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TechnoLawyer

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 7, 2021
118
93
I have a talented 10 year old daughter when it comes to art. She's done some good work on a crummy old Samsung tablet using her finger, and I'd like this year for Xmas to get her something she can use to expand her skills on, try her hand above complex things requiring more horsepower, etc.

Want something that uses the apple pencil 2.

Is a m1 iPad pro overkill? Might a 2020 pro get her the same stylus experience given the 120hz screen? Could I go down to an air? Or is the stylus experience not as smooth?

She doesn't want a mini, says it is too small for what she wants to do.

Money isn't really an object, but I'd rather avoid total overkill and use the savings for software purchases.

What do you think?
 

artfossil

macrumors 68000
Oct 5, 2015
1,765
2,031
Florida
I have a talented 10 year old daughter when it comes to art. She's done some good work on a crummy old Samsung tablet using her finger, and I'd like this year for Xmas to get her something she can use to expand her skills on, try her hand above complex things requiring more horsepower, etc.

Want something that uses the apple pencil 2.

Is a m1 iPad pro overkill? Might a 2020 pro get her the same stylus experience given the 120hz screen? Could I go down to an air? Or is the stylus experience not as smooth?

She doesn't want a mini, says it is too small for what she wants to do.

Money isn't really an object, but I'd rather avoid total overkill and use the savings for software purchases.

What do you think?
Any iPad that uses the Pencil 2 will be just fine.
 

Abazigal

Contributor
Jul 18, 2011
19,682
22,220
Singapore
I am thinking of the 12.9” ipad for the size. Maybe shop for an older 2017 or 2018 model if you can find one at a good price.
 

MBAir2010

macrumors 603
May 30, 2018
6,433
5,920
there
i draw comics on the non-pencil $329 one and have great results, with my index finger.
remember, kids loose stuff like pencils even adults
 

artfossil

macrumors 68000
Oct 5, 2015
1,765
2,031
Florida
I am thinking of the 12.9” ipad for the size. Maybe shop for an older 2017 or 2018 model if you can find one at a good price.
As a drawer, I do agree that bigger (the 12.9) is better. If one can afford it. (My iPad is a 2018 12.9).
 

ericwn

macrumors G4
Apr 24, 2016
11,868
10,484
Any iPad Pro 12.9 should be a fantastic starter point for a gifted artist.
 

ian87w

macrumors G3
Feb 22, 2020
8,704
12,636
Indonesia
I have a talented 10 year old daughter when it comes to art. She's done some good work on a crummy old Samsung tablet using her finger, and I'd like this year for Xmas to get her something she can use to expand her skills on, try her hand above complex things requiring more horsepower, etc.

Want something that uses the apple pencil 2.

Is a m1 iPad pro overkill? Might a 2020 pro get her the same stylus experience given the 120hz screen? Could I go down to an air? Or is the stylus experience not as smooth?

She doesn't want a mini, says it is too small for what she wants to do.

Money isn't really an object, but I'd rather avoid total overkill and use the savings for software purchases.

What do you think?
I would say the iPad Air is a good start. The size made it more portable than a 12.9", and it's a decent size canvas. It can also be more versatile device for other things like internet stuff and content consumption. The 12.9" imo is more suitable on a desk or as a laptop replacement.
 

Pyramus-Lexx

macrumors newbie
Nov 5, 2021
4
3
I would suggest an iPad Air, with a minimum resolution of 1640 x 2360 pixels (10.9 inches)- the best would be a 12.9. As software, Linea Sketch or Penbook to practice (before switching to a professional -and expensive one.
 

TechnoLawyer

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 7, 2021
118
93
Can anyone comment on any difference in the pencil experience between 60hz (air) and 120hz (any pro)?
 

TechnoLawyer

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 7, 2021
118
93
Well, best buy answered that. They had a brand new 2020 11in pro with 256gb on clearance for 750. (She wanted the 11in not the larger one anyway). Was too good to pass up. Literally the same price as an air with 256gb.
 
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ericwn

macrumors G4
Apr 24, 2016
11,868
10,484
Well, best buy answered that. They had a brand new 2020 11in pro with 256gb on clearance for 750. (She wanted the 11in not the larger one anyway). Was too good to pass up. Literally the same price as an air with 256gb.

Nice find - what a great present!
 
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artfossil

macrumors 68000
Oct 5, 2015
1,765
2,031
Florida
Yeah it's going to be a good Xmas. The idea in getting her good stuff is to let her learn real apps. Maybe get skillshare to help her learn the apps.
I’m an artist and teach drawing and design. I highly recommend Skillshare for learning apps like Procreate and Affinity Designer. It’s an incredible resource.
 
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