iPad Pro iPad Pro 2017 vs 2018? Advice needed.

[WillyDiddly]

Hello,
I want to buy an iPad Pro and I need your help to decide.

The short version: I am deciding between:

1. iPad Pro 2017 12.9' - used for 711$ including Apple Pencil and a keyboard (Logitech)
2. iPad Pro 2017 12.9' - new for 1067$ including Apple Pencil
3. iPad Pro 2018 11' - new for 1178$ including Apple Pencil

All versions are 64Gb Wi-Fi only.

The long version:
To help you understand my motivations, I am a guy who loves technology, I am very practical and I don't like buying new versions of the devices every year, I like to buy things that are futureproof so that I can use them for as long as possible. I also don't like being ripped off (cough Apple prices, cough cough)

Now, I am not an Apple user, please do not kill me. I love digital art and that is the reason why I want to buy an iPad Pro. I am not a professional artist but I would like to improve. My aim is to use Procreate and get into the habit of drawing more often. I do not draw very often now, I have a Wacom tablet but I find it inconvenient. For people who draw it is always better to have a bigger display. So now the reasons for each version:

I live in the Czech Republic and as you can see the prices for even the previous generetaion of iPad Pros are astronomical. They will not go down anymore and these are already discounted!! I would love to have a big screen so the 12.9 inch version would be the best.
However, the difference in price between the 12.9 iPP 2017 and the 11 iPP 2018 is not that big. I would sacrifice screen size for a faster machine and better pencil. But it is still a lot of money. The 12.9 iPP 2018 is just ridiculously expensive so I do not even consider that.

Even though I love the big screen I am somehow reluctant to buy a year old iPad, considering how much money it still costs and I am not sure how futureproof that will be. Also, last week I went into an Apple store where I tried to draw in Procreate on the 10.5 2017 version and to my big surprise the pencil had like a 1-2 seconds lag. I don't know what could have caused it, I know the 2017 iPP do not normally lag. But I really do not want to spend so much money on something that will end up lagging like that.

A few days ago I found a guy who is selling his 8 months old iPad Pro 12.9 2017 for a good price, claims it is in perfect condition. I am very tempted to buy it but I am a bit sceptical about buying things second hand, even though there is still more than a year of warranty. My thinking is that the battery cycles are already reduced by who-knows how many which means I would probably need to upgrade or have it changed sooner than a new model, but the price is great. I am a teacher and I really do not have much money at all so it is a big deciding factor for me.

TLDR:

So my questions are the following:

1. What should I look for when I am buying used iPads anyway, except for the obvious cracks and scratches and screen issues? To make sure I didn't buy something really bad.
2. Since the prices in my country are so high is it worth investing into an old model when the price difference between the old and new isn't that big? (12.9 2017 vs 11 2018)
3. Is worth buying a used version? The price is good, but what about the lifespan of a used device the possibility of the device slowing down after some time, either on its own or by Apple (ehm..) I want to buy something that will last for as long as possible. I don't want to buy one device now and another one a year later or something like that.

Thank you very much for any kind of advice.

 

[JP913]

As a professional artist myself, ultimately, it’s not WHAT you use by HOW you use it.

In this case, that 2017 12.9 version is probably your best best for the cost, especially if you’re just starting to dip your toes back into the sand when it comes to drawing.

I used the gen 1 iPad Pro until this fall with no issues. Procreate is a wonderful app and it’s super fast, even on the older iPad Pro’s. I’ve done work for Mad Magazine and Rick & Morty on the original Pro with no issues, so the 2017 should be just fine!

The different between the Pencils is only in how they charge.

Start with the 2017 model, and then upgrade in a couple years when you’re a more seasoned artist!

 

[Silver Idaten]

As much as I love my Pro 11, I would go for the 2017 12.9 here.

 

[WillyDiddly]

In this case, that 2017 12.9 version is probably your best best for the cost, especially if you’re just starting to dip your toes back into the sand when it comes to drawing.

