The iPad is one of the most versatile devices. You can use it to study, to get some work done or to binge-watch The Boys. It’s a great tool, no matter how you use it. Using your iPad is easy, the hard part is choosing one. It’s 2019 and we have 4 iPad models to choose from.
But this brings the question: which iPad is the best for you? Well, the answer really depends on what you’re going to use it for. Let’s face it, you don’t really need an iPad Pro with 1 TB of storage if you’re just going to watch Netflix and check Twitter.
So this brings us to today’s topic: choosing the best iPad for you. Hopefully, after this, you’ll know which one to buy. Maybe it’s not the one you wanted, but it may just be the one you needed.
iPad – A good option for the price
- Models: Wi-Fi/ Wi-Fi+Cellular
- Storage: 32 GB/128 GB
- Chip: A10 Fusion chip
- Screen size: 9.7-inch display
The latest iPad was released back in 2018, and currently is the oldest and the cheapest iPad compared to the current models. But this does not mean it’s bad. Maybe you’re looking for something that will let you watch Netflix, check social media and play a few games, or maybe you want something for you’re kids to use without spending that much money. Either way, the iPad is a good choice. It may not be the best on the list, but if you only want to spend $329, this is the iPad for you.
When it comes to keyboard support, there are a lot of options out there. If you want a versatile keyboard case, you can go with the YEKBEE keyboard case for $64.95 on Amazon. The case offers a 360 degrees rotation, allowing you to position your iPad in 6 different positions.
If you want cheaper options that still offer movability, you can go for the Favormates keyboard case starting at $37.99 on Amazon. It still offers 360 degrees rotation, but it feels a little more fragile than YEKBEE’s.
But if you want something sturdier, and money is not that big of a problem, ZAGG’s Rugged Messenger should be the one for you. This works as an actual, durable case and a bluetooth keyboard. It’ll give you all the protection you need while having an option to type an adjust the stand to have different angles. And, according to ZAGG, the Rugged Messenger’s battery life will last up to 2 years. This case starts at $99.93.
iPad mini – Great choice for students
- Models: Wi-Fi/ Wi-Fi+Cellular
- Storage: 64 GB/256 GB
- Chip: A12 Bionic chip
- Screen size: 7.9-inch display
The iPad mini is a personal favorite of mine. For $399 you get the power of an iPad Air in an even more portable device. Add that to the fact that now the iPad mini supports the 1st generation Apple Pencil, and you have a great tool for students and people on the go. It’s a good option for reading and writing, but the small screen makes it bad for other things like media consumption.
Another disadvantage is that you’ll need to use a Bluetooth keyboard because it doesn’t support Apple’s Smart Keyboard. Still, that doesn’t mean there are no great Bluetooth keyboards available. Let’s begin with the GreenLaw keyboard case. This case starts at $45.99 and it gives you 360 degrees rotation backlight keyboard with 7 colors available.
Another option is the JADEMALL keyboard case at $32.99. Compared to GreenLaw’s keyboard, this case won’t give you 360 degrees rotation or a backlight keyboard. This is a cheaper, more discrete option that still offers protection and a responsive keyboard.
iPad Air – The best of both worlds
- Models: Wi-Fi/ Wi-Fi+Cellular
- Storage: 64 GB/256 GB
- Chip: A12 Bionic chip
- Screen size: 10.5-inch display
It seems like there’s a division between the “regular” iPads and the iPad Pro. If that were the case, then the iPad Air is the bridge between them. It gives you great performance while retaining the looks and feel of a regular iPad. You can use it at work, at school, to play games, or just to watch Netflix and chill.
Currently, it’s the most expensive, non-pro iPad, starting at $499. If you’re thinking of buying a regular iPad or even an iPad mini, I’d recommend you to wait until you can get this one instead.
Unlike the iPad or the iPad mini, the iPad Air does support Apple’s Smart Keyboard. So if you want an Apple case and keyboard, you can get it for $159.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can get Logitech Keyboard Case starting at $96.99. This slim keyboard offers a subtle backlight detachable keyboard. It uses the iPad Smart Connector, so you won’t need to connect it via Bluetooth and it doesn’t use batteries.
If you want to feel like you’re writing on a MacBook, then you should get the Brydge Keyboard for $129.99. This is an aluminum Bluetooth keyboard that will give you a great typing experience with a rotation of 180 degrees. However, you don’t get much protection from it. It’s just the keyboard.
If you want protection, then you can get ZAGG Rugged Messenger Keyboard for $79.99 right now. I already talked about this keyboard for the regular iPad. But what you need to know is that this is a durable rugged Bluetooth keyboard with a battery that lasts up to 2 years.
The right pen for your iPad
The great thing about the newest iPad, iPad mini and iPad Air, is that all of them support the first-generation Apple Pencil. If you want to write or draw, this is a great option for the price of $94.88. But, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, or want to try a third-party pen, then you still have other options.
Starting with the Logitech Crayon for $49.99. This is a cheaper option that still offers Apple Pencil technology. You don’t need to pair it with your iPad either. You just turn it on and start using it.
If you’re more of an artist, then you can get the Wacom Bamboo Sketch. This pencil is connected via Bluetooth and it also has two customizable buttons for the shortcuts you want. And, if you want, it can also be connected with your iPhone. The Wacom Bamboo Sketch is $61.99 at the moment.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a cheaper option I’ll leave two options for you. First, we have the HAHAKEE iPad Stylus for $29.99. This pen gives you 40 hours of continuous work. You don’t need to use Bluetooth to connect it, you can just start using it as soon as you turn it on. Second, we have the Adonit Mary Stylus for less than $10. While I wouldn’t recommend getting a simple stylus for your iPad, if you only need a stylus and not a pen, this might be a good option for you.
iPad Pro – The best for your business
- Models: Wi-Fi/ Wi-Fi+Cellular
- Storage: 64 GB/256 GB/512 GB/1 TB
- Chip: A12X Bionic chip
- Screen size: 11-inch display/12.9-inch display
There’s no doubt that the iPad Pro, whether is the 11″ or the 12.9″ version, is the best out of all the iPads. It’s the most expensive as well. Clearly, Apple didn’t make this iPad for everyone. That is because you’re not just buying a product. You’re investing in a tool for your business. This iPad, like the name suggests, is for professionals. Designers, illustrators, video editors and many other professionals can benefit from such a powerful device like the iPad Pro.
When it comes to the iPad Pro, these are currently the only models that support the second-generation Apple Pencil. You can get it for $124.98, so it might be a little expensive. So another great option is the already mention Logitech Crayon for more than half the price. This stylus got support for the iPad Pro with the 12.2 iOS version.
With the keyboard options, you might want to get for Apple’s Smart Keyboard. It’s a good option, but it doesn’t give you that much protection.
You can try GreenLaw case with keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro at $61.99. For a similar case for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, you can check Gambolex IVSO Keyboard Case for $66.99.
So there you have it. I hope I could help you decide which iPad is the best for you. However, my recommendation for you today is to wait. Rumors say that Apple will present new iPads with the release of the new iPhone.
Which iPad are you planning on getting? Be sure to let me know in the comments.