I'm planning to get my first iPad (M4 13") for drawing and other(streaming, web browsing, taking notes, Procreate) and I need help figuring out the right storage spec. When choosing 1TB with 16 GB memory, does it utilize all the memory? Or should I go with the 512GB with 8GB memory? Is 9 core CPU sufficient for my needs? Thanks.
Your iPad will always attempt to use most of its available RAM - unused RAM in this low power/high performance system architecture is essentially wasted resource. As you have perhaps already identified, only the 1TB and 2TB models of iPad Pro have 16GB RAM configuration, while other models have 8GB.
A further difference in 2024 models are the addition an additional CPU core - although the benefit might only be noticeable when using particularly processor-intensive professional Apps. Regardless, the 2024 models of iPad Pro are absolute powerhouses that will not disappoint.
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 make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth.
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.
Your iPad will always attempt to use most of its available RAM - unused RAM in this low power/high performance system architecture is essentially wasted resource. As you have perhaps already identified, only the 1TB and 2TB models of iPad Pro have 16GB RAM configuration, while other models have 8GB.
A further difference in 2024 models are the addition an additional CPU core - although the benefit might only be noticeable when using particularly processor-intensive professional Apps. Regardless, the 2024 models of iPad Pro are absolute powerhouses that will not disappoint.
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 make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth.
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.
The iPad Pro with M4 is massively overpowered just for drawing and streaming and procreate.
Either configuration will work perfectly fine for the workload you describe.
Which storage with memory is best for iPad Pro M4?
