The iPad is arguably the best and most popular tablet in the world, and for good reason. It’s significantly more refined than Android tablets and is widely used by entrepreneurs, professional content creators, artists, teachers, students, and kids. So, what is it that makes the iPad so versatile and should you get one for yourself?
iPads are especially useful for digital nomads, parents, writers, and others who need a secondary display or an affordable computer-like device. However, if you’re only going to use the iPad for basic tasks, it may not be worth it. Make sure to check that the apps you use most are compatible.
Along with working as a portable TV screen around your house, the latest iPad also allows you to get a lot of heavy work done away from your desk. Let’s look at whether you should buy an iPad, whether it’s worth the money, and the different models available today, so that you can find one that best suits your budget and needs.
Should You Buy an iPad?
Apple’s iPad combines high levels of portability and functionality, so there are several reasons why you might want to purchase one. But the big questions is: Should you? The answer to this question ultimately depends on what you’re going to use the device for.
You can use the iPad to accomplish numerous tasks, such as:
- Checking email
- Keeping up with the latest updates on Facebook
- Balancing your checkbook
- Creating and printing pdfs and Word documents
- Browsing the internet
- Using FaceTime for video calls
- Work with spreadsheets
- Watch movies and TV shows without straining your eyes
- Make visually-stunning presentations
- Plan trips
- Stream and make music
- Play games
However, it’s important to note that an iPad can’t do everything. For instance, you can’t develop iPadOS apps on an iPad. Instead, you need a Mac for that task.
Similarly, there are other apps that only run on macOS or Windows. So, if you need any of those apps for your work or personal use, then it might be better to hold off on purchasing an iPad and opt for a laptop instead.
Is an iPad Worth the Money?
Apple’s iPad family offers something for every price range, starting from as low as ~$330 for the standard iPad and going up to ~$1,600 for the newest iPad Pro with all its bells and whistles. Here’s a list of the latest iPads and their respective prices:
- 10.2-inch iPad: $329+
- iPad Mini: $499+
- iPad Air: $599+
- iPad Pro: $799+ (prices differ by size)
But is the tablet really worth all this money? It’s important to note that very few people actually need an iPad. It’s hardly a necessity unless you can’t do your job without one, in which case you should definitely opt for an iPad if your employer doesn’t provide you with one themselves.
Aside from that, there are a few cases where we think that purchasing an iPad will truly give you your money’s worth:
Digital Nomads
iPads offer cellular connectivity (the 2021 iPad Pro even works with 5G cellular networks), but this feature is often overlooked. In reality, a cellular connection can save the day whenever you’re in a ‘no WiFi zone,’ making the feature a must-have for digital nomads.
iPads are also designed with good-quality microphones. So, you can use the device to record a travel podcast, and then edit it using GarageBand, which is available on the AppStore for free.
Writers or Those Who Need a Secondary Display
The iPad is equipped with Sidecar — a wonderful tool that allows you to use your iPad as a second Mac monitor. If you’re a writer, then you probably value every single inch of space on your screen. With an iPad, you can multitask and use several different programs at the same time.
The ability to have four to five windows open simultaneously on your iPad and Mac offers a completely new level of freedom. And the bigger and faster the iPad, the better.
When Your iPad Is Your Only Computer
Not everyone can afford to own a computer. So, if you’re looking for an affordable computer-like device that also works as a tablet, then an iPad is definitely worth the money.
It’s important to note that iPads are much more portable than computers as well. In fact, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (on Amazon) weighs only 1.5 pounds, while the latest MacBook Air weighs 2.7 pounds.
So, if you’re someone who likes to take their device everywhere they go, you can just opt for an iPad (which can do almost everything a MacBook can do) and ditch the extra weight.
Kids
If you’re a parent, then you know how important an iPad or even a smartphone is for keeping your kids entertained. The iPad Mini (on Amazon) is an excellent device for kids, but it features some powerful hardware as well, so it may just end up becoming an investment for the entire family.
What Are the Different Types of iPads?
Let’s take a more in-depth look at all the different types of iPads currently available online, so you can find the Apple tablet that best suits your budget and needs:
10.2-Inch iPad (2020, 8th Gen)
Designed with Apple’s A12 chip, the standard 10.2-inch iPad (on Amazon) is powerful enough for all basic tasks, like checking your email, browsing the web, and watching Netflix. It’s currently able to run advanced, power-hungry games as well, but since the chip is a bit old, it’ll become slow and outdated over the years.
The device perfectly balances value and performance, which is why it’s considered the best iPad for most people. It’s available at an affordable price, offers a long battery life, and provides a solid performance given its specifications.
However, keep in mind that the base model only offers 32GB of storage, while even the cheapest iPhone configuration offers at least 64GB of storage space. The 1.2MP camera isn’t very sharp as well, which might be a problem if you take a lot of pictures or spend a lot of time on Zoom or FaceTime.
iPad Mini (2019, 5th Gen)
Powered by the A12 Bionic processors, the iPad Mini (on Amazon) shares many features with the standard 10.2-inch iPad described above. Aside from its more compact and portable design, the Mini also boasts a sharper 7MP selfie camera, more storage space, and a higher quality screen with True Tone tech.
