Recommend Me an iPad to Purchase (Higher Spec Old Model or Lower Spec New) ?

[Deactivated] on 10/07/2020 - 14:06
Last edited 21/07/2020 - 11:49 by 1 other user

I'm looking to buy an iPad but just not sure whether to buy a new one that's lower spec or refurbished for around $500 (but with low-ish storage space etc), OR a used one that's older but higher spec. What do people recommend?

And if used - is there somewhere reputable to buy used in the knowledge it won't be a disaster?

Edit: plan to use it for: streaming TV, using as additional display/controller with my Mac Mini, general productivity inc email etc. I think one thing that would help re using it alongside my Mac Mini is if it has support / updates from Apple for a while going forward.

Update from OP 21 July:

I'm going to buy an iPad but just not sure whether to buy for RRP or refurb now, or to wait if there's some sort of cyber/black/freaky frenzy day coming up soon, or a release, or something I will be annoyed I didn't know about. Anything?

Electrical & Electronics Apple Tablet

Comments

  • GG57 on 10/07/2020 - 14:17
    +3

    Wouldn't it depend on what you intend to use the iPad for?

  • jallen89 on 10/07/2020 - 14:25
    +1

    I was in your shoes at the start of the year. I he never had an iPad before so I researched as much as I could and got the iPad Air 3. One of the main reasons is that the display is laminated so there’s no air gap.

    • [Deactivated] on 10/07/2020 - 14:33

      Thanks - what's the benefit of having no air gap?

      • MS Paint on 10/07/2020 - 14:48
        -1

        Less vacuum efficiency

      • jallen89 on 10/07/2020 - 14:53
        +2

        It looks a lot better because the screen is right under the glass whereas there’s a noticeable gap with a non-laminated display. Best way to see the difference is to go to JB or The Good Guys and compare the Pro and Air 3 next to the 7th gen.
        Here’s a photo: https://images.app.goo.gl/4GvoxG8pbw6r8YYj6

  • ashz2ashz on 10/07/2020 - 16:12
    +1

    I would suggest you to go for a new unit as iPads generally last for a long time. Right purchase today would serve you for a longer duration. You may find good deal on refurb or used units but they may not last as long as the latest model which is within your budget. The iPad air I bought in 2014 is still going strong albeit slight lag.
    If you are more focused on productivity, go for a model which supports Apple pencil as several apps require this gadget.
    In case if you decide to go for refurb / used unit, do stay away from iPad Air2 and older devices as most of them are no longer supported by latest iPadOS releases (Air2 being last device on current release)
    Take a look at benchmark and specs comparisons such as installed processor and Ram as these make a difference in long term functionality and upgrade availability. Some comparisons are below but do search yourself before making a decision.
    https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=10137&idPhone…
    https://browser.geekbench.com/ios_devices/11

  • oscargamer on 10/07/2020 - 17:03

    Get 32Gb new iPad for $499 direct from Apple.

  • stratbargain on 10/07/2020 - 17:12

    I went through a similar dilemma recently. Ended up going with a second hand (but turned out was opened - never used) 2017 ipad pro 10.5". Similar speed as the current iPad air, but with 120hz screen, 256gb of storage and cellular for $790. For me the extra was well worth it for the additional storage as in the past I've been stung by 32GB not being anywhere near enough. So it's worth shopping around and see what's out there.

  • Hessian Sack on 10/07/2020 - 19:06

    Given you've said you want to use it 'as additional display/controller with my Mac Mini', then that narrows your choices on older models a little bit.

    https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT210380#systemrequirements

    Per that link, the Mac mini needs to be 2018 model or newer, and the iPad needs to be one of the following:

    iPad Pro: all models
    iPad (6th generation) or later
    iPad mini (5th generation)
    iPad Air (3rd generation)

  • randomusername2017 on 10/07/2020 - 21:23

    iPad Air 3 Celluar 256GB - $760.32Here is not a bad compromise

    Marked as expired.. but still available.. ordered Monday delivered Wednesday this week

    • amosntw on 12/07/2020 - 21:03

      Hey just wondering how did you manage to order online? the webpage for air 3 seems to be taken down

      • randomusername2017 on 12/07/2020 - 22:08
        +1

        Just ordered off the link in the deal.. must have got one of the last ones.
        Notice the two ipad pros are out of stock also..

        Looks like myoptus and accounts are down for maintenance until 6am tomorrow.. try again after that?

  • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2020 - 10:16
    Merged from Ready to Buy an iPad - but Should I Wait for Some Sort of Deal/Day/Thing?

    I'm going to buy an iPad but just not sure whether to buy for RRP or refurb now, or to wait if there's some sort of cyber/black/freaky frenzy day coming up soon, or a release, or something I will be annoyed I didn't know about. Anything?

    • John Kimble on 21/07/2020 - 10:30
      -1

      🤦‍♂️

    • oscargamer on 21/07/2020 - 10:31

      Which iPad?

      • hashtagbargain on 21/07/2020 - 11:18
        +1

        Dont. It'll prompt op to make another forum post about which iPad is the best, with no details on their requirements/use case.

        • rompastompa on 21/07/2020 - 11:24
          +3

          OP already did :D

        • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2020 - 12:09

          You're in the post now.

    • Drakesy on 21/07/2020 - 11:23

      Let me just get out my crystal ball.

      • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2020 - 12:28

        Nah don't trouble yourself.

  • randomusername2017 on 21/07/2020 - 17:37
    -1

    lol 14/14

    • [Deactivated] on 21/07/2020 - 18:31

      What?

      • randomusername2017 on 21/07/2020 - 19:41

        Damn.. have to renew the choice subscription now…

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