2021 Apple 10.2-inch iPad (Wi-Fi, 256GB) - Silver

This 9th Gen iPad (2021) only got a few upgrades over the previous version, but is still the least expensive iPad option. Upgrades over 2020 version: -A13 Bionic Chip: Previous version had A12 chip -Storage: Now has either 64GB or 256GB, previous version was 32GB or 128GB -Selfie Camera: Now has 12MP ultrawide front camera, previous version was 1.2MP standard front camera -Center Stage: Front camera follows you to keep you centered in the frame, not available in previous version -True Tone: Adjusts color temperature to match environment, not available in previous version So, of these features, the most noticeable upgrade is probably the improved front-facing camera. This makes for better looking video calls and selfie photos, and the Center Stage camera tracking feature might be useful if you move around on video calls. The A13 chip is supposed to be up to 20% faster also, although I haven't really noticed that much of a difference so far. Besides those upgrades I listed, everything else is almost exactly the same as the 2020 version of the regular iPad. Same exact build, screen resolution, brightness, rear camera, speakers, battery, lightning charger port, and only support for Gen 1 Pencil (NOT Gen 2 Pencil). There is no gold color available this year either. So to summarize, this 9th generation iPad is really just slightly faster, with more storage and a better front facing camera. The True Tone feature isn't that noticeable to me really, and since the screen brightness wasn't upgraded, it still seems a bit dim at 500nits when you are outside on a bright day. Having said that, this is still the least expensive option for an iPad. Apple is discontinuing the previous generation version from last year, so if you are looking for the cheapest iPad, this will be the one for the next 12 months or so. At this price it is not at all a bad deal, I just wish it supported the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, or at least had a USB-C port like the new Mini. For now, I would not recommend upgrading from last years regular iPad, unless you absolutely need the better front camera.

iPad is my go to device, other than my work computer. I use it for everything. From watching TV/Movies, to sketching to reading magazines, and everything else. Background: I currently own 4 iPads (12.9 inch iPad Pro 2015, 12.9 inch iPad Pro 2021, iPad 2018, and now 2021 iPad 10.2) and have owned several others before, and a Surface Pro, a recent Surface Book, and 2 Kindle Fire tablets so I can say with confidence I am a tablet user. :-) Tablets are how I consume my content and though I've given other devices a chance I keep coming back to iPads due to the intuitive interface and not having to worry about the device, and just enjoy my content. Why I like this iPad 10.2 inch: Why did I get this one despite owning a 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 inch? This size of iPad is at the right price point and it has the right features, to make it my everywhere in the home, backyard, and travel companion. This is the one I don't have to worry about losing vs. my 2021 iPad Pro 1 TB that was just under $2K. The size makes it super convenient to carry around to read in a park or on the plane, do a quick FaceTime call while reading a recipe off it in the kitchen (the FT appears in a little window) and cooking. I love sketching on my iPad, and this 10.2 iPad though smaller than iPad Pro 12.9, feels more like a notebook, while the iPad Pro 12.9 inch is a magazine size (see photos for comparison of 2021 iPad Pro 12.9 with this iPad) and can be heavy to hold with one hand, I need to prop it up while sketching. I find the new iPad even more responsive to the Apple pencil, it's a joy to sketch on these or take quick notes during meetings, that then convert to text if I want. Though I LOVE my iPad Pro this one gets a lot of use due to the size and portability. I like keeping this one on my recliner arm to browse around when I am next to the TV to find out more about the program I'm watching, or to read a book in bed without worrying about dropping it on my face. The iPad Pro needs to be propped up, and once almost broke my nose when I got sleepy and it fell on my face! I also love looking at my photos that I take on the iPhone on my iPad as it's more immersive and so much easier to show someone than squinting at the phone. I usually keep the photos in iCloud due to the limit on storage on the device, and the iPad can just download them when I am viewing them. I also do craft work, and watching YouTube instruction videos and reading my crochet patterns is great on this size, it's just ready on the side of my sofa. I also drop it countless times (with case on) as it's sitting on the sofa arm, something I worry more about with the iPad Pro as it's bigger. I also like that this is the one device that still has a headphone jack, I own some sets of high end earbuds that use the traditional jack and it's great to be able to use them with it as the bluetooth buds need to be charged and sometimes I just want things to be simpler. The 12 MP Front Camera on this 2021 version is great as FaceTime is so much clearer than my older version, I had to switch to my phone to FaceTime earlier due to the blurry video, but now I can do it right from the iPad. iOS 15 has all new features like Center Stage where the camera moves with the participant in a call, and that makes it so useful. I typically don't use a keyboard on my 10.2 iPad as I rarely type on it. I prefer doing that on my iPad Pro, but I've tried this size with Belkin and Logitech keyboards and they worked really well. Although I could fold them back, I just didn't like the added weight as I did not use the keyboard often enough and once you put on that keyboard cover the advantages of a light tablet go away. Overall, I would not really recommend upgrading if you have a recent iPad, but if you want to give your older iPad to a kid or your mom and get this one, go for it. However, I do recommend getting an iPad over other tablets. iOS 15 has unlocked even more features on it and it's super intuitive. It makes me happy to have a device where I can sketch at a moments notice, watch a show, or a craft video, edit my docs, write down my "bright" ideas with Apple pencil and have them convert to text, talk to my friends on video and oh yes, also listen to music, although I do that more on my phone. And it's the right size to carry in my purse, and I don't have to panic about dropping it or even losing it. Go ahead, you deserve it.

How do you milk a sheep? Release a new apple product. Similar product to the last one. Minor upgrade. Battery dies quickly. No expandable storage. Screen is very reflective and color accuracy is poor. The only thing they did right is go USB-C instead of their awful lightning cord.

If you decide to purchase an older version of iPad. Unlike android devices that let you upgrade to the newest operating system. You do not get that option with apple. This limits the apps that are available and the games are limited as well.

Let me list down the pros and cons first Pros: Versatile Top-quality webcam Slim and lightweight cons: No USB-C People I know often ask me what laptop or tablet they should buy and, I say them if your budget is low you should consider the cheapest Apple tablet which is a wonderfully flexible machine that I know will do the job for them and you can relegate it to use as a mere web browser or a Netflix viewer. Add a keyboard, however, and you have something you can also use for work and email on the move, with a whole world of apps to choose from that turn it from what might look like a fairly basic machine into a device that you can do almost anything with. And the upgrades to the front-facing camera, display and overall performance only serve to strengthen its appeal on this front.

This is such a great value. The graphics, sound, and speed of this device is better than any tablet we've ever used before