All iPads Have you downgraded from a pro? If so, to what?

[ssledoux]

I posted a few weeks ago because I was considering selling my iPP and basically just living life with my phone and iMac - just trying to pare down my tech.

I realized that, while I probably don't NEED an iPad, I really do use one enough to justify it, and it comes in very handy!

However, what I do now on my iPad really doesn't warrant owning a pro. I actually have my pro for sale, and am going forward for the time being with a 6th gen (already had). I'll use it for the few things I can't use my iMac for (digital planning, note writing, playing a couple games), and I'm sure useful things like reading Facebook occasionally, looking at Pinterest - ya know the critical stuff.

My iMac will get more use now. I'll peruse the forums, and read/respond to emails and stuff on here instead of my iPad since I don't have the keyboard (and I don't love the onscreen ones for typing things of length). I'll be using it for the work things I couldn't do on my iPad (hence the need for an iMac), and for the photo organizing and bookmaking I want to do.

All in all, I feel like it's a smarter setup for me - I still have an iPad, but don't feel like it's an irrational expense.

Have you downgraded from a pro? Did you regret it?

 

[rui no onna]

Recently got a 256GB LTE Air 3 for Logitech Crayon support and as backup to my 512GB LTE Pro 10.5 (battery not so good). I miss the flashlight on occasion but other than that, it doesn't feel like a downgrade at all.

 

[Crooks]

I had the Pro for a while, but ended up selling it because I wasnt using it. I ended up just getting the base iPad during Black Friday sales. Does everything I need it for.

 

[ssledoux]

Recently got a 256GB LTE Air 3 for Logitech Crayon support and as backup to my 512GB LTE Pro 10.5 (battery not so good). I miss the flashlight on occasion but other than that, it doesn't feel like a downgrade at all.

I'm using the Logitech crayon also. It made sense for me to keep that over my pencil 2 anyway because my grandkids could all use it on their devices as well. For what I use a "pencil" for, it's just fine!

 

[bobsamm]

No way i'd be going back to a smaller screen from 11", home button, back light bleed, big bezels, no pro motion, for what after selling and buying a cheaper iPad a few hundred $$ lol.

 

[ssledoux]

No way i'd be going back to a smaller screen from 11", home button, back light bleed, big bezels, no pro motion, for what after selling and buying a cheaper iPad a few hundred $$ lol.

Well I already have the 6th gen, and for what I do with it, it's truly not a huge/noticeable difference in performance.

 

[xxray]

I suggest the same thing that was suggested in your last thread: try hiding the iPad Pro away for a week or two and see how you manage going iPad 6 only.

I will say, it might be smart to keep your Pro since you’re often trying to optimize your setup/workflow. It gives you some leeway if you decide to go mostly iPad again. However, if you dont think that’s likely, obviously you could save some money and redundancy if you are ok with selling the Pro and keeping the 6 as your main/only iPad.

 

[AutomaticApple]

No way i'd be going back to a smaller screen from 11", home button, back light bleed, big bezels, no pro motion, for what after selling and buying a cheaper iPad a few hundred $$ lol.

Yeah, I'd never do so either.

 

[kazmac]

I tried with the Air 3 but family surprised me with an 11" iPP last week, and I finally see why people prefer the 3rd gen Pros.

 

[Hym tix]

Well I already have the 6th gen, and for what I do with it, it's truly not a huge/noticeable difference in performance.

I don’t think there’s anything anyone can say here that should convince you in either direction. If you currently have both an iPad Pro and a 6th gen iPad, you can compare the two and see exactly how each performs for your needs and usage. And you can take as long as you want to compare then decide.

If you just are curious what others decided when in your situation (which really should have zero impact on your decision) I personally would not go back from iPP, just because of screen quality and speaker quality. Its not about the statistics on paper.

Try this: if you have an hour to sit in the garden and read a book or Apple News, take both devices, use each for 30 minutes in exact same spot, same lighting. Is the non-Pro good enough ?

