APPLE IPAD PRO

I Don’t Need It, But I Just Bought The M5 iPad Pro

And the reasons why I did

Photo by Rahul Chakraborty on Unsplash

I bought the 11th generation iPad (A16) a couple of months ago in 128GB, Wi-Fi only configuration, thinking it would be more than enough for my iPad needs.

I was right for a few months, until I wasn’t.

After installing more apps that I’d need over the last few months, I realised that the 128GB storage wasn’t enough despite my initial calculations that it was.

So, I had to bring forward a plan I initially had when I bought the A16 iPad.

You see, the plan was always to use it for a year or two before handing it over to my eldest son to use for school, before I then get the iPad Air / Pro in whatever generation it would be in by then.

But this forced me to bring that plan forward, and brought it forward it did.

I now had to decide which iPad to get.

And while I don’t actually need it, I ended up ordering the M5 iPad Pro 11" with 512GB storage and Wi-Fi + Cellular capabilities, which will be delivered by the 7th of May, just a few days away.

You may be wondering why I decided to get the iPad Pro instead of the Air, especially since I previously sold my M2 iPad Pro to get the M3 iPad Air instead.

Well, let me tell you why.

Longevity

I’m typing this article on my almost 6-year-old M1 MacBook Air, which still feels as good as it did when I first bought it.

Aside from probably having to replace the battery later on (may only need to do this in another 2 years or so), this MacBook can most likely last me another 5–6 years, easily.

All this, with the M1 chip.

Imagine what an M5 chip could do then?

Again, I’m not really a pro user as my work requirements don’t need me to use a pro Apple product.

But, it’s precisely because of that, that I thought getting the M5 iPad Pro over the M4 iPad Air made more sense for me.

If my M1 MacBook can last this long, then the M5 iPad Pro can easily last just as long and most likely, longer.

The most strenuous task I foresee myself doing on it would probably be video editing using Final Cut Pro.

And the fact I got it with 512GB of storage (I usually get just the 256GB models, unless it’s a Mac), I should have more than enough space, as I also subscribe to Apple’s 2TB cloud storage (and I’ve not even utilised half of it).

Unless the next few iPad releases come with super groundbreaking new technology that I really need, I don’t see myself needing another new iPad for a good long time.

Practicality

Although I still really prefer doing most of my work on my MacBook, the iPad is just much more practical for travel use.

And when you compare the Pro to the Air, especially with the Pro’s design now, it’s more convenient and overall, just nicer.

Yes, I will also be getting the Magic Keyboard for my new iPad Pro, and I already have a data plan ready for it, doing work on the move will be a lot easier, and I won’t be surprised if I start using it more at home as well.

Price

This is where it probably doesn’t make much sense in getting the iPad Pro because the price difference for the same specs (512GB with Wi-Fi + Cellular) is $350, which is quite substantial.

But, I’m also getting it on a contract where the difference in my monthly payment is around $15, which doesn’t really make too much of a difference to me.

And again, in terms of overall value, the M5 iPad Pro does have a higher one compared to the M4 iPad Air, so in the event I plan to sell it in the future, I’ll fetch a higher price from the Pro.

Prestige and preference

This is more a vanity thing than anything else.

I really did contemplate seriously between the two and if I’m to be really honest, the M4 iPad Air made better overall sense, based on my actual needs and budget.

But the pull of the Pro due to its positioning as a high-end, more prestige device, that eventually sealed the deal for me.

When I thought about how long I’ll be using the iPad, just thinking about the iPad being the Pro rather than the Air, that made me feel like the Pro was the more ideal choice.

I’ve been watching a lot of video reviews of the M5 iPad Pro and I feel like I’m vindicated with my choice of getting it over the M4 iPad Air.

Of course, I’ll only be certain once I actually start using it, but I do feel like I’ve made the right choice.

If my M1 MacBook Air is anything to go by, I’ll most likely be using my new M5 iPad Pro for the next 5–8 years, easily.

And I’m totally fine with that, happy actually.

Because then I’d know that I made a good investment with my purchase.

For now, I’m just gonna wait until my iPad is delivered, start using it, and I’ll let you all know what I think about it.