Choosing the right IPAD for my needs

There's nothing wrong with 8gb of ram. It's just 16gb will run so much faster. Chances are you'll be fine with 8gb, but since you've inquired, it's on your mind. Don't shortchange yourself if there's any concern.

I'm sure 8GB of RAM should be more than enough. As a comparison, I'm still using an 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Quad CPU (Q8300) on my Windows 7 Ultimate desktop PC. RAM can only go as high as 8GB on my machine. I bought it in 2009 have no problem with it for almost 10 years now.

The only thing I upgraded is the hard disk. The original HD (750GB conventional HD) died 3 years ago. Replaced it with 256GB SSD + 1TB conventional HD. It ran faster for a few more years. It's starting to show its age now but still very usable. I use it to edit photos (Photoshop CS and Photoshop Lightroom). Neither software uses more than 4GB of RAM while it is busy.

I wouldn not spend CAD $900 extra to get 16GB.

rbrylawski wrote:

There's nothing wrong with 8gb of ram. It's just 16gb will run so much faster. Chances are you'll be fine with 8gb, but since you've inquired, it's on your mind. Don't shortchange yourself if there's any concern.

I bet speed will be the same between 8GB and 16GB but you can multitask many more apps or software with more RAM and yes, in that condition (multiple apps running at the same time), 16GB will be faster. CAD $900 more to get 16GB isn't justifiable unless you plan to use many RAM hungry apps simultaneously.

People often open a program or app, then keep opening more. That was really my point in recommending 16gb. I didn't however, notice that it would cost $900 CAD to go from 8 to 16GB. Yikes, that's really highway robbery, if you ask me.

That also doubles the SSD storage from 256GB to 512GB but the extra cost (CAD$900) is still a robbery. SSD storage is so much cheaper these days. 512GB SSD can be obtained for US$100 or less. If storage is user upgradeable, DIY is what I would do.

I didn't even know the RAM was fixed in these devices and no built-in USB-C?

But, at least, it is a full USB-C complaint adapter. Not a purposely hobbled and limited USB-C connection, like on the iPad Pros.

I figured since these are Microsoft products that they always go for the more is better paradigm and have user expandable RAM or, at least, RAM that could be added by a service center, later.

After all, Microsoft gives these devices full Windows with touch screen tablet capabilities and every type of input device possible.

Looking at the Microsoft Surface portion of their Website on a semi-regular basis and watching YouTube videos, I just assumed the Surface tablet lineup was just a more scaled down MS laptop with all of the same bells a whistles and options.

I have never used a Windows product and I have never seen a Windows Surface tablet anywhere in my local area, to even try out.

I just use windows defender for my laptop and haven’t had any issues. Used to use Norton but just grew disillusioned.

What you may need can also depend on what you’re doing with the PC. Do you go to the same couple of sites that are reputable? Or do you go to what would be considered risky sites? If so you may need to beef up your security.

The fact is there is no single antivirus/antimalware software that can detect all viruses/malware. Virus/malware strains are changing by the minute. Traditional antivirus can detect viruses only after they've been reported and the company releases virus definition to be able to detect the new strain.

I stop using paid AV product many years ago. I currently use Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7 and the free version of Malwarebytes (there's no real time protection). What Skydiver119 says is correct, it depends on your browsing habit and your technical knowledge. I think it's more important that you don't fall for cheap tricks that get you to install malware or call a "Windows tech support" phone number. The deception I'm talking about is something like a browser pop-up "WARNING! YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED with A MILLION VIRUSES. CALL 1-800-whatever to CLEAN IT". If you easily fall for that, there is no software or technology that can protect you. What is more important is updates. Keep your OS up to date. I believe Windows 10 forces all users to install updates automatically. Also, do not use an account with Administrator privileges. I must say that I am comfortable using Windows PCs without AV software at all.

MacBook or Surface Pro will be a better choice.

Based on your needs, I'd echo ShagCA's recommendation.

I'll be able to write an article about the quest for the perfect keyboard case for iPad Pro 11, when this is all said and done!