iPad recommendations

[EphraimK]

Howdy! I am looking to get an iPad and am lost in the options.
I bought my sister the most recent iPad Mini, simply because it was modern and compatible with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. 

 

I have no need for the pencil, but will rather be using the iPad for document writing, html programming, YouTube, Discord etc. Basically a smaller form factor laptop.

I looked at the 10th gen iPad (dont sue me lol) because it was new, and the price recently got dropped. But, looking into the used market, I can get the 2018 iPad Pro 11 inch with Face ID and 512 GB of storage! The 2018 iPad is still supported. Do you think it would be a good idea to go for that rather than the new 10th gen ipad?

Or, I could even go for an iPad air from the past few years. 
What are y'alls recommenations?

iPad Pro used: here

iPad 10th Gen: here

 

I'm really leaning into the pro, obviously, thats a huge steal- cheaper than the newest normal model, with like 4 times the storage!

[DrMacintosh]

The real question is, what is your budget?

[EphraimK]

4 minutes ago, DrMacintosh said:

The real question is, what is your budget?

nothing specific, but preferably between $400 and $600 USD 

I was shooting for $600 if i was getting the new one with the smart keyboard case. I like it better than the aftermarket ones I've purchased. But I was limited to 64GB with that. $800 freakin dollars for more storage and the keyboard case.

 

Definitly not in the budget for the new Pro. Maybe the Air, but I don't really need it.

[DrMacintosh]

23 minutes ago, EphraimK said:

nothing specific, but preferably between $400 and $600 USD

With that in mind, I think you would be better off spending your money on something substantially newer than a 6y old device.

 

Here are some options on what I'd do:

• Buy the new M4 iPad Air ($599 maxes out your budget with no room for accessories)
• See if you can get a deal on old stock M1 iPad Airs. Check Amazon, BestBuy, and other local retailers.
• Buy a refurbished 4th Gen iPad Air (almost identical to the M1 Air) https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad/ipad-air

 

[Electronics Wizardy]

37 minutes ago, EphraimK said:

 

I have no need for the pencil, but will rather be using the iPad for document writing, html programming, YouTube, Discord etc. Basically a smaller form factor laptop.

I'm probably biased, but I'd get a laptop here. Those tasks are type of things that a keyboard would help a lot with, and  keyboard hurts the smaller than a laptop arguement. I'd just get a small laptop for the better os and keyboard.

[EphraimK]

Just now, Electronics Wizardy said:

I'm probably biased, but I'd get a laptop here. Those tasks are type of things that a keyboard would help a lot with, and  keyboard hurts the smaller than a laptop arguement. I'd just get a small laptop for the better os and keyboard.

I actually have two laptops.
Hackintoshed HP Elitebook with Ventura on it and my gaming laptop, a 2023 ASUS ROG G14

 

Just now, DrMacintosh said:

With that in mind, I think you would be better off spending your money on something substantially newer than a 6y old device.

 

Here are some options on what I'd do:

• Buy the new M4 iPad Air ($599 maxes out your budget with no room for accessories)
• See if you can get a deal on old stock M1 iPad Airs. Check Amazon, BestBuy, and other local retailers.
• Buy a refurbished 4th Gen iPad Air (almost identical to the M1 Air) https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/ipad/ipad-air

 

I looked at the new air, and I definitely like it. My only reason against it was 64GB, but they actually raised the minimum storage amount to 128 this year round!

I'll probably go for that then. Or the M1 like you said.

Thank you guys!