Which iPad to buy ?: Black Friday 2018 edition

The latest Apple iPad Pro models are here. But that does not mean that's what you should choose if you are shopping for an Apple tablet this holiday season. There are currently five iPads you can choose from: iPad's entry-level 9.7-inch or the new iPad Pro (in 2 sizes) are the choices of the top line, but the 2017 iPad Pro and aging iPad Mini 4 are both still there, too.

The big turning point in the decision is the imminence Black Friday, some of whom notable iPad discounts. So, keep that in mind, let's take a look at what to do if you're thinking of getting an iPad now.

First: do you want a tablet or a laptop?

Know that the ecosystem iPad offers many fantastic applications, usually excellent performance, and that iPads are really portable. But none of them has yet taken the plunge to become a mini MacBook. The limitations imposed on iOS mean that only two apps can be used side by side at a time and that no iPad will work with a mouse or touchpad. IPads can do a lot of things, and could very well be your everyday computer for watching videos, browsing the web, social media and email, but they may not replace the total flexibility of your Mac or your Windows PC. If you want a touch pad that works like a more traditional computer, get yourself a Microsoft Surface Pro 6 or Surface to goor something similar.

Do you still want an iPad? Well, let's break down your choices.

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The best choice by far: 9.7-inch iPad (2018)

The level of daily entry IPad 9.7 inches released in the spring, called "iPad", it now supports the excellent Pencil Pen sensitive to Apple's pressure and has a 2016 A10 processor, which suits most needs . It can handle multiple tasks at the same time and has excellent accessories, including Bluetooth keyboard cases. Even better, it is on sale from $ 250 ($ 80 on the list price). This is always the best choice for the average man, especially since the new iPad Pro, even at the minimum configuration, costs more than double the price.

Best bet: Get the one with 128GB of storage, which is $ 100 more but will last much better than the smaller 32GB of the base model. (In addition, you will need $ 70 for Logitech Pencil or $ 100 for the first-generation Apple pencil if you want to exercise your artistic sensibility.)

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If you have money and want to beta test the future: iPad Pro 2018

Most recent IPad Pro equipped with Face ID the models have a crazy speed, many screens with small frames, and support an improved Apple pencil that charges magnetically on the side of the tablet. But the iPad Pro is more expensive and exceeds the € 1,000 if you buy the new Pencil, a keyboard case, and opt for a 256GB storage, which I would recommend more than 64 GB if you are seriously considering choose an ordinary computer. 128GB would have been an ideal storage size, but Apple does not offer this configuration in the iPad Pro. This is the best iPad, but the limited use of USB-C and the lack of really optimized applications making the most of its new processor mean you might want to wait a bit unless you're dreaming of an iPad Pro and know what its limitations are. Artists seeking serious image processing power are the best choice. (And remember: the cheaper iPad mentioned above can use the old Pencil stylus.)

The big reasons to become pro:

• The Pro display has a display up to 120 Hz that provides smoother scrolling and benefits for pen accuracy. The screen is also connected more transparently to the glass, which makes the stylus work easier. (These are mainly subtle differences.)
• The new iPad has smaller frames and fits more on the screen.
• Better quad speakers and stereo sound, compared to thinner iPad entry-level speakers.
• New Pencil is easier to load and offers double-key control.
• The A12X processor is much faster.
• The cameras have been upgraded (they shoot in 4K video and also use portrait mode to cope .This is essentially close to the iPhone XR).
• USB-C connects to a wide variety of accessories and chargers (but not all)
• A side smart connector allows you to connect items such as the Apple Smart Keyboard Cover without the need for Bluetooth or a separate charge.
• Facial identity

The big reasons not to become pro:

• Expensive
• No headphone jack
• iOS 12 does not exploit all its potential and USB-C is not as flexible as you think
• Does not really represent a laptop (no support trackpad / mouse)
• Need a new pencil

See iPad Pro 11 inch to the target
See iPad Pro 12.9 inches to the target

12.9 or 11?

The two new iPad Pro come in two sizes more similar than a year ago. The 12.9-inch model is smaller, with the same screen size. The 11-inch retains roughly the same dimensions as the 10.5-inch Pro from last year, but adds more screen to the body. 12.9 still seems a little too big, and it is also more expensive. I think the 11-inch version is a better bet for most people, but it's obviously a personal preference. (Up to now, we had only reviewed the iPad Pro by 12.9 inches, but saw the 11-inch version at the Apple event.)

