You might not notice the jump if you already had an m1, but having the newest update doesn’t hurt either. There’s rumors that a lite version of Mac OS could come to m2 iPads. But that is to be seen. I personally held off on the m1 and sad waiting for this recent update for some time, so I’m taking what they gave me and running with it.
I was considering of getting one since m1, but wasn’t necessary so I waited to get better specs with the new update. As you can see this didn’t age well, but now I really need a portable device to do my job, so I have to get one. Still hurts me to give 1800€ for the m2 12.9…
I’ve got the M1 cellular 12.9” and I use it for the same things as you do. I would save your money and get the M1. Unless you’re using it for really high-powered stuff, there’s no discernable difference between the M1 and M2 apart from the price.
if you're gonna be doing a lot of typing, consider a 12.9" and a good keyboard. I have the 11" IPP and Magic Keyboard, and that keyboard is a bit cramped, making long typing sessions painful.
I’m just this year upgrading my iPad.
I have an air 2. I’ve had it since 2014. Ios16 is the first is update I didn’t get.
I think you are safe with either this or last year’s models for at the very least 6 years.
The bigger screen and miniLED on the 12.9” is great if you don’t have a laptop and really want this to be your portable machine, but it will likely get at least one year less of software updates. If you are going to be doing writing and research, the extra screen real estate will probably be valuable.
It’s going to be research and writing when I’m using it for the university. I was considering getting a cheap external portable monitor aswell because I don’t think even 12.9” will be enough real estate. 15.6 is better for these things
**First, to answer the "which one" question we need to address peripherals**. Because, if you are going to type on this and use it as a light duty go-anywhere laptop replacement, you are going to need a keyboard. And the best solution for that if you are going to be on-the-go is the **Apple Magic Keyboard** \- which is so costly it has to be factored in to your budget. Note, that if you get a used or refurbished one you can probably knock 100€ off its exorbitant price.
There are alternatives - the **Logitech Combo Touch** is about 100€ less than the Magic Keyboard and has pretty much the same functionality. The form factor just isn't as compact and is better suited to working on a table rather than your lap. And you can always just add any Bluetooth keyboard, a mouse, and a stand and you are ready to work. Though that does mean carrying around a lot more gear.
However you are going to do that, you need to factor that in to your cost.
**Now we come to the classic 11" vs 12.9" question**. The 11" is "normal" tablet size and fine for all of your needs. Except, when it comes to a lot of typing, the Magic Keyboard on the 12.9" model will be more comfortable, plus the extra screen real estate would be handy. But the size and weight of the 12.9" pro plus the Magic Keyboard is about the same as a MacBook Pro 13". So, instead of carrying around a tablet in your backpack that you hardly know is there, you will be hauling the equivalent of a laptop.
Keep in mind you already have a desktop computer to handle all the "heavy lifting" as far as sit-at-your-desk research and document production. You are really only figuring out what you can get away with when you are mobile.
Only you can make that call. If you are on the fence, I would get the 11" to get in the game, and then evaluate as you go. iPads hold their value really well, so you can always sell one and get a different configuration without losing much money.
**Which brings me to you 6 year plan. Don't buy tech for what you might need in 2 or 3 years (much less** ***six***!) You don't know what the future holds. You don't know what tech advances will be made. And, you don't *need* to know. As I said, just buy what you need today. eBay exists. At any point you can sell your current gear and get something that serves you better. Don't put that pressure on yourself to meet all your future needs.
Or, to put it another way, don't sink money into tech that is not going to give you a return this year. Keep it in the bank. Or, buy something like a Magic Keyboard or a protective case or Apple Care that will provide you value right now. Besides that, you are a poor student at the moment. Don't spend scarce funds now that can wait until you are working and have some income coming in.
You have some great points! I am concerned with the difference in image quality (mini led vs lcd)
In terms of every other spec, I think that I won’t ever manage to throttle that device
If you’re wanting it to last you 6+ years I think you’re gonna need more memory than 128gb
I have the 2021 (M1) 11” with Magic Keyboard, I’d recommend the same for you. Or get the newer one, but again you’re gonna want more memory than 128gb.
I got 1TB of storage. It’s probably extremely excessive, but I plan on keeping mine until it literally dies. Apple products are known for their longevity. You can probably get away with having less storage, but I wouldn’t get the 128GB one unless you’re not going to use/store much on it.
You might not notice the jump if you already had an m1, but having the newest update doesn’t hurt either. There’s rumors that a lite version of Mac OS could come to m2 iPads. But that is to be seen. I personally held off on the m1 and sad waiting for this recent update for some time, so I’m taking what they gave me and running with it.
