Kid will be in year 4 in 2020. School has asked us to get an iPad for studies.
Help me find a good deal pls…
Requirements:
So far, found iPad 6th Gen 128GB which suits the requirements and the pocket best (not keen to get a used one)
thegoodguys.com.au/apple-ipad-6th-gen-wi-fi-128gb—-gold-mrjp2xa
Any suggestions/recommendations/deals (I am in VIC)?
Thanks heaps
Truth to be told, they probably had to stick to only one platform (either iOS or Android), otherwise there would be issues with explaining kids how to use devices and how to use apps.
Downvoted for a general statement that is untrue. Take music / synth / drum machine / recording etc apps for just one example, no one uses Android and everyone uses iOS due to the better real time event handling.
My wife and I have a spread of Apple and non-Apple devices, and don't understand nor see the need for mindless love or hate for each category.
@[Deactivated]: Hah, gotta love the down votes from clueless people who likely haven't even once opened a music app on an iOS or Android device. :D
Oddly enough as far as computers (laptop or desktop) go schools are allowed to choose. From what I understand, most schools chose a side and have stuck to it.
A techie friend explained to me once that the iPad and not android device decision was made at DoE level (not by individual schools) based on how the app store is set up.
Then google upped the ante with google classroom and the ability to co-edit docs and suchlike. Hence the Chromebooks.
The kids are probably fine with the various operating systems but the compatibility issues would be crazy bad. I've been told that often the techies have chosen a "side" and have no idea how to get things to work in harmony, too.
I know … our entire family has Android…not a single apple device. I was hoping to ask this question in the information session but was already included in the FAQs (information booklet handed out)
I used to do IT for schools and iPads/iPhones by far work better with the schools WiFi and there is a lot more variety of quality teaching apps on iOS.
This is coming from a devout Android fan btw, but Apple is better for schools atm.
I currently provide IT support to NSW govt schools and iPads are a real pain to configure for WiFi particularly on shared devices. The Primary schools I'm involved with that have decided to go BYOD have chosen Chrome OS because it's much simpler, more practical, and significantly cheaper, $320/Chromebook incl MDM licence. And while they don't have identical apps for each platform there is a huge variety of choice available on the web.
So, on balance I'd have to say that Chromebooks are much better for schools atm.
Did you try and make one account for all share devices? This may cause all the devices to sync when connecting to a SSID.
Are you using an MDM?
I had ZuluDesk set up and configuring iPads took 5 minutes each. Putting a BYOD on the school network was 3 steps that I taught the students and teachers to do themselves.
Chromebook were only just becoming a thing for my school to buy but I did test a few and they worked well.
Regardless, setting up and iPad compared to someone's android phone was way easier as each android phone would require slightly different options to enable to proxy correctly.
@Nereosis: 5 mins? Our MDM for iOS is as easy as handing the device to the user and they turn device on (brand new from box), sign in using their AD creds and voila, apps assigned and downloaded and device is managed. Gotta love Apple's DEP.
ETA I completely forgot we have a very similar experience with our Android devices, I should add.
so a tablet is better than operating system?
Android is also a tablet OS…
iPads are simply better than android.
Simply better? There are a plethora of reasons the iPad is far superior than Android tablets.
There is a good reason behind it as I have worked for school systems as their IT that enforce this.
They are easy to manage and work when it comes to MDM solutions, Android always had finnicky MDM softwares and are just generally inferior to what iPads can pull.
Is that read as students can more easily hack the software on Android?
In the end iPads are just more easy to use and thus kid/parent friendly.
Yes, usability is also a massive factor.
Is that read as students can more easily hack the software on Android?
No, it's much simpler to use one MDM for one platform rather than either multiple MDMs or multiple platforms on one MDM with different OS's when it comes to pushing out packages. To add to that, with the MDM we used, it prevented malware for the iOS platform but didn't do that for Android since it was not supported and we wouldn't let the Android on the network so that there isn't a chance to get malware on that device and then potentially infect the whole network.
Gumtree !!! OR Facebook Market
Can get a good one for around 250 - 350
I recommend from Ipad Air 2 (2015)
The OP isn't wanting used devices -
So far, found iPad 6th Gen 128GB which suits the requirements and the pocket best (not keen to get a used one)
The OP isn't wanting used devices
OP will change their mind after the kid smashes/loses a few.
ha ha ha, yeah she is no longer an irresponsible one.
