Apple has made it easier than ever to afford a new iPad, but it has also made it harder than ever to choose one. Consider that there are now 16 prices to pick from: $249, $299, $349, $379, $399, $429, $449, $479, $499, $529, $579, $599, $629, $699, $729, $829. And those prices cover 56 models of the iPad across 5 models, 4 memory configurations, 3 colors and 2 screen sizes. This doesn't even cover the need to choose whether you want the TouchID fingerprint sensor or built-in 4G wireless. Or for that matter your interest in having the fastest iPad or the one with the absolute best display.
The newest iPads bring with them some changes from last year's models, but on the Mini 3 that TouchID is actually the only major functional addition from a year ago. The larger iPad Air 2, however, got a whole host of upgrades:
- an improved Retina display with screen reflections cut down significantly through a new coating and screen design
- Apple's fastest processor for an iOS device in the A8X, a more powerful version of the one in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
- an improved camera that has higher resolution, slo-mo and bust capabilities; it looks like it might be the camera from the iPhone 5s
Both the new Mini 3 and Air 2 can be ordered in gold/white along with last year's silver/white and space grey/black options. Last year's Retina Mini gets renamed the Mini 2 and survives along with the iPad Air. They carry over unchanged except the prices are lower and the 64GB models are gone. The $150 price cut on the 32GB models is especially appealing for those looking to get a highly functional iPad at a great price. Oh and, yes, the original iPad Mini survives to become the entry model at $249. While it only comes in one memory size (16GB), you can still upgrade it with built-in 4G. Did I mention there were too many choices?
Rather than try to sort through a Cheesecake Factory menu worth of choices, though, I've developed a simpler method for the iPad buyer that cuts through the vast array of options. What it does is break down the decision process into a series of steps that helps you pinpoint which of the nearly 5 dozen iPads is the perfect one for you. The strongest recommendation I can make is to consider spending the extra $50 or $100 to get a 32GB or 64GB model instead of the 16GB one.
The infographic below walks you through the method, which starts with size then lets you make the choice as to which year's model you want. After that, you select whether to get 4G, how much memory and what color you want. It's pretty simple, but if there are any questions, please post them in the comments.
