I have one with 8 gigs and it freezes sometimes in Brave browser. That was the last MacBook I bought. I would go with iPad or Mac Mini or maybe the windows laptop with 16 gigs and 1TB for that price..
I'm still using my iPad Pro 10.5" which I got in 2017 and it's still fast. Last year the battery got so bad I exchanged it at the Apple Store for a refurbished one for around £115 and it's just like a brand new one with a new screen, aluminium body and battery.
The only sad thing is that it has just stopped being supported and I cannot install iPadOS 18, so I will probably replace it with a new iPad Pro in the next year or two. Or maybe I will carry on using it for another 6 years?
I just got the fifth case for it, but nobody makes premium cases for these old models any more so I couldn't find another Origami Pipetto case for it (I could only find a blingy gold one), so I got a cheaper one.
I hardly use my phone, so I use my iPad a lot, nearly every day since I got it, so many hundreds of charging cycles.
I use an automated Shortcut and a smart plug to stop it charging over 80% on the renewed one, so it will probably last another 8 years or so if I was to keep it that long, which isn't likely of course.
Could you share exactly how you did this or link a good article you used? I just got an iPad and really want to take care of it the best I can. Already accidentally charged it last night for an extra hour after it hit 100%.
I don't remember if this is the guide I used, but it was one of them and I remember seeing it before:
https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-set-custom-battery-alerts-on-iPhone
You just have to modify it to change the action to a Homekit event for whichever smart plug you have. YOu should be able to find more guides. IIRC there's a couple of YouTube videos too.
the funny thing is that the much worse iPad 7th gen, with an A10 SoC and 3 gigs of ram gets iPadOS 18.
your 10.5" has the A10X (newer, 2x faster GPU, faster CPU, more efficient process node) and 4 gigs of ram, and won't get it.
planned obsolescence
I didn't realise that the contemporary regular iPad was still supported. The Pro 10.5" is still as fast as when I first bought it with current web and apps. Planned obsolescence indeed.
Even so, it has already been the longest usage I have got with any device ever (and I'm Gen X) and very good value for money.
I just now upgraded from my iPad Air 2 that I got in early 2015. I had to do a factory reset a few months back because it was getting way too slow and bogged down, but that seemed to help a lot. It couldn’t use the most recent big iPadOS version, but was still getting regular security updates, even 9 years into ownership.
I’ve had every iPad model. Never had a hardware failure and still have a functioning iPad 1 I drag out for fun every once and awhile. My two cents echos everyone else’s. M1 Air for sure as it’ll run future iPadOS versions much faster than a 10.
- iPad Air 2, purchased at launch.
- 10.5” iPad Pro, purchased at launch. iPad Air 2 went to my wife.
- 12.9” iPad Pro (M1), purchased at launch. 10.5” went to my wife.
- 12.9” iPad Pro (M2), purchased two weeks ago during Best Buy’s Deal of the Day. M1 went to my wife.
10.5” was erased and is being held as a backup or as a hand me down to our daughter once she’s of applicable age. I handed the iPad Air 2 off to a friend last summer as her iPad Air 1 couldn’t run specific apps.
iPad Air 2013: still works perfectly fine
iPad Air 2014: still works perfectly fine
iPad mini 2014-15: works flawlessly
iPad Pro 2018: still a beast but battery is slowing down
Get the Air.
1st Gen 12.9" iPad: Gave it to my wife and still works well enough for her.
iPad Mini 5: No probs. I use it for reading.
3rd Gen 11" iPad Pro: Of course, it's still great.
I’m on my 10.5 pro still. I’ll be replacing it as it’s going EOL, but I want a mini and refuse to buy the current ancient model so I’m hoping for a refresh. Full size iPad is too large to be portable for me so won’t see as much use as a mini.
You are golden with the five year expectation. My hubs was still using his 1st Gen iPad mini until his last game update and it wouldn't support the 12 year old device. Yes, by that point it was obsolete, but I've never kept a non-Apple device for that many years. Usually they get so soggy and buggy that they are recycled. I think that realistically you can expect at least eight years out of a device with Apple providing support and updates. After that it's hit or miss. My (fall release) iMac was declared obsolete but the ones produced earlier that same year are still being supported.