She badly wanted a Garmin (as few of her friends had one). I got her an el-cheapo smart watch from Ali express for $15 to see if she can take care of it (after forgetting her jacket and hat almost every week), she surprised me. For over 4 months, she didn't forget it, lose it and always recalled where she last kept it. Finally after about 4 more months, she earned her Garmin on her birthday.
About smashing it..a good case and apple protection (whatever that is), should cover that.
Thanks, not really interested in a used one hoping this one would be in use for 3-4 years min. With constant new versions in IOS, they have a habit of making (forcing) old devices redundant.
So far, found iPad 6th Gen 128GB which suits the requirements and the pocket best (not keen to get a used one)
5th or 6th gen are very similar in specs and performance. Either of those would be my pick.
Thanks, I could not find a 5th Gen new anywhere. Hence setting my eyes on the 6th Gen
Do remember, the 5th gen doesn't support the apple pencil, while the 6th gen does. I'd recommend the 6th gen - espcially for a kid - it'd be great for them to be able to draw on their iPad.
good point, thanks
Check this deal out as you can get this years iPad from $499 - this is quite pricy however you are wanting it to last for a few years so you don't have to repurchase when the older models get slow.
The 6th gen & the new iPad are basically the same besides the larger size of the new model, none of the internals have changed, so they will last about the same amount of time. Unfortunately no huge discounts available on the 6th Gen models to accompany its discontinuation though.
Thats so true. I was hoping to get the 128GB 6th Gen for a lot less. Don't know if waiting will be worth it or will be out of stock soon
WTF? if anywhere stipulates you must have a certain device, then I think it should be up to them to supply that device.
Surely the school has a program where by if they say a certain device is a "must have" then they bulk buy them or have an account through the education department where you can get them at a "school discount".
iPad Mini/Air/9.7-inch Save - A$30
Yikes. Found that on apple's website.
yeah, school clarified that in the information session. They would not be able to source any decent deal. They do have the apps for half the price though if we get these via the school (group)
I have seen kids use android tablets and phones but they always have more problems.
I don't blame the school for asking for iPads because, for whatever reason, they just work better in Aussie schools.
Downvoted by the android snobs 😂
(Don’t worry, I’m ready for the downvotes)
@Hirolol: I AM an Android snob.
I hate Apple. I think they are a terrible company but what I said is a fact.
I used to do IT for Government schools and worked with iPads and iPhones and they are just better in that particular environment.
I agree, i personally jumped ship from iPhone6 to Nokia 8.1 to Galaxy S10, whilst i like some things better on android, apple stuff just works better (except when your wife gets a facetime call at 11:30pm from her mum but when answered it its a stranger who seems just as confused as you)
I like android (but the curved screen sucks) and sharing experience is lacking and in iOS land in general things just work well together, so my wife has an iphone and we have a family iPad (i just wish they had multi-user support like some androids do).
@TrendyTim: I honestly think Android flagships are a waste. If you go android you should be saving money and going for a mid range phone. I have a Nokia 7 Plus that was $600 last year and I love the thing. It does everything I need.
Don't have to put up with flashy 'features' of flagships like curved glass and no headphone jacks either.
Are you kidding . They team up with manufacturer's and charge gullible parents double the price you can source yourself to raise funds for the school :)
Oh, I agree 100%. As soon as a place starts demanding a certain tool or device, you can be guaranteed there is some form of a kickback going on under the table. Even if the school can do it cheaper, they are still pocketing something from each sale.
But year 4 kids requiring an iPad each sounds a lot like a private school thing to pull and they figure that the parents can just buy them. That way the school doesn’t have to. I do a lot of paid and unpaid volunteer work at some of the local primary schools in my area, and not one of them expects any of the kids/parents to buy their own iPads at any level.
That is 100% not true.
Schools get no kickbacks at all, that's not how it works.
The fact is that iOS devices just work better in Aussie schools, the way that the IT environment is set out makes that so.
I am an Android snob and I actively dislike Apple and their products but the fact is that they make more sense in an Australian public school system.
However, I do NOT think that it should be on the parents to pay for their child's devices the school should be able to provide a bank of devices for each class to use.
100% not true
I beg to differ. I source lots of stuff for the school where I do work, buying for both the school, the P&C and bulk buys for students/projects, and I can assure you, there is always something offered in the way of an incentive. Be it "if you can sell this many, we'll throw this in for free…". I always donate the extras into the pool, but in the past, it has not always been the case, and I can assure you, there are plenty of corrupt people out there that profit from it. If the school isn't getting the kickback, someone else is.
