Decision Needed: iPad Pro or iPad 6th Gen?

[Hekate]

Hello, there!

This is my first thread so please be nice and guide me.
Apologies in advance if I do something wrong here or said something wrong.


Straight to the point.

PROBLEM
I'm thinking of buying a new iPad but I can't decide on which one I should buy.
My current iPad is the 4th Gen 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular.


REASON(S)

1. Doing work stuffs in Microsoft Office is now lagging. It's really slow. I've typed one full sentence and it'd take 2-5 seconds for the letters to be seen.
2. With that being said, I don't even dare to try using it for drawing.
3. I like playing games and sadly can't play PUBG with my current iPad.

USAGE

1. Microsoft Office. Word and Excel for sure.
2. PUBG and other games.
3. Design apps --> I work with numbers in a office but I do graphic design as a side job. I rarely design but it's something that I want to actively improve.
4. Productivity apps (because I easily forget things and easily out of focus).
5. Need to use Apple Pencil (a must)

CONSIDERATIONS
I have an iMac in my house that I usually use for designing but it's not portable and I really need something portable since sometimes I stay in my apartment which is in the city.
I have a Macbook Pro too to compensate the moving part but it's a 13" Macbook Pro July 2012. I'm thinking of buying the Macbook Pro 13" 2018 w/ Touch Bar too.

My current state is more towards buying iPad 6th Gen instead of the iPad Pro since the price gap is quite far.

But I really am torn so I need some of your inputs.
Help me choose between these 3:

1. iPad 6th Gen (9.7" 128GB Wi-Fi only) & Apple Pencil + Macbook Pro 13" w/ Touch Bar
   
2. iPad Pro 2017 (10.5" 64GB Wi-Fi only) & Apple Pencil + Macbook Pro 13" w/o Touch Bar
3. iPad Pro 2018 (11" 256 GB Wi-Fi only) & Apple Pencil 2

If you have better option(s), please do share and give me the reason(s).
And the other question is:
when should I buy it?

The last update on iPad 6th Gen was in March 2018. I don't see any change besides the chip and I'm worried they might tweak it in the next WWDC. Should I buy it after the watching next WWDC which supposedly is going to be held in March 2019 or should I buy it at the end of this year?




Thank you in advance!
Love.

-------------------------------

UPDATE

I have decided to go with the 2nd option which is iPad Pro 2017 (10.5" 64GB Wi-Fi only) & Apple Pencil + Macbook Pro 13" w/o Touch Bar.
I bought the iPad and Apple Pencil already. And will buy the Macbook Pro mid 2019.

Thank you for all the people that has shared their opinions, suggestions, and experiences.
I feel grateful for the warm welcome.

Once again,
THANK YOU!

 

[victry1]

Hello, there!

This is my first thread so please be nice and guide me.
Apologies in advance if I do something wrong here or said something wrong.


Straight to the point.

PROBLEM
I'm thinking of buying a new iPad but I can't decide on which one I should buy.
My current iPad is the 4th Gen 64GB Wi-Fi + Cellular.


REASON(S)

1. Doing work stuffs in Microsoft Office is now lagging. It's really slow. I've typed one full sentence and it'd take 2-5 seconds for the letters to be seen.
2. With that being said, I don't even dare to try using it for drawing.
3. I like playing games and sadly can't play PUBG with my current iPad.

USAGE

1. Microsoft Office. Word and Excel for sure.
2. PUBG and other games.
3. Design apps --> I work with numbers in a office but I do graphic design as a side job. I rarely design but it's something that I want to actively improve.
4. Productivity apps (because I easily forget things and easily out of focus).
5. Need to use Apple Pencil (a must)

CONSIDERATIONS
I have an iMac in my house that I usually use for designing but it's not portable and I really need something portable since sometimes I stay in my apartment which is in the city.
I have a Macbook Pro too to compensate the moving part but it's a 13" Macbook Pro July 2012. I'm thinking of buying the Macbook Pro 13" 2018 w/ Touch Bar too.

My current state is more towards buying iPad 6th Gen instead of the iPad Pro since the price gap is quite far.

But I really am torn so I need some of your inputs.
Help me choose between these 3:

1. iPad 6th Gen (9.7" 128GB Wi-Fi only) & Apple Pencil + Macbook Pro 13" w/ Touch Bar
   
2. iPad Pro 2017 (10.5" 64GB Wi-Fi only) & Apple Pencil + Macbook Pro 13" w/o Touch Bar
3. iPad Pro 2018 (11" 256 GB Wi-Fi only) & Apple Pencil 2

If you have better option(s), please do share and give me the reason(s).
And the other question is:
when should I buy it?

