[CarlRJ]

IIRC, the Pencil 2 requires different (and likely more expensive) support in the screen, as well as docking to the side of the iPad and charging magnetically - both of which raise the costs for the iPad. And then the lower cost models wouldn’t be so lower-cost any more. It does feel like they could have thought ahead a little better on that, though. FWIW, the Pencil 1 isn’t a -bad- stylus - it was hugely praised when it was released, the Pencil 2 is just a bit better.

As to the “Air” name... they got to where they had a solid low-priced offering and a “Pro” line with huge prices. And a big hole in the middle. But “iPad Medium” wasn’t appealing, so they resurrected the “Air” name. (FWIW, writing this on an iPad Air 3, and I love it - the only real loss for me, from the Pro, was the “ProMotion” variable rate 120Hz display, and I could live without that, for $$$ less.)

[wlesieutre]

Docking to the side and charging magnetically doesn't just require magnetic charging hardware, it requires a redesign of the iPad to not have curved sides. So far that's only the 2018 iPad Pro.

I had figured this would spread to the other iPads ASAP because of the Pencil 2, but they seem happy to drag it out for a couple of years.

[LeifCarrotson]

Charging magnetically on the side of the host device is neat, but not required. A separate charging dock would work too.

[wlesieutre]

I don't think that would be a good solution, you'd have yet another oddball charging widget and if you didn't bring it with you everywhere the battery would die and you couldn't recharge it.

If anything, I'd rather they put the charging hardware in the front bezel somewhere, since that's already flat. Not a good place for storage or for charging the pencil while the iPad is in use, but at least you wouldn't get stranded with a dead stylus and no charging gizmo.

[LeifCarrotson]

That depends where your "everywhere" is. I (like a lot of people) work at the same desk every day, and I trust the battery would last if I brought the device home or to a conference or something. Or I could get/bring a spare charge dock.

[wlesieutre]

Charging daily works until you forget to charge it one day at home, bring it in to work, and it dies before lunch. Or the other way if you keep the charger at work, forget to charge it one day, and it dies that evening at home.

I have a second Apple Watch charger at work (albeit a cheaper 3rd party one) for that exact reason. I don't typically need it, but if I forget to charge the watch some evening and realize that it's at 10% when I get to work the next morning, backup charger is handy. Wouldn't want to lose this Move streak!

Sure, I could get a spare charger for a second-gen Pencil too, but it would be a downgrade from the first-gen Lightning charging which doesn't need anything extra.

[cainxinth]

I bought an Air 3 to replace my Air 1 recently and came the same conclusion as you. I got it for almost the exact price of my original one ($400) but with 4x more storage and the screen is larger (10.5’ instead of 9.7’) and laminated/ bonded this time. I use a tablet for media consumption not creation, so I don’t need the fastest processor or a stylus, and the Air line has been perfect for me.

[Swizec]

I bought an Air 3 with Pencil 1 and yeah it was okay. Went back the very next day to upgrade to a Pro with Pencil 2.

It really is that much better of an experience. Just the ergonomics of magnetic storage and charging make a world of difference. And the pencil feels natural in your hand instead of like a stylus.

Sure they’re still not on the level of a circa 2010 Wacom Intuos – damn I loved that thing – but there’s no comparison. Pay the extra $300 to get a Pro with Pencil 2 if you can.

Now I’n thinking of getting a keyboard as well because the unimaginable is happening - my 2017 MBP feels cumbersome compared to the iPad. Only for Very Serious Work.

[omikun]

I have a first gen pro with the pencil 1 and find it better than an Intuos 3. I wasn't aware the later Intuos got much better, but I have not gone back to Photoshop/Wacom after getting the pencil. The comfort, form factor, and ease of use are just too good to let go.