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bktpl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 26, 2022
27
3
Hi there. I use macbook m1 air and iphone 13 pro (will swap to new one next year for usbc, even normal model if not pro) and i wanted to buy ipad. BUT i am not sure if i will use it. To use it to work i would need keyboard and cost of Air 4 with keybiard and pen is very high. What i know is my 8yo kid like to paint very much. And i think, ipad could be very good tool for him. But paying a lot of money only for Him to paint may be overkill, and also, He can destroy it accidentaly making overkill x5 :)
is there any model which can be worth to buy with pen for a kid? Will there be a lot of difference with ergonomy of using it, screen, is it the same comfortable to paint on old ipads and new one, pens - how much v2 differ from v1, general feelings of using it. I thought about ipad2 for more or less 50 euro, but it has low version of system. If i would be sure i will use it by myself very often, for example swapping my macbook for it - i would consider to buy expensive ipad4 or wait for new model with 120hz. But i am pretty sure i will not use it much (maybe i am wrong) so maybe cheap one would be good point for us.
Thank You for Your experience.
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,118
12,028
Wait for the iPad 10th gen (rumored to be announced this month). It should have Apple Pencil 2 support while still being affordable.

I find the main practical difference between AP1 and AP2 is convenience. Storage and charging for the AP2 is a lot easier than AP1.
 

bktpl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 26, 2022
27
3
But maybe older ipad model than this /last year or new one?
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,118
12,028
But maybe older ipad model than this /last year or new one?

The iPad 2 is too old and doesn't support Apple Pencil technology and is not particularly suitable for drawing/painting (unless it's just finger painting). App support is also a major issue with something that old.

You don't really save much money on the older versions (5th gen was the first to get Pencil support) and the newer models (at least iPad 8th gen with A12) will last you much longer (providing your kid doesn't break the device or you get monthly AC+).

If you do go with a Lightning-based iPad, look into Apple Pencil alternatives like the Logitech Crayon. Those will work even if you upgrade to USB-C iPads.

Alternately, just give him a sketchbook and pens for now and upgrade him to an iPad when he gets older.
 

darngooddesign

macrumors P6
Jul 4, 2007
16,532
7,476
Atlanta, GA
But maybe older ipad model than this /last year or new one?
Yes. This is a good strategy. Don't spend a lot until you know that your son will stick with iPad drawing/illustrating.

New iPads are rumored to be announced in a month or two. Once they are, there will be more used ones on the market as people upgrade. If you are patient you should be able to find one that comes with a pencil and maybe even a keyboard.
 

bktpl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 26, 2022
27
3
To be honest, i would maybe buy new air ipad, but if it has 120hz. Now it is not worth in my opinion. Beside, macbook air 13 is very "small" and may be used everywhere in my opinion so ipad is not that needed device as it could be.
 

Digitalguy

macrumors 68040
Apr 15, 2019
3,645
3,482
The iPad 2 is too old and doesn't support Apple Pencil technology and is not particularly suitable for drawing/painting (unless it's just finger painting). App support is also a major issue with something that old.

You don't really save much money on the older versions (5th gen was the first to get Pencil support) and the newer models (at least iPad 8th gen with A12) will last you much longer (providing your kid doesn't break the device or you get monthly AC+).

If you do go with a Lightning-based iPad, look into Apple Pencil alternatives like the Logitech Crayon. Those will work even if you upgrade to USB-C iPads.

Alternately, just give him a sketchbook and pens for now and upgrade him to an iPad when he gets older.
Pencil started with the 6th gen iPad. Other than that I fully agree, the savings with going with anything below A12 aren't worth it.
 

TorbenIbsen

macrumors regular
Feb 22, 2021
176
144
If you are so lucky that you can find a used iPad Pro 10.5" that will be quite enough for both the kid and you. I can compare the 10.5" Pro with the current 11" Pro. For most things there is not much difference in real life.
 

TorbenIbsen

macrumors regular
Feb 22, 2021
176
144
Ekstra tip: Have a look at the iPad app "Artrage Vitae". This app can simulate all sorts of classical drawing and painting methods and have an interface which is very intuitive, also for a child.
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,118
12,028
If you are so lucky that you can find a used iPad Pro 10.5" that will be quite enough for both the kid and you. I can compare the 10.5" Pro with the current 11" Pro. For most things there is not much difference in real life.

I'd recommend the basic 10.2" iPad 8th/9th gen over the iPad Pro 10.5" or Air 3.

There are quite a number of reports of white spot and delamination/unresponsive touchscreen on the 10.5" models.
 
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bktpl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 26, 2022
27
3
I'd recommend the basic 10.2" iPad 8th/9th gen over the iPad Pro 10.5" or Air 3.

There are quite a number of reports of white spot and delamination/unresponsive touchscreen on the 10.5" models.
Can You tell me more about differences between 8th and 9th gen (to mostly draw/paint) and sometimes consume www from it?
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,118
12,028
Can You tell me more about differences between 8th and 9th gen (to mostly draw/paint) and sometimes consume www from it?

8th gen has A12/3GB and 9th gen A13/3GB. In practical use, you won't notice a performance difference between the two.

The 8th gen came with 32GB ($329) and 128GB ($479) configurations while the 9th gen came with 64GB ($329) and 256GB ($479) configurations.

Either model is a good choice. However, I highly recommend getting at least 64GB. iPadOS has gotten large enough nowadays that you can barely install apps on 32GB.
 

bktpl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 26, 2022
27
3
Ok, i will read about this models. And not older Air? I think 64 gb can be enough, but on phones i need 128gb (but practical view is not to use it as phone (films, photos).
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,118
12,028
Ok, i will read about this models. And not older Air? I think 64 gb can be enough, but on phones i need 128gb (but practical view is not to use it as phone (films, photos).

Air 3 and Pro 10.5 both have a known design defect.



I consider those ticking time bombs.
 
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