256GB or 512GB? Zbrush for iPad

Hi!


I am looking to get the iPad Pro M4 13 inch. I’m working on becoming a 3D character animator with Maya as well as to be using Zbrush for characters, environments, etc.


I actually never used Zbrush before, but I’m aware that it’s an industry standard. I’m looking to learn it with the M4 iPad, but I am conflicted on the storage. I tent to get 256GB devices (for mainly general use) and my laptop with a 1 Terabyte SSD for 3D animations. For my 256GB devices, I am no where near full capacity. Does it make sense to stick to 256GB for the new Pro? Should I consider 512GB for long-term (it is noticeably more expensive). Feedback is greatly appreciated.

Windows, Windows 10

Posted on May 29, 2024 11:19 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 30, 2024 6:37 AM

When purchasing a new iPad, 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. Graphics file can be huge - and in no time you can run short of available local 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. 


For iPad Pro M4, additionally consider that the 1TB and 2TB models have an additional high-performance CPU core (i.e., four high-performance cores instead of three) and an additional 8GB RAM (i.e., 16GB - instead of 8GB found in other models of iPad Pro). These both have performance implications - benefiting CPU/GPU intensive tasks, such as video rendering.


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.



2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 30, 2024 6:37 AM in response to Albert-G

When purchasing a new iPad, 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. Graphics file can be huge - and in no time you can run short of available local 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. 


For iPad Pro M4, additionally consider that the 1TB and 2TB models have an additional high-performance CPU core (i.e., four high-performance cores instead of three) and an additional 8GB RAM (i.e., 16GB - instead of 8GB found in other models of iPad Pro). These both have performance implications - benefiting CPU/GPU intensive tasks, such as video rendering.


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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256GB or 512GB? Zbrush for iPad

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