The last update on iPad 6th Gen was in March 2018. I don't see any change besides the chip and I'm worried they might tweak it in the next WWDC. Should I buy it after the watching next WWDC which supposedly is going to be held in March 2019 or should I buy it at the end of this year?




Thank you in advance!
Love.

I can’t tell you what to buy, but generally if you need something now, now is the time to buy it. There will always be something newer, faster, better, you can’t always hang out and wait for them tho. There seems to be a lot of sales around so I would take advantage of them.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[gsmornot]

If you’re getting a new MacBook too I would go Pro 11. If you want to spend less get the 6th Gen. I’m using the Pro 12.9 but don’t have a MacBook. Just an iMac.

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

10.5 plus 2017 MBP w/o Touch Bar is what I voted, because that is EXACTLY my set up. I have 256gb though on the 10.5, but only use about 70 and could off load or use iCloud better. I've just watched several videos, all which concluded most/many would be better served by the 2017 MBP w/o touch bar over the 2018 air. My MBP is incredible, and I've gotten used to the shallow travel keyboard.

I bought a 2018 IPP 12.9, but I returned it. Slightly too big in my lap, worried about bending if I tow it around, and didn't like their "smart" keyboard option. The 11 so far doesn't impress me as an upgrade to my 10.5. Prefer my "total package" 10.5 solution with Apple smart keyboard for when I am mobile or smart cover when I don't need keyboard. Stand usage also better with older smart keyboard.

Nice part about old smart connector set up on 10.5, is either keyboard or smart cover can be paired with Khomo or Poetic simple rear case, or any number of others. I have the Zugu case option also, which I think is the best all in one solution for utility and value, with multiple secure magnetic lap viewing angles

I use my MBP daily in my job as a Budget Director. Very glad I didn't pay extra for the touch bar.

So for me it's the total "package" versus single features..... Good luck.

 

[DNichter]

I'd say either one of the Pro's would be good for you. If you feel like you aren't ready to fully commit to iOS only, I would get a MacBook also just for certain tasks. I needed to have both for about 6 months before I was able to move on from macOS.

 

[judyg951]

I have a 2018 MBP and a 2018 11" IPP. It's a great combination for me with what I use both of them for, but you need to see what will work for you?

 

[sosumi99]

If you've got the cash, get the new Pro (the 11"). The new pencil makes a difference. How? Because it attaches to the iPad, you'll have it with you more often than the old pencil. Having that thing around all the time will encourage you to use it more, which will get you to practice and do more with design. Yes, it's pricey, and yes, you can do 90% of what the new Pro can do on even the 6th-gen iPad, but I believe having some "growth room" in their devices will encourage people to explore more and do more. The premise is always, of course, that you have enough cash that this won't feel like a strain on your resources. YMMV.

 

[Momof9]

how about another option, iPad pro with a mac mini. You can use the ipad as your display (plus you have a touchscreen Mac). You would also need a Luna display dongle or other option.

You could maybe get away with less storage on the ipad.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I don’t know what game you are referring to, but given some speed differences I have noticed with Civ 6 on an Air 2 compared to Pro models, I would be wary of the base iPad with regard to demanding games.

 

[Eidekos81]

Upgrade ur macbook and get the 11.

or get stay with the macbook and get the 12.9

with ur use case ur either getting an ipad pro or non TB macbook

 

[Greenmeenie]

WWDC is usually in June not March. But yes, there is a chance the regular iPad & possibly iPad mini will see an update in March. Wether you can wait 4 months is something only you can answer. But you wrote that you have both a house in the burbs AND an apartment in the city, so I assume you have the money to get the best? I dunno.

If you do, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy the 11” iPad Pro as your mobile device when you’re on the go. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

 

[jamesrick80]

6th generation...you can do everything that the pro does.....in some way or form. A ipad with pencil support is a ipad pro in my opinion.......just a less polished one

Remember neither is a laptop/PC replacement.

 

[masotime]

If you're in the US, make sure you factor in the big discounts on at B&H - https://www.macrumors.com/2018/12/04/deals-bh-discounts-macbook-ipad/

 

[1BadManVan]

I don’t know what game you are referring to, but given some speed differences I have noticed with Civ 6 on an Air 2 compared to Pro models, I would be wary of the base iPad with regard to demanding games.

I can run PUBG max settings on the 6th gen ipad. The processor and gpu in it is quite powerful
[doublepost=1544063583][/doublepost]My vote is the 6th gen, especially if you’re going to be combining it with a MacBook anyways to compliment it. Does all the things you’re asking for at a much better price point

Especially coming from an iPad 4, it’s a big upgrade

 

[mofunk]

When I need a new MBP and iPad I usually set a budget. Then add what I need from both to have. I have a 10.5 IPP and I'm not sure if its the replacement that Apple gave me but its a little laggy. I was working in Adobe Illustrator and just a simple coloring a circle size area and it was really laggy.

