Shopping for an iPad can be daunting. Apple sells six iPad models in various sizes and prices, from the base model to the Pro. All have their strengths and weaknesses. But, no matter which you choose, the devices are all outstanding.
In this guide, I’ll try to give you an overview so you can pick the right iPad for you.
Entry Level iPad
Apple’s entry-level iPad 10, just called iPad, provides the biggest bang for your buck.
It sports a 10.9-inch display and 64GB of storage. You can upgrade to more storage if necessary. The design has been refreshed and resembles a higher-end iPad Air, but the starting price has increased to $449.
The A14 processor is more than capable of handling iPadOS 16 and future updates for some time. In addition, it can do almost anything a senior could need.
iPad Mini Model
Consider the iPad Mini, which is 7.7 inches and weighs slightly over a half pound. iPadOS 16 makes it a powerful computer and beats watching video on your iPhone.
Where it’s fantastic is as an ebook reader. There’s no better iPad for kicking back and enjoying a good book.
You can add a click on keyboard to turn it into a mini laptop.
The only downside I can see is the 8.3-inch screen; you’ll need some decent eyesight, and at $500, it’s a bit on the pricey side. If you’re looking for a good e-reader, pick up a Kindle for far less.
iPad Air Model
The iPad Air offers some pro-like features but is more affordable than the iPad Pro. It has a 10.9-inch screen and a speedy M1 processor making it ready to take on anything from watching a video to playing games and even writing that novel you’ve been putting off.
It supports Stage Manager and external displays. In addition, the USB-C port lets you plug in Mac accessories like external hard drives.
If you’ve been using the base model iPad and are ready for a better model but not needing the Pro, the iPad Air may suit your needs.
The drawbacks are it costs a bit more. Almost twice as much as the 10.2-inch iPad. So be sure you need the additional capabilities.
iPad Pro Model
If you use the iPad for your primary computer needs, this is an excellent reason to choose the iPad Pro. It’s Apple’s most prominent and best-looking display.
It uses Apple’s powerful M2 processor. That’s right, the same processor inside the latest Mac. It has performance power on par with Apple notebooks—maybe not the MacBook Pro but still pretty impressive.
iPadOS 16 is more straightforward than macOS, which makes it easier to use and beneficial for seniors.
The M2 iPad Pro’s USB-C port can connect to almost any accessory a Mac can. Plus, there’s Thunderbolt support for high-speed file transfers.
This model comes in two sizes.
11-inch iPad Pro
People buy the iPad Pro models because it offers the very best performance. In addition, the 11-inch iPad Pro provides a more portable design than its larger sibling. So if you expect to take your iPad with you, this might be your chosen version.
12.9 Inch iPad Pro
This is my favorite option. The screen is large enough to be used all day, and the processor is fantastic at handling anything you ask.
The entire display makes it easier to read, enjoy videos, and do almost anything you can on a computer.
Attach a keyboard, and you may not even notice the difference. You’ll have a powerful convertible computer.
The drawbacks are the expense and the size of the 12.9. So a MacBook might be the better option.
Conclusion
iPads are great! They can bridge the gap between a computer and your smartphone.
Many individuals purchasing an iPad quickly realize they no longer need that Mac or PC. If you’re not using a computer for work, there’s no better experience than an iPad.
The iPad you should purchase will be the one you can afford. Don’t get caught up in the Pro vs. iPad. Regardless of your choice, you will have a fantastic device with the best tablet on the market.
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