iPad Did You Decide Against Upgrading To The Air 2 And Why??

[Mainsail]

The larger phones and a 9.7 inch tablet are very different experiences, but I think it affects upgrade path more than whether someone buys their first iPad or not. In other words, if you want something for reading magazines, comics, Photography/Art books, and running photo apps like Lightroom, the larger iPhone isn't a substitute, but it may fill other gaps better than the smaller phones (easier to read Safari, Twitter, Flipboard, etc..).

As a result, I can see the time between tablet updates continue to grow until Apple releases an iOS update that is not compatible with older iPads. The number of people still using only an Original iPad is getting smaller by the day (we have ours in the kitchen) and a big part of that was the lack of iOS updates, so we upgraded.

Personally, I updated from the iPad 3 to the Air2. But it would have been a harder choice had I not maxed out my storage on the 3. Now that I have the Air2, I am so happy I made the change. It just makes for a much better experience overall and I use the thing more than all of my other devices combined when I am at home.

EDIT: Forgot to address the fact that a clamshell and a tablet are very different experiences, which is why I don't use my MBP as often as my iPad and have both of them at arm's length when I am at home.

Well, the largest iPhone and iPad are definitely different, but they also have a lot in common....I mean they share the same OS, so there is going to be a fair amount of overlap. Also, a tablet and laptop are different experiences, but they overlap in functionality. (For example, all day battery life was a major selling point of the original iPad, and is a key attribute for a mobile device. But with more energy efficient processors, MBA's battery life now exceeds the iPad) I believe these overlaps are putting the squeeze on iPad sales because some folks just can't justify a third device or can't justify frequently upgrading a third devices that overlaps with their Phone and Laptop.

I am not in the least bit being critical of someone making the decision to own all three devices, since they might have a use case that makes it very worthwhile. I am simply point out that Apples move to expand iPhone product lines and improve integration between OS X and iOS is having an impact on iPad sales.

 

[Offspring992]

Thought about upgrading my 3 to the new Air 2 myself, then realized I don't know if it's worth it at this point, since all I do is use Safari, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and maybe a light game here and there. Not only that, I've got to a point this last year or two where I don't really care anymore. My 2009 iMac (that I swapped the HDD out with an SSD and added additional RAM) works just fine, and my Nexus 5 works fine too. I'm sure upgrading would be nice, but I'll use my 3 until it becomes unusable.

 

[McPc]

Well first off the iPhone 6plus put a bit of a dent in my pocketbook and my iPad Air does everything I need it to. Also waiting to see what Apple may have in store with the iPad Pro.

 

[Newtons Apple]

I upgraded from the original Air to the Air 2 and am thrilled. The screen looks much better with more saturated colors and the speed and smoothness from the new CPU is well worth it to me.

Besides a family member told me he was taking the old/new Air so I have no choice.

 

[Nozuka]

i'm still not sure. wanted to buy the ipad mini 3 this year, but apple clearly did not want that to happen, since they didnt change anything that already stopped me from buying it last year... (gamut and RAM).

not sure if i should buy the more expensive air 2 instead.. feels like i'd be supporting their game. and the vibration reports have me worried.

i intend to keep it for a long time.

or maybe i should just buy a really cheap mini 2 and replace it when they finally release something the way i want it. do not have an ipad atm. i guess its still better than not having one.

really can't make my mind up yet.

 

[iapplelove]

I have last years air...I'm keeping it till a design change or a super iPad.

Besides I cant put my 6 plus down

 

[Offspring992]

Well, here's an interesting story. Just over 3 hours ago, you can see my previous post where I said I wasn't going to upgrade from my 32 GB 3rd gen... Then I saw the Best Buy trade in deal. I got $185 for my iPad 3, plus an additional $50 for a promo they were running. Not only that, my brother's friend gave me $100 for some old car audio equipment that I purchased in 2007. Suffice to say, I walked out of Best Buy with a 64 GB White/Silver Air 2 for $304.17 after tax charged to my Chase card!

 

[MacFanBoi]

I was in the same boat with my iPad 3 I wasn't sure if I should upgrade but I did just that today and won't look back. The iPad 3 was just starting to show its age once I installed iOS 8 there was a noticeable slow down so I felt it was time to upgrade. I would have got the first air but since it didn't have the Touch ID like the 5s I didn't bother with that model. To say I'm happy with the air 2 would be a huge understatement.

 

[cababah]

The "vibration" issue that some people have is interesting but no one so far has posted any video to demonstrate how bad it gets.

Vibration is something you feel. How can that be captured on video?

 

[donnaw]

My majority use for the iPad is as follows...

-Web browsing
-Email
-Watching media
-Viewing photos
-Music

Now I can't help but wonder why I need an A8X for that... Sure the power helps with 3d gaming, 4k photo editing and maybe a few other things... But how many people do these things on an iPad and how often? Surely these tasks are better done on a desktop/laptop...

All this powerful hardware is only beneficial if there is powerful software to match, otherwise what's the point!? In short, iOS 8 doesn't need all this power, and I'm not saying it's to much power for an iPad, I'm saying it's not enough os for the power! It's like having a Lambo engine in a Mini Cooper...

iOS is a mobile phone OS... That says it all doesn't it.

You're correct. But remember, a more powerful OS or richer, more powerful apps cannot be developed until the hardware exists to support them.

Personally I've never been too fond of how Apple does business (although I do own about 2000 shares of stock). I don't like the secrecy, I don't like the limitations in the Mail app, I don't like the lack of at least a 'User' folder where I can see and organize my files, I don't like the look of iOS 7-8. And I specifically do not like the limitations of iOS. It's just a stretched phone OS.