Then try this: watch a movie on Netflix in one sitting, using the built-in speakers. Swap devices every 30 minutes. Is the non-Pro just fine?

Some people (like me) might find the differences in quality to be great enough to never want to go back from Pro. Other people might not really notice or care... thats really up to you to decide ;-)

And you’ll want to do this type of comparison for all of your big usage activities. I’ve just listed the two that make the most difference for me.

 

[ssledoux]

I tried with the Air 3 but family surprised me with an 11" iPP last week, and I finally see why people prefer the 3rd gen Pros.

They are definitely awesome! I just don't personally use mine for anything where it makes a big difference. I think the only thing I'll really miss is the keyboard, but I'm using my iMac for most of the things that require lengthy typing.

 

[kazmac]

They are definitely awesome! I just don't personally use mine for anything where it makes a big difference. I think the only thing I'll really miss is the keyboard, but I'm using my iMac for most of the things that require lengthy typing.

With lengthy typing, a better keyboard is a must, so I think you're doing the right thing. The regular iPads, the Air and the Mini are very good. For my art though, the Pro seems to work best for me.

 

[urkel]

Have you downgraded from a pro? Did you regret it?

Actually, the iPad Pro made me downgrade my Mac and my iPhone.



I love the iPad but I completely understand someone not needing an iPad Pro. IMO, Apple hasnt done much to distinguish the “Pro” side of the product. There’s no ”Pro” features or “Pro” software like Final Cut or Aperture. And even iMovie/Photos has failed to evolve beyond basic phone-level abilities. So if the general experience of ‘Pro” vs “Basic” is so similar then I can easily see how someone could dismiss the high-end side and view it as nothing but a “big iPhone”. And if thats the case, selling it while resale values are high makes sense.

 

[ssledoux]

Actually, the iPad Pro made me downgrade my Mac and my iPhone.

Mac: Over the years Ive noticed my Mac usage dwindling to a degree that my MacBook has become a single task tool. I turn it on for heavy video editing and turn it off immediately.

iPhone: At first my iPhone started stealing my Mac time. Mail, Text, Social etc were conveniently at arms reach at all times.

iPad: At first it was a novelty but once the Smart Keyboard came out then everything changed. Computers felt bulky and Phones felt small. And the Pencil unlocked a creative hobby that I abandoned in my childhood.


So now iPads are pretty much my default tech device and I no longer feel a need for upgrading my Mac/iPhone.


Anyway, I love the iPad but I completely understand someone not needing an iPad Pro. IMO, Apple hasnt done much to distinguish the “Pro” side of the product. There’s no ”Pro” features or “Pro” software like Final Cut or Aperture. And even iMovie/Photos has failed to evolve beyond basic phone-level abilities. So if the general experience of ‘Pro” vs “Basic” is so similar then I can easily see how someone could dismiss the high-end side and view it as nothing but a “big iPhone”. And if thats the case, selling it while resale values are high makes sense.

Well that happened with me initially. I ditched my iMac completely after some time with my 1st gen pro. I sold my 2nd gen pro months ahead of the 3rd gen release and used a 6th gen iPad to hold me over. I wound up still being able to do almost everything I needed, so I didn't even pick up the 11" pro til January last year, and it was an absolutely perfect device for sure!

However, I wound up having to get an iMac again for several reasons (just those few things I could not do on an iPad no matter what, and I dislike laptops), and ultimately found I really didn't NEED an iPad at all, so I just felt like the pro was overkill, and knew there was someone out there who will likely do a lot more with it than I.

So I'm back to the 6th gen, and the only thing I'm thinking is if I'm still satisfied with it after a few months, I'll maybe upgrade myself to the 7th gen so I can have a darn keyboard. ;-p

 

[muzzy996]

Based on that last comment regarding possibly upgrading to 7th gen iPad to get keyboard support - clearly you're not done with iPads so to me just keep the pro and get rid of the 6th gen. The pro is clearly the better of the three, AND you already own it . . skip the 7 altogether.

