iPad iPad Air vs. Wait For New iPad Pro 11?

[CC268]

Hey guys,

I am a corporate pilot and would like to upgrade my iPad soon (I have an iPad mini 4 ha!). My wife has an iPad Pro 12.9" which is amazing, but it is too big for cockpit use.

The iPad Air is very tempting and quite frankly, if it had a 120Hz screen I would buy it today. However, I am wondering if I may be better off waiting for the new iPad Pro 11". I tend to go with the highest model I can buy and then keep it for as long as I can.

Here is my use case:

• ForeFlight (Electronic Flight Bag - Moving Map, Approach Plates, Scratchpad, etc)
• General media usage - movies, books, etc
• Note Taking - writing down clearances, notes for training, etc

I don't plan on doing any video editing, etc. I really enjoy taking electronic notes and I think that is where my worry comes from - having the 60Hz screen instead of the 120Hz screen. The 120Hz screen is just so nice and smooth.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

 

[Phil77354]

Why not get the current 11" iPad Pro? There are several recent discussions here discussing Pro vs Air.

But since you're not in a hurry, and it sounds like you are not if you're comfortable waiting for the new 11" Pro, then the question is not answerable today since we don't know what the specs and features will be for the new Pro.

(As someone who owns the current 11" Pro and did my own Pro vs Air comparison just a few weeks ago, the Pro is a terrific iPad. You said yourself that you prefer the highest model you can buy. You'll be happier with the Pro, trust me!)

 

[AutomaticApple]

Hey guys,

I am a corporate pilot and would like to upgrade my iPad soon (I have an iPad mini 4 ha!). My wife has an iPad Pro 12.9" which is amazing, but it is too big for cockpit use.

The iPad Air is very tempting and quite frankly, if it had a 120Hz screen I would buy it today. However, I am wondering if I may be better off waiting for the new iPad Pro 11". I tend to go with the highest model I can buy and then keep it for as long as I can.

Here is my use case:

• ForeFlight (Electronic Flight Bag - Moving Map, Approach Plates, Scratchpad, etc)
• General media usage - movies, books, etc
• Note Taking - writing down clearances, notes for training, etc

I don't plan on doing any video editing, etc. I really enjoy taking electronic notes and I think that is where my worry comes from - having the 60Hz screen instead of the 120Hz screen. The 120Hz screen is just so nice and smooth.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Definitely get the 11" iPad Pro. It is a purchase that you will not regret.

 

[Tsepz]

Hey guys,

I am a corporate pilot and would like to upgrade my iPad soon (I have an iPad mini 4 ha!). My wife has an iPad Pro 12.9" which is amazing, but it is too big for cockpit use.

The iPad Air is very tempting and quite frankly, if it had a 120Hz screen I would buy it today. However, I am wondering if I may be better off waiting for the new iPad Pro 11". I tend to go with the highest model I can buy and then keep it for as long as I can.

Here is my use case:

• ForeFlight (Electronic Flight Bag - Moving Map, Approach Plates, Scratchpad, etc)
• General media usage - movies, books, etc
• Note Taking - writing down clearances, notes for training, etc

I don't plan on doing any video editing, etc. I really enjoy taking electronic notes and I think that is where my worry comes from - having the 60Hz screen instead of the 120Hz screen. The 120Hz screen is just so nice and smooth.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Get the 11” Pro, you can either get a 2020 11” iPad Pro with 6GB RAM, Dual Camera with LiDAR OR get the 2018 11” iPad Pro 1TB model which comes with 6GB RAM like all the 2020 models do.

Nothing better than using an Apple Pencil 2 on a 120hz screen, it’s buttery smooth.

 

[Jamacfer]

I would suggest waiting until spring...and then get the new Pro 11” or (if none) the Air.

 

[azentropy]

I recently broke the screen on my 2018 iPad Pro 11". I debated fixing it vs. getting the 2020 version vs getting the 2020 Air 4, vs using it with a cracked/shattered screen until the 2021 is released. I decided to go with the iPad Air 4 and will probably get the 2021 iPad Pro 11" (depending on of course what it offers). Mainly because I was considering replacing a 2018 iPad 9.7" with the Air anyway. The iPad Air 4 is supposed to arrive Tuesday so I'll soon see if it was a good choice.

 

[rui no onna]

I recently broke the screen on my 2018 iPad Pro 11". I debated fixing it vs. getting the 2020 version vs getting the 2020 Air 4, vs using it with a cracked/shattered screen until the 2021 is released. I decided to go with the iPad Air 4 and will probably get the 2021 iPad Pro 11" (depending on of course what it offers). Mainly because I was considering replacing a 2018 iPad 9.7" with the Air anyway. The iPad Air 4 is supposed to arrive Tuesday so I'll soon see if it was a good choice.

Lol, this is why I get AC+. I think I'd likely get the screen fixed on the 2018 iPP (1TB cellular) but would be very unhappy with the OOW "repair" cost.