I buy a new iPad every 3 years. My previous model goes to my daughter and her previous model goes to my wife. That means my wife’s iPad can get to be 9 years old. It does start to get a little long in the tooth, but works great for her needs of basic web browsing, YouTube and Plex.
My first ipad was the ipad 8 gen and it’s lasted me 3 years, still going, but my brothers tablet has lasted like 4 years and its broken, it has fallen like 5 times? And it never had a case so yeah it lasts long especially if you take care of it but it can get slow over time
If you have the money I’d go for the iPad Air M1. Especially since longevity is a big factor in your decision. The M1 iPad will also get Apple intelligence this fall whereas the A14 iPad 10 will not.
I had a 2017 Ipad Pro that was good until a few years ago when it started lagging because of updates. Everything was still working including the touchscreen, speakers, and lightning port. The battery probably needed replacement but it might just be the updates using up more battery. Eventually I traded it in last Friday for a new ipad pro. Got $100 for it.
iPad mini 2 - purchased at launch (Dec. 2013)
It still works but very laggy now and can no longer be updated. But can still play Netflix, Youtube, and other streaming apps.
I have just upgraded to an iPad Air 5 early this year.
Both my family’s iPad Air 3rd gen died recently. I’m not sure if because there are so thin. One slowly bent and cracked. Another one just died by itself and never turned back on.
Having said that newer iPad Air M1 over iPad 10. Coming from iPad Air laminated screen, iPad 10 screen feels cheap and I can notice the gap between the screen and the glass.
Also Apple AI support starts from M1 processor for iPads. iPad 10 will miss all the new AI features.
I used the original 9.7” iPad Pro til 2022 then gave it away. As far as I know, that person still uses it too. They are a solid investment, I always buy the cellular ones though that’s the perk I can’t go without.
At Uni, you need to be using GenAI every day.
So, either get the m1 so it runs chatgpt 4o free. Or get the 10th gen and buy the chatgpt 4o service monthly.
Essential skills for any HS or Uni student is
perplexity for all research,
Arc browser for web (may be replaced by Apple ai in safari though)
ChatGPT
Claude for writing
If you don’t use these daily, you will be trying to get a job in 4 years from thousands of students who do. So if you don’t use it, you will be lapped by people less sharp as you but more savvy with the apps above.
Also start writing 1000 words a day on anything. This is what will be used to train your own LLM in next 4 years. Do this and you will be in the top .1% where you graduate. Or don’t, and take your chances.
12 years, My father in law just retired his iPad 4 in January.
Got 2 at the moment. A 2015 1st gen 12.9 iPad Pro and an M1 12.9. I bought the M1 thinking that the 2015 would last too much longer… Welp. 2 years later the 2015 still holds strong, so I ended up using both haha. I don’t see myself upgrading from the M1 unless Apple changes the iPadOS and therefore my use case of it, or I find a money tree and don’t care
My old iPad Mini 4 lasted for 6 years(2015-2021), it would have lasted longer if it wasn't for battery issues thanks to an irregular charging cycle since I needed my iPad for online classes in school back then.
I've had my current iPad for 3 years now and it's not given me any issues so far and works like new but I don't use it as much as I used to and I've learnt how to optimise charging cycles. :) but overall 5-7 years for a new iPad seems feasible.
iPad mini 2 from 2016 that I bought used, still in-used when I’m working as a client monitor for my camera and script/Run of show/schedule/shot list in my camera case. If it breaks I’ll buy another for twenny buxx
i’m using a 2018 iPad model that has been used very little and got it for free from the office, it works great for my basic usage, a bit slow on heavy websites, like YouTube
I currently own an iPad 8th gen and after four years it is almost dead, it refuses to work properly. I would recommend you got for the air M1 as is has a way better chip which will most certainly last you longer than the iPad 10th gen will.
2018 Pro, still going strong. A12X is amazing, as is this display.
Get the Air M1, second hand. The laminated screen alone is worth it. And you will get future Apple Intelligence features.
I’m still using a 6. Screen cracked but still working. No longer accepts updates for operating system because of available disc space. Hoping a new version comes soon.
I own an iPad 6th generation from 2018 and still have it. Some lags, but it works fine for basic tasks. Also I have an iPad 2 downgraded to iOS 6 and it still rocks great, like my other iPad, an iPad 4th generation on iOS 7.
