The estimated reading time for this post is 7 minutes
Q. I read your article, Which Tablet Is Best for You? and I decided on getting an iPad. But there are so many different iPads that I’m really confused about which one to get. I don’t want to make the wrong choice and then wish I had gotten a different one. Which one do you recommend?
A. I can understand your confusion. At the Apple Store online, you can choose from 14 different models of iPads. If you consider colors and different carriers for data plans, you have a grand total of 54 different choices of iPads. No wonder you’re having a tough time making a decision!
Here are some steps you can take to make your decision:
New vs. Old iPad Models
Usually getting the newest model is the best with tech to make sure your device isn’t obsolete before your credit card statement arrives. But Apple introduced two new full-sized iPad models last year, so the third generation iPad model isn’t even a year old yet. If you need to save money or want to stick with the 30-pin dock connector, getting an iPad 3 may be the way to go for you. The Apple Store doesn’t offer the iPad 3 for sale, but you should be able to find it at retailers such as Best Buy in the US.
Buying an older model will save you money over buying the iPad 4, but you won’t be getting the latest technology.
Pros of buying an older model iPad
- Lower Price
- Older 30-pin dock connector (which is a pro if you have a lot of accessories and cords with this connector)
Cons of buying an older model iPad
- Lower value when you resell it
- 30-pin dock connector may not be available in future accessories
- Faster obsolescence
The iPad 2, available in the iTunes Store, will save you money, but doesn’t have Retina display or a faster processor. If you want to get an older model, check out the 3rd generation iPad models instead.
iPad Full Size vs. Mini
The Mini is more portable, being much smaller and lighter, than the full-sized iPad. In my review The iPad Mini: You May Not Want It…Until You Hold It, I explain that you may not think you want the Mini until you hold it in your hands. Yes, it’s that cool.
But cool only gets you so far. There are other considerations for choosing between sizes that are important (it’s up to you to decide how important cool is as a factor). The Mini screen is 7.9″ versus 9.7″ for the full-sized iPad. If you need extra screen real estate, then the smaller size of the Mini may be a deal-breaker.
The Mini also does not come with a Retina display screen. If you’ve become used to the clarity of Retina display on your iPhone, Mac or previous iPad, you may not be satisfied with the clarity of the iPad Mini screen.
Try to hold a Mini in your hands before making your purchase decision.
Mini Pros
- Lower Price
- Portability – Smaller and Lighter
- Cooler than the Fonz in Fairbanks in February
Cons
- Smaller screen
- No Retina display
- Slower than the iPad 4
Color
The iPad comes in Black or White. Some people like white, believing it distinguishes the tablet as being an iPad. Others prefer black so the frame disappears, like a TV screen frame. Still others prefer to get the same color as their phone or a different color from their phone.
If you don’t care about color, then finding an iPad with your other preferences will be easier.
Storage Size
The iPad and the iPad Mini both come in three sizes: 16, 32 or 64GB. You will want to put apps, books, photos, videos, and perhaps podcasts, music, and audiobooks on your iPad, all taking up storage space.
Apps are only getting bigger, with the average size of apps increasing 16% in a six month period last year. Game apps grew 42% in size during the same period. If you’re going to be using your iPad for digital textbooks, know that these textbooks often exceed 1 GB each.
Also know that you cannot expand storage space on your iPad. There is no slot for a memory card to add storage. You are stuck with what you buy. Each size increment increases the price of the device $100. If you consider that a 16GB SD memory card can cost under $14, you may think that paying $100 more for an iPad with greater storage is a bad deal. You’re right, but you will really need the extra storage space as you start to load apps and other content onto your iPad.
If you scrimp on storage space you will probably regret your decision at some point when you have to delete content to add new apps, photos, etc. I suggest 32GB be the minimum size that you consider getting.
Data + Wi-Fi vs. Wi-Fi Only
You will want your iPad to be able to connect to the Internet to access your email, Facebook, Twitter and other accounts. You will also want to be able to search the web and make the most of apps that require an Internet connection to work.
All iPads have the ability to connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi, but to be able to connect when you’re away from Wi-Fi using a data connection (as you connect to the Internet with your smartphone when you’re away from Wi-Fi), you must have an iPad that has Wi-Fi + Data. This feature adds $130 to the cost of your iPad and cannot be added later.
But that’s not all. In addition to paying $130 extra, you must purchase a data plan to actually use your Data feature. Data plans range from $14.99 to $50 per month in the US. Unlike your cell phone plan, you don’t need to commit to a contract to purchase a data plan. Check with your carrier to see if you can opt in and out of an iPad data plan without paying a change fee.
