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Level 4

1,345 points

Is it dumb to get a 64 GB iPad Air when for just $100 more you can get 128 GB?

I will be selling an odd-lot of iPads, both bought and received, and upgrading to an iPad Air I think. My current iPad is an iPad 2, 32 GB and I would like Siri and the retina display and the lighter weight.

The thing is, even with all the music, photos and apps I use I am only using a little over 1/2 the storage of my iPad 2.

I'm thinking 64 GB "to be safe" will be more than enough.

But what is $100 in the scheme of things? Dinner out with some friends here in Tokyo? In that case I might as well get the 128 GB model. But I know I'll never use anywhere near that capacity. I always over-buy capacity.

On the other hand, maybe the iPad Air is so light and convenient I'll use it more, and so might as well get the highest capacity available. Plus when it comes time to resell, it might have more value.

Complicating this is the way these are sold here in Japan. If you get a cellular model with a shared data plan with your smartphone, you don't put any cash down and they just divide the cost of the device, with zero interest, into 24 small payments on your phone bill. So the difference of $100 over 24 months is just $4.16/month - a little over 400 yen.

On the other hand, $4 here and $4 there... I could use that money for the super-duper AppleCare warranty which covers everything, including if the device is lost or stolen.

One other note: The 64 GB model is currently widely available, but the 128 GB model seems to be on back-order. Does anybody know if that's because it has proven to be the most popular model?

And a final note: It seems a bit crazy to spend almost as much on a tablet as I would on a real computer. In that case, why not go for the 32 GB model?

Thoughts welcome. I'm just thinking out loud.

Thanks,

Doug

iMac, Mac OS 9.0.x, iMac (21.5-inch Late 2009, 12 GB)

Posted on Dec 25, 2013 4:06 PM

20 replies

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,345 points

Dec 30, 2013 1:51 AM in response to hexonxonx

I know everybody here is saying that "worldwide" you can exchange with no restocking fee from Apple, but I really do think it is different here in Japan. At least for the wi-fi + cellular model.

You can buy the wi-fi only model from Apple directly, and maybe you are right about the restocking and return policy with them with that model. But the wi-fi + cellular model is not sold by Apple directly here in Japan. You must get it from the carried (e.g. Softbank or AU or DoCoMo, if they also carry it). And the carriers are not liberal at all with regard to exchanges. Pretty much you have to sign with blood at pickup time that you will not return it.

Of course they will honor warranties, etc. But as far as actual "change your mind returns" I think that is a no go here in Japan on the wi-fi + cellular models.

doug

hexonxonx

Level 4

2,477 points

Dec 30, 2013 2:19 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

Wow, I was not aware of that Doug. Here in the US, we can buy the WiFi + Cellular models at Apple or any authoriized store, even the cellular providers stores.

I did get asked if I wanted to activate my cellular plan in the Apple store but I already have several sims activated with all the carriers here already.

Have you made a decision on what you plan to get yet?

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,345 points

Dec 30, 2013 2:35 AM in response to hexonxonx

hexonxonx wrote:

Wow, I was not aware of that Doug. Here in the US, we can buy the WiFi + Cellular models at Apple or any authoriized store, even the cellular providers stores.

I did get asked if I wanted to activate my cellular plan in the Apple store but I already have several sims activated with all the carriers here already.

Have you made a decision on what you plan to get yet?

I'm going to wait until I actually get the hand-me-down iPad 4th generation in my hands before deciding. And I'm also selling off some old stuff, like two iPad 1s, an iPad 2 and a 24" 2007 iMac. But I'll probably go for the 128 GB wi-fi + cellular model. Especially since there is no cash outlay, and it's a zero-interest 24 payments tacked on to my existing iPhone 5 monthly bill. So it feels fairly harmless. 🙂

doug

hexonxonx

Level 4

2,477 points

Dec 30, 2013 2:38 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

Well good for you! Best of luck to you way over there! 😎

Dec 30, 2013 9:07 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

The iPad Mini (retina) slides into most jacket pockets..

which is why it is a good candidate for

adding a cellular feature..

Is it dumb to get a 64 GB iPad Air when for just $100 more you can get 128 GB?