Still, if you have your heart set on an iPad, that's a good choice as well. In fact, this year you have a lot of good choices where the iPad is concerned; almost too many. We're going to help you break down what you need.
Let's take a look at four goals you might have for your tablet and which tablets match them.
1. iPad for a budget
Maybe you're on a tight budget, you're buying a second tablet, or you're looking for a tablet for a child. The iPad mini 2 (starting at $269) and the original iPad Air (starting at $399) are going to be where you want to look.Despite the fact that they're technically "older" with slower processors, a less powerful camera, and lack the faster 802.11ac Wi-Fi, they'll still run most apps just as well as the newer models. In fact, they have the same screen resolution, run iOS9 and have storage options up to 32GB.
The one major thing they don't have is the TouchID for fingerprint scanning. This means you won't be able to open your tablet with a swipe, or use Apple Pay in apps or online. However, for most people that won't be a deal breaker when you save $100 or more vs. a newer model.
2. iPad for travel
Tablets are portable by nature, but some are still better for travel than others. The iPad mini 4 (starting at $399) with its 7.9-inch screen is going to be easier to carry around and slips better into luggage. Plus, it's less expensive than the larger iPads, which means if an accident happens, it'll cost less to replace.If you're a frequent traveler, you might spring for a cellular model. This will let you connect to the Internet, use connected apps and receive emails no matter where you go. For use mostly at home with a bit of travel, save $130 and go with a Wi-Fi-only model.
If you're on a budget, the iPad mini 2 is a good travel choice as well. However, it only has storage sizes up to 32GB. The mini 4 can have 64GB or 128GB if you want to store a large music library or movie library to keep you company on long trips.
3. iPad for creating
In general, tablets aren't as good as computers for being creative. Photo and video editing, graphic design, drawing, music composing and even typing a novel is better done on a laptop. With each new tablet generation, that's becoming less true, and recent large tablets like Microsoft's Surface Pro 4 are essentially laptops in the shape of a tablet.In a surprising move, Apple took a page from Microsoft and released the iPad Pro (starting at $799). It has a massive 12.9-inch screen, a "desktop-level" A9x processor and, in a first for Apple, a stylus called Apple Pencil.
The upgrades to iOS for the larger screen allow for side-by-side app windows and the processor lets it come close to intensive tasks usually needing a full computer. Also, Apple is hoping the stylus will appeal to artists and other creative types.
If that sounds like you, this is the iPad to get. Just keep in mind that the optional physical keyboard will add $169 to the cost, and the Apple Pencil adds $99. So, the base 32GB model, with extras, will set you back $1,067.
The 128GB model with everything is $1,217, and if you spring for the cellular version it's $1,347. Naturally, unless you're planning to work a lot in places without Wi-Fi, you can skip the cellular version.
True, for those prices you could technically get a more powerful MacBook, and many people will. However, the MacBook doesn't have the touch screen, stylus, TouchID, or the ability to run iOS apps. For some people, that might be what they want.
4. iPad for everything
If you want the best all-around iPad, the iPad Air 2 (starting at $499) is your ticket. It packs a punch thanks to its A8x processor, has a comfortable-to-see 9.7-inch screen, includes a TouchID sensor and has every other bell and whistle you need in a sleek package.Whether you're watching streaming video, browsing the Internet, video chatting, shopping online, playing games or reading an eBook, it can do it no problem. Plus, if you need storage space, it can go up to 128GB.
Like the other iPads, the Air 2 has a cellular model, but unless you're traveling heavily with it, you don't need to spend the money. Most places you go will have Wi-Fi.
If you're really looking to save money at this screen size, the original iPad Air (starting at $399) is still available and still solid, even though it only goes up to 32GB of storage and lacks the TouchID sensor. Thinking a few years down the road, the Air 2 is probably a better option.
