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.

  • @adnrw
    3•4 months ago

    I have both of these and use both regularly.

    I use the Air as a daily driver to take notes and do basic stuff (email, chat etc) at work. It’s just good enough but a bit sluggish.

    The iPad is noticeably faster - unsurprising given it’s 2 years younger - but much heavier, hence I prefer the Air to take with me. As you’re mounting it on the square stand I’d go with that as you’ll get longer out of it.