Which iPad to Get?

[pkahleeb]

Hello,

My wife has an iPad mini 3 and I have the original iPad Air. Both are starting to feel a bit sluggish on iOS 10 so we are thinking of upgrading and giving our old devices to our kids who are stuck with an iPad mini 2 and an ancient iPad 3.

MacRumors posted a story today about new iPads probably not coming until the Spring. With how infrequent we upgrade iPads, do you think it would be better to wait for the next round of updates or jump into something that exists today?

I think my wife will probably drop the mini for a larger screen and I was eyeing the 12" Pro model.

Edit: to change iPaid Air 2 to iPad mini 2. The kid is not going to have a better iPad than his mom or dad!

 

[Night Spring]

Depends on how frustrated you are feeling with your current iPads. Personally, I'd wait, and buy the next iPads as soon as they are released. Buying soon after release is the best way to get the most life out of devices. But if your current iPads are really frustrating you, then the additional time might not be worth the frustration.

 

[isanka]

I will also wait for the new release.

 

[pkahleeb]

I will also wait for the new release.

Depends on how frustrated you are feeling with your current iPads. Personally, I'd wait, and buy the next iPads as soon as they are released. Buying soon after release is the best way to get the most life out of devices. But if your current iPads are really frustrating you, then the additional time might not be worth the frustration.

Yeah, this is what I was afraid would be suggested. I just knew that they would update at least the 12" Pro this fall. Figures they might wait when I assumed it! The wife wants the kids to get our iPads and us to move to new ones as theirs are VERY SLOW. I will say, using iOS 10 on an original iPad Air isn't exactly a good experience though. Most of the time, I would rather use my iPhone 7 Plus or jump on the Mac to surf or check email because of how slow it is.

(Thankfully, the kids don't have phones to notice the slowness)

 

[Night Spring]

who are stuck with an iPad Air 2 and an ancient iPad 3.

Wait, is this correct that one of your kids has an Air2? If so, switch iPads with your kid, the Air2 is pretty good on iOS 10.

 

[pkahleeb]

Wait, is this correct that one of your kids has an Air2? If so, switch iPads with your kid, the Air2 is pretty good on iOS 10.

Good catch. I edited the original post. That particular kid has an iPad mini 2. This is also the last time we ever get an iPad with the lowest storage option. 16 GB (and even 32GB) aren't enough.

 

[Night Spring]

Good catch. I edited the original post. That particular kid has an iPad mini 2. This is also the last time we ever get an iPad with the lowest storage option. 16 GB (and even 32GB) aren't enough.

Okay, that makes more sense!

The current 12.9 iPad Pro is a great machine, and likely to give you at least two more years of good performance, but the next gen should have TrueTone, and likely some other new features we haven't even thought of. So if you can hold out, I'd wait, but not if you are tearing your hair out in frustration.

 

[theatremusician]

I'm finding the latest version of iOS 10 to be every bit as fast as iOS 9 on my iPad Mini 2. Perhaps the initial day 1 release was slow (I waited until the current point release to upgrade), but the current version is just fine (although I don't care for pressing the home button to unlock).

 

[pkahleeb]

Okay, that makes more sense!

The current 12.9 iPad Pro is a great machine, and likely to give you at least two more years of good performance, but the next gen should have TrueTone, and likely some other new features we haven't even thought of. So if you can hold out, I'd wait, but not if you are tearing your hair out in frustration.

It definitely might be worth it to wait. I normally use my iPad to stream videos in bed. It is too slow to use it for anything else compared to the iPhone 7 Plus in my pocket. I hear that the new iPhone 7 Plus is even faster than the current 12.9 iPad Pro.

I'm finding the latest version of iOS 10 to be every bit as fast as iOS 9 on my iPad Mini 2. Perhaps the initial day 1 release was slow (I waited until the current point release to upgrade), but the current version is just fine (although I don't care for pressing the home button to unlock).

The user of the iPad mini 2 is a 4 year old. His brother, who is 7, somehow got stuck with the iPad 3. The mini 2 was bought off craigslist and was not in the best shape--plus it is only 16 GB. So he never has space for games.