 

[bobsamm]

Some people just cant help themselves swapping up or down Apple products, i have been there myself, it's a problem.

My iMac 27" is 4 years old and just had the screen replaced for pink tinge for the 2nd time yesterday under warranty. When it dies i will just go iPad only. Not paying $3.5k here for another one.

 

[pedregosa]

Some people just cant help themselves swapping up or down Apple products, i have been there myself, it's a problem.

That is very true. I have been there myself, as well, so I recognize it in others. The OP used to post fervently in favor of the IPP replacing the Mac. Been there, done that (in terms of flipping). All of that said, I think it would not, in the abstract, make any sense to sell a functioning IPP in order to buy a new lower-spec non-Pro model simply in order to get the product line-up that, at this very moment, you characterize as optimum (especially if the chances are you will want something different in a few months because you basically have a never-ending urge to struggle continually with choice-of-device demons). Unless, maybe, somehow the economic cost of doing so reduces device anxiety for a while and that relief is worth the price.

 

[ssledoux]

That is very true. I have been there myself, as well, so I recognize it in others. The OP used to post fervently in favor of the IPP replacing the Mac. Been there, done that (in terms of flipping). All of that said, I think it would not, in the abstract, make any sense to sell a functioning IPP in order to buy a new lower-spec non-Pro model simply in order to get the product line-up that, at this very moment, you characterize as optimum (especially if the chances are you will want something different in a few months because you basically have a never-ending urge to struggle continually with choice-of-device demons). Unless, maybe, somehow the economic cost of doing so reduces device anxiety for a while and that relief is worth the price.

Yes, I did, and for over 2 years that worked very well for me. In fact, I was able to do pretty much everything on the base iPad; just purchased the pro because, since it was my main device, I wanted it to be the best it could be - why not?

However, I have a job that gave me the opportunity to do a lot of my work from home and it required purchasing a Desktop (or laptop, but I dont like using laptops). At that point, I began to use my iPad more for just social media and a couple games and my iMac for a lot of what I previously did on the iPad. If I’m already at my desk working, I might as well check and Respond to emails, type correspondence, etc.

If I were in the position from 13 months ago, and I had no iMac, I’d have no qualms about having a $1000 iPP, but to play a game and read Facebook, I just feel like it’s overkill.
[automerge]1579961976[/automerge]

Some people just cant help themselves swapping up or down Apple products, i have been there myself, it's a problem.

My iMac 27" is 4 years old and just had the screen replaced for pink tinge for the 2nd time yesterday under warranty. When it dies i will just go iPad only. Not paying $3.5k here for another one.

Well, I did have that struggle a bit when I ditched the iMac a few years ago, but it was an older device, and I wasn’t using it. And obviously now I’m there because I feel like having the iPP is overkill for my iPad needs. Yeah, I guess I’m trying to find a good balance, but I don’t really see it as a problem since I’ve only done it a couple times over the course of 10 years or so. (well, I guess 3 if you count buying and trying to find a use for the mini, but returning it because I couldn’t justify having it - it’s just so dang cute)

 

[ssledoux]

Based on that last comment regarding possibly upgrading to 7th gen iPad to get keyboard support - clearly you're not done with iPads so to me just keep the pro and get rid of the 6th gen. The pro is clearly the better of the three, AND you already own it . . skip the 7 altogether.

IDK if I’ll ever be done with iPads, and idk if I’ll get a 7th gen. Im gonna try sticking with the 6th gen a while.

 

[sracer]

I've converted from a 12.9 iPad Pro to the 6th gen iPad. I kept the Pencil (but traded the 12.9 iPP). Even though I pushed the 12.9 Pro to its limits, I am able to do all of those things on the 6th gen... and being more portable and lighter, I find myself using it even more than the larger Pro and taking it places I wouldn't take the 12.9 Pro.

