Upgrade Air 2 to 9.7 iPad Pro?

[Poob Bubes]

I traded in my Air 1 32GB to Amazon for $235. I just bought a mint Air 2 64GB on Swappa for $360. I was planning on getting the new iPad but since I need more than 32GB, I can't justify the extra $400+ for the new 128GB model. I mainly use the iPad for media consumption.

 

[thadoggfather]

^ good move, air2 is beast

as always, ill consider upgrading. but doubt it, i dont really want 128 either, and 32 seems lame for a brand new device and going from my 64 air2,

also jailbroken



but hopefully 9.3 gets jailbreak soon, wanna update my devices regardless

i could prolly sell my air2 what i paid for it, around 400

still i dunno that i want to fork over for things i may or may not care about in practice

 

[nylon]

Air 2 still has low memory issues. Hopefully this has the higher amount of ram that the big Pro does.

 

[iMas70]

I've been going back and forth with this. At first I said "definitely". Now I'm not sure. I currently have the 64GB cellular version of the iPad Air 2. It works great. Why would I want to upgrade? I like having the newest technology, more processing power and a better camera? But, will I notice a difference! I use mine for email, internet, FaceTime once in awhile and playing Real Racing 3. I like the 4 speakers but I'd hardly use them. The other features are nice but I don't need them. I'd be spending about $1K with tax for the 128GB cellular version with a smart case. I didn't think I could get the $400-$500 for mine but from previous posts, it looks like I could (includes a Smart Cover). So I'd still be paying about $500.00. Hum...

 

[Apples n' Stone]

^ good move, air2 is beast

as always, ill consider upgrading. but doubt it, i dont really want 128 either, and 32 seems lame for a brand new device and going from my 64 air2,

also jailbroken



but hopefully 9.3 gets jailbreak soon, wanna update my devices regardless

i could prolly sell my air2 what i paid for it, around 400

still i dunno that i want to fork over for things i may or may not care about in practice

Pretty much the same scenario, I might give mine to my Dad as he likes the colour but really can't be sure if it's the hype machine talking or if I actually want this upgrade. I suppose the other one to consider is will the life cycle return to annual or continue as longer... Either way it's not cheap but we're not new to that xD

 

[Cakefish]

Air 2 still has low memory issues. Hopefully this has the higher amount of ram that the big Pro does.

Does it? I haven't encountered this on mine but maybe I'm not using intensive enough apps. I only really use it to browse the web in Safari (with lots of tabs open) and watch YouTube/BBC iPlayer/Now TV/Netflix, stream music via Google Play Music, shop on Amazon app and browse Facebook now and then.

 

[akdj]

The 4K video alone is worth the upgrade. The display is a newer panel. IPad Pro A9X although lower clock speeds. The speakers are now 4x. The LTE bands are now supported (Band 12) - and LTE Advanced supported. Aside from these new hardware updates, the only thing they gimped on is the USB 2.0 interface.

Other than those things it's a much better iPad than the IPad AIR 2.

While I agree, it'll be an update to the Air2, 'much better' (I've got the Air2, trying hard not to be impulsive, as we've also got the iPP ) may be subjective, and a bit - well, let's just say that Air2's still a righteous weapon in th hands of her owner {you're right, for a couple reasons you named, the display... And the 4x speakers you mention, they're a phenomenal addition to the iPP, actually 'usable' and functional!}

Performance on my Air 2 hasn't really been an issue either. I suppose the reasoning for me might be to have newer features like Hey Siri, improved display, faster CPU and graphics, 4 speakers. I'm not really sure I'd ever use the pencil though or the keyboard for that matter.

You've got 'Hey Siri' on your Air2. D/L the 9.3 update ...if you've not yet [if you've not, you don't yet , will soon]

This is the best iPad ever made. It is better in every conceivable way to iPad Air 2. It should be a nobrainer upgrade for everyone.

? Huh ? --

I am interested in reading the reviews to check if this complaint for Air 2 is in the past:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/6738006?tstart=0

I remember that was THE reason for me not having bought the Air 2 at the time and replacing my old 4th generation model.

Since all iPADs are imported here, the final price is going to be REALLY EXPENSIVE....

.....For me, aside from all other improvements already discussed, I am particularly interested in it for being thinner and lighter.

Really? A page and a ½ of folks mainly calling out, disagreeing completely, and begging for some evidence from the OP about a true 'non, never was an -issue? Yikes, the last 18 months could've been a more enjoyable period without such depth of speculation bro! If it's broken, they'll fix and/or return your cash!

Air 2 still has low memory issues. Hopefully this has the higher amount of ram that the big Pro does.

Now we're getting silly and I will shut up
A) I own the Air 2, your statement is patently false and
B) I own/am aware of the fact the 'big Big Pro' has = 4GB (2 in Air 2)
C) Why it's silly. It won't have >4GB of RAM. IF you need 8GB, buy yerself a 'puter bro!