You don’t need to be with the same carrier for your iPad as you have for your smartphone. Some people like to have different carriers for their iPad so they maximize the chance that they will be able to connect to a carrier if they are in a remote location.
If your carrier for your smartphone plan has a shared data plan, you may not have to pay much more to add your iPad to your plan.
If you want to get an iPad with Data, do your research before you buy so you know which carrier you want to use for your iPad. iPads are specific to each carrier and aren’t interchangeable between carriers.
[note]
Use Your Smartphone as a Wi-Fi Router
If you get a Wi-Fi only iPad, you may not be totally out of luck if you are away from Wi-Fi and need to connect to the Internet. You may be able to use your smartphone as a Wi-Fi router. Your smartphone may be able to transform its cellular data connection into a Wi-Fi connection for your iPad. This nifty trick, called tethering, is explained here: Tethering Explained: How to Turn Your Phone Into Your Own Wifi Connection On The Go.
Tethering costs extra on your cell phone plan and isn’t available for all models of smartphones. Tethering connections are generally slower than data connections and can drain cell phone batteries quickly. But if you’re in a pinch, tethering your iPad to your smartphone may allow you to forgive yourself for not springing for an iPad that has Data capabilities.[/note]
Weighing the Factors
With all of those factors, how do you decide which is best for you? Some factors will be a matter of preference, some will be how you are going to use the device, others will be dictated by your budget.
Personal Preference
- Size
- Color
How You Will Use Your iPad
- Size
- Storage Capacity
- Data + Wi-Fi vs. Wi-Fi Only
Budget
- Older vs. Newer Model iPad
- Size
- Storage Capacity
- Data + Wi-Fi vs. Wi-Fi Only
Most Important Splurges
If your budget is limited, you’ll need to decide which factors are the most important to you. Perhaps getting an iPad with Data isn’t important because you’re around Wi-Fi networks constantly. Perhaps you will load your iPad with videos, apps and other content that are space hogs. Perhaps you really want the larger and Retina display of the full-sized iPad.
Weigh these factors against your needs and budget. You won’t be able to change your iPad once you buy it, but if you find you made the wrong decision, then all is not lost. You should be able to resell your iPad on a site such as Gazelle or Glyde.
Bottom Line
Buying an iPad is an investment that requires you make choices based on your budget, preferences and how you’ll be using the device. Consider your options carefully and research your choices before making your purchase. By educating yourself beforehand, you are more likely to be delighted with your decision for a long time to come.
If you have an iPad, did you research your choices before buying? Are there any choices you wish you had made differently? If you are considering buying an iPad, which factors are important to you? Let us know in the Comments section below.
Hi Carolyn,
Remember you told about writing helpful topics, not trending topics? 🙂 Even it’s a reply for one person, it gonna help a lot for sure. Especially whomever looking for buying an iPad and has no idea at all. I really love when questions or expereince turns into a new post with full of information 🙂
I like how you categorized your post depending on attributes/features and even a person with no idea about iPad can have the idea of which one to buy. The comment of asker here will reveal it 😉
Have a wonderful week there Carolyn 🙂 Me? Am busy 😀 lol…
Cheers…
Hi Mayura, Yes, you’re right. I enjoy helping people here, especially with their tech questions. I had been getting this question a lot, especially after the launch of the iPad Mini. With so many different iPad choices, it’s easy to get confused about which one is best.
Selecting an iPad means making an important choice. You’ll be spending a lot of money so you want to be sure that you’re getting the right one for your needs. No one wants to spend the money and then discover that you got the wrong one. The more information we can have before we make our purchase decision, the more likely it is that we will make the best choice for us.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mayura. I hope you have a wonderful busy week! 🙂
Carolyn – you’ve done a superb job of outlining the major iPad decision issues. Somehow, I’m not surprised 🙂
When I summarize the subject in a casual conversation, I usually say most people will do just fine with a Wi-Fi 16GB version of the iPad or iPad mini. However, if you consider yourself a “power user” of a PC and might want more than a hundred apps, or thousands of photos, songs or videos then you should add memory. I have a 64GB iPad 3 with 300 apps and lots of photos and music. After removing videos – many of which I had taken and processed with my iPhone, I was well under the 32GB limit.
