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Which iPad would y'all suggest me as a third year architect student?

I want to use it mostly for sketching rendering etc.

I am buying it with my pocket money so please suggest wisely.

iPod, iOS 12

Posted on Jul 9, 2024 12:35 AM

Reply
1 reply

Jul 9, 2024 3:38 AM in response to EshCash

As a student, you would be best advised to seek advice or recommendation from your Course Tutor/Lecturer(s).


As you will no doubt wish to use the same tools and software that are being used for teaching, this advice may seriously influence your eventual choice.



All current iPad models are capable of running the current iPadOS Operating System - this being iPadOS 17.x


All iPad models have broadly the same core capabilities. Models essentially differ in their ultimate performance and physical attributes. iPad Pro models use FaceID for biometric user-authentication, while others use TouchID.


You can compare iPad models here:

iPad - Compare Models - Apple


The iPad10 is the current entry-level iPad. The iPads Pro are the opposite end of the scale - top of the range, with cutting edge capabilities and hardware. Between these two extremes is the iPad Air M2, this model offering a mid-range high performance option. The iPad mini6 is perhaps an entirely different proposition - offering a smaller form factor and other differences in hardware and ultimate capability; the mini6 is very likely unsuitable for your intended use.


All current models of iPad support Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil Pro; models with a USB-C port also support the low-cost USB-C Pencil. Different Pencil models have different capabilities. Ensure that you choose the correct Apple Pencil for your chosen iPad - as they are not interchangeable. Here is the definitive compatibility list:

Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support


For iPad models that support the second generation Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro, the Pencil is paired and charged using the magnetic charging dock on the edge of the iPad. This greatly simplifies charging of the Pencil - as the Pencil is kept optimally charged whenever it is not being actively used.


Also perhaps consider that the iPad Pro 12.9" model is the only iPad to use an OLED screen, with the iPad Air M2 uses the miniLED backlit XDR display. These displays are not only the largest in the iPad range, but is also the most power-efficient and offer the greatest contrast and brightness of any model iPad. iPad Pro also includes reference modes for professional colour grading. Also note that the current iPad Pro models with 1TB/2TB storage options have 16GB RAM, whereas the others and iPad Air M2 have 8GB RAM


Whichever iPad model you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.


A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth.


Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device. 



Also consider the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Aside from the obvious Cellular functionality, only WiFi+Cellular models include GNSS/GPS location capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping. 


Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model provides access to precise location services, but does not commit you to using Cellular connections. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GNSS/GPS functions at all.

Which iPad would y'all suggest me as a third year architect student?

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