Pro-Tip: If buying an iPad for kids, always get the middle option at the least! This will save you later on

I haven't upgraded the kids to iOS 10 yet. Will definitely be wrestling with space on the 16GB model to even do the upgrade.

I am at a loss what to do. Leaning towards waiting and appreciate all the feedback I am getting here! You guys are the best!!

 

[mildocjr]

I've had an iPad 3, an iPad Air, and an iPad Pro w/ Apple Pencil. The iPad is a good device all around but think about what you'll be using it for.

The iPad Pro 12.9 is a great device, it has great sound quality (but I've yet to watch a movie on it). The Apple Pencil is a must if you plan on drawing or for extensive notes where third party styluses don't cut it. If it's too big or you travel a lot, get the smaller iPad Pro, it's a nice device and seems to have replaced the iPad Air 2.

If you are looking to cut costs, I'd suggest the iPad Air 2, it's quick and is great for traveling. You probably won't get as much life out of it as you would the smaller iPad Pro in terms of iOS updates, but it should get you through.

If you are just using the iPad for reading, get an iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini depending on how much screen real-estate you need. The iPad Pro 12.9 is good for full featured educational books, but that's about it, it's too big for the standard books and you'll have a much better experience on the smaller models.

 

[pkahleeb]

I've had an iPad 3, an iPad Air, and an iPad Pro w/ Apple Pencil. The iPad is a good device all around but think about what you'll be using it for.

The iPad Pro 12.9 is a great device, it has great sound quality (but I've yet to watch a movie on it). The Apple Pencil is a must if you plan on drawing or for extensive notes where third party styluses don't cut it. If it's too big or you travel a lot, get the smaller iPad Pro, it's a nice device and seems to have replaced the iPad Air 2.

If you are looking to cut costs, I'd suggest the iPad Air 2, it's quick and is great for traveling. You probably won't get as much life out of it as you would the smaller iPad Pro in terms of iOS updates, but it should get you through.

If you are just using the iPad for reading, get an iPad Air 2 or iPad Mini depending on how much screen real-estate you need. The iPad Pro 12.9 is good for full featured educational books, but that's about it, it's too big for the standard books and you'll have a much better experience on the smaller models.

Great feedback! I am currently on the original iPad Air and my 7 year old will be getting this device. I use it primarily at home to watch movies in bed or as a couch computer. I used to take my iPad with me a lot. This has changed in recent years as our phones have increased in size. So I am thinking the big 12.9 iPad Pro may suit my needs best.

My wife went with the iPad mini 3 originally as an upgrade to a different iPad. She wanted something small and portable. Since she also primarily only uses it at home, and mainly to watch TV Shows, she is thinking of the 9.7 or whatever 10" model there is this time around.

Its crazy how before the iPad was around, we never watch TV off a TV.

 

[mildocjr]

Great feedback! I am currently on the original iPad Air and my 7 year old will be getting this device. I use it primarily at home to watch movies in bed or as a couch computer. I used to take my iPad with me a lot. This has changed in recent years as our phones have increased in size. So I am thinking the big 12.9 iPad Pro may suit my needs best.

My wife went with the iPad mini 3 originally as an upgrade to a different iPad. She wanted something small and portable. Since she also primarily only uses it at home, and mainly to watch TV Shows, she is thinking of the 9.7 or whatever 10" model there is this time around.

Its crazy how before the iPad was around, we never watch TV off a TV.

I must agree with the others though, wait, the iPad line-up is expected to be upgraded Feb-Apr next year, just a few more months. And it won't hurt too much to muddle through iOS 10 with the other devices, by then you'll be sure to have the latest and greatest for about a year. They do like to upgrade the iPad on a whim when they have better tech so worst case, it's outdated in 6 months but highly unlikely as Apple does have a tick-tock release cycle. The first edition of iPads and this years iPhone is the tick, the second edition (or even numbered generation) iPads, 'S' model iPhones are the tock.

The tick is new features/design.
The tock is performance boosts.

 

[hungx]

By the way, the mini 2 uses the same processor as the mini 3 and the Air 1, so he won't see any increase in speed by upgrading from a mini 2.

