Which 9.7 Inch iPad Should I Buy?

[RyanC1384]

I'm in the market for an iPad and was wondering what people here thought about the decision.

I'm really just looking for a supplementary item to go along with my new 2017 MacBook Pro 13" with TB.

This would be for lounging, travel, and mostly browsing / movie watching.

Money is really not an issue but I don't need a bunch of power and won't need a keyboard or use the Apple Pen.

12.9 inch is too big and 7.9 inch is too small.

Which iPad is best?

 

[pika2000]

Find a refurbished Air 2. It is lighter than the current A9 iPad (excellent for a travel companion) , and the A8X is plenty for your intended usage.

I would avoid the 9.7" Pro. Imo if you want to spend that much, might as well get the new 10.5.

 

[CatherineVeraGat]

Get the 2016 iPad. It has 32GB or 128GB of onboard storage. ($329,$429)

 

[RyanC1384]

I was thinking of a cheap Air 2 with 32gb or splurging for the 10.5 Pro to ensure that it isn't bogged down with IOS 11

 

[44267547]

I was thinking of a cheap Air 2 with 32gb or splurging for the 10.5 Pro to ensure that it isn't bogged down with IOS 11

Based on what you said your usages will be, the Air 2 should meet those requirements for basic tasks with movies and internet browsing. It's still supported and mine performs excellent.

 

[RyanC1384]

Based on what you said your usages will be, the Air 2 should meet those requirements for basic tasks with movies and internet browsing. It's still supported and mine performs excellent.

is there any reason I shouldn't get the new 2017 iPad? It's only $329 and appears to get great reviews.

 

[44267547]

is there any reason I shouldn't get the new 2017 iPad? It's only $329 and appears to get great reviews.

Not at all. It's a great iPad. For the price point and what you're receiving, it seems the Air 2 or 2017 9.7 iPad should suit your needs as you mentioned in your first post. The 2017 iPad will likely see longer support with the A9 Processor over the A8X processor with the Air 2.

Also, keep in mind, the 2017 9.7 iPad does not have a laminate display, which could be a concern for reflectivity. The Air 2 incorporates the the laminate display. For some, that's a concern without it.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

Would the Air 2 9.7" have a better screen cause the screen is laminated and has the anti-reflective coating? The current 9.7" (non Pro) one doesn't have that.

 

[44267547]

Would the Air 2 9.7" have a better screen cause the screen is laminated and has the anti-reflective coating? The current 9.7" (non Pro) one doesn't have that.

A laminated display has much reduced internal reflections and with an anti-reflective coating reflections, It assists with reflectivity and improves outdoor picture quality and contrast significantly. It will also make it feel like you are actually touching the display instead of a front glass.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

A laminated display has much reduced internal reflections and with an anti-reflective coating reflections, It assists with reflectivity and improves outdoor picture quality and contrast significantly. It will also make it feel like you are actually touching the display instead of a front glass.

So the new Pro even the Mini would be a better choice screen wise?

 

[44267547]

So the new Pro even the Mini would be a better choice screen wise?

It depends if you can suffice without the laminated display. However, it is a direct advantage having a laminated display for reflectivity with indoor/outdoor lighting. I would rather much have it than not and be in a situation where it affected my viewing experience.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

It depends if you can suffice without the laminated display. However, it is a direct advantage having a laminated display for reflectivity with indoor/outdoor lighting. I would rather much have it than not and be in a situation where it affected my viewing experience.

Yeah true. I'd have to play with the 10.5" Pro to see how it feels in the hand and whatnot. Maybe it would be a worthwhile investment.