much the device vibrates. I have come across a lot of devices that vibrate as much as the Air 2 so it most likely isn't solely an Air 2 thing. Some people find these vibrations to be very annoying.

I notice the vibrations but I don't find them annoying since I only use the speaker(s) for a little while. Mostly I use it when the iPad is sitting on a desk or when using headphones (brings much nicer audio!). Speakers in these tiny devices are always a compromise. It's more a convenience to have them on the device then it actually being of high use.

I reckon that would depend on whether you're just upgrading from an older iPad or buying a new one altogether. Besides, it's not just about saving $100 (and if you're getting the 128GB LTE, it's more like a $200 savings). For me, it's primarily having the option of the newer model which is likely what iOS 9 will be optimized for.

In both cases it's either saving money and not using the new iPad or using the new iPad and not saving money. What I basically meant was that you have to pick between being happy with the new device and what it can bring you vs having money. If you can wait that long then by all means go ahead. Do note that there will always be a better one on the horizon. You just shouldn't be waiting and waiting and waiting. Maybe I'm just seeing it too much from the "fun" side instead of the "money" side.

 

[rui no onna]

In both cases it's either saving money and not using the new iPad or using the new iPad and not saving money. What I basically meant was that you have to pick between being happy with the new device and what it can bring you vs having money. If you can wait that long then by all means go ahead. Do note that there will always be a better one on the horizon. You just shouldn't be waiting and waiting and waiting. Maybe I'm just seeing it too much from the "fun" side instead of the "money" side.

If you don't currently have the Air 2, you've already waited 7 months. The reasons for not having gotten it earlier probably still stands (unless you just didn't have the money to buy it back then).

Personally, the incremental improvements from the Air just wasn't worth it for me to upgrade specially since I didn't particularly appreciate some of the design changes. For others, split screen is the only reason why they're considering upgrading to the Air 2 now but in this case, wouldn't it be better to just wait for the official iOS 9 release as well as hardware to match?

Mind, you do save a lot of money if you end up just waiting forever and never buying. A $1,000 annual investment at 8% rate of return comes out to around $110,000 after 30 years.

 

[Closingracer]

Exactly, Wait for October and Air 3.

This article makes an excellent point.

"If you haven’t picked an iPad Air 2 up already, then chances are you can bear to wait a little longer. Wait to see what October brings. You really can’t lose. If the iPad Air 3 is another middle-of-the-road update and the iPad Pro turns out to be nothing more than a glint in an Apple fanboy’s eye — the iPad Air 2 will still be available, and probably $100 cheaper than it is now. Then you can go buy one."

My iPad Air 2 is going back. I went into my local apple store, when I showed this employee the sound vibration problem she was shocked and called over her Supervisor. Unfortunately, he gave me the usual line of that it's because it's so thin; even after I pointed out that my iPad Mini 2 doesn't have this problem; even putting my one in his hand when playing sound. In the end he still stuck to his guns saying if it's still a problem then either use a stand, buy a case (even though a case won't stop the vibrations being felt on the screen when you type on it) or plug in with headphones. Basically, he was saying work around this, if you find it a problem.

When I asked him do Apple know about this and is it intentional; he answered yes and it is intentional that it's meant to vibrate. I could not believe his answer. Kind of makes me angry as he was saying - look just deal with it; Apple tells consumers they want, not the other way round.

Anyway, I am in my 14 day return period, so it's going back; I think the only way I can tell Apple that it is not acceptable is to return it . The sound vibration issue is the only reason it is going back. I fear, however, that iPad Air 3 won't fix the problem, as I also tested out iPad Air 1 and this also vibrates at the highest volume, but no where near as badly as iPad Air 2, where you can feel the sound resonating through the whole iPad even at low volume. I also tested out iPhone 6 plus at high volume, but this did not vibrate; neither does my iPhone 6 and these are only a tad thicker than iPad Air 2. It's no point having that powerful a speaker in such a thin device if it affects the user experience of holding the iPad and even precludes you from holding the thing when playing any sound without plugging in.

I am willing to wait to see if iPad Air 3 is any better on this vibration problem.I will however, miss the size and weight of the iPad Air 2 whilst I am waiting.

I have the smart case and I don't feel it on the glass. I barely even notice it now after owning it for around 9 months now. Tbh I would just get a refurbished Air 2 then wait for the Air 3 Imo. It should only be a minor spec upgrade and a 64GB refurb is a good price now

 

[dyn]

For others, split screen is the only reason why they're considering upgrading to the Air 2 now but in this case, wouldn't it be better to just wait for the official iOS 9 release as well as hardware to match?

No because the Air 4 will be much better than the Air 3. Well, if I think about it, forget that, wait for the Air 5, it will be much better!

