CHOICE verdict
The basic iPad has broken the 10-inch barrier at last, sizing up from the original 9.7-inch screen size that has been around since the beginning almost 10 years ago. The larger screen adds some welcome extra space to take advantage of the many new multitasking and other features of the new iPadOS. Despite the size bump, Apple's most popular iPad is still the cheapest and support for Apple's Pencil and Smart Keyboard, plus iPadOS, make it a viable low-cost laptop alternative.
Price: From $529
Contact: apple.com.au
The new iPad starts at $529 for the basic 32GB Wi-Fi version, with the 128GB version at $689, which is recommended because 32GB isn't a lot of space these days. You can add cellular for another $200. We tried out a 128GB cellular version with Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil, courtesy of Apple.
The redesigned drawing palette (shown here on an iPad Pro) has new tools and can be positioned anywhere on the screen.
iPadOS
Though this iPad's hardware improvements are really all about the larger screen, the extra half-inch arguably offers a significantly different experience when using iPadOS, the first iPad-native operating system, which goes well beyond what the previous iOS 12 offered.
iPadOS gives you greatly enhanced multi-tasking features, that allow same-time use of multiple apps, and multiple instances of the same app (think side-by-side onscreen pages in Notes, Pages or Word).
There's enhanced mark-up/drawing tools, new editing gestures, more powerful Files app and desktop-class web browsing in Safari, rather than the mobile web browser that was limiting for previous iPads, plus much more.
Apple's Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter lets you connect USB (A-Type) devices to your iPad and power them via Lightning cable and wall charger or powered USB hub.
Plug-in storage
You can also plug in external storage devices and use them similar to attaching an external drive to a desktop computer. While the latest iPad Pro models have a USB port for this, the 2019 iPad only has a Lightning port. However, you can use devices such as the dual-ended SanDisk iXpand flash drive, which has both Lightning and USB (A-Type) connectors.
You can also use standard USB Flash drives and portable SSDs and possibly even some portable hard drives with the addition of Apple's new $65 Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter and wall charger or powered USB hub. This adapter gives you a Lightning connector for the iPad, a USB 3 port for external devices and a Lightning connector-shaped power input for providing power via a Lightning cable connected to a USB wall charger. You'll need this to power drives (which may include some USB Flash drives as well as portable SSDs) that draw too much power for the iPad's Lightning connector. You may even be able to connect some portable hard drives via a powered USB hub. Note that drives need to be formatted in a 'Fat' format (Fat32 or ExFat) or Apple format (no NTFS).
Second screen
You can also pair the iPad with a PS4 or Xbox controller, and use your iPad as an external screen with a Mac running macOS Catalina, using a new feature called Sidecar. The iPad can be a second display or work as a high-precision graphics tablet.
With the Apple Pencil, you can sign documents with a real signature, take notes, draw and edit on your Mac. And if you don't want to connect via Lightning cable, Sidecar also works via Wi-Fi.
Better for services
Sometimes a bigger screen is just better, and that's the case with Apple's latest subscription service offerings: News+ for magazines, Apple Arcade for exclusive all-you-can-play games, and the new Apple TV+ streaming service with exclusive content (12-months free with an iPad purchase). All are optional and offer a free trial period.
While you can get those services on your iPhone, a larger screen gives you a much better experience, and the newest and largest basic iPad is the cheapest way to get that.
We're on your side
In more than 60 years of making a difference for Australian consumers, we've never taken ads or sponsorship.
Instead we're funded by members who value expert reviews and independent product testing.
With no self-interest behind our advice, you don't just buy smarter, you get the answers that you need.
You know without hesitation what's safe for you and your family.
And you'll never be alone when something goes wrong or a business treats you unfairly.
Learn more about CHOICE membership today
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