Thank you for your input, much appreciated. Would you recommend to buy a new one or the used one?

As much as I love my Pro 11, I would go for the 2017 12.9 here.

Thank you. What are your reasons for that? Also, would you get a new one or a used one?



Also a big question: will the iOs13 be on the 2017 iPad Pros? I am not familiar with Apple's updates policy.

 

[Silver Idaten]

Thank you for your input, much appreciated. Would you recommend to buy a new one or the used one?




Thank you. What are your reasons for that? Also, would you get a new one or a used one?



Also a big question: will the iOs13 be on the 2017 iPad Pros? I am not familiar with Apple's updates policy.

I would go for the used one and save $300, but only after examining the pictures carefully. It will get iOS 13.

 

[Greenmeenie]

As an artist myself, you can’t go wrong with any of these. I did go with the 11” size myself...not for price but for portability because i travel a lot. The 11” is also closer to the size travel sketchbook i use. I do prefer the new pencil as well for the way it charges and the double tap feature, but in the end, these are just conveniences, and both pencils function equally well.

Seems like your preference is leaning towards the 12.9” screen size, so i say go with your gut. Wether new or used, both 12.9” are from the same year, so why not go with the used one, and save some money? If you absolutely have to buy new, i’d go for the 11”...but thats just me.

The main thing you seem to want to use it for is to practice your art. I think for $711 including pencil, that is a great way to get started. It’ll be plenty powerful for procreate, and I am sure you will get a lot out of it.

If you do prefer the 12.9” another reason to go with the used one is that it also comes with the keyboard. The 2017 12.9” is quite large and hard to type with your thumbs while holding it. If you plan to type at all...it makes sense to get a keyboard. So Yup. Go with the used 12.9”, pencil & keyboard. It’s a good deal.

* As others have said, definitely check out the used one in person if you can before buying. Especially if you are buying from someone you don’t know. Aside from the obvious cracks or scratches...check the screen brightness and for any dead pixels. Also look at the battery level. Use it if you can for a bit and see if it goes down too quickly. Of course check out the apple pencil too. Plug it into the ipad to see if it charges as well. Play some music or video to hear the speakers. Little things like that. If you know the person you are buying it from, thats even better.

** Yes, the 2017 ipad pro will definitely work with iOS13

 

[Freakonomics101]

Thank you for your input, much appreciated. Would you recommend to buy a new one or the used one?

Have you looked into a refurbished one on Apple’s website. They come with a one year warranty, just like new ones do. Refurbs are cheaper. A great alternative with Swappa.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Have you looked into a refurbished one on Apple’s website. They come with a one year warranty, just like new ones do. Refurbs are cheaper. A great alternative with Swappa.

This is true. A refurbished 64 gig wifi only 2017 ipad pro is currently priced at $679 on the Apple website. Of course that is without the pencil or keyboard...but it might give the OP peace of mind if they don’t get a good feeling about the seller of that used ipad.

 

[sosumi99]

To help you understand my motivations, I am a guy who loves technology, I am very practical and I don't like buying new versions of the devices every year, I like to buy things that are futureproof so that I can use them for as long as possible. I also don't like being ripped off (cough Apple prices, cough cough)

The used iPad Pro 2017 is your best bet here.

However, given your concerns about the pricing of Apple products, I’m afraid that none of these would really work for you. Apple charges a premium for small, thoughtful improvements that are not going to show up in the spec sheet. However, whether you find these to be worth the money is highly, very highly subjective. For instance, they boast about the Pencil’s awesome refresh rate and tracking, but there are many artists I know who don’t find the Pencil superior to the S-Pen or the Surface Pen. I believe that Apple gear is best for people who genuinely find the little things that Apple bothers with (but which no one else cares about) to be helpful to them and their style of work.

