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I got the 13" iPad Air on Wednesday and the only thing I really wish it had is face ID. Otherwise, wanting a 13" iPad for years, but never being able to justify the price, this is perfect for my needs and wants. I highly recommend it for those who can get by without ProMotion or not needing the OLED screen on the Pro models.

I go back and forth on which I prefer on iPads. (have a Mini + 12.9 Pro). Yes, TID sometimes means moving your hand away from the screen, but it also works when I'm not looking directly at the iPad.
 
My primary iPad is a 5th Generation 12.9" Pro. I love it. I got the original 12.9" Pro because I wanted the bigger screen and between these two, the 11" seems small. Doing a quick comparison online, it seems the new 13" Air is basically the 5th Gen Pro, but with an M2 instead of M1. Yes, there are a few other minor differences, but nothing that stood out for me. The new Pro is way too much iPad for me, but so is the one I have now. With what they introduced, it's basically allowing me to wait another year or two before making a change as the 13" Air would not be an upgrade and 13" Pro would be unnecessary (as much as I would love to have it).
 
Curious how this compares to previous gen Pros. I only bought the 13" iPad Pro's because of the screen size, but the 2nd and 4th gen devices I have are getting a bit old now. Saying that, I'm curious with how this will affect the used market as I got both my devices for 60% off from new 1 generation back.
 
Sorry if this is a stupid question, but why only an M2 and not M3? I would think that simplifying the lineup (so moving to just M3 & M4, instead of M2, M3 & M4) would help with economies of scale or something.
My bet would be that Apple will want to keep M3 use low because it’s a transitional node, more expensive and with worse yields than M2s or M4s
 
My bet would be that Apple will want to keep M3 use low because it’s a transitional node, more expensive and with worse yields than M2s or M4s

This is also why the rumors that the iPhone 16 models will all use A18 this time, rather than the non-Pros getting the trickle-down A17 Pro, holds water - A17 Pro will probably still be more expensive to make than binned A18s will be.
 
Hey! I really love Macrumors and the videos, but the colors are not dull! I love that baby blue, dream of it since it released! 🥰
 
The Air seems to have the same engine (RAM, M2, cores, etc.) as the prior M2 iPad Pro, but without ProMotion, Mini-LED screen, FaceID, etc. I just got a mint-condition M2 12.9" iPad Pro on eBay ($700 with AppleCare+) - still waiting for it to arrive, but I'm expecting to be very happy with it. Is there anything I'm overlooking with this approach? Seems to be a "better" version of the new Air, keeping many of the iPad Pro bells and whistles at a better price.
 
First time in a long time I’m actually considering an iPad and this might be the one I get. I’m a bit let down by the artificial limitations the OS still has (hopefully we’ll see something next month) and the odd design choices considering it would cost next to nothing for higher refresh screen and Face ID. Moreover, being stuck with the older Magic Keyboard is a bit of a let down.
I’m going to wait until next month before deciding to pull the trigger.
Prepare to be let down with WWDC as it relates to iPadOS. Apple has a long history of the trickle- down effect with app ability.
 
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This thing is completely let down by the keyboard. It has no function keys, has a camera hole that doesn’t fit camera design, tiny trackpad.

I was ready to buy, but I just can’t with that keyboard. Even the base iPad gets function keys.
 
Prepare to be let down with WWDC as it relates to iPadOS. Apple has a long history of the tricks down effect with app ability.
100% I’m not holding my breath. My guess is they may have some changes that might be interesting but I don’t think iPadOS will blow me out of the water.
Here’s hoping the calculator app, placing apps anywhere on the home screen, more interaction with widgets, a plethora of subscription based features, additional “locking into the ecosystem” features, with some sprinkling of AI won’t be it. Sadly, I think I’ve pretty much covered it.
 
I can’t speak for the 5th gen, but the new Air has been a very noticeable QoL improvement over the 4th gen and priors. Nothing different about it physically. But software, especially Safari, is noticeably snappier. I‘ll chalk this up to not just the cpu but the extra ram.
Completely agree. It’s actually quite surprising how much faster the new Air is compared to the 4th gen. I needed a new iPad for the battery, but I’m very happy with the speed improvements as well.
 
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I can use Word on a $699 MBA M1, why would anyone buy a $7199 loaded out MBP16?
Very strange comment. Some people just don't understand do they. The fully loaded Mac can do more because Mac OS allows you to utilise the hardware. The top end iPad can't really, outside some very very niche use cases.
 
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Do you guys are / have young college students?
If so, what in your opinion would be better (11-in vs 13-in)?
I want to give one to my HS Senior and I'm wondering if the 13 is not too big, too inconvenient...
Thanks 🙂
 
Do you guys are / have young college students?
If so, what in your opinion would be better (11-in vs 13-in)?
I want to give one to my HS Senior and I'm wondering if the 13 is not too big, too inconvenient...
Thanks 🙂
I’ve got a junior in high school and he’s been using a 11” - I’m rounding up from the 10.9” - for about two years. So far, so good.
If I were you, I’d consider some of the following things:

- will the iPad be the only device used in college for notes, writing essays, researching, collaborating, etc.? Or will they also have a laptop also?

- would they connect the iPad to an external monitor to mimic a desktop setup? If yes, maybe the 11 would suffice

- have they mentioned a preference previously for which one they prefer 11 or 13? If not, ask in a random discussion hey! You seen the new iPads?! I really like the 11! I think it’s amazing! Go from there.

- also consider the price of any accessories you may want to get like a keyboard. Larger screen equals more money spent on accessories

Let us know which one you get!
 
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Im considering getting either an M2 Air or M2 iPad Pro (if discounted enough) to upgrade my 4th Gen Air, as i can then just use my current Magic Keyboard. I was set to get a MBA M3, but to be honest i can do literally 90% of my desktop tasks on an iPad and MK, so this will save me money also.
 
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