iPad iPad Air vs. Air 2

bookwurm70 · 11-22-2014, 10:58 AM

Okay, it is black friday time and I am dying to upgrade my iPad 2 for a new iPad. I currently have 32 gig iPad and the storage is fine for me, but I wouldn't mind more.

BB had a sale ending today on iPad Air: 32 gig for $370
BB will be selling iPad Air 2 for $100 off: so a 64 gig for $500

Anyone out there who has used both able to tell me if the Air 2 is worth the extra $130? Granted, it is extra storage space as well, but what about other features?

I'm particularly curious about the anti-reflective coating since I do a lot of reading on my iPad.

kyteflyer · 11-22-2014, 12:53 PM

I don't know about you but I am pretty impressed with the new CPU and graphics, and theres more RAM available as well. I sold my iPad3 last week and I don't think theres any decision to be made, for me. Its upgrade enough to be worth the extra as far as I am concerned, and this time I'm going for 128GB. I don't use mine for reading, but rather, for photography editing. I think really it would depend on your uses, whether its worth spending the extra. For me, it is.

I've heard that in bright sunlight, the antireflective coating makes not much difference.

bookwurm70 · 11-22-2014, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyteflyer

I've heard that in bright sunlight, the antireflective coating makes not much difference.

I was more interested in the anti-reflective coating for indoors. I'm assuming outdoors won't matter much, but even indoors I feel like there is too much glare, especially at work where there are florescent lights.

I don't use my iPad much for photos, but I have an iPad 2 and photos are extremely terrible. I'm guessing that will change, especially if I got the Air 2. So more space might be worth it.

kyteflyer · 11-22-2014, 01:50 PM

I would suggest going to a store where they have them side by side so you can see what kind of difference there may be. The difference in resolution between the 1/2 ipads and anything since then, is like night and day. I had a 1, and could not wait til the 3 was released. I could not go back to that low a resolution on the large ipad now for any reason. I dont seem to mind it as much on my mini.

pwalker8 · 11-23-2014, 07:26 AM

The iPad Air 2 is newer technology. It's slightly thinner, weights just a bit less, has a A8x chip rather than the iPad Air's A7. Has the fingerprint sensor, a better camera ( 8 MP rather than the iPad's 5 MP) and supports the newer AC wifi standard.

Synamon · 11-23-2014, 03:28 PM

I decided a couple of weeks ago that none of the new tech would impact me, so I bought the original iPad Air on sale for a significant savings over this year's model. The iPad Air is a huge step up from the iPad 2, unless you game or take photos with your iPad I doubt you'd need this year's model.

kyteflyer · 11-23-2014, 07:18 PM

I don't shoot with the iPad, it always looks just a bit ridiculous to me. I do a LOT of editing of what I have taken with my various other cameras, though, and the greater power can only be a good thing.

They did something different with how they made the screen, this year, but I dont think that would make much difference. If you have a glossy screen (and you do) you're going to get reflection, whether indoors with fluoro lighting or outdoors in the sun.

leebase · 11-23-2014, 08:37 PM

Not an Apples to Apples comparison. That extra 32gig is $100...so it's $470 vs. $500 to have 64 gig each. At which point it's a no brainer. The Air 2 has a lot more power, and more ram, and a nicer screen. It's worth the $100 premium over the Air (which I have).

If $370 lets you get a new tablet and $500 doesn't...ok. Otherwise, get the Air 2 as you will be using the tablet for years to come and that extra bit of money vs the time to enjoy it...simple decision.

bookwurm70 · 11-23-2014, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebase

If $370 lets you get a new tablet and $500 doesn't...ok. Otherwise, get the Air 2 as you will be using the tablet for years to come and that extra bit of money vs the time to enjoy it...simple decision.

I've decided not to go too cheap and get a 32 gig. I have that much now and think 64 will be better given a better camera.

Since a 64 gig Air or Air 2 is out of my price range right now, I'm going to hold off for now, I think. Better to wait and get something I won't want to replace right away.

Plus, my iPad 2 is still plugging along really well. Battery life isn't so great and I haven't upgraded to the new IOS. But it'll do for awhile. It is a little hard to justify buying something new when it still works.

leebase · 11-24-2014, 08:51 AM

Just keep in mind that this is pretty much the only time of the year when you get anything off an iPad let alone $100 off (the Air 2 with 64gig is $599 normally).

Then again, my mother still loves her iPad 2 and has no plans to buy another. I have an iPad Air and will not run out and upgrade to the iPad Air 2, probably won't next year either.

It's just that WHEN I get a new one, I'll get the latest I can afford.

jocampo · 11-24-2014, 05:01 PM

I'm curious about the weight reduction. Like some of you, I don't take pictures with my iPad but it is my main PDF reader device.

