The New M4 iPad

If you have not seen Apple's new iPad, it is like the old iPad, but has a thin, really thin, design, a better chip, and a better screen than the last iPads.

Should I buy one?

That is the question and a tough one.  For me, the biggest downside to my current iPad M1 12.9 is the weight.  I called it an "uncommonly heavy" iPad in my review.   The obvious resolution to this issue, without giving up screen space, is a lighter, thinner iPad.  The new 13 inch iPad is the thinnest device Apple has ever released.  This should be closer to the initial idea of the iPad.   Also, I can deal with size if I can get something that weighs less.  Currently, I use a Logitech Case that helps me balance the brick-like iPad with its kickstand, but this device combined with a kickstand would be ideal.   I have also thought about going down in size to the 11 inch, but I really like that big display for my photos.  

Other options?

The next best option to getting a thinner iPad to deal with the weight is getting another iPad.  I like the iPad Air 5th Gen for its ability to also fill in as a music server and be able to use "extend my display" like my current M1 Pro 12.9.   However, this would mean juggling two iPads, which may not be as ideal as it sounds.  Yes, it would give me another iPad, so I could use one iPad while the other is playing music.  However, it could result in my iPad 12.9 being rendered to just being used as a music server and a photo editor.   I don't think that this would justify what I paid for it.  It's a bit of a give and take.  The current cost of a refurb model of Air is around $450, but could be higher or lower depending on timing of when I buy it. 

Cost of the new iPad?

Well, there is the price of the device and then the additional cost of accessories.  Basically, for a 13 inch, the pricing is dependent on the hard drive space I will need.  I think I can get by with 256GB.  Yes, a 1TB would mean I could leave SSD drives at home and just back up photo cards onto the iPad directly.  However, the price for that gets pretty high!  For 1TB versus a 256GB, it is $700 more. I will just carry another SSD for that price.  I looked at my current iPad and it isn't even filling up 100GB thanks to iCloud backup.   

So, for my configuration, I expect the iPad 13 would be $1428 with the new Pencil and without the magic keyboard.  I would probably spend another $100 or so on a different case.  I would like a Logitech similar to what I have now, but I could get by with a folio of some sort that has a light cover and use a bluetooth keyboard when I want to type a lot.  I mainly use the iPad in tablet form, so I am going back and forth on my best option for the case.  When the iPad is at my desk, I use the same mouse and keyboard I use with the Mac.

Apple would also allow me to trade in my M1.  They will give me around $500 for it at the moment.  This would be $928 vs $ 450 using options above.   I am still in the middle of the road on this.  There are benefits going in either direction.  

Upsides to a Second iPad

1.  Costs less
2.  Smaller footprint when I want it
3.  Uses the same Pencil 2 of my M1
4.  Dock and use as a music server while still using the other iPad
5.  A cheaper iPad to carry on the road

Downsides to a Second iPad

1.  Juggling iPads (redundancy)
2.  Will not get many of the new features of the new iPad
3.  Will stop getting updates earlier than a new iPad.
4.  All of the new features missing - slower, worse screen, etc.

Upsides to new iPad M4

1.  M4 chip and what it could mean down the road.
2.  OLED displays
3.  One iPad to rule them all (no juggling around)
4.  Will get updates longer than either iPad.
5.  Thin and light with a big screen
6.  New Pencil features
7.  Many other new features, but these are the most meaningful to me.

Downsides to new iPad M4

1.  Lose benefits of a two iPad setup.
2.  Price (will cost double to have this one iPad compared to having 2)
3.  Accessories - the price of the device is already a lot, but it will require a new case and Pencil.
4.  It still has the iPadOS downsides (though it will also have the upsides)

What to do, what to do?

Honestly, at this point, I am in a wait and see mode.  I really want to see if they have anything coming with the next iPadOS that makes the update worth it for me.  Right now, I have a 9.7 iPad as my secondary iPad, but the battery power is dying and the power of the device is weak.  However, using it for a few months and waiting for answers, makes the most sense.  If I don't see a reason to change for software, I am leaning toward the two iPad solution, if I do anything at all.  I am really impressed with that thin design, but right now, that isn't enough for me to make that leap.