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Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

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Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#11

Post by internet2000 »

solardev wrote: post #2

I'm so confused by their lineup. I'm in the market for a new iPad, but I can never remember the difference between an iPad, iPad Pro, and Air. What's the difference between this an a 13" Pro or Non-Air? I wish they'd just have a single line of iPads with different screen sizes but the same CPU and stylus support in every generation. I'm so tired of having to play the "compare every permutation" game when shopping. Ed…

It's a Good, Better, Best strategy. iPad is good, iPad Air is better, iPad Pro is best.

Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#12

Post by BoredPositron »

solardev wrote: post #2

I'm so confused by their lineup. I'm in the market for a new iPad, but I can never remember the difference between an iPad, iPad Pro, and Air. What's the difference between this an a 13" Pro or Non-Air? I wish they'd just have a single line of iPads with different screen sizes but the same CPU and stylus support in every generation. I'm so tired of having to play the "compare every permutation" game when shopping. Ed…

iPad (cheap ol reliable)

iPad AIR (pro lite)

iPad mini (mini with iPad tech)

iPad Pro (for artists or people who think they can replace their MacBooks with it but in the end they can’t)

Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#13

Post by nkrisc »

antomeie wrote: post #4

iPad is a product I want to love, but still never find a reason to use.

For me the iPad has become one of my favorite ways to use applications like ZBrush, Procreate/Clip Studio, Photoshop/Affinity products.

Now I just need to find good texturing and basic modeling applications I can use on the iPad and I could do a lot more from the comfort of my couch or even outside in the spring.

ZBrush especially on the iPad is an impressive feat and is almost a 1:1 port. I don’t have years and years of ZBrush experience so I actually much prefer the iPad ZBrush GUI to the traditional one.

edit: Shoutout to Paperlike screen covers.

Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#14

Post by ldargin »

solardev wrote: post #2

I'm so confused by their lineup. I'm in the market for a new iPad, but I can never remember the difference between an iPad, iPad Pro, and Air. What's the difference between this an a 13" Pro or Non-Air? I wish they'd just have a single line of iPads with different screen sizes but the same CPU and stylus support in every generation. I'm so tired of having to play the "compare every permutation" game when shopping. Ed…

It's pretty simple. Get the Air if for yourself. Get the Pro if for work or if you want a better screen. Get the iPad for kids.

Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#15

Post by nathanaldensr »

mholt wrote: post #3

I still don't understand the iPad lineup. What is the point of iPad Air? It's compatible with the latest Apple Pencil, but iPad isn't, but iPad Pro is, and the Pencil Pro is only compatible with iPad Pro, iPad Air (not M1), and iPad ... MINI (not iPad). (Edit: Actually the Apple Pencil for our iPad Air M1 isn't even sold anymore, I guess?) The Apple Pencil USB-C compatibility matrix is even more confusing. Why is thi…

My mom's iPad's screen has failed so she asked me to look into a new iPad for her. I'm not generally interested in Apple products personally; in just five minutes of research, I ran into the same confusion you have. iPads used to be simple: there was iPad and iPad Air. One would only buy an Air if one's use case was basic apps without a lot of hardware requirements (e.g., for children).

My mom also uses one of those magnetic keyboard attachments; she needs a new one because it's in rough shape. Come to find out some of them are over $300.

Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#16

Post by bartvk »

mholt wrote: post #3

I still don't understand the iPad lineup. What is the point of iPad Air? It's compatible with the latest Apple Pencil, but iPad isn't, but iPad Pro is, and the Pencil Pro is only compatible with iPad Pro, iPad Air (not M1), and iPad ... MINI (not iPad). (Edit: Actually the Apple Pencil for our iPad Air M1 isn't even sold anymore, I guess?) The Apple Pencil USB-C compatibility matrix is even more confusing. Why is thi…

I get that it's unclear. But in practice, this only matters upon purchase, and then it's simply an option whether you want one, or not.

Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#17

Post by selykg »

solardev wrote: post #2

I'm so confused by their lineup. I'm in the market for a new iPad, but I can never remember the difference between an iPad, iPad Pro, and Air. What's the difference between this an a 13" Pro or Non-Air? I wish they'd just have a single line of iPads with different screen sizes but the same CPU and stylus support in every generation. I'm so tired of having to play the "compare every permutation" game when shopping. Ed…

There are a few big caveats that I looked at when I recently upgraded my iPad.

Screen. The Pro screens are better. How much that matters is up to you. Given I am into photography and wanted to have the nicer screen this mattered to me. You can also get the nano-textured glass on the Pro but I don't believe you can on the others. This is a super pricey option though.

Processor. The Pro has M4, Air has M3.

USB-C port differences. I believe the Pro line have faster USB-C transfer speeds. Not sure if this has changed but it used to be a thing.

I skipped the Apple Pencil this time around, I just didn't use it enough with my previous iPad Pro to justify getting it again. I've had it for two months, so far I am happy with the decision.

There are probably others, so your point is certainly valid, that it is a pain to find the legitimate differences that might matter without digging into the specs.

Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#18

Post by mp05 »

antomeie wrote: post #4

iPad is a product I want to love, but still never find a reason to use.

This is a meme comment by now.

I've been using an iPad Air (with Paperlike) for the past 4 years for basically running my life at school, and I can't imagine going back to working with actual paper for daily note-taking and homework assignments. It's great for reading whitepapers and marking them up while laying on the couch.

That functionality by itself justifies its existence in my estimation.

Re: Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard

#19

Post by ustad »

notesinthefield wrote: post #6

Were it not for constantly updated buying guides from tech news sites, Im not sure anyone even Apple employees themselves would know which iPad to recommend to anyone.

Studies have shown that when companies present an overwhelming number of choices, consumers often end up spending more. The psychology behind this is rooted in decision fatigue, where consumers are more likely to choose something familiar or assume that a more expensive product is the best choice.
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