The launch of the iPad in 2010 took the electronics world by storm, and today the iPad has become the most popular tablet on the market. You may want it, but how to choose the right model? There's not really much difference in functionality between iPad models, but the key differences are in the amount of storage and connectivity.
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Part 1 of 3: Comparing Models
Step 1. Know the iPad models
The newest iPad models are the iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina. Since its launch, there have been three main types of iPad, namely the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad mini. Each model has several revisions and generations. For example, there are four generations of iPad, two generations of iPad mini, and one generation of iPad Air.
- In fact, the iPad Air is the fifth generation of the iPad. The original iPad 4 is now only available in the 16GB model, and is known as the "iPad with Retina Display". The upcoming big iPad will be entirely the iPad Air.
- The iPad is the biggest model. The iPad Mini is the smallest model. iPad Air is very light.
Step 2. Decide if you need cellular service
Most iPads have an option with cellular service or no cellular service. Cellular service means you will be able to connect to the internet as long as there is a cell phone signal. If you want to use cellular service, you'll need to subscribe to a data plan on a carrier that supports iPad. All iPads have WiFi, which lets you connect to any wireless network for which you have a password.
Step 3. Consider storage space
Most iPad models have different storage options that make the price different. Most iPads released as late as 2012 (iPad 3 and iPad Mini) have 16, 32, and 64GB versions. Later iPads (iPad 4, iPad Mini with Retina, and iPad Air) have 16. 32, 64, and 128GB versions.
The more storage space you have, the more pictures, videos, music, and apps you can fit on iPad
Step 4. Consider process capability
If you want to run a lot of heavyweight apps, you might want to buy an iPad Air which has a much better processor than previous iPad models. However, that doesn't mean the old iPad can't run heavy apps; most apps haven't been designed to take advantage of the new hardware, so most apps will still run fine on older iPads.
Step 5. Choose an iPad color
Most iPads are available in silver/white or gray/black. You can buy a "case" that changes the color of your iPad, but that accessory isn't available at Apple. Apart from different storage space and cellular capabilities, all iPads in the same generation are the same.
This is a re-released iPad 4 with a Retina display. This iPad is only available in 16GB option
| Model | Release Date | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| iPad with Retina* | early 2014 | 16GB |
| iPad Air | end of 2013 | 16, 32, 64, 128 GB |
| iPad mini with Retina | late 2013 | 16, 32, 64, 128 GB |
| iPad 4 | end of 2012 | 16, 32, 64, 128 GB |
| iPad mini | end of 2012 | 16, 32, 64GB |
| iPad 3 | early 2012 | 16, 32, 64GB |
Part 2 of 3: Finding an iPad Seller
Step 1. Try iPad yourself
Visit an Apple store or local electronics retailer in your area to try out different types of iPads. This will shed some light on the difference in screen size between iPad and iPad mini, as well as the difference in speed and size between iPad and iPad Air.
Step 2. Consider buying a used iPad
The iPad is an expensive device, but fortunately, many Apple fans are buying the newest devices and selling their old ones, which means the used device market is always active and competitive. Check sites like Kaskus and Tokobagus for great deals.br>
Make sure you try the iPad yourself if possible before buying
Step 3. Find the best price
Don't assume the store you visit first has the best price. While Apple devices are rarely discounted, maybe you can wait for big discount days to buy older devices at a lower price.
Step 4. Check online stores
An online seller may be able to give you a better price than a regular seller, though you'll need to find out more. Make sure the seller is honest and that you actually bought a new iPad. Some sellers hide the fact that you bought a used device.
Part 3 of 3: Setting Up iPad
Step 1. Run the first setup
When you first turn on iPad, you will be guided through the initial setup. Turn on the iPad by pressing the Power/Sleep button at the top right of the iPad. Swipe your finger from left to right to start the setup process.
You will be asked to select the language to use on the iPad. You can change this language later. You will also be asked to enter your country and area. This will help Apple determine which apps you can access in the App Store, as many apps are only available in certain regions/countries
Step 2. Connect iPad to the wireless network
During the setup process, you will be asked to connect iPad to a wireless network. Select the network you want from the list. If your network is secured, enter the password to connect to the network..
Step 3. Decide if you want to turn on Network Services
Network Services allows your iPad to receive your current location for applications that request it, such as Maps. If you are connected via WiFi, this service will try to find your location from the IP address.
Turn on this service if you want to use the "Find my iPad" feature if your iPad is lost or damaged
Step 4. Select your setup option
You will be given the option to set up iPad as a new iPad, or restore iPad from your data backup. If you update your iPad, you can restore your backup to automatically sync apps, settings, etc. If it's your first iPad, tap "Set up as new iPad."
Step 5. Sign in with Apple ID
This lets you sync your iDevice and iTunes purchases in one account. Check out this guide to creating an Apple ID. The Apple ID creation process itself is free, but you'll need to add a credit card if you want to make purchases from iTunes or the App Store.
Step 6. Install some apps
Open the App Store and browse the available apps. To purchase the app, you will need to associate a credit card with your Apple ID, or cash out an iTunes Gift Card.
There are tens of thousands of apps on the App Store, from productivity to gaming. Many sites also recommend the application of choice. Experiment with apps, as most apps have a Lite or Free version that gives you access to some of their features
Step 7. Connect your email account
The most common thing new users have to do is connect an email account to the iPad. You can add email accounts in the Mail app from Settings. Select "Mail, Contacts, and Calendar", then "Add Account". Read this guide for details on how to link your email account.
