Is the iPad Worth Your Money? (2024)

The iPad is the most popular tablet in the world, and for good reason.Its introduction in 2010 defined the tablet market.It wasn't the first one ever, but it was the first one people wanted to buy.Since then, it's been the flagship of tablets, but it's not perfect. Here are the pros and cons.

Is the iPad Worth Your Money? (1)

Pros of Buying an iPad

The iPad has a number of benefits, including:

Leading Edge Technology

The iPad doesn't just lead in sales, it leads in technology.It was the first tablet with a high-resolution display and the first to use a 64-bit processor.Each year, when the new iPad is released, it becomes one of the fastest tablets in the world, and the iPad Pro has surpassed many laptops in terms of pure processing power.

The App Store

The App Store now contains well over a million apps, and over half of these are designed with the iPad in mind.One big advantage the iPad has over the PC is the price of software.Most apps are under $5, and many are free.This can be really nice coming from the PC world, where anything under $30 probably isn't worth the price of the packaging.Each app in the App Store is reviewed by actual people at Apple to make sure it's up to a minimal standard. This is a great guard against malware, an issue that plagues the Google Play Store.

Plays Nice With iPhone and Apple TV

If you already own an iPhone orApple TV, one big advantage of owning an iPad is how well they play together. Not only can you share apps between the iPhone and iPad, which is great foruniversal appsthat support both within the same app, features such an iCloud Photo Libraryblend together well. Apple TV owners will also enjoy AirPlay, which lets you connect your iPad to your HDTV wirelessly.

Ease of Use

While Android has made great strides in this area, Apple still leads in providing an interface that's easy to learn and simple to use. While Android tablets allow for more customization, Apple's simple approach makes the iPad less overwhelming. This doesn't mean you can pick up an iPad and become a pro with it overnight, but it doesn't take long for most people to become comfortable using it.

Accessories

One advantage of being the market leader is that everyone wants a piece of the action. This has resulted in a vibrant ecosystem of iPad accessories that go beyond just tablet cases, wireless keyboards, and external speakers. For example, the iRig allows you to hook your guitar to the iPad and use it as a multi-effects package, and the iCade converts your iPad into a classic coin-operated arcade system (minus the need for quarters).

Stability

The iPad is often referred to as a closed system, with Apple controlling both the hardware and the software. There are some disadvantages to a closed system, but one advantage is the stability it provides. While Android app developers must support dozens, even hundreds, of tablets and smartphones, Apple and iPad app developers are supporting a very limited number of tablets all based on the same basic hardware. Apple's app approval process also helps stability by getting rid of the most egregious bugs before they're approved.

Cons of Buying an iPad

While the iPad has many perks, it has a few downsides as well, including:

Cost

The price of entry into Apple's ecosystem is a little steep, especially when many Android tablets now offer a good experience for less money. The 7-inch tablet market is making this even more clear, with current-generation Android tablets going as low as $199. You can even get an Android tablet for as cheap as $50 to $60, although you can't do much more on it than browsing the web.However, that's OK for many people.In comparison, a current-gen iPad starts at $329 and an iPad Pro starts at $800.

Limited Customization

Both an advantage and a disadvantage, the downside of limited customization is that the tablet experience cannot be altered on the iPad. This means no widgets on the home screen, but it also means some apps simply aren't available for the iPad. Apple's approval process does keep some apps from appearing in the App Store that could actually help the experience, such as one that simply switches Bluetooth on and off so you can hook in your wireless keyboard without digging through menus.

Less Expandability

If you run out of storage space on the iPad, you may be left clearing out music, movies, and apps. The iPad doesn't support flash drives to expand storage, and external hard drives and/or cloud storage can't be used to store apps. While all tablets are inherently less expandable than laptops, which in turn are less expandable than desktop PCs, the iPad tends to be more limited than some Android tablets.

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Is the iPad Worth Your Money? (2024)

FAQs

Is it really necessary to have an iPad? ›

While an iPad can accomplish many of the same tasks as a laptop, that doesn't mean they're interchangeable. There are probably some tasks you'll still need your laptop for, but there are also a lot of situations where you'll be able to leave your laptop at home and only carry the much lighter iPad.

What does the average person use an iPad for? ›

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

It's ideal for kids (elementary through middle school age). We also recommend it for adults who need just basic tablet for web surfing, email, streaming video and audio, and video calling. Like all current iPads, this version allows users run two apps at once in split-screen mode.

