Choosing the suitable iPad

Hello, I am a first-year undergraduate student who wants to buy an iPad for school.

I will mainly use it to read online textbooks and materials, take notes with Apple Pencil, and edit photos.

I will also use it as a second screen of my MacBook sometimes.


I am currently thinking about the 256 GB iPad Air M1 and the 128 GB iPad Pro 11" M1 (certified refurbished). The two should be the same in case of performance since they use the same processor and have the same price since the refurbished Pro has a higher AC+ fee of $119.


Therefore, it is basically larger storage vs. more features. Which one should I choose?


Thank you.


Posted on Sep 7, 2023 4:10 PM

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Sep 7, 2023 5:14 PM in response to tomchen0716

Only you can decide upon your needs, expectations and budget. If using the iPad for school, perhaps seek advice from your tutors.


You can compare iPad models here:

iPad - Compare Models - Apple


Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.


A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage.


Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device. 



Also consider the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Aside from the obvious Cellular functionality, only WiFi+Cellular models include GNSS/GPS location capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping. 


Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model provides access to precise location services, but does not commit you to using Cellular connections. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GNSS/GPS functions at all.


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Choosing the suitable iPad

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