I wonder how comfortable (compared to my iPad Air 1) it is when holding it over extender period of times. But also afraid that will be too thin or too light to get a good grip.

kyteflyer · 11-25-2014, 03:35 PM

Well, I lashed out a couple of days ago and bought the 128GB Air2 as an upgrade from the iPad 3. I was able to sort of weigh up between the air and the air 2 in the store by moving quickly between the stands where they were on display... and theres definitely a difference in weight. Its hard to tell when they are also weighed down by their locking devices in store but the air2 was lighter. when I got it home i held my mini (first gen) in one hand, and the air2 in the other, and found not much difference.

I have osteoarthritis of the wrists and hands, and this affects the kind of weight I can hold whilst sitting on the couch (I've been using my ipad3 permanently in the slot of the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard cover) .... the air2 was *easy* by comparison. I'll probably sell the mini, now, and not bother getting another. Getting a grip is fine. I dont think its too thin. You could bend or break it, I imagine, if you set about doing it... but simply holding it between fingers as normal? No issues.

I'm *really* happy with the purchase, but, if I had an Air1, I would not bother upgrading. Its not a significant enough upgrade, to my mind.

bookwurm70 · 11-27-2014, 07:56 PM

I'm glad you are loving your purchase. I ordered the iPad Air 2 today. It will arrive early next week. I looked at the two at the store, and I am excited about getting the 2. My only hesitation is the sound vibrations. I did notice it in the demo model, but I'm hoping once I get a case, I won't notice the sound vibrations.

kyteflyer · 11-28-2014, 06:03 AM

Buying a clamcase this time. I think i will like it better than the logitech.
http://clamcase.com/ipad-air-2-keyboard-case.html

Also a decent stylus... Not sure which... I'll be looking to others for advice

jocampo · 12-04-2014, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyteflyer

Well, I lashed out a couple of days ago and bought the 128GB Air2 as an upgrade from the iPad 3. I was able to sort of weigh up between the air and the air 2 in the store by moving quickly between the stands where they were on display... and theres definitely a difference in weight. Its hard to tell when they are also weighed down by their locking devices in store but the air2 was lighter. when I got it home i held my mini (first gen) in one hand, and the air2 in the other, and found not much difference.

I have osteoarthritis of the wrists and hands, and this affects the kind of weight I can hold whilst sitting on the couch (I've been using my ipad3 permanently in the slot of the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard cover) .... the air2 was *easy* by comparison. I'll probably sell the mini, now, and not bother getting another. Getting a grip is fine. I dont think its too thin. You could bend or break it, I imagine, if you set about doing it... but simply holding it between fingers as normal? No issues.

I'm *really* happy with the purchase, but, if I had an Air1, I would not bother upgrading. Its not a significant enough upgrade, to my mind.

That's interesting. The fact that you noticed the weight reduction intrigues me.

I have the iPad Air 1 and wonder if I should sell and get new one (because the weight reduction) or kept mine and pass this change.

I guess I should visit the store myself and compare.

11-22-2014, 10:58 AM	#1
bookwurm70 Addict Posts: 265 Karma: 89314 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Southern Illinois Device: eSlick, Pocketbook IQ, iPad, Kobo Aura, Kobo Aura ONE	iPad Air vs. Air 2 Okay, it is black friday time and I am dying to upgrade my iPad 2 for a new iPad. I currently have 32 gig iPad and the storage is fine for me, but I wouldn't mind more. BB had a sale ending today on iPad Air: 32 gig for $370 BB will be selling iPad Air 2 for $100 off: so a 64 gig for $500 Anyone out there who has used both able to tell me if the Air 2 is worth the extra $130? Granted, it is extra storage space as well, but what about other features? I'm particularly curious about the anti-reflective coating since I do a lot of reading on my iPad.

11-23-2014, 03:28 PM	#6
Synamon Lunatic Posts: 1,691 Karma: 4386372 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Land of the Loonie Device: Kindle Paperwhite and Keyboard, Kobo Aura, iPad mini, iPod Touch	iPad Air vs. Air 2 I decided a couple of weeks ago that none of the new tech would impact me, so I bought the original iPad Air on sale for a significant savings over this year's model. The iPad Air is a huge step up from the iPad 2, unless you game or take photos with your iPad I doubt you'd need this year's model. Last edited by Synamon; 11-23-2014 at 03:32 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
If you have an iPad Air…	GRiker	Apple Devices	5	11-01-2013 04:34 PM

11-22-2014, 12:53 PM	#2
kyteflyer Wizard Posts: 1,844 Karma: 9547754 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newcastle, Australia Device: iPhone 12 Mini	I don't know about you but I am pretty impressed with the new CPU and graphics, and theres more RAM available as well. I sold my iPad3 last week and I don't think theres any decision to be made, for me. Its upgrade enough to be worth the extra as far as I am concerned, and this time I'm going for 128GB. I don't use mine for reading, but rather, for photography editing. I think really it would depend on your uses, whether its worth spending the extra. For me, it is. I've heard that in bright sunlight, the antireflective coating makes not much difference.