Unless you have tried the Pencil and ProCreate and find it to be such a superior drawing experience that you can’t imagine using something else, I would advise you to stay away from Apple gear altogether. I’m afraid you just won’t feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. Look into Samsung’s Tab and try the S-Pen to see if you find it satisfactory. You’ll save a lot of money if so.

 

[Silver Idaten]

Have you looked into a refurbished one on Apple’s website. They come with a one year warranty, just like new ones do. Refurbs are cheaper. A great alternative with Swappa.

Not only that, but I believe you can buy AppleCare on it and be covered for an additional year just like a new one. Not a bad deal.

 

[JP913]

Thank you for your input, much appreciated. Would you recommend to buy a new one or the used one?

Go with the used one.

Again, you’re just getting started, and you might find out that drawing is more of a hobby than a true passion, in which case you won’t need the suped up 2018 models and the 2017 model will work for what you want to do!

Or, maybe you find out that drawing is your life, you make huge strides, you can’t imagine a world in which you don’t draw! At that point, I would suggest you dig your heels in and get something that can help take you to that next level. Is that the 2018 models? Maybe the 2020 ones?

Or maybe you find out that drawing digitally isn’t your thing, in which case, you’ll be happy you didn’t spend the extra cash on getting something you won’t use regularly. Then you can use that saved money on pens and paper and canvases or whatever!

I was very pleased and happy with the first gen iPad Pro I had. But, I had the lowest tier version, and I needed more hard drive space for my files. Plus, I had it for a couple years and found out that I prefer it to working on any Wacom I’ve ever used! So I went all in with the 2018 model, and I’m sure it’ll last me a couple years until I need to upgrade again.

Anyway, like I said before, it’s not what you use it’s how you use it, and there’s plenty of professional artists using the 1st gen iPad Pro just fine, so grab and iPad and get to work!

 

[WillyDiddly]

Thank you all for your advice.
It would seem that the used iPad from the last year is the preferred choice of all of you so I think I will listen to your advice and get it. I have contacted the seller but so far with no reply. Hopefully he is still selling it. If not I will be back to square 1 .

As I said, I am a practical person and there is no point in spending big money on something that doesn't even have a working file manager, can't create a folder, support external disks or have a headphone jack. Maybe in the future when Apple decides to do things right. I have looked at the Surface Pros, but the cheaper versions are slowish and again, I do not want to spend so much money on something I do not really need that much. It is just for a hobby.
The 64Gb version is a little concern but I will have to manage somehow.

If you have any other advice on what to look for before paying for the used one please let me know. I have to remember to make sure the fingerprint reader is disabled or I won't get into it I guess.

So again, thank you all and if I'm out of luck with the used one, I will be back.

 

[aevan]

The used iPad Pro 2017 is your best bet here.

However, given your concerns about the pricing of Apple products, I’m afraid that none of these would really work for you. Apple charges a premium for small, thoughtful improvements that are not going to show up in the spec sheet. However, whether you find these to be worth the money is highly, very highly subjective. For instance, they boast about the Pencil’s awesome refresh rate and tracking, but there are many artists I know who don’t find the Pencil superior to the S-Pen or the Surface Pen. I believe that Apple gear is best for people who genuinely find the little things that Apple bothers with (but which no one else cares about) to be helpful to them and their style of work.

Unless you have tried the Pencil and ProCreate and find it to be such a superior drawing experience that you can’t imagine using something else, I would advise you to stay away from Apple gear altogether. I’m afraid you just won’t feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. Look into Samsung’s Tab and try the S-Pen to see if you find it satisfactory. You’ll save a lot of money if so.

I’m sorry, but at the risk of being called an Apple fanboy - I will tell you that Samsung Tab isn’t even close to iPad when it comes to art.

First of all - software. Android just doesn’t have powerful drawing software, nothing like Procreate, Clip Studio Paint and Affinity apps. And it won’t get Photoshop and - for artists even better - Adobe Gemini next year. And not to mention beautiful ‘casual’ art apps like Linea. For pros and casual users - nothing beats iOS apps.