Play around with both iPads and see which will work for you. If you are going to be a heavy creative user go with the 11in IPP and then find a cheaper MBP to go with that like a 2017 MBP ore refurb.

 

[Hekate]

I can’t tell you what to buy, but generally if you need something now, now is the time to buy it. There will always be something newer, faster, better, you can’t always hang out and wait for them tho. There seems to be a lot of sales around so I would take advantage of them.

Good luck in your decision.

Can't argue with that. But I just want to be sure that it's a good investment for the long run. For example my iPhone 6s is still decent enough up to this date. And I still love it even though it's up to iPhone XR now. I have no intention to change at all because it still fits my needs.

I appreciate the feedback <3.
Thank you!
[doublepost=1544080056][/doublepost]

If you’re getting a new MacBook too I would go Pro 11. If you want to spend less get the 6th Gen. I’m using the Pro 12.9 but don’t have a MacBook. Just an iMac.

Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it
What do you do? Is using iPad Pro only enough for your work that you can "throw" the Macbook away?
Genuinely curious.
[doublepost=1544080421][/doublepost]

10.5 plus 2017 MBP w/o Touch Bar is what I voted, because that is EXACTLY my set up. I have 256gb though on the 10.5, but only use about 70 and could off load or use iCloud better. I've just watched several videos, all which concluded most/many would be better served by the 2017 MBP w/o touch bar over the 2018 air. My MBP is incredible, and I've gotten used to the shallow travel keyboard.

I bought a 2018 IPP 12.9, but I returned it. Slightly too big in my lap, worried about bending if I tow it around, and didn't like their "smart" keyboard option. The 11 so far doesn't impress me as an upgrade to my 10.5. Prefer my "total package" 10.5 solution with Apple smart keyboard for when I am mobile or smart cover when I don't need keyboard. Stand usage also better with older smart keyboard.

Nice part about old smart connector set up on 10.5, is either keyboard or smart cover can be paired with Khomo or Poetic simple rear case, or any number of others. I have the Zugu case option also, which I think is the best all in one solution for utility and value, with multiple secure magnetic lap viewing angles

I use my MBP daily in my job as a Budget Director. Very glad I didn't pay extra for the touch bar.

So for me it's the total "package" versus single features..... Good luck.

Thank you for your feedback!
Can't believe I'd get a reply based on personal experience with the set up exactly as one of the option.
A question though, why not iPad 6? It does everything an iPad Pro can do for a lot cheaper price. Of course iPad Pro has smoother performance due to the A10X chip. Do you mind sharing your thoughts on whether would you consider buying iPad 6 instead of iPad Pro if you were in my position?
[doublepost=1544080556][/doublepost]

I'd say either one of the Pro's would be good for you. If you feel like you aren't ready to fully commit to iOS only, I would get a MacBook also just for certain tasks. I needed to have both for about 6 months before I was able to move on from macOS.

Thank you for your feedback!
So you are currently not using any macbook? Mind if you share what you do or what you usually use iPad for on a daily basis?
[doublepost=1544080662][/doublepost]

I have a 2018 MBP and a 2018 11" IPP. It's a great combination for me with what I use both of them for, but you need to see what will work for you?

Thank you for your feedback.
Mind sharing what you usually use them for? And I don't think my budget is sufficient enough for your setup haha. So do you have any other recommendation?

 

[DNichter]

Can't argue with that. But I just want to be sure that it's a good investment for the long run. For example my iPhone 6s is still decent enough up to this date. And I still love it even though it's up to iPhone XR now. I have no intention to change at all because it still fits my needs.

I appreciate the feedback <3.
Thank you!
[doublepost=1544080056][/doublepost]
Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it
What do you do? Is using iPad Pro only enough for your work that you can "throw" the Macbook away?
Genuinely curious.
[doublepost=1544080421][/doublepost]
Thank you for your feedback!
Can't believe I'd get a reply based on personal experience with the set up exactly as one of the option.
A question though, why not iPad 6? It does everything an iPad Pro can do for a lot cheaper price. Of course iPad Pro has smoother performance due to the A10X chip. Do you mind sharing your thoughts on whether would you consider buying iPad 6 instead of iPad Pro if you were in my position?
[doublepost=1544080556][/doublepost]
Thank you for your feedback!
So you are currently not using any macbook? Mind if you share what you do or what you usually use iPad for on a daily basis?
[doublepost=1544080662][/doublepost]
Thank you for your feedback.
Mind sharing what you usually use them for? And I don't think my budget is sufficient enough for your setup haha. So do you have any other recommendation?