Schools get no kickbacks
See above comment. If you're not getting kickbacks, then you're doing it wrong.
iOS devices just work better
Don't disagree. And I am yet to see an Android tablet that can take a beating in a school like an iPad can. (PS: before y'all get all butt hurt, I'm and Android user as well.)
However, I do NOT think that it should be on the parents to pay for their child's devices
Didn't bother to read my original comment?
@pegaxs: I'm confused what you mean by "if you can sell this many, we'll throw this in for free…"
Who's selling? The school?
Whenever I procured hardware it was buy 10 iPads at once and get maybe 3-5% discount. That's not really a kickback as much as it's a bulk purchase.
Also, I put that last statement there not as a reply to your comment but as a general statement to give extra meaning to my own comment.
As a teacher, that is completely untrue. The school doesn't get a single cent from this nor do we get any freebies either. We might be able to get apps at a different rate if there is a volume license agreement.
Some schools can afford to have a small bank that gets shared around however budgets are very tight so lots of pre-planning years before. Not sure about all schools but if it's something big like that then it would have been voted on by the school council/community. So really….schools put forward the idea and the majority of parents say yay or nay.
In a primary school setting…iOS just works better. It is much simpler for kids to use and less of a headache when something goes wrong.
Also an android user. Gotta love the 7 eleven thread!
Refurbished from Apple for $499:
https://www.apple.com/au/shop/product/FRJP2X/A/Refurbished-i…
Refurbished models ALWAYS look like new when you buy them from Apple.
Thanks, this might work. Although have a friend who can get me 5% or 6% from discount Good guys or Harvey Norman (gift cards).
I’m predominantly an android user but I will say that Apple’s refurbished devices (in my experience) have been excellent.
I use an iPad mini for work. My first one, which is 6 years old, was purchased as a refurb. It’s still using iOS 8 and going strong. It, bizarrely enough, has better battery life than my phone and has survived fairly rough usage in a cheap,case.
My current one is an iPad mini 4. Just after the warranty expired, the device (which I had from new) developed battery issues. Apple replaced the iPad (as the back is sealed) with an as new refurb and restarted the warranty for the cost of the battery.
This by far exceeded my experiences with Samsung.
if the school specified it, does it become a tax deduction?
Interesting question. Is tuition fee, stationery etc (for kids) tax deductable?
Why would it be a tax deduction? Sending your kid to school is not income generating (at least in the short term).
Good question, but no it is not. Do you claim your kids pencils, notebooks and books? :)
What kind of garbage is this? Does your kid attend a private school or a public school?
Apple is the best device for standardised learning IMO. Android is too varied and would be difficult to support.
This is the exact reason.
Public mate…
What happens with the kids from lower income families who actually cannot under any circumstances afford an iPad? Like, I'm aware that it's 2019 and tablets probably are a necessity for school work these days, but an Apple iPad specifically, the most expensive brand overall? Tell them they're dreaming.
Cannot agree more, had the same thought but would hate my child to stand out for something I can manage. School has been running this for 5 odd years…they did bring this point in the information session but yet to receive a request stating someone is unable to get one. Possibly even they did, they would suggest a used one or a older model…which could bring the cost substantially down.
Getting a better version with more memory and a new one is my choice…I could very easily step down to a 5th Gen, 32GB, used, which should not be more than $200.
I guess they have weighed this already from the information they have (centrelink or when we declare professions at the time of enrolment)…
BYOD is for students that may afford a device. Those that can’t afford a device share a loan device.
(no Air Pro or iPad mini)
Why the f not?
The cheapest thing that runs the current iPadOS should be enough and all the same
The Air 1 doesn't seem to run it, so that'd be worse?
No friggin idea…they supplied us a list. What should be bought and what not.
It sounds like they just said to get the one thing they happen to have used themselves, without actually having a clue about what it is or why they should or shouldn't suggest it vs any alternatives.
Which is a pretty common thing that dumb people do when they get to make rules about stuff they don't understand and won't even try to. Seen it plenty of times in the workplace.
The silly thing is that Apple products are especially designed to simplify this kind of problem by basically all offering the exact same functionality, with very slight differences.
Specifically, the Air is supposed to be a bit lighter than the normal iPad. The Mini is a bit smaller. The Pro is more powerful. But they all work the same.
So they've been overly specific in suggesting a model that offers little more than a cosmetic difference, is actually worse than some alternatives, and still managed to get it wrong by including an outdated version that may not work at all.