And most people will do fine with a one year old version. The money you save could be used to buy apps or add more memory. Again, a power user who plans to process video with one of the hundreds of photo apps will probably want the latest – and fastest – processor. I have found all screens to be superb going back to the iPad 1 so resolution/Retina is not a big deal.
If you do go with the 3G version most people have their own preference for carriers no matter what the device is.
I think the mini will become the top iPad seller very soon. Size and price are extremely attractive features. However, a “serious” user who is replacing a laptop with an iPad will likely opt for the larger version.
Finally, I strongly encourage you to buy a keyboard such as the Zagg Folio to turn any iPad into a content creating tablet – not just a content consuming tablet.
Hi Gary, Wow, thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot coming from you!
I agree with you, most people could save money by getting the iPad 3 without making noticeable sacrifices. Jens points out in a comment below that he doesn’t know whether he has the iPad 4 or 3. The difference between the iPad 2 and 3 is larger because of the addition of Retina display screens in the iPad 3.
16GB will probably be sufficient space if someone wants to use the iPad mostly for surfing the Net. If they will be storing any content, such as apps, textbooks, videos, movies, etc. 16GB might not cut it. I have been in a situation where I have needed to manage my content to fit it on my device and that isn’t a fun chore.
Right now I also have a 64GB model iPad and I deleted my music to give myself more space. (I wasn’t using my iPad to play music anyway.)
A podcaster suggested that you need 50% more space on the iPad than you use on your iPhone, because the apps are bigger for the iPad. But he said that before the iPad had Retina display.
I believe you are right about the iPad Mini. The convenience of that size is very handy and the lower price makes it a compelling purchase.
I got a keyboard case for my iPad but didn’t like using it somehow. I’m not a big fan of on-screen keyboards, but I find it easier to type on my iPad screen than a netbook-sized keyboard.
Thanks so much for sharing your insights with us, Gary!
On the ball once again Carolyn giving us the goods on the differences between the iPads. I would probably be getting a headache myself if I were going to buy one now too. Thank goodness I’m not.
I’ve already learned one thing since meeting you. Before I guy one piece of technology, I’m asking your opinion first.
You’re my Tech Queen! 🙂
~Adrienne
Hi Adrienne, Yes, I remember when you got your iPod Touch, I was so excited for you! I’m glad that worked out well for you.
Buying an iPad has become much more complex with all of the new choices. People seem to be having a tougher time deciding which one to get. There are ways to save money while still getting a great device. You just have to make sure that you’re getting the one that is the best fit for you!
Thanks for your comment and your kind words, Adrienne! 🙂
I have an iPad 2, bought new and now obsolete, but fortunately, it functions for what I need. One day, my techie obsession will compel me to upgrade.
Hi Amberr, Good news, if your iPad 2 is functioning well for you then it isn’t obsolete. My girls use an iPad 2 and have no trouble with it at all. But if people are buying a new iPad, they may want to consider getting an iPad 3 instead to postpone obsolescence and get the Retina display screen. The iPad 3 is only $50 more than the iPad 2, according to the current price at Best Buy.
Enjoy your iPad 2 for as long as it keeps working for you, Amberr! 🙂
I don’t own an iPad but I have been playing around with picking one up. If it wasn’t for the new connector I might buy an older model.
Hi Josh, If you’re not wedded to the older connector, then the new connector may be a better choice for you as it will become the standard in the future.
Our family has so many cords and accessories with the older connector that the eventual change over will be difficult so I am trying to postpone it as long as possible.
Carolyn,
There are far too many choices to make an “easy” decision and as you pointed out the best thing to do is try to make an informed decision based on your pocket book and needs. I am still using the I-Pad 2 and the one drawback I have with it is the memory space (it is the 16 GB version). The programs are getting HUGE and it takes so much more memory to install just one program. Now…they could simplify it for everyone and give us the option of an SD card but I am sure that would cut into their bottom line (and we all know it truly is about money). Just my opinion on that last part of course….. 🙂
Aaron
Hi Aaron, Yes, 16 GB is tight and requires active space management. You have to think twice before you add an app to see how much room it will take up on your iPad.
SD cards can be very handy because they can make data transfer simple: just pop the SD card out of your device and pop it into your computer or another device. But SD cards can get lost or forgotten. I know I have been on a trip only to realize that my SD card was not in my camera but left in my computer!
The 32 GB iPad becomes the worst deal because you’re spending an extra $100 for only 16 GB of space. Jumping from the 32 GB to the 64 GB model at least gives you an extra 32 GB for your extra $100. It’s difficult seeing Apple giving up that kind of profit margin.