Crazy. Silly silly peeps.
Today's iPad announcement was killer and as an Air 2 owner I'll have to practice restraint. I'm 45 this year and I've never been good at iOS restraint
Wish me luck. & 2 all that do buy one, good call

As an iPad Pro owner since November, I can honestly say that the speakers alone will blow your mind. Anything that improves the display, as it's what the iPad 'is' ...is a Big Deal and self calibration along with Night Shift which I've enjoyed through the public beta, are game changers. If there's 4GG of RAM on the 9X, this is a helluva tablet ...as Phil (I believe? Now not sure who said the line ...think Schiller though) said, "the best invention Apple has made, The 'Pencil''.
He's correct. I'm addicted to my Pencil and you can forget the keyboard. The former, mandatory.

 

[Cakefish]

The more I think about it the more I think I would be wiser to wait until next year's refresh to upgrade from my 128GB Air 2. I'm happy with the way it performs on iOS 9.3 so why fix what ain't broke?

Of course, the answer to that is my obsession with having the latest and greatest tech but I must show restraint. Air 2 is still a great tablet, even if it only has 2 speakers on one side.

 

[Sheza]

When the iPad Pro was announced the only thing I cared about was the Apple Pencil, as I only really use my iPad for occasional media consumption and highlighting PDFs of textbooks, case reports etc for my degree. So to be able to get all that in a 9.7 inch form factor like my iPad Air 2... it's incredibly tempting, however I don't think I can afford it, even with a like-new iPad Air 2!

One thing I would like to see is if Apple have fixed the thin LCD screen problem that the Air 2 had - where you pressed on certain points and the screen would warp.

 

[s2mikey]

Not sure this time around, last few I jumped as soon as the new iPads came out.
I want need a new laptop,(mac air).
New iPad will be dependent on what best buy offers. If they do a decent trade in again and the post office movers coupon might look at another 128g.

I have an Air 1 and Best Buy will certainly be a factor in helping push me along to upgrading. Oh yeah, the screen and chassis vibrations must NOT be a problem as they were on the Air 2. That's another big factor for me.

 

[borgusio]

Same doubts here. I sold my iPad air one week ago for 400 EUR in order to either buy a cheaper iPad air2 or an iPad Pro 9,7.

I use the iPad mostly for media consumption, emails, some videogames and office on the go.
32 GB were enough for me on the iPad air, as I have no photos on it. However, from time to time it was full, so I am considering the 64 GB version.

Now, due to the high price point of the iPad Pro I may tend to choose the iPad Air 2. This is the pricing:
- iPad Air 2 64 GB: 659 EUR
- iPad Pro 128 GB: 939 EUR + Apple Pencil = 1.038 EUR

Therefore, there is a 40 % price difference between the two (!!)

The advantages of the iPad pro:
- More precise pencil (I own a pencil for the iPad air and I am quite satisfied, but I would be happy to use the new one)
- Stereo sound (nice to have, I own a blouetooth speaker that normally I pair with my iPad air)
- 4 GB Ram (a must, however coming from the ipad air even the 2 GB of the air 2 would be ok?)

Coming from the iPad air, I will benefit from the 2GB ram of the iPad Air 2 already. Given that iPad Air 2 can be found new on ebay, for round about 550 EUR, it means that the iPad Pro would cost me twice as much as the air.

It sounds to me like nonsensical to go for the new pro at this price point, but I will wait a couple of days before I take my decision. Happy to hear your opinion

 

[pixelements]

Well, you don't buy the pencil with the Air 2, so why would you buy it with the Pro? Just because there is a possibility to use it? If you don't need it, don't buy it. You already saved 100 €. Personally, I'm owning an iPad Air 2 (well, I'm selling it at the moment) and going for the iPad Pro. It pisses me off, that I have to buy the 128GB version, since I'm usually fine with 64GB, but yea..

Other than that, I can't stand the vibrations of the Air 2, comming out of the boxes, starting at 40% of the volume. I hope the 4 speakers are going to improve that The hardware is also very impressive and the Air 2 is getting old. Don't get me wrong, I had this tablet for 1,5 years and I loved it (besides the vibrating sound). But if you have the opportunity, go for the Pro and leave out the pencil

 

[AlliFlowers]

They are identical in size and weight. Have a look here.

Done, and done. I may go with the cellular model this time.

 

[GDF]

Never have experienced low memory issues in my Air 2.

Air 2 still has low memory issues. Hopefully this has the higher amount of ram that the big Pro does.

 

[cg006]

I think for IOS10 apple is going to push the boundaries of the 2GB ram on the older devices. Their line up is ready for some big changes. I really hope IOS10 brings some huge changes to the table. I got an Air2 64. Now i am debating to go ipp 9'7 LTE or 12'9 w LTE (loving those huge price drops on ebay/swappa).

 

[jbachandouris]

I sold my Air 2 already and after yesterday, I'm not sure what I'm buying.

Clearanced Air 2 or a full size IPP as the sale prices make the IPP a better value.