11-22-2014, 01:50 PM	#4
kyteflyer Wizard Posts: 1,844 Karma: 9547754 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newcastle, Australia Device: iPhone 12 Mini	I would suggest going to a store where they have them side by side so you can see what kind of difference there may be. The difference in resolution between the 1/2 ipads and anything since then, is like night and day. I had a 1, and could not wait til the 3 was released. I could not go back to that low a resolution on the large ipad now for any reason. I dont seem to mind it as much on my mini.

11-23-2014, 07:26 AM	#5
pwalker8 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,196 Karma: 70314280 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA Device: iPad Pro, iPad mini, Kobo Aura, Amazon paperwhite, Sony PRS-T2	The iPad Air 2 is newer technology. It's slightly thinner, weights just a bit less, has a A8x chip rather than the iPad Air's A7. Has the fingerprint sensor, a better camera ( 8 MP rather than the iPad's 5 MP) and supports the newer AC wifi standard.

11-23-2014, 07:18 PM	#7
kyteflyer Wizard Posts: 1,844 Karma: 9547754 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newcastle, Australia Device: iPhone 12 Mini	I don't shoot with the iPad, it always looks just a bit ridiculous to me. I do a LOT of editing of what I have taken with my various other cameras, though, and the greater power can only be a good thing. They did something different with how they made the screen, this year, but I dont think that would make much difference. If you have a glossy screen (and you do) you're going to get reflection, whether indoors with fluoro lighting or outdoors in the sun.

11-23-2014, 08:37 PM	#8
leebase Karma Kameleon Posts: 2,960 Karma: 26738313 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: iPad Mini, iPhone X, Kindle Fire Tab HD 8, Walmart Onn	Not an Apples to Apples comparison. That extra 32gig is $100...so it's $470 vs. $500 to have 64 gig each. At which point it's a no brainer. The Air 2 has a lot more power, and more ram, and a nicer screen. It's worth the $100 premium over the Air (which I have). If $370 lets you get a new tablet and $500 doesn't...ok. Otherwise, get the Air 2 as you will be using the tablet for years to come and that extra bit of money vs the time to enjoy it...simple decision.

11-24-2014, 08:51 AM	#10
leebase Karma Kameleon Posts: 2,960 Karma: 26738313 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: iPad Mini, iPhone X, Kindle Fire Tab HD 8, Walmart Onn	Just keep in mind that this is pretty much the only time of the year when you get anything off an iPad let alone $100 off (the Air 2 with 64gig is $599 normally). Then again, my mother still loves her iPad 2 and has no plans to buy another. I have an iPad Air and will not run out and upgrade to the iPad Air 2, probably won't next year either. It's just that WHEN I get a new one, I'll get the latest I can afford.

11-24-2014, 05:01 PM	#11
jocampo Layback feline Posts: 3,034 Karma: 6980745 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: USA Device: Oasis 2nd gen, Sony DPTS1, iPad Pro 10.5"	I'm curious about the weight reduction. Like some of you, I don't take pictures with my iPad but it is my main PDF reader device. I wonder how comfortable (compared to my iPad Air 1) it is when holding it over extender period of times. But also afraid that will be too thin or too light to get a good grip.

11-25-2014, 03:35 PM	#12
kyteflyer Wizard Posts: 1,844 Karma: 9547754 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newcastle, Australia Device: iPhone 12 Mini	Well, I lashed out a couple of days ago and bought the 128GB Air2 as an upgrade from the iPad 3. I was able to sort of weigh up between the air and the air 2 in the store by moving quickly between the stands where they were on display... and theres definitely a difference in weight. Its hard to tell when they are also weighed down by their locking devices in store but the air2 was lighter. when I got it home i held my mini (first gen) in one hand, and the air2 in the other, and found not much difference. I have osteoarthritis of the wrists and hands, and this affects the kind of weight I can hold whilst sitting on the couch (I've been using my ipad3 permanently in the slot of the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard cover) .... the air2 was easy by comparison. I'll probably sell the mini, now, and not bother getting another. Getting a grip is fine. I dont think its too thin. You could bend or break it, I imagine, if you set about doing it... but simply holding it between fingers as normal? No issues. I'm really happy with the purchase, but, if I had an Air1, I would not bother upgrading. Its not a significant enough upgrade, to my mind.

11-27-2014, 07:56 PM	#13
bookwurm70 Addict Posts: 265 Karma: 89314 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Southern Illinois Device: eSlick, Pocketbook IQ, iPad, Kobo Aura, Kobo Aura ONE	I'm glad you are loving your purchase. I ordered the iPad Air 2 today. It will arrive early next week. I looked at the two at the store, and I am excited about getting the 2. My only hesitation is the sound vibrations. I did notice it in the demo model, but I'm hoping once I get a case, I won't notice the sound vibrations.

11-28-2014, 06:03 AM	#14
kyteflyer Wizard Posts: 1,844 Karma: 9547754 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Newcastle, Australia Device: iPhone 12 Mini	Buying a clamcase this time. I think i will like it better than the logitech. http://clamcase.com/ipad-air-2-keyboard-case.html Also a decent stylus... Not sure which... I'll be looking to others for advice

Advert

Advert