 

[pkahleeb]

By the way, the mini 2 uses the same processor as the mini 3 and the Air 1, so he won't see any increase in speed by upgrading from a mini 2.

The little one will be getting a Mini 3. The big difference is he won't have 16GB of space and can actually install some games to play. Remember folks, NEVER NEVER buy an entry level size for a kid for any device that you can't upgrade the storage on.

What changes have they made on the latest mini? Aren't they on the 4th revision now? I know my wife's mini 3 can't access the 5 ghz wifi frequencies which is annoying.

 

[iOSpecialist]

There is no speed difference between the iPad mini 2 and 3 as they have the same A7 chip. Just thought I'd let you know that the iPad mini 2 should not be slower than the mini 3 at all.

 

[joeblow7777]

Yeah, the Mini 3 is literally a Mini 2 with TouchID. No upgrade at all other than that.

Mini 4 has a faster processor, double the RAM, a better display, better camera, and is thinner and lighter.

Rumour has it that new iPads are coming in the spring though.

 

[rgarjr]

Yeah, the Mini 3 is literally a Minor 2 with TouchID. No upgrade at all other than that.

Yeah reminds me of what a ridiculous and lazy upgrade that was.

 

[pkahleeb]

I personally have never had Touch ID on an iPad. So I assume all current iPad models have it now? Next thing I know, I will be pulling out my new 12.9" iPad Pro to use Apple Pay for lunch

 

[joeblow7777]

I personally have never had Touch ID on an iPad. So I assume all current iPad models have it now? Next thing I know, I will be pulling out my new 12.9" iPad Pro to use Apple Pay for lunch

LOL. Yeah, the Air and Mini 2 were the last iPads to not have TouchID. However, iPads only support Apple Pay for online/appstore purchases, probably to prevent that ridiculous scene of someone waving their tablet above the terminal.

 

[pkahleeb]

LOL. Yeah, the Air and Mini 2 were the last iPads to not have TouchID. However, iPads only support Apple Pay for online/appstore purchases, probably to prevent that ridiculous scene of someone waving their tablet above the terminal.

Probably for the best. It is bad enough when I see people try to use iPads as cameras. The cameras in these tablets are laughable at best.

I can understand why Apple doesn't invest in better rear cameras but maybe they should upgrade the front camera for facetime?

 

[pika2000]

I would try to do some spring cleaning first. Uninstall apps that you don't use anymore, backup to iTunes, and then try a restore. If you don't have that much data, you can restore the iPad as new, and see if you still feel the sluggishness.

Probably for the best. It is bad enough when I see people try to use iPads as cameras. The cameras in these tablets are laughable at best.

I can understand why Apple doesn't invest in better rear cameras but maybe they should upgrade the front camera for facetime?

The 9.7" iPad Pro has the same camera as the iPhone 6S, with 4K recording as well. There is a reason why people are using iPads as cameras, because it's easier to have the iPad screen as a viewfinder vs squinting your eye trying to see the tiny screens of most cameras.

 

[pkahleeb]

I would try to do some spring cleaning first. Uninstall apps that you don't use anymore, backup to iTunes, and then try a restore. If you don't have that much data, you can restore the iPad as new, and see if you still feel the sluggishness.


The 9.7" iPad Pro has the same camera as the iPhone 6S, with 4K recording as well. There is a reason why people are using iPads as cameras, because it's easier to have the iPad screen as a viewfinder vs squinting your eye trying to see the tiny screens of most cameras.

I wasn't aware that the 9.7" iPad Pro had that good of a camera. The other models don't seem to offer that level of quality though.

 

[joeblow7777]

Probably for the best. It is bad enough when I see people try to use iPads as cameras. The cameras in these tablets are laughable at best.

I can understand why Apple doesn't invest in better rear cameras but maybe they should upgrade the front camera for facetime?

The cameras have actually gotten better. The Mini 4, Air 2, and 12.9" Pro have 8MP rear cameras, which is the same as the iPhone 6, and the 9.7" Pro has a 12MP camera like the 6s.