Ipad
I have Mac Pro that I use Pixelmator Pro on.
I need an iPad that will use Sidecar so I can move a pixalmator pro design onto the iPad for changes with an Apple Pencil.
Looking for which iPad to purchase.
iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 10.15
Recent models of iPad are capable of running iPadOS 14 (and the soon to be released iPadOS 15) - and are fully capable of running Pixelmator and other advanced graphics processing Apps. All such models of iPad are compatible with Sidecar - or perhaps of greater relevance to your post, with Mac computers that are themselves capable of supporting Sidecar.
Use your iPad as a second display for your Mac with Sidecar – Apple Support
https://9to5mac.com/2019/10/14/check-ipad-mac-sidecar-requirements/
Some models of iPad may be better suited to high performance graphics than others - having more powerful CPU and greater RAM compliment. The most powerful models of iPad, currently available, are the 2021 models of iPad Pro - with either 1GB or 2GB of internal storage. These models also benefit from 16GB of internal RAM - whereas the lower tiers of internal storage have “only” 8GB of RAM. The iPad Air4, whilst still a very powerful iPad, has 4GB RAM - regardless of internal storage.
Whatever model of iPad you choose, you would be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as you can afford - as internal storage cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have. As you may already appreciate, graphics files can consume considerable amounts of internal storage - and unless you intend to keep only a small number of documents on your iPad at any one time, internal storage may be an important consideration.
A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult; whilst I cannot make definitive recommendations, personally I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage - 512GB or greater offering a greater level of safety.
Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device. If maximising available RAM, then internal storage may be moot - as you’ll already be considering a 1GB/2GB model of the 2021 iPad Pro.
Consider also the functional differences between WiFi Only and WiFi+Cellular models of iPad. Only WiFi+Cellular models include GPS capabilities - which may impact any Apps or features that require accurate and consistent location data, such as Mapping. Purchase of a WiFi+Cellular model does not commit you to using Cellular connections, but provides this flexibility should it be needed. WiFi Only models of iPad have no Cellular or GPS functions at all.
I hope this information and insight proves to be helpful with your decision.