Second - while Samsung Tab does use Wacom tech, it can’t compare to Apple Pencil for art. It is good, but Pencil is a lot better. Pencil can even stand head to head with Wacom Pro Pen styluses (which are premium EMR styluses), and even is better then them in many ways - let alone AES styluses used on devices like Samsung Tab.

I’d say that if you don’t need 3D apps like Zbrush or Blender - iPad Pro even beats traditional desktop computers when it comes to art and illustration.

Third - even the rest of it is not comparable, really. Android just doesn’t take advantage of tablets that well and, more importantly, the apps are not even close. iPad has some of the best designed and thought out apps on any platform. From productivity and creative apps to media and entertainment - nothing beats an iPad in tablet space.

There are situations where a non-Apple alternative can be just as good or even better. A PC can be better than a Mac for certain tasks and is certainly less expensive, if nothing else. Also, there are Android phones that are polished and offer good experiences for those that don’t like (or don’t want to pay for) iPhones. But in tablet space - it really is no contest. And in art space - the difference is even greater.

So, OP, if you’re looking for a device - any device - for digital illustration, nothing beats an iPad currently. Even a regular iPad (the latest generation) with an Apple Pencil is a great choice.

Finally, my suggestion: I guess I’d go for the 2017 12.9 if illustration is my primary focus. But if you feel drawn to the shiny new, beautiful 11” - go for that, it will be great too.
[doublepost=1546206630][/doublepost]

Thank you all for your advice.
The 64Gb version is a little concern but I will have to manage somehow.

Don’t worry - unless you plan on storing a lot of media on the device, 64Gb will be quite fine for illustration apps and all yout art documents.

Don’t worry about file management either. Files will get the job done and once you get used to iOS way of doing things (just keep an open mind) - you will be creating art with no hindrance.

It really is the best tool for art. Forget headphone jack lovers and Apple haters - this is coming from someone who tried everything from Cintiqs and Intuoses to Surfaces and Huion tablets, and who’s been working in the industry for a decade - nothing beats the iPad for illustration.

 

[DragonX]

Being myself a victim of "touchgate" issue where new iPad Pro 2017 stops reacting on touches randomly I highly recommend you to test any used iPads you were gonna buy. I heard that some 2018's are also affected so it's better to test them in the store as well. The issue shows itself after some time of usage - screen stops reacting on your touches for a couple of seconds. Just test your iPad thoroughly before buying it.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Being myself a victim of "touchgate" issue where new iPad Pro 2017 stops reacting on touches randomly I highly recommend you to test any used iPads you were gonna buy. I heard that some 2018's are also affected so it's better to test them in the store as well. The issue shows itself after some time of usage - screen stops reacting on your touches for a couple of seconds. Just test your iPad thoroughly before buying it.

All the more reason to go with a refurbished 2017 12.9” 64gig wifi iPP at apples online store for $675 instead of buying used from someone you don’t know. The pencil will cost you extra, but at least that way you’re covered.

 

[WillyDiddly]

It really is the best tool for art. Forget headphone jack lovers and Apple haters - this is coming from someone who tried everything from Cintiqs and Intuoses to Surfaces and Huion tablets, and who’s been working in the industry for a decade - nothing beats the iPad for illustration.

Thank you for your extensive post I really apreciate it.
Let me tell you something about myself. I am not a fan of Apple and I know saying that in here is ballsy but whatever. This is not a topic to discuss Apple as a company but I will just say that I do not like their business practices and monetization of absolutely everything possible. I used an iPhone for a year (it wasn't mine it was a work phone) and I didn't like it at all. It was unintuitive, clumsy and I couldn't do simple tasks on it. I do not like iOs, because in my opinion devices should make your life easier and iOs does the opposite. But nevermind that. With all my dislike towards Apple and iOs I have to admit that in the tablet market they have no competition. And it is exactly as you said. The apps are great and Android doesn't invest into making such polished apps and Android has also given up on tablets. So even though I am an Android user myself and it is my preferred system (although definitely not perfect) I am willing to admit that Apple is the better product here.
But all that aside, I'm just a guy who likes to draw digitally and I would like to own something that will allow me to do that and I chose iPad. It is just a shame that everything is so expensive. Imagine how many more talented people might have started drawing if iPads were cheaper. But that's a conversation for another thread.