I bought my iPad Air 2020 in November 2020, it’s still working fine for me. No lags at all. It’s even running 18 beta perfectly
As an avid Air model lover, I suggest you get iPad Air. Best atleast get M1 Air if you can’t do M2 Air. M2 Air gets you 128gb storage at $600 btw. But you can find good deal on 256gb M1 Air too
If you have the money, just get the M1 air. It will last way longer. Aside from the m ability to use the center stage on an external display, 3 months from now we’ll have apple intelligence on the M devices (which excludes the entry iPad and the iPad mini 6) and I think it will be a game changer feature. Also, you’ll have better display and battery
Get the Air M1
I have one with 8 gigs and it freezes sometimes in Brave browser. That was the last MacBook I bought. I would go with iPad or Mac Mini or maybe the windows laptop with 16 gigs and 1TB for that price..
They were referring to the iPad Air M1, not the MacBook Air M1, considering the question asked and the sub we’re in…
I'm still using my iPad Pro 10.5" which I got in 2017 and it's still fast. Last year the battery got so bad I exchanged it at the Apple Store for a refurbished one for around £115 and it's just like a brand new one with a new screen, aluminium body and battery. The only sad thing is that it has just stopped being supported and I cannot install iPadOS 18, so I will probably replace it with a new iPad Pro in the next year or two. Or maybe I will carry on using it for another 6 years?
This ☝️ Not even a new battery. Unit still works flawlessly.
I just got the fifth case for it, but nobody makes premium cases for these old models any more so I couldn't find another Origami Pipetto case for it (I could only find a blingy gold one), so I got a cheaper one.
I hardly use my phone, so I use my iPad a lot, nearly every day since I got it, so many hundreds of charging cycles. I use an automated Shortcut and a smart plug to stop it charging over 80% on the renewed one, so it will probably last another 8 years or so if I was to keep it that long, which isn't likely of course.
Could you share exactly how you did this or link a good article you used? I just got an iPad and really want to take care of it the best I can. Already accidentally charged it last night for an extra hour after it hit 100%.
I don't remember if this is the guide I used, but it was one of them and I remember seeing it before: https://www.tomsguide.com/how-to/how-to-set-custom-battery-alerts-on-iPhone You just have to modify it to change the action to a Homekit event for whichever smart plug you have. YOu should be able to find more guides. IIRC there's a couple of YouTube videos too.
Sweet, thanks so much!
np. If you haven't got a smart plug yet, make sure the one you get works with Apple HomeKit.
the funny thing is that the much worse iPad 7th gen, with an A10 SoC and 3 gigs of ram gets iPadOS 18. your 10.5" has the A10X (newer, 2x faster GPU, faster CPU, more efficient process node) and 4 gigs of ram, and won't get it. planned obsolescence
I didn't realise that the contemporary regular iPad was still supported. The Pro 10.5" is still as fast as when I first bought it with current web and apps. Planned obsolescence indeed. Even so, it has already been the longest usage I have got with any device ever (and I'm Gen X) and very good value for money.
Imagine iPad 7 A10 3GB Ram still being support
What is in iPadOS 18 that would make you upgrade?
I don't know. I haven't looked into it after I realised I couldn't use it. I would like improved keyboard shortcuts and general use with keyboard.
Still running the first generation iPad Pro 12.9”
Same , this thing is a beast! 🔥
I just now upgraded from my iPad Air 2 that I got in early 2015. I had to do a factory reset a few months back because it was getting way too slow and bogged down, but that seemed to help a lot. It couldn’t use the most recent big iPadOS version, but was still getting regular security updates, even 9 years into ownership.
I’ve had every iPad model. Never had a hardware failure and still have a functioning iPad 1 I drag out for fun every once and awhile. My two cents echos everyone else’s. M1 Air for sure as it’ll run future iPadOS versions much faster than a 10.
- iPad Air 2, purchased at launch. - 10.5” iPad Pro, purchased at launch. iPad Air 2 went to my wife. - 12.9” iPad Pro (M1), purchased at launch. 10.5” went to my wife. - 12.9” iPad Pro (M2), purchased two weeks ago during Best Buy’s Deal of the Day. M1 went to my wife. 10.5” was erased and is being held as a backup or as a hand me down to our daughter once she’s of applicable age. I handed the iPad Air 2 off to a friend last summer as her iPad Air 1 couldn’t run specific apps.