It was a no-brainer for me because I'm not a spec hound that will lose sleep because my iPad doesn't have pro-motion and 4 speakers. I don't freak out because I went from a laminated display to the non-laminated on the 6th gen. My new tech gear are tools first, toys second. (I have vintage hardware like older ThinkPads which are toys first, and tools second) In that regard, the 6th gen is fine. It is also fine for the "toy" aspect.

Breaking out of Apple's preferred customer mindset has been very freeing. (even though I was never fully "in" it) Enjoyment level up and cost is down...way down. I saved most of the savings, but direct the rest to getting more good deals on gadgets. 😅

 

[ssledoux]

I've converted from a 12.9 iPad Pro to the 6th gen iPad. I kept the Pencil (but traded the 12.9 iPP). Even though I pushed the 12.9 Pro to its limits, I am able to do all of those things on the 6th gen... and being more portable and lighter, I find myself using it even more than the larger Pro and taking it places I wouldn't take the 12.9 Pro.

It was a no-brainer for me because I'm not a spec hound that will lose sleep because my iPad doesn't have pro-motion and 4 speakers. I don't freak out because I went from a laminated display to the non-laminated on the 6th gen. My new tech gear are tools first, toys second. (I have vintage hardware like older ThinkPads which are toys first, and tools second) In that regard, the 6th gen is fine. It is also fine for the "toy" aspect.

Breaking out of Apple's preferred customer mindset has been very freeing. (even though I was never fully "in" it) Enjoyment level up and cost is down...way down. I saved most of the savings, but direct the rest to getting more good deals on gadgets. 😅

Yeah I wish I would've just kept the 6th last year when I went to the pro. I mean sure it was a super nice device, but since I wound up having to get the Mac a couple months later, I've never gotten enough use out of the pro to make it worth money spent. That said, selling it did bring more than selling the 6th gen, which is nice because my grandson's mini 4 battery just bit the dust, so it looks like a replacement for him will be in order.

 

[Closingracer]

No way i'd be going back to a smaller screen from 11", home button, back light bleed, big bezels, no pro motion, for what after selling and buying a cheaper iPad a few hundred $$ lol.

The iPad Pro or any iPad will have some back light bleed .... if you want to have OCD I could find some on mine. It’s LCD.

 

[Closingracer]

If I downgraded it would be for the Air 3. But tbh I use my iPad Pro 11 mostly for content consumption which I like the speakers and all screen it offers. That’s the reason why I spend $739 for mine. And with the capacity of the iPad Air 256 at $649 and I got the 512gb iPad Pro 11 for $739 I just got that. The non laminated display would annoy me not because of the feel but I hated playing the display game wanting one with no dust under the glass like I did with various Air 1 I bought.

 

[ssledoux]

If I downgraded it would be for the Air 3. But tbh I use my iPad Pro 11 mostly for content consumption which I like the speakers and all screen it offers. That’s the reason why I spend $739 for mine. And with the capacity of the iPad Air 256 at $649 and I got the 512gb iPad Pro 11 for $739 I just got that. The non laminated display would annoy me not because of the feel but I hated playing the display game wanting one with no dust under the glass like I did with various Air 1 I bought.

I actually bought my grandson an Air 3, and it definitely is a nice device. I did think about trying to persuade him to trade. I wonder what I'd have to throw in to sweeten the deal. ;-p

 

[Aydy]

I too downgraded from 12.9 (3rd gen). I originally owned the 10.5 pro but had started buying Into the hype of the 3rd gen. I assumed I was upgrading in every way from my 10.5 but the reality was actually quite a let down. Other than faceID, USB C and the difference in physical dimension, the 3rd gen performed pretty much identical to my 2nd gen.

Because I’d paid so much for the 3rd gen I ended up kinda resenting that it wasn’t much better than my older pro. Also, I didn’t get along with the size and FaciID wasn’t for me (on iPad) so I ended up going back to my 2nd gen & since they both share a similar feature set & performance, the switch was much easier. My wallet was significantly plumped & I've not missed a thing or regretted my decision one bit.