And thanks

Being myself a victim of "touchgate" issue where new iPad Pro 2017 stops reacting on touches randomly I highly recommend you to test any used iPads you were gonna buy.

I will definitely try that. Another thing I have noticed in the store when testing the iPP 2017 is that when I opened procreate with just 1 layer and tried the pencil it had like a 1 second lag on all the lines. Don't know why but I will test that as well with the used one.

 

[Greenmeenie]

To the OP...keep in mind, you can also get the 10.5” wifi ipad pro with 64gigs on Apple’s refurbished site for only $549. Add the pencil for $99 and it’s less than the used 12.9” you were thinking of getting from a stranger. Plus you’d have Apple warranty.

Also, have you considered the regular 2018 ipad for $329? It’s not a “pro” and doesnt have the 120hz refresh rate with the apple pencil...BUT it does have the A10x chip and i have seen many youtube reviews by artists who say it’s totally fine for drawing with no noticable lag. Could be a very economical choice for you to just get started drawing on an ipad. They will be updating this ipad probably in March...with a larger 10.5” display if you believe the rumors.

 

[DragonX]

All the more reason to go with a refurbished 2017 12.9” 64gig wifi iPP at apples online store for $675 instead of buying used from someone you don’t know. The pencil will cost you extra, but at least that way you’re covered.

Maybe I'm unlucky but maybe the touchgate is spreading - I got refurbished from Apple store as a replacement - same issue with the touch. So it's better to test them anywhere.

I will definitely try that. Another thing I have noticed in the store when testing the iPP 2017 is that when I opened procreate with just 1 layer and tried the pencil it had like a 1 second lag on all the lines. Don't know why but I will test that as well with the used one.

Yeah, when you experience the touchgate pencil may lag as well.

 

[WillyDiddly]

I have looked into this option as well but I do not necessarily want to buy the cheapest thing and need to upgrade it shortly after, also I like bigger screens. But I know you can draw on the standard version of iPad just as well.

The refubrished stuff is a little problematic as I cannot get it in my own country so I would have to have it shipped from another country and the cost of that plus the pencil would be just a little difference from a new one so I think it would not be worth it. But I have looked into that option as well, thank you for pointing it out.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I have looked into this option as well but I do not necessarily want to buy the cheapest thing and need to upgrade it shortly after, also I like bigger screens. But I know you can draw on the standard version of iPad just as well.

The refubrished stuff is a little problematic as I cannot get it in my own country so I would have to have it shipped from another country and the cost of that plus the pencil would be just a little difference from a new one so I think it would not be worth it. But I have looked into that option as well, thank you for pointing it out.

Ah i see. What country you in?

 

[WillyDiddly]

Ah i see. What country you in?

I live in the Czech Republic. It is next to Germany. The closest country with refubrished iPads would probably be the UK. So having it sent from over there would be too much of a hassle and I would rather get a new one then.
Btw, you said you are an artist, do you not find the 11 inch a bit small, having to zoom in and out all the time? Just wondering, cause most artists like bigger canvas, but I see you said you travel a lot so it makes sense.

 

[Greenmeenie]

I live in the Czech Republic. It is next to Germany. The closest country with refubrished iPads would probably be the UK. So having it sent from over there would be too much of a hassle and I would rather get a new one then.
Btw, you said you are an artist, do you not find the 11 inch a bit small, having to zoom in and out all the time? Just wondering, cause most artists like bigger canvas, but I see you said you travel a lot so it makes sense.