BUT. I do love Apple hardware, the iPad in particular. And I believe the new Air 2 is the first step by Apple to enhance their tablet platform. Personally I'm pretty excited about what I think is Apple's roadmap for this product category. I actually think 2015 will see some improvements in iOS for iPad.

Until then I'll enjoy my new Air 2 because it's a pretty spectacular piece of hardware.

 

[nbuubu]

I think I'd go get the Surface if I were you. You are going to be waiting for a looooooong time if you wait for Apple to bring OS X functionality to the iPads.

After playing with the iPad Air 2 at the store today, and feeling how much vibration was coming through in the display models, I pretty much decided to keep my iPad 3 around until the Surface 4 Pro comes out next year. Or an iPad Pro that can compete with what the Surface offers. Every time I've used one it's been great.

For my needs, the Surface seems almost perfect. I just need LTE built in, so I'm hoping next year's model has it included. Guessing new models will come out when Windows 10 hits.

 

[terraphantm]

I decided against upgrading, because it's not a particularly useful device for my purposes. It's not portable enough for me to take everywhere I go, and it's not powerful enough (especially on the software side) for me to be truly productive with it. So instead I rock a combination of an iPhone 6+ and MacBook Pro Retina. Probably just going to give my iPad 3 to one of my cousins

 

[mattoligy]

I decided against upgrading, because it's not a particularly useful device for my purposes. It's not portable enough for me to take everywhere I go, and it's not powerful enough (especially on the software side) for me to be truly productive with it. So instead I rock a combination of an iPhone 6+ and MacBook Pro Retina. Probably just going to give my iPad 3 to one of my cousins

Completely agree. The only trouble I have is my investing around £500 on iPad apps! (Yeah I went well over the top lol). But to be honest, I don't even use three quarters of them... But still feel I have to own an iPad just to make use of them!

 

[s2mikey]

I stayed with my Air simply because the "upgrades" weren't nearly as important as some people feel they are. I don't care about the camera, Touch ID, Apple pay, or the extremely trivial amount of thinness or weight reduction which seem to have caused their own set of problems.

The new chip is certainly faster but that will only be felt in certain scenarios or with certain apps. And, it's not the Air is slow or whatever.

This was a No brainer, Non upgrade for me.

 

[Scott6666]

Vibration is something you feel. How can that be captured on video?

There is s video out there. They put a glass of water on it and you can see the ripples on the surface. Can't find the link right now.

 

[DSTOFEL]

Recently sold my Retina Mini (2) in anticipation for the spectacular Mini 3 which, as it turns out is non existent. So, needed a tablet replacement.

Decided to go with the Original Air instead.

I have the 6 plus now which I love for videos while traveling on plane....I travel each week for work.....used to use the R-mini for this, but now prefer 6 Plus (portable, 16:9 aspect, amazing picture). I also have a 15 R-MBP.

So a tablet for me will be mainly for handy Web device in hotel, light use around the house (ie no content creation & no heavy processing). So, the value of the Air ($399 new 32 GB wifi) trumped the new features on the Air 2 for my needs.

The 2GB RAM is the one feature of the Air 2 I feel I'll be really missing ( ie Safari reloads, App refreshes, etc).

 

[macpluslaptop]

I use my iPad Air 1 constantly at home and on the road; it's packed with PDFs for work research and maxed out at 128 G storage. Because work stipend pays for it I will probably upgrade in July. Maybe the Pro will be announced by then. The 2g ram is most appealing to me because PDF rendering needs the boost. I also have a mini for use as an e-reader, and love them both. I sell or pass on older versions, so everybody's happy. But I should have kept my 10 shares of Apple stock from years ago...

I'm nursing my mid-2010 MBP along, gave it 8g RAM and a larger hard drive last year. I like the matte screen and the DVD capability, and so far it's doing the job (mostly writing). In a year I may have to think about a new MBP...

 

[Zwhaler]

Can't be bothered. This has reminded me how irritating buying Apple products is. QC is shameful.

I'd advise doing it for longevity.

 

[CalMin]

Ok so I ended up deciding against upgrading my iPad 3 to an iPad Air 2 and would love to hear the opinions of people in the same boat...

I feel even though it is (much) faster, which is very tempting don't get me wrong, it is still an iPad! Just like all the top reviewers have said, other than being faster it doesn't do anything different!

I can't believe I'm turning down 2GB of ram and the A8X as I've been waiting for this day for such a long time, but it just feels like to little to late! What incentive is there for someone with an iPad 3 or later to pay all that money to upgrade to an Air 2 other than speed improvements and reduction is size and weight!?

At the end of the day, the hardware of the Air 2 is great but what good is it with the same old limited os. iOS 8 is seriously holding back the iPad line! And to be honest... It has got old.

How do you all feel about it? What would you like to see software wise that would entice you to lay out more cash on a newer iPad?

I was in the same boat as you. I felt like my 3 was getting laggy with iOS 8.1 so made the call to upgrade. However, I took a left turn and while trying to decide how much to sell my old iPad for on Craigslit, I found last years iPad Air 64gb for $350 in mint condition. That's a huge upgrade to my 3 at substantially less than a new Air 2.

I'm delighted. For those of you still on a 3rd generation, even light use makes the upgrade worthwhile. The 3rd gen feels like a brick in comparison and the iOS 8 experience is subpar.

 

[klover]

Did You Decide Against Upgrading To The Air 2 And Why??

I did. Until I picked one up at store. Sold my Air that afternoon.

As a display snob, the bonded panel and its boosted contrast was almost enough to convinced. The speed boost sold me.