Which iPad should I get 16GB or 32GB?

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Which iPad should I get 16GB or 32GB?

I'm mainly purchasing the iPad for school - I plan on taking notes on it for class, keeping track of assignments and my schedule, etc. I'm a nursing student, soon to enter my second year of school, and my schedule is MUCH busier than most. I'm hoping that I can take notes on the iPad (using an app like Penultimate) to take the place of my MILLIONS of notebooks.

I won't have music on it, I have an iPhone for that. I already have a computer so I won't have tons of photos or videos on it. I've tried using my iPhone for all my organizing needs, and it works pretty well (much better than my old BlackBerry!) but it's not large enough - I want something JUST for school and I REALLY like the idea of using a stylus and taking notes on an iPad opposed to taking notes on paper. I will probably have quite a few apps - apps are my weakness. But apps don't usually take up much space, do they? At least they don't on my iPhone.

So, since I don't plan on having photos, music, or videos on my iPad; is it all that necessary to spend an extra $100 on the 32? Do you think the 16 would be fine or should I just suck it up and get the 32? Even if I did decide later to put music on it or something, I'm constantly switching up my music collection and tastes. I often get sick of certain songs and decide not to sync them anymore - at least for a while. The largest amount of music ever on my iPhone was 4GB. I have 60GB of music on my computer but I don't see the need in carrying it all around with me if I won't even listen to 90% of it. I'm just really liking the $499 price tag over the $599 one.

Thanks for your suggestions and help!

iOS 4

Posted on May 12, 2011 8:07 PM

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Answer 1

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lobsterghost1

Level 10

140,030 points

May 12, 2011 8:10 PM in response to chinacat84

If you are really planning to use the iPad as you outlined, 16GB is likely enough. Like yourself, I don't have my music or pics on my iPad and I got the 16GB unit and it seems it will be more than enough for my needs.

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Answer 2

vazandrew

Level 8

40,348 points

May 12, 2011 8:15 PM in response to chinacat84

Notes won't take up that much space. Music shouldn't be an issue based on your post. Apps range in size, iPad ones tend to be bigger but it depends.

I have the 16GB and it suits me fine. I have about 500 songs, 40 apps (ranging from games to news, books, productivity etc) some videos I shot as well as from iTunes and a few dozen photos. Still have around 4GB left.

Only you will know what your needs are and what is better suited.

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Answer 3

chinacat84 Author

Level 1

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May 12, 2011 8:25 PM in response to vazandrew

Hmmm...I'm wondering if things take up more space or are stored differently on the iPad? My iPhone is a 16GB. It has 69 songs, 10 videos, 101 photos, 47 apps - and there's still 10.5GB left. I also have an iPod touch with 32GB and only 8GB is used. So, if you shoot video or photos with the iPad, are the photos/videos larger in size compared to ones shot with an iPhone?

My only problem is that I don't want to purchase the 16 and later wish I had bought the 32. I also don't want to buy the 32 and wish I'd saved the $100. I can afford the 32 now, because I've saved up for it, but cash is a little tight and saving the $100 (or having extra to spend on accessories!) would be nice right now. Since it's for school, I could use my student loans to purchase it, but I don't get the money until July 8th and summer classes start June 6th. Summer class would he half over by then.

Thanks for the help!

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Answer 4

vazandrew

Level 8

40,348 points

May 12, 2011 8:31 PM in response to chinacat84

I wouldn't recommend taking photos with the iPad, very poor quality and it is not really meant to be used as such. Video is awkward and i'd rather shoot on my iPhone given the choice (really would choose stand alone gear if I have specific things in mind). In any case they will not be bigger in size.

Ultimately you have to make the decision, we can only offer up our experiences. I don't regret my choice at all.

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Answer 5

chinacat84 Author

Level 1

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May 12, 2011 8:44 PM in response to vazandrew

Thanks! You've really helped me figure it out. I think I'll get the 16GB - with all my other gadgets, I really don't think I'll need larger than that.

For me, the biggest appeal is SIZE (aside from the fact that it's Apple - I looked into other tablets and I've found that I'd much rather have an iPad). I have TONS of books to haul around and starting this summer I have to drive 45 minutes to school - can't exactly run home if I forget something. Hopefully, I can find an app that will take the place of all my notebooks. And it's so much lighter than my laptop. I never really planned on taking photos/video with the iPad - my iPhone is great for that and I always have it anyway. I'm not huge on watching videos on my phone/computer so I doubt that will change with the iPad - if it does, I do have netflix and I can stream movies when I'm between classes (doubtful, with all the homework). I'm always near a hotspot and in the rare case that I'm not, it's doubtful that I would need the iPad specifically instead of my iPhone.

Thanks so much - you've saved me $100!

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Answer 6

vazandrew

Level 8

40,348 points

May 12, 2011 8:50 PM in response to chinacat84

No problem 🙂

I have been using the iPad a lot for reading both books and news content, it really looks spectacular. I'm sure there is an app out there that will help you with the notebook replacement.

I didn't think I would use it much for watching video, but when i'm not at home it really is useful having netflix as well as TV network apps on hand.

Anyway, enjoy!

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