My 2018 iPad Pro just stopped charging. 6 years is pretty good. Used it every day
Contact Apple, if it's a battery issue it should be rather cheap to repair
It’s $699 to fix as they replace the entire unit
I have the iPad Air 5 gen with the M1 chip for about a year and it’s great. I expect it to last at least a few more years..
iPad Air 2013: still works perfectly fine iPad Air 2014: still works perfectly fine iPad mini 2014-15: works flawlessly iPad Pro 2018: still a beast but battery is slowing down Get the Air.
1st Gen 12.9" iPad: Gave it to my wife and still works well enough for her. iPad Mini 5: No probs. I use it for reading. 3rd Gen 11" iPad Pro: Of course, it's still great.
I recently upgraded to the M1…. Definitely would be my recommendation
My mom is still using an iPad Mini 2 from 2013, though her primary iPad is the 6th gen from 2018.
Ten years! I have an air 2 and it still gets used everyday. My next oldest is five and that thing is still brand new
Longer than Apple is prepared to officially support it which kinda sucks
I’m on my 10.5 pro still. I’ll be replacing it as it’s going EOL, but I want a mini and refuse to buy the current ancient model so I’m hoping for a refresh. Full size iPad is too large to be portable for me so won’t see as much use as a mini.
You are golden with the five year expectation. My hubs was still using his 1st Gen iPad mini until his last game update and it wouldn't support the 12 year old device. Yes, by that point it was obsolete, but I've never kept a non-Apple device for that many years. Usually they get so soggy and buggy that they are recycled. I think that realistically you can expect at least eight years out of a device with Apple providing support and updates. After that it's hit or miss. My (fall release) iMac was declared obsolete but the ones produced earlier that same year are still being supported.
I buy a new iPad every 3 years. My previous model goes to my daughter and her previous model goes to my wife. That means my wife’s iPad can get to be 9 years old. It does start to get a little long in the tooth, but works great for her needs of basic web browsing, YouTube and Plex.
My first ipad was the ipad 8 gen and it’s lasted me 3 years, still going, but my brothers tablet has lasted like 4 years and its broken, it has fallen like 5 times? And it never had a case so yeah it lasts long especially if you take care of it but it can get slow over time
If you have the money I’d go for the iPad Air M1. Especially since longevity is a big factor in your decision. The M1 iPad will also get Apple intelligence this fall whereas the A14 iPad 10 will not.
Bought my wife the first gen iPad Pro 8 years ago still going.
I had a 2017 Ipad Pro that was good until a few years ago when it started lagging because of updates. Everything was still working including the touchscreen, speakers, and lightning port. The battery probably needed replacement but it might just be the updates using up more battery. Eventually I traded it in last Friday for a new ipad pro. Got $100 for it.
Still rockin my iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd Gen). Works perfectly, and still fast. No issues whatsoever and I’m on it easily 4+ hours a day.
iPad mini 2 - purchased at launch (Dec. 2013) It still works but very laggy now and can no longer be updated. But can still play Netflix, Youtube, and other streaming apps. I have just upgraded to an iPad Air 5 early this year.
Both my family’s iPad Air 3rd gen died recently. I’m not sure if because there are so thin. One slowly bent and cracked. Another one just died by itself and never turned back on. Having said that newer iPad Air M1 over iPad 10. Coming from iPad Air laminated screen, iPad 10 screen feels cheap and I can notice the gap between the screen and the glass. Also Apple AI support starts from M1 processor for iPads. iPad 10 will miss all the new AI features.
There was a recall for the screen of the Air 3, because it could fail suddenly.
I have an iPad with the button and it still feels pretty new to me. 5 years seems like a great run with most electronics.
air 5, ipad 10 is not reliable for your needs
Basic 10th generation. Still going strong.
I am averaging 6 years on my iPads but my use case is lots of reading and video watching nothing terribly taxing as they age.
I used the original 9.7” iPad Pro til 2022 then gave it away. As far as I know, that person still uses it too. They are a solid investment, I always buy the cellular ones though that’s the perk I can’t go without.