 

[KittyKatta]

I don't plan on doing any video editing, etc. I really enjoy taking electronic notes and I think that is where my worry comes from - having the 60Hz screen instead of the 120Hz screen. The 120Hz screen is just so nice and smooth.

What do you guys think?

We got the Air4 and Pro11 over the holidays and to be honest, very few real world tasks (movies, typing, light gaming) take advantage of ProMotion so the only way for me to actually notice 120hz vs 60hz is by putting the devices side by side and intentionally looking for it (or watching those slo-mo YouTube video comparisons). If anything then I’d say the biggest choice comes between FaceID vs TouchID.

Personally, I’m fine paying extra for Pro but for anyone considering budget then I think the $150 savings would be better spent on accessories (keyboard, pencil, case, AppleCare, AirPods, HomePod, etc).

 

[azentropy]

Lol, this is why I get AC+. I think I'd likely get the screen fixed on the 2018 iPP (1TB cellular) but would be very unhappy with the OOW "repair" cost.

I didn't have AC+, but AC+ would have expired anyway. Broke it at 2 years and 1 month.

 

[rui no onna]

I didn't have AC+, but AC+ would have expired anyway. Broke it at 2 years and 1 month.

They have monthly AC+ now and you can convert the 2-year to monthly after expiration. My plan is to just keep the AC+ and then drop it when I actually like the new devices available.

Granted, $72 potentially wasted per year for the iPad Pros. Personally, I'd rather have that than $700 OOW repair or $1600-1800 with tax for a new device I'm not quite sold on. Besides, not like you'd notice $6 per month.

 

[azentropy]

They have monthly AC+ now and you can convert the 2-year to monthly after expiration. My plan is to just keep the AC+ and then drop it when I actually like the new devices available.

Granted, $72 potentially wasted per year for the iPad Pros. Personally, I'd rather have that than $700 OOW repair or $1600-1800 with tax for a new device I'm not quite sold on. Besides, not like you'd notice $6 per month.

It is all a bet/gamble either way. Even with the loss of this Pro, over the years I'm way ahead of the game by not purchasing AC or AC+ for most of my devices. Typically AC wasn't needed because the CC I use always extends the warranty anyway. I did however add AC+ on the iPad Air 4 I just ordered from Costco (since it was only $54).

 

[Digitalguy]

I would either get the current pro if you find a good price or wait for the next pro. I found a great price on a new 2018 1TB cellular model on a Christmas sale and grabbed it and couldn't be happier. For me pro-motion is not a big deal, but speakers are and the pro ones are better. I wouldn't get the current pro at full price now, but mind you, if you decide to wait, the new pro might not come before September 2021... (if Apple follows the usual 18 months between generations)

 

[daddyd302]

It is all a bet/gamble either way. Even with the loss of this Pro, over the years I'm way ahead of the game by not purchasing AC or AC+ for most of my devices. Typically AC wasn't needed because the CC I use always extends the warranty anyway. I did however add AC+ on the iPad Air 4 I just ordered from Costco (since it was only $54).

Your CC only extends the warranty but if you damage it, that will not be covered.

To the OP, there's no guarantee that a new ipad pro will be released this year. There's rumors every year about an a new ipad coming out and most are false. You can always just go to swappa if you don't want to buy a new one. I recently got a 2020 ipad pro 256G cellular for $800. I was able to buy applecare because the ipad was bought around November by the seller.

 

[Jamacfer]

I would either get the current pro if you find a good price or wait for the next pro. I found a great price on a new 2018 1TB cellular model on a Christmas sale and grabbed it and couldn't be happier. For me pro-motion is not a big deal, but speakers are and the pro ones are better. I wouldn't get the current pro at full price now, but mind you, if you decide to wait, the new pro might not come before September 2021... (if Apple follows the usual 18 months between generations)

The 12.9“ should come in March or April, the 11” we don’t know...

 

[azentropy]

Your CC only extends the warranty but if you damage it, that will not be covered.

Right that is why I differentiated between AC and AC+.

 

[Natzoo]

Your CC only extends the warranty but if you damage it, that will not be covered.

If the Ipad is bent, will it be covered by a CC such as Costco (citi)? I don't see how bending is a user's fault but Apple says it is.

 

[daddyd302]

If the Ipad is bent, will it be covered by a CC such as Costco (citi)? I don't see how bending is a user's fault but Apple says it is.

No that is consider damage and will not be covered even though it's a design flaw. Well a little bent is considered "normal" by Apple. It'll be up to your CC to determine if they will reimburse you.

 

[jb1280]

For original poster, I’d strongly consider the iPad Air. I recently picked up an Air after my wife has had one since launch, and the TouchID implementation is way more reliable than my 12.9” Pro’s FaceID implementation.

Since it seems like you’re using it primarily as a hands-first touch consumption device, the TouchID may be more reliable than FaceID in some environments where your face may be in the wrong position or your hands may be in a position that blocks the sensors.

