iPad v iPad Pro, & iPad Mini - this page is being updated with latest tech details. October 2018

2018 - The iPad range is now 4 sizes, mini, iPad, iPad Pro and iPad Pro with the big screen.

For those of you considering which iPad to buy your loved one or yourself this Christmas, you may be wondering which of the multiple iPads now available you should decide on.  Here are the key differences and some facts that you may find helpful when deciding.

Weight and dimensions - the new iPads are thinner and lighter than the previous versions as you would expect. 

Camera - The front facing camera is either 8 or 12 megapixels, the rear makes full use of the Retina display for video chatting with a 1.2MP HD camera.

Processor - The iPad packs Apple's  processor, which Apple says "doubled the performance of CPU tasks," the Pro features the new xx processor - faster again.  The iPad mini has been similarly upgraded to

Battery - Same for both, around 10 hours depending on usage type.

iOS 12 - Apple's latest operating system was launched in Autumn 2018 so it's featured, or can be downloaded on all new iPads.

Price - The cheapest iPad is around £330 and the most expensive is over £1,000 - depending on the amount of storage you choose, and whether is Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi and Cellular.

Connectivity - All recent iPads use the lightning connector.

iPad cases are now much more advanced than they were.  If you need a full sized keyboard because your fingers are too big for the onscreen version, you can buy a folio type case in which sits a removable keyboard.  Very neat at a cost of £65 +, reasonably priced by Apple standards.

iPad Mini - so why buy smaller?

Apple was quick to point out at the product's debut, the iPad mini has 35% percent more screen space than a Nexus 7 thanks to its 4:3 aspect ratio, and Safari offers a viewport that's 49% larger than Chrome on a Nexus 7 (although that stat is helped considerably by interface differences between mobile Safari and Chrome).

Apps is where Apple has always differentiated itself from competitors. The iTunes Store is full of more than 700,000 apps, including 275,000 apps designed specifically for the iPad. The mini does a good job running all sorts of business-related apps—and with that many apps the chances are there are several apps to choose from for whatever you need to get done on your iPad.

Putting the iPad mini to work:  According to reviewers, using the iPad mini on its own is a pleasant and entirely workable experience.

Decision time: At the core, deciding between a mini and standard or large iPad really comes down to size and price. Which do you need more, the larger 9.7-inch screen, or a more portable device that weighs about half as much?

If you plan to use an iPad as a substitute for your notebook computer, you should probably opt for one of the larger models. But that doesn't mean the iPad mini is shut out of the office. Particularly for mobile workers, the increased portability of the iPad mini makes an extremely strong case in its favour. 

The smaller screen does make for slightly smaller touch targets in apps, but on the plus side, the screen is as sharp as the full sized version. The new iPad mini starts at £319, the older version is now priced at £249.  They go up in similar steps to the iPad Air, and there is also a Cellular wifi version.

Upgrading your iPad - you may wish to consider the following:

Q: Can I sell my current iPad to put the money towards a newer one?
A:  Yes, you can and they keep their value well.  If it is not scratched, and you have been keeping it in a case, and if you have the original box so you can pack it up properly, you will be in a good position to get the best price for it.

Q:  How much storage do I need?
A:  I recommend at least 64 Gb if you like taking photos with your technology.

Q:  Is there a period in which I can take it and test and return it if I have purchased the wrong one?
A:  Yes there is.  Ask when you purchase it for the details.

Q: Do the new ones come in different colours?
A:  Yes Space Grey, Silver and Rose Gold.  Buy a coloured case to customise yours.

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