If you don't really care, just get your kid whatever they suggest and forget it, save some future pain when they abuse your kid for incorrectly bringing something that's actually a better device. Or if you see a good deal on an alternative iPad, I'd follow up and ask why they were so specific, and what the intended use is.
But I'd half expect that the actual requirements will be something stupidly low, like any old device with a web browser + camera. And you just got unlucky by having a clueless person force everyone to buy the $800 overkill that might as well be magic to them for how much effort they'll make to try and understand it.
Thank you so much, what you wrote makes sense.
They did specify that the iPad (cheapest of the lot- Pro, Air etc) and 32GB (5th Gen) is just perfect. I thought having extra memory and a newer version will go a long way, hence looking for a deal for 6th Gen 128GB. WiFi model is also just fine, there is no need as such for cellular capability as it will only be used at school and home. So will get something in the range they suggested, else as you said, there will be problems.
$537 for this model is the cheapest I have seen so far, can further reduce by 5% getting a discounted gift card.
School apparently has been running this for 5 years. The in-charge (in his own words) has his daughter who started in year 4 and still using the same device in year 7.
Kids are cruel. Kids don't have that filter, that adults presumably do, to not point out when someone or something is different. That comes at a much later age. If at all.
So to make it easier on kids, and the teachers who ultimately have to deal with distraught kids and their angry parents, they want to have uniformity to avoid having a child be the 'odd one out'
Also, imagine being a teacher and not only trying to teach a 4-6 year old's how to read and write, but then also needing to be across multiple platforms because everyone BYOD.
Seems like a whole lot of fuss because you don't want to follow school policy?
@goldkitkat: Well you don't avoid having an "odd one out" by pointlessly manufacturing conformity.
Because anyway there will be a few kids whose parents already have an ipad, or think they are all the same, who will send their kids in with something outside this overly specific list, and immediately stand out even more than they should. Not to mention the ones who will come with an android that doesn't work at all.
Also, imagine being a teacher and not only trying to teach a 4-6 year old's how to read and write, but then also needing to be across multiple platforms because everyone BYOD.
True. But all currently available iPads are functionally the same. That's one of their main benefits. Same platform, same programs, same operation. Different shape. I say this because I know about them pretty well.
So the exclusions don't make sense from this perspective, which was my point. And worse, they've included a model that is no longer compatible, and might introduce this exact problem you mention.
Which then makes it obvious that this was specified based on the personal experience of someone who doesn't actually know about them at all.
Seems like a whole lot of fuss because you don't want to follow school policy?
Well it may not be a huge issue worth much fuss in itself, unless you already have an ipad or prefer a different model, then its a wasted $500+. In which case, since kids in year 4 are actually around 9-10 years old, it does kinda seem like a good time to stop shielding them from the concept of individual identity and occasionally questioning arbitrary rules that they know don't make sense. Overdue, even.
Especially when it means dumbing down the way they live based on rules they understand better than whoever wrote them.
Because it’s not for a kid, buy you read kid and you want to help
Nah I don't care about the kid. I'm wondering why the school would exclude models that are effectively the exact same thing. Over-specification by people who don't understand what they are talking about is annoying. I've seen it from enough clueless managers who tie the hands of their more qualified employees because they are scared of anything beyond their narrow scope of understanding.
The teacher probably has an Air by pure chance, and since they feel overwhelmed by technology they banned everything else and not even the ghost of Steve Jobs could convince them otherwise.
What makes you think teachers decide these kind of things? Usually it is the IT department & school leadership/the P+F putting these restrictions in place after a long drawn out process to narrow down the models.
Also there may be size constraints if they are using certain storage for charging, i.e charging cabinets in schools often only accommodate certain dimensions.
@salbee28: True, I didn't mean to single out the teacher as the decision maker. Meant it more as a stand-in for whichever education admin may have made the list without necessarily basing it on a solid understanding of Apple products.
Size constraints would be a fair reason, though the Mini would (loosely) fit anywhere. And I could picture some particular educational activity that requires a secure fit, perhaps some highly active interactive environment, or protection when bringing the ipads out into nature.
after a long drawn out process to narrow down the models.
So I honestly wonder what this would look like and what kind of criteria would lead to these particular decisions. Not just to argue against them, but also because I like to understand how things work, so any particular legitimate reasons would be fascinating to learn. If there are any, great, I'd love to understand that extra perspective on things that I might simply be unaware of.
But I wouldn't immediately assume that level of competence, because the list seems to closely resemble a particular type of flawed rule I've already mentioned, and encountered in various situations.