Thats a good question! You’re right, most artists do choose the 12.9”. It definitely was a tough choice. But interestingly enough, it wasn’t about zooming. Yes, the 12.9” screen is big & beautiful, but if you watch youtube videos of artists, even they zoom in & out while using the 12.9”. Being able to zoom in and out quickly is one of the benefits of using an ipad for art. So having to zoom in & out on the 11” alittle more didn’t bother me at all.

The 12.9” is actually almost the size of an A4 sketchbook, probably the most popular sketchbook size for artists. The 11” however is slightly larger than an A5 sketchbook, which happens to be my favorite sketchbook size. Especially when traveling, which i do a lot. I think if i didn’t travel as much, i may have been swayed by the 12.9”.

But i do, and in the end, the 11” was just more tablet like which i prefer than a desktop feel. It was easier for me to hold with one hand while drawing. Easier to type on with my thumbs in portrait & even landscape(i dont use a keyboard with my ipads). So thats what ultimately won me over. It was a size i was already used to for drawing. Plus it is also great for editing photos & videos while on the road.

Both sizes are great for artists to create on tho! You can’t go wrong with either one.

 

[aevan]

Thank you for your extensive post I really apreciate it.
Let me tell you something about myself. I am not a fan of Apple and I know saying that in here is ballsy but whatever. This is not a topic to discuss Apple as a company but I will just say that I do not like their business practices and monetization of absolutely everything possible. I used an iPhone for a year (it wasn't mine it was a work phone) and I didn't like it at all. It was unintuitive, clumsy and I couldn't do simple tasks on it. I do not like iOs, because in my opinion devices should make your life easier and iOs does the opposite. But nevermind that. With all my dislike towards Apple and iOs I have to admit that in the tablet market they have no competition. And it is exactly as you said. The apps are great and Android doesn't invest into making such polished apps and Android has also given up on tablets. So even though I am an Android user myself and it is my preferred system (although definitely not perfect) I am willing to admit that Apple is the better product here.
But all that aside, I'm just a guy who likes to draw digitally and I would like to own something that will allow me to do that and I chose iPad. It is just a shame that everything is so expensive. Imagine how many more talented people might have started drawing if iPads were cheaper. But that's a conversation for another thread.

And thanks


I will definitely try that. Another thing I have noticed in the store when testing the iPP 2017 is that when I opened procreate with just 1 layer and tried the pencil it had like a 1 second lag on all the lines. Don't know why but I will test that as well with the used one.

There should definitely be no lag in Procreate, it is completely lag free even on first generation of iPad Pros. Not sure what the case is there, but the response time is instantaneous, and ProMotion on 2nd and 3rd gen iPad Pros takes it even further in terms of smoothness.

As for your dislike of Apple, don’t know what to tell you. I have a similar dislike towards Google, but would have no problems with using their products if they suited me (a Pixel phone, for example). So I hope it works out for you.

 

[MacDonaldTrump]

I am inspired to pick up my new Ipad 12.9 just because i want to use it. This has lead me to just start doodling/creating. Since I have owned this Ipad I have sketched out thoughts that would otherwise be left to float around my head, I think the iPad has been a great asset to my creative flow.
Either the old or new I think would have made me work my ideas more, perhaps (maybe) the love of having the newest and wanting to put it through its paces has lead me to use it more, plus as an artist possibly thinking of resale value may be of note. When you need to eat, I think the new will hold value a little better if you have to sell.

I find no lag at all with procreate, great app.

 

[theprophe]

i also live in the Czech Republic and the used prices are too high, you can buy them much cheaper on eBay Germany, and if they don’t ship to CZ then get a German warehouse and they will reship it for you, I use znemecka. My mom will buy one for me in canada snd bring it when she visits, it will be 8500kc cheaper then buying here