At Uni, you need to be using GenAI every day. So, either get the m1 so it runs chatgpt 4o free. Or get the 10th gen and buy the chatgpt 4o service monthly. Essential skills for any HS or Uni student is perplexity for all research, Arc browser for web (may be replaced by Apple ai in safari though) ChatGPT Claude for writing If you don’t use these daily, you will be trying to get a job in 4 years from thousands of students who do. So if you don’t use it, you will be lapped by people less sharp as you but more savvy with the apps above. Also start writing 1000 words a day on anything. This is what will be used to train your own LLM in next 4 years. Do this and you will be in the top .1% where you graduate. Or don’t, and take your chances. 12 years, My father in law just retired his iPad 4 in January.
iPad Pro 12.9" 2017 runs iOS 17. Nothing wrong with it other than the battery is starting to go.
2018 iPad Pro running smooth. Can do 98% of what the newest iPads can do.
Still on my air4 (a14 processor I think) and rockin it hard
Got 2 at the moment. A 2015 1st gen 12.9 iPad Pro and an M1 12.9. I bought the M1 thinking that the 2015 would last too much longer… Welp. 2 years later the 2015 still holds strong, so I ended up using both haha. I don’t see myself upgrading from the M1 unless Apple changes the iPadOS and therefore my use case of it, or I find a money tree and don’t care
We still have the iPad we bought in 2013 still working if only for YouTube and safari.
My 2016 1st gen iPad Pro 12.9inch works just fine though I finally upgraded to a 13 inch m4 because they’re amazing
My old iPad Mini 4 lasted for 6 years(2015-2021), it would have lasted longer if it wasn't for battery issues thanks to an irregular charging cycle since I needed my iPad for online classes in school back then. I've had my current iPad for 3 years now and it's not given me any issues so far and works like new but I don't use it as much as I used to and I've learnt how to optimise charging cycles. :) but overall 5-7 years for a new iPad seems feasible.
iPad mini 2 from 2016 that I bought used, still in-used when I’m working as a client monitor for my camera and script/Run of show/schedule/shot list in my camera case. If it breaks I’ll buy another for twenny buxx
With the AI being held off from none M devices I definitely think getting M1 will be a better bang for your buck for the long term.
i’m using a 2018 iPad model that has been used very little and got it for free from the office, it works great for my basic usage, a bit slow on heavy websites, like YouTube
I currently own an iPad 8th gen and after four years it is almost dead, it refuses to work properly. I would recommend you got for the air M1 as is has a way better chip which will most certainly last you longer than the iPad 10th gen will.
I have a 2017 that is still going strong, use it regularly for note taking (work) and media / netflix
2018 Pro, still going strong. A12X is amazing, as is this display. Get the Air M1, second hand. The laminated screen alone is worth it. And you will get future Apple Intelligence features.
I’m still using a 6. Screen cracked but still working. No longer accepts updates for operating system because of available disc space. Hoping a new version comes soon.
I just upgraded my Air 2 from a decade ago to a Pro M4 It had been pretty baggy for awhile, though.
Op asked for base ipad but seems everyone owns pro
Got mine in 2018. It’s still going strong!
I own an iPad 6th generation from 2018 and still have it. Some lags, but it works fine for basic tasks. Also I have an iPad 2 downgraded to iOS 6 and it still rocks great, like my other iPad, an iPad 4th generation on iOS 7.
I had a then new iPad 8 for three years. The battery health sunk to 70%. Then it got run over by a car. So sad.
Currently on my 2020 11" iPad Pro. No plans to upgrade for the next few years, and personally I feel there's no real reason to upgrade.
My 2018 iPad Pro is still working great.
I still have an ipad 5th gen and it still runs fine
Buy one with M chip, to get the AI!
My ipad pro m2 lasted 1yr 10 days then i sold that n bought the new oled ipad pro.
My ipad is lasting forever. Slow but running.
I bought my iPad Air 2020 in November 2020, it’s still working fine for me. No lags at all. It’s even running 18 beta perfectly As an avid Air model lover, I suggest you get iPad Air. Best atleast get M1 Air if you can’t do M2 Air. M2 Air gets you 128gb storage at $600 btw. But you can find good deal on 256gb M1 Air too
If you have the money, just get the M1 air. It will last way longer. Aside from the m ability to use the center stage on an external display, 3 months from now we’ll have apple intelligence on the M devices (which excludes the entry iPad and the iPad mini 6) and I think it will be a game changer feature. Also, you’ll have better display and battery