But you can’t really look at it that way. You have to consider how much space you need on your iPad vs. how much you can afford. Perhaps going with an iPad 3 with extra space would be a better choice than getting an iPad 4 with less space.
If you get a decent price when you resell your iPad 2, then the upgrade to a newer iPad model may not be as costly in the long run.
This is an awesome article Carolyn. We have three versions at home. My daugher has iPad 2 (she got it for Christmas), my wife has the iPad mini (she got it for Christmas) and I believe that I have the fourth generation iPad (but I am not really sure).
All of us are very satisfied, but if I was going to buy a new iPad I would definitively buy the iPad mini, and it’s just because I believe that the size is perfect.
Hi Jens, wow, you are well on your way to having all 54 models of iPad available now. 😉
I am glad you are so happy with all of your iPads. At some point sharing iPads becomes difficult and you give up trying to allot time and get family members their own devices.
My older daughter has a Mini, I have an iPad 3, my husband has an iPad 1 and my twins share and iPad 2. So far that has worked for us.
Hi Carolyn,
I’m not tempted yet. My next tech item will be a new phone or camera. It’s all getting too complicated for me. I had two guys fix my heating today, they changed an electronics board, but didn’t understand it. I could barely make out what was what, all the parts were Japanese. It’s very cold here, but the light has been better for photography. I even have snow pictures! I got out of a warm bed to take those when the heating was off! I paid for my web space for another year today, they kept sending me email offering discounts to renew! I’m hoping for a good year. I’m going to do more blogs about investments. I’ve been doing better on the stock market. Better than the so called experts anyway! 🙂
Hi Mike, I am very curious whether you will be getting a phone or a camera first. Cameras on smartphones have gotten quite good but can’t match the controls for a professional photographer like yourself.
I was by your blog this morning to see your beautiful pictures. I will be by later to leave a comment. I am curious about your editing of the pictures!
I’m glad you signed up for another year, Mike. How long have you had your blog?
Good luck with the heat. I see you’ve been getting some snow there. We have had warm weather here. Yesterday it was 60F/15C.
I am not an Apple Products lover but I love the way you wrote this post. You laid everything out there and easy to understand. This will be helpful to anyone who is asking themselves this same question. I myself, enjoy my little 7 inch Acer tablet. 🙂
Hi Shelley, I’m glad you’re happy with your Acer tablet, that’s the main thing. As I pointed out in Which Tablet Is Best for You? not everyone wants to get an iPad, but for those who do, this article may help people make a decision on which one to get!
Carolyn,
I don’t have IPad @ home and own a HP touch pad..! But, I love the Retina display perfection and ppi on touch screen. simply fentastic..!!
I believe Apple is far ahead on tablet display & ppi response and next comes with Kindle & Nexus7 series. Azus transformer doing great as well. 🙂
I believe your article would provide better clarity those who really lok around IPAD to shop around now. 🙂 : Thanks for the post.
Hi Manickam, Yes, the Touchpad is great. My brother has one and swears by it. The basic apps are there but there isn’t much chance of further apps being developed for it, unfortunately. That tablet is a sad tale of great tech mismanaged by bad corporate decisions.
The Asus Transformer is also a great tablet. There are more choices out there than ever before!
Carolyn,
When it comes to Apple products I’ve always waited until they discontinue a model. The price drops and I snag it. I want an iPad, but I really don’t need an iPad 🙂 This article really does lay it all out though.
If I did get one it would mainly be for reading (but by plain old Kindle does that just fine). And also, my youngest gadget-hound son would swipe it whenever I’m not using it. Kid has sticky fingers 😉
Hope you have a good day. Thanks for this!
Hi Craig, Yes, I still love my Kindle for reading too. I can’t read books on my iPad, I get distracted by too many other things. But my Kindle is my dedicated reading device and works great.
This year is somewhat unique that three different versions of the iPad have been released within the past 10 months. That means the price of the older iPads have come down, making them more affordable. You won’t go wrong with the iPad 3 for instance and you will save money over the newer iPad 4.
“That means the price of the older iPads have come down, making them more affordable.”
— This is the time when I finally jump in and buy. Might just get one for the whole family, but those darn kids will just hog it! 😉
You’re right, Craig. Your kids will definitely hog it. I can’t give you any tech tip to prevent that happening! 😉
HI Carolyn
I was just holding back my plan, but now after reading your post I’m going to purchase old model probably tomorrow. So from tomorrow I will also be joining the apple club for sure. I will let you know tomorrow which ipad I have purchased, it will be old for sure.
