I need to replace the iPad I use in my shop as my register. Unless I replace the stand (Square Stand) the newest I can get is an iPad Air 3rd, or iPad 9th gen. Looking at the specs it appears they are basically the same, with the Air having a better display (the antireflective coating sounds nice, but I could just get a matte screen protector), but the iPad having a better processor, and it is newer so it will get iOS updates for roughly two more years.
It is used to stream music, run the Square app for my register, and I use Safari to look up items on the web for customers.
The iPad I am using now is running slowly, and swapping between apps takes too long.
Which would you choose? (It looks like the Air is available renewed with 64gb at $175-199, while the iPad is new with 64gb at $249)
If anyone personally has experience with the new Square Stand I have some questions about it.
Edit: called square to ask my questions about the new stand and they were unable to answer them. Waiting to hear back from a higher up hardware person, then I will make my decision on the new stand or keep the old one. It looks like I will go with the 9th gen iPad if I keep the old stand.
My iPad Air 3rd gen screen started malfunctioning, so in January 2022, I bought the iPad 9th gen because I didn't want to part with my Logitech keyboard case.
The first thing I noticed was the screen's reflectiveness. While a matte screen protector helps, it doesn't completely replicate the antireflective screen of the Air 3. The difference is noticeable when the two iPads are side by side but it’s not a lot.
Another issue is that the screen protector isn't as smooth as glass, so you can hear it when swiping in a quiet room. However, since I mostly use my Logitech keyboard with a trackpad, I rarely touch the screen. It's not a major issue, but worth mentioning. There might be better screen protectors available.
Performance-wise, I did not notice any significant differences for my daily activities. However, my iPad has recently started slowing down and freezing when watching videos and using Safari after about 2.5 years. Backing up and restoring it has helped. Maybe you could try it, and see if it helps, if you haven’t already.
I chose the 9th gen primarily because it fits my existing case perfectly and has performed well for browsing and watching movies for over two years.
I would recommend the 9th gen as it will get longer OS updates compared to the iPad Air 3 and you can use your existing stand. But you might have to replace both in 2-3 years.