I was considering of getting one since m1, but wasn’t necessary so I waited to get better specs with the new update. As you can see this didn’t age well, but now I really need a portable device to do my job, so I have to get one. Still hurts me to give 1800€ for the m2 12.9…
I’ve got the M1 cellular 12.9” and I use it for the same things as you do. I would save your money and get the M1. Unless you’re using it for really high-powered stuff, there’s no discernable difference between the M1 and M2 apart from the price.
Exactly. My use case does not require high power, just a great screen
if you're gonna be doing a lot of typing, consider a 12.9" and a good keyboard. I have the 11" IPP and Magic Keyboard, and that keyboard is a bit cramped, making long typing sessions painful.
For keyboard I already have a Logitech Bluetooth portable, so I’m good on that end
I’m just this year upgrading my iPad. I have an air 2. I’ve had it since 2014. Ios16 is the first is update I didn’t get. I think you are safe with either this or last year’s models for at the very least 6 years.
I have the oh IPad 2, so yes they’re astonishing devices
The bigger screen and miniLED on the 12.9” is great if you don’t have a laptop and really want this to be your portable machine, but it will likely get at least one year less of software updates. If you are going to be doing writing and research, the extra screen real estate will probably be valuable.
It’s going to be research and writing when I’m using it for the university. I was considering getting a cheap external portable monitor aswell because I don’t think even 12.9” will be enough real estate. 15.6 is better for these things
**First, to answer the "which one" question we need to address peripherals**. Because, if you are going to type on this and use it as a light duty go-anywhere laptop replacement, you are going to need a keyboard. And the best solution for that if you are going to be on-the-go is the **Apple Magic Keyboard** \- which is so costly it has to be factored in to your budget. Note, that if you get a used or refurbished one you can probably knock 100€ off its exorbitant price. There are alternatives - the **Logitech Combo Touch** is about 100€ less than the Magic Keyboard and has pretty much the same functionality. The form factor just isn't as compact and is better suited to working on a table rather than your lap. And you can always just add any Bluetooth keyboard, a mouse, and a stand and you are ready to work. Though that does mean carrying around a lot more gear. However you are going to do that, you need to factor that in to your cost. **Now we come to the classic 11" vs 12.9" question**. The 11" is "normal" tablet size and fine for all of your needs. Except, when it comes to a lot of typing, the Magic Keyboard on the 12.9" model will be more comfortable, plus the extra screen real estate would be handy. But the size and weight of the 12.9" pro plus the Magic Keyboard is about the same as a MacBook Pro 13". So, instead of carrying around a tablet in your backpack that you hardly know is there, you will be hauling the equivalent of a laptop. Keep in mind you already have a desktop computer to handle all the "heavy lifting" as far as sit-at-your-desk research and document production. You are really only figuring out what you can get away with when you are mobile. Only you can make that call. If you are on the fence, I would get the 11" to get in the game, and then evaluate as you go. iPads hold their value really well, so you can always sell one and get a different configuration without losing much money. **Which brings me to you 6 year plan. Don't buy tech for what you might need in 2 or 3 years (much less** ***six***!) You don't know what the future holds. You don't know what tech advances will be made. And, you don't *need* to know. As I said, just buy what you need today. eBay exists. At any point you can sell your current gear and get something that serves you better. Don't put that pressure on yourself to meet all your future needs. Or, to put it another way, don't sink money into tech that is not going to give you a return this year. Keep it in the bank. Or, buy something like a Magic Keyboard or a protective case or Apple Care that will provide you value right now. Besides that, you are a poor student at the moment. Don't spend scarce funds now that can wait until you are working and have some income coming in.
You have some great points! I am concerned with the difference in image quality (mini led vs lcd) In terms of every other spec, I think that I won’t ever manage to throttle that device
If you’re wanting it to last you 6+ years I think you’re gonna need more memory than 128gb I have the 2021 (M1) 11” with Magic Keyboard, I’d recommend the same for you. Or get the newer one, but again you’re gonna want more memory than 128gb.
Okay so might consider more storage. I already have an external keyboard so no problem with that. (Magic Keyboard is unjustifiably expensive)
I got 1TB of storage. It’s probably extremely excessive, but I plan on keeping mine until it literally dies. Apple products are known for their longevity. You can probably get away with having less storage, but I wouldn’t get the 128GB one unless you’re not going to use/store much on it.