Thanks for sharing this great post.
Sapna
Hi Sapna, I look forward to hearing which iPad you got! I know it’s a difficult decision with so many models out there. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it no matter which one you get. :-bd
HI Carolyn
I thought of updating you first, I received my ipad yesterday, after ordering couple of days back and now I can also say that I’m the proud owner of apple product.
I need to explore this now as I am totally new to it.
Thanks
Sapna
Congratulations, Sapna! You may want to check out Getting Started with Your New Smartphone or Tablet to help you learn about your iPad.
I hope you really enjoy your iPad!
Since Apple launched two iPad models last year, even if I get iPad3, it won’t get obsolete. iPad Mini is also kinda rage beacause of its size and portability. Your comparison cleared a lot of my doubts. And ultimately my budget will only decide what I will get. Good share. 🙂
Hi Vicky, Yes, the budget really rules all, but even if you had all the money in the world, no need to waste it on features you don’t need. I hope this article helps you figure out which features are worth the splurge!
I am really confused whether i should go for the WiFi or WiFi + Cellular plan.I have found something interesting after i read that we can convert our smart phone into a WiFi router and this is something that solves my problem.But still i am worried whether i will be able to get the same internet speed and whether my Samsung note battery wont drain quickly.Can you offer me some guidance?
Hi Jeo, You’re right to be concerned. You tethering speeds will be slower and your smartphone’s battery will drain quickly. I suggest that you use tethering either for a short time on a full battery or only when you have a power source available. If you have the extra funds to get Wi-Fi + Cellular, plus a data plan, then that will be much more convenient. But if you’re looking for a way to save money and are around Wi-Fi networks most of the time, tethering could be a way to give you the best of both worlds.
Why should you get an ipad in the first place? I don’t want to start a fan-boy war here but yeah, I would go with a tablet that haves Android.
Much, much cheaper, will do the same stuff as the ipad and some even better. So yeah.
Hi Christian, I respect your opinion, but the reader asked me which iPad to get, not which tablet to get. This month I have been getting that question a lot, so I decided the answer was worthy of an article. I’m thinking people got holiday gift money or end of the year bonuses because lately I have been getting so many questions from readers about which iPad model to get.
No one has asked which Android tablet to get.
I wrote an article in November comparing the different models of tablets to help people decide between the iPad, Nexus, Kindle Fire and Surface.
i will prefer to go for ipad mini because of its form factor and it got some new great features and hardware as well…
Hi Jawad, I think you will love your iPad Mini! The convenience and coolness can’t be beat!
Wow..this explains it all…never thought there will be so many choices after zeroing in on an ipad 🙂
yea, i havent given much thought into buying an ipad, hence the lack of knowledge, but it is good to know all this before deciding.
thanks for sharing carolyn.
Hi Praveen, Yes, not everyone wants an iPad. But for those who do, the choices continue to grow, making the decision all the more confusing. If you ever decide to get an iPad, or know someone who does want to get one, I hope this article will be helpful!
Wow! It’s like you have a window into my recent iPad search! I went round and round for quite some time trying to decide between an iPad 3, iPad 4, and iPad Mini. WiFi only or data + WiFi? About the only thing I was certain on was size – 32gb, and my limited budget. In the end, I went with the iPad 4, WiFi only, as I learned, as you mentioned, that I could tether it to an iPhone on those few times I needed access and didn’t have WiFi. I’m two weeks into my decision, and am quite pleased with the one I chose. My only wish – that I’d read your article before I labored hours over making my decision! Would have shortened my decision time.
Hi Carol, Yes, it’s a very difficult decision with all of the choices. I’m so happy that you got the one that fit best for your needs and budget! Well done. See, you didn’t need this article at all! You did just fine without it. Your tech instincts are tops! :-bd
I got an iPad recently and I went for the one with retina display, 32 GB and only Wi Fi. I don’t need to carry it around, out of the house so often so I didn’t go for the + cellular. And I have the required things on my smartphone if I need to access something on the move.
Also, the mini is pretty nice and yes a wonder to hold, but somehow I like the retina display and find the larger screen much more comfortable.
As a non-tech person my advice would be affordability, requirements and ease of use. Which model is offering you what you actually want from your tablet!
Hi Hajra, Sounds as it you made exactly the right choice for you. If you keep it around the house, then you don’t need the portability of the Mini either.
Your advice is spot on, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Hajra!