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2018 iPad Pro
When you buy a computer, does the price determine what you get, or is it the type of computer? On October 30, 2018, Apple announced their latest line of computers, including the Mac Mini, Mac Air, and iPad Pro 11 inch and 12.9 inch. These are a far cry from the $600 device days – with enhancements costing the user over $1,000. I look at all the new models, and price them out for you.
Apple Mac Mini
The first upgrade Apple talked about was the Mac Mini. What once was an affordable alternative to the $1,000 Macbooks and G5 machines, can now take you to the same prices those computers were.
Eighth-generation Intel core processors with up to 6-cores, Thunderbolt 3 for external upgrades, DDR4 memory up to 64 GB, and up to 2TB SSD storage, your Mac mini will be able to run a 5k monitor, and high-end apps for content creation. Next generation security with the Apple T2 chip inside.
4 USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 3, 2 USB-A, HDMI out, and Ethernet.
Base model starts at $799, but if you need performance and a 6-core processor, you could pay upwards to $4,199.
Apple MacBook Air
Apple’s light laptop gets it’s own upgrade, with a four million pixel screen, fingerprint reader, Apple T2 security, and more. Also with the eighth generation processor, and up to 1.5TB SSD and 16 GB memory, you can get a pretty powerful machine for quick use.
Base price is $1,199, but maxing this machine out means a $2,599 price tag.
Apple iPad Pro
So the big news was iPad with the most screen room of any iPad, a magnetic pencil holder that charges the device, and FaceID to unlock the iPad. Two models – the 11 inch (previously 10.9 inch), and 12.9 inch.
Eight CPU cores and seven GPU cores allows for games like NBA 2K and Assassins Creed to be played on the device with detail and gameplay like you would find in the XBox One. The Lightning port has been replaced with a USB-C (non Thunderbolt) connection. The A12X Bionic Chip and M12 co-processor with Neural Engine allows for speed and better functionality.
12 Megapixel camera, five-element lens, Smart HDR, 4k video at 60 fps, slo-mo 720p at 240 fps, and 7 Megapixel TrueDepth camera give you a tablet that can take photos and video with high quality, or high end Facetime calls with friends and family. You can also get cellular models to use this when your phone is not around.
Pricing this out in 2 models, the 11 inch will start at $799 and the 12.9 inch starts at $999. However, if you max the 12.9 inch out, you’re looking at $1,899 without case, Apple Care, or even the pencil (Add $129 for the pencil).
Buy Back Programs
Apple does have a buy back program where you can send your old device for $$. Since Apple also supplies computers to schools, I wouldn’t be surprised if they use your old machine to help equip students. Depending on the age and quality, you could knock a good amount off the price of your new device.
Overall – Is it Time to Upgrade?
The iPad is impressive, but I am personally not ready to do the upgrade. If you have a 10.5 inch iPad, and not a gamer or Photoshop junkie, then waiting won’t hurt. The Air and Mini with T2 chip might be a deciding factor, especially if you use secure sites.
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