You can keep on waiting and waiting until the iPad is what you want it to be or you can draw the conclusion it simply isn't for you and look at something that does fill your needs. If you want an iPad now then why wait? If you want one now you're ok with what the current version is able to do. What if the new iPad is similar to the Air 2 or it's even worse? What if iOS9 does nothing on the newer hardware and we still have to wait another year like with the Air 2? You've just wasted time on waiting.

You simply don't know what's going to happen. If Apple is going to release an iPad this year or not and what kind it will be. Sometimes it's good to wait, sometimes it isn't and sometimes it's just silly.

 

[sparksd]

Longtime Android fanboy here, owner of a myriad of Android devices over many years but now an owner of an Air 2 (which I love so far). It's funny to see the same debate here about waiting for the next device or buy now - the same discussion going on over in the Android forums. Also over in the DSLR forums I participate in. And the GPS forums I'm in. And so on ... It always comes down to current functionality answering your needs vs promised or speculated needs at some point in the future.

 

[Truefan31]

Anyone think they'll name it the iPad plus like the iPhone line?

 

[jdogz]

Currently have an ipad air 2, battery life is not bad getting roughly 10 hours with high usage mainly on GAMING, safari and the odd video. Brightness roughly sits between 0-40%. High points for buying mainly was 2GB RAM and being much lighter and faster than ipad 4.

Now with the older ipad 4 and the same usage above battery life was roughly 10-15hours. I do hope the next version of the ipad and iphone (not plus) has better battery life. With great power and thinness there is a cost to battery life.

Overall though ipad air 2 is a great device - The fastest iOS device so far.

 

[s2mikey]

Exactly, Wait for October and Air 3.

This article makes an excellent point.

"If you haven’t picked an iPad Air 2 up already, then chances are you can bear to wait a little longer. Wait to see what October brings. You really can’t lose. If the iPad Air 3 is another middle-of-the-road update and the iPad Pro turns out to be nothing more than a glint in an Apple fanboy’s eye — the iPad Air 2 will still be available, and probably $100 cheaper than it is now. Then you can go buy one."

My iPad Air 2 is going back. I went into my local apple store, when I showed this employee the sound vibration problem she was shocked and called over her Supervisor. Unfortunately, he gave me the usual line of that it's because it's so thin; even after I pointed out that my iPad Mini 2 doesn't have this problem; even putting my one in his hand when playing sound. In the end he still stuck to his guns saying if it's still a problem then either use a stand, buy a case (even though a case won't stop the vibrations being felt on the screen when you type on it) or plug in with headphones. Basically, he was saying work around this, if you find it a problem.

When I asked him do Apple know about this and is it intentional; he answered yes and it is intentional that it's meant to vibrate. I could not believe his answer. Kind of makes me angry as he was saying - look just deal with it; Apple tells consumers they want, not the other way round.

Anyway, I am in my 14 day return period, so it's going back; I think the only way I can tell Apple that it is not acceptable is to return it . The sound vibration issue is the only reason it is going back. I fear, however, that iPad Air 3 won't fix the problem, as I also tested out iPad Air 1 and this also vibrates at the highest volume, but no where near as badly as iPad Air 2, where you can feel the sound resonating through the whole iPad even at low volume. I also tested out iPhone 6 plus at high volume, but this did not vibrate; neither does my iPhone 6 and these are only a tad thicker than iPad Air 2. It's no point having that powerful a speaker in such a thin device if it affects the user experience of holding the iPad and even precludes you from holding the thing when playing any sound without plugging in.

I am willing to wait to see if iPad Air 3 is any better on this vibration problem.I will however, miss the size and weight of the iPad Air 2 whilst I am waiting.

It's supposed to vibrate? Yeah, OK. Are they serious? The vibration makes the Air 2 the most obnoxious tablet ever. It's like a 1980s pager jumping all over the place. Hilarious.

They could take care of the vibration problem without adding weight. Just isolate the speaker with some better padding or something. They must do something though. Can't believe that they find this acceptable. Oh well, if they never take care of it then I'll just stick with my perfectly good Air until it's time to replace it and I'll look elsewhere for a tablet. No big deal.

 

[Heisenberg888]

What vibration are some of you experiencing? Like a audible vibration sound? It vibrating in your hands? Vibrating uncased on a tablet?

I don't get any vibrations with my Air 2 at all.

Yes, I felt the lower back half of the iPad Air 2 vibrate when playing sound. These vibrations reverberated through to the screen and to the top half of the iPad, even on 2-3 bars. Full volume i.e. 16 bars, was ridiculous; i just could not hold it. Yes I could live with it i.e. put it on a stand or plug in, but then I thought why should I and pay £409 for the privilege.

I tried other iPad Air 2s in my local apple store and they all had the same vibration issue. This was hardly mentioned in all the major reviews on Youtube like the Verge, Tested, Detroitborg, mobile tech review.

I am also not the only one, and this vibration problem has been covered more comprehensively in the following thread.