[Kichererbsen]

as someone who's eyeing this combo (for a beginner) - does it need to be the iPad Pro or will i be able to get away with an iPad Air?

[criddell]

You will probably be very happy with the Air. I'd recommend the big one.

I use a 2018 13" iPad Pro and I love that size because it's basically the same size as a sheet of 8.5x11 (or A4) paper. It's the perfect size for reading and marking up PDFs too.

Last year I bought and returned the M4 iPad Pro because they didn't make a Smart Keyboard Folio for it which I prefer to the more heavy duty Magic Keyboard. So I'm still using my 7 year old iPad worrying about what I'm going to do when it dies. I thought for sure somebody would make a knock off, but nobody has made anything that I think is as good as the Apple product.

For me, Procreate and GoodNotes are a killer combination that justify owning the device.

[spking]

You will be fine with the Air.

https://www.creativebloq.com/buying-guides/best-ipad-for-pro...

[neepi]

About the same. The 120Hz on the pro feels very slightly better and has slightly lower latency. This does help a tiny bit for detail work. But you get used to not having it after about 30 mins.

[alienreborn]

Air works fine

[ChrisMarshallNY]

And there's a big Air (same size as the Pro).

I do suggest splurging for the more expensive Pencil Pro, though.

If you want to go the other way, the Mini works with the Pencil Pro (I have both).