However, the device doesn’t support Apple’s Smart Keyboard, so you’ll have to invest in a Bluetooth keyboard if you’re planning on getting some work done. The good news is that it does work with the 1st-Gen Apple Pencil (on Amazon), which is particularly great because the size of the iPad Mini makes it feel very similar to writing in a notebook.
Unless you’re specifically looking for a small tablet with a high-quality camera for video calls, the iPad Mini is not the best deal at $499, since the standard iPad already starts at a much lower $329. Still, it’s one of the best small tablets available today, if that’s what you’re really after.
iPad Air (2020, 4th Gen)
The iPad Air (on Amazon) is powered by Apple’s A14 chip, which is the same chip used in the iPhone 12 series. The latest iPad Air features a more updated look with sharper squared-off edges and an all-screen design, making it quite similar to the design of the iPad Pro.
The device also now has USB-C instead of the proprietary Lightning cables and ports for charging and connecting to other devices. The iPad Air has always stood out because of its lightweight design, but the latest 4th-gen model weighs one pound, which isn’t much lighter than other models.
Still, the iPad Air is a strong contender because of its sleek design, Touch ID support, large display, and long battery life. The biggest drawback is that it only offers 64GB of storage space, which is quite low for an expensive, premium tablet.
The price of the iPad Air starts at $599, making it the ideal option for people who want the current powerful specs for longevity and performance but don’t want to splurge on the iPad Pro.
iPad Pro (2020, 4th-gen)
The 4th-gen iPad Pro is the most expensive and high-end tablet in the iPad lineup. It’s designed with more advanced software, like Apple’s A12Z processor, which makes it perfect for those who’ll use the iPad primarily for work.
The device really shines when it’s coupled with peripherals, such as the Smart Keyboard Folio and Apple Pencil. However, keep in mind that all these peripherals will increase the overall price of the iPad Pro significantly.
The tablet also features an enhanced back camera with a dual-lens system and LiDAR depth sensing, making it more suitable for creative professionals than casual, everyday users. The 11-inch model (on Amazon) is available for $799, while the bigger, 12.9-inch version (on Amazon) starts at $999.
Can an iPad Replace a Laptop?
If you aren’t tied to macOS or Windows because of a certain piece of software, then an iPad can definitely replace a laptop. It’s cheaper than the average laptop, easier to travel with, and equipped with more features than a standard laptop.
It’s also compatible with a wireless keyboard, making it suitable for those who aren’t comfortable with typing on a screen for a long time. Here are some more benefits of replacing a laptop with an iPad:
- More portable
- More affordable in terms of build quality, longevity, and price
- Easier to troubleshoot, use, and keep malware and viruses at bay
- Comes with several different iPad cloud storage options
- The 4G versions provide easy and quick access to the internet in “no WiFi” zones
Can an iPad Replace a Phone?
In a lot of ways, an iPad is simply a bigger iPhone that can’t make traditional phone calls. So, why should you opt for an iPad? First, unlike iPhones, iPads allow you to use two apps side-by-side, giving you more flexibility while using the device.
The tablet’s larger screen also allows you to do things that are a bit difficult to do on an iPhone, like operating Word or Excel. But no matter how much better and easier to use an iPad is than an iPhone, there’s one area where the iPhone wins every time, and that’s portability.
However, if you only use your iPhone to text, check your emails and Facebook, make calls, and navigate through the city, then it’s better to just let your phone lag behind and get a new iPad after every two years. This way, you’ll have a more useful and powerful device at a lower cost.
Gaming on an iPad
The iPad isn’t marketed as a gaming console simply because it isn’t one. However, Apple does equip its iPads with some extremely powerful processors, like the M1. This chip makes the device capable of competing with more niche consoles, like the Nintendo Switch.
It’s important to note that the iPad won’t be replacing your gaming laptop or PC anytime soon, as there’s just no support for triple-A games. However, there are still a few excellent options for casual gamers on the App Store and Apple Arcade, like Asphalt 9, Call of Duty, and more.
iPad vs. Other Tablets on the Market
The iPad’s advanced software and ease of use make it a popular choice among most people, but if you don’t want an iPad, there are several other options you can opt for. Android tablets have recently made a bit of a comeback, and Google has started to work on improving its tablet experience.
If you just want a device that allows you to do the basics, like browsing the web and watching movies, then Amazon’s Fire tablets are an excellent, affordable option. However, keep in mind that they do have a few limitations. Here are a few other tablets that are great alternatives to the iPad:
Lenovo Tab P11 Plus
Available for under $300, the Tab P11 Plus (on Amazon) is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G90T chip, making the tablet powerful enough to run games like Dead Cells without a hitch. Its 11-inch LCD screen looks incredibly sharp thanks to its 2K resolution, and it gets extremely bright and colorful as well.
The Tab P11 Plus is portable and slim, yet large enough to comfortably watch the latest movies and TV shows. Its quad speakers sound great as well, making the tablet really worth the money.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, S8+, S8
The Galaxy Tab S8 (on Amazon) boasts an 11-inch screen with an LCD that’s bright, sharp, colorful, and of the perfect size. The performance is essentially flawless, the speakers are great, and it’s equipped with a stylus that magnetically sticks to the tablet’s back.
Samsung’s DeX mode also gives you access to a desktop-like environment, allowing you to get some light work done away from the desk. However, it’s quite expensive, so it’s best to purchase it while it’s on sale.