Storage: 64 GB too little, 256 GB maybe too much

Choosing the right storage can become boring. The basic 64-GB model of the iPad Pro is "sufficient" for everyday needs, but if you plan to make advanced video or photo editing, you'll probably feel like you're limiting yourself. .. and iPads do not have expandable storage, and can not use external drives (again, anyway). 128 GB would be fine, but instead, Apple offers levels of 64, 256, 512 and 1 TB. 256 is the best landing point. Only consume if you are certain that you are a professional who needs this extra space for a particular reason.

Accessories: save space for a keyboard (and maybe a pen)

The new upgrade of Apple's pencil design is the most beautiful thing about new iPads, and it's not included in the box. That's $ 129 more, barely cheap. Really, only aspiring artists and art users should think about it, but you will probably want to check it out if you buy a pro. The same goes for keyboard options: Apple's Decent Smart Keyboard Folio is one of the only new accessories to use the new Pro's magnetic smart connector. But the case costs $ 180-200. (You can also associate a Bluetooth keyboard, but it would not be so easy for the knees). In addition, the USB-C charging cable included in the iPad Pro case does not work for video output. You will need a separate cable at the USB-C video output. Or, you may want to get a basic USB-C dongle to separate you from the HDMI and USB options.

What about the iPad Pro 10.5 inches from last year?

the IPad Pro 10.5 inches from 2017 is still sold, and still holds strong. It also offers the same faster display technology up to 120 Hz, like the new iPad Pro. That being said, $ 650 for this model versus $ 799 for the 11-inch version of this year does not seem to be a sufficient discount for a device with an older processor and a less aesthetic design, without USB-C support. The upgraded version of 256GB costs $ 799 at the same price as the new 11-inch iPad Pro 64GB. There's a sale, however, it's a temptation to try.

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iPad Mini 4: jump

the iPad Mini 4 is the latest of the smaller iPad Mini models sold by Apple, and its thinner design resembling that of a Kindle is tempting. But the price and features do not make sense: a former A8 processor sometimes retains it and its price of $ 399 for 128GB of storage is higher than the selling price of the new 9.7GB 128GB iPad. Get this newer and larger iPad. Even though the Mini 4 is on sale, think twice: it's likely that Apple could update the Mini next year, according to reports (and the bigger iPad is better for them). kids and works best with keyboard cases, in our opinion.)

Cellular? I'll skip it too, unless you need it

There is no doubt that the use of LTE technology on a tablet is excellent. I would not pay $ 130 (or $ 150 on the latest iPad Pro) to pay additional monthly fees. Instead, you can easily tether your phone for free. The pros might consider it if someone else pays the bill or it is your main connected device. Up to you. I've added the mobile phone to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which was quick and easy to set up. I loved the convenience. I did not like the price.

For kids: Also think of a Fire tablet (or Chromebook).

The iPad is a great choice for the family and a nice gift for kids. But it is still very expensive. Amazon's Fire tablets are ridiculously affordable and perfectly good for reading, watching movies, playing games and doing lots of things – the Fire HD 8, in particular. They are not as good as iPads, especially not for things like writing or creating art, but you can get a Tablet for as little as $ 30 during this black Friday week. To be clear, do not buy them before the sale, Thursday, November 22.

See the fire HD 8 on Amazon

Optimized versions for kids cost a bit more. And at least Amazon has pretty robust parental controls for kids accounts, even more than Apple. In our review of last year's Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition tablet, we noted that it included a one-year subscription to Free Time Unlimited, "a Netflix subscription service. filled with ebooks, videos and games. " After a year, it's $ 3 a month, but offers a lot of child-friendly content.

See the fire HD 8 Kids Edition on Amazon

Chromebooks are not the same as tablets, but at $ 300 or less, they are a great choice for kids who want to use a laptop at home (and some, like the Asus Chromebook Flip, can very well turn into devices similar to tablets). .

See Asus Chromebook Flip on Amazon

TL; DR

For most people looking for a basic iPad: get the model 2018 9.7 inches.

Best iPad child? If iOS compatibility is essential, get the 9.7-inch 2018 model (or the 2017 model on sale). Otherwise, go for the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Edition (for younger kids) or a Chromebook (for older kids).

Best iPad at all costs? The new 11-inch iPad Pro is very nice and more portable than the smaller 12.9-inch. If you pay so much for an iPad, consider the 256GB model (but I'd like there to be a 128GB, which would be the ideal size).