Opinion on the the latest 9.7 inch iPad?

Hardware
1

Hi All,

I am looking to buy a new iPad (9.7 inch - 128GB) for viewing content, annotating PDF’s with the Apple pencil and email. Does anyone have an opinion (pro or con) on this model ?

Thanks

Bill

2

There’s a big jump in price from the 9.7 to the 10.5, but there are a few catches that may or may not be dealbreakers to be aware of:

  1. The 9.7" is NOT compatible with the Apple Smart Keyboard, it ONLY works with bluetooth keyboards
  2. The display is not laminated, so there is a larger gap between the glass and the actual pixels (this can be a bit of a nuisance when viewing off-axis or when drawing.
  3. The FaceTime camera is WAY worse
  4. Slower, first-gen TouchID
  5. Older chipset, meaning less performance headroom for heavy workloads or newer OSs.

Really I think point 1 is the biggest potential dealbreaker since there’s really no workaround: If you were hoping to use the smart keyboard cover, you’re completely out of luck. Everything else is really a mater of your needs and preferences, and can be tolerated or worked around.

But that 9.7" iPad is no slouch at a great price, as long as those list items aren’t dealbreakers. It seems to outperform the new, similarly-priced Microsoft Surface Go based on this quick comparison from Matt Birchler.

I am not sure what to expect in the iPad lineup this fall. I suspect there’s a high likelihood that the Pros will be updated but it’s not clear what will happen to the 9.7" since it was just released in March and is a lower-end machine. I’d suspect at the very most the 9.7" could get a spec bump this fall, but I wouldn’t expect any major feature changes. So if you were shooting for a Pro, I’d advise you wait until October if you can, but the 9.7" I’d be reasonably comfortable buying it now.

1 Like
3

Scott,

Thank you for the feedback. As far as a keyboard is concerned, I have used Bluetooth keyboards from Logitech (K760 - Solar) in the past with good results with my iPad 3 (yes, years ago now).

If I buy one the Pro is more than what I would like to spend and the 9.7 sounds good enough for the job at hand.

The Logitech Slim Folio looks like a very good solution for a combo case and keyboard.

Thanks

Bill

4

I just bought one last week, along with the Logitech Slim Combo keyboard/case and an Apple Pencil. So far, I like it. I don’t know what the Smart Keyboard does that the Bluetooth keyboard doesn’t, but the Bluetooth keyboard works well for me.

I’m happy with the purchase.

5

Matt,

Thanks for the feedback on the case/keyboard. Are you using the pencil to take notes and mark up PDF’s? If so what applications are you using?

I used to use Notability with my iPad 3 and a stylus for note taking 5 years ago. It worked pretty well but switched over to a Laptop (MacBook Air) with Evernote, then to my work Microsoft Surface with Windows 7, followed by a Windows 10 Dell Laptop (not to bad but no pencil). Sorry for being long winded but quite a never ending journey.

Bill

6

I just got a 2018 iPad and love it. I also got the Logitech slim folio for my Dad and he loves that, but it is a bit bulky.

The Pro has lots of little improvements that add up to make its value ok, but I consider them luxury additions. If you think the price is high for what you want it for (like me), I doubt you’ll be disappointed with the 9.7”.

7

Comparing to the iPad Pro, one thing worth noting is that there will probably be a much bigger gap between the regular iPad and the Pro once the Pro gets it’s rumored refresh later this year (FaceID, smaller bezels, etc.).

8

Sorry, Bill, but I can’t be of much help. So far I’m just using the iOS notes app to take notes. I’m looking for a better app. I think there was a thread here on notes apps not too long ago.

I used to use GoodReader to read and annotate PDFs, and I remember liking it. I might start with that (since I already own it).

Good luck!

Matt

9

I bought the 9.7” launch weekend and it’s just been wonderful. I think I would have happily paid $400-450 for it. I don’t use any peripherals; its purpose is a reading and drawing device so I’m more focused when writing and typing on my laptop.

That said, I would wait a month to see what Apple does and then either buy the new Pro or a refurb 9.7.

10

Hello,

Update on the purchase of the iPad (2108 9.7 inch), well I bit the bullet and love the unit !!! I got the 32 GB model, an Apple Pencil, Targus case and a Logitech K380 keyboard. I have been using it for most everything, I am going to try to go all iPad for a month or so leaving my Mac’s turned off. Wish me luck !!!

Bill

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