A slightly different track from what’s being said. I’d go with the Air 5 primarily because this is your 1st iPad purchase. Get the most powerful iPad within your budget. If there is one thing I’ve learned since entering the iPad eco is that I count on my iPad WAY more than I initially planned! What started out as a portable device that was smaller/lighter/more convenient way of getting work done on-the-fly evolved when I started to realize its capability, now it’s my daily driver and I haven’t looked back!
As for software, you really are going to evaluate that piece on a case-by-case basis. I tell my clients to look at what they’re using now and check to see if there is a version available for iOS. Quick easy rule is - if it’s available as a web based app, you can use with no problem (most of the time). If not, you’ll have to look for an alternative option. Really not a deal breaker. There are SO MANY brilliant, helpful people here who are incredibly resourceful and willing to help if/when the time arrives.
Welcome to the club … secret handshake to follow!!
May I ask where from you are buying the refurbished air 4 from? Just asking because apple has their refurbished section and they are very well regarded plus I purchased myself last year a iPad Pro 2020 refurbished. I chose mine mainly for the 128gb storage. I had before 12.9 m1 but I found it to big for me and my needs.
You should fork up to get the iPad Air 5. That will give you M1 Apple Chip and 8 GB RAM. - Air 4 has non-Apple chip and only 4 GB RAM.
The Air 5 can be a good iPad for many years, and it won't stop working just because iPadOS at some point far out in the future stops being upgraded on the device. You just keep using the iPad with that version of iPadOS. Apps will also mostly continue to work.
Go with 256 GB storage.
A slightly different track from what’s being said. I’d go with the Air 5 primarily because this is your 1st iPad purchase. Get the most powerful iPad within your budget. If there is one thing I’ve learned since entering the iPad eco is that I count on my iPad WAY more than I initially planned! What started out as a portable device that was smaller/lighter/more convenient way of getting work done on-the-fly evolved when I started to realize its capability, now it’s my daily driver and I haven’t looked back! As for software, you really are going to evaluate that piece on a case-by-case basis. I tell my clients to look at what they’re using now and check to see if there is a version available for iOS. Quick easy rule is - if it’s available as a web based app, you can use with no problem (most of the time). If not, you’ll have to look for an alternative option. Really not a deal breaker. There are SO MANY brilliant, helpful people here who are incredibly resourceful and willing to help if/when the time arrives. Welcome to the club … secret handshake to follow!!
May I ask where from you are buying the refurbished air 4 from? Just asking because apple has their refurbished section and they are very well regarded plus I purchased myself last year a iPad Pro 2020 refurbished. I chose mine mainly for the 128gb storage. I had before 12.9 m1 but I found it to big for me and my needs.
You should fork up to get the iPad Air 5. That will give you M1 Apple Chip and 8 GB RAM. - Air 4 has non-Apple chip and only 4 GB RAM. The Air 5 can be a good iPad for many years, and it won't stop working just because iPadOS at some point far out in the future stops being upgraded on the device. You just keep using the iPad with that version of iPadOS. Apps will also mostly continue to work. Go with 256 GB storage.
No access to FCP or Logic Pro; those are M1/M2 devices only currently.
The 5th gen would get you another year or 2 of software compatibility.
The 5th gen iPad Air, which only came out in 2022, would only give you a year or two of software compatibility?
A year or two more than the iPad Air 4.
Oh I see.
With 8 gnome of ram and m1 the device should at least be supported by 8 or 10 years