Current Ipad sweet spot?

[carreauchompeur]

Hi folks,

Current Air 3 is giving up the ghost. Cracked screen, top button goosed and screen now cracked.

It’s annoying, but I probably can’t make do with 64gb with films and photos on it.

What’s the current sweet spot value-wise? Don’t mind refurb, but provided it will keep up with current apps etc.

Ta

[vaud]

I'd say the base model 2022 Apple iPad, 10.9"

[xeny]

If you need more than 64 GB, I'd say it is between the 2022 10th gen with 256 GB for £464 or the 2024 6th Gen air for £670.

I'd rule out the 9th gen option (£400) as it has 3 rather than 4GB of RAM and a Lightning rather than USB-C connector.

[TownIdiot]

Just bought my daughter an 11" inch 2024 Air. Seemed like the best compromise between up to date spec and price.

I'd normally go for a high spec with a view to longevity but the high end pros are seriously expensive.

to my aging eyes the screen seems great.

And whilst I am at it £300 for an apple keyboard case???? Jesus wept.

[eeLee]

I picked up an Air with M1 early this year to replace a damaged non-M Air.

I can actually make do with 64Gb storage, the configs might offer you more storage for better value on the latest and the M1 models. I never found Pro to be a viable option cost-wise - I went for Surface Pro when I evaluated Pro against another daily driver.

[carreauchompeur]

Great stuff thanks, will keep considering. Hadn’t thought about RAM!

[journeymanpro]

My 2021 pro m1 is more than I'll ever need at not daft money.

[LeeM135i]

Have a 128Gb 12.9” 2020 iPad Pro which I think is the last one before the M series chips started. They are £569 on the Apple refurb site at the moment. It’s awesome, I use it everyday, play games, take notes, watch YouTube and comment on car forums with ease.

It can be a bit heavy at times so maybe look at the 11” iPad Pro if you need/want something lighter.

[carreauchompeur]

Still kicking around suggestions!

£500 is ceiling price. I can get a new 256gb IPad for £450 approx, but have also seen a few iPad Pros (5th gen) second hand for £500.

Would this perform better? Generally I do pretty undemanding stuff on it but a big screen is nice.
Occasionally do photo editing and basic video editing.

[Ruskie]

I was in the same boat with an original iPad Pro expiring. Looked at all the options and ended up just buying a second hand pro 12.9 with 96% battery for £150 off marketplace. Unless you’re working on an iPad the difference is negligible IMO.

[colin79666]

£450 grade A iPad Air M1 with 2 year warranty. I’d say that’s the sub £500 sweet spot.
https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=sappa258864...

[ajprice]

I'd go with something M series now (I have an M1 Pro and Pencil), an M series Air refurb would probably be a good one (or refurb Pro and Pencil if you're doing drawing/graphics stuff)