Nope, I sold my MacBook and went iOS/iPad only as my primary computer about 3 years ago. I am in an executive level position for a logistics brokerage. I use my iPad mainly for email, performance dashboard management (Safari/Excel), talent management (Safari), drafting proposals for clients (Word), FaceTime meetings with my virtual team, creating presentations (Powerpoint), sharing and collaborating on documents with my team (Office 365, OneDrive, Dropbox, Documents, or Files app), and financial reporting management (Excel). At home, I am a heavy user as well. I use my iPad for web browsing (Safari), movies (Plex, Tubi, Netflix), music (Apple Music), TV (Netflix, Playstation Vue), FaceTime with family and friends, photo management (Photos), server management (QNAP) for Plex and HomeBridge, fantasy football, reddit, Apple News, stuff like that. The iPad has been my favorite computer by far (10.5 and now 11).

 

[kazmac]

Some solid opinions here.

I do not know how Office runs on any of these iPads, but I think your best bet is a MacBook.

I can tell you that a 10.5” pro might be better simply because of more RAM (and multitasking). If you can find one on sale, go for it.

What would I get? I’d get a Surface Pro (I have never owned, only tested) or a MacBook, if I have to stay Apple. Office runs much better on Windows and you have the full version, not the gimped Mac/iOS versions.

No iPads in this case (granted the pros are starting to get some great design apps). That is just me, good luck OP.

 

[jamesrick80]

Just got me a 6th generation 128 gb ipad LTE....only iPad I need and its fully functional for what Apple considers pro (no pro is a laptop replacement nor any ipad)..you don't need to have a pro version to do the so-called pro stuff on the ipad.........make sure the ipad has enough storage and pencil capabilty (i dont use the pencil....)

 

[Greenmeenie]

Nope, I sold my MacBook and went iOS/iPad only as my primary computer about 3 years ago. I am in an executive level position for a logistics brokerage. I use my iPad mainly for email, performance dashboard management (Safari/Excel), talent management (Safari), drafting proposals for clients (Word), FaceTime meetings with my virtual team, creating presentations (Powerpoint), sharing and collaborating on documents with my team (Office 365, OneDrive, Dropbox, Documents, or Files app), and financial reporting management (Excel). At home, I am a heavy user as well. I use my iPad for web browsing (Safari), movies (Plex, Tubi, Netflix), music (Apple Music), TV (Netflix, Playstation Vue), FaceTime with family and friends, photo management (Photos), server management (QNAP) for Plex and HomeBridge, fantasy football, reddit, Apple News, stuff like that. The iPad has been my favorite computer by far (10.5 and now 11).

I did the same thing but from an artist’s perspective instead of business. Totally works for me too. Haven’t looked back.

 

[gsmornot]

[doublepost=1544080056][/doublepost]
Thanks for your input! I really appreciate it
What do you do? Is using iPad Pro only enough for your work that you can "throw" the Macbook away?
Genuinely curious.

Work has me using a Windows PC. Personal use is covered with iPad Pro and iMac. When away from my desktop the iPad covers my needs. My suggestion is smaller display iPad with larger display MacBook. Less to haul.

 

[spacebro]

None of the iPads are pubg machines. Theres this glitch where the touchscreen locks up when its processing too hard. When there's opponents around, it has to process more, and causes the glitch to happen when you confront opponents. Save yourself massive frustration and don't play pubg on any iPad. Even the brand new 2018 iPad pros have this glitch. Regular iPhones don't.

 

[jamesrick80]

None of the iPads are pubg machines. Theres this glitch where the touchscreen locks up when its processing too hard. When there's opponents around, it has to process more, and causes the glitch to happen when you confront opponents. Save yourself massive frustration and don't play pubg on any iPad. Even the brand new 2018 iPad pros have this glitch. Regular iPhones don't.

Play it on my Note 9 or tab s4 works perfectly

 

[1BadManVan]

Play it on my Note 9 or tab s4 works perfectly

Worked fine on my 6th gen ipad, no glitches

 

[spacebro]

Worked fine on my 6th gen ipad, no glitches

Maybe its just iPad pros then. I had a 2017 iPad Pro replaced due to this glitch, but the brand new replacement had the glitch just the same. Then a 2018 new iPad Pro has the glitch just the same. The controls either lock up and you cannot aim or fire or they spaz out causing your aim to bounce around and not be controllable. If I cared more about playing pubg I'd return the iPad and get the android tablet, because its unplayable. When you play on a team and they will think you suck or are unreliable and you cannot advance in rank and you cannot advance socially as people think you suck and unfriend you. Don't waste your time playing pubg on iPad.