Or maybe I'll wait for the 9.7 IPP to go on sale...

Decisions decisions.

 

[pgolik]

The decision algorithm is actually quite simple. If you need/want the pencil and new accessories (the ones that require the smart connector), upgrade to the pro. If your main concern is performance, you'll be fine staying with the Air 2 for another generation at least. If, however, one plans to upgrade from an even earlier iPad, and plans to keep the new purchase for a few years, then the pro is a safer bet, assuming it has 4GB RAM like the big brother. It's not so much about CPU and GPU (the ones in the Air 2 will be still fine for some time), but given how Apple optimize their software these days, I'm afraid 2GB will soon become limiting for simple things (like Safari) in iOS10 or 11. Next generations of iOS will be written to fully utilize the capabilities of current flagship devices, and the previous generation will suffer. So, I'll be buying a 9.7" pro, not the cheaper Air 2, but if I already had the Air 2, I'd stay with it for a while.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I've upgraded every year except iPad 3 to 4. I'm holding off this time b/c at best I can net $350 for my 64GB Air2 LTE. My out of pocket difference would be $529 ($629 including a pencil). I'm still OK with my Air 2 for that kind of money. If we see some good sales I might be enticed.

I really think Apple made a poor strategic mistake, not with bumping up the price per se, but by not including 64GB at the standard storage. The 32 is too small for me, the 128 is too expensive. Apple's decision here will do nothing to revive iPad popularity.

 

[patseguin]

While I agree, it'll be an update to the Air2, 'much better' (I've got the Air2, trying hard not to be impulsive, as we've also got the iPP ) may be subjective, and a bit - well, let's just say that Air2's still a righteous weapon in th hands of her owner {you're right, for a couple reasons you named, the display... And the 4x speakers you mention, they're a phenomenal addition to the iPP, actually 'usable' and functional!}



You've got 'Hey Siri' on your Air2. D/L the 9.3 update ...if you've not yet [if you've not, you don't yet , will soon]

I wish you were right, but you're not. You need the A9X for Hey Siri. I did test it this morning and it doesn't work, unless plugged in of course.
[doublepost=1458652089][/doublepost]

I've upgraded every year except iPad 3 to 4. I'm holding off this time b/c at best I can net $350 for my 64GB Air2 LTE. My out of pocket difference would be $529 ($629 including a pencil). I'm still OK with my Air 2 for that kind of money. If we see some good sales I might be enticed.

I really think Apple made a poor strategic mistake, not with bumping up the price per se, but by not including 64GB at the standard storage. The 32 is too small for me, the 128 is too expensive. Apple's decision here will do nothing to revive iPad popularity.

You raise good points both with the differential in the Air 2 sale price and the lack of 64GB. I've always gone max on my iPads and my Air 2 is no exception at 128GB. However, I thought I might save a little money since I don't use all of it but low and behold they don't offer 64GB anymore.

Still though, Apple seems to have this ability to add just enough to a new product to make impulsive people like me not able to resist.

Still thinking about it...

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I
Still though, Apple seems to have this ability to add just enough to a new product to make impulsive people like me not able to resist.

Me too except this time. There is a price that even impulse stops and thinks. I would have clicked the buy button for a $729 64GB LTE in a flash b/c the pencil intrigues me. But my conscience would never forgive me for spending $1K (including pencil) on a tablet, especially with the horrific resale prices of iPads compared to Macs. As expensive as iPads already were the Pro 9.7's cost/benefit is too heavily skewed toward cost in my mind.

So I think Apple was too clever by half here. They will sell a lot of Pro 9.7's but they also alienated a lot of would-be upgraders, and over what -- 32GB of freaking storage space! That's a few extra dimes for a lot more dollars. Either that or Apple lost its pricing power for components.

 

[Kendo]

This is the first time I'm not tempted with a new iPad. The iPad Pro offers nothing extra if you have no use for the Pencil. The A8X is thankfully still not underpowered so I will give the Air 2 a go for one more year. The Air 2 is definitely the first iDevice where I wasn't immediately drawn to the more powerful chip because the current one is still fast.

 

[DJTJ]

So here is my dilemma. I have a work issued ipad air, 16gb, and its full. And its always bitching at me its full. And I'm sick of it. I was holding out until yesterday's announcement but now im torn!

Do I get a year and a half old ipad air 2 (64 gig) for $609
or the new ipad pro 9.7 (128 gb) for $999

Is it really worth $400 more? All i really do is surf and play games. send the odd email.

I'm kinda worried if I grab the air 2 now, that in 6 months there's going to be an update

So what do I do? Besides turn my 16gb air into a frisbee lol

 

[driftless]

I have an iPad Air, I will be pre-ordering the 256 GB version.

 

[ohsnap]

I'm waiting for 3D Touch to come to iPad. Maybe next year then.

 

[Azzin]

I've just moved from an Air 1 to a 12.9" Pro if that helps?