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My first iPad Pro was the 12.9-inch, 128 GB, WiFi model from the 1st generation. I chose this size because I’ve always preferred taking notes on A4-sized paper, and the 12.9-inch iPad closely mimics that experience when used in portrait mode. Despite its larger size, I found it portable enough, though some might disagree. The bigger screen was perfect for my needs, especially for mind mapping, as it allowed me to fit a lot of information on a single page.
Using Split View for multitasking was a game-changer, but it does shrink your screen real estate for each app. As a student who often studied on the go, my iPad served as both my textbook and notebook. Even when split-screening, I needed enough space for both apps to function effectively, which is why I didn’t opt for the smaller 9.7-inch iPad Pro. The larger screen made studying away from my desk much easier.
I chose 128 GB of storage simply because I preferred it over the 32 GB option. If a 64 GB option had been available, I might have gone for that. I hoped that 128 GB would last me longer, but little did I know that I’d eventually get into video editing for YouTube to share my insights on digital productivity. Had I anticipated that, I might have gone for a model with more storage. Nonetheless, the 128 GB served me well until around March 2019. That iPad was a powerful device and my first love in tech—it was hard to let go of it.
To minimize distractions, I chose the WiFi-only version and primarily used the iPad Pro as a digital notebook. At the time, there was a lot of skepticism about using iPads for anything other than entertainment, so I wanted to avoid that temptation and stay productive. However, over the years, I’ve learned that it’s up to you to decide which apps you want on your iPad—whether they’re for productivity or entertainment. Ultimately, an iPad is as useful as its owner makes it.
As a student on a budget, paying an extra $300 for LTE didn’t seem worth it. My parents were generous but had their limits, so I had to live within them. Since most places where I studied had WiFi, I figured I didn’t really need the extra connectivity.
My 2015 iPad Pro will always be special to me. It introduced me to my passion for digital transformation, a path I’ve been following ever since. The device held a lot of sentimental value because my parents got it for me at a time when I really wanted it. It was a game-changer—a device I could handwrite on! Even though I no longer use it, it’s something I’ll hold onto, even when it eventually stops working.
The iPad Pro 2018 was an exciting upgrade at the time. I used to get caught up in Apple’s excitement for new products. This third-generation iPad had a new design, supported the Apple Pencil 2, introduced Face ID to the iPad, came with a USB-C charging port, and offered up to 1 TB of storage. I mostly got it for the extra storage, as my 2015 iPad Pro was starting to struggle with video editing. It was the most expensive iPad I’ve ever bought, and I hope it will be my last for a while.
I don’t see myself needing a new iPad anytime soon. Apple hasn’t made any significant changes to the iPad Pro line that would warrant an upgrade. I’ve also retired from video editing, so there’s no pressing need for a new device. The minimalist in me pushes me to buy only what I need and to use things until they no longer function properly. That’s why I’m still using an iPhone XR—it does everything I need it to do.
The iPad Pro 2018 is no longer suitable for video editing, and since I’ve moved on from that, I’m curious to see how much longer I can use this iPad before it becomes truly outdated. For me, that means when the device starts to lag significantly or when my main apps no longer run smoothly. As the main writer for Paperless X, I use my iPad Pro primarily for planning courses, testing apps, designing digital workflows, and consulting on digital productivity. I’m excited to see how many more years this iPad can serve me.
If something happens to my current iPad, I’ll likely go for the 11-inch iPad Pro, with 2 TB of storage and WiFi-only. It’s $300 less than the 12.9-inch version, though that’s not the main reason I’d choose the smaller size. I’m just tired of the big screen, especially since I don’t need it anymore. As a writer, I mostly use my MacBook, and I already have two other large devices—the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and the Onyx Boox Max Lumi 2. So, if I do upgrade, I’ll probably opt for something smaller. Ideally, though, I hope not to upgrade for at least another four years.