To add a bit of context, this has included working in construction design and seeing building specifications that mention very particular non-essential details of common items, which happened to describe propriety details of some particular company's products. This kind of thing happens when advice is sought from that company, but not understood well enough to identify which parts are superfluous and self-serving.
Or seeing R&D being effectively halted for years after staff changes at one company while flawed products were being sold, as management didn't understand their own products and didn't trust their engineers to be able to either (spoiler: they did). This kind of thing happens when people are responsible for areas they don't understand and terrified of any changes because it will confuse them more.
In either case, you can easily end up with rules that make things worse, from people who are employed to know much better.
Thanks for posting and replying anyone, I’m in same situation. I’m going to get 32gb, and the can learn to download/upload their stuff, and learn efficient mb management.
That is a very good point, thanks for bringing that up. Do you think it will could be an issue when apple releases their newer versions? I have only used 1 apple device in the past and not being able to increase memory did give me a trouble within 2 years.
iPads don't seem to suffer the same amount of slow down that iPhones do when it comes to updates.
In a school environment, as long as the iPad isn't broken, I would expect you to get 2+ years out of a new device. But as they get older it would probably be better to invest in a Chromebook with a dedicated keyboard.
Typing skills aren't going to go away in the workforce any time soon.
Yes, it was an iPhone. Will consider chromebook as a home device. But this time it needs to be an Apple.
I got an ipad in 2013 which worked fine until I replaced it in 2018. The only reason I upgraded (to 6th gen, 32GB) is that I wanted the apple pencil support so I could write notes at school.
32gb is storage, not memory. Which means it isn't affected by updates or anything, but limits how many apps they can install. In a few years they might stop updating the older models, doesn't matter 32gb or 64gb.
They are pretty good for a few years though. They actually improved performance on older devices. My old iphone SE just got the latest update and feels as fast as ever.
You do get education pricing from apple. I'd just buy it from apple
Just spoke to them, there is a $30 discount for education price but only have 7th Gen available now.
New iPads are expected to be announced later this month, so it may help reduce the prices on older devices. Ipad Pro 2017 (the 10.5") will drop lower and is still a great device. Picked one up for $600 a while ago, so it may get lower and be appealing.
I would get the 128GB version unless you plan to spend every weekend moving files off of your iPad. We have a 32GB one that is rarely used and we constantly have to delete apps to free up storage.
I have to admire the evil genius of Apple to not include an SD slot and then charge 30% more ($160) for a miniscule 96GB upgrade (which should cost around $25).
One of the many reasons I dislike Apple or any other brand that hobble their products with non standard cables etc
me too to be honest and the dependency they create with the entire "Apple ecosystem". But I guess need to bite the bullet on this one, don't have a choice
Another option could be to whack it on a plan through your current phone/internet provider, rather than buy outright. OBVS more total spend, but sometimes paying it off 24 months could be beneficial.
Or perhaps negotiate a bundle deal with a retailer especially if you're also going to get a case, bag, pencil + keyboard all at once?
You could also use AfterPay at a place like Officeworks to break down the payments.
Doesn't afterpay hurt your ratings/score badly? Might actually buy outright and pay on my CC which still has 0% for 6 more months..Thank you for the idea
Optus, Vodafone have a cellular one on plan. $75 a month for 12 months = $900
As such do not need a cellular one and the difference how I see it is $900 vs $500odd = so might skip that
Our phones etc are on SIM only plans (with Aldi)
Yes, I saw that one earlier and added it to the to-do list. Thanks for the reminder
I think iPad 2018 is one of the few apple products that is really great value. Has all the main features you need for a reliable school device and hardware is good enough to last at least 3 years easily.
I thought the gov gives it for free as I remember Julia and Tony promised it back in 2008-2009 or so, when I was in high school around that time
You were almost right, but It was a one time only deal, not continuing. It was Kevin Rudd that proposed it. I'm sure Tony opposed it. The resulting computers were slow and got slower (typical Windows) and there were complaints that not enough extra money was provided for internet, maintenance, and administration.
I would also maybe look at individual product insurance and a heavy duty case….a shattered screen is very expensive….
Will definitely do that, thanks so much
I’m using the 5th Gen that I bought in 2017. Easily the best deal ever. I think I paid $550 for this.
No pencil, and no keyboard, but the OS just became so capable over time. It also does not become slow.
Yes, am on the lookout but no retailers have a 5th Gen in stock. Hence considering a 6th Gen
Forcing kids to use Apple? That's truly a new low for schools.