⭐ Not sure which to pick? The iPad Air is the sweet spot for most NEO students — noticeably faster than the base iPad and far cheaper than a Pro.

This is the least an iPad should have to work smoothly for NEO coursework. If an iPad you're considering falls below any of these, keep shopping.

1. Model: the entry-level iPad. It provides solid performance for most everyday tasks and is typically more affordable than the iPad Air or iPad Pro.
2. Chip (processor): A12 Bionic or newer — the oldest chip we recommend; it still handles standard tasks, and every iPad sold in recent years ships with something newer.
3. Storage: 64GB — adequate for documents, photos, and everyday apps. Older 32GB models fill up fast; avoid them if you can.
4. Display: a 10 to 11-inch Retina display — the standard iPad screen is more than adequate and offers a high-quality image.
5. Operating System: a version of iPadOS that still receives Apple security updates — and always install the latest updates your iPad supports.

⚠️ An iPad may not cover everything: some course software runs only on Windows or macOS, and some online exams use tools that work differently on tablets. Check with your instructor before making an iPad your only device.

A good balance between performance and cost — noticeably faster than the base iPad and comfortable with a wider range of apps.

1. Model: iPad Air — more performance than the standard iPad, more affordable than the iPad Pro.
2. Chip (processor): A14 Bionic or newer — current iPad Air models ship with Apple M-series chips, which stay fast and supported longer.
3. Storage: 64GB to 256GB — more storage means more room for files, apps, and media.
4. Display: an ~11-inch Liquid Retina display with vibrant colors and sharp text.
5. Operating System: a currently supported iPadOS version, kept up to date for the latest features and security fixes.

💡 Tip: studying a field with drawing or design work? Budget for an Apple Pencil too — and check which Pencil generation your iPad model supports before buying.

For students whose programs lean hard on the iPad — digital art, design, video editing, and other intensive work.

1. Model: iPad Pro — the highest performance in the iPad line, designed for intensive tasks.
2. Chip (processor): Apple M1 or newer M-series chip — exceptional performance for heavy computational work.
3. Memory: iPad Pro models come with more memory than other iPads to support high-performance tasks.
4. Storage: 256GB to 2TB — the high end is worth it if you work with large files or complex projects.
5. Display: 11-inch or 12.9/13-inch Liquid Retina or XDR-class display — a real benefit for graphics work and detailed visuals.
6. Operating System: a currently supported iPadOS version, kept up to date.

⚠️ Check with your program first: fields like graphic design or computer science may require specialized equipment — an Apple Pencil for drawing, or software that needs a full laptop. Always confirm with your academic department or NEO's IT Help Desk before making a big purchase.

Before buying anything new, see how your current iPad measures up:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General > About.
3. Check Model Name, iPadOS Version, and Capacity (storage) against the tiers above.
4. Not sure which chip your model has? Search the Model Name on Apple's "Identify your iPad model" page.

💡 Tip: These are general recommendations — actual needs vary by course. When in doubt, ask your academic department or NEO's IT Help Desk for tailored advice.