Tax free weekend in my state is coming up and I’ve been looking to upgrade my iPad. Currently I have an iPad Air 4th that is adequate, however I want cellular connectivity + Apple Intelligence (when it arrives). Looking through the options, I’m town between getting a 11" M2 Pro or M4 Pro. The M4 would require all new accessories, but it would be “future proof” for a long time. The M2 Pro is significantly cheaper than the M4, so I could splurge on more storage.
This device is primarily a work device. One I carry around looking at real estate, taking notes, and responding to emails.
Any thoughts or questions are warranted. I appreciate the help!
UPDATE:
After much debate and reading all of the responses, I opted for the M4 iPad Pro. The combination of “upgrade proofing”, slim design for easy carry, and correct camera placement were some of the deciding factors. Thanks for everyone who chipped in!
I upgraded from M1 to M4 (both of them the 13” size). The biggest upgrades are the display and the weight. I love the new display, and the weight reduction is noticeable. Honestly, the weight reduction has become even more noticeable as I’ve used the iPad more. If you are also going to go with the Pencil Pro, I consider that a big upgrade even though on paper it may not seem like one. I’m not an artist and still find the squeeze and barrel roll functions to be great improvements. The new Magic Keyboard is better (especially the function row); however, I still have my prior iPad and the old Magic Keyboard is just as satisfying to me to use.
So, I would say there is no “need” to move from M2 to M4. You wouldn’t be missing out on things you have to have and can’t do with your M2. If you use your iPad heavily, you will not regret the upgrade.
The weight, new keyboard, and “correct” front facing camera location has me leaning towards M4. However, it would be much more expensive to replace my current setup with all the new gear.
Most of my note taking is keyboard driven. If I get a pencil, it will likely be the USB-C one as I tend to write very little on my iPad.
Since it will be in constant usage, budget allowing, I would go M4. IMO, the new keyboard is a significant improvement over the old. My M2 Pro had issues that Apple was going to replace. So, I just took the opportunity to trade it and get the M4. No regrets. Smoother operation. I can tell the speed difference from the M2. And, on top of that, future proofing.
I’ll make an argument for the M2 Air. If your uses are not that processor heavy (not sure what on the iPad would be), the M4 Pro is almost double the price once the accessories are factored in. The M2 Air should be able to do the Apple Intelligence features. It’ll be about $800-$1000 for a weight reduction that is canceled out by the keyboard.
That said, the M4 Pro is kinda cool. If you can afford it and want it… go for it.
FWIW, most of the functionality will be for communication (email, slack, etc.), light spread sheet work, quickly managing a website, among other “normal office” task.
The only piece of the Air that I have not enjoyed is TouchID. Face ID, especially with the new camera placement, is much easier to use IMO. If the Air had Face ID, it would be a no brainer for me, however the dilemma persist.