What is an iPad actually good for? ›

iPad makes editing, enjoying, and sharing your photos and videos easy. Capture the perfect shot and make it your own with a suite of powerful built‑in or third‑party editing apps. And use Final Cut Pro for iPad to shoot, edit, finish, and deliver professional videos anywhere you are.

How much should I spend on an iPad? ›

It's still totally fine to buy new (not refurbished) versions of the 2021 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but try not to spend more than $600 and $850, respectively. The same goes for the 2020 11-inch iPad Pro and the 2020 12.9 incher, but avoid spending more than $500 and $700.

What is the point of owning an iPad? ›

IPads offer a range of functionalities, letting users browse the internet, read e-books, watch videos, play games, and create and edit documents.

What are the disadvantages of an iPad? ›

The main disadvantages of the iPad Air include a relatively high price compared to other tablets, the lack of expandable storage, and the need to purchase additional accessories for features like the Apple Pencil or Keyboard.

What is the normal lifespan of an iPad? ›

Your iPad should last at least 5 years. But your device can last even longer depending on: Your iPad model. A newer iPad Pro or iPad Air, which has more storage and features, will likely last longer than an older or lower-end model.

What is the main use of an iPad? ›

Replace Your Computer

Between its ability to use Facebook, read email, and browse the web, the iPad can replace a laptop for many people. With apps like Apple's Pages and Numbers, Microsoft 365, and the ability to connect a keyboard, the iPad can be all the computer you need.

Is 64GB enough for an iPad? ›

The answer depends greatly on how you plan to use your iPad. For light users who simply browse the web, read books, stream music and occasional video, and have just a handful of apps, 64GB should suffice. But intense media creators, gamers, and professionals may need more room for all their files.

Can you make phone calls on an iPad? ›

After setting up your devices, you can make and receive phone calls on your Mac or iPad whenever the iPhone is nearby and on the same network as the other device. , or choose a call option from a menu. You can also make a call directly from the FaceTime app.

Which is better, an iPad or an iPad Air? ›

If you need the pencil, longevity, and want the M features: Air will easily win. If it's a secondary device and you'd plan to replace it anyway by the time you'd need a more serious model; a regular iPad could see you fine. The regular iPad should be more than sufficient.

Can I watch Netflix on my iPad? ›

The Netflix app is available only on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. You can watch Netflix on your Mac computer by going to www.netflix.com using a supported web browser. The Netflix app is available only on Chromebooks that can install Android apps from the Google Play Store.

What is the average price for an iPad? ›

What is the best iPad?
iPad modelPrice (starting cost)Display
iPad Air$59910.9-inch Retina display
iPad (10th gen)$44910.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
iPad (9th gen)$32910.2-inch Retina display
iPad Pro (6th gen)$79911-inch Liquid Retina display or 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
1 more row
Jul 25, 2024

How to save money when buying an iPad? ›

5 tips to save money when buying a tablet
  1. Trade to save.
  2. Bundle it with a phone.
  3. Consider your needs.
  4. Save during sales.
  5. Go for a refurb.
Jun 22, 2024

Is there a monthly fee for iPad? ›

It depends, if you purchased an iPad that needs a cellular plan, meaning you want it to have service to (FaceTime, surf the web, watch movies etc..) without wifi. then yes you have to pay either $20 or $30 (your choice in plan) MONTHLY for their data plan.

Why do I need an iPad if I have a laptop? ›

It's light and portable and ideal for flying around different offices, working from home, and presenting at client sites without lugging a business laptop around. With the add-on of the Apple Pencil, iPad Pro is a fantastic tool for drawing, sketching and graphic design.

What are the purposes of an iPad? ›

The iPad's software lets you create and manage an extensive library of videos, still images and music. Its Wi-Fi and optional 4G networking ensure easy Internet access. Productivity apps help you manage a busy schedule and offer resources for managing your business. You cannot use desktop software on an iPad.

Why should I buy an iPad instead of an iPhone? ›

The iPad is great for people who are tired of squinting at their smartphone's small screen and want some room to breathe. Many app developers have iPad versions of existing iPhone apps that let you take advantage of a bigger screen or stylus to provide a more useful user experience.

Which is better, an iPad or a laptop? ›

It's a better entertainment device than a laptop

An iPad is a natural device for reading, viewing TV shows and movies, and basic gaming. As I've already said, you'll have no problem holding the lightweight tablet in one hand, and it's simple to go into all the apps you're already used to using from your phone.

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