 

[harleymhs]

I would stay away from the AIR .... All I read about is Light Bleeding and white spots! Have a 2017 10.5 Pro and promotion display is amazing... I just ordered the 11" Pro ... Cant wait! Plus the Air has a fingerprint reader on the Top Right Power/lock button. Not as good as FACE ID on the new pro!

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I would stay away from the AIR .... All I read about is Light Bleeding and white spots! Have a 2017 10.5 Pro and promotion display is amazing... I just ordered the 11" Pro ... Cant wait! Plus the Air has a fingerprint reader on the Top Right Power/lock button. Not as good as FACE ID on the new pro!

I’ve read a lot of reviews with satisfied users of the Air. The TouchID button is one of the things that is attracting me to it over FaceID to be honest. I don’t really want to spend £750+ on a tablet so the Pro loses out in the running based on that alone for me.

 

[Wade-Ammons]

I bought both the Pro and Air models released in 2020 to compare them side by side. I kept the Pro and returned the Air.

I stuck with the 11-inch Pro because: writing with the Apple Pencil 2 was slightly smoother and faster; the microphone and speaker quality were noticeably higher quality--very noticeable during FaceTime; LiDAR makes home remodeling a cinch with my project notes and measurements; and, FaceID was much more convenient to use.

The price difference between the 64GB Air and 128GB Pro was only $100, so it was a no brainer for me.

I could not detect the 2-year old processor being slower on the Pro compared to the Air, although I wish Apple had updated the chip. Also, the Air came in a pretty green color compared to the ubiquitous space gray Pro.

Edit: I should also add that I had the 13-inch Pro model as well. Returned that one because it was too heavy and cumbersome to handle as a tablet... besides, PDFs still look great on the smaller Pro.

 

[snipr125]

I would stay away from the AIR .... All I read about is Light Bleeding and white spots! Have a 2017 10.5 Pro and promotion display is amazing... I just ordered the 11" Pro ... Cant wait! Plus the Air has a fingerprint reader on the Top Right Power/lock button. Not as good as FACE ID on the new pro!

You have to be careful as you are giving false information. There have been some cases of Air 4 units with light bleed, but the white spot issue you are talking about is from the Ipad Air 3 and ironically the Ipad pro 10.5 2017 that you own! They both share the exact same chassis hence why both the Air 3/10.5 Pro have this issue, with the 10.5 Pro exhibiting it the worse due to being older.

 

[Australianapplefan]

I got the 2018 pro 12.9, I’m planning on getting the new mini and upgrade to the 2021 pro

 

[kristalsoldier]

Hey guys,

I am a corporate pilot and would like to upgrade my iPad soon (I have an iPad mini 4 ha!). My wife has an iPad Pro 12.9" which is amazing, but it is too big for cockpit use.

The iPad Air is very tempting and quite frankly, if it had a 120Hz screen I would buy it today. However, I am wondering if I may be better off waiting for the new iPad Pro 11". I tend to go with the highest model I can buy and then keep it for as long as I can.

Here is my use case:

• ForeFlight (Electronic Flight Bag - Moving Map, Approach Plates, Scratchpad, etc)
• General media usage - movies, books, etc
• Note Taking - writing down clearances, notes for training, etc

I don't plan on doing any video editing, etc. I really enjoy taking electronic notes and I think that is where my worry comes from - having the 60Hz screen instead of the 120Hz screen. The 120Hz screen is just so nice and smooth.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Though speculative, the only things that a 2021 11” Pro would bring to the table is the newer processor and a miniLed screen...and a price bump. Would these impact your use of the device? If no, what other reasons may you have for waiting? Also consider, folks here and elsewhere are also speculating that the 11” variant may not survive till next year (something, which I personally think is unlikely, and if it happens, very unwelcome).

 

[Osamede]

Hey guys,

I am a corporate pilot and would like to upgrade my iPad soon (I have an iPad mini 4 ha!). My wife has an iPad Pro 12.9" which is amazing, but it is too big for cockpit use.

The iPad Air is very tempting and quite frankly, if it had a 120Hz screen I would buy it today. However, I am wondering if I may be better off waiting for the new iPad Pro 11". I tend to go with the highest model I can buy and then keep it for as long as I can.

Here is my use case:

• ForeFlight (Electronic Flight Bag - Moving Map, Approach Plates, Scratchpad, etc)
• General media usage - movies, books, etc
• Note Taking - writing down clearances, notes for training, etc

I don't plan on doing any video editing, etc. I really enjoy taking electronic notes and I think that is where my worry comes from - having the 60Hz screen instead of the 120Hz screen. The 120Hz screen is just so nice and smooth.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!

Its a money question.

Should you buy the value item: an Ipad Pro packaged as an "Air", now.......or wait until a new model comes out, resulting in a price hike or dissapearance of your value model, plus an inevitable price point jack for the "best ever" new model, which may - or may not - have 120 hz i.e a nice-to-have but not a must-have?

If the Air does what you need and you have any price sensitivity, I'd buy that one right now and move on.

If you dont really need it at the moment, and can afford the price hiked, they hey wait until when ever it is that the 120h Pro model might come.